Analysis of transforming activity of human synovial sarcoma-associated chimeric protein SYT-SSX1 bound to chromatin remodeling factor hBRM/hSNF2 alpha

Human synovial sarcoma has been shown to exclusively harbor the chromosomal translocation t(X;18) that produces the chimeric gene SYT-SSX. However, the role of SYT-SSX in cellular transformation remains unclear. In this study, we have established 3Y1 rat fibroblast cell lines that constitutively express SYT, SSX1, and SYT-SSX1 and found that SYT-SSX1 promoted growth rate in culture, anchorage-independent growth in soft agar, and tumor formation in nude mice. Deletion of the N-terminal 181 amino acids of SYT-SSX1 caused loss of its transforming activity. Furthermore, association of SYT-SSX1 with the chromatin remodeling factor hBRM/hSNF2 alpha, which regulates transcription, was demonstrated in both SYT-SSX1-expressing 3Y1 cells and in the human synovial sarcoma cell line HS-SY-II. The binding region between the two molecules was shown to reside within the N-terminal 181 amino acids stretch (aa 1--181) of SYT-SSX1 and 50 amino acids (aa 156--205) of hBRM/hSNF2 alpha and we found that the overexpression of this binding region of hBRM/hSNF2 alpha significantly suppressed the anchorage-independent growth of SYT-SSX1-expressing 3Y1 cells. To analyze the transcriptional regulation by SYT-SSX1, we established conditional expression system of SYT-SSX1 and examined the gene expression profiles. The down-regulation of potential tumor suppressor DCC was observed among 1,176 genes analyzed by microarray analysis, and semi-quantitative reverse transcription--PCR confirmed this finding. These data clearly demonstrate transforming activity of human oncogene SYT-SSX1 and also involvement of chromatin remodeling factor hBRM/hSNF2 alpha in human cancer.

Clear cell variant of malignant melanoma of the uterine cervix: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

A rare variant of malignant melanoma of the uterine cervix mimicking clear cell carcinoma or clear cell sarcoma is described.

CASE

A 33-year-old Japanese woman was admitted to the hospital complaining of genital discharge and lower back pain. The stage was FIGO IIB and radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy were done. Pathological examination, immunohistochemical studies of melanin granules, and molecular analysis of the EWS/ATF-1 fusion gene were also done. A diffuse proliferation of amelanotic clear cells was detected in the uterine cervix. Tumor cells were positive for HMB 45, Melan-A (MART-1), and S-100 protein and negative for epithelial markers. The EWS/ATF-1 fusion gene was not detected.

CONCLUSION

This is apparently the first report of a case of clear cell melanoma of the uterine cervix. Despite its rarity, this variant of malignant melanoma should be considered when diagnosing clear cell neoplasms of the uterine cervix.

Tumor angiogenesis and dynamic CT in lung adenocarcinoma: radiologic-pathologic correlation

PURPOSE

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the correlation of tumor angiogenesis and dynamic CT in lung adenocarcinoma.

METHOD

Thirty-five consecutive patients with lung adenocarcinoma underwent dynamic chest CT. Maximum attenuation of dynamic CT was compared with microvessel densities (MVDs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The mean peak attenuation (A(PA)) of lung adenocarcinoma correlated with MVD (r = 0.689, p < 0.0001). VEGF positiveness of lung adenocarcinoma was 63%. There was a significant difference in A(PA) between VEGF-positive and -negative lung adenocarcinomas (39.9 +/- 3.9 and 24.3 +/- 2.3; p < 0.05). The mean MVDs of VEGF-positive adenocarcinomas were significantly higher than those of negative ones (82.5 +/- 5.9 and 49.2 +/- 7.1; p < 0.05). The mean A(PA) of VEGF-positive lung adenocarcinomas correlated positively with MVD (r = 0.707, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The A(PA) value of dynamic CT reflects MVD in lung adenocarcinoma. The A(PA) value of dynamic CT might be an index for VEGF-related tumor angiogenesis.

High-resolution CT findings of macrophage activation syndrome: a case report

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a rare disorder characterised by benign, reactive, excessive, well-differentiated macrophage proliferation, secondary to an immune dysregulation in response to some triggering agents such as viral infection. We report a 3-year-old girl with MAS and pulmonary involvement. This is the first radiographic description of MAS on high-resolution CT.

