Expressions of conventional vitellogenin and vitellogenin-like A in worker brains are associated with a nursing task in a ponerine ant

In eusocial insect colonies, non-reproductive workers often perform different tasks. Tasks of an individual worker are shifted depending on various factors, e.g., age and colony demography. Although a vitellogenin (Vg) gene play regulatory roles in both reproductive and non-reproductive division of labours in a honeybee, it has been shown that the insect Vg underwent multiple gene duplications and sub-functionalisation, especially in apical ant lineages. The regulatory roles of duplicated Vgs were suggested to change evolutionarily among ants, whereas such roles in phylogenetically basal ants remain unclear. Here, we examined the expression patterns of conventional Vg (CVg), Vg-like A, Vg-like B and Vg-like C, as well as Vg receptor, during the task shift in an age-dependent manner and under experimental manipulation of colony demography in a primitive ant Diacamma sp. Expressions of CVg and Vg-like A in a brain were associated with a nursing task. It is suggested that associations of brain expressions of these Vgs with worker tasks were acquired in the basal ant lineage, and that such Vg functions could have sub-functionalised in the derived ant lineage.

Immune-bone interplay in the structural damage in rheumatoid arthritis

The immune and bone systems maintain homeostasis by interacting closely with each other. Rheumatoid arthritis is a pathological consequence of their interplay, as activated T cell immune responses result in osteoclast-mediated bone erosion. An imbalance between forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3)⁺ regulatory T (T_reg ) cells and T helper type 17 (Th17) cells is often linked with autoimmune diseases, including arthritis. Th17 cells contribute to the bone destruction in arthritis by up-regulating receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL) on synovial fibroblasts as well as inducing local inflammation. Studies on the origin of Th17 cells in inflammation have shed light on the pathogenic conversion of Foxp3⁺ T cells. Th17 cells converted from Foxp3⁺ T cells (exFoxp3 Th17 cells) comprise the most potent osteoclastogenic T cell subset in inflammatory bone loss. It has been suggested that osteoclastogenic T cells may have developed originally to stop local infection in periodontitis by inducing tooth loss. In addition, Th17 cells also contribute to the pathogenesis of arthritis by modulating antibody function. Antibodies and immune complexes have attracted considerable attention for their direct role in osteoclastogenesis, and a specific T cell subset in joints was shown to be involved in B cell antibody production. Here we summarize the recent advances in our understanding of the immune-bone interplay in the context of the bone destruction in arthritis.

Anomalous switching in Nb/Ru/Sr₂RuO₄ topological junctions by chiral domain wall motion

A spontaneous symmetry breaking in a system often results in domain wall formation. The motion of such domain walls is utilized to realize novel devices like racetrack-memories, in which moving ferromagnetic domain walls store and carry information. Superconductors breaking time reversal symmetry can also form domains with degenerate chirality of their superconducting order parameter. Sr₂RuO₄ is the leading candidate of a chiral p-wave superconductor, expected to be accompanied by chiral domain structure. Here, we present that Nb/Ru/Sr₂RuO₄ topological superconducting-junctions, with which the phase winding of order parameter can be effectively probed by making use of real-space topology, exhibit unusual switching between higher and lower critical current states. This switching is well explained by chiral-domain-wall dynamics. The switching can be partly controlled by external parameters such as temperature, magnetic field and current. These results open up a possibility to utilize the superconducting chiral domain wall motion for future novel superconducting devices.

P1-07-15: The Reliability of Ki-67 Expression Assessment Using Core Needle Biopsy and Surgical Specimens of Invasive Breast Cancer: Can Ki-67 Change Predict Benefits of Preoperative Endocrine Therapy?

Background: The use of Ki-67 change as a predictive marker in breast cancer has been widely investigated in patients treated with preoperative endocrine therapy. It has been assumed that Ki-67 expression determined using core needle biopsy and surgical specimens of invasive breast cancer is concordant. Many studies have suggested the concordance of the results obtained using core needle biopsy and surgical specimens for expression of the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor type2 (HER2) status in early-stage breast cancer. However, there was few study to compare Ki-67 expression in the core needle biopsy and surgical specimens. We conducted a retrospective study of Ki-67 expression assessment between the two types of specimens to answer this question.

