Low Mutation Load in a Supergene Underpinning Alternative Male Mating Strategies in Ruff (Calidris pugnax)

A paradox in evolutionary biology is how supergenes can maintain high fitness despite reduced effective population size, the suppression of recombination, and the expected accumulation of mutational load. The ruff supergene involves 2 rare inversion haplotypes (satellite and faeder). These are recessive lethals but with dominant effects on male mating strategies, plumage, and body size. Sequence divergence to the wild-type (independent) haplotype indicates that the inversion could be as old as 4 million years. Here, we have constructed a highly contiguous genome assembly of the inversion region for both the independent and satellite haplotypes. Based on the new data, we estimate that the recombination event(s) creating the satellite haplotype occurred only about 70,000 yr ago. Contrary to expectations for supergenes, we find no substantial expansion of repeats and only a modest mutation load on the satellite and faeder haplotypes despite high sequence divergence to the non-inverted haplotype (1.46%). The essential centromere protein N (CENPN) gene is disrupted by the inversion and is as well conserved on the inversion haplotypes as on the noninversion haplotype. These results suggest that the inversion may be much younger than previously thought. The low mutation load, despite recessive lethality, may be explained by the introgression of the inversion from a now extinct lineage.

The RNA-binding protein ZC3H11A interacts with the nuclear poly(A)-binding protein PABPN1 and alters polyadenylation of viral transcripts

Nuclear mRNA metabolism is regulated by multiple proteins, which either directly bind to RNA or form multiprotein complexes. The RNA-binding protein ZC3H11A is involved in nuclear mRNA export, NF-κB signaling, and is essential during mouse embryo development. Furthermore, previous studies have shown that ZC3H11A is important for nuclear-replicating viruses. However, detailed biochemical characterization of the ZC3H11A protein has been lacking. In this study, we established the ZC3H11A protein interactome in human and mouse cells. We demonstrate that the nuclear poly(A)-binding protein PABPN1 interacts specifically with the ZC3H11A protein and controls ZC3H11A localization into nuclear speckles. We report that ZC3H11A specifically interacts with the human adenovirus type 5 (HAdV-5) capsid mRNA in a PABPN1-dependent manner. Notably, ZC3H11A uses the same zinc finger motifs to interact with PABPN1 and viral mRNA. Further, we demonstrate that the lack of ZC3H11A alters the polyadenylation of HAdV-5 capsid mRNA. Taken together, our results suggest that the ZC3H11A protein may act as a novel regulator of polyadenylation of nuclear mRNA.

Ablation of ZC3H11A causes early embryonic lethality and dysregulation of metabolic processes

ZC3H11A (zinc finger CCCH domain-containing protein 11A) is a stress-induced mRNA-binding protein required for efficient growth of nuclear-replicating viruses. The cellular functions of ZC3H11A during embryonic development are unknown. Here, we report the generation and phenotypic characterization of Zc3h11a knockout (KO) mice. Heterozygous null Zc3h11a mice were born at the expected frequency without distinguishable phenotypic differences compared with wild-type mice. In contrast, homozygous null Zc3h11a mice were missing, indicating that Zc3h11a is crucial for embryonic viability and survival. Zc3h11a ^-/- embryos were detected at the expected Mendelian ratios up to late preimplantation stage (E4.5). However, phenotypic characterization at E6.5 revealed degeneration of Zc3h11a ^-/- embryos, indicating developmental defects around the time of implantation. Transcriptomic analyses documented a dysregulation of glycolysis and fatty acid metabolic pathways in Zc3h11a^-/- embryos at E4.5. Proteomic analysis indicated a tight interaction between ZC3H11A and mRNA-export proteins in embryonic stem cells. CLIP-seq analysis demonstrated that ZC3H11A binds a subset of mRNA transcripts that are critical for metabolic regulation of embryonic cells. Furthermore, embryonic stem cells with an induced deletion of Zc3h11a display an impaired differentiation toward epiblast-like cells and impaired mitochondrial membrane potential. Altogether, the results show that ZC3H11A is participating in export and posttranscriptional regulation of selected mRNA transcripts required to maintain metabolic processes in embryonic cells. While ZC3H11A is essential for the viability of the early mouse embryo, inactivation of Zc3h11a expression in adult tissues using a conditional KO did not lead to obvious phenotypic defects.