[Pediatric cataract surgery with posterior capsulorrhexis and optic capture of the intraocular lens]

We evaluated the result of the pediatric cataract surgery with optic capture. The intraocular lens (IOL) optic is subluxated to the vitreous body side through the posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis (PCCC). Five eyes with congenital or developmental cataracts were treated with phacoemulsification and IOL implantation, and then PCCC and optic capture was done. Three of the cases were bilateral and one case was unilateral. All cases have remained in good condition without secondary fibrous membrane formation, which influences visual acuity, and transparency of the posterior capsule was maintained in the visual axis area. We found one case of anterior capsule contraction. Long-term follow up should be continued.

Inflammatory cytokines induced down-regulation of m-calpain mRNA expression in fibroblastic synoviocytes from patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Our previous reports revealed that calpain has proteoglycanase activity and exists in synovial fluid in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. We examined the effects of cytokines on expression of the calpain-calpastatin system in fibroblastic synoviocytes (FLS). Primary cultures of human FLS from osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients were stimulated with inflammatory cytokines and the amounts of m-calpain and calpastatin mRNAs expressed were determined by Northern blotting. Northern blots were subjected to computerized densitometer and band intensities were determined. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) down-regulated m-calpain and tissue-type calpastatin mRNA expression in OA and RA FLS. In RA FLS, although IL-6 did not alter m-calpain mRNA expression, IL-1 + tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and IL-1 + transforming growth factor (TGF) down-regulated m-calpain mRNA expression. These results provide new information about the effects of inflammatory cytokines on calpain and calpastatin system in OA and RA pathology.

Non-adherent cell-specific expression of DOCK2, a member of the human CDM-family proteins

Human DOCK180, which was originally identified as a major protein bound to the Crk oncogene product, is an archetype of the CDM family of proteins, including Ced-5 of Caenorhabditis elegans and Mbc of Drosophila melanogaster. After DOCK180, at least three putative human proteins that manifest high amino acid sequence similarity to DOCK180 have been registered in the GenBank/EMBL database. We have designated one of them, KIAA0209, as DOCK2 and characterize here. DOCK2 mRNA was expressed mostly in peripheral blood cells, followed by slight expression in the spleen and thymus, whereas DOCK180 was expressed in all tissues tested except in peripheral blood cells. Immunostaining of human cadaver tissues revealed that the expression of DOCK2 was limited to the lymphocytes and macrophages of various organs. DOCK2 bound to and activated Rac1, as did DOCK180; however, DOCK2 did not bind to CrkII, which transduces signals at focal adhesions. Thus, DOCK180 and DOCK2 are regulators of Rac and function in adherent and non-adherent cells, respectively.

Cloning and characterization of mdc genes encoding malonate decarboxylase from Pseudomonas putida

The DNA fragment encoding malonate decarboxylase, involved in malonate assimilation, was cloned from Pseudomonas putida. The 11-kb DNA fragment contained nine open reading frames, which were designated mdcABCDEGHLM in the given order. N-terminal protein sequencing established that the mdcA, mdcC, mdcD, mdcE and mdcH genes encoded subunits alpha, delta, beta, gamma and epsilon of the malonate decarboxylase, respectively. Malonate decarboxylase was functionally expressed in Escherichia coli from plasmid harboring the entire gene cluster or the mdc genes lacking the mdcL and mdcM genes. The mdcL and mdcM genes encode membrane proteins and disruption of the genes of P. putida by the insertion of a kanamycin resistance cassette reduced the malonate uptake activity of the organism. Thus, we conclude that MdcLM is a malonate transporter.

Reflection-type multiorder grating lens for three ultraviolet wavelengths

Utilization of second-, third-, and fourth-order diffraction is discussed for providing a single reflection grating lens that yields the same wave-front conversions for wavelengths of 420, 280, and 210 nm, which are used to sense NO(x) and SO(2) gas densities. A blazed grating lens was fabricated by a planar process and characterized by use of UV lamps. The same wave-front conversion was observed at the three UV wavelengths. Efficiencies were measured to be 80%, 70%, and 30% for second-, third-, and fourth-order diffractions, respectively, at wavelengths of 420, 280, and 210 nm, respectively.

