Transcriptional repression by FEZF2 restricts alternative identities of cortical projection neurons

Projection neuron subtype identities in the cerebral cortex are established by expressing pan-cortical and subtype-specific effector genes that execute terminal differentiation programs bestowing neurons with a glutamatergic neuron phenotype and subtype-specific morphology, physiology, and axonal projections. Whether pan-cortical glutamatergic and subtype-specific characteristics are regulated by the same genes or controlled by distinct programs remains largely unknown. Here, we show that FEZF2 functions as a transcriptional repressor, and it regulates subtype-specific identities of both corticothalamic and subcerebral neurons by selectively repressing expression of genes inappropriate for each neuronal subtype. We report that TLE4, specifically expressed in layer 6 corticothalamic neurons, is recruited by FEZF2 to inhibit layer 5 subcerebral neuronal genes. Together with previous studies, our results indicate that a cortical glutamatergic identity is specified by multiple parallel pathways active in progenitor cells, whereas projection neuron subtype-specific identity is achieved through selectively repressing genes associated with alternate identities in differentiating neurons.

Determinants of pesticide concentrations in silicone wristbands worn by Latina adolescent girls in a California farmworker community: The COSECHA youth participatory action study

Personal exposure to pesticides has not been well characterized, especially among adolescents. We used silicone wristbands to assess pesticide exposure in 14 to 16 year old Latina girls (N = 97) living in the agricultural Salinas Valley, California, USA and enrolled in the COSECHA (CHAMACOS of Salinas Examining Chemicals in Homes and Agriculture) Study, a youth participatory action study in an agricultural region of California. We determined pesticide concentrations (ng/g/day) in silicone wristbands worn for one week using gas chromatography electron capture detection and employed gas chromatography mass spectrometry to determine the presence or absence of over 1500 chemicals. Predictors of pesticide detections and concentrations were identified using logistic regression, Wilcoxon rank sum tests, and Tobit regression models. The most frequently detected pesticides in wristbands were fipronil sulfide (87%), cypermethrin (56%), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) (56%), dacthal (53%), and trans-permethrin (52%). Living within 100 m of active agricultural fields, having carpeting in the home, and having an exterminator treat the home in the past six months were associated with higher odds of detecting certain pesticides. Permethrin concentrations were lower for participants who cleaned their homes daily (GM: 1.9 vs. 6.8 ng/g/day, p = 0.01). In multivariable regression models, participants with doormats in the entryway of their home had lower concentrations (p < 0.05) of cypermethrin (87%), permethrin (99%), fipronil sulfide (69%) and DDE (75%). The results suggest that both nearby agricultural pesticide use and individual behaviors are associated with pesticide exposures.

The expression level of BAALC-associated microRNA miR-3151 is an independent prognostic factor in younger patients with cytogenetic intermediate-risk acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease whose prognosis is mainly related to the biological risk conferred by cytogenetics and molecular profiling. In elderly patients (⩾60 years) with normal karyotype AML miR-3151 have been identified as a prognostic factor. However, miR-3151 prognostic value has not been examined in younger AML patients. In the present work, we have studied miR-3151 alone and in combination with BAALC, its host gene, in a cohort of 181 younger intermediate-risk AML (IR-AML) patients. Patients with higher expression of miR-3151 had shorter overall survival (P=0.0025), shorter leukemia-free survival (P=0.026) and higher cumulative incidence of relapse (P=0.082). Moreover, in the multivariate analysis miR-3151 emerged as independent prognostic marker in both the overall series and within the unfavorable molecular prognostic category. Interestingly, the combined determination of both miR-3151 and BAALC improved this prognostic stratification, with patients with low levels of both parameters showing a better outcome compared with those patients harboring increased levels of one or both markers (P=0.003). In addition, we studied the microRNA expression profile associated with miR-3151 identifying a six-microRNA signature. In conclusion, the analysis of miR-3151 and BAALC expression may well contribute to an improved prognostic stratification of younger patients with IR-AML.

