Organisation of the lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) embryonic brain: insights from LIM-homeodomain, Pax and hedgehog genes

To investigate the embryonic development of the central nervous system of the lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis, we have isolated and analysed the expression patterns of members of the LIM-homeodomain, Pax, Hedgehog and Nkx2.1 families. Using degenerate RT-PCR, single representatives of Lhx1/Lhx5, Lhx2/Lhx9, Pax3/Pax7 and Hedgehog families could be isolated in L. fluviatilis. Expression analysis revealed that the lamprey forebrain presents a clear neuromeric pattern. We describe the existence of 4 embryonic diencephalic prosomeres whose boundaries can be identified by the combined and relative expressions of LfPax37, LfLhx15 and LfLhx29. This suggests that the embryonic lamprey and gnathostome forebrain are patterned in a highly similar manner. Moreover, analysis of the LfHh gene, which is expressed in the hypothalamus, zona limitans intrathalamica and floor plate, reveals the possible molecular origin of this neuromeric brain pattern. By contrast, LfHh and LfNkx2.1 expressions suggest major differences in patterning mechanisms of the ventral telencephalon when compared to gnathostomes. In summary, our findings highlight a neuromeric organisation of the embryonic agnathan forebrain and point to the possible origin of this organisation, which is thus a truly vertebrate character. They also suggest that Hh/Shh midline signalling might act as a driving force for forebrain evolution.     

Combined Inactivation of MYC and K-Ras oncogenes reverses tumorigenesis in lung adenocarcinomas and lymphomas

Background

Conditional transgenic models have established that tumors require sustained oncogene activation for tumor maintenance, exhibiting the phenomenon known as “oncogene-addiction.” However, most cancers are caused by multiple genetic events making it difficult to determine which oncogenes or combination of oncogenes will be the most effective targets for their treatment.

Methodology/Principal Findings

To examine how the MYC and K-ras^G12D oncogenes cooperate for the initiation and maintenance of tumorigenesis, we generated double conditional transgenic tumor models of lung adenocarcinoma and lymphoma. The ability of MYC and K-ras^G12D to cooperate for tumorigenesis and the ability of the inactivation of these oncogenes to result in tumor regression depended upon the specific tissue context. MYC-, K-ras^G12D- or MYC/K-ras^G12D-induced lymphomas exhibited sustained regression upon the inactivation of either or both oncogenes. However, in marked contrast, MYC-induced lung tumors failed to regress completely upon oncogene inactivation; whereas K-ras^G12D-induced lung tumors regressed completely. Importantly, the combined inactivation of both MYC and K-ras^G12D resulted more frequently in complete lung tumor regression. To account for the different roles of MYC and K-ras^G12D in maintenance of lung tumors, we found that the down-stream mediators of K-ras^G12D signaling, Stat3 and Stat5, are dephosphorylated following conditional K-ras^G12D but not MYC inactivation. In contrast, Stat3 becomes dephosphorylated in lymphoma cells upon inactivation of MYC and/or K-ras^G12D. Interestingly, MYC-induced lung tumors that failed to regress upon MYC inactivation were found to have persistent Stat3 and Stat5 phosphorylation.

Conclusions/Significance

Taken together, our findings point to the importance of the K-Ras and associated down-stream Stat effector pathways in the initiation and maintenance of lymphomas and lung tumors. We suggest that combined targeting of oncogenic pathways is more likely to be effective in the treatment of lung cancers and lymphomas.     

Soluble and filamentous proteins in Arabidopsis sieve elements

Phloem sieve elements are highly differentiated cells involved in the long-distance transport of photoassimilates. These cells contain both aggregated phloem-proteins (P-proteins) and soluble proteins, which are also translocated by mass flow. We used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to carry out a proteomic survey of the phloem exudate of Arabidopsis thaliana, collected by the ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-facilitated method. We identified 287 proteins, a large proportion of which were enzymes involved in the metabolic precursor generation and amino acid synthesis, suggesting that sieve tubes display high levels of metabolic activity. RNA-binding proteins, defence proteins and lectins were also found. No putative P-proteins were detected in the EDTA-exudate fraction, indicating a lack of long-distance translocation of such proteins in Arabidopsis. In parallel, we investigated the organization of P-proteins, by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and the localization of the phloem lectin PP2, a putative P-protein component, by immunolocalization with antibodies against PP2-A1. Transmission electron microscopy observations of P-proteins revealed bundles of filaments resembling strings of beads. PP2-A1 was found weakly associated with these structures in the sieve elements and bound to plastids. These observations suggest that PP2-A1 is anchored to P-proteins and organelles rather than being a structural component of P-proteins.     

