A Probasin‐MerCreMer BAC allows inducible recombination in the mouse prostate

Tissue‐specific transgene expression in the prostate epithelium has previously been achieved using short prostate‐specific promoters, rendering transgenic mouse lines susceptible to integration site‐dependent effects. Here we demonstrate the applicability of bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) technology to transgene expression in the prostate epithelium. We present mouse lines expressing an inducible Cre protein (MerCreMer) under the control of regulatory elements of the probasin gene on a BAC. These mouse lines show high organ specificity, high transgene expression in anterior, dorsal and lateral prostate lobes, no background Cre recombination using a reporter strain and adjustable amounts of Cre‐induced recombination upon tamoxifen induction. Together with two recently reported transgenic lines expressing the Cre‐ERT2 protein from small prostate‐specific promoters, these mouse lines will be useful in research focused on prostate‐specific disorders such as benign hyperplasia or cancer. genesis 47:757–764, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Congeneric but still distinct: how closely related trypsin ligands exhibit different thermodynamic and structural properties

A congeneric series of benzamidine-type ligands with a central proline moiety and a terminal cycloalkyl group—linked by a secondary amine, ether, or methylene bridge—was synthesized as trypsin inhibitors. This series of inhibitors was investigated by isothermal titration calorimetry, crystal structure analysis in two crystal forms, and molecular dynamics simulations. Even though all of these congeneric ligands exhibited essentially the same affinity for trypsin, their binding profiles at the structural, dynamic, and thermodynamic levels are very distinct. The ligands display a pronounced enthalpy/entropy compensation that results in a nearly unchanged free energy of binding, even though individual enthalpy and entropy terms change significantly across the series. Crystal structures revealed that the secondary amine-linked analogs scatter over two distinct conformational families of binding modes that occupy either the inside or of the outside the protein's S3/S4 specificity pocket. In contrast, the ether-linked and methylene-linked ligands preferentially occupy the hydrophobic specificity pocket. This also explains why the latter ligands could only be crystallized in the conformationally restricting closed crystal form whereas the derivative with the highest residual mobility in the series escaped our attempts to crystallize it in the closed form; instead, a well-resolved structure could only be achieved in the open form with the ligand in disordered orientation. These distinct binding modes are supported by molecular dynamics simulations and correlate with the shifting enthalpic/entropic signatures of ligand binding. The examples demonstrate that, at the molecular level, binding modes and thermodynamic binding signatures can be very different even for closely related ligands. However, deviating binding profiles provide the opportunity to optimally address a given target.     

A Systematic Review of MicroRNA in Glioblastoma Multiforme: Micro-modulators in the Mesenchymal Mode of Migration and Invasion

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an incurable form of brain cancer with a very poor prognosis. Because of its highly invasive nature, it is impossible to remove all tumor cells during surgical resection, making relapse inevitable. Further research into the regulatory mechanism underpinning GBM pathogenesis is therefore warranted, and over the past decade, there has been an increased focus on the functional role of microRNA (miRNA). This systematic review aims to present a comprehensive overview of all the available literature on the expression profiles and function of miRNA in GBM. Here, we have reviewed 163 papers and identified 253 upregulated, 95 downregulated, and 17 disputed miRNAs with respect to expression levels; 85 % of these miRNAs have not yet been functionally characterized. A focus in this study has been 26 interesting miRNAs involved in the mesenchymal mode of migration and invasion, demonstrating the importance of miRNAs in the context of the cellular niche. Both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive miRNAs were found to affect target genes involved in cell migration, cytoskeletal rearrangement, invasiveness, and angiogenesis. Clearly, the distinct functional properties of these miRNAs need further investigation and might hold a great potential in future molecular therapies targeting GBM.     

Apoplastic and cytosolic expression of full‐size antibodies and antibody fragments in Nicotiana tabacum

We compared the expression of a functional recombinant TMVspecific fullsize antibody (rAb29) in both the apoplast and cytosol of tobacco plants and a single chain antibody fragment (scFv29), derived from rAb29, was expressed in the cytosol. Cloned heavy and light chain cDNAs of fullsize rAb29, which binds to TMV coat protein monomers, were integrated into the plant expression vector pSS. The fullsize rAb29 was expressed in the cytosol and targeted to the apoplast by including the original murine antibody leader sequences. Levels of functional fullsize rAb29 expression were high in the apoplast (up to 8.5g per gram leaf tissue), whereas cytosolic expression was low or at the ELISA detection limit. Sequences of the variable domains of rAb29 light and heavy chain were used to generate the single chain antibody scFv29, which was expressed in the periplasmic space of E.coli and showed the same binding specificity as fullsize rAb29. In addition, scFv29 was functionally expressed in the cytosol of tobacco plants and plant derived scFv29 maintained same binding specificity to TMVcoat protein monomers as rAb29.     

