Altered patterning of trisomy 21 interneuron progenitors

Individuals with Down syndrome (DS; Ts21), the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability, have smaller brains that reflect fewer neurons at pre- and post-natal stages, implicating impaired neurogenesis during development. Our stereological analysis of adult DS cortex indicates a reduction of calretinin-expressing interneurons. Using Ts21 human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and isogenic controls, we find that Ts21 progenitors generate fewer COUP-TFII+ progenitors with reduced proliferation. Single-cell RNA sequencing of Ts21 progenitors confirms the altered specification of progenitor subpopulations and identifies reduced WNT signaling. Activation of WNT signaling partially restores the COUP-TFII+ progenitor population in Ts21, suggesting that altered WNT signaling contributes to the defective development of cortical interneurons in DS.

The Transcriptional Function of GRHL2 in Hormone-Dependent Breast Cancers

The Grainyhead-like protein family, composed of GRHL1, GRHL2, and GRHL3, are nuclear transcription factors that regulate epithelial differentiation. GRHL2 has been associated with several nuclear hormone receptors, including progesterone receptor (PR), androgen receptor (AR), and more recently, estrogen receptor (ER). In breast cancer, GRHL2 has been shown to both activate ER-dependent enhancers through FOXA1 and MLL3-mediated deposition of the activating histone mark H3K4me1 and repress enhancers via inhibition of the histone acetyltransferase p300. Cistromic analysis by our group of ER phosphorylated at serine 118 (pS118-ER), a form of transcriptionally active ER, found an enrichment of the GRHL motif near pS118-ER binding sites. Despite these findings, the direct relationship between GRHL2 and ER transcriptional function and how that relationship influences ER-positive breast cancer growth and differentiation is not well-defined. To explore the relationship between GRHL2 and pS118-ER further, we used transcriptomic and cistromic analysis of ER-positive cells lacking GRHL2 to determine the impact of the loss of GRHL2 on cellular and transcriptional responses to estrogen. This analysis identified a subset of genes that are controlled by both GRHL2 and estrogen. In addition, CRISPR engineered T47D cells lacking a portion of the GRHL2 transactivation domain (ΔTAD) demonstrate reduced nuclear ER levels and reduced ER chromatin occupancy. Gene expression analysis of ΔTAD-GRHL2 cells showed increased GRHL3 expression, and ChIP analysis revealed increased Pol II occupancy at the GRHL3 promoter, suggesting that there may be a compensatory mechanism within the GRHL family to regulate the transcriptome. Finally, ΔTAD-GRHL2 mutants reduced growth and colony formation relative to wild-type controls. Together, this work will provide an understanding of how transcriptionally active ER and GRHL2 selectively cooperate to regulate transcription, growth, and differentiation in ER-positive breast cancer.

Discovery of Acyl-sulfonamide Nav1.7 Inhibitors GDC-0276 and GDC-0310

Nav1.7 is an extensively investigated target for pain with a strong genetic link in humans, yet in spite of this effort, it remains challenging to identify efficacious, selective, and safe inhibitors. Here, we disclose the discovery and preclinical profile of GDC-0276 (1) and GDC-0310 (2), selective Nav1.7 inhibitors that have completed Phase 1 trials. Our initial search focused on close-in analogues to early compound 3. This resulted in the discovery of GDC-0276 (1), which possessed improved metabolic stability and an acceptable overall pharmacokinetics profile. To further derisk the predicted human pharmacokinetics and enable QD dosing, additional optimization of the scaffold was conducted, resulting in the discovery of a novel series of N-benzyl piperidine Nav1.7 inhibitors. Improvement of the metabolic stability by blocking the labile benzylic position led to the discovery of GDC-0310 (2), which possesses improved Nav selectivity and pharmacokinetic profile over 1.

