Tetrapod phylogeny inferred from 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA sequences and a review of the evidence for amniote relationships [published erratum appears in Mol Biol Evol 1991 May;8(3):398]

The 18S ribosomal RNAs of 21 tetrapods were sequenced and aligned with five published tetrapod sequences. When the coelacanth was used as an outgroup, Lissamphibia (living amphibians) and Amniota (amniotes) were found to be statistically significant monophyletic groups. Although little resolution was obtained among the lissamphibian taxa, the amniote sequences support a sister-group relationship between birds and mammals. Portions of the 28S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) molecule in 11 tetrapods also were sequenced, although the phylogenetic results were inconclusive. In contrast to previous studies, deletion or down- weighting of base-paired sites were found to have little effect on phylogenetic relationships. Molecular evidence for amniote relationships is reviewed, showing that three genes (beta-hemoglobin, myoglobin, and 18S rRNA) unambiguously support a bird-mammal relationship, compared with one gene (histone H2B) that favors a bird- crocodilian clade. Separate analyses of four other genes (alpha- crystallin A, alpha-hemoglobin, insulin, and 28S rRNA) and a combined analysis of all sequence data are inconclusive, in that different groups are defined in different analyses and none are strongly supported. It is suggested that until sequences become available from a broader array of taxa, the molecular evidence is best evaluated at the level of individual genes, with emphasis placed on those studies with the greatest number of taxa and sites. When this is done, a bird-mammal relationship is most strongly supported. When regarded in combination with the morphological evidence for this association, it must be considered at least as plausible as a bird-crocodilian relationship.      

Histochemical study of cardiac mast cells degranulation and collagen deposition: interaction with the cathecolaminergic system in the rat

Although their role in the cardiovascular system is still largely unknown, mast cells are present in the myocardium of both experimental animals and humans. Interestingly, cathecolaminergic nerve fibres and mast cells are often described in close morphological and functional interactions in various organs. In the present study we investigated the effects of chronic interference with beta-adrenergic receptors (via either sympathectomy or beta-blockade) on cardiac mast cell morphology/activation and on interstitial collagen deposition. In rats subjected to chemical sympathectomizy with the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) we observed a significant increase of mast cell density, and in particular of degranulating mast cells, suggesting a close relationship between the cardiac catecholaminergic system and mast cell activation. In parallel, chronic 6-OHDA treatment was associated with increased collagen deposition. The influence of the beta-adrenergic receptor component was investigated in rats subjected to chronic propranolol administration, that caused a further significant increase in mast cell activation associated with a lower extent of collagen deposition when compared to chemical sympathectomy. These data are the first demonstration of a close relationship between rat cardiac mast cell activation and the catecholaminergic system, with a complex interplay with cardiac collagen deposition. Specifically, abrogation of the cardiac sympathetic efferent drive by chemical sympathectomy causes mast cell activation and interstitial fibrosis, possibly due to the local effects of the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine. In contrast, beta-adrenergic blockade is associated with enhanced mast cell degranulation and a lower extent of collagen deposition in the normal myocardium. In conclusion, cardiac mast cell activation is influenced by beta-adrenergic influences.     

Infant cannibalism in wild white‐faced capuchin monkeys

Cannibalism has been observed in a variety of animal taxa; however, it is relatively uncommon in primates. Thus, we rely heavily on case reports of this behavior to advance our understanding of the contexts under which it occurs. Here, we report the first observation of cannibalism in a group of wild white‐faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus imitator). The subject was a dead infant, estimated to be 10 days old, and the probable victim of infanticide. Consumption of the corpse was initiated by a 2‐year‐old male (second cousin of the infant), though it was eventually taken over and monopolized by the group''s alpha female (grandaunt of the infant). Although most group members expressed interest in the corpse (sniffing, touching, and threatening it), no others made an attempt to consume it. Given that this is the only observation of cannibalism recorded in over 37 years of study on this population, we consider it to be a rare behavior in this species. This detailed record contributes new data, which, when combined with other reports within and across species and contexts, enables the evaluation of adaptive explanations of cannibalism.     

