"But not the music": psychopathic traits and difficulties recognising and resonating with the emotion in music

Recognising and responding appropriately to emotions is critical to adaptive psychological functioning. Psychopathic traits (e.g. callous, manipulative, impulsive, antisocial) are related to differences in recognition and response when emotion is conveyed through facial expressions and language. Use of emotional music stimuli represents a promising approach to improve our understanding of the specific emotion processing difficulties underlying psychopathic traits because it decouples recognition of emotion from cues directly conveyed by other people (e.g. facial signals). In Experiment 1, participants listened to clips of emotional music and identified the emotional content (Sample 1, N = 196) or reported on their feelings elicited by the music (Sample 2, N = 197). Participants accurately recognised (t(195) = 32.78, p < .001, d = 4.69) and reported feelings consistent with (t(196) = 7.84, p < .001, d = 1.12) the emotion conveyed in the music. However, psychopathic traits were associated with reduced emotion recognition accuracy (F(1, 191) = 19.39, p < .001) and reduced likelihood of feeling the emotion (F(1, 193) = 35.45, p < .001), particularly for fearful music. In Experiment 2, we replicated findings for broad difficulties with emotion recognition (Sample 3, N = 179) and emotional resonance (Sample 4, N = 199) associated with psychopathic traits. Results offer new insight into emotion recognition and response difficulties that are associated with psychopathic traits.

Building Capacity for a Global Genome Editing Observatory: Institutional Design

A new infrastructure is urgently needed at the global level to facilitate exchange on key issues concerning genome editing. We advocate the establishment of a global observatory to serve as a center for international, interdisciplinary, and cosmopolitan reflection. This article is the second of a two-part series.

Building Capacity for a Global Genome Editing Observatory: Institutional Design

A new infrastructure is urgently needed at the global level to facilitate exchange on key issues concerning genome editing. We advocate the establishment of a global observatory to serve as a center for international, interdisciplinary, and cosmopolitan reflection. This article is the second of a two-part series.

Building Capacity for a Global Genome Editing Observatory: Conceptual Challenges

A new infrastructure is urgently needed at the global level to facilitate exchange on key issues concerning genome editing. We advocate the establishment of a global observatory to serve as a center for international, interdisciplinary, and cosmopolitan reflection. This article is the first of a two-part series.

Abstract LB-165: Multiple mechanisms disrupt let-7 miRNA biogenesis and function in neuroblastoma

The let-7 microRNA family are known tumor suppressors often deregulated in cancer, yet the underlying mechanisms of let-7 disruption remain poorly understood. Neuroblastoma, a neural crest derived tumor, is defined in part by poor prognosis associated with genetic amplification of MYCN, itself a let-7 target. The let-7 biogenesis inhibitor LIN28B has recently been implicated as a critical regulator of MYCN, but through CRISPR-mediated gene disruption we show that LIN28B is dispensable for both MYCN protein expression and growth of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cell lines despite robust de-repression of let-7, prompting us to explore additional mechanisms for let-7 disruption. Consequently, we have found a novel non-coding role for amplified MYCN mRNA as a potent let-7 sponge that through exceptionally high expression defines a sub-class of self-sponging amplified-competing-endogenous-RNA (aceRNA) and reconciling the dispensability of LIN28B in neuroblastoma cell lines. Furthermore, by analyzing a large cohort of tumor samples from patients, we observe frequent genomic loss of let-7 that inversely associates with MYCN-amplification, providing a functional explanation for the known MYCN-amplification-independent pattern of chromosome 3p and 11q loss, which harbor let-7g and let-7a2, respectively. We thus propose a model whereby let-7 disruption by genetic loss, LIN28B expression, or aceRNA sponging is a unifying mechanism of neuroblastoma pathogenesis. Indeed, our data show that the majority of neuroblastomas have at least one let-7 disruption event and that genetic loss in non-MYCN-amplified tumors marks decreased survival, further underscoring its importance. The inverse selective relationship between allelic loss and sponging of let-7 from highly expressed or amplified oncogenes may have broad implications for oncogenesis.

Citation Format: John T. Powers, Kaloyan Tsanov, Frederik Roels, Catherine Spina, Richard Ebright, Marc Seligson, Yvanka de Soysa, Patrick Cahan, Daniel Pearson, Jessica Theißen, Ho-Chou Tu, Grace LaPier, Jihan Osborne, Samantha Ross, James Collins, Frank Berthold, George Daley. Multiple mechanisms disrupt let-7 miRNA biogenesis and function in neuroblastoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-165.

