Local fungus-specific Immunoglobulin E production in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a heterogeneous disease, and its pathogenesis remains controversial. This study aimed to examine the involvement of fungi in CRSwNP pathogenesis.

METHODS

We enrolled 29 controls and 111 CRSwNP patients. We analyzed fungi in the nasal secretions, serum fungus-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, and nasal polyp (NP) IgE levels. Moreover, we evaluated the correlation between patients' IgE levels and computed tomography (CT) scores.

RESULTS

There was no difference in fungal detection rate between CRSwNP patients with and without asthma. Specific IgEs against various antigens were highly detectable in NPs of CRSwNP patients. In CRSwNP patients, fungus-specific IgE levels in NPs were correlated with CT scores. Serum fungus-specific IgEs became undetectable after operation in more than half of the CRSwNP patients without asthma but not in those with asthma. Other serum airborne antigen-specific IgEs did not become undetectable after operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Fungus-specific IgEs were highly detectable in NPs of CRSwNP patients, and NPs comprised a major region of specific IgE production. Fungi may therefore play an important role in CRSwNP pathogenesis by inducing Th2 immune responses, including IgE synthesis.

Kuma Bamboo Grass (Sasa veitchii) Extracts Exhibit Protective Effects Against Atypical Aeromonas salmonicida Infection in Goldfish (Carassius auratus)

Atypical Aeromonas salmonicida ( i.e. subsp. achromogenes and subsp. masoucida) are one of the major opportunistic pathogens that cause ulcer diseases in a variety of fishes, in which this pathogen has become a worldwide economic threat in sectors that handle of particular high-priced ornamental fishes like varicolored carp and goldfish due to appearance damages. Here we reported that the kuma bamboo grass (Sasa veitchii) extracts (KBGE) that contained a variety of fatty acids, exhibited antibacterial activity against nine Aeromonas strains including 5 atypical A. salmonicida strains. Experimental challenges with four atypical A. salmonicida strains revealed that supplementation with 375 to 750 μg/ml of the KBGE restored the survival of goldfish in coincidence of inhibition of both bacterial replication and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity upon infection, compared with those of untreated control. Together, our data demonstrating the antibacterial effects of the plant extracts proposes its possible implication for prevention of Aeromonas infection in the ornamental fish.

Nurse managers’ self-evaluations of their management competencies and factors associated with their ability to develop staff

The purpose of this study was to clarify how Japanese nurse managers (i.e., “shunin”) or higher-ranked positions self-rate their nursing management competencies and to identify factors associated with their ability to develop staff. Data were collected using a questionnaire based on the 41-item Management Index for Nurses. This index assesses the competencies related to six components of nursing management: planning, motivating staff, developing staff, communication, organization, and ensuring safety. The total possible score is 205 points. The mean percentage score for each component was calculated based on the responses from 118 participants (107 women; mean age = 44.1 ± 7.0 years). Results showed that the mean percentage score for competencies related to ensuring safety was, by far, the highest (71.8%), and the lowest was for competencies related to organization (47.6%). Principal factors found to be associated with participants’ ability to develop staff were “gathering and using information” (a subscale of “educational background and interests”) and “supportiveness of the work environment”. These results suggest that, to improve nurse managers’ competencies related to their ability to develop staff, hospitals need to establish continuing education systems that offer nurse managers convenient educational opportunities in management science, either on-site or at a higher education institution; and develop an in-house support system that enables managers to obtain counseling when practical management concerns cause them stress.

Assessment of Left Atrial Work During Acute Coronary Occlusion

Left atrial (LA) work can be measured through speckle tracking echocardiography by calculating LA pressure-strain loop area, which includes two distinct phases of active contraction/relaxation (A-work) and passive dilation/emptying (V-work). Echocardiographic and hemodynamic data were acquired at baseline and during occlusions of left anterior descending (LAD: n = 7) and left circumflex (LCx: n = 9) coronary arteries in dogs. Left ventricular (LV) circumferential strain was decreased and mean LA pressure was increased in both occlusions. Doppler-derived stroke volume was maintained during LAD occlusion, but it decreased during LCx occlusion. A-work increased during LAD occlusion, but it did not change during LCx occlusion. V-work decreased during LCx occlusion more than during LAD occlusion. The compensatory mechanism of LA function was limited during LCx occlusion, but this occurred during LAD occlusion. This study provided insight into a role of LA function in variable hemodynamic consequences in acute myocardial infarction.

Identification of specifically reduced Th2 cell subsets in allergic rhinitis patients after sublingual immunotherapy

BACKGROUND

Although Th2 cells are well known to play important roles in allergic diseases including allergic rhinitis (AR), the factors that induce and sustain the pathogenesis of AR remain unclear. The recent development of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is expected to allow changes to the underlying pathogenesis of AR. However, which Th2 cell subsets are important in house dust mite-induced AR (HDM-AR), the influence of SLIT on the pathogenic Th2 cells, and the association of Th2 cell subsets with SLIT efficacy have not been clarified.

METHODS

The cytokine production and frequency of HDM-reactive T-cell subsets in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were evaluated using flow cytometry in 89 HDM-AR patients (placebo [n = 43] and HDM 300 IR [n = 46]) who participated in a placebo-controlled study of SLIT with HDM tablets. All patients provided samples both before treatment as a baseline and at the end of the 52-week study. The PBMCs were stained with CellTrace™ Violet (CTV) before culture with HDM extract, and HDM-reactive T cells were detected as the proliferated cells with diminished CTV.

RESULTS

HDM-reactive IL-5⁺ IL-13⁺ CD27^- CD161⁺ CD4⁺ cells and ST2⁺ CD45RO⁺ CD4⁺ cells were observed in the peripheral blood from each patient with HDM-AR; these cells significantly decreased after SLIT in the group treated with active tablets. HDM-reactive ST2⁺ CD45RO⁺ CD4⁺ cells were significantly lower in active-responders.

CONCLUSION

Allergen-reactive ST2⁺ CD45RO⁺ CD4⁺ cells or those combined with IL-5⁺ IL-13⁺ CD27^- CD161⁺ CD4⁺ cells may be useful as markers indicating the successful treatment of SLIT. These cells may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of AR as pathogenic memory Th2 cells.

Pathogenicity of memory Th2 cells is linked to stage of allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis (AR) consists of three developmental stages that are based on the presence/absence of antigen-specific IgE and symptoms. The pathogenic Th2 (Tpath2) cells constitute a population of Th2 cells with additional potentially pathogenic characteristics. We examined the relationship between Tpath2 cells and the stages of allergic rhinitis by focusing on ST2, which is an IL-33 receptor.