Cytotoxic CD8+ T cells target citrullinated antigens in rheumatoid arthritis

The immune mechanisms that mediate synovitis and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remain poorly defined. Although increased levels of CD8⁺ T cells have been described in RA, their function in pathogenesis remains unclear. Here we perform single cell transcriptome and T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing of CD8⁺ T cells derived from anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA)+ RA blood. We identify GZMB⁺CD8⁺ subpopulations containing large clonal lineage expansions that express cytotoxic and tissue homing transcriptional programs, while a GZMK⁺CD8⁺ memory subpopulation comprises smaller clonal expansions that express effector T cell transcriptional programs. We demonstrate RA citrullinated autoantigens presented by MHC class I activate RA blood-derived GZMB⁺CD8⁺ T cells to expand, express cytotoxic mediators, and mediate killing of target cells. We also demonstrate that these clonally expanded GZMB⁺CD8⁺ cells are present in RA synovium. These findings suggest that cytotoxic CD8⁺ T cells targeting citrullinated antigens contribute to synovitis and joint tissue destruction in ACPA+ RA.

ZC3H11A loss of function enhances NF-κB signaling through defective IκBα protein expression

ZC3H11A is a cellular protein associated with the transcription export (TREX) complex that is induced during heat-shock. Several nuclear-replicating viruses exploit the mRNA export mechanism of ZC3H11A protein for their efficient replication. Here we show that ZC3H11A protein plays a role in regulation of NF-κB signal transduction. Depletion of ZC3H11A resulted in enhanced NF-κB mediated signaling, with upregulation of numerous innate immune related mRNAs, including IL-6 and a large group of interferon-stimulated genes. IL-6 upregulation in the absence of the ZC3H11A protein correlated with an increased NF-κB transcription factor binding to the IL-6 promoter and decreased IL-6 mRNA decay. The enhanced NF-κB signaling pathway in ZC3H11A deficient cells correlated with a defect in IκBα inhibitory mRNA and protein accumulation. Upon ZC3H11A depletion The IκBα mRNA was retained in the cell nucleus resulting in failure to maintain normal levels of the cytoplasmic IκBα mRNA and protein that is essential for its inhibitory feedback loop on NF-κB activity. These findings indicate towards a previously unknown mechanism of ZC3H11A in regulating the NF-κB pathway at the level of IkBα mRNA export.

RNA-seq characterization of histamine-releasing mast cells as potential therapeutic target of osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

Mast cells in the osteoarthritis (OA) synovium correlate with disease severity. This study aimed to further elucidate the role of mast cells in OA by RNA-Seq analysis and pharmacological blockade of the activity of histamine, a key mast cell mediator, in murine OA.

METHODS

We examined OA synovial tissues and fluids by flow cytometry, immunostaining, single-cell and bulk RNA-Seq, qPCR, and ELISA. Cetirizine, a histamine H1 receptor (H1R) antagonist, was used to treat the destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) mouse model of OA.

RESULTS

Flow cytometry and immunohistology analysis of OA synovial cells revealed KIT+ FcεRI+ and TPSAB1+ mast cells. Single-cell RNA-Seq of OA synovial cells identified the expression of prototypical mast cell markers KIT, TPSAB1, CPA3 and HDC, as well as distinctive markers HPGD, CAVIN2, IL1RL1, PRG2, and CKLF, confirmed by bulk RNA-Seq and qPCR. A mast cell prototypical marker expression score classified 40 OA patients into three synovial pathotypes: mast cell-high, -medium, and -low. Additionally, we detected mast cell mediators including histamine, tryptase AB1, CPA3, PRG2, CAVIN2, and CKLF in OA synovial fluids. Elevated H1R expression was detected in human OA synovium, and treatment of mice with the H1 receptor antagonist cetirizine reduced the severity and OA-related mediators in DMM.

CONCLUSION

Based on differential expression of prototypical and distinct mast cell markers, human OA joints can be stratified into mast cell-high, -medium, and -low synovial tissue pathotypes. Pharmacologic blockade of histamine activity holds the potential to improve OA disease outcome.

