bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HIV-1 Nef Interferes with M-CSF Receptor Signalling through Hck Activation and Inhibits M-CSF Bioactivities.
Authors: Okada Seiji , Suzu Shinya 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
HIV-1 Nef protein is a major determinant of the pathogenicity of the virus. It has been shown that Nef activates Hck, a member of Src family kinase, in monocytes/macrophages and that the interaction is critical for AIDS-like disease progression in a mouse model. However, it was unclear how the molecular interaction in monocytes/macrophages leads to the disease progression. Here, we show for the first time that Nef interferes with the M-CSF/M-CSF receptor pathway. In this study, we introduced a conditionally active Nef into myeloid leukemia TF-1-fms cells and analyzed their responsiveness to M-CSF. We found that Nef-activated Hck constitutively associated with M-CSF receptor complex. The formation of the molecular complex should occur under physiological conditions, i.e., upon M-CSF stimulation. Due to the aberrant molecular association, the tyrosine-phosphorylation/activation of the receptor in response to M-CSF was markedly diminished in Nef-active cells. Consequently, Nef activation caused the inhibition of M-CSF-mediated proliferation of TF-1-fms cells and macrophage differentiation of the cells induced by M-CSF and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate. These results indicate that HIV-1 Nef interferes with M-CSF receptor signalling through Hck activation and thereby inhibits M-CSF functions in monocytes/macrophages.
Gene Conversion of Sialic Acid Binding Domains in CD33-Related Siglecs by Adjacent Pseudogenes: A Novel Mechanism To Change Sialic Acid Binding Specificity.
Authors: Hayakawa Toshiyuki , Angata Takashi , Margulies Elliott H. , Mikkelsen Tarjei , Green Eric D. , Varki Ajit 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Siglecs (sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin superfamily lectins) are a family of cell surface receptors involved in regulating the immune response. The CD33-Related Siglecs (CD33rSiglecs, namely Siglec-3, -5 through -11 and -XII in humans) are a subgroup of these molecules found primarily on cells of the innate immune system. All are type-1 transmembrane proteins with an N-terminal sialic acid-recognizing V-set domain followed by a variable number of C-2 set domains, a transmembrane region and a cytosolic C-terminal domain that includes two tyrosine-based signaling motifs. Available data suggest an inhibitory signaling role in the innate immune response, mediated by recognition of host sialic acids as “self”. Nine of the 13 known primate Siglec genes along with 14 Siglec pseudogenes comprise the CD33-related Siglec gene cluster on human chromosome 19. Gene conversion is a mechanism for copying part of a genomic sequence into another, contributing to genetic diversity. Pseudogenes are known to play role in generating functional diversity of related genes (e.g., antibody diversity via gene conversion in chickens). We recently analyzed genomic sequences of the CD33-related Siglec gene cluster in three primates (human, chimpanzee and baboon) and found evidence for rapid evolution in this gene family (Angata et al., PNAS, in press). Additional evolutionary studies using distance-based phylogenetic trees shows evidence for three partial gene conversions between Siglec genes and adjacent Siglec pseudogenes. All three involve the coding regions for extracellular domains that mediate sialic acid recognition, and two involve a pseudogene converting a known Siglec gene. Functional analyses using recombinant proteins show marked differences in sialic acid-binding properties between the converted Siglec and its non-converted ortholog. These findings suggest that gene conversion with pseudogenes has contributed to the rapid functional evolution of the Siglecs, and provides a novel mechanism for changing sialic acid binding specificity. We hypothesize that this mechanism allows for rapid evolutionary adjustments in the recognition of endogenous sialic acids as “self”, a potential factor in controlling the innate immune response.
Randomized Multicenter Phase 3 Trial of High-Dose Dexamethasone (dex) with or without Oblimersen Sodium (G3139; Bcl-2 antisense; Genasense) for Patients with Advanced Multiple Myeloma (MM).
