SKP1 connects cell cycle regulators to the ubiquitin proteolysis machinery through a novel motif, the F-box

We have identified the yeast and human homologs of the SKP1 gene as a suppressor of cdc4 mutants and as a cyclin F-binding protein. Skp1p indirectly binds cyclin A/Cdk2 through Skp2p, and directly binds Skp2p, cyclin F, and Cdc4p through a novel structural motif called the F-box. SKP1 is required for ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis of Cin2p, Clb5p, and the Cdk inhibitor Sic1p, and provides a link between these molecules and the proteolysis machinery. A large number of proteins contain the F-box motif and are thereby implicated in the ubiquitin pathway. Different skp1 mutants arrest cells in either G1 or G2, suggesting a connection between regulation of proteolysis in different stages of the cycle.

The interaction between N-WASP and the Arp2/3 complex links Cdc42-dependent signals to actin assembly

Although small GTP-binding proteins of the Rho family have been implicated in signaling to the actin cytoskeleton, the exact nature of the linkage has remained obscure. We describe a novel mechanism that links one Rho family member, Cdc42, to actin polymerization. N-WASP, a ubiquitously expressed Cdc42-interacting protein, is required for Cdc42-stimulated actin polymerization in Xenopus egg extracts. The C terminus of N-WASP binds to the Arp2/3 complex and dramatically stimulates its ability to nucleate actin polymerization. Although full-length N-WASP is less effective, its activity can be greatly enhanced by Cdc42 and phosphatidylinositol (4,5) bisphosphate. Therefore, N-WASP and the Arp2/3 complex comprise a core mechanism that directly connects signal transduction pathways to the stimulation of actin polymerization.

Reconstitution of human telomerase with the template RNA component hTR and the catalytic protein subunit hTRT

The maintenance of chromosome termini, or telomeres, requires the action of the enzyme telomerase, as conventional DNA polymerases cannot fully replicate the ends of linear molecules. Telomerase is expressed and telomere length is maintained in human germ cells and the great majority of primary human tumours. However, telomerase is not detectable in most normal somatic cells; this corresponds to the gradual telomere loss observed with each cell division. It has been proposed that telomere erosion eventually signals entry into senescence or cell crisis and that activation of telomerase is usually required for immortal cell proliferation. In addition to the human telomerase RNA component (hTR; ref. 11), TR1/TLP1 (refs 12, 13), a protein that is homologous to the p80 protein associated with the Tetrahymena enzyme, has been identified in humans. More recently, the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTRT; refs 15, 16), which is homologous to the reverse transcriptase (RT)-like proteins associated with the Euplotes aediculatus (Ea_p123), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Est2p) and Schizosaccharomyces pombe (5pTrt1) telomerases, has been reported to be a telomerase protein subunit. A catalytic function has been demonstrated for Est2p in the RT-like class but not for p80 or its homologues. We now report that in vitro transcription and translation of hTRT when co-synthesized or mixed with hTR reconstitutes telomerase activity that exhibits enzymatic properties like those of the native enzyme. Single amino-acid changes in conserved telomerase-specific and RT motifs reduce or abolish activity, providing direct evidence that hTRT is the catalytic protein component of telomerase. Normal human diploid cells transiently expressing hTRT possessed telomerase activity, demonstrating that hTRT is the limiting component necessary for restoration of telomerase activity in these cells. The ability to reconstitute telomerase permits further analysis of its biochemical and biological roles in cell aging and carcinogenesis.

Mutations in SCN9A, encoding a sodium channel alpha subunit, in patients with primary erythermalgia

Primary erythermalgia is a rare autosomal dominant disease characterised by intermittent burning pain with redness and heat in the extremities. A previous study established the linkage of primary erythermalgia to a 7.94 cM interval on chromosome 2q, but the causative gene was not identified. We performed linkage analysis in a Chinese family with primary erythermalgia, and screened the mutations in the two candidate genes, SCN9A and GCA, in the family and a sporadic patient. Linkage analysis yielded a maximum lod score of 2.11 for both markers D2S2370 and D2S2330. Based on critical recombination events in two patients in the family, we further limited the genetic region to 5.98 cM between D2S2370 and D2S2345. We then identified two missense mutations in SCN9A in the family (T2573A) and the sporadic patient (T2543C). Our data suggest that mutations in SCN9A cause primary erythermalgia. SCN9A, encoding a voltage-gated sodium channel alpha subunit predominantly expressed in sensory and sympathetic neurones, may play an important role in nociception and vasomotor regulation.