Methods: A total of 269 patients underwent primary operations for early-stage breast cancer at Tokyo-West Tokushukai Hospital from August 2008 to May 2011. Among these patients, 169 patients who received core needle biopsy prior to operation were enrolled.

Patients with ductal carcinoma in situ and those with neoadjuvant chemotherapy were excluded. A cutoff value of 20% was used for Ki-67-positive criteria. We also examined ER, PgR, and HER2 expression and compared it with Ki-67 expression. Statistical significance for concordance rates between the two types of specimens was evaluated by Wilcoxon t-test. To evaluate the consequence of formalin and genetic heterogeneity, parameters such as operative method and tumor size were analyzed by χ2 analysis.

Results: The concordance rate between the two types of specimens for Ki-67 expression was 76%, and this was significantly lower than that for ER expression, which was 96%. The concordance rates for PgR and HER2 expression were 88% and 91%, respectively, and they were not significantly different from the rate for Ki-67 expression. 45 patients(34.6%) had received mastectomy in the Ki-67 concordant group, and 14 patients(34.1%) in the discordant group. 55 patients(42.0%) showed T2∼ tumor size in the concordant group, 13 patients(31.7%) in the discordant group. No significant differences of parameters such as operative method (mastectomy vs breast conserving surgery) and tumor size (T1 vs T2∼) were observed between the two patient groups.

Conclusion: The reliability of Ki-67 concordance rate assessment using core needle biopsy specimens was significantly lower than that of ER expression. A standard pathological assessment of Ki-67 expression might be needed for the possible use of Ki-67 as a predictive marker for preoperative endocrine therapy.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-07-15.

Enhanced photon generation in a Nb/n-InGaAs/p-InP superconductor/semiconductor-diode light emitting device

We experimentally demonstrate Cooper pairs' drastic enhancement of the band-to-band radiative recombination rate in a semiconductor. Electron Cooper pairs injected from a superconducting electrode into an active layer by the proximity effect recombine with holes injected from a p-type electrode. The recombination of a Cooper pair with p-type carriers dramatically increases the photon generation probability of a light-emitting diode in the optical-fiber communication band. The measured radiative decay time rapidly decreases with decreasing temperature below the superconducting transition temperature of the niobium electrodes. Our results indicate the possibility to open up new interdisciplinary fields between superconductivity and optoelectronics.

MDCT Is Very Useful for Evaluating the Spread of DCIS

Introduction: Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) may occasionally spread widely in the duct-lobular segment, thereby complicating the complete resection of the lesion in breast-conserving surgery. In order to perform a safe operation for DCIS, the lesion area must be precisely evaluated in the preoperative imaging studies. We performed multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) for patients with DCIS and investigated the potential of MDCT for detecting DCIS lesions.Patients and methods: A total of 74 patients with DCIS underwent MDCT. The size of the DCIS lesion in each patient was measured in the volume-rendering view, and these sizes were compared with the lesion sizes obtained by mapping from the pathological tests. The differences between the lengths obtained from pathological tests and those obtained from MDCT (L-path-L-CT) were calculated, and the relationships between the differences and some factors were investigated.Results: Among the 74 DCIS patients who underwent MDCT, DCIS was detected in 61 patients (82.4%). Among these 61 cases, 45.8% were cases of comedo-type DCIS, but the detection rates for comedo and noncomedo cases were not different. The L-path-L-CT values for histological grade I DCIS (1.55 cm) and grade II & III DCIS (0.23 cm) were statistically different. Higher-grade DCIS was more detectable than low-grade DCIS (p = 0.013). Among the other factors, the MDCT assessments and the pathological assessments for comedo-type DCIS and Her-2-positive cases were more consistent than the corresponding results for noncomedo DCIS and Her-2-negative cases. However, these differences were not significant.Conclusion: MDCT shows high efficiency in detecting DCIS. More aggressive types of DCIS, such as higher grade, comedo type, and Her-2-positive DCIS were more precisely detected by MDCT. In comparison with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the patient's position during MDCT testing is more similar to that during surgery. Therefore, MDCT is a highly useful presurgical imaging technique for the assessment of DCIS.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 5029.