Efficiency-enhanced third-order grating coupler

A third-order grating coupler with a grating period 3 times that of a first-order grating is discussed in terms of efficiency enhancement. A reflection film is integrated between the optical buffer layer and the substrate beneath the grating-guiding core. The power-distribution ratio for each diffracted wave depends on the optical buffer layer's thickness because of interference effects. The thickness is determined to suppress first- and second-order diffraction and to enhance the power distribution to the output air-radiation wave generated by third-order diffraction. A demonstrator was designed and examined at a wavelength of 0.82 microm. The measured output coupling efficiency was 40%, whereas the theoretical prediction was 60%.

Switching of output coupling in a grating coupler by diffraction transition to the distributed Bragg reflector regime

In a proposed switching grating coupler (SGC), the grating period Lambda is chosen so that the SGC converts from a first-order grating coupler to a third-order distributed Bragg reflector by means of a small change in the guided mode index. The principle for switching the radiated wave power and the effective aperture of the SGC were experimentally confirmed by use of the thermo-optic effect of a polymer waveguide. The extinction of the peak intensity of the wave radiated by the SGC and collected by an external lens was measured to be 5 dB with a temperature change of 10 degrees.

Adult Leigh syndrome with mitochondrial DNA mutation at 8993

Adult onset Leigh syndrome with a nucleotide (nt) 8993 mutation in mitochondrial (mt) DNA is reported. A 43-year-old woman with a 6-year-history of insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus developed muscular weakness, intractable nausea and vomiting, and anemia. These were followed vertigo, blindness, and deafness with nystagmus. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed abnormal high intensities in the bilateral medial regions of the thalamus and periaqueductal gray matters. Autopsy disclosed well-demarcated necrotizing lesions with prominent capillaries in the areas detected by MRI, which were sufficiently diagnostic for Leigh syndrome. MtDNA analysis performed on DNAs extracted from formalin-fixed tissues including liver, heart, brain, muscle, kidney and pancreas showed a T-->G mutation at nt 8993. This is the first case of adult Leigh syndrome demonstrating on mtDNA mutations.

Analysis of hematopoietic cell specific protein, M-DOCK

Full length cDNA of M-DOCK was isolated at Kazusa DNA Institute and its sequence has been deposited as KIAA0209. The cDNA sequence of M-DOCK contains a 5490 bp open reading frame that encodes a 1830-aa protein with a calculated molecular mass of 212 kDa. The amino acid sequence of M-DOCK has 62.3% identity with DOCK180, excluding the carboxyl terminal variable regions. DOCK180, which was originally identified as a major protein bound to Crk oncogene product, is an archetype of a family of proteins including Ced-5 of C. elegans and Mbc of D. melanogaster. DOCK180 is localized at focal adhesions and regulates cell morphology through the activation of Rac. Expression of DOCK180 is ubiquitous except in hematopoietic cells. Here, the author reports on the characterization of M-DOCK protein, which is closely related to DOCK180 but expressed only in the hematopoietic cells. We immunized rabbits with bacterially-expressed GST-M-DOCK protein, and obtained an anti-serum specific to M-DOCK. Tissue distribution of M-DOCK was examined by Northern blotting and Western blotting. M-DOCK was expressed abundantly in peripheral blood leukocytes. M-DOCK expression was detected also in the cell lines derived from T-cells, B-cells, and monocytes, but never in the adherent cells. Most of the lymphocytes and macrophages in human organs expressed M-DOCK diffusely in the cytoplasm, which was analyzed by immunohistochemistry using an anti-M-DOCK antibody. We previously reported that membrane-targeted form of DOCK180 induced spreading of NIH 3T3 cells. By contrast, overexpression of M-DOCK rounded up flat NRK cells. This suggests that M-DOCK may regulate cell detachment of adherent cells. These results demonstrate that M-DOCK is a new member of DOCK180-family proteins and regulates cell shape in suspension cells.

