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Dwyer BJ, Jarman EJ, Gogoi-Tiwari J, Ferreira-Gonzalez S, Boulter L, Guest RV, Kendall TJ, Kurian D, Kilpatrick AM, Robson AJ, O'Duibhir E, Man TY, Campana L, Starkey Lewis PJ, Wigmore SJ, Olynyk JK, Ramm GA, Tirnitz-Parker JEE, Forbes SJ. TWEAK/Fn14 signalling promotes cholangiocarcinoma niche formation and progression. J Hepatol 2021; 74:860-872. [PMID: 33221352 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a cancer of the hepatic bile ducts that is rarely resectable and is associated with poor prognosis. Tumour necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is known to signal via its receptor fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14) and induce cholangiocyte and myofibroblast proliferation in liver injury. We aimed to characterise its role in CCA. METHODS The expression of the TWEAK ligand and Fn14 receptor was assessed immunohistochemically and by bulk RNA and single cell transcriptomics of human liver tissue. Spatiotemporal dynamics of pathway regulation were comprehensively analysed in rat and mouse models of thioacetamide (TAA)-mediated CCA. Flow cytometry, qPCR and proteomic analyses of CCA cell lines and conditioned medium experiments with primary macrophages were performed to evaluate the downstream functions of TWEAK/Fn14. In vivo pathway manipulation was assessed via TWEAK overexpression in NICD/AKT-induced CCA or genetic Fn14 knockout during TAA-mediated carcinogenesis. RESULTS Our data reveal TWEAK and Fn14 overexpression in multiple human CCA cohorts, and Fn14 upregulation in early TAA-induced carcinogenesis. TWEAK regulated the secretion of factors from CC-SW-1 and SNU-1079 CCA cells, inducing polarisation of proinflammatory CD206+ macrophages. Pharmacological blocking of the TWEAK downstream target chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1 or CCL2) significantly reduced CCA xenograft growth, while TWEAK overexpression drove cancer-associated fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition in the tumour niche. Genetic Fn14 ablation significantly reduced inflammatory, fibrogenic and ductular responses during carcinogenic TAA-mediated injury. CONCLUSION These novel data provide evidence for the action of TWEAK/Fn14 on macrophage recruitment and phenotype, and cancer-associated fibroblast proliferation in CCA. Targeting TWEAK/Fn14 and its downstream signals may provide a means to inhibit CCA niche development and tumour growth. LAY SUMMARY Cholangiocarcinoma is an aggressive, chemotherapy-resistant liver cancer. Interactions between tumour cells and cells that form a supportive environment for the tumour to grow are a source of this aggressiveness and resistance to chemotherapy. Herein, we describe interactions between tumour cells and their supportive environment via a chemical messenger, TWEAK and its receptor Fn14. TWEAK/Fn14 alters the recruitment and type of immune cells in tumours, increases the growth of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the tumour environment, and is a potential target to reduce tumour formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Dwyer
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Edward J Jarman
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital Campus, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jully Gogoi-Tiwari
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Sofia Ferreira-Gonzalez
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Luke Boulter
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; MRC Human Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital Campus, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rachel V Guest
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Department of Clinical Surgery, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SA, UK
| | - Timothy J Kendall
- University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Dominic Kurian
- The Roslin Institute & Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - Alastair M Kilpatrick
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrew J Robson
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Eoghan O'Duibhir
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Tak Yung Man
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Lara Campana
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Philip J Starkey Lewis
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Stephen J Wigmore
- University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Surgery, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, United Kingdom
| | - John K Olynyk
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospital Group, Murdoch, WA, Australia; School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Grant A Ramm
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Janina E E Tirnitz-Parker
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia; Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, and School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Stuart J Forbes
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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Willcox BK, Howlett BG, Robson AJ, Cutting B, Evans L, Jesson L, Kirkland L, Jean-Meyzonnier M, Potdevin V, Saunders ME, Rader R. Evaluating the taxa that provide shared pollination services across multiple crops and regions. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13538. [PMID: 31537826 PMCID: PMC6753147 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49535-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Many pollinator species visit multiple crops in multiple regions, yet we know little about their pollination service provisioning at local and regional scales. We investigated the floral visitors (n = 13,200), their effectiveness (n = 1718 single visits) and response to landscape composition across three crops avocado, mango and macadamia within a single growing region (1 year), a single crop (3 years) and across different growing regions in multiple years. In total, eight wild visitor groups were shared across all three crops. The network was dominated by three pollinators, two bees (Apis mellifera and Tetragonula spp.) and a fly, Stomorhina discolor. The visitation network for the three crops was relatively generalised but with the addition of pollen deposition data, specialisation increased. Sixteen managed and wild taxa were consistently present across three years in avocado, yet their contribution to annual network structure varied. Node specialisation (d') analyses indicated many individual orchard sites across each of the networks were significantly more specialised compared to that predicted by null models, suggesting the presence of site-specific factors driving these patterns. Identifying the taxa shared across multiple crops, regions and years will facilitate the development of specific pollinator management strategies to optimize crop pollination services in horticultural systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryony K Willcox
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia.
