Differential regulation of MAP2 by phosphorylation events in proline-rich versus C-terminal domains

MAP2 is a critical cytoskeletal regulator in neurons. The phosphorylation of MAP2 (MAP2-P) is well known to regulate core functions of MAP2, including microtubule (MT)/actin binding and facilitation of tubulin polymerization. However, site-specific studies of MAP2-P function in regions outside of the MT-binding domain (MTBD) are lacking. We previously identified a set of MAP2 phosphopeptides which are differentially expressed and predominantly increased in the cortex of individuals with schizophrenia relative to nonpsychiatric comparison subjects. The phosphopeptides originated not from the MTBD, but from the flanking proline-rich and C-terminal domains of MAP2. We sought to understand the contribution of MAP2-P at these sites on MAP2 function. To this end, we isolated a series of phosphomimetic MAP2C constructs and subjected them to cell-free tubulin polymerization, MT-binding, actin-binding, and actin polymerization assays. A subset of MAP2-P events significantly impaired these functions, with the two domains displaying different patterns of MAP2 regulation: proline-rich domain mutants T293E and T300E impaired MT assembly and actin-binding affinity but did not affect MT-binding, while C-terminal domain mutants S426E and S439D impaired all three functions. S443D also impaired MT assembly with minimal effects on MT- or actin-binding. Using heterologous cells, we also found that S426E but not T293E had a lower capability for process formation than the wild-type protein. These findings demonstrate the functional utility of MAP2-P in the proline-rich and C-terminal domains and point to distinct, domain-dependent regulations of MAP2 function, which can go on to affect cellular morphology.

Multiple neuroectodermal tumors arising in a mature cystic teratoma of the ovary

Benign cystic teratomas are common, comprising 11-20% of all ovarian tumors. Neural elements can be identified in 38% of teratomas, but the development of a malignant neural neoplasm in an ovarian tumor of this type is rare. Multiple neuroectodermal tumor foci have not been previously described in association with a mature cystic teratoma of the ovary.

Evaluation of fundal height measurement in antenatal care

The value of symphysis-fundus measurement (fundal height) as a screening procedure for fetal growth was assessed. The reproducibility of measurements between staff of differing antenatal experience was +/- 2 cm in 95% of cases. Fundal height was correlated with ultrasound measurement of biparietal diameter and abdominal area, and coefficients of 0.84 and 0.74 respectively were obtained; 73.1% of babies weighing below the 10th percentile for gestation were detected by one measurement of 3 cm or more below the mean for gestation.

Dietary protein energy supplementation of pregnant Asian mothers at Sorrento, Birmingham. II: Selective during third trimester only

Unselective dietary protein energy supplementation of Asian mothers at Sorrento Maternity Hospital did not enhance intrauterine growth. The effect of selective supplementation was therefore studied. Forty-five mothers who at 28 weeks were known to be nutritionally at risk (triceps increment less than or equal to 20 microns/week between 18 and 28 weeks) received one of three supplements during the third trimester: (a) vitamins only--a multivitamin sachet daily containing vitamins A, B, C, and D; (b) energy--42-125 MJ (10 000-30 000 kcal), all from carbohydrate, plus vitamins; (c) protein energy--energy and vitamins as before, but with 5-10% of energy from milk protein. Eighty-three mothers regarded as adequately nourished at 28 weeks also received one of the three supplements. In the nutritionally at-risk mothers the protein energy supplement was associated with a heavier crude birth weight and heavier weight for gestational age. Supplementation did not lead to improved intrauterine growth in those mothers who were adequately nourished. The differential effect of supplementation depending on the mothers' nutritional state during the second trimester may explain apparently conflicting results of other studies where some have shown a substantial effect of supplementation and others only a small effect. This effect of intervention is further evidence that "poor nutrition" contributes to poor intrauterine growth in selected mothers, even in developed countries.