bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus ORF59 with oriLyt Is Dependent on Binding with K-Rta
Authors: Rossetto Cyprian C. , Susilarini Ni Ketut , Pari Gregory S.
Published: February 2011

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)/human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) displays two distinct life stages, latency and lytic reactivation. Progression through the lytic cycle and replication of the viral genome constitute an essential step toward the production of infectious virus and human disease. KSHV K-RTA has been shown to be the major transactivator required for the initiation of lytic reactivation. In the transient-cotransfection replication assay, K-Rta is the only noncore protein required for DNA synthesis. K-Rta was shown to interact with both C/EBPα binding motifs and the R response elements (RRE) within oriLyt. It is postulated that K-Rta acts in part to facilitate the recruitment of replication factors to oriLyt. In order to define the role of K-Rta in the initiation of lytic DNA synthesis, we show an interaction with ORF59, the DNA polymerase processivity factor (PF), one of the eight virally encoded proteins necessary for origin-dependent DNA replication. Using the chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, both K-Rta and ORF59 interact with the RRE and C/EBPα binding motifs within oriLyt in cells harboring the KSHV bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC). A transient-transfection ChIP assay demonstrated that the interaction of ORF59 with oriLyt is dependent on binding with K-Rta and that ORF59 fails to bind to oriLyt in the absence of K-Rta. Also, using the cotransfection replication assay, overexpression of the interaction domain of K-Rta with ORF59 has a dominant negative effect on oriLyt amplification, suggesting that the interaction of K-Rta with ORF59 is essential for DNA synthesis and supporting the hypothesis that K-Rta facilitates the formation of a replication complex at oriLyt.
TRIM56 Is a Virus- and Interferon-Inducible E3 Ubiquitin Ligase That Restricts Pestivirus Infection
Authors: Wang Jie , Liu Baoming , Wang Nan , Lee Young-Min , Liu Chunming , Li Kui
Published: February 2011

The tripartite motif (TRIM) protein family comprises more than 60 members that have diverse functions in various biological processes. Although a small number of TRIM proteins have been shown to regulate innate immunity, much remains to be learned about the functions of the majority of the TRIM proteins. Here we identify TRIM56 as a cellular protein associated with the N-terminal protease (N
pro
) of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), a pestiviral interferon antagonist which degrades interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) through the proteasome. We found that TRIM56 was constitutively expressed in most tissues, and its abundance was further upregulated moderately by interferon or virus. The manipulation of TRIM56 abundance did not affect the protein turnover of N
pro
and IRF3. Rather, ectopic expression of TRIM56 substantially impaired, while knockdown of TRIM56 expression greatly enhanced, BVDV replication in cell culture. The antiviral activity of TRIM56 depended on its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity as well as the integrity of its C-terminal region but was not attributed to a general augmentation of the interferon antiviral response. Overexpression of TRIM56 did not inhibit the replication of vesicular stomatitis virus or hepatitis C virus, a virus closely related to BVDV. Together, our data demonstrate that TRIM56 is a novel antiviral host factor that restricts pestivirus infection.
Gelatin foam cell blocks made from cytology fluid specimens: Figure 1
Authors: Mayall Frederick G , Wood Ian
Published: February 2011

This report describes a simple method of preparing cell blocks from fluids submitted for cytology, using croutons of gelatin foam surgical dressing material.
Hypoxia inhibits hepcidin expression in HuH7 hepatoma cells via decreased SMAD4 signaling
Authors: Chaston Timothy B. , Matak Pavle , Pourvali Katayoun , Srai Surjit K. , McKie Andrew T. , Sharp Paul A.
Published: February 2011

Hepcidin negatively regulates systemic iron homeostasis in response to inflammation and elevated serum iron. Conversely, hepcidin expression is diminished in response to hypoxia, oxidative stress, and increased erythropoietic demand, though the molecular intermediates involved are incompletely understood. To address this, we have investigated hypoxic hepcidin regulation in HuH7 hepatoma cells either cultured alone or cocultured with activated THP-1 macrophages. HuH7 hepcidin mRNA expression was determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR). Hepcidin promoter activity was measured using luciferase reporter constructs containing a 0.9 kb fragment of the wild-type human hepcidin promoter, and constructs containing mutations in bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)/SMAD4, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP), and E-box-responsive elements. Hepatic expression of bone morphogenetic proteins BMP2 and BMP6 and the BMP inhibitor noggin was determined using Q-PCR, and the protein expression of hemojuvelin (HJV), pSMAD 1/5/8, and SMAD4 was determined by western blotting. Following exposure to hypoxia or H2O2, hepcidin mRNA expression and promoter activity increased in HuH7 cells monocultures but were decreased in HuH7 cells cocultured with THP-1 macrophages. This repression was attenuated by mutation of the BMP/SMAD4-response element, suggesting that modulation of SMAD signaling mediated the response to hypoxia. No changes in hepatocyte BMP2, BMP6 or noggin mRNA, or protein expression of HJV or pSMAD 1/5/8 were detected. However, treatment with hypoxia caused a marked decrease in nuclear and cytosolic SMAD4 protein and SMAD4 mRNA expression in cocultured HuH7 cells. Together these data indicate that hypoxia represses hepcidin expression through inhibition of BMP/SMAD signaling.
BAX supports the mitochondrial network, promoting bioenergetics in nonapoptotic cells
Authors: Boohaker Rebecca J. , Zhang Ge , Carlson Adina Loosley , Nemec Kathleen N. , Khaled Annette R.
Published: February 2011