METHODS

Patients with Japanese cedar pollen-induced AR (JCP-AR) and healthy volunteers were divided into "nonsensitized," "asymptomatic sensitized (AS)," and "JCP-AR" groups. We analyzed the ST2 expression and the Th2 function of cultured CD4⁺ T cells. Next, we observed the progress of patients in the AS stage around the time of seasonal pollen dispersal, with the characteristics of Th2 cells.

RESULTS

The ST2 expression of T cells was only upregulated in the AR group. The production of IL-4 and IL-13 was found in CD4⁺ T cells obtained from AS by stimulation with JCP, but reactivity to IL-33 was not observed. Although IL-33 did not induce the elevation of IL-4 production in the JCP-AR group, IL-33 substantially increased the production of IL-5 and IL-13 in comparison with antigen stimulation alone. In newly afflicted patients, the increased expression of ST2 and elevated reactivity to IL-33 was observed, even before the pollen dispersal season.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that the pathogenicity of memory Th2 cells is linked to sensitization and the stage of allergic rhinitis. Therefore, Tpath2 cells may provide useful insights into the mechanism of the onset and progression of allergic rhinitis.

New Parameter Derived from Three-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography for the Estimation of Left Ventricular Filling Pressure in Nondilated Hearts

BACKGROUND

E/e' is clinically useful for the noninvasive assessment of left ventricular (LV) filling pressure. However, its use in some conditions is controversial, and angle dependence of the Doppler measurement and preload dependence of mitral e' in nondilated hearts represent major problems. The ratio of early filling rate derived from the time derivative of LV volume to early diastolic strain rate (FRe/SRe), similar to E/e', by three-dimensional (3D) speckle-tracking echocardiography has the potential to address such limitations. This study investigated whether FRe/SRe could estimate acute changes in LV filling pressure using the models of volume overload and myocardial ischemia in the nondilated heart.

METHODS

In 25 dogs, hemodynamic conditions were varied by acute volume overload and coronary occlusion. FRe and SRe were obtained from the same beat and automatically analyzed by the 3D speckle-tracking method, and global SRe was measured from longitudinal (L-SRe), circumferential (C-SRe), and area strain rate (A-SRe). E/e' was measured by two-dimensional echocardiography. LV pressure was derived from a micromanometer catheter and recorded simultaneously with the acquisition of the 3D images.

RESULTS

Mitral e' and L-SRe varied by changes in preload, whereas C-SRe and A-SRe did not. C-SRe and A-SRe were more strongly correlated with the time constant of LV relaxation than mitral e' and L-SRe. FRe/C-SRe and FRe/A-SRe had relatively high correlations with LV preatrial contraction (pre-A) pressure and end-diastolic pressure, but E/e' and FRe/L-SRe did not. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis showed that FRe/C-SRe and FRe/A-SRe had larger areas under the curve for the estimation of increased LV filling pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel parameter FRe/SRe has potential as a surrogate marker of LV filling pressure. Especially in nondilated hearts, FRe/C-SRe and FRe/A-SRe may be useful to more accurately predict LV filling pressure than E/e', although their applicability in dilated hearts requires further investigation.

Sublingual immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis: subjective versus objective tools to evaluate its success

BACKGROUND

Biomarkers that enable objective evaluation of the clinical effects of immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis have yet to be identified.

METHODS

This study included 40 patients who were enrolled in a large randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study examining the efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) using Japanese cedar (JC) pollen extract during two consecutive pollen seasons from 2010 to 2012. Based on changes in total nasal symptom medication score, patients in the SLIT and placebo groups were subdivided into two subgroups: good responders and poor responders. The levels of JC pollen-specific IL-10+Foxp3+ cells and specific Th2 cytokine-producing cells were measured and the association with the efficacy of SLIT was analysed.

RESULTS

The total nasal symptom medication score was significantly lower in the SLIT group compared with the placebo group. The number of JC pollen-specific Th2 cytokine-producing cells increased during the pollen season in the placebo group and in poor responders in the SLIT group; however, the increases were inhibited in the good responders in the SLIT group. The number of JC pollen-specific IL-10+Foxp3+ cells increased only in these good responders.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in levels of allergen-specific Th2 cytokine-producing cells and IL-10+Foxp3+ cells could be objective biomarkers for SLIT.

Sublingual immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis: subjective versus objective tools to evaluate its success

BACKGROUND

Biomarkers that enable objective evaluation of the clinical effects of immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis have yet to be identified.

METHODS

This study included 40 patients who were enrolled in a large randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study examining the efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) using Japanese cedar (JC) pollen extract during two consecutive pollen seasons from 2010 to 2012. Based on changes in total nasal symptom medication score, patients in the SLIT and placebo groups were subdivided into two subgroups: good responders and poor responders. The levels of JC pollen-specific IL-10+Foxp3+ cells and specific Th2 cytokine-producing cells were measured and the association with the efficacy of SLIT was analysed.

RESULTS

The total nasal symptom medication score was significantly lower in the SLIT group compared with the placebo group. The number of JC pollen-specific Th2 cytokine-producing cells increased during the pollen season in the placebo group and in poor responders in the SLIT group; however, the increases were inhibited in the good responders in the SLIT group. The number of JC pollen-specific IL-10+Foxp3+ cells increased only in these good responders.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in levels of allergen-specific Th2 cytokine-producing cells and IL-10+Foxp3+ cells could be objective biomarkers for SLIT.

Decreased SMG7 expression associates with lupus-risk variants and elevated antinuclear antibody production

OBJECTIVES

Following up the systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identification of NMNAT2 at rs2022013, we fine-mapped its 150 kb flanking regions containing NMNAT2 and SMG7 in a 15 292 case-control multi-ancestry population and tested functions of identified variants.

METHODS

We performed genotyping using custom array, imputation by IMPUTE 2.1.2 and allele specific functions using quantitative real-time PCR and luciferase reporter transfections. SLE peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were cultured with small interfering RNAs to measure antinuclear antibody (ANA) and cyto/chemokine levels in supernatants using ELISA.

