lin-17/Frizzled and lin-18 regulate POP-1/TCF-1 localization and cell type specification during C. elegans vulval development

The Caenorhabditis elegans vulva is comprised of highly similar anterior and posterior halves that are arranged in a mirror symmetric pattern. The cell lineages that form each half of the vulva are identical, except that they occur in opposite orientations with respect to the anterior/posterior axis. We show that most vulval cell divisions produce sister cells that have asymmetric levels of POP-1 and that the asymmetry has opposite orientations in the two halves of the vulva. We demonstrate that lin-17 (Frizzled type Wnt receptor) and lin-18 (Ryk) regulate the pattern of POP-1 localization and cell type specification in the posterior half of the vulva. In the absence of lin-17 and lin-18, posterior lineages are reversed and resemble anterior lineages. These experiments suggest that Wnt signaling pathways reorient cell lineages in the posterior half of the vulva from a default orientation displayed in the anterior half of the vulva.     

Hypomorphic Smn knockdown C2C12 myoblasts reveal intrinsic defects in myoblast fusion and myotube morphology

Dosage of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein has been directly correlated with the severity of disease in patients diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). It is also clear that SMA is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of the alpha-motor neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord and atrophy of the associated skeletal muscle. What is more controversial is whether it is neuronal and/or muscle-cell-autonomous defects that are responsible for the disease per se. Although motor neuron degeneration is generally accepted as the primary event in SMA, intrinsic muscle defects in this disease have not been ruled out. To gain a better understanding of the influence of SMN protein dosage in muscle, we have generated a hypomorphic series of myoblast (C2C12) stable cell lines with variable Smn knockdown. We show that depletion of Smn in these cells resulted in a decrease in the number of nuclear 'gems' (gemini of coiled bodies), reduced proliferation with no increase in cell death, defects in myoblast fusion, and malformed myotubes. Importantly, the severity of these abnormalities is directly correlated with the decrease in Smn dosage. Taken together, our work supports the view that there is an intrinsic defect in skeletal muscle cells of SMA patients and that this defect contributes to the overall pathogenesis in this devastating disease.     

Synthesis and spectral investigation of manganese(II), cadmium(II) and oxovanadium(IV) complexes with 2,6-diacetylpyridine bis(2-aminobenzoylhydrazone): Crystal structure of manganese(II) and cadmium(II) complexes

The chelating behavior of 2,6-diacetylpyridine bis(2-aminobenzoylhydrazone) (H₂dapa) towards manganese(II), cadmium(II) and oxovanadium(IV) ions has been studied by elemental analyses, conductance measurements, magnetic properties and spectral (IR, ¹H NMR, UV-Vis and EPR) studies. The IR spectral studies suggest the pentadentate nature of the ligand with pyridine nitrogen, two azomethine nitrogens and two carbonyl oxygen atoms as the ligating sites. Six coordinate structure for [VO(H₂dapa)]SO₄ · H₂O and seven coordinate structures for [Mn(H₂dapa)(Cl)(H₂O)]Cl · 2H₂O and [Cd(H₂dapa)Cl₂] · H₂O complexes have been proposed. Pentagonal bipyramidal geometry for [Mn(H₂dapa)(Cl)(H₂O)]Cl · 2H₂O and [Cd(H₂dapa)(Cl₂)] · H₂O complexes was confirmed by single crystal analysis. The X-band EPR spectra of the oxovanadium(IV) and manganese(II) complexes in the polycrystalline state at room (300 K) and also at liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K) were recorded and their salient features are reported.     

Caspase-2 triggers Bax-Bak-dependent and -independent cell death in colon cancer cells treated with resveratrol