Authors: Chanan-Khan Asher Alban , Niesvizky Ruben , Hohl Raymond J. , Zimmerman Todd M. , Christiansen Neal P. , Schiller Gary J. , Smith Sandra , Frankel Stanley 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Over-expression of Bcl-2 has been linked to acquired dex resistance in MM cells. Conversely, reduction of Bcl-2 using oblimersen has been shown to enhance dex-induced apoptosis in MM cell lines and in fresh MM cells in culture (Liu et al., Blood101:4105, 2003). Preliminary non-randomized clinical studies have suggested that oblimersen may potentiate the activity of VAD and dex/thalidomide in patients (pts) with resistant MM. We have conducted a randomized, multinational, Phase 3 trial of pts with advanced MM using dex given with or without oblimersen. Eligibility requirements included: relapsed or refractory MM; measurable M-protein in serum or urine; ≤ 6 prior regimens; ECOG PS ≤ 3; serum Cr ≤ 1.5 mg/dL; ANC > 1,000/ml; plts ≥ 50,000/ml. Exclusions: previous allogeneic transplant; other significant medical disease. Pts were stratified according to number of prior treatments (1 or 2 vs. ≥ 3 regimens), prior autologous stem cell transplant (yes/no), and primary resistance to vs. relapse from primary treatment. All pts received dex 40 mg p.o. x 4 days during weeks 1, 2 and 3. Pts randomized to oblimersen received 7 mg/kg/d x 7 days by IV infusion, beginning 3 days before dex treatment during the 1st and 3rd weeks, and during all subsequent dex cycles. Beginning on week 5, additional 4-day dex cycles were repeated in stable or responding pts every 3 weeks, for a maximum of 12 months. All pts received prophylactic H-2 antagonists, TMP/SMZ, and a bisphosphonate. Response assessments were conducted prior to each treatment cycle. The primary endpoint of the study was to compare time-to-disease progression between the 2 treatment groups. Secondary endpoint comparisons included overall survival, event-free survival at 6 months, overall response rates, response duration, clinical benefit, and safety. A total of 224 pts were randomized into the study. All pts have completed > 12 mos follow-up, and final results of this trial will be presented.
Phase II Study of the Combination of Low-Dose Thalidomide, Prednisone, and Etanercept (“PET regimen”) in the Treatment of Anemia, Splenomegaly, and Constitutional Symptoms Associated with Myelofibrosis with Myeloid Metaplasia (MMM).
Authors: Mesa Ruben A. , Steensma David P. , Li Chin Y. , Hoering Antje , Powell Heather , Tefferi Ayalew 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Disease manifestations in myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM) that require therapy include anemia, thrombocytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, and constitutional symptoms. We have previously reported on the therapeutic value of low-dose thalidomide in combination with prednisone for the treatment of both anemia and thrombocytopenia in MMM (Blood2003;101:2534) and of etanercept (tumor necrosis factor-alpha antagonist) for alleviation of constitutional symptoms (Blood2002;99(6):2252). In the current study, we investigated the value of combining all three drugs (PET).
METHODS: Study eligibility criteria included a histologically confirmed diagnosis of MMM and either severe anemia (hemoglobin < 10 g/dL) or symptomatic splenomegaly. Protocol treatment was initiated with 50 mg of oral thalidomide daily, etanercept 25 mg subcutaneously twice-a-week, and a three month prednisone taper starting at 0.5 mg/kg/day for the first month followed by a 50% reduction for the second months and a further 50% reduction for the third and final month of treatment with prednisone. Patients with a demonstrable clinical response after three months were able to remain on thalidomide and etanercept.
RESULTS: To date 12 patients have been enrolled to the trial (median age 67 years, range, 54–77; 11 males). At enrollment, all patients were severely anemic (6 were red cell transfusion dependent), 6 were at least moderately thrombocytopenic (platelet count < 100 x 109//L), and 4 had severe constitutional symptoms. The responses to date included resolution of constitutional symptoms in all 4 pertinent patients, a 12–326% improvement in thrombocytopenia in 4 of 6 pertinent patients, and anemia response in 4 patients including one patient who became red cell transfusion independent. A more than 50% decrease in splenomegaly was documented in 3 patients. Only one patient experienced greater or equal to grade 3 toxicity (i.e. elevated bilirubin and infection). Follow-up bone marrow examination, when available, did not show post-treatment histological changes.
CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary findings from the current ongoing phase II study of combination therapy with thalidomide-prednisone-etanercept in patients with MMM confirms the previously recognized value of etanercept in alleviating constitutional symptoms. However, at least preliminarily the PET regimen does not appear to be superior to thalidomide-prednisone combination in terms of therapeutic value for anemia, thrombocytopenia, or splenomegaly.
Imatinib Mesylate Therapy for Patients (pts) with Polycythemia Vera (PV).