RESULTS

We confirmed association at NMNAT2 in European American (EA) and Amerindian/Hispanic ancestries, and identified independent signal at SMG7 tagged by rs2702178 in EA only (p=2.4×10^-8, OR=1.23 (95% CI 1.14 to 1.32)). In complete linkage disequilibrium with rs2702178, rs2275675 in the promoter region robustly associated with SMG7 mRNA levels in multiple expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) datasets. Its risk allele was dose-dependently associated with decreased SMG7 mRNA levels in PBMCs of 86 patients with SLE and 119 controls (p=1.1×10^-3 and 6.8×10^-8, respectively) and conferred reduced transcription activity in transfected HEK-293 (human embryonic kidney cell line) and Raji cells (p=0.0035 and 0.0037, respectively). As a critical component in the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay pathway, SMG7 could regulate autoantigens including ribonucleoprotein (RNP) and Smith (Sm). We showed SMG7 mRNA levels in PBMCs correlated inversely with ANA titres of patients with SLE (r=-0.31, p=0.01), and SMG7 knockdown increased levels of ANA IgG and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 19 in SLE PBMCs (p=2.0×10^-5 and 2.0×10^-4, respectively).

CONCLUSION

We confirmed NMNAT2 and identified independent SMG7 association with SLE. The inverse relationship between levels of the risk allele-associated SMG7 mRNAs and ANA suggested the novel contribution of mRNA surveillance pathway to SLE pathogenesis.

Interactive Visualization for Singular Fibers of Functions f : R³ → R²

Scalar topology in the form of Morse theory has provided computational tools that analyze and visualize data from scientific and engineering tasks. Contracting isocontours to single points encapsulates variations in isocontour connectivity in the Reeb graph. For multivariate data, isocontours generalize to fibers-inverse images of points in the range, and this area is therefore known as fiber topology. However, fiber topology is less fully developed than Morse theory, and current efforts rely on manual visualizations. This paper presents how to accelerate and semi-automate this task through an interface for visualizing fiber singularities of multivariate functions R³ → R². This interface exploits existing conventions of fiber topology, but also introduces a 3D view based on the extension of Reeb graphs to Reeb spaces. Using the Joint Contour Net, a quantized approximation of the Reeb space, this accelerates topological visualization and permits online perturbation to reduce or remove degeneracies in functions under study. Validation of the interface is performed by assessing whether the interface supports the mathematical workflow both of experts and of less experienced mathematicians.

APOBEC3H polymorphisms and susceptibility to HIV-1 infection in an Indian population

Human APOBEC3H (A3H) is a member of APOBEC cytidine deaminase family intensively constraining the HIV-1 replication. A3H is known to be polymorphic with different protein stability and anti-HIV-1 activity in vitro. We recently reported that A3H haplotypes composed of two functional polymorphisms, rs139292 (N15del) and rs139297 (G105R), were associated with the susceptibility to HIV-1 infection in Japanese. To confirm the association of A3H and HIV-1 infection in another ethnic group, a total of 241 HIV-1-infected Indian individuals and ethnic-matched 286 healthy controls were analyzed for the A3H polymorphisms. The frequency of 15del allele was high in the HIV-1-infected subjects as compared with the controls (0.477 vs 0.402, odds ratio (OR)=1.36, P=0.014). Haplotype analysis showed that the frequencies of 15del-105R was high (0.475 vs 0.400, OR=1.36, permutation P=0.037) in the HIV-1-infected subjects, confirming the association of A3H polymorphisms with the susceptibility to HIV-1 infection.

Compensatory increase of left atrial external work to left ventricular dysfunction caused by afterload increase

Afterload mismatch can cause acute decompensation leading to an occurrence of acute heart failure. We investigated how the left atrium (LA) and left ventricle (LV) react to acute increases in afterload using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). LA strain and volume were obtained by STE in 10 dogs during banding of descending aorta (AoB). Simultaneously, LA pressure was measured by a micromanometer-tipped catheter. LA peak negative strain during LA contraction, strain change during LA relaxation (early reservoir strain), and that during LA dilatation (late reservoir strain) were obtained from LA longitudinal strain-volume curves. From pressure-strain curves, the areas of A-loop and V-loops were computed as the work during active contraction and relaxation (A-work) and that during passive filling and emptying (V-work). AoB increased LV systolic pressure (105 ± 15 vs. 163 ± 12 mmHg, P < 0.01) and mean LA pressure (3.8 ± 1.2 vs. 7.1 ± 2.0 mmHg, P < 0.01). LV global circumferential strain decreased (−18.8 ± 3.5 vs. −13.2 ± 3.5%, P < 0.01), but LV stroke volume was maintained (8.4 ± 2.3 vs. 9.6 ± 3.6 ml). LA peak negative strain (−2.9 ± 2.3 vs. −9.8 ± 4.0%, P < 0.01) and early reservoir strain (4.5 ± 2.1 vs. 7.7 ± 2.4%, P < 0.05) increased by AoB, but late reservoir strain did not change (8.9 ± 3.4 vs. 6.1 ± 3.4%). A-work significantly increased (3.2 ± 2.0 vs. 19.2 ± 15.1 mmHg %, P < 0.01), whereas V-work did not change (13.3 ± 7.1 vs. 13.1 ± 7.7 mmHg %). In conclusion, LA external work during active contraction and relaxation increased as compensation for LV dysfunction during aortic banding. Atrial dysfunction may lead failure of this mechanism and hemodynamic decompensation.

APOBEC3H polymorphisms associated with the susceptibility to HIV-1 infection and AIDS progression in Japanese

Human APOBEC3H (A3H) is a member of APOBEC3 cytidine deaminase family that potently restricts HIV-1 replication. Because A3H is genetically divergent with different intracellular stability and anti-HIV-1 activity in vitro, we investigated a possible association of A3H with susceptibility to HIV-1 infection and disease progression in Japanese populations. A total of 191 HIV-1-infected individuals (HIV group), 93 long-term non-progressors to AIDS (LTNP group) and 421 healthy controls were genotyped for two functional APOBEC3H polymorphisms, rs139292 and rs139297. As compared with the controls, minor allele frequency (MAF) for rs139292 was high in the HIV group (MAF in cases vs. controls; 0.322 vs. 0.263, odds ratio (OR) = 1.33, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.02-1.74, p = 0.035) and low in the LTNP group (0.161 vs. 0.263, OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.36-0.82, p = 0.004, pc = 0.007), whereas the MAF for rs139297 was high in the HIV group (0.367 vs. 0.298, OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.07-1.76, p = 0.017, pc = 0.035). In addition, haplotype analyses revealed that the frequencies of A3H-hapC and -hapA were high (0.322 vs. 0.262, OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.02-1.74, p = 0.003) and low (0.634 vs. 0.697, OR = 0.75, 95 % CI = 0.58-0.97, p = 0.002), respectively, in the HIV group, whereas the frequencies of A3H-hapC and -hapB were low (0.161 vs. 0.262, OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.36-0.82, p = 0.00003) and high (0.097 vs. 0.040, OR = 2.55, 95% CI = 1.40-4.62, p = 0.000008), respectively, in the LTNP group, as compared with those in the controls. These observations suggest that the A3H with low anti-HIV-1 activity, A3H-hapC, is associated with the susceptibility to HIV-1 infection, whereas the A3H producing a stable protein, A3H-hapB, may confer a low risk of disease progression to AIDS.