Msx2 deficiency in mice causes pleiotropic defects in bone growth and ectodermal organ formation

The composite structure of the mammalian skull, which forms predominantly via intramembranous ossification, requires precise pre- and post-natal growth regulation of individual calvarial elements. Disturbances of this process frequently cause severe clinical manifestations in humans. Enhanced DNA binding by a mutant MSX2 homeodomain results in a gain of function and produces craniosynostosis in humans. Here we show that Msx2-deficient mice have defects of skull ossification and persistent calvarial foramen. This phenotype results from defective proliferation of osteoprogenitors at the osteogenic front during calvarial morphogenesis, and closely resembles that associated with human MSX2 haploinsufficiency in parietal foramina (PFM). Msx2-/- mice also have defects in endochondral bone formation. In the axial and appendicular skeleton, post-natal deficits in Pth/Pthrp receptor (Pthr) signalling and in expression of marker genes for bone differentiation indicate that Msx2 is required for both chondrogenesis and osteogenesis. Consistent with phenotypes associated with PFM, Msx2-mutant mice also display defective tooth, hair follicle and mammary gland development, and seizures, the latter accompanied by abnormal development of the cerebellum. Most Msx2-mutant phenotypes, including calvarial defects, are enhanced by genetic combination with Msx1 loss of function, indicating that Msx gene dosage can modify expression of the PFM phenotype. Our results provide a developmental basis for PFM and demonstrate that Msx2 is essential at multiple sites during organogenesis.

Characterization of the human cysteinyl leukotriene 2 receptor

The contractile and inflammatory actions of the cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs), LTC(4), LTD(4), and LTE(4), are thought to be mediated through at least two distinct but related CysLT G protein-coupled receptors. The human CysLT(1) receptor has been recently cloned and characterized. We describe here the cloning and characterization of the second cysteinyl leukotriene receptor, CysLT(2), a 346-amino acid protein with 38% amino acid identity to the CysLT(1) receptor. The recombinant human CysLT(2) receptor was expressed in Xenopus oocytes and HEK293T cells and shown to couple to elevation of intracellular calcium when activated by LTC(4), LTD(4), or LTE(4). Analyses of radiolabeled LTD(4) binding to the recombinant CysLT(2) receptor demonstrated high affinity binding and a rank order of potency for competition of LTC(4) = LTD(4) LTE(4). In contrast to the dual CysLT(1)/CysLT(2) antagonist, BAY u9773, the CysLT(1) receptor-selective antagonists MK-571, montelukast (Singulair(TM)), zafirlukast (Accolate(TM)), and pranlukast (Onon(TM)) exhibited low potency in competition for LTD(4) binding and as antagonists of CysLT(2) receptor signaling. CysLT(2) receptor mRNA was detected in lung macrophages and airway smooth muscle, cardiac Purkinje cells, adrenal medulla cells, peripheral blood leukocytes, and brain, and the receptor gene was mapped to chromosome 13q14, a region linked to atopic asthma.

A mutation in the homeodomain of the human MSX2 gene in a family affected with autosomal dominant craniosynostosis

Craniosynostosis, the premature fusion of calvarial sutures, is a common developmental anomaly that causes abnormal skull shape. The locus for one autosomal dominant form of craniosynostosis has been mapped to chromosome 5qter. The human MSX2 gene localizes to chromosome 5, and a polymorphic marker in the MSX2 intron segregates in a kindred with the disorder with no recombination. Moreover, a histidine substitutes for a highly conserved proline at position 7 of the MSX2 homeodomain exclusively in affected members. In the mouse, transcripts of the Msx2 gene are localized to calvarial sutures. These results provide compelling evidence that the mutation causes this craniosynostosis syndrome.