| | - Brad G Howlett
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Private Bag 4704, Christchurch Mail Centre, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
| | - Andrew J Robson
- Precision Agriculture Research Group, School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Brian Cutting
- Plant & Food Research Australia, Queensland University of Technology, M Block Room 581, Gardens Point Campus GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, 4001, Australia
| | - Lisa Evans
- Plant & Food Research Australia, Queensland University of Technology, M Block Room 581, Gardens Point Campus GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, 4001, Australia
| | - Linley Jesson
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, Hawke's Bay, Crosses Rd, Parkvale, Havelock, North 4172, New Zealand
| | - Lindsey Kirkland
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Manu E Saunders
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
- UNE Business School, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Romina Rader
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
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3
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Willcox BK, Robson AJ, Howlett BG, Rader R. Toward an integrated approach to crop production and pollination ecology through the application of remote sensing. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5806. [PMID: 30364410 PMCID: PMC6197041 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect pollinators provide an essential ecosystem service by transferring pollen to crops and native vegetation. The extent to which pollinator communities vary both spatially and temporally has important implications for ecology, conservation and agricultural production. However, understanding the complex interactions that determine pollination service provisioning and production measures over space and time has remained a major challenge. Remote sensing technologies (RST), including satellite, airborne and ground based sensors, are effective tools for measuring the spatial and temporal variability of vegetation health, diversity and productivity within natural and modified systems. Yet while there are synergies between remote sensing science, pollination ecology and agricultural production, research communities have only recently begun to actively connect these research areas. Here, we review the utility of RST in advancing crop pollination research and highlight knowledge gaps and future research priorities. We found that RST are currently used across many different research fields to assess changes in plant health and production (agricultural production) and to monitor and evaluate changes in biodiversity across multiple landscape types (ecology and conservation). In crop pollination research, the use of RST are limited and largely restricted to quantifying remnant habitat use by pollinators by ascertaining the proportion of, and/or isolation from, a given land use type or local variable. Synchronization between research fields is essential to better understand the spatial and temporal variability in pollinator dependent crop production. RST enable these applications to be scaled across much larger areas than is possible with field-based methods and will facilitate large scale ecological changes to be detected and monitored. We advocate greater use of RST to better understand interactions between pollination, plant health and yield spatial variation in pollinator dependent crops. This more holistic approach is necessary for decision-makers to improve strategies toward managing multiple land use types and ecosystem services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryony K Willcox
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew J Robson
- Precision Agriculture Research Group, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Brad G Howlett
- The New Zealand Insitute for Plant and Food Research, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Romina Rader
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
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Guest RV, Boulter L, Dwyer BJ, Kendall TJ, Man TY, Minnis-Lyons SE, Lu WY, Robson AJ, Gonzalez SF, Raven A, Wojtacha D, Morton JP, Komuta M, Roskams T, Wigmore SJ, Sansom OJ, Forbes SJ. Notch3 drives development and progression of cholangiocarcinoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:12250-12255. [PMID: 27791012 PMCID: PMC5086988 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1600067113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is dismal. Notch has been identified as a potential driver; forced exogenous overexpression of Notch1 in hepatocytes results in the formation of biliary tumors. In human disease, however, it is unknown which components of the endogenously signaling pathway are required for tumorigenesis, how these orchestrate cancer, and how they can be targeted for therapy. Here we characterize Notch in human-resected CC, a toxin-driven model in rats, and a transgenic mouse model in which p53 deletion is targeted to biliary epithelia and CC induced using the hepatocarcinogen thioacetamide. We find that across species, the atypical receptor NOTCH3 is differentially overexpressed; it is progressively up-regulated with disease development and promotes tumor cell survival via activation of PI3k-Akt. We use genetic KO studies to show that tumor growth significantly attenuates after Notch3 deletion and demonstrate signaling occurs via a noncanonical pathway independent of the mediator of classical Notch, Recombinant Signal Binding Protein for Immunoglobulin Kappa J Region (RBPJ). These data present an opportunity in this aggressive cancer to selectively target Notch, bypassing toxicities known to be RBPJ dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel V Guest
- Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, United Kingdom; Department of Surgery, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, United Kingdom;
| | - Luke Boulter
- Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, United Kingdom; Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin J Dwyer
- Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy J Kendall
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom; Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Tak-Yung Man
- Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah E Minnis-Lyons
- Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, United Kingdom
| | - Wei-Yu Lu
- Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J Robson
- Department of Surgery, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, United Kingdom; Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Sofia Ferreira Gonzalez
- Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Raven
- Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, United Kingdom
| | - Davina Wojtacha
- Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer P Morton
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, United Kingdom
| | - Mina Komuta
- Translational Cell & Tissue Research Unit, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tania Roskams
- Translational Cell & Tissue Research Unit, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stephen J Wigmore