A glycosylated complex of gadolinium, a new potential contrast agent for magnetic resonance angiography?

A new low-molecular weight dendrimer-like MRI contrast agent (Gd-D1) has been synthesized and characterized in vitro by proton and oxygen-17 relaxometry. Its pharmacokinetic parameters and biodistribution patterns were evaluated on rats. Its in vitro and in vivo properties, that is, the longitudinal relaxivity (defined as the increase of the water proton longitudinal relaxation rate induced by one millimole per liter of Gd-D1) equal to 5.6s(-1)mM(-1) at 20 MHz and 310 K, the elimination half-time equal to 85 min, and its low accumulation in liver and spleen, underline its potential as a blood-pool MRI contrast agent.

Dephasing of a superconducting flux qubit

In order to gain a better understanding of the origin of decoherence in superconducting flux qubits, we have measured the magnetic field dependence of the characteristic energy relaxation time (T(1)) and echo phase relaxation time (T(2)(echo)) near the optimal operating point of a flux qubit. We have measured T(2)(echo) by means of the phase cycling method. At the optimal point, we found the relation T(2)(echo) approximately 2T(1). This means that the echo decay time is limited by the energy relaxation (T(1) process). Moving away from the optimal point, we observe a linear increase of the phase relaxation rate (1/T(2)(echo)) with the applied external magnetic flux. This behavior can be well explained by the influence of magnetic flux noise with a 1/f spectrum on the qubit.

Vacuum Rabi oscillations in a macroscopic superconducting qubit oscillator system

We have observed the coherent exchange of a single energy quantum between a flux qubit and a superconducting LC circuit acting as a quantum harmonic oscillator. The exchange of an energy quantum is known as the vacuum Rabi oscillation: the qubit is oscillating between the excited state and the ground state and the oscillator between the vacuum state and the first excited state. We also show that we can detect the state of the oscillator with the qubit and thereby obtained evidence of level quantization of the LC circuit. Our results support the idea of using oscillators as couplers of solid-state qubits.

Parametric control of a superconducting flux qubit

Parametric control of a superconducting flux qubit has been achieved by using two-frequency microwave pulses. We have observed Rabi oscillations stemming from parametric transitions between the qubit states when the sum of the two microwave frequencies or the difference between them matches the qubit Larmor frequency. We have also observed multiphoton Rabi oscillations corresponding to one- to four-photon resonances by applying single-frequency microwave pulses. The parametric control demonstrated in this work widens the frequency range of microwaves for controlling the qubit and offers a high quality testing ground for exploring nonlinear quantum phenomena of macroscopically distinct states.

Collapse of thermal activation in moderately damped Josephson junctions

We study switching current statistics in moderately damped Nb-InAs-Nb and intrinsic Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+delta) Josephson junctions. A paradoxical collapse of thermal activation with increasing temperature is reported and explained by the interplay of two conflicting consequences of thermal fluctuations, which can both assist in premature escape and help in retrapping back into the stationary state. We analyze the influence of dissipation on the thermal escape by tuning damping with a gate voltage, magnetic field, temperature, and an in situ capacitor.

Multiphoton transitions in a macroscopic quantum two-state system

We have observed multiphoton transitions between two macroscopic quantum-mechanical superposition states formed by two opposite circulating currents in a superconducting loop with three Josephson junctions. Resonant peaks and dips of up to three-photon transitions were observed in spectroscopic measurements when the system was irradiated with a strong rf-photon field. The widths of the multiphoton absorption dips are shown to scale with the Bessel functions in agreement with theoretical predictions derived from the Bloch equation or from a spin-boson model.