A Phase II Study of Pembrolizumab in EGFR-Mutant, PD-L1+, Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Naïve Patients With Advanced NSCLC

BACKGROUND

Despite the significant antitumor activity of pembrolizumab in NSCLC, clinical benefit has been less frequently observed in patients whose tumors harbor EGFR mutations compared to EGFR wild-type patients. Our single-center experience on the KEYNOTE-001 trial suggested that pembrolizumab-treated EGFR-mutant patients, who were tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) naïve, had superior clinical outcomes to those previously treated with a TKI. As TKI naïve EGFR-mutants have generally been excluded from pembrolizumab studies, data to guide treatment decisions in this patient population is lacking, particularly in patients with programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression ≥50%.

METHODS

We conducted a phase II trial (NCT02879994) of pembrolizumab in TKI naive patients with EGFR mutation-positive, advanced NSCLC and PD-L1-positive (≥1%, 22C3 antibody) tumors. Pembrolizumab was administered 200 mg every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was objective response rate. Secondary endpoints included safety of pembrolizumab, additional pembrolizumab efficacy endpoints, and efficacy and safety of an EGFR TKI after pembrolizumab.

RESULTS

Enrollment was ceased due to lack of efficacy after 11 of 25 planned patients were treated. Eighty-two percent of trial patients were treatment naïve, 64% had sensitizing EGFR mutations, and 73% had PD-L1 expression ≥50%. Only 1 patient had an objective response (9%), but repeat analysis of this patient's tumor definitively showed the original report of an EGFR mutation to be erroneous. Observed treatment-related adverse events were similar to prior experience with pembrolizumab, but two deaths within 6 months of enrollment, including one attributed to pneumonitis, were of concern.

CONCLUSIONS

Pembrolizumab's lack of efficacy in TKI naïve, PD-L1+, EGFR-mutant patients with advanced NSCLC, including those with PD-L1 expression ≥50%, suggests that it is not an appropriate therapeutic choice in this setting.

Predictors of HPV vaccine uptake among women aged 19-26: importance of a physician's recommendation

Among insured women, aged 19-26 years, those who discussed the HPV vaccine with their physician and received a recommendation were overwhelmingly more likely to be vaccinated. Student status and perception of the personal importance of vaccination were also predictive of vaccination. The strength of the physician's recommendation played a significant role in the decision to be vaccinated, resulting in a 4-fold greater likelihood of vaccination when women received a strong recommendation versus one that was not strong. Health care providers should be well-informed about HPV vaccination and recognize that the strength of their recommendation to patients will foster appropriate uptake.

Light control of Arabidopsis development entails coordinated regulation of genome expression and cellular pathways

An expressed sequence tag-based microarray was used to profile genome expression underlying light control of Arabidopsis development. Qualitatively similar gene expression profiles were observed among seedlings grown in different light qualities, including far-red, red, and blue light, which are mediated primarily by phytochrome A, phytochrome B, and the cryptochromes, respectively. Furthermore, light/dark transitions also triggered similar differential genome expression profiles. Most light treatments also resulted in distinct expression profiles in small fractions of the expressed sequence tags examined. The similarly regulated genes in all light conditions were estimated to account for approximately one-third of the genome, with three-fifths upregulated and two-fifths downregulated by light. Analysis of those light-regulated genes revealed more than 26 cellular pathways that are regulated coordinately by light. Thus, light controls Arabidopsis development through coordinately regulating metabolic and regulatory pathways.

Albumin–bilirubin versus Child–Pugh score as a predictor of outcome after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

The Child–Pugh (CP) score is used widely to assess liver function and predict postoperative outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, the albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) score has been validated as a predictor of overall survival in these patients. This study aimed to compare the ability of the ALBI and CP scores to predict outcomes in patients with HCC after liver resection with curative intent.

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent liver resection with curative intent for HCC between January 2007 and July 2013 were included in this retrospective study. The performance of the ALBI score in predicting postoperative liver failure (PHLF) and long-term survival was compared with that of the CP score.

