Ultrasoft platelet-like particles stop bleeding in rodent and porcine models of trauma

Uncontrolled bleeding after trauma represents a substantial clinical problem. The current standard of care to treat bleeding after trauma is transfusion of blood products including platelets; however, donated platelets have a short shelf life, are in limited supply, and carry immunogenicity and contamination risks. Consequently, there is a critical need to develop hemostatic platelet alternatives. To this end, we developed synthetic platelet-like particles (PLPs), formulated by functionalizing highly deformable microgel particles composed of ultralow cross-linked poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) with fibrin-binding ligands. The fibrin-binding ligand was designed to target to wound sites, and the cross-linking of fibrin polymers was designed to enhance clot formation. The ultralow cross-linking of the microgels allows the particles to undergo large shape changes that mimic platelet shape change after activation; when coupled to fibrin-binding ligands, this shape change facilitates clot retraction, which in turn can enhance clot stability and contribute to healing. Given these features, we hypothesized that synthetic PLPs could enhance clotting in trauma models and promote healing after clotting. We first assessed PLP activity in vitro and found that PLPs selectively bound fibrin and enhanced clot formation. In murine and porcine models of traumatic injury, PLPs reduced bleeding and facilitated healing of injured tissue in both prophylactic and immediate treatment settings. We determined through biodistribution experiments that PLPs were renally cleared, possibly enabled by ultrasoft particle properties. The performance of synthetic PLPs in the preclinical studies shown here supports future translational investigation of these hemostatic therapeutics in a trauma setting.

Cancer-oocyte SAS1B protein is expressed at the cell surface of multiple solid tumors and targeted with antibody-drug conjugates

BACKGROUND

Sperm acrosomal SLLP1 binding (SAS1B) protein is found in oocytes, which is necessary for sperm-oocyte interaction, and also in uterine and pancreatic cancers. Anti-SAS1B antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) arrested growth in these cancers. However, SAS1B expression in cancers and normal tissues has not been characterized. We hypothesized that SAS1B is expressed on the surface of other common solid cancer cells, but not on normal tissue cells, and might be selectively targeted therapeutically.

METHODS

SAS1B expression in human normal and cancer tissues was determined by immunohistochemistry, and complementary DNA (cDNA) libraries were employed to PCR amplify human SAS1B and its transcripts. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to human SAS1B were generated using mouse hybridomas. SAS1B deletion constructs were developed to map SAS1B's epitope, enabling the creation of a blocking peptide. Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) of human transfected normal and cancer cells was performed to assess SAS1B expression. SAS1B intracellular versus surface expression in normal and tumor tissues was evaluated by flow cytometry after staining with anti-SAS1B mAb, with specificity confirmed with the blocking peptide. Human cancer lines were treated with increasing mAb and ADC concentrations. ATP was quantitated as a measure of cell viability.

RESULTS

SAS1B expression was identified in a subset of human cancers and the cytoplasm of pancreatic islet cells. Two new SAS1B splice variants were deduced. Monoclonal antibodies were generated to SAS1B splice variant A. The epitope for mAbs SB2 and SB5 is between SAS1B amino acids 32-39. IIF demonstrated intracellular SAS1B expression in transfected kidney cells and on the cell surface of squamous cell lung carcinoma. Flow cytometry demonstrated intracellular SAS1B expression in all tumors and some normal cells. However, surface expression of SAS1B was identified only on cancer cells. SB2 ADC mediated dose-dependent cytotoxic killing of multiple human cancer lines.

CONCLUSION

SAS1B is a novel cancer-oocyte antigen with cell surface expression restricted to cancer cells. In vitro, it is an effective target for antibody-mediated cancer cell lysis. These findings support further exploration of SAS1B as a potential therapeutic cancer target in multiple human cancers, either with ADC or as a chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cell target.

Optimization of Methods for the Production and Refolding of Biologically Active Disulfide Bond-Rich Antibody Fragments in Microbial Hosts

Antibodies have been used for basic research, clinical diagnostics, and therapeutic applications. Escherichia coli is one of the organisms of choice for the production of recombinant antibodies. Variable antibody genes have canonical and non-canonical disulfide bonds that are formed by the oxidation of a pair of cysteines. However, the high-level expression of an antibody is an inherent problem to the process of disulfide bond formation, ultimately leading to mispairing of cysteines which can cause misfolding and aggregation as inclusion bodies (IBs). This study demonstrated that fragment antibodies are either secreted to the periplasm as soluble proteins or expressed in the cytoplasm as insoluble inclusion bodies when expressed using engineered bacterial host strains with optimal culture conditions. It was observed that moderate-solubilization and an in vitro matrix that associated refolding strategies with redox pairing more correctly folded, structured, and yielded functionally active antibody fragments than the one achieved by a direct dilution method in the absence of a redox pair. However, natural antibodies have canonical and non-canonical disulfide bonds that need a more elaborate refolding process in the presence of optimal concentrations of chaotropic denaturants and redox agents to obtain correctly folded disulfide bonds and high yield antibodies that retain biological activity.

Durvalumab with or without tremelimumab in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: EAGLE, a randomized, open-label phase III study

BACKGROUND

Targeting the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis has demonstrated clinical benefit in recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC). Combining immunotherapies targeting PD-L1 and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) has shown evidence of additive activity in several tumor types. This phase III study evaluated the efficacy of durvalumab (an anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody) or durvalumab plus tremelimumab (an anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody) versus standard of care (SoC) in R/M HNSCC patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients were randomly assigned to receive 1 : 1 : 1 durvalumab (10 mg/kg every 2 weeks [q2w]), durvalumab plus tremelimumab (durvalumab 20 mg/kg q4w plus tremelimumab 1 mg/kg q4w × 4, then durvalumab 10 mg/kg q2w), or SoC (cetuximab, a taxane, methotrexate, or a fluoropyrimidine). The primary end points were overall survival (OS) for durvalumab versus SoC, and OS for durvalumab plus tremelimumab versus SoC. Secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate, and duration of response.

RESULTS

Patients were randomly assigned to receive durvalumab (n = 240), durvalumab plus tremelimumab (n = 247), or SoC (n = 249). No statistically significant improvements in OS were observed for durvalumab versus SoC [hazard ratio (HR): 0.88; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.72-1.08; P = 0.20] or durvalumab plus tremelimumab versus SoC (HR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.85-1.26; P = 0.76). The 12-month survival rates (95% CI) were 37.0% (30.9-43.1), 30.4% (24.7-36.3), and 30.5% (24.7-36.4) for durvalumab, durvalumab plus tremelimumab, and SoC, respectively. Treatment-related adverse events (trAEs) were consistent with previous reports. The most common trAEs (any grade) were hypothyroidism for durvalumab and durvalumab plus tremelimumab (11.4% and 12.2%, respectively), and anemia (17.5%) for SoC. Grade ≥3 trAE rates were 10.1%, 16.3%, and 24.2% for durvalumab, durvalumab plus tremelimumab, and SoC, respectively.

CONCLUSION

There were no statistically significant differences in OS for durvalumab or durvalumab plus tremelimumab versus SoC. However, higher survival rates at 12 to 24 months and response rates demonstrate clinical activity for durvalumab.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02369874.

Clinical deterioration despite syringomyelia resolution after successful foramen magnum decompression for Chiari malformation - Case series

INTRODUCTION

Neurosurgical treatment is recommended for symptomatic syringomyelia and the post-operative radiological resolution of the syringomyelia is associated with an improvement or at least stability of the patient's pre-operative symptoms.

METHODS

We reviewed syringomyelia treatment in our centre over the last five years for clinical outcome, surgical complications, post operative MRI and long term symptom resolution.

RESULTS

50 cases of symptomatic syringomyelia underwent foramen magnum decompression and expansile watertight duroplasty. While the outcomes for majority are similar to what published in literature, three of them developed typical syringomyelia symptoms after initial good recovery and radiological resolution of syrinx.

CONCLUSION

Syringomyelia symptoms may appear or worsen following successful surgical treatment and radiological resolution of syrinx and it is important to counsel young people and their family regarding this.