- Department of Surgery, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, United Kingdom; Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Owen J Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart J Forbes
- Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, United Kingdom; The Scottish Liver Transplant Unit, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, United Kingdom
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5
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McAvoy NC, Semple S, Richards JMJ, Robson AJ, Patel D, Jardine AGM, Leyland K, Cooper AS, Newby DE, Hayes PC. Differential visceral blood flow in the hyperdynamic circulation of patients with liver cirrhosis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2016; 43:947-54. [PMID: 26947424 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Revised: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With advancing liver disease and the development of portal hypertension, there are major alterations in somatic and visceral blood flow. Using phase-contrast magnetic resonance angiography, we characterised alterations in blood flow within the hepatic, splanchnic and extra-splanchnic circulations of patients with established liver cirrhosis. AIM To compare blood flow in splanchnic and extra-splanchnic circulations in patients with varying degrees of cirrhosis and healthy controls. METHODS In a single-centre prospective study, 21 healthy volunteers and 19 patients with established liver disease (Child's stage B and C) underwent electrocardiogram-gated phase-contrast-enhanced 3T magnetic resonance angiography of the aorta, hepatic artery, portal vein, superior mesenteric artery, and the renal and common carotid arteries. RESULTS In comparison to healthy volunteers, resting blood flow in the descending thoracic aorta was increased by 43% in patients with liver disease (4.31 ± 1.47 vs. 3.31 ± 0.80 L/min, P = 0.011). While portal vein flow was similar (0.83 ± 0.38 vs. 0.77 ± 0.35 L/min, P = 0.649), hepatic artery flow doubled (0.50 ± 0.46 vs. 0.25 ± 0.15 L/min, P = 0.021) and consequently total liver blood flow increased by 30% (1.33 ± 0.84 vs. 1.027 ± 0.5 L/min, P = 0.043). In patients with liver disease, superior mesenteric artery flow was threefold higher (0.65 ± 0.35 vs. 0.22 ± 0.13 L/min, P < 0.001), while total renal blood flow was reduced by 40% (0.37 ± 0.14 vs. 0.62 ± 0.22 L/min, P < 0.001) and total carotid blood flow unchanged (0.62 ± 0.20 vs. 0.65 ± 0.13 L/min, P = 0.315). CONCLUSIONS Rather than a generalised systemic hyperdynamic circulation, liver disease is associated with dysregulated splanchnic vasodilatation and portosystemic shunting that, while inducing a high cardiac output, causes compensatory extra-splanchnic vasoconstriction - the 'splanchnic steal' phenomenon. These circulatory disturbances may underlie many of the manifestations of advanced liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- N C McAvoy
- Department of Hepatology, University of Edinburgh, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - S Semple
- Clinical Research Imaging Centre, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK.,Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - J M J Richards
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Clinical Surgery, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - A J Robson
- Clinical Surgery, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - D Patel
- Clinical Research Imaging Centre, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK.,Department of Radiology, Royal infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - A G M Jardine
- Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - K Leyland
- Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - A S Cooper
- Clinical Research Imaging Centre, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - D E Newby
- Clinical Research Imaging Centre, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK.,Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - P C Hayes
- Department of Hepatology, University of Edinburgh, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Boulter L, Guest RV, Kendall TJ, Wilson DH, Wojtacha D, Robson AJ, Ridgway RA, Samuel K, Van Rooijen N, Barry ST, Wigmore SJ, Sansom OJ, Forbes SJ. WNT signaling drives cholangiocarcinoma growth and can be pharmacologically inhibited. J Clin Invest 2015; 125:1269-85. [PMID: 25689248 PMCID: PMC4362247 DOI: 10.1172/jci76452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is typically diagnosed at an advanced stage and is refractory to surgical intervention and chemotherapy. Despite a global increase in the incidence of CC, little progress has been made toward the development of treatments for this cancer. Here we utilized human tissue; CC cell xenografts; a p53-deficient transgenic mouse model; and a non-transgenic, chemically induced rat model of CC that accurately reflects both the inflammatory and regenerative background associated with human CC pathology. Using these systems, we determined that the WNT pathway is highly activated in CCs and that inflammatory macrophages are required to establish this WNT-high state in vivo. Moreover, depletion of macrophages or inhibition of WNT signaling with one of two small molecule WNT inhibitors in mouse and rat CC models markedly reduced CC proliferation and increased apoptosis, resulting in tumor regression. Together, these results demonstrate that enhanced WNT signaling is a characteristic of CC and suggest that targeting WNT signaling pathways has potential as a therapeutic strategy for CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Boulter
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital Campus, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel V. Guest
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy J. Kendall
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital Campus, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, Queens Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - David H. Wilson
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital Campus, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Davina Wojtacha
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J. Robson
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel A. Ridgway
- The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Garscube Estate, Bearsden, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Kay Samuel
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Nico Van Rooijen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Simon T. Barry
- Oncology iMED, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen J. Wigmore
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, Queens Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Owen J. Sansom
- The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Garscube Estate, Bearsden, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart J. Forbes