Activation of invariant natural killer T cells in regional lymph nodes as new antigen-specific immunotherapy via induction of interleukin-21 and interferon-γ

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells play important immunoregulatory functions in allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation. To clarify the role of iNKT cells in allergic rhinitis (AR), we generated bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), which were pulsed by ovalbumin (OVA) and α-galactosylceramide (OVA/α-GalCer-BMDCs) and administered into the oral submucosa of OVA-sensitized mice before nasal challenge. Nasal symptoms, level of OVA-specific immunoglobulin (IgE), and T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokine production in cervical lymph nodes (CLNs) were significantly ameliorated in wild-type (WT) mice treated with OVA/α-GalCer-BMDCs, but not in WT mice treated with OVA-BMDCs. These anti-allergic effects were not observed in Jα18(-/-) recipients that lack iNKT cells, even after similar treatment with OVA/α-GalCer-BMDCs in an adoptive transfer study with CD4(+) T cells and B cells from OVA-sensitized WT mice. In WT recipients of OVA/α-GalCer-BMDCs, the number of interleukin (IL)-21-producing iNKT cells increased significantly and the Th1/Th2 balance shifted towards the Th1 dominant state. Treatment with anti-IL-21 and anti-interferon (IFN)-γ antibodies abrogated these anti-allergic effects in mice treated with α-GalCer/OVA-BMDCs. These results suggest that activation of iNKT cells in regional lymph nodes induces anti-allergic effects through production of IL-21 or IFN-γ, and that these effects are enhanced by simultaneous stimulation with antigen. Thus, iNKT cells might be a useful target in development of new treatment strategies for AR.

CD2-mediated regulation of peripheral CD4(+) CD25(+) regulatory T-cell apoptosis accompanied by down-regulation of Bim

Extensive studies on CD4(+)  CD25(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells suggest that they are important in regulating immune responses. However, mechanisms of peripheral Treg cell homeostasis are unknown. We found that stromal cells isolated from secondary lymphoid organs such as spleen and lymph nodes could support the survival of Treg cells. This was dependent on CD2 engagement and a direct interaction between Treg cells and stromal cells. In the presence of stromal cells, Bim, a pro-apoptotic factor, was partially decreased in Treg cells. This effect could be inhibited by anti-CD2 blocking antibodies, indicating that stimulation through CD2 on Treg cells regulates Bim expression, which may be relevant to Treg cell apoptosis. Therefore, Treg cell interactions with stromal cells through CD2 may be essential for Treg cell survival. Surprisingly, the expression of CD2 ligands on stromal cells was not detected. Hence, it is not clear how CD2 on Treg cells contributes to a direct interaction with the stromal cells and participates in survival support for Treg cells. Taken together, CD2 stimuli were mandatory for Treg cell survival with reduced Bim expression, but CD2 may not function as a direct receptor for molecules on stromal cells.

MicroRNA-3148 modulates allelic expression of toll-like receptor 7 variant associated with systemic lupus erythematosus

We previously reported that the G allele of rs3853839 at 3′untranslated region (UTR) of Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) was associated with elevated transcript expression and increased risk for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in 9,274 Eastern Asians [P = 6.5×10⁻¹⁰, odds ratio (OR) (95%CI) = 1.27 (1.17–1.36)]. Here, we conducted trans-ancestral fine-mapping in 13,339 subjects including European Americans, African Americans, and Amerindian/Hispanics and confirmed rs3853839 as the only variant within the TLR7-TLR8 region exhibiting consistent and independent association with SLE (P_meta = 7.5×10⁻¹¹, OR = 1.24 [1.18–1.34]). The risk G allele was associated with significantly increased levels of TLR7 mRNA and protein in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and elevated luciferase activity of reporter gene in transfected cells. TLR7 3′UTR sequence bearing the non-risk C allele of rs3853839 matches a predicted binding site of microRNA-3148 (miR-3148), suggesting that this microRNA may regulate TLR7 expression. Indeed, miR-3148 levels were inversely correlated with TLR7 transcript levels in PBMCs from SLE patients and controls (R² = 0.255, P = 0.001). Overexpression of miR-3148 in HEK-293 cells led to significant dose-dependent decrease in luciferase activity for construct driven by TLR7 3′UTR segment bearing the C allele (P = 0.0003). Compared with the G-allele construct, the C-allele construct showed greater than two-fold reduction of luciferase activity in the presence of miR-3148. Reduced modulation by miR-3148 conferred slower degradation of the risk G-allele containing TLR7 transcripts, resulting in elevated levels of gene products. These data establish rs3853839 of TLR7 as a shared risk variant of SLE in 22,613 subjects of Asian, EA, AA, and Amerindian/Hispanic ancestries (P_meta = 2.0×10⁻¹⁹, OR = 1.25 [1.20–1.32]), which confers allelic effect on transcript turnover via differential binding to the epigenetic factor miR-3148.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a debilitating autoimmune disease contributed to by excessive innate immune activation involving toll-like receptors (TLRs, particularly TLR7/8/9) and type I interferon (IFN) signaling pathways. TLR7 responds against RNA–containing nuclear antigens and activates IFN-α pathway, playing a pivotal role in the development of SLE. While a genomic duplication of Tlr7 promotes lupus-like disease in the Y-linked autoimmune accelerator (Yaa) murine model, the lack of common copy number variations at TLR7 in humans led us to identify a functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs3853839 at 3′ UTR of the TLR7 gene, associated with SLE susceptibility in Eastern Asians. In this study, we fine-mapped the TLR7-TLR8 region and confirmed rs3853839 exhibiting the strongest association with SLE in European Americans, African Americans, and Amerindian/Hispanics. Individuals carrying the risk G allele of rs3853839 exhibited increased TLR7 expression at the both mRNA and protein level and decreased transcript degradation. MicroRNA-3148 (miR-3148) downregulated the expression of non-risk allele (C) containing transcripts preferentially, suggesting a likely mechanism for increased TLR7 levels in risk-allele carriers. This trans-ancestral mapping provides evidence for the global association with SLE risk at rs3853839, which resides in a microRNA–gene regulatory site affecting TLR7 expression.