Potent Pyrimidine and Pyrrolopyrimidine Inhibitors of Testis-Specific Serine/Threonine Kinase 2 (TSSK2)

Testis-specific serine/threonine kinase 2 (TSSK2) is an important target for reversible male contraception. A high-throughput screen of ≈17 000 compounds using a mobility shift assay identified two potent series of inhibitors having a pyrrolopyrimidine or pyrimidine core. The pyrrolopyrimidine 10 (IC₅₀ 22 nm; GSK2163632A) and the pyrimidine 17 (IC₅₀ 31 nm; ALK inhibitor 1) are the most potent TSSK2 inhibitors in these series, which contain the first sub-100 nanomolar inhibitors of any TSSK isoform reported, except for the broad kinase inhibitor staurosporine. The novel, potent pyrimidine TSSK2 inhibitor compound 19 (IC₅₀ 66 nm; 2-[[5-chloro-2-[2-methoxy-4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)anilino]pyrimidin-4-yl]amino]-N-methylbenzenesulfonamide) lacks the potential for metabolic activation. Compound 19 had a potency rank order of TSSK1>TSSK2>TSSK3>TSSK6, indicating that potent dual inhibitors of TSSK1/2 can be identified, which may be required for a complete contraceptive effect. The future availability of a TSSK2 crystal structure will facilitate structure-based discovery of selective TSSK inhibitors from these pyrrolopyrimidine and pyrimidine scaffolds.

Management of Complex Ovarian Cysts in Newborns - Our Experience

Aims: To analyse the clinical presentation, clinicopathological correlation and management of complex ovarian cysts in newborn and infants.

Materials and Methods: Over a period of 6 years (2009-2015), 25 newborns who were diagnosed to have ovarian cyst on antenatal ultrasound, were followed up. We collected data in the form of clinical features, radiological findings, pathology and mode of treatment.

Results: Of the 25 fetuses who were diagnosed to have ovarian cysts, fourteen (56%) underwent spontaneous regression by 6-8 months. Eight were operated in newborn period while 3 were operated in early infancy. Seven had ovarian cyst on right side, 4 had on left side. Eight babies underwent laparoscopy while 3 underwent laparotomy. Histopathology showed varied features of hemorrhagic cyst with necrosis and calcification, serous cystadenoma with hemorrhage, benign serous cyst with hemorrhage and simple serous cyst. Post-operative recovery was uneventful in all.

Conclusion: All the ovarian cysts detected antenatally in female fetuses need close follow-up after birth. Since spontaneous regression is known, only complex or larger cysts need surgical intervention, preferably by laparoscopy. Majority of the complex cysts show atrophic ovarian tissue hence end up in oophorectomy but simple cysts can be removed preserving normal ovarian tissue whenever possible.

Sodium fluoride and sulfur dioxide affected male reproduction by disturbing blood-testis barrier in mice

Fluoride and sulfur dioxide (SO2), two well-known environmental toxicants, have been implicated to have adverse effects on male reproductive health in humans and animals. The objective of this study to investigate if the BTB is one of the pathways that lead to reproductive toxicity of sodium fluoride and sulfur dioxide alone or in combination, in view of the key role of blood testis barrier (BTB) in testis. The results showed that a marked decrease in sperm quality, and altered morphology and ultrastructure of BTB in testis of mice exposure to fluoride (100 mg NaF/L in drinking water) or/and sulfur dioxide (28 mg SO2/m(3), 3 h/day). Meanwhile, the mRNA expression levels of some vital BTB-associated proteins, including occluding, claudin-11, ZO-1, Ncadherin, α-catenin, and connexin-43 were all strikingly reduced after NaF exposure, although only the reduction of DSG-2 was statistically significant in all treatment groups. Moreover, the proteins expressions also decreased significantly in claudin-11, N-cadherin, α-catenin, connexin-43 and desmoglein-2 in mice treated with fluoride and/or SO2. These changes in BTB structure and constitutive proteins may therefore be connected with the low sperm quality in these mice. The role of fluoride should deserves more attention in this process.

Recombinant production of enzymatically active male contraceptive drug target hTSSK2 - Localization of the TSKS domain phosphorylated by TSSK2

The testis-specific serine/threonine kinase 2 (TSSK2) has been proposed as a candidate male contraceptive target. Development of a selective inhibitor for this kinase first necessitates the production of highly purified, soluble human TSSK2 and its substrate, TSKS, with high yields and retention of biological activity for crystallography and compound screening. Strategies to produce full-length, soluble, biologically active hTSSK2 in baculovirus expression systems were tested and refined. Soluble preparations of TSSK2 were purified by immobilized-metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) followed by gel filtration chromatography. The biological activities of rec.hTSSK2 were verified by in vitro kinase and mobility shift assays using bacterially produced hTSKS (isoform 2), casein, glycogen synthase peptide (GS peptide) and various TSKS peptides as target substrates. Purified recombinant hTSSK2 showed robust kinase activity in the in vitro kinase assay by phosphorylating hTSKS isoform 2 and casein. The ATP Km values were similar for highly and partially purified fractions of hTSSK2 (2.2 and 2.7 μM, respectively). The broad spectrum kinase inhibitor staurosporine was a potent inhibitor of rec.hTSSK2 (IC50 = 20 nM). In vitro phosphorylation experiments carried out with TSKS (isoform 1) fragments revealed particularly strong phosphorylation of a recombinant N-terminal region representing aa 1-150 of TSKS, indicating that the N-terminus of human TSKS is phosphorylated by human TSSK2. Production of full-length enzymatically active recombinant TSSK2 kinase represents the achievement of a key benchmark for future discovery of TSSK inhibitors as male contraceptive agents.

Plasminogen Improves Mouse IVF by Interactions with Inner Acrosomal Membrane-Bound MMP2 and SAMP14

Spermatozoa must penetrate the outer investments of the oocyte, the cumulus oophorus and the zona pellucida (ZP), in order for fertilization to occur. This may require exposure of enzymes on the sperm's inner acrosomal membrane (IAM), one of which is matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2, to factors in oviductal fluid. Plasminogen is present in oviductal fluid and activates MMP2 in somatic tissues. The objectives of this study were: 1) to examine possible interactions between plasminogen and IAM-bound plasminogen activator receptor (SAMP14) and -MMP2, 2) to demonstrate plasminogen's presence in the extracellular environment at the site of fertilization, and 3) to provide evidence that plasminogen plays a role in fertilization. Zymographs of sonicated bull and rat sperm extracts incubated with plasmin and/or plasminogen (plasmin/ogen) showed acceleration of initiation of MMP2 activity in concentrations as low as 1 μg/ml. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analysis of plasmin/ogen revealed its presence in the cytoplasm of mouse ovarian and oviductal oocytes, oviductal epithelium, around the ZP, and amongst the cumulus cells. We modified the standard in vitro fertilization (IVF) approach to more closely mimic natural fertilization by reducing sperm concentration during insemination by ∼100× and also comparing cumulus-intact and denuded oocytes. In mice, addition of plasminogen in IVF medium significantly improved fertilization, while MMP2 antibody significantly inhibited sperm penetration in these conditions. IVF improvement by plasminogen was blocked by SAMP14 antibody. Furthermore, MMP2 antibody inhibition was coincident with a failure by spermatozoa to disperse the cumulus oophorus. We provide evidence that plasminogen on its own and through an MMP2-related mechanism improves the ability of oocytes to be fertilized, and demonstrate its effect in sperm penetration of oocyte investments.