The dual functionality of the tumor suppressor BAX is implied by the nonapoptotic functions of other members of the BCL-2 family. To explore this, mitochondrial metabolism was examined in BAX-deficient HCT-116 cells as well as primary hepatocytes from BAX-deficient mice. Although mitochondrial density and mitochondrial DNA content were the same in BAX-containing and BAX-deficient cells, MitoTracker staining patterns differed, suggesting the existence of BAX-dependent functional differences in mitochondrial physiology. Oxygen consumption and cellular ATP levels were reduced in BAX-deficient cells, while glycolysis was increased. These results suggested that cells lacking BAX have a deficiency in the ability to generate ATP through cellular respiration. This conclusion was supported by detection of reduced citrate synthase activity in BAX-deficient cells. In nonapoptotic cells, a portion of BAX associated with mitochondria and a sequestered, protease-resistant form was detected. Inhibition of BAX with small interfering RNAs reduced intracellular ATP content in BAX-containing cells. Expression of either full-length or COOH-terminal-truncated BAX in BAX-deficient cells rescued ATP synthesis and oxygen consumption and reduced glycolytic activity, suggesting that this metabolic function of BAX was not dependent upon its COOH-terminal helix. Expression of BCL-2 in BAX-containing cells resulted in a subsequent loss of ATP measured, implying that, even under nonapoptotic conditions, an antagonistic interaction exists between the two proteins. These findings infer that a basal amount of BAX is necessary to maintain energy production via aerobic respiration.
Modulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+release in skeletal muscle expressing ryanodine receptor impaired in regulation by calmodulin and S100A1
Authors: Yamaguchi Naohiro , Prosser Benjamin L. , Ghassemi Farshid , Xu Le , Pasek Daniel A. , Eu Jerry P. , Hernández-Ochoa Erick O. , Cannon Brian R. , Wilder Paul T. , Lovering Richard M. , Weber David , Melzer Werner , Schneider Martin F. , Meissner Gerhard
Published: February 2011

In vitro, calmodulin (CaM) and S100A1 activate the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor ion channel (RyR1) at submicromolar Ca2+concentrations, whereas at micromolar Ca2+concentrations, CaM inhibits RyR1. One amino acid substitution (RyR1-L3625D) has previously been demonstrated to impair CaM binding and regulation of RyR1. Here we show that the RyR1-L3625D substitution also abolishes S100A1 binding. To determine the physiological relevance of these findings, mutant mice were generated with the RyR1-L3625D substitution in exon 74, which encodes the CaM and S100A1 binding domain of RyR1. Homozygous mutant mice ( Ryr1D/D) were viable and appeared normal. However, single RyR1 channel recordings from Ryr1D/Dmice exhibited impaired activation by CaM and S100A1 and impaired CaCaM inhibition. Isolated flexor digitorum brevis muscle fibers from Ryr1D/Dmice had depressed Ca2+transients when stimulated by a single action potential. However, during repetitive stimulation, the mutant fibers demonstrated greater relative summation of the Ca2+transients. Consistently, in vivo stimulation of tibialis anterior muscles in Ryr1D/Dmice demonstrated reduced twitch force in response to a single action potential, but greater summation of force during high-frequency stimulation. During repetitive stimulation, Ryr1D/Dfibers exhibited slowed inactivation of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+release flux, consistent with increased summation of the Ca2+transient and contractile force. Peak Ca2+release flux was suppressed at all voltages in voltage-clamped Ryr1D/Dfibers. The results suggest that the RyR1-L3625D mutation removes both an early activating effect of S100A1 and CaM and delayed suppressing effect of CaCaM on RyR1 Ca2+release, providing new insights into CaM and S100A1 regulation of skeletal muscle excitation-contraction coupling.
Src kinase pathway is involved in NFAT5-mediated S100A4 induction by hyperosmotic stress in colon cancer cells
Authors: Chen Min , Sastry Sarita K. , O'Connor Kathleen L.
Published: February 2011

S100A4 is associated with the progression of many types of cancers as well as several nonmalignant conditions. However, how it is regulated by intracellular signaling and/or at the transcriptional level has not been extensively studied. We recently demonstrated that S100A4 is partially regulated by nuclear factor in activated T cell 5 (NFAT5) downstream of integrin α6β4. NFAT5 is a mammalian osmotic regulator. To study the regulation of S100A4 by NFAT5 in a more readily inducible model, colon cancer cells were subjected to hyperosmotic stress. We found that S100A4 is induced in a subset of colon cancer cell lines, and the ability to induce S100A4 depends on the methylation status of S100A4. The osmotic stress response elements were identified in the first intron region of S100A4 by S100A4 luciferase reporter assays. Depletion of NFAT5 by small interfering RNA abolished S100A4 induction. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that NFAT5 is induced to bind to the first intron region. Inhibition of Src kinase pathways reduced S100A4 induction by affecting NFAT5 transactivation and protein levels. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to study the function of S100A4 induction in colon cancer cells under the condition of hyperosmotic stress; the results suggest that S100A4 induction contributes to cell survival. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that hyperosmotic stress induces S100A4 through NFAT5, and Src and chromatin remodeling are involved. In addition, the induction of S100A4 contributes to cell survival. Given that the gastrointestinal tract is periodically exposed to hyperosmotic stress, this study may uncover a novel signaling pathway that could contribute to GI cancer progression.
A histidine-rich motif mediates mitochondrial localization of ZnT2 to modulate mitochondrial function
Authors: Seo Young Ah , Lopez Veronica , Kelleher Shannon L.
Published: February 2011