TGFβ selects for pro-stemness over pro-invasive phenotypes during cancer cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which correlates with stemness and invasiveness. Mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) is induced by TGFβ withdrawal and correlates with metastatic colonization. Whether TGFβ promotes stemness and invasiveness simultaneously via EMT remains unclear. We established a breast cancer cell model expressing red fluorescent protein (RFP) under the E-cadherin promoter. In 2D cultures, TGFβ induced EMT, generating RFP^low cells with a mesenchymal transcriptome, and regained RFP, with an epithelial transcriptome, after MET induced by TGFβ withdrawal. RFP^low cells generated robust mammospheres, with epithelio-mesenchymal cell surface features. Mammospheres that were forced to adhere generated migratory cells, devoid of RFP, a phenotype which was inhibited by a TGFβ receptor kinase inhibitor. Further stimulation of RFP^low mammospheres with TGFβ suppressed the generation of motile cells, but enhanced mammosphere growth. Accordingly, mammary fat-pad-transplanted mammospheres, in the absence of exogenous TGFβ treatment, established lung metastases with evident MET (RFP^high cells). In contrast, TGFβ-treated mammospheres revealed high tumor-initiating capacity, but limited metastatic potential. Thus, the biological context of partial EMT and MET allows TGFβ to differentiate between pro-stemness and pro-invasive phenotypes.

Imatinib protects against human beta-cell death via inhibition of mitochondrial respiration and activation of AMPK

The protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib is used in the treatment of various malignancies but may also promote beneficial effects in the treatment of diabetes. The aim of the present investigation was to characterize the mechanisms by which imatinib protects insulin producing cells. Treatment of non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice with imatinib resulted in increased beta-cell AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation. Imatinib activated AMPK also in vitro, resulting in decreased ribosomal protein S6 phosphorylation and protection against islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP)-aggregation, thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) up-regulation and beta-cell death. 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR) mimicked and compound C counteracted the effect of imatinib on beta-cell survival. Imatinib-induced AMPK activation was preceded by reduced glucose/pyruvate-dependent respiration, increased glycolysis rates, and a lowered ATP/AMP ratio. Imatinib augmented the fractional oxidation of fatty acids/malate, possibly via a direct interaction with the beta-oxidation enzyme enoyl coenzyme A hydratase, short chain, 1, mitochondrial (ECHS1). In non-beta cells, imatinib reduced respiratory chain complex I and II-mediated respiration and acyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) phosphorylation, suggesting that mitochondrial effects of imatinib are not beta-cell specific. In conclusion, tyrosine kinase inhibitors modestly inhibit mitochondrial respiration, leading to AMPK activation and TXNIP down-regulation, which in turn protects against beta-cell death.

ZBED6 counteracts high-fat diet-induced glucose intolerance by maintaining beta cell area and reducing excess mitochondrial activation

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

ZBED6 (zinc finger, BED-type containing 6) is known to regulate muscle mass by suppression of Igf2 gene transcription. In insulin-producing cell lines, ZBED6 maintains proliferative capacity at the expense of differentiation and beta cell function. The aim was to study the impact of Zbed6 knockout on beta cell function and glucose tolerance in C57BL/6 mice.

METHODS

Beta cell area and proliferation were determined in Zbed6 knockout mice using immunohistochemical analysis. Muscle and fat distribution were assessed using micro-computed tomography. Islet gene expression was assessed by RNA sequencing. Effects of a high-fat diet were analysed by glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance tests. ZBED6 was overexpressed in EndoC-βH1 cells and human islet cells using an adenoviral vector. Beta cell cell-cycle analysis, insulin release and mitochondrial function were studied in vitro using propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry, ELISA, the Seahorse technique, and the fluorescent probes JC-1 and MitoSox.