Mesenchymal stromal cell transplantation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a long-term safety study

Background aimsMesenchymal stem cells/marrow stromal cells (MSC) represent a promising tool for stem cell-based clinical trials in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We present the results of long-term monitoring of 19 ALS patients enrolled in two phase I clinical trials of autologous MSC transplantationMethodsNineteen patients (11 male and eightfemale) with ALS were enrolled in two consecutive phase I clinical trials. The patients were followed-up for 6–9 months and then treated with autologous MSC isolated from bone marrow and implanted into the dorsal spinal cord with a surgical procedure. The patients were monitored regularly before and after transplantation with clinical, psychological and neuroradiologic assessments every 3 months, at the tertiary referral ALS center in Novara (Italy), until deathResultsFollow-up brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed no structural changes (including tumor formation) relative to the baseline throughout the follow-up. There was no deterioration in the psychosocial status and all patients coped well. No clear clinical benefits were detected in these patients but the recruitment and selection of appropriate patients into larger trials will be needed to test the efficacy of the treatmentConclusionsThis study is the first to show the safety of MSC transplantation in the central nervous system during a follow-up of nearly 9 years, and is in support of applying MSC-based cellular clinical trials to neurodegenerative disorders.     

Epigenetic regulation of REG1A and chemosensitivity of cutaneous melanoma

Regenerating gene 1A (REG1A) plays an important role in tissue regeneration and in cell proliferation in epithelium origin tumors; however, its role in melanoma has not been explored in details. The objective of this study was to identify whether REG1A is expressed in cutaneous melanoma and if REG1A expression status can predict prognosis in cutaneous melanoma patients with metastasis. We also determined whether epigenetic regulation of the promoter region regulates REG1A expression. AJCC stage III cutaneous melanoma specimens with clinically well annotated stage III lymph node melanoma metastasis tissue microarray were assessed by IHC. MALDI-TOF-mass spectrometry and HM450K array were used to identify REG1A promoter region CpG site methylation. Chemotherapeutic agent response by melanoma cells as related to REG1A protein expression was assessed. Post-surgery melanoma patients followed by adjuvant chemotherapy with high REG1A expression had a significantly better prognosis (disease-specific survival) compared with patients with low REG1A expression (log rank test; p = 0.0013). The demethylating reagent 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine activated REG1A promoter region resulting in enhanced REG1A mRNA and protein expression in melanoma cell lines. Promoter region CpG methylation was shown to regulate REG1A expression in melanoma cells. Moreover, melanoma lines with high REG1A mRNA expression were more susceptible to Dacarbazine and Cisplatin, as compared with those with low REG1A mRNA expression. In conclusion, REG1A expression status may be useful as a biomarker in melanoma patients for sensitivity to these chemotherapeutic agents. The epigenetic regulation of the REG1A promoter region may offer a potential therapeutic approach to improve chemotherapy for metastatic melanoma patients.     

Immunodetection of secretogranin II in animal and human tissues by new monoclonal antibodies.

Secretogranin II (chromogranin C) is an acidic tyrosine-sulfated secretory protein, known to be a marker of neuroendocrine secretory products and of specific neuroendocrine tumours. In order to obtain anti-secretogranin II monoclonal antibodies for cell biology studies and, in particular, for clinical applications, we immunized mice with a secretogranin II-enriched fraction prepared from homogenates of bovine anterior pituitaries. Hybridoma supernatants obtained from the splenocytes of a hyperimmune mouse, screened with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, were analyzed by both immunocytochemistry and two-dimensional immunoblotting. By using this experimental approach, we were able to identify two monoclonal antibodies (8G1 and 5A7) which recognize bovine secretogranin II. Both immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting revealed that one of them, the 5A7 antibody, cross-reacts with the human antigen. The distribution patterns of the immunoreactivity, obtained by immunocytochemistry with the 5A7 antibody in animal and human tissues, partially overlap those, obtained by using a polyclonal antiserum elicited against bovine secretogranin II, previously described. Moreover, the 5A7, but not the polyclonal antibody, reacts with some duodeno-jejunal cells. In conclusion, both the 5A7 and 8G1 antibodies can be useful for cell biology studies. The 5A7 antibody can be used for the detection of secretogranin II in human tissues and should be of help in clinical and pathological practices.