Results

A total of 1242 patients were enrolled. Of these, 166 (13·4 per cent) experienced PHLF. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the ALBI score for predicting PHLF was greater than that of the CP score (0·723 versus 0·607; P < 0·001). Similar to findings for CP grade, the incidence and severity of PHLF increased with increasing ALBI grade. The ALBI grade stratified patients into at least two distinct overall survival cohorts (P < 0·001), whereas the CP grade did not. The ALBI grade also classified patients with CP grade A disease into two distinct overall survival cohorts (P < 0·001), and overall survival rates in the group with poorer survival were similar to those in the majority of patients with CP grade B disease. Both CP and ALBI scores had low power in predicting disease-free survival.

Conclusion

The ALBI grade predicted PHLF and overall survival in patients with HCC undergoing liver resection with curative intent more accurately than the CP grade.

The effect of guideline-consistent antiemetic therapy on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV): the Pan European Emesis Registry (PEER)

BACKGROUND

While guidelines for preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) are widely available, clinical uptake of guidelines remains low. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of guideline-consistent CINV prophylaxis (GCCP) on patient outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This prospective, observational multicenter study enrolled chemotherapy-naive adults initiating single-day highly or moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC or MEC) for cancer. Patients completed 6-day daily diaries beginning with cycle 1 for up to three chemotherapy cycles. The primary study end point, complete response (no emesis and no use of rescue therapy) during 120 h after cycle 1 chemotherapy, was compared between GCCP and guideline-inconsistent CINV prophylaxis (GICP) cohorts using multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

In cycle 1 (N=991), use of GCCP was 55% and 46% during acute and delayed phases, respectively, and 29 % for the overall study period (acute plus delayed phases). Complete response was recorded by 172/287 (59.9%) and 357/704 (50.7%) patients in GCCP and GICP cohorts, respectively (P=0.008). The adjusted odds ratio for complete response was 1.43 (95% confidence interval 1.04-1.97; P=0.027) for patients receiving GCCP versus GICP.

CONCLUSION

GCCP reduces the incidence of CINV after single-day HEC and MEC.

Abdominal B (AbdB) Hoxa genes: regulation in adult uterus by estrogen and progesterone and repression in müllerian duct by the synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES)

Mice deficient for the Abdominal B (AbdB) Hox gene Hoxa-10 exhibit reduced fertility due to defects in implantation. During the peri-implantation period Hoxa-10 is sequentially expressed in the uterine epithelium and stroma. These observations, combined with the stringent regulation of uterine implantation by ovarian steroids, prompted us to test whether estrogen and progesterone directly regulate the expression of Hoxa-10 and other AbdB Hoxa genes. Here we show that Hoxa-10 expression in the adult uterus is strongly activated by progesterone. This activation is blocked by the progesterone receptor antagonist RU486 and is independent of new protein synthesis. In addition, Hoxa-10 expression is repressed by estrogen in a protein synthesis-independent manner. Analysis of adjacent AbdB Hoxa genes reveals that Hoxa-9 and a-11 are also activated in a colinear fashion by progesterone but differentially regulated by estrogen. These results suggest that the regulation of AbdB Hox gene expression in the adult uterus by ovarian steroids is a property related to position within the cluster, mediated by the direct action of estrogen and progesterone receptors upon these genes. We next examined whether the embryonic expression of Hoxa10 is regulable by hormonal factors. Previous work has demonstrated that perinatal administration of the synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) to mice and humans produces uterine, cervical, and oviductal malformations. Certain of these phenotypes resemble those in Hoxa-10 knockout mice, suggesting that Hoxa-10 gene expression might be repressed by DES during reproductive tract morphogenesis. Exposure of the developing female reproductive tract to DES, either in vivo or in organ culture, represses the expression of Hoxa-10 in the Müllerian duct. Thus, these data not only establish a direct link between ovarian steroids and AbdB Hoxa gene expression in the adult uterus, but also provide a potential mechanism for the teratogenic effects of DES on the developing reproductive tract.