Specific features of ex‐obese patients significantly influence the functional cell properties of adipose‐derived stromal cells

Adipose‐derived stromal cells (ADSC) are increasingly used in clinical applications due to their regenerative capabilities. However, ADSC therapies show variable results. This study analysed the effects of specific factors of ex‐obese patients on ADSC functions. ADSC were harvested from abdominal tissues (N = 20) after massive weight loss. Patients were grouped according to age, sex, current and maximum body mass index (BMI), BMI difference, weight loss method, smoking and infection at the surgical site. ADSC surface markers, viability, migration, transmigration, sprouting, differentiation potential, cytokine secretion, telomere length and mtDNA copy number were analysed. All ADSC expressed CD73, CD90, CD105, while functional properties differed significantly among patients. A high BMI difference due to massive weight loss was negatively correlated with ADSC proliferation, migration and transmigration, while age, sex or weight loss method had a smaller effect. ADSC from female and younger donors and individuals after weight loss by increase of exercise and diet change had a higher activity. Telomere length, mtDNA copy number, differentiation potential and the secretome did not correlate with patient factors or cell function. Therefore, we suggest that factors such as age, sex, increase of exercise and especially weight loss should be considered for patient selection and planning of regenerative therapies.     

TGF-beta and the regulation of neuron survival and death.

Transforming growth factor-betas (TGF-betas) constitute a superfamily of multifunctional cytokines with important implications in morphogenesis, cell differentiation, and tissue remodeling. In the developing nervous system, TGF-beta2 and -beta3 occur in radial and astroglial cells as well as in many populations of postmitotic, differentiating neurons. TGF-beta1 is restricted to the choroid plexus and meninges. In addition to functions related to glial cell maturation and performances, TGF-beta2 and -beta3 are important regulators of neuron survival. In contrast to neurotrophic factors, as for example, neurotrophins, TGF-betas are most likely not neurotrophic by themselves. However, they can dramatically increase the potency of select neurotrophins, fibroblast growth factor-2, ciliary neurotrophic factor, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). In the case of GDNF, we have shown that GDNF fails to promote the survival of highly purified neuron populations in vitro unless it is supplemented with TGF-beta. This also applies to the in vivo situation, where antibodies to all three TGF-beta isoforms fully prevent the trophic effect of GDNF on axotomized, target-deprived neurons. In addition to the TGF-beta isoforms -beta2 and -beta3, other members of the TGF-beta superfamily are expressed in the nervous system having important roles in embryonic patterning, cell migration, and neuronal transmitter determination. We have cloned and expressed a novel TGF-beta, named growth/differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15). GDF-15 is synthesized in the choroid plexus and released into the CSF, but also occurs in all regions investigated of the developing and adult brain. GDF-15 is a potent trophic factor for developing and 6-OHDA-lesioned midbrain dopaminergic neurons in vitro and in vivo, matching the potency of GDNF.     

The soil bacterial community regulates germination of Plasmodiophora brassicae resting spores rather than root exudates

Clubroot, caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, is a severe soil-borne disease that restricts the production of cruciferous crops worldwide. A better understanding of biotic and abiotic factors regulating germination of P. brassicae resting spores in the soil is significant for developing novel control methods. Previous studies reported that root exudates can trigger P. brassicae resting spore germination, thus enabling a targeted attack of P. brassicae on host plant roots. However, we found that native root exudates collected under sterile conditions from host or non-host plants cannot stimulate the germination of sterile spores, indicating that root exudates may not be direct stimulation factors. Instead, our studies demonstrate that soil bacteria are essential for triggering germination. Through 16s rRNA amplicon sequencing analysis, we found that certain carbon sources and nitrate can reshape the initial microbial community to an inducing community leading to the germination of P. brassicae resting spores. The stimulating communities significantly differed in composition and abundance of bacterial taxa compared to the non-stimulating ones. Several enriched bacterial taxa in stimulating community were significantly correlated with spore germination rates and may be involved as stimulation factors. Based on our findings, a multi-factorial ‘pathobiome’ model comprising abiotic and biotic factors is proposed to represent the putative plant-microbiome-pathogen interactions associated with breaking spore dormancy of P. brassicae in soil. This study presents novel views on P. brassicae pathogenicity and lays the foundation for novel sustainable control strategies of clubroot.     