Associations between pig adiponectin (ADIPOQ) genotype and serum lipid levels are modulated by age-specific modifiers

The adiponectin (ADIPOQ) locus is a positional and functional candidate gene for 2 porcine chromosome 13 (SSC13) QTL influencing cholesterol (CHOL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations in 190-d-old pigs. By sequencing 2.37 kb of the pig ADIPOQ cDNA, we have identified 1 c.*1512G>T 3' untranslated region polymorphism that has been genotyped in a Duroc pig commercial population with records for serum lipid levels at 45 and 190 d of age. Statistical analysis of the data have revealed significant associations between the ADIPOQ genotype and CHOL (P=0.0040) and LDL (P=0.0011) concentrations at 190 d but not at 45 d. In family 3, most of the SSC13 QTL effects on LDL levels at 190 d were explained by the ADIPOQ genotype. We also found an association with triglyceride levels at 45 d (P=0.0060) but not at 190 d. Measurement of allelic mRNA imbalance demonstrated that the G and T alleles are expressed at very similar levels in muscle and fat tissues, indicating that the c.*1512G>T polymorphism does not affect transcript abundance. As a whole, results obtained in the current work as well as previous data gathered in humans and pigs provide evidence that the magnitude of associations between blood lipid phenotypes and candidate loci genotypes may vary depending on the age of the individual, therefore suggesting the existence of dynamic genotype×environment interactions changing on a temporal scale.

Association analysis with lipid traits of 2 candidate genes (LRP12 and TRIB1) mapping to a SSC4 QTL for serum triglyceride concentration in pigs

The performance of a genome scan for serum lipid traits at 45 and 190 d in 5 half-sib families of Duroc pigs allowed us to detect several pig chromosomal regions with significant effects on these phenotypes. In the current work, we aimed to refine the position of 1 chromosome 4 (SSC4) genome-wide significant QTL for serum triglyceride concentration at 190 d. Genotyping of 4 additional microsatellites allowed reduction of the 90% confidence interval of this QTL to the genomic interval between markers SW2409 and SW839. Sequencing experiments were performed to characterize the variability of 2 lipid-related genes, the lipoprotein receptor-related protein 12 (LRP12) and tribbles homolog 1 (TRIB1) loci, that map to this region. In this way, 2 (c.771A > G and c.1101A > G) and 1 (c.*156_157del) polymorphisms were identified at the LRP12 coding region and TRIB1 3' untranslated region, respectively. Association analyses between LRP12 and TRIB1 genotypes did not reveal any significant effect on serum lipid concentrations, suggesting that variation of these two loci does not explain the segregation of the SSC4 QTL. However, highly significant associations were observed for gluteus medius saturated fatty acid content (LRP12 c.1101A > G, P = 0.0006; TRIB1 c.*156_157del, P = 0.0003). In the light of these and other findings, the potential involvement of LRP12 and TRIB1 in muscle lipid metabolism deserves to be further explored.

Mapping and tissue mRNA expression analysis of the pig solute carrier 27A (SLC27A) multigene family

Solute-carrier family 27A molecules are integral transmembrane proteins that play a fundamental role in the uptake of long-chain fatty acids into mammalian cells. Our goal was to characterize this multigene family in pigs. Chromosomal location of the six porcine SLC27A genes was determined by radiation hybrid mapping and indicated that the six genes map to six different chromosomal locations. Moreover, we analyzed SLC27A mRNA expression in six pig tissues by quantitative RT-PCR. While SLC27A1, SLC27A3 and SLC27A4 were expressed in most, if not all, analyzed tissues, SLC27A2, SLC27A5 and SLC27A6 were predominantly expressed in the liver. In general, pig and human SLC27A mRNA expression profiles were remarkably concordant, although important differences were observed for SLC27A1 and SLC27A6 mRNAs. Discrepancies between mRNA expression profiles have been observed even in closely related primate species, and they might reflect the acquisition of regulatory changes promoting evolutionary adaptation.