RESULTS

Islets from Zbed6 knockout mice showed lowered expression of the cell cycle gene Pttg1, decreased beta cell proliferation and decreased beta cell area, which occurred independently from ZBED6 effects on Igf2 gene expression. Zbed6 knockout mice, but not wild-type mice, developed glucose intolerance when given a high-fat diet. The high-fat diet Zbed6 knockout islets displayed upregulated expression of oxidative phosphorylation genes and genes associated with beta cell differentiation. In vitro, ZBED6 overexpression resulted in increased EndoC-βH1 cell proliferation and a reduced glucose-stimulated insulin release in human islets. ZBED6 also reduced mitochondrial JC-1 J-aggregate formation, mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates (OCR) and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, both at basal and palmitate + high glucose-stimulated conditions. ZBED6-induced inhibition of OCR was not rescued by IGF2 addition. ZBED6 reduced levels of the mitochondrial regulator PPAR-γ related coactivator 1 protein (PRC) and bound its promoter/enhancer region. Knockdown of PRC resulted in a lowered OCR.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

It is concluded that ZBED6 is required for normal beta cell replication and also limits excessive beta cell mitochondrial activation in response to an increased functional demand. ZBED6 may act, at least in part, by restricting PRC-mediated mitochondrial activation/ROS production, which may lead to protection against beta cell dysfunction and glucose intolerance in vivo.

ZBED6 regulates Igf2 expression partially through its regulation of miR483 expression

The expression of Igf2 in mammals shows a complex regulation involving multiple promoters and epigenetic mechanisms. We previously identified a novel regulatory mechanism based on the interaction between the transcriptional factor ZBED6 and Igf2 intron. Disruption of the ZBED6-Igf2 interaction leads to a dramatic up-regulation of IGF2 expression postnatally. In the current study we characterize an additional layer of regulation involving miR483 encoded by another Igf2 intron. We found a highly significant up-regulation of miR483 expression when the ZBED6-Igf2 axis is disrupted in transgenic mice. Furthermore, CRISPR/Cas9 mediated knock-out of miR483 in C2C12 myoblast cells, both wild-type and cells with disrupted ZBED6-Igf2 axis (Igf2dGGCT), resulted in down-regulation of Igf2 expression and a reduced proliferation rate. This was further validated using miR483 mimics and inhibitors. RNA-seq analysis revealed a significant enrichment of genes involved in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway among genes down-regulated in miR483-/- cells, including Igf2 down-regulation. The opposite pattern was observed in Igf2dGGCT cells, where Igf2 is up-regulated. Our data suggest a positive feedback between miR483 and Igf2 promoter activity, strongly affecting how ZBED6 controls Igf2 expression in various cell types.

Brain Transcriptomics of Wild and Domestic Rabbits Suggests That Changes in Dopamine Signaling and Ciliary Function Contributed to Evolution of Tameness

Domestication has resulted in immense phenotypic changes in animals despite their relatively short evolutionary history. The European rabbit is one of the most recently domesticated animals, but exhibits distinct morphological, physiological, and behavioral differences from their wild conspecifics. A previous study revealed that sequence variants with striking allele frequency differences between wild and domestic rabbits were enriched in conserved noncoding regions, in the vicinity of genes involved in nervous system development. This suggests that a large proportion of the genetic changes targeted by selection during domestication might affect gene regulation. Here, we generated RNA-sequencing data for four brain regions (amygdala, hypothalamus, hippocampus, and parietal/temporal cortex) sampled at birth and revealed hundreds of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between wild and domestic rabbits. DEGs in amygdala were significantly enriched for genes associated with dopaminergic function and all 12 DEGs in this category showed higher expression in domestic rabbits. DEGs in hippocampus were enriched for genes associated with ciliary function, all 21 genes in this category showed lower expression in domestic rabbits. These results indicate an important role of dopamine signaling and ciliary function in the evolution of tameness during rabbit domestication. Our study shows that gene expression in specific pathways has been profoundly altered during domestication, but that the majority of genes showing differential expression in this study have not been the direct targets of selection.