Distinct and combinatorial functions of Jmjd2b/Kdm4b and Jmjd2c/Kdm4c in mouse embryonic stem cell identity

Self-renewal and pluripotency of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are established by multiple regulatory pathways operating at several levels. The roles of histone demethylases (HDMs) in these programs are incompletely defined. We conducted a functional RNAi screen for HDMs and identified five potential HDMs essential for mouse ESC identity. In-depth analyses demonstrate that the closely related HDMs Jmjd2b and Jmjd2c are necessary for self-renewal of ESCs and induced pluripotent stem cell generation. Genome-wide occupancy studies reveal that Jmjd2b unique, Jmjd2c unique, and Jmjd2b-Jmjd2c common target sites belong to functionally separable Core, Polycomb repressive complex (PRC), and Myc regulatory modules, respectively. Jmjd2b and Nanog act through an interconnected regulatory loop, whereas Jmjd2c assists PRC2 in transcriptional repression. Thus, two HDMs of the same subclass exhibit distinct and combinatorial functions in control of the ESC state. Such complexity of HDM function reveals an aspect of multilayered transcriptional control.

Optimization of scarless human stem cell genome editing

Efficient strategies for precise genome editing in human-induced pluripotent cells (hiPSCs) will enable sophisticated genome engineering for research and clinical purposes. The development of programmable sequence-specific nucleases such as Transcription Activator-Like Effectors Nucleases (TALENs) and Cas9-gRNA allows genetic modifications to be made more efficiently at targeted sites of interest. However, many opportunities remain to optimize these tools and to enlarge their spheres of application. We present several improvements: First, we developed functional re-coded TALEs (reTALEs), which not only enable simple one-pot TALE synthesis but also allow TALE-based applications to be performed using lentiviral vectors. We then compared genome-editing efficiencies in hiPSCs mediated by 15 pairs of reTALENs and Cas9-gRNA targeting CCR5 and optimized ssODN design in conjunction with both methods for introducing specific mutations. We found Cas9-gRNA achieved 7-8× higher non-homologous end joining efficiencies (3%) than reTALENs (0.4%) and moderately superior homology-directed repair efficiencies (1.0 versus 0.6%) when combined with ssODN donors in hiPSCs. Using the optimal design, we demonstrated a streamlined process to generated seamlessly genome corrected hiPSCs within 3 weeks.

Abstract 2948: The role of the RNA binding protein LIN28B in neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is the most frequent extracranial solid tumor in children, accounting for almost 9% of all childhood cancers and close to 15% of childhood cancer deaths. Amplification of MYCN occurs in up to 40% of neuroblastomas, and is a marker of very poor prognosis. Current treatment strategies for MYCN amplified tumors are ineffective and in desperate need of new therapeutic avenues. The LIN28 A and B RNA binding proteins negatively regulate the let-7 family of pro-differentiation/ tumor suppressor miRNAs, enhance the translation of mRNA binding partners, and are emerging as novel onco-proteins. We show here that LIN28B is highly expressed in neuroblastoma, both in human neuroblastoma cell lines and in neuroblastoma patient samples, with an expression pattern similar to MYCN. The LIN28 proteins have been shown to directly regulate MYC, and knockdown of LIN28B in MYCN-amplified human neuroblastoma cells results in markedly reduced MYCN expression, impaired growth, greater differentiation, and reduced tumor size in mouse xenograft studies, indicating an important functional link between LIN28B and MYCN. Through LIN28B/mRNA co-immunoprecipitation we have discovered that LIN28B binds MYCN mRNA, suggesting a novel mechanism of LIN28B contribution to MYCN activity in high-risk neuroblastoma. In addition, we have also discovered that LIN28B is acetylated within its RNA binding domain, and mutational studies have suggested that modulating this post-translational modification may destabilize LIN28B protein stability. Through proteomic analysis of LIN28B -associated proteins, we have identified an acetyl-transferase as a candidate drug target for disruption of the LIN28B/MYCN oncogenic pathway.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2948. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2948

Abstract B165: Abl kinase myristate-site inhibitor, mechanism and application

We recently reported a new class of allosteric inhibitors, exemplified by GNF-2, that selectively inhibit the proliferation of Bcr-Abl dependent cells. Here we demonstrate, using selection for resistant Bcr-Abl clones, site-directed mutagenesis, affinity chromatography, and steady-state kinetics, that GNF-2 inhibits Bcr-Abl kinase activity by binding to the Abl myristate binding pocket and stabilizes the auto-inhibited conformation. We demonstrate that the 2-hydroxyethyl amide analog of GNF-2, GNF-5, in combination with ATP-competitive inhibitors such as nilotinib and dasatinib can overcome the T315I “gatekeeper” mutant of Bcr-Abl which is resistant to all clinically approved Bcr-Abl inhibitors. These studies demonstrate that targeting of the Abl myristate binding site can provide an important pharmacological means to overcome mutations that cause resistance to ATP-competitive inhibitors.

Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(12 Suppl):B165.

Mitotic spindle destabilization and genomic instability in Shwachman-Diamond syndrome

Deficiencies in the SBDS gene result in Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS), an inherited bone marrow failure syndrome associated with leukemia predisposition. SBDS encodes a highly conserved protein previously implicated in ribosome biogenesis. Using human primary bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), lymphoblasts, and skin fibroblasts, we show that SBDS stabilized the mitotic spindle to prevent genomic instability. SBDS colocalized with the mitotic spindle in control primary BMSCs, lymphoblasts, and skin fibroblasts and bound to purified microtubules. Recombinant SBDS protein stabilized microtubules in vitro. We observed that primary BMSCs and lymphoblasts from SDS patients exhibited an increased incidence of abnormal mitoses. Similarly, depletion of SBDS by siRNA in human skin fibroblasts resulted in increased mitotic abnormalities and aneuploidy that accumulated over time. Treatment of primary BMSCs and lymphoblasts from SDS patients with nocodazole, a microtubule destabilizing agent, led to increased mitotic arrest and apoptosis, consistent with spindle destabilization. Conversely, SDS patient cells were resistant to taxol, a microtubule stabilizing agent. These findings suggest that spindle instability in SDS contributes to bone marrow failure and leukemogenesis.

Derivation of hematopoietic stem cells from murine embryonic stem cells

A stem cell is defined as a cell with the capacity to both self-renew and generate multiple differentiated progeny. Embryonic stem cells (ESC) are derived from the blastocyst of the early embryo and are pluripotent in differentiative ability. Their vast differentiative potential has made them the focus of much research centered on deducing how to coax them to generate clinically useful cell types. The successful derivation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) from mouse ESC has recently been accomplished and can be visualized in this video protocol. HSC, arguably the most clinically exploited cell population, are used to treat a myriad of hematopoietic malignancies and disorders. However, many patients that might benefit from HSC therapy lack access to suitable donors. ESC could provide an alternative source of HSC for these patients. The following protocol establishes a baseline from which ESC-HSC can be studied and inform efforts to isolate HSC from human ESC. In this protocol, ESC are differentiated as embryoid bodies (EBs) for 6 days in commercially available serum pre-screened for optimal hematopoietic differentiation. EBs are then dissociated and infected with retroviral HoxB4. Infected EB-derived cells are plated on OP9 stroma, a bone marrow stromal cell line derived from the calvaria of M-CSF-/- mice, and co-cultured in the presence of hematopoiesis promoting cytokines for ten days. During this co-culture, the infected cells expand greatly, resulting in the generation a heterogeneous pool of 100 s of millions of cells. These cells can then be used to rescue and reconstitute lethally irradiated mice.

231 HISTOCOMPATIBLE PARTHENOGENETIC EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS

Organ or tissue transplantation is the preferred treatment for numerous diseases but is hindered by immunologic barriers. Genetically matched pluripotent embryonic stem cells generated via nuclear transfer (ntES cells) or parthenogenesis (pES cells) are possible sources of histocompatible cells and tissues. We have developed two ways of isolating pES cells that carry the full complement of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens of the oocyte donors. One method entails activation of oocytes after blockade of karyokinesis in meiosis II, followed by selection of predominantly homozygous pES cells that have undergone recombination in their MHC antigen region to restore the heterozygous maternal MHC genotype (parthenote recombinant, or prES cells). The second method involves activation of immature oocytes after blockade of karyokinesis of meiosis I, followed by selection of predominantly heterozygous pES lines that retain the MHC genotype of the oocyte donor (parthenote clone recombinant, or pcrES cells). The cells are pluripotent by several criteria: teratoma formation, in vitro differentiation into hematopoietic elements, and high-level skin chimerism in blastocyst chimeras. Breeding of 8 founder females and examination of over 700 progeny failed to demonstrate germ line transmission of the pES cells. Injection of over 50 tetraploid embryos with these lines and embryo transfer have failed to support full gestational development. However, differentiated tissues from these pluripotent ES cells engraft when transplanted into genetically matched immunocompetent recipients, demonstrating that selected pES cells can serve as a source of histocompatible tissues for transplantation.

Pilot study of lonafarnib, a farnesyl transferase inhibitor, in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in the chronic or accelerated phase that is resistant or refractory to imatinib therapy

BACKGROUND

Lonafarnib (SCH66336) is a nonpeptidomimetic farnesyl transferase inhibitor that has demonstrated significant preclinical activity against chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cells and in CML animal models.