Dynamic Changes in Equatorial Segment Protein 1 (SPESP1) Glycosylation During Mouse Spermiogenesis

ESP1/SPESP1 is a testis-specific, postmeiotic gene expressed in round spermatids that encodes equatorial segment protein 1, an intra-acrosomal protein found in the acrosomal matrix and on the luminal surface of the inner and outer acrosomal membranes within the equatorial segment domain of mature spermatozoa. A comparison of testicular protein extracts with caput, corpus, and caudal epididymal sperm proteins revealed striking differences in the apparent masses of SPESP1 isoforms. The predominant isoforms of SPESP1 in the testis were 77 and 67 kDa, with 47-kDa forms present to a minor degree. In contrast, SPESP1 isoforms of 47 and 43 kDa were found in caput, corpus, and caudal sperm, indicating that SPESP1 undergoes noticeable mass changes during spermiogenesis and/or subsequent transport to the epididymis. On two-dimensional (2D) SDS-PAGE, testicular SPESP1 isoforms resolved as a train of pI values from 4.9 to 5.2. Immunoprecipitated 77-kDa SPESP1 from testis reacted with the glycoprofile stain after one-dimensional and 2D gel electrophoresis, indicating that the 77-kDa testicular isoform was highly glycosylated. One charge variant of the 67-kDa isoform was also glycoprofile positive after 2D gel resolution. The 47- and 43-kDa isoforms of SPESP1 from epididymal sperm did not stain with glycoprofile, suggesting an absence of, or few, glycoprofile-sensitive glycoconjugates in epididymal SPESP1. Treatment of testicular extracts with a variety of glycosidases resulted in mass shifts in immunoreactive SPESP1, indicating that testicular SPESP1 was glycosylated and that terminal sialic acid, N- and O-glycans were present. A mixture of deglycosidase enzymes (including PNGase-F, neuraminidase, beta1-4 galactosidase, endo-alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase, and beta N-acetyl-glucosaminidase) completely eliminated the 77- and 67-kDa SPESP1 bands and resulted in the appearance of 75-, 60-, 55-, 50-, 47-, and 43-kDa forms, confirming that both the 77- and 67-kDa testicular forms of SPESP1 contain complex carbohydrate residues. Treatment of caudal epididymal sperm with PNGase-F enzymes showed a faint deglycosylated band at 30 kDa, but neuraminidase did not result in any molecular shift, indicating that epididymal sperm SPESP1 did not contain sialic acid/N-acetylglucosamine residues. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that SPSPESP1 undergoes significant glycosylation in the testis and that the majority of these glycoconjugates are removed by the time sperm reach the caput epididymis. Studies of the fate of SPESP1 after the acrosome reaction localized SPESP1 to the equatorial segment region in both noncapacitated and capacitated, acrosome-reacted sperm. During capacitation, SPESP1 underwent proteolysis, resulting in a 27-kDa fragment. Zona-free oocytes incubated with recSPESP1 protein showed complementary binding sites on the microvillar oolemmal domain. Both recSPESP1 and anti-recSPESP1 antibody inhibited in vitro fertilization.

Abstract OT3-2-11: A phase II study of letrozole and lapatinib followed by an addition of everolimus in postmenopausal women with advanced endocrine resistant breast cancer (BC)

Background: Several preclinical studies demonstrated that crosstalk between growth factor receptor pathways, particularly HER2, and ER signaling confers resistance to endocrine therapy (ET). There are emerging data showing the involvement of immune system and miRNA with endocrine resistance. EGF30008 trial showed a benefit of lapatinib in combination with letrozole, mainly in HER2-positive (HER+) metastatic BC (MBC) while a subset analysis of this trial showed that HER2-negative (HER2-) patients (pts) with acquired endocrine resistance may also benefit from this combination. Our preclinical study suggests that everolimus is synergistic with letrozole and lapatinib.

Trial Design: This is a single arm phase II study for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive MBC progressing after aromatase inhibitor, tamoxifen, or fulvestrant. The total target accrual is 76 pts (38 HER2+ pts and 38 HER- pts). In the first phase of the study, pts will be treated with letrozole and lapatinib (1,500 mg daily). Upon disease progression, pts will enter the second phase where everolimus (5 mg daily) will be added to letrozole and the dose of lapatinib will be reduced to 1,250 mg daily. For correlative studies, peripheral blood samples will be serially collected to evaluate for serum HER2 extracellular domain (ECD), circulating miRNAs, PC cell-derived growth factor (GP88), immune regulatory cells including myeloid-derived suppressor cells, NK cells, and Treg cells. These parameters will be correlated with tumor response. In pts with accessible tumors, optional serial biopsies will be performed at baseline and upon progression in each phase of the study. The tumor tissue will be tested for total HER1, HER2, and HER2 expressions as well as HER2:HER2 homodimers, HER2:HER3 heterodimers, HER1:HER2 heterodimers, p95, and HER3/PI3K (p85 subunit) using VeraTag assay.

Statistical Method: The primary objective is to evaluate the clinical benefit rate (CBR: CR, PR, SD > 24 weeks) of the combination of letrozole and lapatinib as well as the combination of everolimus, letrozole, and lapatinib. This is a three-stage design which is an extension of the Simon's two-stage design. The sample size is based on the assumption that a CBR below 10% (null hypothesis) would indicate ineffective therapy and the statistical power is set at a higher CBR of 30% which we consider is plausible. Therefore, if 0 of the first 10 pts in each cohort have clinical benefit, the study will be closed; otherwise additional 8 pts will be enrolled. If ≤ 1 of the total 18 pts has clinical benefit, the study will be closed; otherwise an additional 9 pts will be enrolled. If ≤ 5 pts have clinical benefit the therapy is considered not promising; and if ≥ 6 pts of the total of 27 have clinical benefit, the therapy is considered worth pursuing. This design has ∼90% probability to accept the therapy for further trials if the true CBR is indeed at least 30% and 10% probability to accept it if the true clinical benefit is indeed below 10%.

To date, there are a total of 6 pts enrolled. Accrual is currently ongoing. Please contact ntait@umm.edu for further information.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr OT3-2-11.

SAS1B protein [ovastacin] shows temporal and spatial restriction to oocytes in several eutherian orders and initiates translation at the primary to secondary follicle transition

BACKGROUND

Sperm Acrosomal SLLP1 Binding (SAS1B) protein (ovastacin) is an oolemmal binding partner for the intra-acrosomal sperm protein SLLP1.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemical localization revealed that SAS1B translation is restricted among adult tissues to the ovary and oocytes, SAS1B appearing first in follicles at the primary-secondary transition. Quiescent oocytes within primordial follicles and primary follicles did not stain for SAS1B. Examination of neonatal rat ovaries revealed SAS1B expression first as faint signals in postnatal day 3 oocytes, with SAS1B protein staining intensifying with oocyte growth. Irrespective of animal age or estrus stage, SAS1B was seen only in oocytes of follicles that initiated a second granulosa cell layer. The precise temporal and spatial onset of SAS1B expression was conserved in adult ovaries in seven eutherian species, including nonhuman primates. Immunoelectron micrographs localized SAS1B within cortical granules in MII oocytes. A population of SAS1B localized on the oolemma predominantly in the microvillar region anti-podal to the nucleus in ovulated MII rat oocytes and on the oolemma in macaque GV oocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

The restricted expression of SAS1B protein in growing oocytes, absence in the ovarian reserve, and localization on the oolemma suggest this zinc metalloprotease deserves consideration as a candidate target for reversible female contraceptive strategies.

P4-12-13: A Multi-Center Randomized Controlled Double Blind Trial Assessing the Effect of Acupuncture in Reducing Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Breast Cancer Patients Taking Aromatase Inhibitors: First Interim Analysis

Background: Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are recommended as first-line adjuvant hormonal therapy in postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer, as monotherapy or sequential therapy after tamoxifen. AI-associated musculoskeletal symptoms (AIMSS) occur in approximately 50% of women receiving AIs and in some may result in discontinuation of treatment. Symptom management is essential to ensure that breast cancer patients receive the full recommended duration of AI therapy. We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on AIMSS and report the first interim analysis.

Method: Postmenopausal women with early stage breast cancer, experiencing AIMSS, who had not had acupuncture in the year prior to the study, were eligible. Patients were randomized to 8 weekly acupuncture or sham acupuncture. Health assessment questionnaire disability index (HAQ-DI ranging 0–3.0) and pain visual analog scale (VAS ranging 0–100) were used to assess clinical musculoskeletal disorder severity at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12 or 24. Change in HAQ-DI (ΔHAQ-DI) and VAS scores (ΔVAS) from baseline were compared between patients receiving acupuncture versus sham acupuncture using exact Wilcoxon rank sum test. Serum samples were collected for measurements of estrogens and beta endorphin concentrations and cytokine profile before and after the intervention to evaluate the etiology of AIMSS and the mechanism of acupuncture in treating AIMSS.