Polyphenol phytoalexin (resveratrol), found in grapes and red wine is a strong chemopreventive agent with promising safety records with human consumption and unique forms of cell death induction in a variety of tumor cells. However, the mechanism of resveratrol-induced apoptosis upstream of mitochondria is still not defined. The results from this study suggest that caspase-2 activation occurs upstream of mitochondria in resveratrol-treated cells. The upstream activation of caspase-2 is not dependent on its antioxidant property or NF-kappaB inhibition. The activated caspase-2 triggers mitochondrial apoptotic events by inducing conformational changes in Bax/Bak with subsequent release of cytochrome c, apoptosis-inducing factor, and endonuclease G. Caspase-8 activation seems to be independent of these events and does not appear to be mediated by classical death receptor processing or downstream caspases. Both caspase-2 and caspase-8 contribute toward the mitochondrial translocation of Bid, since neither caspase-8 inhibition nor caspase-2 inhibition could prevent translocation of Bid DsRed into mitochondria. Caspase-2 inhibitors or antisense silencing of caspase-2 prevented cell death induced by resveratrol and partially prevented processing of downstream caspases, including caspase-9, caspase-3, and caspase-8. Studies using mouse embryonic fibroblasts deficient for both Bax and Bak indicate the contribution of both Bax and Bak in mediating cell death induced by resveratrol and the existence of Bax/Bak-independent cell death possibly through caspase-8- or caspase-2-mediated mitochondria-independent downstream caspase processing.     

Evaluation of methods for sequence analysis of highly repetitive DNA templates.

The DNA Sequencing Research Group (DSRG) of the ABRF conducted a study to assess the ability of DNA sequencing core facilities to successfully sequence a set of well-defined templates containing difficult repeats. The aim of this study was to determine whether repetitive templates could be sequenced accurately by using equipment and chemistries currently utilized in participating sequencing laboratories. The effects of primer and template concentrations, sequencing chemistries, additives, and instrument formats on the ability to successfully sequence repeat elements were examined. The first part of this study was an analysis of the results of 361 chromatograms from participants representing 40 different laboratories who attempted to sequence a panel of difficult-to-sequence templates using their best in-house protocols. The second part of this study was a smaller multi-laboratory evaluation of a single robust protocol with the same panel of templates. This study provides a measure of the potential success of different approaches to sequencing across homopolymer tracts and repetitive elements.     

Microtubule stability, Golgi organization, and transport flux require dystonin-a2-MAP1B interaction

Loss of function of dystonin cytoskeletal linker proteins causes neurodegeneration in dystonia musculorum (dt) mutant mice. Although much investigation has focused on understanding dt pathology, the diverse cellular functions of dystonin isoforms remain poorly characterized. In this paper, we highlight novel functions of the dystonin-a2 isoform in mediating microtubule (MT) stability, Golgi organization, and flux through the secretory pathway. Using dystonin mutant mice combined with isoform-specific loss-of-function analysis, we found dystonin-a2 bound to MT-associated protein 1B (MAP1B) in the centrosomal region, where it maintained MT acetylation. In dt neurons, absence of the MAP1B-dystonin-a2 interaction resulted in altered MAP1B perikaryal localization, leading to MT deacetylation and instability. Deacetylated MT accumulation resulted in Golgi fragmentation and prevented anterograde trafficking via motor proteins. Maintenance of MT acetylation through trichostatin A administration or MAP1B overexpression mitigated the observed defect. These cellular aberrations are apparent in prephenotype dorsal root ganglia and primary sensory neurons from dt mice, suggesting they are causal in the disorder.     

Regulation of urokinase expression at the posttranscription level by lung epithelial cells

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) is expressed by lung epithelial cells and regulates fibrin turnover and epithelial cell viability. PMA, LPS, and TNF-alpha, as well as uPA itself, induce uPA expression in lung epithelial cells. PMA, LPS, and TNF-alpha induce uPA expression through increased synthesis as well as stabilization of uPA mRNA, while uPA increases its own expression solely through uPA mRNA stabilization. The mechanism by which lung epithelial cells regulate uPA expression at the level of mRNA stability is unclear. To elucidate this process, we sought to characterize protein-uPA mRNA interactions that regulate uPA expression. Regulation of uPA at the level of mRNA stability involves the interaction of a ~40 kDa cytoplasmic-nuclear shuttling protein with a 66 nt uPA mRNA 3'UTR sequence. We purified the uPA mRNA 3'UTR binding protein and identified it as ribonucleotide reductase M2 (RRM2). We expressed recombinant RRM2 and confirmed its interaction with a specific 66 nt uPA 3'UTR sequence. Immunoprecipitation of cell lysates with anti-RRM2 antibody and RT-PCR for uPA mRNA confirmed that RRM2 binds to uPA mRNA. Treatment of Beas2B cells with uPA or LPS attenuated RRM2-endogenous uPA mRNA interactions, while overexpression of RRM2 inhibited uPA protein and mRNA expression through destabilization of uPA mRNA. LPS exposure of lung epithelial cells translocates RRM2 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in a time-dependent manner, leading to stabilization of uPA mRNA. This newly recognized pathway could influence uPA expression and a broad range of uPA-dependent functions in lung epithelial cells in the context of lung inflammation and repair.     