Diversity of Anopheles species and trophic behavior of putative malaria vectors in two malaria endemic areas of northwestern Thailand

We determined the species diversity, blood‐feeding behavior, and host preference of Anopheles mosquitoes in two malaria endemic areas of Tak (Mae Sot District) and Mae Hong Son (Sop Moei District) Provinces, located along the Thai border with Myanmar, during a consecutive two‐year period. Anopheline mosquitoes were collected using indoor and outdoor human‐landing captures and outdoor cow‐baited collections. Mosquitoes were initially identified using morphological characters, followed by the appropriate multiplex AS‐PCR assay for the identification of sibling species within Anopheles (Cellia) complexes and groups present. Real‐time PCR was performed for parasite‐specific detection in mosquitoes (Plasmodium spp. and Wuchereria bancrofti). A total of 7,129 Anopheles females were captured, 3,939 from Mae Sot and 3,190 from Sop Moei, with 58.6% and 37% of all anophelines identified as An. minimus, respectively. All three malaria vector complexes were detected in both areas. One species within the Minimus Complex (An. minimus) was present along with two related species in the Funestus Group, (An. aconitus, An. varuna), two species within the Dirus Complex (An. dirus, An. baimaii), and four species within the Maculatus Group (An. maculatus, An. sawadwongporni, An. pseudowillmori, and An. dravidicus). The trophic behavior of An. minimus, An. dirus, An. baimaii, An. maculatus, and An. sawadwongporni are described herein. The highest An. minimus densities were detected from February through April of both years. One specimen of An. minimus from Mae Sot was found positive for Plasmodium vivax.     

Toward a Generalised Tensegrity Model Describing the Mechanical Behaviour of the Cytoskeleton Structure

The control of many cell functions including growth, migration and mechanotransduction, depends crucially on stress-induced mechanical changes in cell shape and cytoskeleton (CSK) structure. Quantitative studies have been carried out on 6-bar tensegrity models to analyse several mechanical parameters involved in the mechanical responses of adherent cells (i.e. strain hardening, internal stress and scale effects). In the present study, we attempt to generalize some characteristic mechanical laws governing spherical tensegrity structures, with a view of evaluating the mechanical behaviour of the hierarchical multi-modular CSK-structure. The numerical results obtained by studying four different tensegrity models are presented in terms of power laws and point to the existence of unique and constant relationships between the overall structural stiffness and the local properties (length, number and internal stress) of the constitutive components.     

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Malaria Vector Control Measures in Urban Settings of Dakar by a Specific Anopheles Salivary Biomarker

Standard entomological methods for evaluating the impact of vector control lack sensitivity in low-malaria-risk areas. The detection of human IgG specific to Anopheles gSG6-P1 salivary antigen reflects a direct measure of human–vector contact. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a range of vector control measures (VCMs) in urban settings by using this biomarker approach. The study was conducted from October to December 2008 on 2,774 residents of 45 districts of urban Dakar. IgG responses to gSG6-P1 and the use of malaria VCMs highly varied between districts. At the district level, specific IgG levels significantly increased with age and decreased with season and with VCM use. The use of insecticide-treated nets, by drastically reducing specific IgG levels, was by far the most efficient VCM regardless of age, season or exposure level to mosquito bites. The use of spray bombs was also associated with a significant reduction of specific IgG levels, whereas the use of mosquito coils or electric fans/air conditioning did not show a significant effect. Human IgG response to gSG6-P1 as biomarker of vector exposure represents a reliable alternative for accurately assessing the effectiveness of malaria VCM in low-malaria-risk areas. This biomarker tool could be especially relevant for malaria control monitoring and surveillance programmes in low-exposure/low-transmission settings.     

Accelerated vascular aging in CuZnSOD-deficient mice: impact on EPC function and reparative neovascularization

Objective

Aging is associated with increased oxidative stress levels and impaired neovascularization following ischemia. CuZnSOD has an important role to limit oxidative stress in the vasculature. Here we investigated the role of CuZnSOD for the modulation of ischemia-induced neovascularisation during aging.

Methods and Results

Hindlimb ischemia was surgically induced in young (2- month-old) or older (8-month-old) wild type (WT) and CuZnSOD^−/− mice. We found that blood flow recovery after ischemia and vascular density in ischemic muscles were significantly reduced in older compared to young WT mice. Both in young and older mice, CuZnSOD deficiency led to a further reduction of neovascularization. Accordingly, the resulting neovascularisation potential in a young CuZnSOD^−/− mouse was similar to that of an older WT mouse. Oxidative stress levels were also increased to similar levels in the ischemic muscles of young CuZnSOD^−/− and older WT mice. To identify potential mechanisms involved, we investigated the effect of aging and CuZnSOD deficiency on the number and the function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Both aging and CuZnSOD deficiency were associated with reduced number of bone marrow and peripheral EPCs. The effect of moderate aging alone on specific functional activities of EPCs (migration, integration into tubules) was modest. However, CuZnSOD deficiency was associated with severe age-dependent defects in EPC functional activities.

Conclusions

CuZnSOD deficiency is associated with accelerated vascular aging and impaired ischemia-induced neovascularization. Our results suggest that in the context of aging, CuZnSOD has an essential role to protect against excessive oxidative stress in ischemic tissues and preserve the function of EPCs.