Results: Between May 2008 and June 2011, 48 patients were enrolled, 2 patients were not evaluable due to noncompliance to treatment and lost to follow up, 10 were still receiving treatment and therefore not evaluable. Thirty-six were evaluable, and were equally distributed between the real and sham acupuncture groups. Baseline characteristics were balanced between the two groups with regard to age, race, and body mass index (BMI) with the exception that baseline mean HAQ-DI was higher in the acupuncture group (0.9 vs 0.55, p=0.04). White/Black/Asian: 26/7/3, Median (range): age: 61 (45-82); BMI (kg/m2): 31.1 (22.9−59.6). At week 8, both groups showed a wide range of ΔHAQ-DI (ΔHAQ-DI =HAQ-DIweek8-HAQ-DIbaseline): from −1.38 to 0.5 in the acupuncture group versus from −1 to 0.12 in sham acupuncture group. There was no statistically significant difference in mean ΔHAQ-DI between the real and sham acupuncture groups (−0.33 vs −0.33, p=0.87). Eleven patients in each group (61%) reported decreased HAQ-DI scores, which correlated with improved function. There was no difference in mean ΔVAS between the real and sham acupuncture groups (−9.27 vs −13.82, p=0.67). No significant side effects were reported. Changes in other time points and in serum biomarkers will be presented at the meeting.

Conclusions: The majority of breast cancer patients experiencing AIMSS who participated in our study reported a reduced HAQ-DI score both from acupuncture and sham acupuncture. We did not observe significant differences between responses to real versus sham acupuncture after 8 weekly treatments. The study remains open to accrual to reach 50 evaluable patients.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-12-13.

Sublingual misoprostol: a better choice for cervical priming before manual vacuum aspiration

BACKGROUND

Misoprostol is effective for cervical priming before manual vacuum aspiration (MVA). Aim of study was to determine whether sublingual misoprostol with a shorter interval of 2 hours before MVA would be as effective as its standard vaginal administration.

STUDY DESIGN

This randomized control trial included 82 women randomly assigned to receive 400 mcg of misoprostol, either sublingually or vaginally. MVA was performed 2 hours and 3 hours after in sublingual and vaginal group, respectively.

RESULTS

Cervical dilatation of 8 mm was achieved within 2 hours in sublingual group. Mean time taken for procedure (14.4 ± 5.3: sublingual group and 16.2 ± 5.7: vaginal group), and blood loss was comparable (12.2 ± 9.7 ml in sublingual group and 13.7 ± 8.5 ml in vaginal group).

CONCLUSION

2 hour of cervical priming with 400 mcg of sublingual misoprostol before MVA was as good as 3 hours with vaginal administration of the same dose.

Production of ethanol from winter barley by the EDGE (enhanced dry grind enzymatic) process

BACKGROUND

US legislation requires the use of advanced biofuels to be made from non-food feedstocks. However, commercialization of lignocellulosic ethanol technology is more complex than expected and is therefore running behind schedule. This is creating a demand for non-food, but more easily converted, starch-based feedstocks other than corn that can fill the gap until the second generation technologies are commercially viable. Winter barley is such a feedstock but its mash has very high viscosity due to its high content of beta-glucans. This fact, along with a lower starch content than corn, makes ethanol production at the commercial scale a real challenge.

RESULTS

A new fermentation process for ethanol production from Thoroughbred, a winter barley variety with a high starch content, was developed. The new process was designated the EDGE (enhanced dry grind enzymatic) process. In this process, in addition to the normal starch-converting enzymes, two accessory enzymes were used to solve the beta-glucan problem. First, beta-glucanases were used to hydrolyze the beta-glucans to oligomeric fractions, thus significantly reducing the viscosity to allow good mixing for the distribution of the yeast and nutrients. Next, beta-glucosidase was used to complete the beta-glucan hydrolysis and to generate glucose, which was subsequently fermented in order to produce additional ethanol. While beta-glucanases have been previously used to improve barley ethanol production by lowering viscosity, this is the first full report on the benefits of adding beta-glucosidases to increase the ethanol yield.

CONCLUSIONS

In the EDGE process, 30% of total dry solids could be used to produce 15% v/v ethanol. Under optimum conditions an ethanol yield of 402 L/MT (dry basis) or 2.17 gallons/53 lb bushel of barley with 15% moisture was achieved. The distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) co-product had extremely low beta-glucan (below 0.2%) making it suitable for use in both ruminant and mono-gastric animal feeds.

SpermCheck Fertility, an immunodiagnostic home test that detects normozoospermia and severe oligozoospermia

BACKGROUND

A simple and inexpensive home sperm test could be of considerable value to couples attempting to conceive and to men curious about their fertility potential. A two-strip lateral flow immunochromatographic diagnostic device that allows men to evaluate their sperm count at low cost in the privacy of their own homes is described.

METHODS

The ability of SpermCheck Fertility to predict sperm counts obtained using a hemacytometer procedure based on standard World Health Organization methodology was assessed. Test results obtained by lay users were also compared with those obtained by trained laboratory professionals, and the ease of use of the device was evaluated in consumer studies.

RESULTS

A total of 225 semen samples were analyzed in the method comparison, and the performance of SpermCheck Fertility was excellent with over 96% of all samples correctly classified as normozoospermic (> or =2 x 10(7) sperm/ml), oligozoospermic (5 x 10(6)-2 x 10(7) sperm/ml) or severely oligozoospermic (<5 x 10(6) sperm/ml). Consumer studies with 164 lay users demonstrated that SpermCheck Fertility was easy to use. Lay users and laboratory professionals agreed 95% of the time when reading the same test independently. Overall, the correct response rate on a 20-question survey about the test was over 97%.

CONCLUSIONS

SpermCheck Fertility is a simple and reliable immunodiagnostic test that can quickly inform men as to whether their sperm count is normal, low or very low. This home test can assist couples in deciding whether to seek comprehensive clinical evaluation of the fertility status of the male partner.

Identification of calcium-binding proteins associated with the human sperm plasma membrane

BACKGROUND

The precise composition of the human sperm plasma membrane, the molecular interactions that define domain specific functions, and the regulation of membrane associated proteins during the capacitation process, still remain to be fully understood. Here, we investigated the repertoire of calcium-regulated proteins associated with the human sperm plasma membrane.

METHODS

Surface specific radioiodination was combined with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, a 45Ca-overlay assay, computer assisted image analysis and mass spectrometry to identify calcium-binding proteins exposed on the human sperm surface.

RESULTS

Nine acidic 45Ca-binding sperm proteins were excised from stained preparative 2D gels and identified by mass spectrometry. Five of the calcium binding proteins; HSPA2 (HSP70-1), HSPA5 (Bip), HYOU1 (ORP150), serum amyloid P-component (SAP) and protein kinase C substrate 80K-H (80K-H) were found to be accessible to Iodo-Bead catalyzed 125I-labelling on the surface of intact human sperm. Agglutination and immunofluorescence analysis confirmed that SAP is situated on the plasma membrane of intact, motile sperm as well as permeabilized cells. Western blot analysis showed increased phosphorylation of human sperm 80K-H protein following in vitro capacitation. This is the first demonstration of the 80K-H protein in a mammalian sperm.

CONCLUSION

The presence of SAP on the surface of mature sperm implies that SAP has a physiological role in reproduction, which is thought to be in the removal of spermatozoa from the female genital tract via phagocytosis. Since 80K-H is a Ca2+-sensor recently implicated in the regulation of both inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor and transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channel activities, its detection in sperm represents the first direct signaling link between PKC and store-operated calcium channels identified in human sperm.