Malonate decarboxylase of Pseudomonas putida is composed of five subunits

Two different forms of malonate decarboxylase were purified from Pseudomonas putida. The active form was composed of the five different subunits alpha (60 kDa), beta (33 kDa), gamma (28 kDa), delta (13 kDa), and epsilon (30 kDa) and the inactive form was composed of the four subunits lacking the epsilon subunit. The former catalyzed the decarboxylation of malonate to acetate, but the latter could not, although it retained both activities of acetyl-CoA:malonate CoA transferase and malonyl-CoA decarboxylase. The delta subunit of the active form was acylated by the incubation with [2-14C]malonyl-CoA, but the delta subunit of the inactive form was not labeled. From the above results and the N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis, it was concluded that the epsilon subunit was an essential subunit to function as malonyl-CoA:ACP transacylase, which was an indispensable component of the enzyme for the cyclic decarboxylation of malonate.

Integration of grating couplers in two-story waveguides for rotary displacement sensing

An integrated-optic device, constructed by stacking two types of grating coupler in a two-story structure of waveguides, is proposed for sensing angular displacement of spindle rotation. In the first story a guided wave is diffracted by a grating coupler and becomes a sensing beam. The sensing beam is reflected by a mirror with a quarter-wave plate attached to a spindle head and is coupled back into the second story by another grating coupler. We measured the rotary displacement of the spindle by detecting variation of polarization direction of the reflected beam. A prototype device has been designed and fabricated, and the operation principle is experimentally confirmed.

A case of a solitary metastatic diaphragmatic tumor--relation to the peritoneal stomata of the diaphragm

We herein describe a metastatic diaphragmatic tumor, an entity that has rarely been reported radiologically. The primary lesion was advanced colon cancer, and the root of the metastasis was thought to be the peritoneal stoma(ta) of the diaphragm, which has previously been shown to absorb both intraperitoneal fluid and small particles.

Expression of cytotoxic molecule TIA-1 in malignant lymphomas mimicking fulminant hepatitis

Involvement of malignant lymphoma in the liver inducing fulminant hepatic failure has rarely been reported. Therefore, a close association between some lymphoma types with severe liver damage and the mechanism underlying the liver damage is intriguing. Three malignant lymphoma cases, which were clinically diagnosed as fulminant hepatitis, were collected from the autopsy records of Kawasaki Medical School (Kurashiki, Japan). All three cases were characterized by the presence of hepatosplenomegaly without superficial lymph node swelling, high elevation of transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; especially LDH-2), and a quite aggressive clinical course. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells in all three cases were positive for T cell intracellular antigen (TIA-1), which is a cytolytic protein in cytotoxic T and natural killer (NK) cells. The lymphomas were CD8+ peripheral T cell lymphoma (case 1), CD56+ T/NK cell lymphoma (case 2), and T cell lymphoma in a patient with mosquito hypersensitivity (case 3). Epstein-Barr virus infection was demonstrated on the tumor cells of cases 2 and 3 using an in situ hybridization method and those cases showed high titers of serum interferon-gamma and Fas. Frequent apoptosis of liver cells, where the lymphoma cells had infiltrated, was revealed by a terminal deoxyribosyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine nick end-labeling (TUNEL) method. The findings in this study suggest that fulminant hepatic injury is closely associated with cytotoxic molecule TIA-1 expression of the lymphoma cells and that some specific mechanism may be involved in liver damage.

Elevation of plasma lipid peroxides in non-insulin dependent diabetics with multiple lacunar infarcts

Our purpose was to determine whether lipid peroxides are elevated in the plasma of patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes with multiple lacunar infarcts as detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to confirm whether peroxide levels correlate with glycemic controls and blood lipid levels. The level of lipid peroxide (measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)) was measured in 23 healthy controls and 28 diabetics showing normal MRI findings and 22 diabetics with multiple lacunar infarcts. These groups were age-matched. In patients with multiple lacunar infarcts, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and TBARS levels were significantly higher than in diabetics without such infarcts (p < 0.05). When the diabetic patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of hypertriglyceridemia or hyperglycemia, in both groups plasma TBARS levels in patients with multiple lacunar infarcts were significantly higher than in patients without such infarcts. Multivariate analysis showed systolic blood pressure and plasma TBARS levels to be independent predictors of multiple lacunar infarcts. Among diabetics, total plasma TBARS levels were positively correlated with fasting blood glucose, HbA1c and triglyceride levels, but not with total cholesterol levels and age. In conclusion plasma lipid peroxides were elevated in diabetics with multiple lacunar lesions, and are related to the metabolic imbalance of plasma glucose and lipids.