OR26-4 Genome-Wide Binding Profile of Phosphorylated Estrogen Receptor Reveals Association with Direct DNA Binding

Post-translational modifications are key regulators of protein function, providing signals that alter protein interactions and activity. Phosphorylation of estrogen receptor-α (ER) at serine 118 (pS118-ER) occurs in response to multiple stimuli and is involved in modulating ER-dependent gene transcription. While the effects of pS118 on ER-DNA interactions have been investigated at specific genomic sites, the genome-wide binding profile (cistrome) of pS118-ER remains to be studied. To determine and characterize the pS118-ER cistrome, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) was performed on both pS118-ER and ER and their binding profiles were compared. A subset of ER sites was found to be occupied by pS118-ER and although these sites were not found to be enriched in promoter regions relative to all ER sites, the pS118-ER sites were associated with the active enhancer mark H3K27ac as well as genes upregulated, but not downregulated, by estrogen. Additionally, pS118-ER sites were found to be enriched in the DNA binding motif for GRHL2 as well as the estrogen response element (ERE) relative to all ER sites. Utilizing a DNA binding microarray, pS118-ER was found to be more commonly associated with direct DNA binding events compared to indirect binding events. These results suggest a role for pS118-ER at active enhancers and as a regulator of direct ER-DNA interactions. Prevention of this phosphorylation event could serve as a potential treatment for ER-positive breast cancers by reducing the transcriptional activity of ER and decreasing its occupancy on DNA.

SUN-012 Investigating the Effect of GRHL2 on pS118-ER Transcriptional Activity in Breast Cancer

In estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancers, there is a continual balance between growth and differentiation. Upon activation with estrogen, ER is phosphorylated at serine 118 (pS118-ER). High pS118-ER expression has been observed in low grade and well differentiated tumors. However, this phospho-variant presents a paradox as high expression has also been detected in therapy resistant metastatic tumors. Recently our lab conducted a comprehensive genome wide analysis of ER and pS118-ER through a ChIP-seq study. DNA motif analysis revealed enrichment of the GRHL2 motif near pS118-ER occupancy sites over ER occupancy sites. GRHL2 is a transcription factor that has also been implicated in epithelial differentiation and has been shown to have roles as both a tumor suppressor and oncogene in breast cancer. However, its role in facilitating pS118-ER transcriptional activity is unclear. In these studies, we examine the role of GRHL2 in pS118-ER occupancy through conventional ChIP at GRHL2/pS118-ER co-occupancy sites. GRHL2 occupancy can increase upon estrogen treatment at sites where pS118-ER is also present, but that increase has not been seen at sites lacking pS118-ER occupancy. Using a CRISPR knockout of GRHL2, the role of GRHL2 in pS118-ER DNA binding is being investigated further. In addition, we are using luminal cultures to model breast ducts and investigate the role of GRHL2 in breast cancer epithelial differentiation. These lumens maintain their estrogen responsiveness and GRHL2 expression, which will allow for the study of GRHL2 in a biologically relevant structure. These studies provide the foundation for understanding GRHL2 function in breast cancer.

Deep brain stimulation of the posterior hypothalamic area in intractable short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT)

Background: SUNCT (short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing) is a rare syndrome characterized by the sudden onset of excruciating unilateral periorbital pain that is accompanied by conjunctival injection and lacrimation or further autonomic signs. Similar to patients with chronic cluster headache, Leone and Lyons showed a beneficial effect of deep brain stimulation of the posterior hypothalamic region in two patients with a chronic SUNCT.

Case: Here, we present the case of a man with a chronic SUNCT responding to deep brain stimulation of the posterior hypothalamic area.

Conclusion: This case supports the idea of a central origin of SUNCT and shows that deep brain stimulation of the hypothalamic region can be effective in the treatment of the chronic form of this rare disorder.

Establishment of an HIV/sexually transmitted disease programme and prevalence of infection among incarcerated men in Jamaica

The goal of this study is to describe the establishment of an HIV testing and treatment programme in the Jamaican correctional system and to estimate the prevalence of HIV/sexually transmitted disease (STD) among adult incarcerated men in this country. A demonstration project was implemented by the Jamaican Department of Correctional Services and Ministry of Health in the nation's largest correctional centre. All inmates were offered HIV and syphilis testing, and a subset was offered chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis testing. Cross-sectional data from the project were reviewed to determine the prevalence and correlates of HIV/STD. HIV test acceptance was 63% for voluntary testers (n = 1200). The prevalence of HIV was 3.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.33-4.64) (n = 1017) and the prevalence syphilis was 0.7% (95% CI 0.29-1.49) (n = 967). Among the subset tested (n = 396) the prevalence of chlamydia was 2.5% (95% CI 1.22-4.49) and for trichomoniasis it was 1.8% (95% CI 0.01-3.60), but no cases of gonorrhoea were detected (n = 396). The prevalence of HIV was significantly higher at 25% (95% CI 13.64-39.60) for persons located in a separate section where individuals labelled as men who have sex with men (MSM) are separated. HIV/STD testing is important and feasible in Jamaica. A special focus should be placed on providing services to inmates labelled as MSM. Other Caribbean nations may also benefit from similar programmes.