Antiviral response by natural killer cells through TRAIL gene induction by IFN-alpha/beta

Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in early defense against viral infection. The cytotoxic activity of NK cells is increased by interferon-alpha/beta (IFN-alpha/beta), produced en masse in virally infected cells. However, the mechanism(s) by which IFN-alpha/beta contribute to the NK-cell-mediated antiviral response is not well understood. Here we provide evidence that the cytotoxicity of NK cells is enhanced by IFN-alpha/beta through induction of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). Isolation and analysis of the murine TRAIL promoter revealed the presence of an IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE), which binds to the transcription factor ISGF3 (interferon stimulated gene factor-3). This promoter is indeed activated by IFN-beta in ISGF3-dependent manner. We also show that virally infected cells, but not uninfected cells, are susceptible to TRAIL-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro, and that the TRAIL expressed in NK cells is indeed crucial in limiting virus replication in vivo. Thus, our study reveals a new molecular link between IFN-alpha/beta signaling and activation of NK cells in antiviral response of the host.

Antiviral response by natural killer cells through TRAIL gene induction by IFN-alpha/beta

Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in early defense against viral infection. The cytotoxic activity of NK cells is increased by interferon-alpha/beta (IFN-alpha/beta), produced en masse in virally infected cells. However, the mechanism(s) by which IFN-alpha/beta contribute to the NK-cell-mediated antiviral response is not well understood. Here we provide evidence that the cytotoxicity of NK cells is enhanced by IFN-alpha/beta through induction of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). Isolation and analysis of the murine TRAIL promoter revealed the presence of an IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE), which binds to the transcription factor ISGF3 (interferon stimulated gene factor-3). This promoter is indeed activated by IFN-beta in ISGF3-dependent manner. We also show that virally infected cells, but not uninfected cells, are susceptible to TRAIL-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro, and that the TRAIL expressed in NK cells is indeed crucial in limiting virus replication in vivo. Thus, our study reveals a new molecular link between IFN-alpha/beta signaling and activation of NK cells in antiviral response of the host.

Antiviral response by natural killer cells through TRAIL gene induction by IFN-alpha/beta

Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in early defense against viral infection. The cytotoxic activity of NK cells is increased by interferon-alpha/beta (IFN-alpha/beta), produced en masse in virally infected cells. However, the mechanism(s) by which IFN-alpha/beta contribute to the NK-cell-mediated antiviral response is not well understood. Here we provide evidence that the cytotoxicity of NK cells is enhanced by IFN-alpha/beta through induction of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). Isolation and analysis of the murine TRAIL promoter revealed the presence of an IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE), which binds to the transcription factor ISGF3 (interferon stimulated gene factor-3). This promoter is indeed activated by IFN-beta in ISGF3-dependent manner. We also show that virally infected cells, but not uninfected cells, are susceptible to TRAIL-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro, and that the TRAIL expressed in NK cells is indeed crucial in limiting virus replication in vivo. Thus, our study reveals a new molecular link between IFN-alpha/beta signaling and activation of NK cells in antiviral response of the host.

Antiviral response by natural killer cells through TRAIL gene induction by IFN-alpha/beta

Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in early defense against viral infection. The cytotoxic activity of NK cells is increased by interferon-alpha/beta (IFN-alpha/beta), produced en masse in virally infected cells. However, the mechanism(s) by which IFN-alpha/beta contribute to the NK-cell-mediated antiviral response is not well understood. Here we provide evidence that the cytotoxicity of NK cells is enhanced by IFN-alpha/beta through induction of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). Isolation and analysis of the murine TRAIL promoter revealed the presence of an IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE), which binds to the transcription factor ISGF3 (interferon stimulated gene factor-3). This promoter is indeed activated by IFN-beta in ISGF3-dependent manner. We also show that virally infected cells, but not uninfected cells, are susceptible to TRAIL-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro, and that the TRAIL expressed in NK cells is indeed crucial in limiting virus replication in vivo. Thus, our study reveals a new molecular link between IFN-alpha/beta signaling and activation of NK cells in antiviral response of the host.

Synthesis of cis- and trans-5,8-dihydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,4-naphthoquinone

Cis- and trans-5,8-dihydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,4-naphthoquinone (1a, 1b) were for the first time synthesized from 5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (naphthazazine) (6) as a starting material and racemic triol (3) was first synthesized from 7. The configuration of 1a was determined by X-ray analysis.