Adverse impact of IDH1 and IDH2 mutations in primary AML: experience of the Spanish CETLAM group

The study of genetic lesions in AML cells is helpful to define the prognosis of patients with this disease. This study analyzed the frequency and clinical impact of recently described gene alterations, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) and isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) mutations, in a series of homogeneously treated patients with primary (de novo) AML. Two-hundred and seventy-five patients enrolled in the CETLAM 2003 protocol were analyzed. IDH1 and IDH2 mutations were investigated by well-established melting curve-analysis and direct sequencing (R140 IDH2 mutations). To establish the percentage of the mutated allele a pyrosequencing method was used. Patients were also studied for NPM, FLT3, MLL, CEBPA, TET2 and WT1 mutations. IDH1 or IDH2 mutations were identified in 23.3% AML cases and in 22.5% of those with a normal karyotype. In this latter group, mutations were associated with short overall survival. This adverse effect was even more evident in patients with the NPM or CEBPA mutated/FLT3 wt genotype. In all the cases analyzed, the normal allele was detected, suggesting that both mutations act as dominant oncogenes. No adverse clinical impact was observed in cases with TET2 mutations. IDH1 and IDH2 mutations are common genetic alterations in normal karyotype AML. Favourable genotype NPM or CEBPA mutated/FLT3 wt can be further categorized according to the IDH1 and IDH2 mutational status.

[Clinical impact of HLA disparities in transplants from unrelated donors]

The search for an unrelated donor must be based on the HLA typing of the donor and the host. PCR techniques have facilitated high-resolution HLA typing, but they have also elicited questions about the real impact of the various disparities on the progress of the graft Thus, whereas a donor used to be accepted based on HLA-A and B Identity determined by serology and HLA-DRB1 through molecular biology techniques, now a donor is required to have a 70/70 Identity for loci HLA-A, B, C, DRB7, and DQB7. Furthermore, the real effect of the disparities in the sixth locus of the major histocompatibility complex-HLA-DPBT-is still in doubt. This study intends to conduct a literature review of the clinical impact of the various HLA disparities In transplants from unrelated donors.

Pleiotropic effects of the goat prolactin receptor genotype on milk fatty acid composition

In the lactating mammary gland, prolactin (PRL) stimulates the synthesis of lactose as well as fatty acid uptake, lipogenesis, and triacylglycerol synthesis. Associations between bovine PRL receptor (PRLR) genotype and fat yield have been reported, which illustrates the role of PRL in conveying lipids toward the udder as well as in stimulating their local synthesis during lactation. Conversely, and to the best of our knowledge, the effects of PRLR genotype on milk fatty acid content have not been studied so far in any mammalian species. In this study, we sequenced most of the coding region of the caprine PRLR gene in several individuals from the Malagueña and Murciano-Granadina breeds. This approach allowed us to identify 2 long and short mRNA isoforms, produced by alternative splicing, and 4 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), namely, c.177T>C, c.1131G>A, c.1201G>A and c.1355C>T. Two of these SNPs are nonsynonymous and involve G401R (c.1201G>A) and T452I (c.1355C>T) amino acid substitutions in the cytoplasmic domain of PRLR, which plays a fundamental role in signal transduction. Performance of an association analysis with milk composition traits in a Murciano-Granadina goat population revealed highly suggestive effects on palmitoleic acid content, whereas suggestive effects were detected for other fatty acids, such as palmitic and linoleic. These results are consistent with the pleiotropic effects of PRL on mammary gland lipid metabolism and milk composition.

Immunophenotype of acute myeloid leukemia with NPM mutations: prognostic impact of the leukemic compartment size

NPM mutations are the most common genetic abnormalities found in non-promyelocytic AML. NPM-positive patients usually show a normal karyotype, a peculiar morphologic appearance with frequent monocytic traits and good prognosis in the absence of an associated FLT3 mutation. This report describes the immunophenotypic and genetic characteristics of a consecutive series of NPM-mutated de novo AML patients enroled in the CETLAM trial. Eighty-three patients were included in the study. Complete immunophenotype was obtained using multiparametric flow cytometry. Associated genetic lesions (FLT3, MLL, CEBPA and WT1 mutations) were studied by standardized methods. Real-time PCR was employed to assess the minimal residual status. The most common pattern was CD34-CD15+ and HLA-DR+. Small CD34 populations with immunophenotypic aberrations (CD15 and CD19 coexpression, abnormal SSC) were detected even in CD34 negative samples. Nearly all cases expressed CD33 (strong positivity), CD13 and CD117, and all were CD123+. The stem cell marker CD110 was also positive in most cases. Biologic parameters such as a high percentage of intermediate CD45+ (blast gate) (>75% nucleated cells), CD123+ and FLT3-ITD mutations were associated with a poor outcome. Quantitative PCR positivity had no prognostic impact either after induction or at the end of chemotherapy. Only PCR positivity (greater than 10 copies) detected in patients in haematological remission was associated with an increased relapse rate. Further studies are required to determine whether the degree of leukemic stem cell expansion (CD45+CD123+cells) increases the risk of acquisition of FLT3-ITD and/or provides selective advantages.