Female reproductive tissues such as mammary glands, ovaries, uterus, and placenta are phenotypically dynamic, requiring tight integration of bioenergetic and apoptotic mechanisms. Mitochondrial zinc (Zn) pools have emerged as a central player in regulating bioenergetics and apoptosis. Zn must first be imported into mitochondria to modulate mitochondrion-specific functions; however, mitochondrial Zn import mechanisms have not been identified. Here we documented that the Zn transporter ZnT2 is associated with the inner mitochondrial membrane and acts as an auxiliary Zn importer into mitochondria in mammary cells. We found that attenuation of ZnT2 expression significantly reduced mitochondrial Zn uptake and total mitochondrial Zn pools. Moreover, expression of a ZnT2-hemagglutinin (HA) fusion protein was localized to mitochondria and significantly increased Zn uptake and mitochondrial Zn pools, directly implicating ZnT2 in Zn import into mitochondria. Confocal microscopy of truncated and point mutants of ZnT2-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion proteins revealed a histidine-rich motif (51HH XH54) in the NH2 terminus that is important for mitochondrial targeting of ZnT2. More importantly, the expansion of mitochondrial Zn pools by ZnT2 overexpression significantly reduced ATP biogenesis and mitochondrial oxidation concurrent with increased apoptosis, suggesting a functional role for ZnT2-mediated Zn import into mitochondria. These results identify the first Zn transporter directly associated with mitochondria and suggest that unique secretory tissues such as the mammary gland require novel mechanisms to modulate mitochondrion-specific functions.
S1P2 receptor regulation of sphingosine-1-phosphate effects on conventional outflow physiology
Authors: Sumida Grant M. , Stamer W. Daniel
Published: February 2011

Elevated intraocular pressure is the main risk factor in primary open-angle glaucoma, involving an increased resistance to aqueous humor outflow in the juxtacanalicular region of the conventional outflow pathway which includes the trabecular meshwork (TM) and the inner wall of Schlemm's canal (SC). Previously, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) was shown to decrease outflow facility in porcine and human eyes, thus increasing outflow resistance and intraocular pressure. Owing to S1P's known effect of increasing barrier function in endothelial cells and the robust expression of the S1P1 receptor on the inner wall of SC, we hypothesized that S1P1 receptor activation promotes junction formation and decreases outflow facility. The effects of subtype-specific S1P receptor compounds were tested in human and porcine whole-eye perfusions and human primary cultures of SC and TM cells to determine the receptor responsible for S1P effects on outflow resistance. The S1P1-specific agonist SEW2871 failed to both mimic S1P effects in paired human eye perfusions, as well as increase myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation in cell culture, a prominent outcome in S1P-treated SC and TM cells. In contrast, the S1P2 antagonist JTE-013, but not the S1P1 or S1P1,3 antagonists, blocked the S1P-promoted increase in MLC phosphorylation. Moreover, JTE-013 prevented S1P-induced decrease in outflow facility in perfused human eyes ( P < 0.05, n = 6 pairs). Similarly, porcine eyes perfused with JTE-013 + S1P did not differ from eyes with JTE-013 alone ( P = 0.53, n = 3). These results demonstrate that S1P2, and not S1P1 or S1P3, receptor activation increases conventional outflow resistance and is a potential target to regulate intraocular pressure.
ERK and Akt signaling pathways function through parallel mechanisms to promote mTORC1 signaling
Authors: Winter Jeremiah N. , Jefferson Leonard S. , Kimball Scot R.
Published: February 2011

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a protein kinase that, when present in a complex referred to as mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1), acts as an important regulator of growth and metabolism. The activity of the complex is regulated through multiple upstream signaling pathways, including those involving Akt and the extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK). Previous studies have shown that, in part, Akt and ERK promote mTORC1 signaling through phosphorylation of a GTPase activator protein (GAP), referred to as tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2), that acts as an upstream inhibitor of mTORC1. In the present study we extend the earlier studies to show that activation of the Akt and ERK pathways acts in a synergistic manner to promote mTORC1 signaling. Moreover, we provide evidence that the Akt and ERK signaling pathways converge on TSC2, and that Akt phosphorylates residues on TSC2 distinct from those phosphorylated by ERK. The results also suggest that leucine-induced stimulation of mTORC1 signaling occurs through a mechanism distinct from TSC2 and the Akt and ERK signaling pathways. Overall, the results are consistent with a model in which Akt and ERK phosphorylate distinct sites on TSC2, leading to greater repression of its GAP activity, and consequently a magnified stimulation of mTORC1 signaling, when compared with either input alone. The results further suggest that leucine acts through a mechanism distinct from TSC2 to stimulate mTORC1 signaling.
Imbalance of central nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species in the regulation of sympathetic activity and neural mechanisms of hypertension
Authors: Hirooka Yoshitaka , Kishi Takuya , Sakai Koji , Takeshita Akira , Sunagawa Kenji
Published: February 2011

Nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) play important roles in blood pressure regulation via the modulation of the autonomic nervous system, particularly in the central nervous system (CNS). In general, accumulating evidence suggests that NO inhibits, but ROS activates, the sympathetic nervous system. NO and ROS, however, interact with each other. Our consecutive studies and those of others strongly indicate that an imbalance between NO bioavailability and ROS generation in the CNS, including the brain stem, activates the sympathetic nervous system, and this mechanism is involved in the pathogenesis of neurogenic aspects of hypertension. In this review, we focus on the role of NO and ROS in the regulation of the sympathetic nervous system within the brain stem and subsequent cardiovascular control. Multiple mechanisms are proposed, including modulation of neurotransmitter release, inhibition of receptors, and alterations of intracellular signaling pathways. Together, the evidence indicates that an imbalance of NO and ROS in the CNS plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of hypertension.
Inhibition of renal caveolin-1 reduces natriuresis and produces hypertension in sodium-loaded rats
Authors: Gildea John J. , Kemp Brandon A. , Howell Nancy L. , Van Sciver Robert E. , Carey Robert M. , Felder Robin A.
Published: February 2011

Renal dopamine receptor function and ion transport inhibition are impaired in essential hypertension. We recently reported that caveolin-1 (CAV1) and lipid rafts are necessary for normal D1-like receptor-dependent internalization of Na-K-ATPase in human proximal tubule cells. We now hypothesize that CAV1 is necessary for the regulation of urine sodium (Na+) excretion (UNaV) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) in vivo. Acute renal interstitial (RI) infusion into Sprague-Dawley rats of 1 μg·kg−1·min−1fenoldopam (FEN; D1-like receptor agonist) caused a 0.46 ± 0.15-μmol/min increase in UNaV (over baseline of 0.29 ± 0.04 μmol/min; P < 0.01). This increase was seen in Na+-loaded rats, but not in those under a normal-sodium load. Coinfusion with β-methyl cyclodextrin (βMCD; lipid raft disrupter, 200 μg·kg−1·min−1) completely blocked this FEN-induced natriuresis ( P < 0.001). Long-term (3 day) lipid raft disruption via continuous RI infusion of 80 μg·kg−1·min−1βMCD decreased renal cortical CAV1 expression (47.3 ± 6.4%; P < 0.01) and increased MAP (32.4 ± 6.6 mmHg; P < 0.001) compared with vehicle-infused animals. To determine whether the MAP rise was due to a CAV1-dependent lipid raft-mediated disruption, Na+-loaded rats were given a bolus RI infusion of CAV1 siRNA. Two days postinfusion, cortical CAV1 expression was decreased by 73.6 ± 8.2% ( P < 0.001) and the animals showed an increase in MAP by 17.4 ± 2.9 mmHg ( P < 0.01) compared with animals receiving scrambled control siRNA. In summary, acute kidney-specific lipid raft disruption decreases CAV1 expression and blocks D1-like receptor-induced natriuresis. Furthermore, chronic disruption of lipid rafts or CAV1 protein expression in the kidney induces hypertension.
Natural IgM antibodies are involved in the activation of complement by hypoxic human tubular cells
Authors: van der Pol Pieter , Roos Anja , Berger Stefan P. , Daha Mohamed R. , van Kooten Cees
Published: February 2011

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) has a major impact on graft survival after transplantation. Renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTEC) located at the corticomedullary zone are relatively susceptible to IRI and have been identified as one of the main targets of complement activation. Studies in mice have shown an important role for the alternative pathway of complement activation in renal IRI. However, it is unclear whether experimental data obtained in mice can be extrapolated to humans. Therefore, we developed an in vitro model to induce hypoxia-reoxygenation in human and mouse PTEC and studied the role of the different pathways of complement activation. Exposure of human PTEC to hypoxia followed by reoxygenation in human serum resulted in extensive complement activation. Inhibition studies using different complement inhibitors revealed no involvement of the alternative or lectin pathway of complement activation by hypoxic human PTEC. In contrast, complement activation by hypoxic murine PTEC was shown to be exclusively dependent on the alternative pathway. Hypoxic human PTEC induced classic pathway activation, supported by studies in C1q-depleted serum and the use of blocking antibodies to C1q. The activation of the classic pathway was mediated by IgM through interaction with modified phosphomonoesters exposed on hypoxic PTEC. Studies with different human sera showed a strong correlation between IgM binding to hypoxic human PTEC and the degree of complement activation. These results demonstrate important species-specific differences in complement activation by hypoxic PTEC and provide clues for directed complement inhibition strategies in the treatment and prevention of IRI in the human kidney.
Biological aortic age derived from the arterial pressure waveform
Authors: Shibata Shigeki , Levine Benjamin D.
Published: February 2011