METHODS

In the current study, the efficacy of lonafarnib was investigated in patients with CML in the chronic or accelerated phase that was resistant or intolerant to imatinib. Thirteen patients with CML in the chronic (n = 6 patients) or accelerated (n = 7 patients) phase were treated with lonafarnib at a dose of 200 mg orally twice daily. Ten patients had failed therapy with imatinib and 3 patients were intolerant to imatinib. The median age of the patients was 62 years (range, 38-80 yrs) and the median time from the diagnosis of CML to therapy with lonafarnib was 5 years (range, 0.3-13 yrs). In addition to imatinib mesylate, all patients had received prior therapy with interferon-alpha and seven patients had received other treatments. The median duration of therapy with lonafarnib was 8 weeks (range, 2-41 wks).

RESULTS

Two patients responded. One patient in the accelerated phase of CML returned to the chronic phase, a response that lasted for 3 months. Another patient with chronic phase disease had lowering of the leukocyte count without the need for hydroxyurea and normalization of the differential count that lasted for 5 months. The most common adverse event was diarrhea, which was noted in 11 patients (84%) (Grade > or = 3 in 4 patients; 31%; toxicity was graded according to the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria [version 2.0]). Therapy was discontinued in one patient because of diarrhea not responding to dose adjustments.

CONCLUSIONS

Single-agent lonafarnib appears to have clinical activity in a small proportion of patients with CML refractory to imatinib.

Androgen metabolism and prostate cancer: establishing a model of genetic susceptibility

The prostate is an androgen-regulated organ, which has led to longstanding interest in the role of androgens in prostate carcinogenesis. Although evidence of a hormonal etiology for prostate cancer is strong, it is almost entirely circumstantial. Much of the problem in proving a causal relationship relates to the continued difficulties in reliably measuring human tissue-specific exposure to endogenous steroid hormones. The international and racial-ethnic variations in prostate cancer incidence, combined with the effects of migration on risk patterns, have suggested that genetic factors play a central role in determining prostate cancer risk. We are developing a polygenic model of prostate carcinogenesis, focused around a series of genes involved in androgen biosynthesis, transport and metabolism. We have begun to develop this model by utilizing sequence variants to study how polymorphic markers in two genes (SRD5A2 and AR) are related to prostate cancer risk within and between racial-ethnic groups. We are now collaborating with the Whitehead Institute/MIT, Center for Genome Research, to screen for single nucleotide polymorphisms in additional genes relevant to the androgen pathway and prostate cell growth. The model when fully developed can potentially provide a basis for targeting populations for screening interventions and for implementing primary preventive strategies.

Aging and reactivation of latent murine cytomegalovirus

BALB/c mice were experimentally infected with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) to discover whether latent MCMV persisted in aging mice and to examine the effect of aging on MCMV reactivation. Latently infected mice received saline, cyclophosphamide, or allogeneic blood at 6 and 18 months of age. MCMV DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction in submaxillary salivary gland biopsy specimens from saline-treated young and old mice. Evidence of MCMV reactivation was sought by culture of biopsy specimens and by MCMV IgG ELISA of pre- and posttreatment sera from all animals. Very few cyclophosphamide- or saline-treated mice reactivated MCMV at either age, but young transfused mice reactivated MCMV significantly more often than did old transfused mice. These experiments indicate that MCMV DNA persists in the salivary gland of aging mice but that the likelihood of MCMV reactivation does not increase with age.

Purification of human placental estradiol 17 beta-dehydrogenase study of the steroid-binding site

Human placental estradiol 17 beta-dehydrogenase has been purified by affinity chromatography. The purified enzyme is homogenous by polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. To study topography of the steroid-binding site, 16 alpha-bromoacetoxyestradiol 3-methyl ether was synthesized with estriol 3-methyl ether, bromoacetic acid, or [2-3H] bromoacetic acid and dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. The steroid alkylates cysteine, histidine, methionine, and tryptophan under physiologic conditions. Being a substrate of the enzyme, it must bind at the steroid-binding site. The steroid inactivates the enzyme in a time-dependent, irreversible manner. Inactivation of the enzyme by excess 16 alpha-bromoacetoxyestradiol 3-methyl ether follows pseudo--first-order kinetics with t1/2 = 1.5 hours. Amino acid analysis reveals that a histidyl residue is carboxymethylated. Estradiol-17 beta slows inactivation; 2-mercaptoethanol stops it. Previous studies have shown a histidyl residue also present at the catalytic region of the active site of 20 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase from Streptomyces hydrogenans. It is tempting to consider that these histidyl residues may be an essential component for the dehydrogenation of the steroid substrates.