Comparison of proteomic and genomic analyses of the human breast cancer cell line T47D and the antiestrogen-resistant derivative T47D-r

In search of novel mechanisms leading to the development of antiestrogen-resistance in human breast tumors, we analyzed differences in the gene and protein expression pattern of the human breast carcinoma cell line T47D and its derivative T47D-r, which is resistant toward the pure antiestrogen ZM 182780 (Faslodex trade mark, fulvestrant). Affymetrix DNA chip hybridizations on the commercially available HuGeneFL and Hu95A arrays were carried out in parallel to the proteomics analysis where the total cellular protein content of T47D or T47D-r was separated on two-dimensional gels. Thirty-eight proteins were found to be reproducibly up- or down-regulated more than 2-fold in T47D-r versus T47D in the proteomics analysis. Comparison with differential mRNA analysis revealed that 19 of these were up- or down-regulated in parallel with the corresponding mRNA molecules, among which are the protease cathepsin D, the GTPases Rab11a and MxA, and the secreted protein hAG-2. For 11 proteins, the corresponding mRNA was not found to be differentially expressed, and for eight proteins an inverse regulation was found at the mRNA level. In summary, mRNA expression data, when combined with proteomic information, provide a more detailed picture of how breast cancer cells are altered in their antiestrogen-resistant compared with the antiestrogen-sensitive state.     

Amplification of CRAC current by STIM1 and CRACM1 (Orai1)

Depletion of intracellular calcium stores activates store-operated calcium entry across the plasma membrane in many cells. STIM1, the putative calcium sensor in the endoplasmic reticulum, and the calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) modulator CRACM1 (also known as Orai1) in the plasma membrane have recently been shown to be essential for controlling the store-operated CRAC current (I(CRAC)). However, individual overexpression of either protein fails to significantly amplify I(CRAC). Here, we show that STIM1 and CRACM1 interact functionally. Overexpression of both proteins greatly potentiates I(CRAC), suggesting that STIM1 and CRACM1 mutually limit store-operated currents and that CRACM1 may be the long-sought CRAC channel.     

Polychromatic (eight-color) slide-based cytometry for the phenotyping of leukocyte, NK, and NKT subsets.

BACKGROUND: Natural killer (NK) and NK T (NKT) cells are important in innate immune defense. Their unequivocal identification requires at least four antigens. Based on the expression of additional antigens, they can be further divided into functional subsets. For more accurate immunophenotyping and to describe multiple expression patterns of leukocyte subsets, an increased number of measurable colors is necessary. To take advantage of the technologic features offered by slide-based cytometry, repeated analysis was combined with sequential optical-filter changing. METHODS: Human peripheral blood leukocytes from healthy adult volunteers were labeled with antibodies by direct or indirect staining. Tandem dyes of Cy7 (phycoerythrin [PE]-/allophycocyanin [APC]-Cy7), Cy5.5 (PE-/APC-Cy5.5), and PE-Cy5 and the fluorochromes fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), PE, and APC were tested alone and in combinations. Optical filters of the laser scanning cytometer were 555 DRLP/BP 530/30 nm for photomultiplier tube (PMT) 1/FITC, 605 DRLP/BP 580/30 nm for PMT 2/PE, 740 DCXR/BP 670/20 nm for PMT 3/Cy5/APC, and BP 810/90 nm for PMT 4/Cy7. Filter PMT 3 was replaced for detection of PE/Cy5.5 and APC/Cy5.5 by 740 LP/BP 710/20 nm and the sample was remeasured. Both data files were merged into one to combine the different information on a single-cell basis. The combination of eight antibodies against CD3, CD4, CD8, CD14, CD16, CD19, CD45, and CD56 was used to characterize NK and NKT cells and their subsets. RESULTS: In this way Cy5.5 is measurable at 488-nm and 633-nm excitation. Further, with the two different filters it is possible to distinguish Cy5 from Cy5.5 in the same detection channel (PMT 3). With this method we identified NK and NKT cells, subsets of NK (CD3-16+56+, CD3-16+56-, CD3-16-56+) and NKT (CD3+16+56+, CD3+16-56+) and their CD4+8-, CD4-8+, CD4-8- and CD4+8+ subsets. CONCLUSION: With our adaptations it is possible to discriminate tandem conjugates of Cy5, Cy5.5, and Cy7 for eight-color immunophenotyping. Using this method, novel rare subsets of NK and NKT cells that are CD4/CD8 double positive are reported for the first time.