Indexes for arterial stiffness are, by their nature, influenced by the ambient blood pressure due to the curvilinear nature of arterial compliance. We developed a new concept of the “Modelflow aortic age,” which is, theoretically, not influenced by the ambient blood pressure and provides an easily understood context (biological vs. chronological age) for measures of arterial stiffness. The purpose of the present study was to validate this pressure-independent index for aortic stiffness in humans. Twelve sedentary elderly (65–77 yr), 11 Masters athletes (65–73 yr), and 12 sedentary young individuals (20–42 yr) were studied. Modelflow aortic ages were comparable with chronological ages in both sedentary groups, indicating that healthy sedentary individuals have age-appropriate aortas. In contrast, Masters athletes showed younger Modelflow aortic ages than their chronological ages. The coefficient of variation of sedentary subjects was three times smaller with the Modelflow aortic age (21%) than with other indexes, such as static systemic arterial stiffness (61%), central pulse wave velocity (61%), or carotid β-stiffness index (58%). The typical error was very small and two times smaller in the Modelflow aortic age (<7%) than in static systemic arterial stiffness (>13%) during cardiac unloading by lower body negative pressure. The Modelflow aortic age can more precisely and reliably estimate aortic stiffening with aging and modifiers, such as life-long exercise training compared with the pressure-dependent index of static systemic arterial stiffness, and provides a physiologically relevant and clinically compelling context for such measurements.
Contribution of arterial Windkessel in low-frequency cerebral hemodynamics during transient changes in blood pressure
Authors: Chan Gregory S. H. , Ainslie Philip N. , Willie Chris K. , Taylor Chloe E. , Atkinson Greg , Jones Helen , Lovell Nigel H. , Tzeng Yu-Chieh
Published: February 2011

The Windkessel properties of the vasculature are known to play a significant role in buffering arterial pulsations, but their potential importance in dampening low-frequency fluctuations in cerebral blood flow has not been clearly examined. In this study, we quantitatively assessed the contribution of arterial Windkessel (peripheral compliance and resistance) in the dynamic cerebral blood flow response to relatively large and acute changes in blood pressure. Middle cerebral artery flow velocity (MCAV; transcranial Doppler) and arterial blood pressure were recorded from 14 healthy subjects. Low-pass-filtered pressure-flow responses (<0.15 Hz) during transient hypertension (intravenous phenylephrine) and hypotension (intravenous sodium nitroprusside) were fitted to a two-element Windkessel model. The Windkessel model was found to provide a superior goodness of fit to the MCAV responses during both hypertension and hypotension ( R2 = 0.89 ± 0.03 and 0.85 ± 0.05, respectively), with a significant improvement in adjusted coefficients of determination ( P < 0.005) compared with the single-resistance model ( R2 = 0.62 ± 0.06 and 0.61 ± 0.08, respectively). No differences were found between the two interventions in the Windkessel capacitive and resistive gains, suggesting similar vascular properties during pressure rise and fall episodes. The results highlight that low-frequency cerebral hemodynamic responses to transient hypertension and hypotension may include a significant contribution from the mechanical properties of vasculature and, thus, cannot solely be attributed to the active control of vascular tone by cerebral autoregulation. The arterial Windkessel should be regarded as an important element of dynamic cerebral blood flow modulation during large and acute blood pressure perturbation.
Keep your eyes on the ball: smooth pursuit eye movements enhance prediction of visual motion
Authors: Spering Miriam , Schütz Alexander C. , Braun Doris I. , Gegenfurtner Karl R.
Published: February 2011

Success of motor behavior often depends on the ability to predict the path of moving objects. Here we asked whether tracking a visual object with smooth pursuit eye movements helps to predict its motion direction. We developed a paradigm, “eye soccer,” in which observers had to either track or fixate a visual target (ball) and judge whether it would have hit or missed a stationary vertical line segment (goal). Ball and goal were presented briefly for 100–500 ms and disappeared from the screen together before the perceptual judgment was prompted. In pursuit conditions, the ball moved towards the goal; in fixation conditions, the goal moved towards the stationary ball, resulting in similar retinal stimulation during pursuit and fixation. We also tested the condition in which the goal was fixated and the ball moved. Motion direction prediction was significantly better in pursuit than in fixation trials, regardless of whether ball or goal served as fixation target. In both fixation and pursuit trials, prediction performance was better when eye movements were accurate. Performance also increased with shorter ball-goal distance and longer presentation duration. A longer trajectory did not affect performance. During pursuit, an efference copy signal might provide additional motion information, leading to the advantage in motion prediction.
Behavioral correlates of human hippocampal delta and theta oscillations during navigation
Authors: Watrous Andrew J. , Fried Itzhak , Ekstrom Arne D.
Published: February 2011

Previous rodent studies demonstrate movement-related increases in theta oscillations, and recent evidence suggests that multiple navigationally relevant variables are reflected in this activity. Human invasive recordings have revealed movement-related modulations in delta and theta activity, although it is unclear whether additional behavioral variables are responsible for modulating this neural activity during navigation. We tested the role of delta and theta oscillations during navigation by addressing whether spatial-related processing, in addition to speed and task variables, modulates delta and theta activity. Recording from 317 hippocampal intracranial electrodes in 10 patients undergoing seizure monitoring, we observed increasing delta and theta power with increasing virtual speed at significantly more electrodes than would be expected by chance, replicating previous findings in nonhuman mammals. Delta and theta power were more consistently modulated, however, as a function of spatial view, including when subjects looked at stores in the virtual environment both to find a relevant goal or for spatial updating. A significantly larger proportion of electrodes showed view-related effects than speed-related modulations. Although speed, task, and spatial view affected delta and theta activity, individual electrodes were most frequently modulated by only one variable, rather than a combination of variables. These electrodes likely sampled independent delta and theta generators, which reflected movement-related and allocentric processing, respectively. These results extend previous findings in nonhuman mammals and humans, expanding our knowledge of the role of human hippocampal low-frequency oscillations in navigation.
Serglycin Is a Theranostic Target in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma that Promotes Metastasis
Authors: Li Xin-Jian , Ong Choon Kiat , Cao Yun , Xiang Yan-Qun , Shao Jian-Yong , Ooi Aikseng , Peng Li-Xia , Lu Wen-Hua , Zhang Zhongfa , Petillo David , Qin Li , Bao Ying-Na , Zheng Fang-Jing , Chia Claramae Shulyn , Iyer N. Gopalakrishna , Kang Tie-Bang , Zeng Yi-Xin , Soo Khee Chee , Trent Jeffrey M. , Teh Bin Tean , Qian Chao-Nan
Published: February 2011

