Glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor-mediated RET signaling regulates spermatogonial stem cell fate

Normal spermatogenesis is essential for reproduction and depends on proper spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) function. Genes and signaling pathways that regulate SSC function have not been well defined. We report that glial cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) signaling through the RET tyrosine kinase/GFRA1 receptor complex is required for spermatogonial self-renewal in mice. GFRA1 and RET expression was identified in a subset of gonocytes at birth, was restricted to SSCs during normal spermatogenesis, and RET expressing cells were abundant in a cryptorchid model of SSC self-renewal. We used the whole-testis transplantation technique to overcome the limitation of neonatal lethality of Gdnf-, Gfra1-, and Ret-deficient mice and found that each of these genes is required for postnatal spermatogenesis and not for embryological testes development. Each mutant testis shows severe SSC depletion by Postnatal Day 7 during the first wave of spermatogenesis. These defects were due to lack of SSC proliferation and an inability of SSCs to maintain an undifferentiated state. Our results demonstrate that GDNF-mediated RET signaling is critical for the fate of undifferentiated spermatogonia and that abnormalities in this pathway may contribute to male infertility and testicular germ cell tumors.     

Identification of coagulation factor VIII A2 domain residues forming the binding epitope for low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein

Regulation of the coagulation factor VIII (fVIII) level in circulation involves a hepatic receptor low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP). One of two major LRP binding sites in fVIII is located within the A2 domain (A2), likely exposed within the fVIII complex with von Willebrand factor and contributing to regulation of fVIII via LRP. This work aimed to identify A2 residues forming its LRP-binding site, previously shown to involve residues 484-509. Isolated A2 was subjected to alanine-scanning mutagenesis followed by expression of a set of mutants in a baculovirus system. In competition and surface plasmon resonance assays, affinities of A2 mutants K466A, R471A, R484A, S488A, R489A, R490A, H497A, and K499A for LRP were found to be decreased by 2-4-fold. This correlated with 1.3-1.5-fold decreases in the degree of LRP-mediated internalization of the mutants in cell culture. Combining these mutations into pairs led to cumulative effects, i.e., 7-13-fold decrease in affinity for LRP and 1.6-2.2-fold decrease in the degree of LRP-mediated internalization in cell culture. We conclude that the residues mentioned above play a key role in formation of the A2 binding epitope for LRP. Experiments in mice revealed an approximately 4.5 times shorter half-life for A2 in the circulation in comparison with that of fVIII. The half-lives of A2 mutant R471A/R484A or A2 co-injected with receptor-associated protein, a classical ligand of LRP, were prolonged by approximately 1.9 and approximately 3.5 times, respectively, compared to that of A2. This further confirms the importance of the mutated residues for interaction of A2 with LRP and suggests the existence of an LRP-dependent mechanism for removing A2 as a product of dissociation of activated fVIII from the circulation.     

Dissection of RAP-LRP interactions: binding of RAP and RAP fragments to complement-like repeats 7 and 8 from ligand binding cluster II of LRP

The receptor associated protein (RAP) is a three domain 38kDa ER-resident chaperone that helps folding of LRP and other LDL receptor family members and prevents premature binding of protein ligands. It competes strongly with all known LRP ligands. To further understanding of the specificity of RAP-LRP interactions, the binding of RAP and RAP fragments to two domains (CR7-CR8) from one of the main ligand-binding regions of LRP has been examined by 2D HSQC NMR spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry. We found that RAP contains two binding sites for CR7-CR8, with the higher affinity site (K(d) approximately 1microM) located in the C-terminal two-thirds and the weaker site (K(d) approximately 5microM) in the N-terminal third of RAP. Residues from both CR7 and CR8 are involved in binding at each RAP site. The presence of more than one binding site on RAP for CR domains from LRP, together with the previous demonstration by others that RAP can bind to CR5-CR6 with comparably low affinities suggest an explanation for the dual roles of RAP as a folding chaperone and a tight competitive inhibitor of ligand binding.     