Tumour suppressive microRNA-874 regulates novel cancer networks in maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

On the basis of the microRNA (miRNA) expression signature of maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma (MSSCC), we found that miR-874 was significantly reduced in cancer cells. We focused on the functional significance of miR-874 in cancer cells and identification of miR-874-regulated novel cancer networks in MSSCC.

METHODS

We used PCR-based methods to investigate the downregulated miRNAs in clinical specimens of MSSCC. Our signature analyses identified 23 miRNAs that were significantly reduced in cancer cells, such as miR-874, miR-133a, miR-375, miR-204, and miR-1. We focused on miR-874 as the most downregulated novel miRNA in our analysis.

RESULTS

We found potential tumour suppressive functions such as inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and invasion. A molecular target search of miR-874 revealed that PPP1CA was directly regulated by miR-874. Overexpression of PPP1CA was observed in MSSCC clinical specimens. Silencing of the PPP1CA gene significantly inhibited cancer cell proliferation and invasion.

CONCLUSION

The downregulation of miR-874 was a frequent event in MSSCC, which suggests that miR-874 functions as a tumour suppressive miRNA, directly regulating PPP1CA that has a potential role of an oncogene. The identification of novel miR-874-regulated cancer pathways could provide new insights into potential molecular mechanisms of MSSCC oncogenesis.

TACI induces cIAP1-mediated ubiquitination of NIK by TRAF2 and TANK to limit non-canonical NF-kappaB signaling

B-cell-activating factor of the TNF family (BAFF) is a critical factor for B-cell survival and maturation through non-canonical nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) pathway, a NF-kappaB inducing kinase (NIK)-dependent pathway for the processing of NF-kappaB2 p100 to generate p52. While BAFF acts primarily through BAFF receptor (BAFF-R), the transmembrane activator and CAML interactor (TACI), the other receptor for BAFF, is thought to serve as a negative regulator for B-cell responses. However, how TACI regulates NF-kappaB2 activity is largely unknown. In this study, we showed that constitutive activation of TACI signaling suppressed BAFF-R-mediated NF-kappaB2 p100 processing with the up-regulation of cellular inhibitors of apoptosis 1 (cIAP1) and TNF receptor associated factor (TRAF)-associated NF-kappaB activator (TANK). The ubiquitination of NIK by cIAP1 was inhibited by the expression of TRAF2 with physical binding to cIAP1. TANK deficiency by small interfering RNA (siRNA) impaired TACI-dependent inhibition of NF-kappaB2 p100 processing. TANK also inhibited TRAF2-mediated cIAP1 inactivation. Moreover, the recruitment of TRAF2 to TACI induced the ubiquitination of NIK. Taken together, the regulation of NIK by TACI through the interaction of TANK/TRAF2/cIAP1 plays a pivotal role in the suppression of non-canonical NF-kappaB signaling.

Differentiation stage-specific requirement in hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha-regulated glycolytic pathway during murine B cell development in bone marrow

Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha plays a central role in oxygen homeostasis and energy supply by glycolysis in many cell types. We previously reported that an HIF-1alpha gene deficiency caused abnormal B cell development and autoimmunity. In this study we show that HIF-1alpha-enabled glycolysis during B cell development is required in a developmental stage-specific manner. Supporting this conclusion are observations that the glycolytic pathway in HIF-1alpha-deficient B220(+) bone marrow cells is much less functionally effective than in wild-type control cells. The expression of genes encoding the glucose transporters and the key glycolytic enzyme, 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bishosphatase 3, was greatly reduced in HIF-1alpha-deficient cells. The compensatory adaptation to the defect of glycolysis was reflected in higher levels of expression of respiratory chain-related genes and TCA cycle-related genes in HIF-1alpha-deficient cells than in wild-type cells. In agreement with these findings, HIF-1alpha-deficient cells used pyruvate more efficiently than wild-type cells. The key role of HIF-1alpha-enabled glycolysis in bone marrow B cells was also demonstrated by glucose deprivation during in vitro bone marrow cell culture and by using a glycolysis inhibitor in the bone marrow cell culture. Taken together, these findings indicate that glucose dependency differs at different B cell developmental stages and that HIF-1alpha plays an important role in B cell development.

Coculture of osteoclast precursors with rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts induces osteoclastogenesis via transforming growth factor beta-mediated down-regulation of osteoprotegerin

OBJECTIVE

The mechanisms of osteoclast maturation and the role of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial fibroblasts in the control of osteoclastogenesis remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the humoral factors that influence osteoclast differentiation resulting from mutual interactions between osteoclast progenitor cells and synovial fibroblasts.

METHODS

The cloned mouse macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 or isolated human CD14+ monocytes were cocultured with RA or osteoarthritis (OA) synovial fibroblasts in the presence of RANKL. Osteoclasts were visualized by staining for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and their functions were evaluated by bone resorption assay. Transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of pSmad2 and Smad7 was analyzed by Western blotting.

RESULTS

RANKL-mediated osteoclast formation was observed in cocultures of RAW cells with RA synovial cells, but not with OA synovial cells. This formation was inhibited by TGFbeta receptor kinase inhibitor or neutralizing TGFbeta antibody. Human CD14+ monocytes showed the same results with RAW 264.7, and bone resorption activity was consistent with osteoclast formation. RA synovial fibroblasts produced TGFbeta in response to cell-cell contact with RAW cells in a RANKL-dependent manner. TGFbeta reduced OPG production by RA synovial fibroblasts, but dose-dependently increased OPG secretion in OA synovial fibroblasts. TGFbeta decreased the expression of pSmad2 and increased the expression of Smad7 in RA synovial fibroblasts, but not OA synovial fibroblasts.

CONCLUSION

Suppression of OPG production by down-regulation of TGFbeta/Smad2 signaling may contribute to RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis from RA synovial fibroblasts.

Id1/Id3 knockdown inhibits metastatic potential of pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

The Id (inhibitor of DNA binding/differentiation) proteins belong to the helix-loop-helix transcriptional regulatory factors, and play important roles in tumor development. Previously, we and others have shown that targeting Id in tumor cells could have important clinical implications. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of Id inhibition in human pancreatic cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Id1 and Id3 were stably double-knockdown in human pancreatic cancer cell line MIA-Paca2 by means of RNA interference. Expression of Id and integrins were analyzed by flow-cytometry. Cell proliferation was evaluated by MTS assay. Migration was measured by wound closure assay. Adhesion assay was performed to evaluate binding capacity for different extracellular matrix proteins. Finally, in vivo properties of tumor cells were observed in a mouse model of peritoneal metastasis.