Human sperm protein encyclopedia and alloantigen index: mining novel allo-antigens using sera from ASA-positive infertile patients and vasectomized men

Anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) are an important cause of immunological infertility. The objective of this study was to identify immunodominant sperm antigens recognized by anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) in serum samples of infertile men, women and vasectomized men. High-resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was employed to separate human sperm proteins using isoelectric focusing (IEF) or nonequilibrium pH gradient electrophoresis (NEPHGE), followed by PAGE and Western blotting. Serum samples from five infertile male and five infertile female subjects that contained ASA as assayed by the immunobead binding test (IBT), were analyzed by Western blotting using NEPHGE gels followed by enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) to identify the basic sperm antigens reactive to the sera. Serum samples from five fertile male and five fertile female subjects that were ASA-negative by IBT were used as controls. Serum samples from six vasectomized men collected before vasectomy and at different time intervals until 6 months after vasectomy were analyzed by Western blotting using IEF gels. The ECL blots were analyzed to compare immunoreactivity between serum samples from fertile and infertile subjects and identify antigens unique to sera of the infertile subjects. Similarly, immunoreactivity between serum samples from pre- and post-vasectomy was compared to identify antigens unique to sera collected following vasectomy. Five allo-antigenic basic protein spots were recognized by sera from infertile males but not from fertile subjects. Five sperm iso-antigenic basic spots were recognized by infertile female subjects. Two among six of the vasectomized men's sera showed a difference in the Western blot profile 6 months after vasectomy, recognizing at least one new protein spot in each case when compared to pre-vasectomy sera. The acrosomal protein SP-10 was identified as an alloantigen recognized by a post-vasectomy serum. Molecular identities of the known allo- and iso-antigens identified in this study and in previous studies from this laboratory are reviewed and discussed.

Equatorial segment protein (ESP) is a human alloantigen involved in sperm-egg binding and fusion

The equatorial segment of the sperm head is known to play a role in fertilization; however, the specific sperm molecules contributing to the integrity of the equatorial segment and in binding and fusion at the oolemma remain incomplete. Moreover, identification of molecular mediators of fertilization that are also immunogenic in humans is predicted to advance both the diagnosis and treatment of immune infertility. We previously reported the cloning of Equatorial Segment Protein (ESP), a protein localized to the equatorial segment of ejaculated human sperm. ESP is a biomarker for a subcompartment of the acrosomal matrix that can be traced through all stages of acrosome biogenesis (Wolkowicz et al, 2003). In the present study, ESP immunoreacted on Western blots with 4 (27%) of 15 antisperm antibody (ASA)-positive serum samples from infertile male patients and 2 (40%) of 5 ASA-positive female sera. Immunofluorescent studies revealed ESP in the equatorial segment of 89% of acrosome-reacted sperm. ESP persisted as a defined equatorial segment band on 100% of sperm tightly bound to the oolemma of hamster eggs. Antisera to recombinant human ESP inhibited both oolemmal binding and fusion of human sperm in the hamster egg penetration assay. The results indicate that ESP is a human alloantigen involved in sperm-egg binding and fusion. Defined recombinant sperm immunogens, such as ESP, may offer opportunities for differential diagnosis of immune infertility.

Immunogenicity of a multi-component recombinant human acrosomal protein vaccine in female Macaca fascicularis

A vaccine formula comprised of five recombinant human intra-acrosomal sperm proteins was inoculated into female monkeys to test whether specific antibodies to each component immunogen could be elicited in sera and whether antibodies elicited by the vaccine affected in vitro fertilization. Acrosomal proteins, ESP, SLLP-1, SAMP 32, SP-10 and SAMP 14, were expressed with his-tags, purified by nickel affinity chromatography and adsorbed to aluminum hydroxide. Five female cynomolgus monkeys were inoculated intramuscularly three times at monthly intervals. All five monkeys developed both IgG and IgA serum responses to each recombinant immunogen on Western blots. Each serum stained the acrosome of human sperm and bound to the cognate native protein on Western blots of human sperm extracts. By ELISA, all monkeys developed IgG to each immunogen, with the highest average absorbance values to ESP, SAMP 32 and SP-10, followed by lower values for SLLP-1 and SAMP 14. IgA was also generated to each component immunogen with the highest average absorbance values to SLLP-1 and SP-10. For antigens that induced an IgA response, the duration of the IgA response was longer than the IgG response to the same antigens. This study supports the concept that a multivalent contraceptive vaccine may be administered to female primates evoking both peripheral (IgG) and mucosal (IgA) responses to each component immunogen following an intramuscular route of inoculation with a mild adjuvant, aluminum hydroxide, approved for human use.

Radial spoke protein 44 (human meichroacidin) is an axonemal alloantigen of sperm and cilia

To identify novel sperm alloantigens relevant to immune infertility, sera from infertile men containing antisperm antibodies (ASA) were employed on 2-D immunoblots of human sperm proteins. An immunoreactive protein spot (MW: 44 kDa, pI: 4.5) was microsequenced and the related cDNA was cloned yielding a 309 amino acid sequence corresponding to a gene currently annotated in Genbank as TSGA2 homolog (mouse) to signify 'testis specific gene A2'. In Genbank the protein deduced from this gene is currently named human meichroacidin, an orthologue of meichroacidin previously identified in mouse spermatocytes. Human TSGA2 mapped to chromosome 21q22.3. Human meichroacidin (hMCA) contained a single potential tyrosine phosphorylation site and five casein kinase phosporylation motifs. The N-terminus contained a Membrane Occupation Recognition Nexus (MORN) motif found in the lipid kinase-phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase (PIP5K) family and junctophilins. However hMCA lacked the characteristic kinase homology domain of PIP5K. Northern blot analysis revealed 1.5 kb hMCA transcripts in testis and trachea with lower levels in thyroid and spinal cord. A semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis demonstrated occurrence of the mRNA messages in all the ciliated tissues tested with highest levels of messages in testis and trachea. Western blot analysis showed the presence of hMCA protein in brain, thyroid and trachea at the identical mass, 44 kDa, as in human testis. However, this immunoreactive pattern differed from that of sperm in which a 38 kDa form was also evident suggesting that hMCA undergoes proteolytic processing. In human testis, hMCA localized to the tails of developing spermatids and did not localize to the nucleus of either spermatocytes or spermatids. EM immunocytochemistry localized hMCA within the radial spokes of the axonemal complex of the sperm flagellum, and immunofluorescence studies revealed h-meichroacidin in the cilia of epithelial cells in the trachea and ependyma. Bioinformatic identification of orthologues of meichroacidin in several lower organisms including ciliates and flagellates suggest the protein plays a role in flagellar motility across phyla. We propose the term radial spoke protein 44 as an accurate designation, preferable to human meichroacidin because it denotes the restricted localization of the protein to the radial spokes of the axonemes of both sperm and cilia. Further, since the human gene is expressed in brain, thyroid, trachea and lung in addition to testis, we suggest that the gene name be changed from TSGA2 [testis specific gene A2] to radial spoke protein 44 [RSP44].

Equatorial segment protein defines a discrete acrosomal subcompartment persisting throughout acrosomal biogenesis

The equatorial segment of the acrosome underlies the domain of the sperm that fuses with the egg membrane during fertilization. Equatorial segment protein (ESP), a novel 349-amino acid concanavalin-A-binding protein encoded by a two-exon gene (SP-ESP) located on chromosome 15 at q22, has been localized to the equatorial segment of ejaculated human sperm. Light microscopic immunofluorescent observations revealed that during acrosome biogenesis ESP first appears in the nascent acrosomal vesicle in early round spermatids and subsequently segregates to the periphery of the expanding acrosomal vesicle, thereby defining a peripheral equatorial segment compartment within flattened acrosomal vesicles and in the acrosomes of early and late cap phase, elongating, and mature spermatids. Electron microscopic examination revealed that ESP segregates to an electron-lucent subdomain of the condensing acrosomal matrix in Golgi phase round spermatids and persists in a similar electron-lucent subdomain within cap phase spermatids. Subsequently, ESP was localized to electron-dense regions of the equatorial segment and the expanded equatorial bulb in elongating spermatids and mature sperm. ESP is the earliest known protein to be recognized as a marker for the specification of the equatorial segment, and it allows this region to be traced through all phases of acrosomal biogenesis. Based on these observations, we propose a new model of acrosome biogenesis in which the equatorial segment is defined as a discrete domain within the acrosomal vesicle as early as the Golgi phase of acrosome biogenesis.