Cross-functional E3 ligases Parkin and C-terminus Hsp70-interacting protein in neurodegenerative disorders

The study of neurodegenerative disorders has had a major impact on our understanding of more fundamental mechanisms underlying neurobiology. Breakthroughs in the genetics of Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's diseases (PD) has resulted in new knowledge in the areas of axonal transport, energy metabolism, protein trafficking/clearance and synaptic physiology. The major neurodegenerative diseases have in common a regional or network pathology associated with abnormal protein accumulation(s) and various degrees of motor or cognitive decline. In AD, β-amyloids are deposited in extracellular diffuse and compacted plaques as well as intracellularly. There is a major contribution to the disease by the co-existence of an intraneuronal tauopathy. Additionally, PD-like Lewy Bodies (LBs) bearing aggregated α-synuclein is present in 40-60% of all AD cases, especially involving amygdala. Amyloid deposits can be degraded or cleared by several mechanisms, including immune-mediated and transcytosis across the blood-brain barrier. Another avenue for disposal involves the lysosome pathway via autophagy. Enzymatic pathways include insulin degradative enzyme and neprilysin. Finally, the co-operative actions of C-terminus Hsp70 interacting protein (CHIP) and Parkin, components of a multiprotein E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, may be a portal to proteasome-mediated degradation. Mutations in the Parkin gene are the most common genetic link to autosomal recessive Parkinson's disease. Parkin catalyzes the post-translational modification of proteins with polyubiquitin, targeting them to the 26S proteasome. Parkin reduces intracellular Aβ(1-42) peptide levels, counteracts its effects on cell death, and reverses its effect to inhibit the proteasome. Additionally, Parkin has intrinsic cytoprotective activity to promote proteasome function and defend against oxidative stress to mitochondria. Parkin and CHIP are also active in amyloid clearance and cytoprotection in vivo. Parkin has cross-functionality in additional neurodegenerative diseases, for instance, to eliminate polyglutamine-expanded proteins, reducing their aggregation and toxicity and reinstate proteasome function. The dual actions of CHIP (molecular co-chaperone and E3 ligase) and Parkin (as E3-ubiquitin ligase and anti-oxidant) may also play a role in suppressing inflammatory reactions in animal models of neurodegeneration. In this review, we focus on the significance of CHIP and Parkin as inducers of amyloid clearance, as cytoprotectants and in the suppression of reactive inflammation. A case is made for more effort to explore whether neurodegeneration associated with proteinopathies can be arrested at early stages by promoting their mutual action.     

Generalized arterial calcification of infancy and pseudoxanthoma elasticum can be caused by mutations in either ENPP1 or ABCC6

Spontaneous pathologic arterial calcifications in childhood can occur in generalized arterial calcification of infancy (GACI) or in pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE). GACI is associated with biallelic mutations in ENPP1 in the majority of cases, whereas mutations in ABCC6 are known to cause PXE. However, the genetic basis in subsets of both disease phenotypes remains elusive. We hypothesized that GACI and PXE are in a closely related spectrum of disease. We used a standardized questionnaire to retrospectively evaluate the phenotype of 92 probands with a clinical history of GACI. We obtained the ENPP1 genotype by conventional sequencing. In those patients with less than two disease-causing ENPP1 mutations, we sequenced ABCC6. We observed that three GACI patients who carried biallelic ENPP1 mutations developed typical signs of PXE between 5 and 8 years of age; these signs included angioid streaks and pseudoxanthomatous skin lesions. In 28 patients, no disease-causing ENPP1 mutation was found. In 14 of these patients, we detected pathogenic ABCC6 mutations (biallelic mutations in eight patients, monoallelic mutations in six patients). Thus, ABCC6 mutations account for a significant subset of GACI patients, and ENPP1 mutations can also be associated with PXE lesions in school-aged children. Based on the considerable overlap of genotype and phenotype of GACI and PXE, both entities appear to reflect two ends of a clinical spectrum of ectopic calcification and other organ pathologies, rather than two distinct disorders. ABCC6 and ENPP1 mutations might lead to alterations of the same physiological pathways in tissues beyond the artery.