RESULTS

Id1/Id3 double-knockdown resulted in decreased ability of pancreatic cancer cells to proliferate and migrate. In addition, Id1/Id3 double-knockdown caused decreased expression of integrins alpha3, alpha6, and beta1, and consequently reduced adhesion of tumor cells to laminin. Finally, peritoneal metastases of Id1/Id3 double-knockdown tumor cells were significantly reduced.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that the Id proteins play a pivotal role in the development of peritoneal metastasis of pancreatic cancer, and consequently, their targeting would be a novel strategy for the prevention and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Relationship between degree of dynamic morphological change and proliferative potential of murine embryonic stem cells

The degree of dynamic morphological change of murine embryonic stem cells is investigated through direct observation by microscopy. As a result, we find that the degree of dynamic morphological change is proportional to the increase in the ratio of the cellular population in subculture.

TACI regulates IgA production by APRIL in collaboration with HSPG

Transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family that serves as a receptor for B-cell activating factor of the TNF family (BAFF) and as a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL). Although TACI is reported to function as a positive or negative regulator for B-cell responses, its roles remain elusive. Experiments using TACI siRNA into B cells indicated that TACI positively regulated APRIL-induced IgA production in collaboration with heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG). Furthermore, TACI negatively regulated BAFF-induced B-cell proliferation and production of IgA and IgG. In addition, B cells treated with heparitinase to denature HSPG showed that HSPG is essential for APRIL-induced B-cell responses such as B-cell proliferation, IgG and IgA production, induction of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), and noncanonical NF-kappaB2. In contrast, phosphorylation of physiological AID kinase, protein kinase A (PKA), was dependent on TACI. Importantly, coligation of TACI and HSPG by specific antibodies, but not by TACI or HSPG ligation itself, could induce the phosphorylation of PKA and IgA production instead of APRIL. Our findings indicate that simultaneous binding of TACI and HSPG on B cells with APRIL is crucial for IgA production.

TACI attenuates antibody production costimulated by BAFF-R and CD40

B cell activating factor of the TNF family (BAFF), plays critical roles in B cell survival, activation, differentiation, and antibody (Ab) production. BAFF binds to three receptors: BAFF-R, transmembrane activator and calcium-modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) and B cell maturation antigen. While BAFF-R is the primary receptor for B cell costimulation by BAFF, TACI is reported to serve as a positive or negative regulator for B cell responses depending on conditions. To determine the real role of TACI in B cell responses, we examined the functional relationship between TACI and BAFF-R in Ab production from human peripheral blood B cells using agonistic mAb. BAFF-R and CD40 enhanced IgG secretion and B cell proliferation, which were inhibited by TACI. Although TACI induced mild B cell apoptosis, its extent did not correlate with that of TACI-mediated inhibition of IgG secretion. In addition, TACI inhibited B-lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 expression, IgG secretion from previously IgG-negative selected B cells, and activation-induced cytidine deaminase expression enhanced by BAFF-R and CD40. Importantly, BAFF-R and CD40 enhanced B cell responsiveness to TACI-mediated suppression. Thus, BAFF may attenuate T cell-independent and -dependent B cell responses by TACI.

Effects of down-regulating the Id genes in human colorectal cancer cells on early steps of haematogenous metastasis

Id genes (inhibitor of DNA binding/differentiation) play important roles in tumour growth. We have previously described crucial roles of Id gene over-expression in endothelial cells for tumour angiogenesis. Here, we have evaluated direct effects of Id gene down-regulation on tumour cells, namely on cell proliferation, motility, and adhesion to lung microvasculature during haematogenous metastasis. For this purpose, Id genes were stably down-regulated by RNA interference in human colorectal cancer cells. These cells showed delayed proliferation, inhibited motility and decreased expression of integrin alpha6 and consequently reduced adhesion to lung microvasculature in mice. Static adhesion assays and laminar flow assays revealed decreased laminin binding capacity of these cells, and blocking experiments confirmed that it could be attributed to decreased expression of integrin alpha6. The present results indicate important roles of Id genes in tumour cells during early steps of haematogenous metastasis and suggest dual effects from their therapeutic inhibition.

Targeting Id1 and Id3 inhibits peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer

Inhibitor of DNA binding (Id) proteins are essential for cell differentiation, proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis. Recently, they have been shown to correlate with less differentiated phenotypes, high malignant potential and poor clinical outcome in various kinds of tumors. In an attempt to develop new strategies for the treatment of peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer, we prepared an Id1, 3 double-knockdown gastric cancer cell line, MKN45, by RNA interference and investigated its effects on the development of metastatic nodules in the peritoneal cavity. Both cell proliferation and migration capabilities were decreased in Id1, 3 double-knockdown cells, as was their ability to bind to laminin, which could be explained by the decreased expression of integrin alpha6. These are important steps in the metastatic process. In a mouse model, the number of peritoneal metastatic nodules formed by Id1, 3 double-knockdown cells was reduced compared to mock-transfected control cells, as was the size of individual tumors. In this study, we clearly demonstrated that Id1, 3 double-knockdown significantly impaired the ability of gastric cancer cells to form peritoneal metastasis. Id should be considered an ideal target for the treatment and prevention of gastric cancer, and RNA interference is an attractive and promising strategy to achieve it.

Expression of BAFF-R (BR 3) in normal and neoplastic lymphoid tissues characterized with a newly developed monoclonal antibody

BAFF-receptor (BAFF-R) is required for the successful maturation and survival of B-cells. We developed an anti-human BAFF-R monoclonal antibody (mAb), 8 A 7. The reactivity of 8 A 7 in normal and neoplastic tissue was examined by performing immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded sections. 8 A 7 reacted with lymphocytes in the mantle and marginal zones, but not with lymphocytes in the interfollicular area. Lymphocytes in the germinal centers were found to be negative or occasionally weakly positive for 8 A 7. BAFF-R expression was found only in B-cell lymphoma (44/80, positive cases/examined cases): B-lymphoblastic lymphoma 0/3, B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma 4/4, mantle cell lymphoma 9/11, follicular lymphoma 10/14, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) 11/25, marginal zone B-cell lymphoma 8/10, lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma 2/2, plasma cell myeloma 0/2, and Burkitt lymphoma 0/9, but not in T/NK cell lymphomas (0/19) or Hodgkin lymphoma (0/10). BAFF-R was expressed in most low-grade B-cell neoplasms and a small number of DLBCL, suggesting that BAFF-R may play an important role in the proliferation of neoplastic lymphoid cells. Thus, the mAb is very useful for further understanding of both healthy B-cell biology and its pathogenic neoplasms.