SAMP14, a novel, acrosomal membrane-associated, glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored member of the Ly-6/urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor superfamily with a role in sperm-egg interaction

We report a new member of the Ly-6/urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) superfamily of receptors, SAMP14, which is retained on the inner acrosomal membrane of the human spermatozoan following the acrosome reaction and may play a role in fertilization. The SAMP14 sequence predicted a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein with a signal peptide, a transmembrane domain near the carboxyl terminus, and a putative transamidase cleavage site in the proprotein. Attachment of SAMP14 to the membrane by a lipid anchor was confirmed by its sensitivity to phosphatidylinositol phospholipase C. SAMP14 has a single functional domain similar to the Ly-6 and urokinase plasminogen activator receptor superfamily of proteins, and the gene mapped to 19q13.33, near the PLAUR locus for uPAR at 19q13.2. Northern and dot blotting showed that SAMP14 expression was testis-specific. Indirect immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy with antisera to purified recombinant SAMP14 localized the protein to outer and inner acrosomal membranes as well as the acrosomal matrix of ejaculated human sperm. Acrosome-reacted sperm demonstrated SAMP14 immunofluorescence, indicating its retention on the inner acrosomal membrane following the acrosome reaction. However, SAMP14 localized to the entire sperm when unwashed swim-up sperm from the ejaculate were stained, indicating that some SAMP14 is loosely associated with the plasma membrane. Antibodies against recombinant SAMP14 inhibited both the binding and the fusion of human sperm to zona free hamster eggs, suggesting that SAMP14 may have a role in sperm-egg interaction. SAMP14 represents a GPI-anchored putative receptor in the Ly-6/uPAR family that is exposed on the inner acrosomal membrane after the acrosome reaction.

Splicing in murine CABYR and its genomic structure

Human calcium-binding tyrosine-phosphorylation regulated protein (CABYR) is a polymorphic, testis-specific, calcium binding protein that undergoes tyrosine phosphorylation during in vitro capacitation. A protein kinase A (PKA) regulatory subunit type II alpha (RII-alpha) homologous domain in the N-terminus, phosphorylation dependent Ca(++) binding isoforms, and localization to the principal piece of the human sperm tail suggest that CABYR may be involved in sperm motility. In this paper, four mouse orthologous cDNAs and the genomic DNA of CABYR were cloned, nucleotide and protein sequences of mouse and humans were compared, and the genomic organization of the mCABYR gene was analyzed. Human and mouse CABYR conserve potential functional motifs including a domain homologous to the dimerization interface of cyclic adenosine monophosphate dependent PKA RII-alpha, 14 PXXP motifs, and regions of homology with extensins and src homology-3-binding protein 1. mCABYR is arranged into six exons spanning about 14 kb of DNA. Mouse CABYR showed several similarities with human CABYR: (1) the protein was localized to the principal piece of mouse epididymal spermatozoa; (2) mouse CABYR has two coding regions (CR-A and CR-B), with 66 and 82% identity, respectively to human; and (3) mCABYR showed the presence of two testis-specific transcripts of approximately 1.4 and approximately 2.4 kb. Three murine splice variants were identified, two of which spliced into CR-B. Exon 4, present in all human and mouse variants and comprising 85% of CR-A appears suitable for targeted deletion. The overall 81% nucleotide identity between mouse and human CABYR, the common genomic organization, presence of similar testis-specific transcripts, localization in the principal piece of tail and occurrence of homologous splice variants indicate an authentic murine orthologue of CABYR has been identified.

SLLP1, a unique, intra-acrosomal, non-bacteriolytic, c lysozyme-like protein of human spermatozoa

We report the presence of a unique, non-bacteriolytic, c (chicken or conventional type) lysozyme-like protein, SLLP1, in the acrosome of human sperm. C lysozymes are bacteriolytic and can also bind to N-acetylglucosamines linked by beta-1,4 glycosidic bonds. Most of the invariant residues (17 out of 20), including all the cysteines, were conserved in SLLP1, but the two catalytic residues E35 and D52 of c lysozymes were replaced with T and N, respectively. The full-length cDNA encodes a protein of 215 aa with a predicted protease cleavage site between A87 and K88. The processed form of SLLP1, which showed an exon-intron organization similar to human c lysozyme, was the major isoform in the acrosome of ejaculated sperm. As expected, based on its sequence, the mature protein secreted from yeast showed no bacteriolytic activity. A significant decrease (54%, P < or = 0.001) in the number of sperm bound to zona-free hamster eggs was observed in the presence of antisera to recombinant SLLP1. SLLP1 mRNA (size, approximately 1 kb) appeared to be expressed only in the testis and in the Burkitt lymphoma Raji cell line. The gene SPACA3 encodes SLLP1 and contains five exons at locus 17q11.2. Because of its typical c lysozyme-like sequence, genomic organization, conservation of putative substrate-binding sites even in the absence of catalytic residues, and localization in the acrosomal matrix, we hypothesize that, after acrosome reaction, SLLP1 could be a potential receptor for the egg oligosaccharide residue N-acetylglucosamine, which is present in the extracellular matrix over the egg plasma membrane, within the perivitelline space, pores of zona pellucida, and cumulus layers.

ePAD, an oocyte and early embryo-abundant peptidylarginine deiminase-like protein that localizes to egg cytoplasmic sheets

Selected for its high relative abundance, a protein spot of MW approximately 75 kDa, pI 5.5 was cored from a Coomassie-stained two-dimensional gel of proteins from 2850 zona-free metaphase II mouse eggs and analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry (TMS), and novel microsequences were identified that indicated a previously uncharacterized egg protein. A 2.4-kb cDNA was then amplified from a mouse ovarian adapter-ligated cDNA library by RACE-PCR, and a unique 2043-bp open reading frame was defined encoding a 681-amino-acid protein. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence with the nonredundant database demonstrated that the protein was approximately 40% identical to the calcium-dependent peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD) enzyme family. Northern blotting, RT-PCR, and in situ hybridization analyses indicated that the protein was abundantly expressed in the ovary, weakly expressed in the testis, and absent from other tissues. Based on the homology with PADs and its oocyte-abundant expression pattern, the protein was designated ePAD, for egg and embryo-abundant peptidylarginine deiminase-like protein. Anti-recombinant ePAD monospecific antibodies localized the molecule to the cytoplasm of oocytes in primordial, primary, secondary, and Graafian follicles in ovarian sections, while no other ovarian cell type was stained. ePAD was also expressed in the immature oocyte, mature egg, and through the blastocyst stage of embryonic development, where expression levels began to decrease. Immunoelectron microscopy localized ePAD to egg cytoplasmic sheets, a unique keratin-containing intermediate filament structure found only in mammalian eggs and in early embryos, and known to undergo reorganization at critical stages of development. Previous reports that PAD-mediated deimination of epithelial cell keratin results in cytoskeletal remodeling suggest a possible role for ePAD in cytoskeletal reorganization in the egg and early embryo.

Role of mobile DNA in the evolution of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis

The complete genome sequence of Enterococcus faecalis V583, a vancomycin-resistant clinical isolate, revealed that more than a quarter of the genome consists of probable mobile or foreign DNA. One of the predicted mobile elements is a previously unknown vanB vancomycin-resistance conjugative transposon. Three plasmids were identified, including two pheromone-sensing conjugative plasmids, one encoding a previously undescribed pheromone inhibitor. The apparent propensity for the incorporation of mobile elements probably contributed to the rapid acquisition and dissemination of drug resistance in the enterococci.