Authors: Borthakur Gautam , Kantarjian Hagop , Verstovsek Srdan , O’Brien Susan , Giles Francis , Koller Charles , Rios Mary Beth , Cortes Jorge E. 
Published: October 2019

Imatinib is a potent inhibitor of tyrosine kinases, including abl, c-kit, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR). A role for PDGF in PV has been suspected, and direct inhibition of PV colonies with imatinib has been reported. We initiated a phase II trial of imatinib in pts with PV diagnosed by the Polycythemia Vera Study Group criteria. Pts were treated with imatinib at 400 mg daily; if no significant response after 1 month (mo) of therapy, the dose could be escalated to 800 mg daily. Hydroxyurea could be used only during the first mo of therapy, but anagrelide was allowed at any time. 9 patients have been treated (6 male, 3 female). Median age was 51 years (yrs) (range 28 to 72 yrs); median duration of PV was 8 years (range 1/4–35 years). ECOG performance status was 0 for 2 pts and 1 for 7 pts. Most common symptoms included fatigue (n=7), intractable pruritus (n=5) and headache (n=4). 4 pts had splenomegaly, 1 had hepatomegaly, and 1 had prior splenectomy. All patients were dependent on repeated phlebotomies. All pts had diploid cytogenetics except one who had 20q− (prior therapy with 32 P). FISH and PCR confirmed absence of Bcr-Abl translocation.
After a median follow-up of 4 mo (range, 2 to 37 mo), 3 pts have ≥50% reduction in phlebotomy requirements. These include one pt with complete remission defined as hemoglobin < 14 g/dl, no phlebotomies and complete resolution of splenomegaly. Pruritus improved significantly in 3 pts; fatigue improved in 3 pts, headache and visual symptoms improved in one pt each. The dose of imatinib was increased to 800 mg in 3 pts. Grade 3 diarrhea and liver dysfunction occurred in 1 pt requiring dose reduction to 300 mg daily. Grade 2 toxicities included edema (n=2), rash (n=1), bone pain (n=1) and diarrhea (n=1). We conclude that imatinib has activity in PV, leading to improved symptoms and decreased phlebotomy requirements.
Aberrant Stabilization of c-Myc Protein in Lymphoblastic and Myelogenous Leukemia Cell Lines.
Authors: Malempati Suman , Sears Rosalie C. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The c-Myc oncoprotein is a key regulator of cell fate decisions including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Orderly control of c-Myc protein levels is important in maintaining regulated cell proliferation in normal cells. While c-Myc overexpression is seen in many hematopoietic malignancies, the reason for high protein levels in most cases is unknown and, in general, is not the result of translocations or gene amplification. C-Myc levels vary with cell cycle and are kept very low in quiescent cells. Protein half-life is controlled by phosphorylation at two specific N-terminal sites, Serine 62 and Threonine 58, which regulate c-Myc degradation by the ubiquitin proteasome pathway. Two Ras-dependent signaling pathways (Raf/MEK/ERK and PI(3)K/Akt) modulate phosphorylation at Serine 62, which stabilizes the protein, and Threonine 58, which targets Myc for ubiquitination and subsequent degradation. We recently reported that a stabilized form of c-Myc (c-Myc T58A) contributes to oncogenic transformation of human cells in culture (Yeh et al, Nat. Cell Bio.6:308–318, 2004). Here we describe the role of c-Myc protein stabilization in 2 pediatric ALL cell lines (REH and Sup-B15), 1 AML cell line (HL-60), and 1 CML cell line (K562). Markedly higher expression of c-Myc protein was seen in all 4 cell lines as compared to normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). FISH analysis demonstrated amplification of the c-myc gene in HL-60 cells as has been previously reported, but not in REH, Sup-B15, or K562 cells. Using [35S]methionine pulse-chase analysis we demonstrate that the half-life of c-Myc in REH (55 minutes), Sup-B15 (47 minutes), and K562 (40 minutes) cells is longer than in normal PBMCs (9 to 15 minutes), but is not significantly prolonged in HL60 cells. We provide additional functional evidence for aberrant protein stabilization based on greater elevation of c-Myc protein after proteasome inhibition in PBMCs and HL-60 cells than in REH, Sup-B15, or K562 cells. These results suggest that that abnormalities in c-Myc degradation exist upstream of ubiquitination in the ALL and CML cell lines. Consistent with this hypothesis, experimental inhibition of the PI(3)K pathway knocked down c-Myc levels in REH and Sup-B15 cells, an effect that was abrogated by concomitant proteasome inhibition. This result suggests that abnormal activation of the PI(3)K pathway could participate in c-Myc stabilization in these cells. In addition, destabilization of c-Myc by PI(3)K inhibition correlated with a significant decrease in cell proliferation. In conclusion, we demonstrate that aberrant stabilization of c-Myc protein occurs in human leukemia cell lines. Affecting the c-Myc degradation pathway in hematopoietic malignancies that have stabilized c-Myc may constitute a novel therapeutic target. Additional experiments are ongoing to assess c-Myc stability in primary cells from leukemic bone marrow samples.