T-cell-mediated regulation of osteoclastogenesis by signalling cross-talk between RANKL and IFN-gamma

Bone resorption is regulated by the immune system, where T-cell expression of RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB ligand), a member of the tumour-necrosis factor family that is essential for osteoclastogenesis, may contribute to pathological conditions, such as autoimmune arthritis. However, whether activated T cells maintain bone homeostasis by counterbalancing the action of RANKL remains unknown. Here we show that T-cell production of interferon (IFN)-gamma strongly suppresses osteoclastogenesis by interfering with the RANKL-RANK signalling pathway. IFN-gamma induces rapid degradation of the RANK adapter protein, TRAF6 (tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6), which results in strong inhibition of the RANKL-induced activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB and JNK. This inhibition of osteoclastogenesis is rescued by overexpressing TRAF6 in precursor cells, which indicates that TRAF6 is the target critical for the IFN-gamma action. Furthermore, we provide evidence that the accelerated degradation of TRAF6 requires both its ubiquitination, which is initiated by RANKL, and IFN-gamma-induced activation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Our study shows that there is cross-talk between the tumour necrosis factor and IFN families of cytokines, through which IFN-gamma provides a negative link between T-cell activation and bone resorption. Our results may offer a therapeutic approach to treat the inflammation-induced tissue breakdown.

Overexpression of the csk gene suppresses tumor metastasis in vivo

The non-receptor tyrosine kinase c-Src has been implicated in the development of numerous human cancers. c-Src is activated in colon cancers, particularly in highly metastatic cells, and its overexpression strongly correlates with tumor progression. C-terminal Src kinase (Csk) has been demonstrated to negatively regulate Src family tyrosine kinases through tyrosine phosphorylation at the C-terminal regulatory site (Tyr-527). We report herein that down-regulation of Src kinase activity by adenovirus-mediated csk gene transfer abrogated the highly metastatic phenotype of colon cancer cells. Overexpression of Csk decreased Src tyrosine kinase activity in NL-17 cells, the highly metastatic clone of mouse colon adenocarcinoma 26. Importantly, Csk overexpression in NL-17 cells resulted in significant suppression of in vivo metastasis, without affecting its tumorgenicity. Csk overexpression decreased the invasiveness of NL-17 cells through Matrigel, in vitro reconstituted basement membrane. Gelatin zymography confirmed the decreased protein levels of MMP-2 (gelatinase A) in the supernatants of Csk-overexpressed NL- 17 cells. These results provide a therapeutic basis for interfering with metastasis of colon cancer by csk gene-mediated down-regulation of Src kinase activity.

CD8(+) T cell-mediated skin disease in mice lacking IRF-2, the transcriptional attenuator of interferon-alpha/beta signaling

The balanced action of cytokines is known to be critical for the maintenance of homeostatic immune responses. Here, we report the development of an inflammatory skin disease involving CD8(+) T cells, in mice lacking the transcription factor, interferon regulatory factor-2 (IRF-2). CD8(+) T cells exhibit in vitro hyper-responsiveness to antigen stimulation, accompanied with a notable upregulation of the expression of genes induced by interferon-alpha/beta (IFN-alpha/beta). Furthermore, both disease development and CD8(+) T cell abnormality are suppressed by the introduction of nullizygosity to the genes that positively regulate the IFN-alpha/beta signaling pathway. IRF-2 may represent a unique negative regulator, attenuating IFN-alpha/beta-induced gene transcription, which is necessary for balancing the beneficial and harmful effects of IFN-alpha/beta signaling in the immune system.

A concise and efficient route to 2alpha-(omega-hydroxyalkoxy)-1alpha,25-dihydroxyvi tam in D3: remarkably high affinity to vitamin D receptor

[reaction: see text]A convenient and potentially valuable synthetic approach to the novel 2alpha-functionalized 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1alpha,25(OH)2D3] derivatives (1a-c), which are the C2-epimer of ED-71 and its analogues, has been developed. The C2alpha-modified ring A precursors (1,7-enynes 16, n = 0, 1, and 2) were constructed stereoselectively starting from D-glucose in high yield. In the synthesized 2alpha-(omega-hydroxyalkoxy)-1alpha,25(OH)2D3 derivatives, 1a and 1b showed a greater binding affinity to vitamin D receptor (VDR), up to 1.8 times that of the native hormone.