Differential extraction and enrichment of human sperm surface proteins in a proteome: identification of immunocontraceptive candidates

The objective of this study was to discover previously unknown human sperm surface proteins that may be candidate contraceptive vaccinogens. To this end, methods of concentrating human sperm proteins for microsequencing by mass spectrometry were used, which increased the likelihood of identifying surface proteins. Vectorial labeling, differential extraction and two-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis were employed to identify and isolate proteins accessible at the cell surface. Percoll harvested or swim-up sperm were either solubilized directly or solubilized after surface labeling with sulfo-succinimidyl-6-(biotinamido)hexanoate (sulfo-NHS-LC-biotin). Comparisons were made of proteins extracted with four lysis buffers: (i) Celis buffer containing 9.8 M urea and 2% Igepal CA-630; (ii) 1% Triton X (TX)-100; (iii) 1.7% TX-114 followed by phase partitioning; or (iv) 1 M NaCl. Blots of proteins separated by high-resolution 2-D electrophoresis were probed with avidin and antibodies to known proteins specific for three domains: the sperm surface (SAGA-1), the acrosome (SP-10), and the cytoskeleton (alpha-tubulin). Celis buffer (45 min) extracted proteins from all three major compartments. However, a 20-s extraction in Celis buffer enriched for several proteins and enabled the identification of several novel peptides by mass spectrometry. Mild extraction with TX-100 or 1 M NaCl solubilized mainly membrane and acrosomal proteins, but not cytoskeletal proteins. Comparison of biotinylated proteins extracted by each method showed that the major vectorially labeled proteins solubilized by Celis buffer were also solubilized by TX-100, TX-114, and 1 M NaCl. Extraction with TX-114 followed by phase-partitioning significantly enriched hydrophobic surface proteins and aided resolution and isolation. Eight protein spots microsequenced following all these extraction methods proved to be novel sperm molecules.

SAMP32, a testis-specific, isoantigenic sperm acrosomal membrane-associated protein

To identify novel human sperm membrane antigens, we analyzed two-dimensional gels of sperm extracts containing hydrophobic proteins that partitioned into Triton X-114. Four protein spots with isoelectric points (pIs) ranging from 4.5 to 5.5 and apparent molecular weights from 32 to 34 kDa were sequenced by mass spectrometry and found to contain common peptide sequences. Cloning the corresponding cDNA revealed that these protein spots were products of a single gene (SAMP32), encoding a protein of 32 kDa with a predicted pI of 4.57. SAMP32 has a potential transmembrane domain in the carboxyl terminus and is phosphorylated in vivo on serine 256. Northern blotting of eight human tissues and RNA dot blotting of 76 human tissues showed that SAMP32 expression was testis specific. SAMP32 contained an amino terminal domain homologous to the major malarial circumsporozoite surface protein and a domain similar to that of Krp1 from Schizosaccharomyces pombe in its carboxyl terminus. The SAMP32 locus consists of seven exons on chromosome 6q15-16.2. Antiserum against recombinant SAMP32 recognized protein spots originally cored from a two-dimensional gel. This antiserum strongly stained the equatorial segment and faintly stained the acrosome cap of ejaculated human spermatozoa by immunofluorescence. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that SAMP32 was associated with the inner acrosomal membrane in the principal and the equatorial segments of the sperm acrosome. By immunostaining enzyme-dissociated testicular cells, SAMP32 was localized to Golgi phase round spermatids and subsequent stages of acrosome biogenesis. Recombinant SAMP32 reacted with serum from an infertile man, suggesting that it is isoantigenic. Antibodies against recombinant SAMP32 inhibited both the binding and the fusion of human sperm to zona-free hamster eggs.

CABYR, a novel calcium-binding tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated fibrous sheath protein involved in capacitation

To reach fertilization competence, sperm undergo an incompletely understood series of morphological and molecular maturational processes, termed capacitation, involving, among other processes, protein tyrosine phosphorylation and increased intracellular calcium. Hyperactivated motility and an ability to undergo the acrosome reaction serve as physiological end points to assess successful capacitation. We report here that acidic (pI 4.0) 86-kDa isoforms of a novel, polymorphic, testis-specific protein, designated calcium-binding tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated protein (CABYR), were tyrosine phosphorylated during in vitro capacitation and bound (45)Ca on 2D gels. Acidic 86-kDa calcium-binding forms of CABYR increased during in vitro capacitation, and calcium binding to these acidic forms was abolished by dephosphorylation with alkaline phosphatase. Six variants of CABYR containing two coding regions (CR-A and CR-B) were cloned from human testis cDNA libraries, including five variants with alternative splice deletions. A motif homologous to the RII dimerization domain of PK-A was present in the N-terminus of CR-A in four CABYR variants. A single putative EF handlike motif was noted in CR-A at aas 197-209, while seven potential tyrosine phosphorylation-like sites were noted in CR-A and four in CR-B. Pro-X-X-Pro (PXXP) modules were identified in the N- and C-termini of CR-A and CR-B. CABYR localizes to the principal piece of the human sperm flagellum in association with the fibrous sheath and is the first demonstration of a sperm protein that gains calcium-binding capacity when phosphorylated during capacitation.

Two-dimensional electrophoretic analysis of sperm antigens recognized by sperm immobilizing antibodies detected in infertile women

In this study, high resolution two-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis was used to identify human sperm antigens recognized by the sera from infertile women having sperm immobilizing (SI) antibodies. Two-D gel electrophoresis was employed to separate Percoll purified human sperm proteins using isoelectric focusing (IEF), followed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Sperm proteins were transferred to the nitrocellulose membranes and immunoblotted with seven sera from infertile women with high titers of SI antibodies and 6 sera from those without SI antibodies. The blots were compared to the 2-D composite image of human sperm proteins [Sperm Protein Encyclopedia] and sperm surface index and the sperm surface proteins recognized by infertile sera were identified. Fifty-two human sperm surface proteins reacted with sera containing SI antibodies, while 35 of these were reactive with the SI-negative control sera. The average numbers of protein spots reacted with test and control sera were 24.6 and 15.0 respectively. A subset of sperm surface proteins which were unique to the SI antibodies were identified by the following criteria; the sperm protein spots which were highly reactive with the infertile sera containing SI antibodies but not reactive with any of the SI-negative infertile sera. The coordinates of 4 prominent immunoreactive sperm proteins were considered as possibly relevant to antibody mediated female infertility.

Co-localization of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor and calreticulin in the equatorial segment and in membrane bounded vesicles in the cytoplasmic droplet of human spermatozoa

Modulation of the intracellular calcium concentration within mammalian spermatozoa is important in several pre-fertilization events including hyperactivated motility and the acrosome reaction. To identify calcium binding proteins (CBP) potentially regulating these processes, a (45)Ca overlay technique was employed on 2-D blots of human sperm extracts. Microsequencing by Edman degradation and CAD mass spectrometry identified a relatively abundant 60.5 kDa CBP with a pI of 4.2 as calreticulin (CRT). Immunofluorescent labelling with anti-CRT antibodies localized CRT to the acrosome, with highest fluorescence in the equatorial segment, and in the cytoplasmic droplets of 94 and 48% of human spermatozoa respectively. Double immunolabelling experiments demonstrated co-localization of CRT and the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP(3)R) in the acrosome, in the equatorial segment, and vesicular structures in the cytoplasmic droplets of the neck region. Electron microscopic immunogold labelling localized CRT to the equatorial segment of acrosome-reacted spermatozoa and to membrane-enclosed vesicles within the cytoplasmic droplet of both acrosome-intact and acrosome-reacted spermatozoa. Localization of the IP(3) receptor to the CRT-containing vesicles, in the sperm neck and to the acrosome, suggests that capacitative calcium entry in human spermatozoa may be regulated from these putative calcium storage sites.

Mouse BAC ends quality assessment and sequence analyses

A large-scale BAC end-sequencing project at The Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR) has generated one of the most extensive sets of sequence markers for the mouse genome to date. With a sequencing success rate of >80%, an average read length of 485 bp, and ABI3700 capillary sequencers, we have generated 449,234 nonredundant mouse BAC end sequences (mBESs) with 218 Mb total from 257,318 clones from libraries RPCI-23 and RPCI-24, representing 15x clone coverage, 7% sequence coverage, and a marker every 7 kb across the genome. A total of 191,916 BACs have sequences from both ends providing 12x genome coverage. The average Q20 length is 406 bp and 84% of the bases have phred quality scores > or = 20. RPCI-24 mBESs have more Q20 bases and longer reads on average than RPCI-23 sequences. ABI3700 sequencers and the sample tracking system ensure that > 95% of mBESs are associated with the right clone identifiers. We have found that a significant fraction of mBESs contains L1 repeats and approximately 48% of the clones have both ends with > or = 100 bp contiguous unique Q20 bases. About 3% mBESs match ESTs and > 70% of matches were conserved between the mouse and the human or the rat. Approximately 0.1% mBESs contain STSs. About 0.2% mBESs match human finished sequences and > 70% of these sequences have EST hits. The analyses indicate that our high-quality mouse BAC end sequences will be a valuable resource to the community.

