Primary growth and morphological markers of interannual growth limits in Cupressaceae from Patagonia

The present study shows experimentally that primary growth of the native Patagonian Cupressaceae Austrocedrus chilensis (D. Don) Pic.-Serm et Bizz., Fitzroya cupressoides (Molina) I. M. Johnst. and Pilgerodendron uviferum (D. Don) Florin is potentially continuous. External morphological markers of interannual growth limits have been identified for the main axes of these species after several years of observation. Such limits correspond with axis portions in which internodes are relatively short and leaves have a small distal free end forming an acute angle with the axis. The causality of these results and their utility for studying the productivity, adaptation to different environments, population management and conservation of these threatened species are discussed.  © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2004, 146 , 285–293.     

The influence of HER2 genotypes as molecular markers on breast cancer outcome

Alterations of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protooncogene have been implicated in the carcinogenesis and prognosis of breast cancer. A polymorphism has been identified at codon 655 (ATC/isoleucine to GTC/valine [I655V]) in the transmembrane domain-coding region of this gene, which may be associated with the risk of breast cancer. In this study we aimed to determine whether the risk of breast cancer is associated with the I655V polymorphism of HER2 transmembrane domain-coding region at codon 655. The genomic DNA from breast cancer patients and control subjects underwent analysis by the polymerase chain reaction-fragment length polymorphism. We observed no overall association between HER2 genotype and breast cancer (p = 0.53). However, an elevated positive association was observed for Ile/Val+Val/Val versus Ile/Ile genotypes in women >age 60 years (p = 0.02). Further, other risk factors--namely, the body mass index and family history--were found to be risk factors for developing breast cancer (p = 0.006 and p = 0.00, respectively). In conclusion, results of this study suggest that polymorphisms of the HER2 gene may be important susceptibility biomarkers for breast cancer risk among older women.     

Phospholipid and triacylglycerol fatty acid composition of major life stages of sunn pest,Eurygaster integriceps (Heteroptera: Scutelleridae)

Phospholipid and triacylglycerol fatty acid compositions of whole animals from all life stages of Eurygaster integriceps, including eggs, nymphs, pre-diapausing adults and diapausing adults, were determined. The fatty acid composition of total lipids of their food, wheat, was also determined. The major components of the insects and their food were the expected C16 and C18 saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Since fatty acid compositions of third-stadium nymphs were not similar to the profiles of their food, most likely, dietary fatty acids are modified by the insect. The fact is that the food does not provide C20 polyunsaturated fatty acids, but the insect tissue lipids include these components. We suggest biosynthesis of the C20 components by elongation/desaturation of C18:2n-6, an abundant component of the diets. We also show differences in fatty acid profiles from each of the life stages.     

Regulation of HOXA10 expression by phytoestrogens

HOXA10 is necessary for normal development of the Müllerian duct, and continued adult expression in the uterus is necessary for female fertility. HOXA10 expression is altered by diethylstilbestrol, leading to uterine anomalies. Other endocrine disruptors may potentially lead to reproductive anomalies or dysfunction by altering HOXA10 expression. Here we investigated the effect of isoflavones on HOXA10 expression after in utero or adult exposure in the mouse. Genistein, but not diadzein, regulated HOXA10 mRNA and protein expression in the adult mouse uterus. In contrast, in utero genistein or diadzein exposure had no lasting effect on HOXA10 expression in the exposed offspring. Reporter gene expression driven by the HOXA10 estrogen response element was increased in a dose-responsive manner by genistein, but not daidzein. Neither estrogen receptor-alpha nor estrogen receptor-beta binding to the HOXA10 estrogen response element was affected by genistein or daidzein. In utero exposure to isoflavones is unlikely to result in HOXA10-mediated developmental anomalies. Adult genistein exposure alters uterine HOXA10 expression, a potential mechanism by which this agent affects fertility.     

Identification of a differential expression signature associated with tumorigenesis and metastasis of laryngeal carcinoma

Objectives

Metastasis is the most significant prognostic factor for laryngeal carcinoma which necessitates the identification of molecular alterations associated with metastasis. The identification of such molecular alterations will not only prove useful in treatment but also provide insight into mechanisms of cancer metastasis. The studies conducted so far have not specifically focused on metastasis or invasion pathways. Therefore we investigated the expression profiles with a pathway focused approach.

Materials and methods

Total RNA was extracted from 36 laryngeal tumors and paired cancer free tissue. Expression levels of 88 genes were determined using a PCR array system following cDNA synthesis. Obtained data was used for the calculation of altered expression levels, facilitating relevant algorithms. Significant alterations were determined according to their p-value obtained by Student's t-test.

Results

Sixteen genes have shown altered expression when compared with adjacent cancer-free tissue. 2 of these 16 genes have shown differential expression in tumors with neck metastasis in respect to non-metastatic tumors.

Conclusion

We found that TGFB1, TIMP1, c-Myc, SPARC, COL4A2 and SOX4 show altered expression in laryngeal tumors. c-Myc and SOX4 expression is decreased as laryngeal tumors switch to metastatic phenotype.