Integrating Y-chromosome, mitochondrial, and autosomal data to analyze the origin of pig breeds

We have investigated the origin of swine breeds through the joint analysis of mitochondrial, microsatellite, and Y-chromosome polymorphisms in a sample of pigs and wild boars with a worldwide distribution. Genetic differentiation between pigs and wild boars was remarkably weak, likely as a consequence of a sustained gene flow between both populations. The analysis of nuclear markers evidenced the existence of a close genetic relationship between Near Eastern and European wild boars making it difficult to infer their relative contributions to the gene pool of modern European breeds. Moreover, we have shown that European and Far Eastern pig populations have contributed maternal and paternal lineages to the foundation of African and South American breeds. Although West African pigs from Nigeria and Benin exclusively harbored European alleles, Far Eastern and European genetic signatures of similar intensity were detected in swine breeds from Eastern Africa. This region seems to have been a major point of entry of livestock species in the African continent as a result of the Indian Ocean trade. Finally, South American creole breeds had essentially a European ancestry although Asian Y-chromosome and mitochondrial haplotypes were found in a few Nicaraguan pigs. The existence of Spanish and Portuguese commercial routes linking Asia with America might have favored the introduction of Far Eastern breeds into this continent.

Retrospective analysis: Patients with ovarian cancer at National Cancer Institute of Mexico

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Background: Ephitelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the leading cause of death from gynecologic malignancies among women worldwide. Little is known about reproductive factors or lifestyle determinants and ovarian cancer prognosis. The purpose of this study was to analyze the pathologic, clinical and other characteristics. Methods: This study included all EOC seen at the Institute from 2000–2006. Epidemiological and clinical variables were collected from the patients’ medical records. Exposure data on prediagnostic factors were collected through questionnaires. The cases were followed-up until December 31, 2007. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to estimate the prognostic effect of each factor in terms of hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), following adjustment for age at diagnosis, FIGO tumor stage and WHO grade of tumor differentiation. Results: 571 cases of ovarian cancers. Median age was 51 years, (range 18–95). 20.30%, 4.4%, and 63.5% of patients had stage I, II and III, respectively. The histological types: 52.2% serous, 17.2% endometrioid, 12.8% of mucinous origin; 62.5% underwent radical surgery, 24% with optimal cytorreduction. The mean follow-up was 60 ± 22 months. The overall three-year survival was 97.4% and 98% for mucinous and serous tumors, respectively. The survival rate was 100%, 90%, and 71.8% in stages I, II and III, respectively. After adjustment for the tumor characteristics, no clear associations were detected between reproductive history, anthropometric characteristics, factors before diagnosis (alcohol consumption, smoking and physical activity over lifetime), nor family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer and survival Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the tumor characteristics significantly influenced the risk of death from ovarian cancer and no clear associations were detected between others factors and the survival. In this cohort the median age for ovarian cancer were 51 years old, one decade before than other reports.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

New p53 related genes in human tumors: significant downregulation in colon and lung carcinomas