The importance of the ZBED6-IGF2 axis for metabolic regulation in mouse myoblast cells

The transcription factor ZBED6 acts as a repressor of Igf2 and affects directly or indirectly the transcriptional regulation of thousands of genes. Here, we use gene editing in mouse C2C12 myoblasts and show that ZBED6 regulates Igf2 exclusively through its binding site 5'-GGCTCG-3' in intron 1 of Igf2. Deletion of this motif (Igf2^ΔGGCT ) or complete ablation of Zbed6 leads to ~20-fold upregulation of the IGF2 protein. Quantitative proteomics revealed an activation of Ras signaling pathway in both Zbed6^-/- and Igf2^ΔGGCT myoblasts, and a significant enrichment of mitochondrial membrane proteins among proteins showing altered expression in Zbed6^-/- myoblasts. Both Zbed6^-/- and Igf2^ΔGGCT myoblasts showed a faster growth rate and developed myotube hypertrophy. These cells exhibited an increased O₂ consumption rate, due to IGF2 upregulation. Transcriptome analysis revealed ~30% overlap between differentially expressed genes in Zbed6^-/- and Igf2^ΔGGCT myotubes, with an enrichment of upregulated genes involved in muscle development. In contrast, ZBED6-overexpression in myoblasts led to cell apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, reduced mitochondrial activities, and ceased myoblast differentiation. The similarities in growth and differentiation phenotypes observed in Zbed6^-/- and Igf2^ΔGGCT myoblasts demonstrates that ZBED6 affects mitochondrial activity and myogenesis largely through its regulation of IGF2 expression. This study adds new insights how the ZBED6-Igf2 axis affects muscle metabolism.

Efficacy of direct-acting anti-viral therapy on chronic, naïve hepatitis C virus patients of Punjab, Pakistan: a cross-sectional study

The success of interferon-free regimens using new direct-acting antiviral (DAA) is a revolution and major breakthrough in the development of new therapeutic options against hepatitis C virus (HCV). Accumulating evidence suggest sustained virological response (SVR) with DAA in 95% of patients. To date, however, there are very few data related to efficacy of DAA in the Pakistani population. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of sofosbuvir-based regimen among Pakistani population. A total of 1,913 patients who attained SVR24 after being treated with sofosbuvir and ribavirin from August 2015 to March 2017 were enrolled in this study. We analyzed the demographic, clinical and virological data and screened all patients for HCV in March 2017 to evaluate the response rate. We found an overall response rate of 92.8%. In addition, we also observed lower response rates among older patients. It can be inferred that a large proportion of patients achieved SVR after treatment with sofosbuvir-based regimen.

ZBED6 negatively regulates insulin production, neuronal differentiation, and cell aggregation in MIN6 cells

Zinc finger BED domain containing protein 6 ( Zbed6) has evolved from a domesticated DNA transposon and encodes a transcription factor unique to placental mammals. The aim of the present study was to investigate further the role of ZBED6 in insulin-producing cells, using mouse MIN6 cells, and to evaluate the effects of Zbed6 knockdown on basal β-cell functions, such as morphology, transcriptional regulation, insulin content, and release. Zbed6-silenced cells and controls were characterized with a range of methods, including RNA sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing, insulin content and release, subplasma membrane Ca²⁺ measurements, cAMP determination, and morphologic studies. More than 700 genes showed differential expression in response to Zbed6 knockdown, which was paralleled by increased capacity to generate cAMP, as well as by augmented subplasmalemmal calcium concentration and insulin secretion in response to glucose stimulation. We identified >4000 putative ZBED6-binding sites in the MIN6 genome, with an enrichment of ZBED6 sites at upregulated genes, such as the β-cell transcription factors v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog A and Nk6 homeobox 1. We also observed altered morphology/growth patterns, as indicated by increased cell clustering, and in the appearance of axon-like Neurofilament, medium polypeptide and tubulin β 3, class III-positive protrusions. We conclude that ZBED6 acts as a transcriptional regulator in MIN6 cells and that its activity suppresses insulin production, cell aggregation, and neuronal-like differentiation.-Wang, X., Jiang, L., Wallerman, O., Younis, S., Yu, Q., Klaesson, A., Tengholm, A., Welsh, N., Andersson, L. ZBED6 negatively regulates insulin production, neuronal differentiation, and cell aggregation in MIN6 cells.