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, Queens Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Hey SY, Driscoll PJ, Yalamarthi S, Robson AJ. Analysis of endoscopic and surgical management of common bile duct stones in the laparoscopic era. Int J Surg 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2014.07.210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Roxburgh CS, Richards CH, O'Neill S, Ramsay G, Velineni R, Robson AJ, Watt DG, Mittapalli D, Milburn JA, Robertson AG, Jamieson NB. A national survey of attitudes to research in Scottish General Surgery Trainees. Scott Med J 2014; 59:9-15. [PMID: 24434857 DOI: 10.1177/0036933013518142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Given the importance placed on awareness and participation in research by Speciality and Training organisations, we sought to survey Scottish trainee attitudes to exposure to research practice during training and research in or out of programme. METHODS An online survey was distributed to core and specialist trainees in general surgery in Scotland. RESULTS Over a 4-month period, 108 trainees (75 ST/SPRs and 33 CTs) completed the survey. In their current post, most were aware of ongoing research projects (77%) and 55% were aware of trial recruitment. Only 47% attend regular journal clubs. Most believe that they are expected to present (89%) and publish (82%) during training. Most (59%) thought that participation in research is well supported. 57% were advised to undertake time out of programme research, mostly by consultants (48%) and training committee (36%). Of the 57 with time out of programme research experience, most did so in early training (37%) or between ST3-5 (47%). 28 out of the 36 (78%) without a national training number secured one after starting research. Most undertook research in a local academic unit (80%) funded by small grants (47%) or internally (33%). Most research (69%) was clinically orientated (13/55 clinical, 25/55 translational). 56% of those completing time out of programme research obtained an MD or PhD. About 91% thought that research was relevant to a surgical career. CONCLUSIONS Most trainees believe that research is an important part of training. Generally, most trainees are exposed to research practices including trial recruitment. However, <50% attend regular journal clubs, a pertinent point, given the current 'exit exam' includes the assessment of critical appraisal skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Roxburgh
- Clinical Lecturers in Surgery, Academic Unit of Surgery, University of Glasgow and West of Scotland, UK
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Pellicoro A, Aucott RL, Ramachandran P, Robson AJ, Fallowfield JA, Snowdon VK, Hartland SN, Vernon M, Duffield JS, Benyon RC, Forbes SJ, Iredale JP. Elastin accumulation is regulated at the level of degradation by macrophage metalloelastase (MMP-12) during experimental liver fibrosis. Hepatology 2012; 55:1965-75. [PMID: 22223197 DOI: 10.1002/hep.25567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 12/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Elastin has been linked to maturity of liver fibrosis. To date, the regulation of elastin secretion and its degradation in liver fibrosis has not been characterized. The aim of this work was to define elastin accumulation and the role of the paradigm elastase macrophage metalloelastase (MMP-12) in its turnover during fibrosis. Liver fibrosis was induced by either intraperitoneal injections of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4) ) for up to 12 weeks (rat and mouse) or oral administration of thioacetamide (TAA) for 1 year (mouse). Elastin synthesis, deposition, and degradation were investigated by immunohistochemistry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), western blotting, and casein zymography. The regulation of MMP-12 elastin degradation was defined mechanistically using CD11b-DTR and MMP-12 knockout mice. In a CCl(4) model of fibrosis in rat, elastin deposition was significantly increased only in advanced fibrosis. Tropoelastin expression increased with duration of injury. MMP-12 protein levels were only modestly changed and in coimmunoprecipitation experiments MMP-12 was bound in greater quantities to its inhibitor TIMP-1 in advanced versus early fibrosis. Immunohistochemistry and macrophage depletion experiments indicated that macrophages were the sole source of MMP-12. Exposure of CCl(4) in MMP-12(-/-) mice led to a similar degree of overall fibrosis compared to wildtype (WT) but increased perisinusoidal elastin. Conversely, oral administration of TAA caused both higher elastin accumulation and higher fibrosis in MMP-12(-/-) mice compared with WT. CONCLUSION Elastin is regulated at the level of degradation during liver fibrosis. Macrophage-derived MMP-12 regulates elastin degradation even in progressive experimental liver fibrosis. These observations have important implications for the design of antifibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Pellicoro
- MRC/UoE Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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10
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Hey SY, Robson AJ, Reekie LA, Yalamarthi S. Parenteral nutrition in routine surgical practice – Room for improvement. Int J Surg 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2012.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Thomas JA, Pope C, Wojtacha D, Robson AJ, Gordon-Walker TT, Hartland S, Ramachandran P, Van Deemter M, Hume DA, Iredale JP, Forbes SJ. Macrophage therapy for murine liver fibrosis recruits host effector cells improving fibrosis, regeneration, and function. Hepatology 2011; 53:2003-15. [PMID: 21433043 DOI: 10.1002/hep.24315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 248] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Clinical studies of bone marrow (BM) cell therapy for liver cirrhosis are under way but the mechanisms of benefit remain undefined. Cells of the monocyte-macrophage lineage have key roles in the development and resolution of liver fibrosis. Therefore, we tested the therapeutic effects of these cells on murine liver fibrosis. Advanced liver fibrosis was induced in female mice by chronic administration of carbon tetrachloride. Unmanipulated, syngeneic macrophages, their specific BM precursors, or unfractionated BM cells were delivered during liver injury. Mediators of inflammation, fibrosis, and regeneration were measured. Donor cells were tracked by sex-mismatch and green fluorescent protein expression. BM-derived macrophage (BMM) delivery resulted in early chemokine up-regulation with hepatic recruitment of endogenous macrophages and neutrophils. These cells delivered matrix metalloproteinases-13 and -9, respectively, into the hepatic scar. The effector cell infiltrate was accompanied by increased levels of the antiinflammatory cytokine interleukin 10. A reduction in hepatic myofibroblasts was followed by reduced fibrosis detected 4 weeks after macrophage infusion. Serum albumin levels were elevated at this time. Up- regulation of the liver progenitor cell mitogen tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) preceded expansion of the progenitor cell compartment. Increased expression of colony stimulating factor-1, insulin-like growth factor-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor also followed BMM delivery. In contrast to the effects of differentiated macrophages, liver fibrosis was not significantly altered by the application of macrophage precursors and was exacerbated by whole BM. CONCLUSION Macrophage cell therapy improves clinically relevant parameters in experimental chronic liver injury. Paracrine signaling to endogenous cells amplifies the effect. The benefits from this single, defined cell type suggest clinical potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Thomas