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is known for its high-metastatic potential. Here we report the identification of the proteoglycan serglycin as a functionally significant regulator of metastasis in this setting. Comparative genomic expression profiling of NPC cell line clones with high- and low-metastatic potential revealed the serglycin gene (SRGN) as one of the most upregulated genes in highly metastatic cells. RNAi-mediated inhibition of serglycin expression blocked serglycin secretion and the invasive motility of highly metastatic cells, reducing metastatic capacity in vivo. Conversely, serglycin overexpression in poorly metastatic cells increased their motile behavior and metastatic capacity in vivo. Growth rate was not influenced by serglycin in either highly or poorly metastatic cells. Secreted but not bacterial recombinant serglycin promoted motile behavior, suggesting a critical role for glycosylation in serglycin activity. Serglycin inhibition was associated with reduced expression of vimentin but not other epithelial–mesenchymal transition proteins. In clinical specimens, serglycin expression was elevated significantly in liver metastases from NPC relative to primary NPC tumors. We evaluated the prognostic value of serglycin by immunohistochemical staining of tissue microarrays from 263 NPC patients followed by multivariate analyses. High serglycin expression in primary NPC was found to be an unfavorable independent indicator of distant metastasis-free and disease-free survival. Our findings establish that glycosylated serglycin regulates NPC metastasis via autocrine and paracrine routes, and that it serves as an independent prognostic indicator of metastasis-free survival and disease-free survival in NPC patients. Cancer Res; 71(8); 3162–72. ©2011 AACR.
Targeting Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase in Lung Cancer
Authors: Shaw Alice T. , Solomon Benjamin
Published: February 2011

Several decades of cancer research have revealed a pivotal role for tyrosine kinases as key regulators of signaling pathways, controlling cell growth and differentiation. Deregulation of tyrosine kinase–mediated signaling occurs frequently in cancer and is believed to drive the initiation and progression of disease. Chromosomal rearrangements involving the tyrosine kinase anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) occur in a variety of human malignancies including non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), anaplastic large cell lymphomas, and inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors. The aberrant activation of ALK signaling leads to “oncogene addiction” and marked sensitivity to ALK inhibitors such as crizotinib (PF-02341066). This review focuses on ALK rearrangements in NSCLC, starting with the discovery of the EML4-ALK fusion oncogene, and culminating in the recent validation of ALK as a therapeutic target in patients with ALK-rearranged NSCLC. Current efforts seek to expand the role of ALK kinase inhibition in lung and other cancers and to address the molecular basis for the development of resistance. Clin Cancer Res; 17(8); 2081–6. ©2011 AACR.
A Lipid-Modified Estrogen Derivative that Treats Breast Cancer Independent of Estrogen Receptor Expression through Simultaneous Induction of Autophagy and Apoptosis
Authors: Sinha Sutapa , Roy Sayantani , Reddy Bathula Surendar , Pal Krishnendu , Sudhakar Godeshala , Iyer Seethalakshmi , Dutta Shamit , Wang Enfeng , Vohra Pawan Kumar , Roy Karnati Rammohan , Reddanna Pallu , Mukhopadhyay Debabrata , Banerjee Rajkumar
Published: February 2011

It is a challenge to develop a universal single drug that can treat breast cancer at single- or multiple-stage complications, yet remains nontoxic to normal cells. The challenge is even greater when breast cancer–specific, estrogen-based drugs are being developed that cannot act against multistaged breast cancer complications owing to the cells differential estrogen receptor (ER) expression status and their possession of drug-resistant and metastatic phenotypes. We report here the development of a first cationic lipid-conjugated estrogenic derivative (ESC8) that kills breast cancer cells independent of their ER expression status. This ESC8 molecule apparently is nontoxic to normal breast epithelial cells, as well as to other noncancer cells. ESC8 induces apoptosis through an intrinsic pathway in ER-negative MDA-MB-231 cells. In addition, ESC8 treatment induces autophagy in these cells by interfering with the mTOR activity. This is the first example of an estrogen structure–based molecule that coinduces apoptosis and autophagy in breast cancer cells. Further in vivo study confirms the role of this molecule in tumor regression. Together, our results open new perspective of breast cancer chemotherapy through a single agent, which could provide the therapeutic benefit across all stages of breast cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 9(3); 364–74. ©2011 AACR.
Global Assessment of Genetic Variation Influencing Response to Retinoid Chemoprevention in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Authors: Lee J. Jack , Wu Xifeng , Hildebrandt Michelle A.T. , Yang Hushan , Khuri Fadlo R. , Kim Edward , Gu Jian , Ye Yuanqing , Lotan Reuben , Spitz Margaret R. , Hong Waun Ki
Published: February 2011