Changes in size of intracellular pools of coenzyme A and its thioesters in Escherichia coli K-12 cells to various carbon sources and stresses

Intracellular pools of three CoA molecular species of coenzyme A, CoASH, acetyl-CoA, and malonyl-CoA, in Escherichia coli K-12 cells were studied by acyl-CoA cycling method in replacement culture. The sizes and compositions of CoA pools starved for a carbon source changed within minutes after the addition of one of various carbon sources. A large acetyl-CoA pool formed after the addition of D-glucose, D-fructose, D-mannose, glycerol, or sorbitol, but there was little change when L-glucose, sucrose, maltose, succinate, or acetate was added. The beta-anomer of D-glucose was assimilated 10 times faster than the alpha-anomer. Intracellular CoA pools also changed with stress: in the pH, incubation temperature, or with osmotic stress. The sizes and compositions of CoA pools were not affected by pH changing between 4 and 8, but the breakdown of acetyl-CoA and CoASH was greater at pH 9 than at pH 4 to 8. Production of acetyl-CoA was greatest at 40 degrees C, and at 50 degrees C, an acetyl-CoA pool did not form at all and the size of the CoASH pool declined. When the organism was stressed by the addition of NaCl at concentrations of more than 0.6 M, little acetyl-CoA was produced. The total CoA pool (the sum of the concentrations of CoASH, acetyl-CoA, and malonyl-CoA) remained within the limits of 0.83-1.40 nmol/mg of dry cell weight (0.30-0.52 mM). Whenever acetyl-CoA increased, CoASH decreased. Therefore, the acetyl-CoA/CoASH ratio is an important index of facultative anaerobes that reflects the state of carbon and energy metabolism in vivo.

Phylogenetic position of an obligately chemoautotrophic, marine hydrogen-oxidizing bacterium, Hydrogenovibrio marinus, on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequences and two form I RuBisCO gene sequences

Two form ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) genes from the obligately autotrophic, marine hydrogen oxidizer Hydrogenovibrio marinus were sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequences of both RuBisCOs revealed that they are similar to those of sulfur oxidizers (Thiobacillus) and a purple sulfur bacterium (Chromatium vinosum). According to the 16S rRNA gene sequences, H. marinus is also affiliated with these microorganisms, members of Thiomicrospira being the closest relatives. Sequence similarities of the 16S rRNA genes and of the RuBisCO genes among these gamma-Proteobacteria suggest a common autotrophic ancestry. An ancestor of purple sulfur bacteria might be a common root of H. marinus and related sulfur oxidizers.

Constitutive association of EGF receptor with the CrkII-23 mutant that inhibits transformation of NRK cells by EGF and TGF-beta

Crk belongs to the adapter proteins that participate in many signalling pathways from cell surface receptors. We have characterised the CrkII-23 mutant that inhibits the transformation of NRK cells induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta. To study the biochemical difference, cDNAs of the wild-type CrkII and the CrkII-23 mutant were introduced stably into NIH 3T3 cells expressing EGF receptor (EGFR). Both CrkII and CrkII-23 were phosphorylated on tyrosine upon EGF simulation with similar time course and dose dependency. Whereas the wild-type CrkII bound to EGFR only after EGF stimulation, CrkII-23 bound to EGFR from before stimulation. Mutation in the Src homology (SH) 2 or amino-terminal SH3 domain did not abolish the binding of CrkII-23 to EGFR in the quiescent cells, suggesting that the binding is mediated by a novel mechanism. These CrkII-23-derived mutants, however, did not suppress transformation of NRK cells by EGF and TGF-beta. Hence, both the SH2 and amino-terminal SH3 domains are required to inhibit transformation of NRK cells. These results suggest that persistent signalling from CrkII-23 bound to EGFR suppresses transformation by EGF and TGF-beta in NRK23 cells.