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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12
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Kallis YN, Robson AJ, Fallowfield JA, Thomas HC, Alison MR, Wright NA, Goldin RD, Iredale JP, Forbes SJ. Remodelling of extracellular matrix is a requirement for the hepatic progenitor cell response. Gut 2011; 60:525-33. [PMID: 21106552 DOI: 10.1136/gut.2010.224436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND METHODS In advanced liver damage, hepatic regeneration can occur through proliferation of a resident hepatic progenitor cell (HPC) population. HPCs are located within a designated niche in close association with myofibroblasts and bone marrow (BM) derived macrophages. Extra-cellular matrix (ECM) laminin invariably surrounds HPCs, but the functional requirement of this matrix-cell association is untested in vivo. Using the collagen Iα1((r/r)) mouse (r/r), which produces mutated collagen I resistant to matrix metalloproteinase degradation and has an exaggerated fibrotic response to liver injury, we test the relationship between collagen degradation, laminin deposition, and the HPC response. RESULTS Chronic fibrotic carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) injury can induce a florid HPC response associated with dense laminin deposition. In the recovery phase after chronic CCl₄ injury, r/r mice have a markedly attenuated HPC response compared to wild-types, together with persistence of collagen I and failure to deposit ECM laminin. Similar results were found in r/r mice given the choline-deficient ethionine supplemented diet, another model of the HPC response. In cross-over sex-mismatched BM transplantation (BMT) experiments between r/r mice and wild-types, the blunted HPC response of r/r mice was not rescued by wild-type BMT and likewise not conferred on to wild-type recipients by r/r BMT, demonstrating that the attenuated HPC response in r/r mice is a property intrinsic to the liver. CONCLUSION Failure of ECM remodelling after chronic fibrotic liver injury hinders the ability of the liver to activate HPCs. Laminin-progenitor cell interactions within the HPC niche are a critical for HPC mediated regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiannis N Kallis
- Department of Medicine, St Mary’s Hospital Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK
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13
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Abstract
The superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN) is highly vulnerable to trauma and iatrogenic injury. This study aimed to map the course of the SBRN in the context of surgical approaches and identify a safe area of incision for de Quervain's tenosynovitis. Twenty-five forearms were dissected. The SBRN emerged from under brachioradialis by a mean of 8.31 cm proximal to the radial styloid (RS), and remained radial to the dorsal tubercle of the radius by a mean of 1.49 cm. The nerve divided into a median of four branches. The first branch arose a mean of 4.92 cm proximal to the RS, traveling 0.49 cm radial to the first compartment of the extensor retinaculum, while the main nerve remained ulnar to it by 0.64 cm. All specimens had branches underlying the traditional transverse incision for de Quervain's release. A 2.5-cm longitudinal incision proximal from the RS avoided the SBRN in 17/25 cases (68%). In 20/25 specimens (80%), the SBRN underlay the cephalic vein. In 18/25 (72%), the radial artery was closely associated with a sensory nerve branch near the level of the RS (SBRN 12/25, lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm (LCNF) 6/25.) A longitudinal incision in de Quervain's surgery may be preferable. Cannulation of the cephalic vein in the distal third of the forearm is best avoided. The close association between the radial artery and first branch of the SBRN or the LCNF may explain the pain often experienced during arterial puncture. Particular care should be taken during radial artery harvest to avoid nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Robson
- Division of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, United Kingdom.
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14
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The totally extraperitoneal (TEP) approach is increasingly favoured for inguinal hernia repair. The learning curve is slow with high, early recurrence rates but the exact cause of recurrence is unknown. OBJECTIVE To determine the reasons for recurrence, identify the critical operative steps and examine the influence of surgical experience and training on results. PATIENTS AND METHODS All patients undergoing TEP between 1993 and 2004 were included. Patients requiring re-operation for recurrence were identified and examined in detail. RESULTS Eight surgical teams performed 1682 TEP repairs. Fifty five hernias recurred (3.27%) with a median follow-up of seven years (range 1-11 years). In six recurrences, the first repair was itself for recurrence and in 24, the initial repair was bilateral. The initial hernia was direct in 26 and indirect in 29 patients. These distributions were similar to a control sample. At re-operation, indirect recurrence was more common with 18 direct, and 37 indirect cases (P=0.020). At re-operation, when the original mesh could be identified (18 repairs), it appeared to have moved superiorly in 13 cases. Typically, recurrence occurred in 10% of a surgeon's first 20 cases, 4% of the next 60 cases and falling to below 2% thereafter. CONCLUSION TEP repairs have a tendency for indirect recurrence even after direct repair. Meshes tend to migrate superiorly. Results suggest that recurrence occurs most often because of failure to fully expose the deep inguinal ring and/or to adequately spread the mesh inferiorly and laterally. We recommend particular attention be paid to these technical aspects. Acceptable results are obtainable after an experience of 20 cases but further improvement in results occurs as experience reaches 80 operations. With a large number of consultants having little or no experience in TEP surgery, there is an urgent need for 'hands-on' training courses so that all patients have access to TEP, particularly those with bilateral or recurrent inguinal herniae.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D G Lamb
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Sciences, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Scotland
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Robson AJ, Wallace CG, Sharma AK, Nixon SJ, Paterson-Brown S. Effects of training and supervision on recurrence rate after inguinal hernia repair. Br J Surg 2004; 91:774-7. [PMID: 15164450 DOI: 10.1002/bjs.4540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
There is little information about the effects of operative experience and supervision of trainees on outcome in inguinal hernia surgery, one of the cornerstone operations of basic surgical training.
