Search for Oncogenic Properties in Various Viruses Found in Man: Positive Results with Adenovirus Types 12 and 18

Since the inoculation of newborn hamsters with polyoma virus results both in necrotizing lesions and virus-free tumours the possibility was raised that necrotizing viruses found in man acted similarly. Accordingly a group of viruses found in man were tested for oncogenic activity by injecting them into newborn hamsters. Most were observed for more than a year. As yet only Adenovirus Types 12 and 18 have induced tumours; the oncogenic properties of these were reported by Trentin et al., and Huebner et al., respectively, while this study was in progress. The significance of the findings with regard to man cannot as yet be evaluated but the point is made that Adenovirus Types 12 and 18, like polyoma and SV40 virus, only cause neoplasia under special circumstances. Further work will be required to discover if these circumstances or their equivalent occur under conditions of the natural spread of infection.     

Regional localization of human beta-casein gene (CSN2) to 4pter-q21.

Milk proteins are crucial for the development of all newborn mammals. Caseins that constitute the bulk of the protein in mammalian milk have been shown to be members of a multigene family in at least two species. They are among the most rapidly diverging groups of proteins, and their numbers vary widely among species. beta- and kappa-Caseins are the only caseins present in human milk. Using polymerase chain reaction on genomic DNA from somatic cell hybrids, we have localized the human beta-casein gene (CSN2) to 4pter----q21.     

Commentary on Coram et al. (2021) on the use of Facebook to understand marine mammal stranding issues in Southeast Asia

We reviewed Coram et al. (Biodivers Conserv 30:2341–2359, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-021-02196-6), a paper that highlights the use of social media data to understand marine litter and marine mammals in Southeast Asia. While we commend its intent, we find that the methodology used and conclusions drawn portray an incomplete and inaccurate perception of how strandings, stranding response, and analysis of stranding data have been conducted in the region. By focusing on investigative results revealed by a very limited search of one social media platform (Facebook), using only English keywords, and insufficient ground-truthing, Coram et al. (2021) have, unintentionally, given the perception that Southeast Asian scientists have not conducted even the bare minimum of investigation required to better understand the issue of marine litter and its impact on marine mammals. In this commentary we provide a more accurate account of strandings research in Asia and include recommendations to improve future studies using social media to assess conservation issues.

     

Stress-activated protein kinases are negatively regulated by cell density.

Stimulation by UV irradiation, TNFalpha, as well as PDGF or EGF activates the JNK/SAPK signalling pathway in mouse fibroblasts. This results in the phosphorylation of the N-terminal domain of c-Jun, increasing its transactivation potency. Using an antibody that specifically recognizes c-Jun phosphorylated at Ser63, we show that culture confluency drastically inhibited c-Jun N-terminal phosphorylation due to the inhibition of the JNK/SAPK pathway. Transfection experiments demonstrate that the inhibition occurs at the same level as, or upstream of, the small G-proteins cdc42 and Rac1. In contrast, the classical MAPK pathway was insensitive to confluency. The inhibition of JNK/SAPK activation depended on the integrity of the actin microfilament network. These results were confirmed and extended in monolayer wounding experiments. After PDGF, EGF or UV stimulation, c-Jun was predominantly phosphorylated in cells bordering the wound, which are the cells that move to occupy the wounded area. Thus, modulation of the stress-dependent signal cascade by confluency will restrict c-Jun N-terminal phosphorylation in response to mitogenic or chemotactic agents to cells that border a wounded area.