MYC Inactivation Induces Tumor Regression through the Recovery of a Functional DNA Damage Response.
Authors: Rabin Karen , Giuriato Sylvie , Ray Suma , Felsher Dean W. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Cancer is caused by genetic events that result in the activation of oncogenes or the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. Using the Tetracycline system, our laboratory has generated a transgenic mouse model in which MYC is conditionally overexpressed in hematopoietic cells, allowing us to turn MYC expression on and off at will. We have previously demonstrated that the inactivation of this single oncogene in an established and even highly invasive and metastatic lymphoma is sufficient to reverse cancer, suggesting that MYC may be an effective therapeutic target. In a variety of conditional oncogene models, we and others have found that tumor regression following oncogene inactivation involves similar phenomena, including cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and differentiation of the tumor cells. The similarity in the regression process across a variety of different oncogenes and types of cancer strongly suggests the existence of a common signaling pathway following oncogene inactivation, which culminates in the cessation of cell proliferation and the induction of apoptosis and differentiation. Recently, we have demonstrated that MYC activation disrupts the repair of DNA breaks and results in genomic instability. We speculated that MYC inactivation may cause tumor regression by restoring the ability of tumor cells to recognize that they are genomically damaged, which could subsequently lead to the cell cycle arrest, differentiation and apoptosis that is generally observed. Indeed, we now report that upon MYC inactivation, tumor cells activate DNA damage signaling pathways and begin to repair their DNA breaks. We have found evidence for activation of a functional DNA damage response both by immunofluorescent staining for phosphorylated ATM and Mre11, which demonstrates foci formation following MYC inactivation; and by the Comet assay, which shows a quantitative decrease in severity of DNA breaks following MYC inactivation. Our results suggest that MYC inactivation may induce tumor regression at least in part through the restoration of a DNA damage checkpoint response.
Cyclin D1 Deregulation in Mantle Cell Lymphoma: Tethering of the Cyclin D1 Promoter and 3′ Immunoglobin Enhancers by CTCF and Nucleophosmin.
Authors: Epner Elliot M. , Liu Hui , Jin Wang , Huang Jing , Nichols Craig R. , Maziarz Richard T. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Translocations involving the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene locus (IgH) are common in B cell malignancies. One common target gene is cyclin D1, which is deregulated in most patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and 20–30% of patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Cyclin D1 is known not to be expressed in normal lymphocytes, yet is deregulated by IgH translocations and insertions. The molecular mechanisms of long distance cyclin D1 activation by IgH regulatory elements in B cell malignancies have been obscure. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays demonstrated the presence of the CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) at both the cyclin D1 promoter and 3′ IgH regulatory regions only in cyclin D1 expressing malignant B cell lines containing IgH translocations or insertions. The nucleolar protein nucleophosmin (B23), a newly identified CTCF interaction partner, exhibited a similar distribution in ChIP assays. Combined FISH/immunofluorescence labelling studies have shown the presence of the cyclin D1/IgH translocated locus at the outer nucleolar membrane colocalized with CTCF and nucleophosmin. Thus, tethering of the cyclin D1 promoter to the 3′ IgH regulatory regions at the nucleolar membrane by CTCF/nucleophosmin provides a mechanism for spatial juxtaposition of the cyclin D1 promoter and 3′ IgH regulatory elements. We postulate RNA polymerase II then transfers from the 3′ IgH enhancers to the cyclin D1 promoter and initiates cyclin D1 transcription.
Profiling of Caspase Signaling Pathways Predicts Clinical Response to Chemotherapy in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphomas.