Methods
All primary inguinal hernia repairs carried out between 1994 and 2001 were registered prospectively in the Lothian Surgical Audit database. Subsequent problems that required re-referral were identified from this database. Patients who required reoperation for recurrence a median of 3 (range 1–7) years after surgery were identified.
Results
Some 4406 repairs, including 90 recurrences (2·0 per cent), were identified. Open mesh, open sutured and laparoscopic techniques were employed. Senior trainees (registrars and senior registrars) had similar recurrence rates to consultants; supervision did not affect outcome. Junior trainees (senior house officers) had similar recurrence rates to consultants as long as they were supervised by either a senior trainee or a consultant. Unsupervised junior trainees had unacceptably high recurrence rates (open mesh: relative risk (RR) 21·0 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 7·3 to 59·9), P < 0·001; open sutured: RR 16·5 (95 per cent c.i. 7·2 to 37·8), P < 0·001).
Conclusion
Senior trainees may operate independently and supervise junior trainees, with recurrence rates equal to those of consultant surgeons. Junior trainees should be encouraged and given more practice in inguinal hernia repair with appropriate supervision.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Robson
- Department of Surgery, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, UK.
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16
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Abstract
Cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) mRNA and immunoreactivity are expressed abundantly in the hypothalamus. Central administration of various fragments of this neuropeptide decreases food intake in rodents. To find out whether CART might play a role in the physiological regulation of energy balance, we used in situ hybridization to investigate whether CART mRNA abundance changed in two chronic obese/fat versus lean states and after acute dietary restriction. In the first study, mice were treated with goldthioglucose to destroy glucose-responsive neurones in the ventromedial hypothalamus. This produced hyperphagia and obesity: 7 weeks after treatment, those receiving goldthioglucose weighed 70% more than the controls. CART mRNA abundance in the arcuate nucleus of goldthioglucose-treated mice was decreased by 71% compared to levels in the control mice, but CART expression was unaffected in the dorsolateral hypothalamus. In the second study, male Siberian hamsters were exposed to short days to induce a physiological winter response in which body weight decreases as fat reserves are catabolized, and food intake correspondingly declines. After 8 weeks in short days, body weight had declined by 18% relative to controls maintained in long days in a summer fat state. CART mRNA levels did not differ significantly between the two groups in any hypothalamic areas. In the third study, male Siberian hamsters, either in long days or after 12 weeks exposure to short days to induce weight loss, were subject to a 48-h period of fasting. Although photoperiod per se did not affect CART expression, fasting produced a significant decrease in CART mRNA in the arcuate nucleus of hamsters in both the long- and short-day state. We conclude that CART-producing cells are involved in energy homeostasis: the marked decrease in CART expression in the arcuate nucleus in goldthioglucose-lesioned mice may contribute to the development of obesity, and the decrease following acute dietary restriction in hamsters may reflect a compensatory mechanism to reduce caloric expenditure, but our results do not indicate that CART is involved in long-term seasonal regulation of body weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Robson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Worthington JE, Robson AJ, Sheldon S, Langton A, Martin S. A comparison of enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assays and flow cytometry techniques for the detection of HLA specific antibodies. Hum Immunol 2001; 62:1178-84. [PMID: 11600227 DOI: 10.1016/s0198-8859(01)00282-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
LATM, Quikscreen (QS), and B-Screen (QSB) are ELISA-based tests for the detection of HLA specific antibodies. FlowPRA beads are microparticles coated with HLA antigens for the detection of HLA specific antibodies by flow cytometry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the LATM, QS, QSB, and FlowPRA screening tests. One hundred sixty-three sera from renal transplant patients were tested using LATM, FlowPRA, QS, and QSB. Discrepant results were further investigated using complement dependent cytotoxicity, QuikID, and PRA-STAT. When QS was compared with LATMI and FlowPRAI for the detection of HLA class I specific antibodies the overall concordance was 82.8% with no particular specificity missed by any one test. Comparing QSB with LATMII and FlowPRAII, for the detection of HLA class II specific antibodies, there was 90.7% concordance. Although the overall concordance was better for class II specific antibodies, QSB failed to detect antibodies to HLA-DQ in a number of samples from different patients. Of the methods tested, flow cytometry using FlowPRA beads appeared to be the most sensitive and specific, missing the least number of specificities. However, the ELISA methods offer the advantage of being more suitable for testing large numbers of samples in a more time- and cost-effective manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Worthington
- Transplantation Laboratory, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, United Kingdom.