Human epithelial tumors need to accumulate multiple genetic alterations to form invasive carcinomas. These genetic alterations are related with growth factor receptors, cell signalling, the cell cycle and cell invasiveness. Importantly, cells need to avoid senescence and become immortalized for this process. Recently, five genes: RPS6KA6, HDAC4, KIAA0828, TCP1 and Tip60, which modulate p53-dependent function and avoid senescence were identified in a large-scale RNA interference screen. Twenty colon, 20 prostate and 20 lung carcinomas were studied to investigate whether these genes might be related with human tumors. RNA was extracted from both normal and tumor tissue from each patient. Real-time RT-PCR was performed using TaqMan probes corresponding to the RPS6KA6, HDAC4, KIAA0828, TCP1, Tip60 and p53 genes. In colon carcinomas, the RPS6KA6, HDAC4, KIAA0828 and Tip60 genes were downregulated in tumor tissue as compared with normal tissue (P < 0.001 for all genes). In lung carcinomas, HDAC4, KIAA0820 and Tip60 were downregulated (P < 0.01, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001 respectively). Whereas no significant differences were observed in prostate carcinomas, striking downregulation of the RPS6KA6 and KIAA0828 genes was observed in colon carcinomas and KIAA0828 in a subset of lung carcinomas. mRNA expression of these genes may control p53 function as well as the ras-MAPK pathway, methylation and transcriptional cellular programs. These results could unravel a novel set of regulatory suppressor genes involved in human colon and lung tumors.

Chemoradiotherapy in anal carcinoma using cisplatin and 5FU

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Background: Chemoradiation (CRT) is now established as the primary treatment for anal carcinoma. The original combination was 5Fu and mitomycin C, but the cisplatin may offer better local control than the standar of MMC with toxicity more tolerable. Methods: Between March 2000 and January 2005, 25 patients with anal carcinoma advanced with non pre-treated were enrolled. Eligible patients had an ECOG PS 0–2. They received cisplatin 80–100 mg/m2 day 1 and 5FU 800–1000 mg/m2 day 1–4 every 4 weeks and radiotherapy >45 Gys. Results: 25 patients, 12 male and 13 female, median age 63 (range 36–83 y). 22 with squamous cell carcinoma and 3 adenocarcinoma. (A) 11 patients recieved QT concurrente with RT, median cycles 2 and median of RT 50 Gys and (B) 14 patients recieved QT follow QT-RT concurrent, median cycles 3.5 and median of RT 48 Gys. The toxicity 3–4 were: neutropenia 23%, anaemia 4%, trombocytopenia 8%, diarrhea 15%, vomiting and nausea 19%. The evaluation: (RC) (64%), (RP) (28%) and PD (8%). The median survival 15.5 m (9–42 m), 12 m group A vs 16 m group B. Conclusions: The combination RT-QT with cisplatin and 5FU is feasible and tolerable, and may offer more the secuencie QT follow CRT.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Association study between corticotrophin-releasing hormone genomic region (8q13) and rheumatoid arthritis in the Spanish population

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) genomic region confers genetic susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the Spanish population.

METHODS

DNA was obtained from 121 simplex RA families and 101 healthy controls, all from Spanish origin. Two microsatellites, CRHRA1 and CRHRA2, located 25 and 20 kb downstream respectively from the CRH gene were examined using a new multiplex design. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) between the markers was assessed and association studies were carried out using the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) implemented in TRANSMIT.

RESULTS

Both markers are in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and there is significant LD between them in the Spanish population. Neither the polymorphic alleles of CRHRA1 and CRHRA2 markers nor their resulting haplotypes were significantly associated to RA. The associated haplotype in the UK population (CRHRA1*10; CRHRA2*14) was undertransmitted in RA patients (12 obs vs 17.43 exp), although the difference is not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first follow-up study of the association between the CRH genomic region and RA and suggests that the CRH gene may not be involved in the pathogenesis of RA in the Spanish population. Further studies in other populations will help untangle the real contribution of this genomic region to the susceptibility to RA.

Richter's syndrome after allogeneic stem cell transplantation for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia successfully treated by withdrawal of immunosuppression, and donor lymphocyte infusion

Development of high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a possible complication of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, known as Richter's syndrome (RS). Treatment for RS includes systemic chemotherapy and, recently, allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). We describe a patient with B-chronic lymphocytic leukaemia who developed RS 4 months after allogeneic SCT from an HLA-identical sibling. The RS presented with systemic symptoms, lymphadenopathy, pancytopenia and serum lactate dehydrogenase elevation. The patient was treated with immunosuppressive drug withdrawal and a donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) of 1 x 10(7) CD3/kg, leading to the disappearance of all symptoms and the attainment of complete donor chimerism. After 18 months of the therapeutic DLI, the patient continues in complete remission.