Hoxa-10 regulates uterine stromal cell responsiveness to progesterone during implantation and decidualization in the mouse

Hoxa-10 is an AbdominalB-like homeobox gene that is expressed in the developing genitourinary tract during embryogenesis and in the adult uterus during early pregnancy. Null mutation of Hoxa-10 in the mouse causes both male and female infertility. Defective implantation and decidualization resulting from the loss of maternal Hoxa-10 function in uterine stromal cells is the cause of female infertility. However, the mechanisms by which Hoxa-10 regulates these uterine events are unknown. We have identified two potential mechanisms for these uterine defects in Hoxa-10(-/-) mice. First, two PGE2 receptor subtypes, EP3 and EP4, are aberrantly expressed in the uterine stroma in Hoxa-10(-/-) mice, while expression of several other genes in the stroma (TIMP-2, MMP-2, ER, and PR) and epithelium (LIF, HB-EGF, Ar, and COX-1) are unaffected before implantation. Further, EP3 and EP4 are inappropriately regulated by progesterone (P4) in the absence of Hoxa-10, while PR, Hoxa-11 and c-myc, three other P4-responsive genes respond normally. These results suggest that Hoxa-10 specifically mediates P4 regulation of EP3 and EP4 in the uterine stroma. Second, since Hox genes are implicated in local cell proliferation, we also examined steroid-responsive uterine cell proliferation in Hoxa-10(-/-) mice. Stromal cell proliferation in mutant mice in response to P4 and 17beta-estradiol (E2 was significantly reduced, while epithelial cell proliferation was normal in response to E2. These results suggest that stromal cell responsiveness to P4 with respect to cell proliferation is impaired in Hoxa-10(-/-) mice, and that Hoxa-10 is involved in mediating stromal cell proliferation. Collectively, these results suggest that Hoxa-10 mutation causes specific stromal cell defects that can lead to implantation and decidualization defects apparently without perturbing epithelial cell functions.

Aldosterone modulates plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and glomerulosclerosis in vivo

BACKGROUND

Aldosterone promotes nephrosclerosis in several rat models, whereas aldosterone receptor antagonism blunts the effect of activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) on nephrosclerosis, independent of effects on blood pressure. Based on recent findings linking activation of the RAAS with impaired fibrinolytic balance, we hypothesized that aldosterone induces sclerosis through effects on plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), the major physiological inhibitor of plasminogen activation.

METHODS

We examined the effect of aldosterone antagonism on the development of sclerosis and on renal PAI-1 expression following radiation injury in the rat. Following a single dose of 12 Gy to the kidneys, male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with placebo, the aldosterone antagonist spironolactone (4.5 mg/day by time-release subcutaneous pellet), the angiotensin type 1 receptor antagonist L158-809 (AT1RA; 80 mg/L drinking water), or combined spironolactone and AT1RA.

RESULTS

Rats treated with placebo developed significant proteinuria and nephrosclerosis 12 weeks following radiation associated with hypertension. Kidney PAI-1 mRNA expression was increased eightfold (P < 0.001 vs. nonradiated controls). Spironolactone alone had no effect on blood pressure (systolic blood pressure 149.0 +/- 5.4 mm Hg) compared with placebo (151.6 +/- 11.2 mm Hg, P = NS), whereas AT1RA alone (107.7 +/- 8.9 mm Hg, P = 0.013 vs. placebo) or in combination therapy (102.1 +/- 6.2 mm Hg, P = 0.001 vs. placebo) lowered blood pressure. Both the AT1RA and spironolactone decreased proteinuria following radiation (P < 0.001 vs. placebo for either drug), and the combination of AT1RA + spironolactone had a greater effect on proteinuria than spironolactone alone (P = 0.003). Aldosterone antagonism significantly decreased (P = 0.016 vs. placebo) and AT1RA virtually abolished (P = 0.001 vs. placebo) the development of sclerosis. Spironolactone significantly decreased PAI-1 mRNA expression in the kidneys of radiated animals (PAI-1 mRNA/GAPDH ratio 0.39 +/- 0.13 vs. placebo 0.84 +/- 0.05, P = 0.006), and there was a significant correlation between the degree of sclerosis and the level of PAI-1 immunostaining within individual rats (R2 = 0.97, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

This study is, to our knowledge, the first to demonstrate that aldosterone regulates PAI-1 expression in vivo, and supports the hypothesis that aldosterone induces renal injury through its effects on PAI-1 expression.