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients are at an increased risk of developing a second primary tumor (SPT) or recurrence following curative treatment. 13-cis-retinoic acid (13-cRA) has been tested in chemoprevention clinical trials, but the results have been inconclusive. We genotyped 9,465 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in 450 patients from the Retinoid Head and Neck Second Primary Trial. SNPs were analyzed for associations with SPT/recurrence in patients receiving placebo to identify prognosis markers and further analyzed for effects of 13-cRA in patients with these prognostic loci. Thirteen loci identified a majority subgroup of patients at a high risk of SPT/recurrence and in whom 13-cRA was protective. Patients carrying the common genotype of rs3118570 in the retinoid X receptor (RXRA) were at a 3.33-fold increased risk (95% CI, 1.67–6.67) and represented more than 70% of the study population. This locus also identified individuals who received benefit from chemoprevention with a 38% reduced risk (95% CI, 0.43–0.90). Analyses of cumulative effect and potential gene–gene interactions also implicated CDC25C:rs6596428 and JAK2:rs1887427 as 2 other genetic loci with major roles in prognosis and 13-cRA response. Patients with all 3 common genotypes had a 76% reduction in SPT/recurrence (95% CI, 0.093–0.64) following 13-cRA chemoprevention. Carriers of these common genotypes constituted a substantial percentage of the study population, indicating that a pharmacogenetic approach could help select patients for 13-cRA chemoprevention. The lack of any alternatives for reducing risk in these patients highlights the need for future clinical trials to prospectively validate our findings. Cancer Prev Res; 4(2); 185–93. ©2011 AACR.
Gene Expression Profiling Predicts the Development of Oral Cancer
Authors: Saintigny Pierre , Zhang Li , Fan You-Hong , El-Naggar Adel K. , Papadimitrakopoulou Vassiliki A. , Feng Lei , Lee J. Jack , Kim Edward S. , Ki Hong Waun , Mao Li
Published: February 2011

Patients with oral premalignant lesion (OPL) have a high risk of developing oral cancer. Although certain risk factors, such as smoking status and histology, are known, our ability to predict oral cancer risk remains poor. The study objective was to determine the value of gene expression profiling in predicting oral cancer development. Gene expression profile was measured in 86 of 162 OPL patients who were enrolled in a clinical chemoprevention trial that used the incidence of oral cancer development as a prespecified endpoint. The median follow-up time was 6.08 years and 35 of the 86 patients developed oral cancer over the course. Gene expression profiles were associated with oral cancer–free survival and used to develop multivariate predictive models for oral cancer prediction. We developed a 29-transcript predictive model which showed marked improvement in terms of prediction accuracy (with 8% predicting error rate) over the models using previously known clinicopathologic risk factors. On the basis of the gene expression profile data, we also identified 2,182 transcripts significantly associated with oral cancer risk–associated genes (P value < 0.01; univariate Cox proportional hazards model). Functional pathway analysis revealed proteasome machinery, MYC, and ribosomal components as the top gene sets associated with oral cancer risk. In multiple independent data sets, the expression profiles of the genes can differentiate head and neck cancer from normal mucosa. Our results show that gene expression profiles may improve the prediction of oral cancer risk in OPL patients and the significant genes identified may serve as potential targets for oral cancer chemoprevention. Cancer Prev Res; 4(2); 218–29. ©2011 AACR.
A Strong Case for Personalized, Targeted Cancer Prevention
Authors: Dawson Marcia I.
Published: February 2011

The study reported by Lee and colleagues in this issue of the journal (beginning on page 185) incorporated global genetic variation within a new assessment of the outcome of a previously reported phase-III trial of low-dose 13-cis-retinoic acid (13-cRA) for preventing second primary tumors (SPT) or the recurrence of head-and-neck cancer. This analysis identified genotypes of common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and cumulative effect and potential gene–gene interactions that were highly associated with increased placebo-arm risk (prognostic) and/or with reduced treatment-arm risk and longer event-free survival (predictive). For example, the wild-type rs3118570 SNP of the retinoid X receptor alpha gene (carried by 71% of the 13-cRA trial population) marked a 3.33-fold increased SPT/recurrence risk in the placebo arm and a 38% reduced risk in the treatment arm. Adding two other informative genotypes strengthened the treatment-arm risk reduction to 76%, although the genotype trio reflected only 13% of the trial population. This report extends the concept of personalized therapy to cancer prevention. Cancer Prev Res; 4(2); 173–6. ©2011 AACR.
Progress in the Development of Vision Prostheses
Authors: Matthaei Mario , Zeitz Oliver , Keserü Matthias , Wagenfeld Lars , Hornig Ralf , Post Nils , Richard Gisbert
Published: February 2011