Identification of neuron-specific promoters in Ciona intestinalis

We isolated 5' flanking regions of four genes, Ci-Galphai1, Ci-arr, Ci-vAChTP, and Ci-vGAT, each of which is expressed in distinct sets of neurons in the central nervous system of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis, and we examined their function by introducing green fluorescent protein (GFP)-fusion constructs into Ciona embryos. The reporter gene driven by the 5' flanking region of Ci-Galphai1, Ci-arr, and Ci-vAChTP recapitulated the endogenous gene expression patterns, while that of Ci-vGAT can drive GFP expression in particular subsets of neurons expressing the endogenous gene. Deletion analysis revealed that the Ci-Galphai1 promoter consists of multiple regulatory modules controlling the expression in different types of cells. The GFP fluorescence enabled visualization of cell bodies and axons of different sets of neurons in ascidian larvae. These promoters can be a powerful tool for studying molecular mechanisms of neuronal development as well as neuron networks and functions in ascidians.

A novel method for isolation of endothelial cells and macrophages from murine tumors based on Ac-LDL uptake and CD16 expression

Analysis of specific properties of tumor endothelium should be useful for development of novel antiangiogenic strategies. However, the isolation of pure endothelial cells from tumor tissues is still a fundamental problem. In this study, we have attempted to develop a reliable method for the isolation of endothelial cells from murine tumors. We found that the labeling with 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate-acetylated-low density lipoprotein (Dil-Ac-LDL), commonly used for this purpose, can result in the contamination of isolated endothelium by macrophages due to the overlapping staining patterns of these two distinct cell types. Therefore, we chose the CD16, which is expressed on macrophages but not endothelial cells, to better distinguish them when labeled with Dil-Ac-LDL. By using this method, we obtained pure populations of endothelial cells and macrophages from murine colorectal cancer tissues, showing characteristic morphological and functional properties of the either cell type. The endothelial cells were long spindle-shaped, spread on gelatin, formed tube-like structures on Matrigel and expressed MECA-32 but not CD68. In contrast, the macrophages were round-shaped, partially spread on gelatin, formed unorganized aggregates on Matrigel and expressed CD68 but not MECA-32. The additional analysis of normal and tumor tissues revealed a positive correlation between the relative numbers of tumor endothelial cells and macrophages, calculated as % total cells, as well as the respective relative number and tumor weight. The present method is hoped to be useful for the evaluation of tumor angiogenesis and antitumor immunity.

Crucial role of inhibitor of DNA binding/differentiation in the vascular endothelial growth factor-induced activation and angiogenic processes of human endothelial cells

Angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in the aggressive proliferation of synovial cells in rheumatoid arthritis. We have previously reported the overexpression of inhibitor of DNA binding/differentiation (Id) in the endothelial cells within the synovial tissues of rheumatoid arthritis. In this study, we investigated the role of Id in inflammation and angiogenesis in an in vitro model using HUVECs. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and TGFbeta induced the expression of Id1 and Id3 in HUVECs. Forced expression of Id induced proliferative activity in HUVECs accompanied by down-regulation of p16INK4a. Overexpression of Id enhanced expression of ICAM-1 and E-selectin, and induced angiogenic processes such as transmigration, matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 expression, and tube formation. In contrast, knockdown of Id1 and Id3 with RNA interference abolished proliferation, activation, and angiogenic processes of HUVECs induced by VEGF. These results indicated that Id plays a crucial role in VEGF-induced signals of endothelial cells by causing activation and potentiation of angiogenic processes. Based on these findings, it was proposed that inhibition of expression and/or function of Id1 and Id3 may potentially be of therapeutic value for conditions associated with pathological angiogenesis.

Follistatin-related protein gene (FRP) is expressed in the synovial tissues of rheumatoid arthritis, but its polymorphisms are not associated with genetic susceptibility

OBJECTIVE

To examine the expression level and function of follistatin-related protein gene (FRP, also referred to as FSTL1) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and possible association of its polymorphisms with genetic susceptibility to RA.

METHODS

FRP mRNA expression levels in the synovial tissues from 10 patients with RA and 5 patients with OA were measured using real-time RT-PCR. Effects on the growth of synovial cells were evaluated by stably introducing FRP cDNA into a rheumatoid synovial cell line, E11. Screening of genomic DNA variations was done using DNA from 12 patients with RA and 12 healthy individuals by direct sequencing. Genotypes at the detected polymorphic sites were determined in 224 patients with RA and 220 healthy individuals using PCR-single strand conformation polymorphism.

RESULTS

FRP mRNA was overexpressed in synovial tissues from RA patients by 2.3-fold as compared with those from OA. A rheumatoid synovial cell line (E11) transfected with FRP exhibited reduced proliferation, probably mediated by secreted FRP molecule. 16 genomic variations were identified, among which 4 were polymorphisms within the promoter region and exons, and the remainder were either rare variations or intronic polymorphisms. Genotyping of 4 polymorphic sites did not reveal statistically significant association with the susceptibility to RA.

CONCLUSION

FRP mRNA is overexpressed in RA synovium, the product of which exerts inhibitory activity on synovial cell growth. Although new polymorphic sites were identified, they were not associated with susceptibility to RA, suggesting that overexpression of FRP is secondarily caused by synovial environment of RA.

The role of pigment cells in the brain of ascidian larva

The functions of melanin in the pigment cells, the ocellus and the otolith, of ascidian larvae were studied by their swimming behavior and cell morphology with and without 1-phenyl-2-thiourea (PTU), an inhibitor of vertebrate tyrosinase. Melanin formation in both the otolith and the ocellus of PTU-treated larvae at 12 hours of development was completely inhibited. These larvae were unable to swim because of abnormal tail development, but expression of rhodopsin in the outer segments of the photoreceptor was normal. In the PTU-treated larvae at 15 hours of development, melanin formation in the ocellus was inhibited, but that in the otolith seemed to be normal. The photic behavior of these larvae was normal, as was rhodopsin expression in the outer segments. However, the treated larvae lost upward swimming behavior. Synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence images showed that metallic elements of K, Ca, and Zn in the statocyte of larva were greatly decreased by PTU treatment, which may result in lowering the specific gravity of the pigment mass. SEM observations showed that the statocyte of Ciona intestinalis was supported by three parts, a foot-piece of the statocyte itself and two fibrous spring-like structures produced from protuberances. All three structures were synaptotagmin-positive. Movement of the statocyte would be detected by these three structures and thus would be responsible for the gravitational orientation.

