Chromosome phylogeny of the subfamily Pitheciinae (Platyrrhini,Primates) by classic cytogenetics and chromosome painting

Background  

The New World monkey (Platyrrhini) subfamily Pitheciinae is represented by the genera Pithecia, Chiropotes and Cacajao. In this work we studied the karyotypes of Pithecia irrorata (2n = 48) and Cacajao calvus rubicundus (2n = 45 in males and 2n = 46 in females) by G- and C-banding, NOR staining and chromosome painting using human and Saguinus oedipus whole chromosome probes. The karyotypes of both species were compared with each other and with Chiropotes utahicki (2n = 54) from the literature.     

Direct anti-metastatic efficacy by the DNA enzyme Dz13 and downregulated MMP-2, MMP-9 and MT1-MMP in tumours

The DNA enzyme Dz13, targeted against the oncogene c-Jun, is capable of inhibiting various model tumours in mice albeit in ectopic models of neoplasia. In previous studies using orthotopic models of disease, the inhibitory effects of Dz13 on secondary growth was a direct result of growth inhibition at the primary lesion site. Thus, the direct and genuine effects on metastasis were not gauged. In this study, Dz13 was able to inhibit both locoregional and distal metastasis of tumour cells in mice, in studies where the primary tumours were unaffected due to the late and clinically-mimicking nature of treatment commencement. In addition, the effect of Dz13 against tumours has now been extended to encompass breast and prostate cancer. Dz13 upregulated the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, and decreased expression of MT1-MMP (MMP-14) in cultured tumour cells. However, in sections of ectopic tumours treated with Dz13, both MMP-2 and MMP-9 were downregulated. Thus, not only is Dz13 able to inhibit tumour growth at the primary site, but also able to decrease the ability of neoplastic cells to metastasise. These findings further highlight the growing potential of Dz13 as an antineoplastic agent.     

Flower Development and Senescence in Digitalis purpurea L., cv. Foxy

Flowers of Digitalis purpurea L. cv. Foxy, take just over aweek to develop from the smallest buds and open. Both the anthersand the stigma are closed when the flower opens, the anterioranthers dehisce 2 days after flower opening and the posterioranthers a day later. The stigma opens 2 days later still andthe corolla remains attached for a further 2 days. The maximum size of the corolla is reached soon after openingand then remains constant. The fresh weight increases throughoutthe attached life of the corolla, whereas the dry weight reachesa maximum at flower opening and decreases during the remainderof the corolla's attached life. The content of antho-cyaninvaries greatly from spike to spike. In some spikes the maximumcontent is at flower opening, in others it is much later, butin all cases the loss of anthocyanin with ageing is very smalland the corollas are abcissed without visible wilting or fading.Maximum protein, RNA and glucose contents occur at, or soonafter, flower opening and the levels decrease in the corollasas they age. Fructose reaches a maximum at the same time asglucose but does not decrease as rapidly, so that fructose becomesthe major reducing sugar in the older corollas. Sucrose cannotbe detected in any flowers. Ethylene production increases steadilywith flower age, but the maximum production is recorded fromflowers which have recently ab-scissed the corolla regardlessof whether this occurs before detachment from the spike or withinthe collection tube.     

Studies of Central American pines: a revision of the 'pseudostrobus' group (Pinaceae)

Variation in the pseudostrobus group of species in Pinus was examined using a series of numerical techniques involving principal components and canonical discriminant analyses. As a result, the group is divided into three species: P. maximinoi, P. douglasiana and P. pseudostrobus. The latter, which is very variable, is further divided into two subspecies and one variety. The formal taxonomy of the group is revised and information on the distribution, ecology and relationships of the taxa recognized is given. Because of the very great economic importance of these pines within and outside their natural distribution areas and the considerable nomenclatural confusion which exists, a full treatment of synonymy and relevant literature is provided.     

YAP‐TEAD signaling promotes basal cell carcinoma development via a c‐JUN/AP1 axis

The mammalian Hippo signaling pathway, through its effectors YAP and TAZ, coerces epithelial progenitor cell expansion for appropriate tissue development or regeneration upon damage. Its ability to drive rapid tissue growth explains why many oncogenic events frequently exploit this pathway to promote cancer phenotypes. Indeed, several tumor types including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) show genetic aberrations in the Hippo (or YAP/TAZ) regulators. Here, we uncover that while YAP is dispensable for homeostatic epidermal regeneration, it is required for BCC development. Our clonal analyses further demonstrate that the few emerging Yap‐null dysplasia have lower fitness and thus are diminished as they progress to invasive BCC. Mechanistically, YAP depletion in BCC tumors leads to effective impairment of the JNK‐JUN signaling, a well‐established tumor‐driving cascade. Importantly, in this context, YAP does not influence canonical Wnt or Hedgehog signaling. Overall, we reveal Hippo signaling as an independent promoter of BCC pathogenesis and thereby a viable target for drug‐resistant BCC.     

A Structural Study of the Floral Epidermal Hairs of Digitalis purpurea Using Light, Electron and X-ray Microscopy

In Digitallis purpurea the cytoplasm of the floral trichomesof mature flowers, when examined by light microscopy, appearsto be located centrally and arranged as discrete cytoplasmicstrands. Such strands are not apparent when viewed by electronmicroscopy, rather the cytoplasm is mainly peripheral with alarge central vacuole. In younger flowers, before corolla opening,the cytoplasm appears to be more abundant as seen in electionmicrographs and in places occupies the centre of the cell, butit is always highly vesiculated and without the high degreeof structural organization seen by light microscopy. Soft X-ray contact microscopy is a relatively new techniquewhich still requires considerable development if it is to bewidely used by biologists. The present study shows, however,that the images obtained of the cytoplasm are possibly morefaithful to the arrangement in the original, living materialthan those obtained by electron microscopy, since the transcellularstrands and associated organelles are clearly imaged. As suchthe technique is a very useful technique complementary to conventionalmicroscopical methods. Trichrome, ultrastructure, Digitalis, X-ray microscopy