Authors: Oudejans Joost J. , Muris Jettie J.F. , Ossenkoppele Gert J. , Cillessen Saskia A.G.M. , van Houdt Inge , Kummer Alain J. , van Krieken Han , Kluin-Nelemans Hanneke C. , Meijer Chris J.L.M. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Disruption of the apoptosis signaling cascade is a probable cause for resistance to chemotherapy in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL). We investigated whether inhibition of either or both caspase 8 and 9 apoptosis signaling pathways in biopsy specimens of primary nodal (DLBCL) predicts clinical outcome. Expression levels of c-Flip and numbers of active caspase 3 positive lymphoma cells were used to determine the status of the caspase 8 mediated pathway. Expression levels of Bcl-2 and XIAP were used to determine the status of the caspase 9 mediated pathway. Expression of c-FLIP, XIAP and Bcl-2 and caspase 3 activity all provided prognostic information. According to these immuno-histochemical parameters, inhibition of either or both caspase signaling pathways was detected in all cases. Three groups were identified: one with a caspase 8 inhibition profile, one with a caspase 8 and 9 inhibition profile and one with a caspase 9 inhibition profile. The caspase 9 inhibition profile was strongly associated with a poor response to chemotherapy and a usually fatal outcome, whereas the caspase 8 inhibition profile was associated with excellent clinical outcome. Functional analysis of apoptosis sensitivity confirmed that apoptosis profile was directly related to chemotherapy sensitivity. Thus, our data strongly suggest that inhibition of the caspase 9 and not the caspase 8 mediated pathway is a major cause for therapy resistance in patients with nodal DLBCL.
Negative Regulation of Platelet Function by a Secreted Cell Repulsive Protein, Semaphorin 3A.
Authors: Kashiwagi Hirokazu , Shiraga Masamichi , Kato Hisashi , Kamae Tsuyoshi , Yamamoto Naoko , Tadokoro Seiji , Kurata Yoshiyuki , Tomiyama Yoshiaki , Kanakura Yuzuru 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Semaphorin (Sema) 3A is a secreted disulfide-bound homodimeric molecule that induces growth cone collapse and repulsion of axon growth in the nervous system. Recently, it has been demonstrated that Sema3A is produced by endothelial cells and it regulates vascular morphogenesis by inhibiting integrin function in an autocrine fashion. Since platelet interaction with endothelial cells is critical for thrombus formation as well as hemostasis, we investigated effects of Sema3A on platelet function.
We used two distinct Sema3A fusion proteins in this study: human Sema3A fused to Fc (Sema3A/Fc) and human Sema3A fused to placental alkaline phosphatase (Sema3A/AP). We detected dose-dependent and saturable binding of Sema3A fusion proteins to platelets. Flow cytometric analysis with PAC1 or soluble fibrinogen showed that Sema3A/Fc and Sema3A/AP inhibited activation of αIIbβ3 by all agonists examined, including ADP, thrombin, U46619, convulxin, and PMA. Sema3A also inhibited aggregation induced by thrombin or collagen. Moreover, Sema3A inhibited CD62P and CD63 expression after agonist stimulation, indicating that Sema3A inhibits granular secretion as well as activation of αIIbβ3. However, Sema3A did not inhibited thrombin-induced rapid intracellular calcium increase. Sema3A inhibited platelet adhesion to immobilized fibrinogen partially, and it severely impaired spreading of adhered platelets and even shrinking of spread platelets was observed after addition of Sema3A, suggesting that Sema3A impairs rearrangement of platelet cytoskeleton profoundly.
Activation of platelets by thrombin or PAR1 peptide increases F-actin contents, and Sema3A inhibited the agonist-induced elevation of F-actin contents. Sema3A treatment also decreased phosphorylation of cofilin in both resting and thrombin-stimulated platelets, suggesting that Sema3A may keep cofilin in the activated state leading to increase severing of F-actin. Since phosphorylation of cofilin was regulated by LIM-kinase, an effecter of Rac-PAK signaling pathway, we next examined effects of Sema3A on Rac1 activation after thrombin stimulation. PAR1 peptide induced rapid activation of Rac1 in platelets, and Sema3A almost completely inhibited the activation of Rac1. These results suggest that Sema3A inhibits agonist-induced actin rearrangement via Rac1-dependent pathway including phosphorylation of cofilin.
In conclusion, we demonstrated that Sema3A binds to platelets and inhibits platelet functions extensively. The inhibition of platelet functions by Sema3A appeared to be mediated at least in part through impairment of agonist-induced Rac1-dependent actin rearrangement.