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Martin S, Davies MS, Robson AJ. A retrospective flow cytometric crossmatch study in transplant recipients with autoreactive lymphocytotoxic antibodies. Transpl Int 2001; 7 Suppl 1:S527-31. [PMID: 11271299 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-2277.1994.tb01435.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Our previous data shows renal transplant recipients with autoreactive lymphocytotoxic antibodies to have a reduced transplant survival when compared to patients without autoantibodies. This could have been due to the presence of weak IgG antibodies inhibited by the dithiothreitol used to remove IgM antibodies in the pretransplant cytotoxicity crossmatch. That possibility was investigated in a retrospective study of 52 recipients of 57 renal transplants who were recrossmatched using a more sensitive flow cytometry crossmatch (FCXM) to detect recipient IgG antibodies to donor T and/or B cell splenic lymphocytes. Fourteen of the 57 (24%) transplants failed. Six losses were within the 1st month posttransplant and four of these were immunological failures. None of the transplant failures had a positive pretransplant FCXM. These results showed that the recipients with autoantibodies did not have pretransplant IgG anti-donor antibodies. The transplant failures did not, therefore, relate to the presence of antibodies undetected by the dithiothreitol-treated cytotoxicity crossmatch.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Martin
- NW Regional Tissue Typing Laboratory, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
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19
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Neal C, Robson AJ. A summary of river water quality data collected within the Land-Ocean Interaction Study: core data for eastern UK rivers draining to the North Sea. Sci Total Environ 2000; 251-252:585-665. [PMID: 10847186 DOI: 10.1016/s0048-9697(00)00397-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
A numerical summary of the water quality of rivers draining into the North Sea from the eastern UK is presented using core information collected within the Land-Ocean Interaction Study (LOIS) and a companion study by the Institute of Hydrology. The analysis is based on weekly monitoring for periods from 1993 to 1999 for major, minor, nutrient, trace and other water quality determinand chemistry. The data cover rivers ranging from the rural Tweed in southeastern Scotland, to the urban and industrially impacted Wear and Humber rivers in the north and central England and two agriculturally impacted rivers in the south of England (Great Ouse and Thames). Within the analysis, monthly averaged concentrations are plotted to show the seasonality. The summary provides specific information on the water quality of UK rivers which is of use in developing European and global initiatives for assessing pollutant inputs to estuarine, coastal and open-sea environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Neal
- Institute of Hydrology, Wallingford, Oxon, UK
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20
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Abstract
Flow cytometry is a powerful technique that enables the sensitive and quantitative detection of both cellular antigens and bound biological moieties. This article reviews how flow cytometry is increasingly being used as histocompatibility laboratories for the analysis of antibody specificity and HLA antigen expression. A basic description of flow cytometry principles and standardisation is given, together with an outline of clinical application in the areas of pre-transplant cross-matching, antibody screening, post-transplant antibody monitoring and HLA-B27 detection. It is concluded that flow cytometry is a useful multi-parametric analytical tool, yielding clinical benefit especially in the identification of patients at risk of early transplant rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Horsburgh
- Department of Surgery, Leicester General Hospital, UK
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21
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Abstract
Patterns of reproductive uncertainty can have an important influence on population dynamics. There is a crucial distinction between what we describe here as aggregate uncertainty (in which reproductive output in each generation is correlated among the individuals in a population) and idiosyncratic risk (in which reproductive output is independent across individuals). All else being equal, populations experiencing idiosyncratic risk enjoy a higher asymptotic growth rate than do those experiencing aggregate uncertainty. Therefore individuals in populations of the former type will have a competitive advantage over individuals in populations of the latter type. Applying this distinction to models of randomly fluctuating environments, we point out that genetic variation among offspring can serve to reduce aggregate uncertainty, transforming it into a more idiosyncratic form of risk. We show that this transformation underlies the dynamics observed in several previous models of the role of outcrossing in the evolution of sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Robson
- Department of Economics, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5C2
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22
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Worthington JE, Langton A, Liggett H, Robson AJ, Martin S. A novel strategy for the detection and definition of HLA-specific antibodies in patients awaiting renal transplantation. Transpl Int 1998; 11 Suppl 1:S372-6. [PMID: 9665019 DOI: 10.1007/s001470050501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Conventional testing for HLA-specific antibodies employs complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) which is labour intensive and dependent on a supply of viable lymphocytes. Our strategy to minimise CDC screening is initially to screen sera by ELISA (Quikscreen) to detect HLA Class I-specific antibodies. Negative sera are then screened by flow cytometry (FCS) using lymphoblastoid cell line pools to detect HLA Class II-specific antibodies. Only Quikscreen- or FCS-positive sera are then tested by CDC and, when indicated, with an ELISA kit (PRA-STAT) for specificity definition. Of 3680 sera, 886 (24.1%) were Quikscreen positive. Of the 2794 Quikscreen-negative sera, 374 (13.4%) were FCS positive. Therefore, only 1265 of the 3680 (34.3%) sera contained HLA-specific antibodies requiring specificity definition. This novel screening strategy has significantly reduced the CDC workload of the laboratory whilst enabling the detection of additional HLA-specific antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Worthington
- Tissue Typing Laboratory, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