Involvement of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand/osteoclast differentiation factor in osteoclastogenesis from synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the mechanism by which osteoclasts are formed in culture of rheumatoid synoviocytes by exploring the involvement of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand (RANKL)/osteoclast differentiation factor (ODF).

METHODS

Osteoclast formation was evaluated in cocultures of rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in the presence of macrophage colony stimulating factor and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25[OH]2D3) utilizing separating membrane filters. RANKL/ODF expression was examined by Northern blotting in synovial tissues from 5 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and tissues from patients with giant cell tumor (GCT), osteosarcoma (OS), and osteoarthritis (OA). RANKL/ODF expression and the ability of synovial fibroblasts to support osteoclastogenesis were investigated in coculture with PBMC in the presence or absence of 1,25(OH)2D3, and soluble RANKL/ODF and osteoprotegerin (OPG)/osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor (OCIF) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The effects of OPG/OCIF on the osteoclastogenesis in the primary culture of rheumatoid synoviocytes and the coculture system were determined.

RESULTS

Synovial fibroblasts did not induce osteoclastogenesis when separately cocultured with PBMC. Northern blotting revealed that RANKL/ODF was highly expressed in all tissues from RA and GCT patients, but not from OA or OS patients. Cultured rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts efficiently induced osteoclastogenesis in the presence of 1,25(OH)2D3, which was accompanied by up-regulated expression of RANKL/ODF and decreased production of OPG/OCIF. Osteoclastogenesis from synoviocytes was dose-dependently inhibited by OPG/OCIF.

CONCLUSION

RANKL/ODF expressed on synovial fibroblasts is involved in rheumatoid bone destruction by inducing osteoclastogenesis and would therefore be a good therapeutic target.

In vitro and in vivo suppression of osteoclast function by adenovirus vector-induced csk gene

The proto-oncogene c-src, which encodes a non-receptor-type tyrosine kinase c-Src, has been shown to be essential for osteoclastic bone resorption by the finding that the targeted disruption of the c-src gene induced osteopetrosis in mice. The csk (C-terminal Src family kinase) gene encodes a cytoplasmic protein-tyrosine kinase that specifically phosphorylates the negative regulatory site of c-Src (Tyr-527), thereby inhibiting its kinase activity. To regulate osteoclast function by modulating the kinase activity of c-Src, we constructed an adenovirus vector that carries this gene. The recombinant adenovirus vector carrying csk cDNA induced Csk expression in mouse osteoclast-like cells formed in vitro and clearly reduced c-Src kinase activity in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of Csk caused cytoskeletal disorganization of osteoclast-like cells and strongly suppressed pit-forming activity of the cells in vitro. In addition, the viral vector carrying csk gene dramatically suppressed interleukin-1 alpha-induced bone resorption in vivo. Conversely, kinase-inactive Csk caused an increase in c-Src kinase activity and bone resorbing activity of the cells both in vitro and in vivo, acting as a dominant negative molecule against intrinsic Csk. These findings indicate that the inhibition of c-Src activity by adenovirus vector-mediated csk expression offers an efficient means for inhibiting pathological bone resorption by suppressing osteoclast function.

Suppression of arthritic bone destruction by adenovirus-mediated csk gene transfer to synoviocytes and osteoclasts

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by a chronic inflammation of the synovial joints resulting from hyperplasia of synovial fibroblasts and infiltration of lymphocytes, macrophages, and plasma cells, all of which manifest signs of activation. Recent studies have revealed the essential role of osteoclasts in joint destruction in RA. Src family tyrosine kinases are implicated in various intracellular signaling pathways, including mitogenic response to growth factors in fibroblasts, activation of lymphocytes, and osteoclastic bone resorption. Therefore, inhibiting Src activity can be a good therapeutic strategy to prevent joint inflammation and destruction in RA. We constructed an adenovirus vector carrying the csk gene, which negatively regulates Src family tyrosine kinases. Csk overexpression in cultured rheumatoid synoviocytes remarkably suppressed Src kinase activity and reduced their proliferation rate and IL-6 production. Bone-resorbing activity of osteoclasts was strongly inhibited by Csk overexpression. Furthermore, local injection of the virus into rat ankle joints with adjuvant arthritis not only ameliorated inflammation but suppressed bone destruction. In conclusion, adenovirus-mediated direct transfer of the csk gene is useful in repressing bone destruction and inflammatory reactions, suggesting the involvement of Src family tyrosine kinases in arthritic joint breakdown and demonstrating the feasibility of intervention in the kinases for gene therapy in RA. off