Corequirement of specific phosphoinositides and small GTP-binding protein Cdc42 in inducing actin assembly in Xenopus egg extracts

Both phosphoinositides and small GTP-binding proteins of the Rho family have been postulated to regulate actin assembly in cells. We have reconstituted actin assembly in response to these signals in Xenopus extracts and examined the relationship of these pathways. We have found that GTPgammaS stimulates actin assembly in the presence of endogenous membrane vesicles in low speed extracts. These membrane vesicles are required, but can be replaced by lipid vesicles prepared from purified phospholipids containing phosphoinositides. Vesicles containing phosphatidylinositol (4,5) bisphosphate or phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5) trisphosphate can induce actin assembly even in the absence of GTPgammaS. RhoGDI, a guanine-nucleotide dissociation inhibitor for the Rho family, inhibits phosphoinositide-induced actin assembly, suggesting the involvement of the Rho family small G proteins. Using various dominant mutants of these G proteins, we demonstrate the requirement of Cdc42 for phosphoinositide-induced actin assembly. Our results suggest that phosphoinositides may act to facilitate GTP exchange on Cdc42, as well as to anchor Cdc42 and actin nucleation activities. Hence, both phosphoinositides and Cdc42 are required to induce actin assembly in this cell-free system.

Cdc42 is required for PIP(2)-induced actin polymerization and early development but not for cell viability

BACKGROUND

Cdc42 and other Rho GTPases are conserved from yeast to humans and are thought to regulate multiple cellular functions by inducing coordinated changes in actin reorganization and by activating signaling pathways leading to specific gene expression. Direct evidence implicating upstream signals and components that regulate Cdc42 activity or for required roles of Cdc42 in activation of downstream protein kinase signaling cascades is minimal, however. Also, whereas genetic analyses have shown that Cdc42 is essential for cell viability in yeast, its potential roles in the growth and development of mammalian cells have not been directly assessed.

RESULTS

To elucidate potential functions of Cdc42 mammalian cells, we used gene-targeted mutation to inactivate Cdc42 in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells and in the mouse germline. Surprisingly, Cdc42-deficient ES cells exhibited normal proliferation and phosphorylation of mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinases. Yet Cdc42 deficiency caused very early embryonic lethality in mice and led to aberrant actin cytoskeletal organization in ES cells. Moreover, extracts from Cdc42-deficient cells failed to support phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2))-induced actin polymerization.

CONCLUSIONS

Our studies clearly demonstrate that Cdc42 mediates PIP(2)-induced actin assembly, and document a critical and unique role for Cdc42 in this process. Moreover, we conclude that, unexpectedly, Cdc42 is not necessary for viability or proliferation of mammalian early embryonic cells. Cdc42 is, however, absolutely required for early mammalian development.

TLR engagement prevents transplantation tolerance

In many experimental models, heart, pancreas and kidney allografts are accepted long-term following costimulation-targeting therapies, whereas skin, lung and intestine resist the induction of tolerance under the same regimens. We noted that a common feature of the resistant organs is their constant exposure to commensal microbes and hypothesized that these microorganisms may stimulate Toll-like receptors (TLRs), promote alloresponses and prevent tolerance induction. This hypothesis prompts the predictions that TLR engagement at the time of transplantation should avert tolerance to heart allografts in animals treated with costimulation-targeting therapies, whereas inhibition of TLR signaling should promote tolerance to skin allografts under the same conditions. Indeed, engagement of a single TLR was sufficient to prevent anti-CD154-mediated long-term cardiac allograft acceptance and correlated with abolished intragraft recruitment of CD4+/FoxP3+ regulatory T cells and the development of linked-suppression. Conversely, a lack of donor and recipient MyD88-dependent signaling led to successful skin allograft acceptance in anti-CD154-treated animals. Thus, the status of TLR signaling contributes to the resistance versus susceptibility of organs to transplantation tolerance.