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Taylor GM, Braddock D, Robson AJ, Fergusson WD, Duckett DP, D'Souza SW, Brenchley P. Expression of LFA-1 by a lymphoblastoid cell line from a patient with monosomy 21: effects on intercellular adhesion. Clin Exp Immunol 1990; 81:501-6. [PMID: 1975779 PMCID: PMC1534980 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.1990.tb05363.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Monosomy 21 (M21) is a rare aneuploid condition which in certain cases leads to reduced levels of chromosome 21 gene products. We have prepared an Epstein-Barr virus lymphoblastoid cell-line (LCL) from patient with M21 who has immunological abnormalities, and analysed the expression of lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1). This heterodimeric leucocyte integrin consists of CD11a (alpha) subunits non-covalently associated with CD18 (beta) subunits coded, respectively, by genes on chromosomes 16 and 21. To determine whether monosomy 21 results in decreased expression of LFA-1, monoclonal antibodies were used to compare the expression of CD11a and CD18 on the M21 LCL with LCL from trisomy 21 (Down's syndrome, T21), normal controls and a possible case of leucocyte adhesion deficiency. In addition, phorbol-ester-induced homotypic adhesion, an LFA-1-mediated effect, was compared in these LCLs. The results are consistent with a gene dosage mediated reduction of LFA-1 expression by the M21 LCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Taylor
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
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Abstract
This paper considers any evolutionary game possessing several evolutionarily stable strategies, or ESSs, with differing payoffs. A mutant is introduced which will "destroy" any ESS which yields a lower payoff than another. This mutant possesses a costless signal and also conditions on the presence of this signal in each opponent. The mutant then can protect itself against a population playing an inefficient ESS by matching this against these non-signalers. At the same time, the mutants can achieve the more efficient ESS against the signaling mutant population itself. This construction is illustrated by means of the simplest possible example, a co-ordination game. The one-shot prisoner's dilemma is used to illustrate how a superior outcome which is not induced by an ESS may be temporarily but not permanently attained. In the case of the repeated prisoner's dilemma, the present argument seems to render the "evolution of co-operation" ultimately inevitable.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Robson
- Department of Economics, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
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Robson AJ, Taylor GM, D'Souza SW. Monoclonal antibodies to CD18 and CD11A (LFA-1) distinguish Down's syndrome (trisomy 21) from normal lymphoblastoid cells. Dis Markers 1989; 7:169-80. [PMID: 2569955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the potential of using fluorescence flow cytometry (FFC) in the diagnosis of Down's syndrome we analysed a series of Trisomy 21 lymphoid cell-lines (LCL) with a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) to the CD11a and CD18 subunits of lymphocyte function associated antigen 1 (LFA-1). In pairwise analysis of Trisomy 21 (T21) and normal LCL with 6 CD18 and 10 CD11a MoAb we found that T21 LCL could be distinguished from normal LCL with both types of MoAb, even though only the CD18 gene is duplicated in Down's syndrome. Experiments in which CD18 or CD11a were capped showed that the two subunits co-migrate on T21 and normal LCL, probably as heterodimers. This appears to explain the increased expression of CD11a on Trisomy 21 LCL. There was no evidence that T21 LCL express the other two leucocyte integrin subunits CD11b and CD11c, indicating that Trisomy 21 has little affect on tissue specific control of these molecules. In contrast, there appears to be reduced expression of an unrelated adhesion molecule LFA-3 on Trisomy 21 LCL. We discuss the relevance of these results in the diagnosis of Down's syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Robson
- Department of Medical Genetics, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, U.K
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Robson AJ, Hunt PK. Flushing of the vas deferens during vasectomy. Can Med Assoc J 1978; 118:770, 775. [PMID: 638905 PMCID: PMC1818206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Calne RY, Sells RA, Marshall VC, Millard PR, Herbertson BM, Hadjiyannakis EJ, Dunn DC, Robson AJ, Davis DR. Multiple organ grafts in the pig. Techniques and results of pancreatic, hepatic, cardiac, and renal allografts. Br J Surg 1972; 59:969-77. [PMID: 4574894 DOI: 10.1002/bjs.1800591210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Technical descriptions of organ grafting in the pig are given for the liver, heart, and pancreas heterotopically, the kidney and pancreas orthotopically, and simultaneous orthotopic transplantation of the liver and pancreas and the liver, pancreas, and kidney. Recipient animals can withstand these procedures and they and their grafts can be studied from the point of view of immune reactions and organ function.
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Abstract
Abstract
Four cases of massive secondary haemorrhage from the arterial anastomosis of a renal allograft as a result of infection are described.
It is likely that the infections developed in the donors and that careful selection is necessary to prevent this. Immediate allograft nephrectomy is suggested as the treatment of choice. The external iliac artery may be ligated without necessarily embarrassing the circulation to the leg.
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Calne RY, Dunn DC, Herbertson BM, Gordon EM, Bitter-Suermann H, Robson AJ, Macdonald AS, Davis DR, Smith DP, Reitter FH, Webster LM. Liver preservation by single passage hypothermic "squirt" perfusion. Br Med J 1972; 4:142-4. [PMID: 4562283 PMCID: PMC1786401 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.4.5833.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
A single passage, hypothermic, intermittent squirt perfusion of the pig's liver is described which has allowed preservation of porcine livers for up to 17 hours. After preservation, orthotopically allografted livers can maintain recipient animals in good health. If this technique can be applied to clinical liver transplantation it should be possible to move livers from one hospital to another in the same way that kidneys are transported. This should increase the availability of donor livers for transplantation and avoid the serious disadvantages of moving the sick recipient just before the operation to the hospital where the donor has died.
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30
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Calne RY, Dunn DC, Gajo-Revero R, Hadjiyannakis EJ, Robson AJ. Trickle perfusion for organ preservation. Br J Surg 1972; 59:306-7. [PMID: 4553591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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