Synthesis of 2,8-disubstituted imidazo[1,5-a]pyrimidines with potent antitumor activity

Seventeen 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroimidazo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives bearing electron-withdrawing substituents were designed and synthesized by novel ring closure as potential antitumor agents. They were screened for their activities against mouse leukemia L1210 and human oral epidermoid carcinoma KB cell lines, and relationships of structure and antitumor activity in vitro are discussed. It was found that 8-thiocarbamoyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroimidazo[1, 5-a]pyrimidin-2(1H)-thione (8c) exhibited activity comparable to that of 5-fluorouracil against both L1210 and KB cells. The existence of both 2-thioxo and 8-substituent with a thioxo group in the molecule is crucial for the cytotoxicity against L1210 and KB cells. A novel procedure for introduction of a double bond between C-3 and C-4 in 8c was developed. Introduction of the 3,4-double bond increased the activity against L1210, but against KB cells the activity decreased by 4-fold. Cytotoxicity of compounds 8c and 8-thiocarbamoyl-1,2-dihydroimidazo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-2(1H)-thione (11c) against human solid tumor and leukemia cell lines was further evaluated. The saturation of the 3,4-double bond led to a significant increase in cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines tested.

Modulation of osteoclast function by adenovirus vector-induced epidermal growth factor receptor

We have explored the use of adenovirus vector-mediated gene transfer to introduce foreign genes into osteoclasts, terminally differentiated cells responsible for bone resorption. A replication-deficient adenovirus vector that contains a reporter gene encoding beta-galactosidase efficiently infected human osteoclast-like cells (OCLs) derived from human giant cell tumors and mouse OCLs formed in vitro. We then constructed an adenovirus vector carrying human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) cDNA (Ax1CAhEGFR) and introduced the EGFR gene into mouse OCLs. Clear induction of EGF receptor was detected in Ax1CAhEGFR-infected OCLs (EGFR-OCLs) by immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting, and EGF stimulation induced rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins including EGF receptor itself. Large vacuoles appeared in EGFR-OCLs in response to EGF treatment, and pit-forming activity by EGFR-OCLs was dose-dependently suppressed by recombinant human EGF. In addition, survival of EGFR-OCLs was prolonged by EGF. No expression of EGF receptor or effects of EGF were observed in noninfected OCLs or control vector-infected OCLs. These results suggest that adenoviral vectors are useful for modulating osteoclast function by introducing foreign genes into osteoclasts and that they will be a good means of gene therapy of metabolic bone diseases.

Production of parathyroid hormone-related peptide by synovial fibroblasts in human osteoarthritis

Synovial fibroblasts from patients with osteoarthritis in culture produced parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) on treatment with phorbol ester (TPA) in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The levels of PTHrP immunoreactivity in the conditioned medium of synovial fibroblast cultures were measured using specific PTHrP antibody. The maximum production was obtained at a concentration of 10(-8) M and 24 h after TPA treatment. But sensitivity to TPA of synovial fibroblasts differed among four patients from slight to marked. PTHrP production was also induced with inflammatory cytokines, such as 1 ng/ml of IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha, and 10(-6) M prostaglandin E2, after 24 h treatment. The expression of PTHrP was confirmed by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Since the synovial fibroblasts isolated from osteoarthritic patients produce high levels of IL-6 and IL-8, typical cytokines produced in synovial fibroblasts, production of PTHrP may provide new insight into the pathophysiology of joint disorder.