Association between tumour necrosis-α gene polymorphisms and acne vulgaris in a Pakistani population

BACKGROUND

The cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α is a well-studied potent candidate mediator that is systemically involved in a variety of inflammatory diseases. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the TNF-α gene have been studied with regard the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris, but the results have been inconclusive.

AIM

This case-control study investigated the association of the TNF -308 G>A and -238 G>A SNPs with acne vulgaris in a high-risk Pakistani population.

METHODS

In total, 160 healthy controls and 140 patients with acne were enrolled in this study. Polymorphisms were determined by PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.

RESULTS

Our data showed that the TNF -308 G>A and TNF -238 G>A SNPs were present at a significantly higher rate in cases than in controls (P < 0.01 and P < 0.02; respectively). There was a significant difference between the G and A alleles from patients with acne and controls for -308 G>A (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.07-2.19, P < 0.02) and -238 G>A (OR=1.6, 95% CI = 1.06-2.44, P = 0.02) genotype. Moreover, the severity of acne was significantly associated with TNF genotype (TNF -308 G>A: χ² = 34.6, P < 0.001; TNF -238 G>AL χ² = 12.9, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that the TNF -308 G>A and TNF -238 G>A SNPs may contribute to the pathogenesis of acne in the study population. Furthermore, patients with severe acne showed an increased frequency of mutant TNF genotypes at -308 and -238 compared with patients with less severe acne.

The interleukin-6 and interleukin-1A gene promoter polymorphism is associated with the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is a skin disorder with a complex pathogenesis. Better treatment strategies require comprehensive knowledge of molecular factors contributing to the acne pathophysiology. Recent studies are focused on investigating the influence of inflammatory cytokines on the disease. This case-control study investigated the association of IL-6-572 G/C and IL-1A-889 C/T gene polymorphisms with acne in a Pakistani population. Pakistani subjects (380 healthy controls and 430 acne patients) were enrolled in this study. Polymorphism in the promoter region of IL-6-572 and IL-1A-889 was determined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. The IL-6-572 and IL-1A-889 variant genotypes were significantly associated with the acne pathogenesis. The IL-6-572C and the IL-1A-889T alleles were significantly high in the patient vs. control group (p < 0.0001 for both loci). The IL-6-572 G/C and IL-1A-889 C/T variant allele haplotypes showed significantly high prevalence in patients with acne; G-T (P = 0.0014), C-C (P < 0.0001), and C-T (P < 0.0001). This is the first report on the association between the IL-6-572 G/C polymorphism and acne among any population. The IL-1A-889 C/T polymorphism is also significantly linked with acne in the study population; the -889 C/T association with acne has been reported in one ethnic group previously. Our findings suggest that the IL-6-572C and IL-1A-889T alleles may contribute to the pathogenesis of acne in a Pakistani population. Further studies are required to verify these findings in other populations.

Rabbit genome analysis reveals a polygenic basis for phenotypic change during domestication

The genetic changes underlying the initial steps of animal domestication are still poorly understood. We generated a high-quality reference genome for the rabbit and compared it to resequencing data from populations of wild and domestic rabbits. We identified more than 100 selective sweeps specific to domestic rabbits but only a relatively small number of fixed (or nearly fixed) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for derived alleles. SNPs with marked allele frequency differences between wild and domestic rabbits were enriched for conserved noncoding sites. Enrichment analyses suggest that genes affecting brain and neuronal development have often been targeted during domestication. We propose that because of a truly complex genetic background, tame behavior in rabbits and other domestic animals evolved by shifts in allele frequencies at many loci, rather than by critical changes at only a few domestication loci.

Inhibition of Cxcr 1 and 2 Delays Preterm Delivery and Reduces Neonatal Mortality in a Mouse Model of Chorioamnionitis