Hormonal induction of differentiation in teratocarcinoma stem cells: generation of parietal endoderm by retinoic acid and dibutyryl cAMP

It has previously been shown that retinoic acid induces multiple phenotypic changes in cultures of F9 teratocarcinoma stem cells. In this paper we demonstrate that these retinoid-generated cells can be converted to yet another cell type by compounds that elevate cAMP concentrations. The phenotype of the new cell type is characterized by the synthesis of plasminogen activator, laminin and type IV collagen, and by very low levels of alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase. The secretion of plasminogen activator and type IV collagen, and low levels of alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase, have been previously shown to be properties of parietal endoderm, an extraembryonic cell which is generated early in mouse embryonesis. We show here that parietal endoderm also synthesizes laminin. The cell type generated by retinoic acid and dibutyryl cAMP treatment is therefore indistinguishable from definitive parietal endoderm. Analysis of the final phenotype indicates that it is not dependent upon the continued presence of either compound, and that cAMP agents are active only on cells that have been treated with retinoic acid.     

High urine 1-hydroxypyrene glucuronide concentrations in Linxian, China, an area of high risk for squamous oesophageal cancer

Most squamous cell carcinomas of the oesophagus in low-risk populations are attributable to alcohol and tobacco consumption, but the aetiologic agents in many high-risk populations have yet to be definitively identified. Linxian, China has some of the highest oesophageal cancer rates in the world. Recent studies suggest that an association exists between high-level exposure to carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), such as benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), and the development of oesophageal cancer. The inhabitants of this high-risk region extensively use coal and wood for cooking and heating in unvented stoves, and thus may be exposed to PAHs produced during the incomplete combustion of these fuel sources. High levels of B[a]P were recently detected in staple food samples from Linxian and histopathologic changes that may be associated with PAH exposure have also been identified in oesophagectomy specimens from the region. In an effort to determine whether this high-risk population is exposed to high levels of PAHs, voided urines from non-smokers (n = 22) without occupational exposure were collected and analysed using immunoaffinity chromatography and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy for 1-hydroxypyrene glucuronide, a PAH metabolite and index biomarker for mixed PAH exposure. The median urine 1-hydroxypyrene glucuronide concentration (2.06 pmol ml^-1) was equivalent to concentrations detected in current smokers. To the authors' knowledge, this represents the first report of elevated urine 1-hydroxpyrene glucuronide concentrations in Linxian, and the first biologic confirmation that the inhabitants of this rural, non-industrial, high oesophageal cancer risk region are exposed to carcinogenic PAHs.     

Regulation of idiotope expression. I. The effect of antigen dose on expression of certain T15 idiotopes during primary IgM response to S. pneumoniae R36a

Clonal heterogeneity among B cells reactive to the same epitope may be determined through differences in idiotypy. It appears that clones bearing distinct idiotopes may constitute functionally distinct subpopulations. Data suggest that idiotopically distinct clones of PC-reactive B cells may be regulated independently of one another. We have looked to see whether individual T15+ clones may also differ in their requirements for activation. Here we examine the effect of immunizing doses of antigen on expression of two T15 idiotopes, B36-82 and B39-38, during both in vivo and in vitro primary responses to Streptococcus pneumoniae R36a (Pn) in CB-20 mouse strain. The idiotopes were detected on the specific antibody plaque-forming cells (PFC) by using monoclonal anti-idiotopic antibodies. We find that distinct patterns of idiotope expression are generated by stimulation with different doses of antigen. Immunization with suboptimal and super-optimal doses of Pn produced responses dominated by PFC expressing both idiotopes, whereas PFC induced by optimal antigen concentrations were primarily B36-82+ and B39-38-. These data indicate that the varying of antigen concentration may induce the response of different B cells bearing distinct idiotypes.     

A new mastopexy operation for mild or moderate breast ptosis.

A new procedure for mastopexy, with or wtihout an augmentatiom mammaplasty, is presented. Its advantage is the minimal resultant scarring in the least conspicuous location.