Overgrowth of the ischial tuberosity complicating femoral bone and muscle atrophy: implications for a delayed complication of malunited apophyseal avulsion fracture

Delayed complications occurring several years after the fused avulsion of ischial tuberosity have rarely been reported. We present a patient with overgrowth of the ischial tuberosity who complained of knee pain associated with significant bone and muscle atrophy in the thigh, which occurred 10 years after the ischial injury. Reinforcement exercise of the hamstrings relieved the knee pain. Here, we emphasize that avulsion fractures of the ischial tuberosity can cause persistent disability and that patients with avulsion fracture of the ischial apophysis in the adolescent period should actively maintain the strength of the hamstrings, even after more than 1 decade.

A new mechanism of bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis: synovial fibroblasts induce osteoclastogenesis

Bone-resorbing multinucleated cells were efficiently formed in primary culture of cells isolated from synovial tissues of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in 2-3 weeks in the presence of 1,25(OH)2vitaminD3 without any additional stromal cells, and that formation was further facilitated by macrophage-colony stimulating factor. Furthermore, we show that osteoclast-like cells are formed in co-culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts obtained by continued sub-cultures. The multinucleated cells showed all the phenotypical and functional characteristics of osteoclasts including the expression of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase, vitronectin receptors, receptors for human calcitonin and the ability to resorb bone. These results indicate that synovial macrophages are capable of differentiating into osteoclasts in the presence of rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts which can support differentiation of monocytes/ macrophages, implicating that osteoclasts generated within the synovial membrane are probably involved in bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.

Ion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatographic separation of protein variants and isoforms on MCI GEL ProtEx stationary phases

Protein variants and isoforms were successfully separated on MCI GEL ProtEx ion-exchange HPLC columns. There was no irreversible adsorption of proteins, and sample proteins were quantitatively recovered. Species variants of cytochrome c (bovine, horse and rabbit) were completely separated on a sulfopropyl (ProtEx-SP) stationary phase in a gradient system. Diethylaminoethyl (ProtEx-DEAE) phase was determined to be effective for the separation of human growth hormone and its deamidated isoforms. These characteristics of ProtEx stationary phases may be attributed both to particle uniformity and to hydrophillic surface coverage of the base polymeric material.

Synthesis and inhibitory activities of isochromophilone analogues against gp120-CD4 binding

Several isochromophilone analogues were synthesized from sclerotiorin (1) by Wittig reactions and aldol condensation reaction. The structures of the products were elucidated from MS, elemental analysis, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra, and their inhibitory activities against gp120-CD4 binding were determined.

Andrastins A-C, new protein farnesyltransferase inhibitors produced by Penicillium sp. FO-3929. II. Structure elucidation and biosynthesis

The structures of new protein farnesyltransferase inhibitors, andrastins A-C, were elucidated. The cyclopentane ring of andrastins exhibited keto-enol tautomerism, which made the structure hard to elucidate. Therefore, the structure of andrastin A was elucidated by INADEQUATE and 13C-13C couplings using 13C-labeled andrastin A. The absolute configuration of the p-bromobenzoyl derivative of andrastin A was elucidated by X-ray crystallographic analysis and its skeleton was shown to be ent-5 alpha,14 beta-androstane. The biosynthesis of andrastin A was also studied by the incorporation of 13C-labeled acetates. Though the andrastins had a common androstane skeleton, they were biosynthesized from a sesquiterpene and a tetraketide.

An alternative access to a trisaccharide repeating unit of the capsular polysaccharide of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 19A

A chemical synthesis has been achieved for beta-D-ManNAc-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glc-(1-->3)-L-Rha, a trisaccharide repeating unit of the capsular polysaccharide of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 19A, by stepwise link-up of the suitably functionalized, constituent sugar units. A beta-selective glycosylation of trimethylsilylethyl glucoside having free 4-OH with 2-(benzoyloxyimino)-2-deoxyglycosyl bromide, followed by manno-selective hydroboration, N-acetylation, and functionalization of the anomeric center (1-OSE-->1-OH-->1-F), gave a key disaccharide donor, beta-D-ManNAc-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glc-(1-->F. Ensuing glycosylation of an L-rhamnosyl acceptor with the donor substrate afforded, after deblocking, the target trisaccharide in 6.5% yield over 13 steps from D-glucose.