Platelets modulate gastric ulcer healing: role of endostatin and vascular endothelial growth factor release

Bleeding and delayed healing of ulcers are well recognized clinical problems associated with the use of aspirin and other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, which have been attributed to their antiaggregatory effects on platelets. We hypothesized that antiplatelet drugs might interfere with gastric ulcer healing by suppressing the release of growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), from platelets. Gastric ulcers were induced in rats by serosal application of acetic acid. Daily oral treatment with vehicle, aspirin, or ticlopidine (an ADP receptor antagonist) was started 3 days later and continued for 1 week. Ulcer induction resulted in a significant increase in serum levels of VEGF and a significant decrease in serum levels of endostatin (an antiangiogenic factor). Although both aspirin and ticlopidine markedly suppressed platelet aggregation, only ticlopidine impaired gastric ulcer healing and angiogenesis as well as reversing the ulcer-associated changes in serum levels of VEGF and endostatin. The effects of ticlopidine on ulcer healing and angiogenesis were mimicked by immunodepletion of circulating platelets, and ticlopidine did not influence ulcer healing when given to thrombocytopenic rats. Incubation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells with serum from ticlopidine-treated rats significantly reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis, effects reversed by an antibody directed against endostatin. Ticlopidine treatment resulted in increased platelet endostatin content and release. These results demonstrate a previously unrecognized contribution of platelets to the regulation of gastric ulcer healing. Such effects likely are mediated through the release from platelets of endostatin and possibly VEGF. As shown with ticlopidine, drugs that influence gastric ulcer healing may do so in part through altering the ability of platelets to release growth factors.

Human cytosolic sulphotransferases: genetics, characteristics, toxicological aspects

Cytosolic sulphotransferases transfer the sulpho moiety from the cofactor 5'-phosphoadenosine-3'-phosphosulphate (PAPS) to nucleophilic groups of xenobiotics and small endogenous compounds (such as hormones and neurotransmitters). This reaction often leads to products that can be excreted readily. However, other sulpho conjugates are strong electrophiles and may covalently bind with DNA and proteins. All known cytosolic sulphotransferases are members of an enzyme/gene superfamily termed SULT. In humans, 10 SULT genes are known. One of these genes encodes two different enzyme forms due to the use of alternative first exons. Different SULT forms substantially differ in their substrate specificity and tissue distribution. Genetic polymorphisms have been described for three human SULTs. Several allelic variants differ in functional properties, including the activation of promutagens. Only initial results are available from the analysis of SULT allele frequencies in different population groups, e.g. subjects suffering from specific diseases and corresponding controls.

The Arp2/3 complex mediates actin polymerization induced by the small GTP-binding protein Cdc42

The small GTP-binding protein Cdc42 is thought to induce filopodium formation by regulating actin polymerization at the cell cortex. Although several Cdc42-binding proteins have been identified and some of them have been implicated in filopodium formation, the precise role of Cdc42 in modulating actin polymerization has not been defined. To understand the biochemical pathways that link Cdc42 to the actin cytoskeleton, we have reconstituted Cdc42-induced actin polymerization in Xenopus egg extracts. Using this cell-free system, we have developed a rapid and specific assay that has allowed us to fractionate the extract and isolate factors involved in this activity. We report here that at least two biochemically distinct components are required, based on their chromatographic behavior and affinity for Cdc42. One component is purified to homogeneity and is identified as the Arp2/3 complex, a protein complex that has been shown to nucleate actin polymerization. However, the purified complex alone is not sufficient to mediate the activity; a second component that binds Cdc42 directly and mediates the interaction between Cdc42 and the complex also is required. These results establish an important link between a signaling molecule, Cdc42, and a complex that can directly modulate actin networks in vitro. We propose that activation of the Arp2/3 complex by Cdc42 and other signaling molecules plays a central role in stimulating actin polymerization at the cell surface.