Intrauterine infection is one of the main etiologies associated with preterm delivery. Cytokines involved in chorioamnionitis, including IL-1, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and MCP1, activate different pathways that lead to preterm delivery. Antileukinate (AL) is a potent selective IL-8 inhibitor that binds to CXC receptors 1&2 on neutrophils, thereby inhibiting IL-8-induced neutrophil chemotaxis and degranulation. Since CXC receptors 1&2 are critically involved in the pathology of chorioamnionitis, their inhibition with AL may have therapeutic potential. Four timed-pregnant C57BL6 mice groups were studied. LPS group received LPS intraperitoneally on gestational day (GD) 15. The AL group received LPS on GD15 followed immediately by intraperitoneal AL injection and repeated on GD16, and 17. Control groups received either saline, or no injections. In the LPS group, 90% delivered within 24 hours after LPS administration compared to 20% in the AL group. The LPS group had 85% stillborn compared to 15% in the AL group. Uterine histopathology AL group showed evidence of less inflammatory reaction compared to the LPS group. Uterine tissue and serum from the AL group had a significant reduction of inflammatory cytokines compared with the LPS group. Cytokine levels in brain and lung tissues from surviving pups were not significantly different between the AL and control groups. Our data show that antileukinate significantly delays preterm delivery in a mouse model of chorioamnionitis, and reduces neonatal mortality and morbidity.

ZBED6 modulates the transcription of myogenic genes in mouse myoblast cells

ZBED6 is a recently discovered transcription factor, unique to placental mammals, that has evolved from a domesticated DNA transposon. It acts as a repressor at the IGF2 locus. Here we show that ZBED6 acts as a transcriptional modulator in mouse myoblast cells, where more than 700 genes were differentially expressed after Zbed6-silencing. The most significantly enriched GO term was muscle protein and contractile fiber, which was consistent with increased myotube formation. Twenty small nucleolar RNAs all showed increased expression after Zbed6-silencing. The co-localization of histone marks and ZBED6 binding sites and the effect of Zbed6-silencing on distribution of histone marks was evaluated by ChIP-seq analysis. There was a strong association between ZBED6 binding sites and the H3K4me3, H3K4me2 and H3K27ac modifications, which are usually found at active promoters, but no association with the repressive mark H3K27me3. Zbed6-silencing led to increased enrichment of active marks at myogenic genes, in agreement with the RNA-seq findings. We propose that ZBED6 preferentially binds to active promoters and modulates transcriptional activity without recruiting repressive histone modifications.

Primary cytomegalovirus infection in pregnant Egyptian women confirmed by cytomegalovirus IgG avidity testing

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency of primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in pregnant Egyptian women using CMV IgG avidity testing.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt. A total of 546 pregnant women, presenting for routine antenatal screening, were tested for CMV IgG and IgM using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sera from CMV IgM-positive women were tested by CMV IgG avidity assay.

RESULTS

All the 546 pregnant women were seropositive for anti-CMV IgG. Of the 546 women, 40 (7.3%) were positive or equivocal for IgM antibodies. All sera from the 40 women (IgG+/IgM+) showed a high or intermediate CMV IgG avidity index. Of the 40 women, 23 (57.5%) were in the second or third trimesters of pregnancy and had their first-trimester blood retrieved, and the tested CMV IgG avidity assay showed a high avidity index.

CONCLUSION

Women who were IgM positive had no primary CMV infection in the index pregnancy as evidenced by the high CMV IgG avidity testing.

Efficacy of parvaquone in the treatment of naturally occurring theileriosis in cattle in Iraq

Parvaquone was tested in cattle infected with Theileria annulata when they were presented at clinics in the vicinity of Baghdad. Out of over 200 cases presented with suspected theileriosis between July 1984 and July 1985, the drug was used in 45 cases where theileriosis was confirmed by microscopic examination of blood and lymph node biopsy smears. Twenty seven of the cases were considered mild and 18 cases severe. Weights of the cattle were estimated and parvaquone was administered by intramuscular injection at a nominal dose of 20 mg/kg. A single treatment with parvaquone was used in 25 cases and 20 cases were treated twice but there was no correlation between severity of disease and the number of treatments given. Twelve cases (27%) also received antibacterial therapy. All cases were in exotic cattle or cattle born from exotic (imported) cattle and 64% of the cases were in cattle under six months of age. Temperatures dropped immediately after treatment and the majority were normal (below 39.5 degrees C) by two to three days after the first treatment. Of the 45 cases treated 43 recovered. This compares very favourably with a previously reported mortality of 66% in untreated imported cattle in Iraq.