Degenerative retinal diseases like retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration are among the most common causes of blindness worldwide. Electronic visual prostheses represent a potential therapeutic option of increasing importance in otherwise incurably impaired patients. Based on extensive animal experiments, several devices are now being tested in clinical trials. According to the placement of the electrodes, possible stimulation sites are located subretinally, epiretinally, along the optic nerve or cortically. Anatomical, physiological and pathophysiological aspects must be considered in development and clinical application. To provide an appropriate retinal substitute, the optimal integration and adaptation of the prosthesis into the highly complex system of the visual pathway is important. This article aims to summarize the relevant studies and provides an overview of the current status of developments and challenges that still need to be mastered.
Effects of Prenatal and Perinatal Exposure to Fine Air Pollutants and Maternal Fish Consumption on the Occurrence of Infantile Eczema
Authors: Jedrychowski Wieslaw , Perera Frederica , Maugeri Umberto , Mrozek-Budzyn Dorota , Miller Rachel L. , Flak Elzbieta , Mroz Elzbieta , Jacek Ryszard , Spengler John D.
Published: February 2011

Background: As there is a scarcity of evidence on potential hazards and preventive factors for infantile eczema operating in the prenatal period, the main goal of this study was to assess the role of prenatal exposure to fine particulate matter and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in the occurrence of infant eczema jointly with the possible modulating effect of maternal fish consumption. Methods: The study sample consisted of 469 women enrolled during pregnancy, who gave birth to term babies (>36 weeks of gestation). Among all pregnant women recruited, personal measurements of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) were performed over 48 h in the second trimester of pregnancy. After delivery, every 3 months in the first year of the newborn’s life, a detailed, standardized, face-to-face interview was administered to each mother, in the process of which a trained interviewer recorded any history of infantile eczema and data on potential environmental hazards. The estimated risk of eczema related to higher prenatal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5 >53.0 µg/m3) and postnatal ETS as well as the protective effect of maternal fish intake were adjusted for potential confounders in a multivariable logistic regression model. Results: While the separate effects of higher prenatal PM2.5 and postnatal ETS exposure were not statistically significant, their joint effect appeared to have a significant influence on the occurrence of infantile eczema [odds ratio 2.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–5.18]. With maternal fish intake of more than 205 g/week, the risk of eczema decreased by 43% (odds ratio 0.57, 95% CI 0.35–0.93). The incidence rate ratio (IRR) for eczema symptoms, estimated from the Poisson regression model, was increased with both higher exposure to prenatal PM2.5 and postnatal ETS (IRR 1.55, 95% CI 0.99–2.44) and in children of atopic mothers (IRR 1.35, 95% CI 1.04–1.75) but was lower in girls (IRR 0.78, 95% CI 0.61–1.00). The observed preventive effect of fish consumption on the frequency of eczema symptoms was consistent with the results of the logistic analysis (IRR 0.72, 95% CI 0.52–0.99). Conclusions: The findings indicate that higher prenatal exposure to fine particulate matter combined with postnatal exposure to ETS may increase the risk of infant eczema, while maternal fish intake during pregnancy may reduce the risk of infantile eczema.
Full-Course Drug Challenge Test in the Diagnosis of Delayed Allergic Reactions to Penicillin
Authors: Borch Jakob E. , Bindslev-Jensen Carsten
Published: February 2011

Background: Drug challenge test (DCT) has long been the most sensitive test in the allergological work-up when investigating for penicillin allergy. Objective: To improve sensitivity of the diagnostic work-up in diagnosing penicillin allergics with histories of allergic reactions on day 2 or later in the course of penicillin treatment. Methods: A full-course DCT was added to the current protocol if specific IgE, skin tests and DCT were all negative in patients who had a nonimmediate reaction to penicillin treatment. Sixteen patients with a history of an immediate reaction to penicillin treatment underwent testing with negative outcomes. Results: Fifty percent of patients undergoing full-course DCT experienced a cutaneous adverse drug reaction. None of the controls reacted (p = 0.001). The mean time of reaction was 6 days. Penicillin V accounted for most reactions. Urticaria was the most frequent clinical reaction observed. Conclusions: Full-course DCT offers an improvement of sensitivity and predictive values of the diagnostic work-up of allergic reactions to penicillin occurring on day 2 of penicillin treatment or later.
Release of Mast Cell Tryptase into Saliva: A Tool to Diagnose Food Allergy by a Mucosal Challenge Test?
Authors: Ruëff Franziska , Friedl Tanja , Arnold Alexander , Kramer Matthias , Przybilla Bernhard
Published: February 2011

Background: Our aim was to examine whether measurement of the saliva mast cell tryptase (MCT) concentrations before and after a mucosal challenge test with the offending food would be helpful in diagnosing food allergy. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 44 food challenge tests performed in 38 patients between 2006 and 2009. Patients with a suspected history of food allergy chewed the food until they developed symptoms or until the amount of time known from the patients’ history to usually be required for the provocation of symptoms had passed. In 5 patients, saliva samples for the measurement of MCT were collected at minutes 0, 1, 4, 8, 11, and 16 after the first onset of symptoms. The remainder of the patients only had samples taken before chewing and 4 min after the end of the test period. Results: During repeated measurements, MCT peaked about 4 min after the onset of symptoms (p = 0.028). During 33 of the 44 tests (75.0%), we observed oral symptoms during testing; after 25 of the 33 (75.8%) tests evoking symptoms, the saliva MCT concentration increased. The MCT increase was negative in all other tests where no oral symptoms could be provoked. Conclusions: The measurement of saliva MCT 4 min after the onset of symptoms may be helpful to diagnose food allergy. Because of numerous confounding variables, however, a negative saliva MCT increase does not exclude food allergy.