Efficacy and safety of adeno-associated viral vectors based on serotype 8 and 9 vs. lentiviral vectors for hemophilia B gene therapy

BACKGROUND

Adeno-associated viral (AAV) and lentiviral vectors are promising vectors for gene therapy for hemophilia because they are devoid of viral genes and have the potential for long-term gene expression.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the performance of different AAV serotypes (AAV8 and AAV9) vs. lentiviral vectors expressing factor (F) IX.

METHODS AND RESULTS

AAV-based and lentiviral vectors were generated that express FIX from the same hepatocyte-specific expression cassette. AAV9 transduced the liver as efficiently as AAV8 and resulted in supra-physiological FIX levels (3000-6000% of normal) stably correcting the bleeding diathesis. Surprisingly, AAV9 resulted in unprecedented and widespread cardiac gene transfer, which was more efficient than with AAV8. AAV8 and AAV9 were not associated with any proinflammatory cytokine induction, in accordance with their minimal interactions with innate immune effectors. In contrast, lentiviral transduction resulted in modest and stable FIX levels near the therapeutic threshold (1%) and triggered a rapid self-limiting proinflammatory response (interleukin-6), which probably reflected their ability to efficiently interact with the innate immune system.

CONCLUSIONS

AAV8 and 9 result in significantly higher FIX expression levels and have a reduced proinflammatory risk in comparison with lentiviral vectors. The unexpected cardiotropic properties of AAV9 have implications for gene therapy for heart disease.

The P-selectin glycoprotein ligand functions as a common human leukocyte ligand for P- and E-selectins

P- and E-selectins belong to a family of Ca(2+)-dependent lectins and function as receptors for myeloid leukocytes. We have described a panel of monoclonal antibodies which recognize a sialoglycoprotein from human neutrophils and HL-60 promyelocytic cells and inhibit adhesion of these cells to P-selectin. In this study, we show that the E-selectin receptor-globulin (E-selectin Rg) affinity chromatography can isolate specifically only one glycoprotein from [3H]glucosamine-labeled HL-60 cells in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. This protein has a molecular mass of approximately 120 kDa under reducing conditions, which appears to be identical with the previously characterized glycoprotein ligand for P-selectin. The molecule can be cross-depleted by and cross-bound to the E- and P-selectin columns. The chromatographic profile of desialylated O-linked carbohydrates from molecules purified by P- and E-selectin affinity chromatography are identical. Both have five structures at 12.8, 9.8, 6.3, 3.5, and 2.5 glucose units. PL5 monoclonal antibody to the P-selectin sialoglycoprotein ligand, E-selectin Rg, and antiserum to P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) all recognize the purified P-selectin ligand on ligand blots and immunoblots. Furthermore, PL5 monoclonal antibody blocks adhesion of HL-60 cells and human neutrophils to E-selectin Rg. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the P- and E-selectin ligand defined in this study is PSGL-1 and suggest that this molecule is an important leukocyte ligand for both P- and E-selectins.

Case-control study of factors associated with failure to detect breast cancer by mammography

BACKGROUND

Although mammography is widely used to detect breast cancer, it is recognized that not all cancers can be seen on mammographic images.

PURPOSE

Our purpose was to examine factors associated with failure to detect breast cancer by mammography.

METHODS

A case-control study was carried out in which subjects in whom histologically verified breast cancer was not detected by mammography (false negatives) were contrasted with subjects in whom breast cancer had been detected by mammography (true positives). Mammograms from individuals with histologically confirmed breast cancer were classified independently by two radiologists who were unaware of the clinical or other characteristics of the subjects. Histologic slides of all tumors were reviewed by one pathologist.

RESULTS

Three variables were found to be independently and significantly associated with failure to detect breast cancer by mammography. Breast cancer was less likely to be detected by mammography in the presence of extensive parenchymal densities (odds ratio [OR] = 9; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.8-44.3), a tumor of lobular histology (OR = 7; 95% CI = 2.2-22.1), and tumors of small size (OR = 0.10; 95% CI = 0.0-0.9).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that biologic factors are associated with failure to detect some breast cancers by mammography and indicate directions for future research in breast imaging.