BAFF/BLyS can potentiate B-cell selection with the B-cell coreceptor complex

The tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–like ligand BAFF/BLyS (B-cell activating factor of the TNF family/B-lymphocyte stimulator) is a potent B-cell survival factor, yet its functional relationship with other B-cell surface molecules such as CD19 and CD40 is poorly understood. We found that follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) in human lymph nodes expressed BAFF abundantly. BAFF up-regulated a B cell–specific transcription factor Pax5/BSAP (Pax5/B cell–specific activator protein) activity and its target CD19, a major component of the B-cell coreceptor complex, and synergistically enhanced CD19 phosphorylation by B-cell antigen receptor (BCR). BAFF further enhanced B-cell proliferation, immunoglobulin G (IgG) production, and reactivity to CD154 by BCR/CD19 coligation and interleukin-15 (IL-15). Our results suggest that BAFF may play an important role in FDC–B-cell interactions through the B-cell coreceptor complex and a possibly sequential link between the T cell–independent and –dependent B-cell responses in the germinal centers.

Direct evidence for the role of pigment cells in the brain of ascidian larvae by laser ablation

The anterior sensory vesicle of ascidian larvae contains a single large vesicle in which lie two distinct types of pigment cells, anterior and posterior. The ultrastructure of these pigment cells suggests that the anterior pigment cell is an otolith, presumably used for gravity detection, and the posterior pigment cell is an ocellus, used for photoreception. However, there is no direct experimental evidence for this assignment of function. Upward swimming behaviour occurring during the initial period of larval life was examined before and after laser ablation of the anterior pigment and posterior pigment cells. Posterior pigment cell-ablated larvae retained the upward swimming behaviour, but anterior pigment cell-ablated larvae lost it. These results suggest that the anterior pigment acts as a gravity sensor. The negatively phototactic swimming during the latter part of larval life was also examined before and after laser ablation of the anterior pigment or posterior pigment cells. Anterior pigment cell-ablated larvae retained the phototactic response, but posterior pigment cell-ablated larvae lost it. These results suggest that the posterior pigment of the sensory vesicle is involved in the negatively phototactic, downward swimming behavior. The effect of pressure on swimming behaviour was studied, and a putative pressure-detection organ was found not to be involved in the larval swimming behaviour. These are the first published experimental results that permit a functional role in ascidian larval behavior to be assigned to the sensory organs.

Association between nasal allergy and a coding variant of the Fc epsilon RI beta gene Glu237Gly in a Japanese population

The gene for the beta-chain of the high-affinity receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon RI beta) has been proposed as a candidate gene for atopy. A coding variant Glu237Gly has been studied in various populations with asthma and atopy, and the results were controversial for association of the variant with atopy/asthma. Because nasal allergy is a more common atopic disease and shows less remission than asthma, we analyzed whether the Glu237Gly variant is correlated with nasal allergy. The study enrolled 233 patients with nasal allergy and 100 control subjects. Further, three subgroups were selected: patients with perennial nasal allergy (n=149), Japanese cedar pollinosis (n=189), and allergy to multiple allergens (n=45). The allele frequency of Gly237 in the controls and patients was 0.14 and 0.20, and the frequency of Gly237-positive subjects was 0.23 and 0.356, respectively. There was a significant association between Gly237-positivity and nasal allergy, perennial nasal allergy, Japanese cedar pollinosis, and allergy to multiple allergens. Among all 333 subjects we observed a significant relationship between Gly237 and elevated levels of serum total IgE (>250 IU/ml) and very high IgE (>1000 IU/ml). Among patients positive for a specific IgE, Gly237 was significantly associated with high IgE for house dust, mite, and Japanese cedar pollen. These results suggest that the Glu237Gly variant of the Fc epsilon RI beta gene is involved in the development of nasal allergy through the process for the production of both specific and nonspecific IgE antibodies.

Expression of ID family genes in the synovia from patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by aggressive proliferation of synovial tissue leading to destruction of cartilage and bone. To identify molecules which play a crucial role for the pathogenesis, we compared mRNA expression pattern of RA synovium with that of osteoarthritis (OA), using the differential display. From the panel of differentially expressed genes, ID1 (inhibitor of differentiation 1) was considered to be particularly relevant to the pathogenesis of RA, because Id family genes have been shown to play a role in cell proliferation and angiogenesis. To examine whether the up-regulation of these genes is consistently observed in the patients with RA, mRNA levels of ID1 and ID3 in the synovial tissues from 13 patients with RA and 6 patients with OA were semi-quantitatively analyzed by RT-PCR. Mean mRNA levels of ID1 and ID3 were significantly elevated in RA synovia compared with OA by 8.6-fold (P = 0.0044) and 3.3-fold (P = 0.0085), respectively. Immunohistochemistry revealed striking staining of Id1 and Id3 in the endothelial cells, suggesting a possible role of Id in severe angiogenesis observed in RA. The expression of Id family genes in the synovium constitutes a new finding of particular interest. Their functional role as well as their contribution to the genetic susceptibility to RA requires further investigation.

Genes highly expressed in the early phase of murine graft-versus-host reaction

Graft-versus-host reaction (GVHR) is a complex process initiated upon allorecognition. For detection of early molecular events in GVHR, we first assessed time courses with respect to symptoms and serum interferon (IFN)-gamma levels and then used the differential display method to compare gene transcript patterns during the early phase between acute lethal GVHR mice and syngeneic controls. In the GVHR mice, high expression levels of seven genes encoding the following molecules were detected: TGTP/Mg21 (an IFN-gamma-related signaling molecule), vitronectin, Nedd5 (a mammalian septin), manganese superoxide dismutase, activin betaC subunit, PRCC (a papillary renal cell carcinoma-associated molecule), and an uncharacterized gene corresponding to a mouse expressed sequence tag (EST). The expression levels of most genes peaked before the symptomatological onset and the peak of IFN-gamma levels. Thus, gene expression monitoring may characterize the inductive process of GVHR and aid in the development of gene-based diagnostics and therapies.