Differential extraction and enrichment of human sperm surface proteins in a proteome: identification of immunocontraceptive candidates

The objective of this study was to discover previously unknown human sperm surface proteins that may be candidate contraceptive vaccinogens. To this end, methods of concentrating human sperm proteins for microsequencing by mass spectrometry were used, which increased the likelihood of identifying surface proteins. Vectorial labeling, differential extraction and two-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis were employed to identify and isolate proteins accessible at the cell surface. Percoll harvested or swim-up sperm were either solubilized directly or solubilized after surface labeling with sulfo-succinimidyl-6-(biotinamido)hexanoate (sulfo-NHS-LC-biotin). Comparisons were made of proteins extracted with four lysis buffers: (i) Celis buffer containing 9.8 M urea and 2% Igepal CA-630; (ii) 1% Triton X (TX)-100; (iii) 1.7% TX-114 followed by phase partitioning; or (iv) 1 M NaCl. Blots of proteins separated by high-resolution 2-D electrophoresis were probed with avidin and antibodies to known proteins specific for three domains: the sperm surface (SAGA-1), the acrosome (SP-10), and the cytoskeleton (alpha-tubulin). Celis buffer (45 min) extracted proteins from all three major compartments. However, a 20-s extraction in Celis buffer enriched for several proteins and enabled the identification of several novel peptides by mass spectrometry. Mild extraction with TX-100 or 1 M NaCl solubilized mainly membrane and acrosomal proteins, but not cytoskeletal proteins. Comparison of biotinylated proteins extracted by each method showed that the major vectorially labeled proteins solubilized by Celis buffer were also solubilized by TX-100, TX-114, and 1 M NaCl. Extraction with TX-114 followed by phase-partitioning significantly enriched hydrophobic surface proteins and aided resolution and isolation. Eight protein spots microsequenced following all these extraction methods proved to be novel sperm molecules.

Ulnar nerve conduction velocity as function of wrist position

Ulnar nerve conduction velocity (CV) calculated across the elbow has been shown to be significantly influenced by the position of the elbow. This study investigated the effect of wrist position on ulnar nerve CV in 19 control subjects. Ulnar nerve CV was determined with the elbow flexed at 90 degrees at two different wrist positions. The below-elbow-to-wrist CV was not significantly different between the wrist extended and the wrist flexed. Similarly, the mean across-elbow CV with wrist extended was not significantly different from the CV with the wrist flexed. The authors conclude that wrist position does not affect the calculated ulnar nerve CV across the elbow.

Complete genome sequence of Caulobacter crescentus

The complete genome sequence of Caulobacter crescentus was determined to be 4,016,942 base pairs in a single circular chromosome encoding 3,767 genes. This organism, which grows in a dilute aquatic environment, coordinates the cell division cycle and multiple cell differentiation events. With the annotated genome sequence, a full description of the genetic network that controls bacterial differentiation, cell growth, and cell cycle progression is within reach. Two-component signal transduction proteins are known to play a significant role in cell cycle progression. Genome analysis revealed that the C. crescentus genome encodes a significantly higher number of these signaling proteins (105) than any bacterial genome sequenced thus far. Another regulatory mechanism involved in cell cycle progression is DNA methylation. The occurrence of the recognition sequence for an essential DNA methylating enzyme that is required for cell cycle regulation is severely limited and shows a bias to intergenic regions. The genome contains multiple clusters of genes encoding proteins essential for survival in a nutrient poor habitat. Included are those involved in chemotaxis, outer membrane channel function, degradation of aromatic ring compounds, and the breakdown of plant-derived carbon sources, in addition to many extracytoplasmic function sigma factors, providing the organism with the ability to respond to a wide range of environmental fluctuations. C. crescentus is, to our knowledge, the first free-living alpha-class proteobacterium to be sequenced and will serve as a foundation for exploring the biology of this group of bacteria, which includes the obligate endosymbiont and human pathogen Rickettsia prowazekii, the plant pathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens, and the bovine and human pathogen Brucella abortus.

FSP95, a testis-specific 95-kilodalton fibrous sheath antigen that undergoes tyrosine phosphorylation in capacitated human spermatozoa

Protein tyrosine phosphorylation has been associated with both capacitation and motility of mammalian sperm. During capacitation, human spermatozoa undergo tyrosine phosphorylation of a characteristic set of proteins, only one of which has thus far been cloned and localized. We report here the sequence of a fibrous sheath protein of 95 kDa (FSP95) that undergoes tyrosine phosphorylation during capacitation of human spermatozoa and has similarity to sperm A-kinase anchor proteins (AKAPs). FSP95 is both auto- and iso-antigenic in humans as it is recognized by sera containing antisperm antibodies from infertile men and women. The 853-residue protein has a calculated molecular weight of 94.6 kDa and an isoelectric point (pI) of 6.0, and it contains multiple potential phosphorylation sites for protein kinase C and casein kinase II as well as one potential tyrosine kinase phosphorylation site at amino acid 435. The sequence has amino acid homology to mouse sperm fibrous sheath AKAP82 (pro-mAKAP82, 34% identity) and to human sperm fibrous sheath AKAP82 (pro-hAKAP82, 32% identity). The gene encoding FSP95 has 5 exons separated by 4 introns and is located on chromosome 12 at locus p13.3. Northern analysis detected a single transcript of approximately 3.0 kilobases, and Northern dot blot analysis of 50 human tissues revealed FSP95 mRNA expression only in testis. By employing sperm immobilization, indirect immunofluorescence, and immunoelectron microscopy with antisera to purified recombinant FSP95, the protein was localized to the ribs of the fibrous sheath in the principal piece of the sperm tail. FSP95 is the second fibrous sheath protein to be cloned, sequenced and localized in human spermatozoa.

PI-PLC releases a 25-40 kDa protein cluster from the hamster oolemma and affects the sperm penetration assay

The effects of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) on human sperm-hamster oocyte interaction were investigated to determine whether PI-PLC cleavable glycosylphosphatidyinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins are involved in sperm-egg binding and fusion. Two-dimensional electrophoresis was then utilized to visualize proteins released from hamster oocytes following PI-PLC treatment. For the binding and fusion assay, either spermatozoa or eggs were treated with 1 IU/ml PI-PLC for 30 min and washed prior to gamete co-incubation. Treatment of human spermatozoa with PI-PLC significantly (P </= 0.05) enhanced sperm-egg binding while having no effect on sperm-egg fusion. Treatment of zona-free hamster oocytes with PI-PLC blocked sperm-egg binding and fusion. In order to identify the oolemmal GPI-anchored proteins involved in fertilization, egg surface proteins were labelled with sulpho-NHS biotin and either mock treated or treated with PI-PLC. Egg protein extracts and egg supernatant proteins from each group were then analysed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by avidin blotting. Comparison of blots demonstrated that a predominant biotinylated 25-40 kDa protein cluster (pI 5-6) apparent in the mock treated egg extract blot was absent in the PI-PLC treated egg extract blot. A protein cluster of identical molecular weight and isoelectric point as the predominant 25-40 kDa protein cluster was observed in the PI-PLC supernatant blot while no proteins could be seen in the control supernatant blot. These results demonstrate that treatment of hamster oocytes with PI-PLC inhibits sperm-egg interaction and releases a 25-40 kDa protein cluster (pI 5-6) from the oolemma. It is likely that this released protein cluster represents an oolemmal GPI-linked surface protein(s) which is involved in human sperm-hamster egg interaction.