The influence of pallidal deep brain stimulation on striatal dopaminergic metabolism in the rat

Deep brain stimulation of the globus pallidus internus has been recently shown to alleviate parkinsonian symptoms and levodopa-induced dyskinesias. However, its exact mechanisms of action are unclear. Pallidal neurones are connected via various pathways to the dopaminergic nigrostriatal system. In the present study we investigated the hypothesis that deep brain stimulation of the entopeduncular nucleus (corresponds to the human internal pallidum) affects striatal dopaminergic metabolism in naive and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesioned rats using microdialysis. Our results show that stimulation of the entopeduncular nucleus does not significantly affect striatal dopamine metabolism (of dopamine, 3, 4-dihdroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid) in naive and 6-OHDA-lesioned animals. They contrast with our previous observations that deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus increases striatal dopamine metabolism suggesting differential effects of these nuclei on striatal dopamine metabolism.

Influence of Concentration of Soda Ash, Temperature, and Immersion Period on the Control of Postharvest Green Mold of Oranges

Oranges were inoculated with spores of Penicillium digitatum, the citrus green mold pathogen, and immersed 24 h later in heated soda ash (Na₂CO₃, sodium carbonate) solutions to control postharvest citrus green mold. Oranges were immersed for 1 or 2 min in solutions containing 0, 2, 4, or 6% (wt/vol) soda ash heated to 35.0, 40.6, 43.3, or 46.1°C. After 3 weeks of storage at 10°C, the number of decayed oranges was determined. Soda ash significantly controlled green mold in every test. The most effective control of green mold was obtained at 40.6 or 43.3°C with 4 or 6% soda ash. The concentration of soda ash greatly influenced efficacy, whereas the influences of temperature or immersion period on soda ash efficacy were small. Solutions of 4 and 6% soda ash were similar in efficacy and provided superior control of green mold compared with 2% soda ash. The control of green mold by soda ash solutions heated to 40.6 or 43.3°C was slightly superior to control by solutions heated to 35.0 or 46.1°C. The control of green mold by 1-min immersion of inoculated oranges in heated soda ash solutions was inferior to immersion for 2 min, but the magnitude of the difference, particularly with 6% soda ash, was small. A second-order response surface model without interactions was developed that closely described the influence of soda ash concentration, temperature, and immersion period on efficacy. The efficacy of soda ash under commercial conditions was better than that predicted by the model, probably because under commercial conditions the fruit were rinsed less thoroughly with water after treatment than in laboratory tests. The primary finding of this work was that soda ash controlled 24-h-old green mold infections at commercially useful levels using shorter immersion periods and lower temperatures than those recommended by other workers for the use of soda ash on lemons. The oranges were not visibly injured in any test.

Guidelines for developing a new standard in hospice care

Hospice care has been overlooked by many in the medical community. This is partly due to the nature of medical training; it could be overcome by the development of industry guidelines by which to measure quality of care.

Knob antigen deposition in cerebral malaria

Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes attach to the endothelial cells via electron-dense knobs and this attachment has been suggested as one of the contributing factors in the development of cerebral malaria. Monoclonal antibodies against an 80-95 Kd knob protein were prepared and applied to brain tissue from cerebral malaria patients. The deposition of the 80-95 Kd knob protein antibodies was observed in the basement membrane of cerebral capillaries by the peroxidase anti-peroxidase method. This result indicates involvement of knob protein deposition in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria.

Collection of food intake data: an evaluation of methods

Using USDA's recently completed methodological survey designed to evaluate longitudinal measures of food intake, the authors assessed nine methods for measuring dietary status. Methods evaluated included various combinations of prospective and retrospective recording of daily intake; personal, telephone, and mail- and telephone-assisted reporting; semistructured and open-ended recording documents; and number and spacing of days for recording intakes. Results from tabular and regression analyses indicated that the most effective and least costly methods for assessing mean intakes for groups of individuals were those using telephone and/or personal contact and collecting 24-hour recalls for several selected nonconsecutive days during the survey period. More specifically, it was concluded that the method including an initial personal interview for 24-hour recall followed by three telephone interviews for 24-hour recalls over a 1-year period and the method including four telephone interviews for 24-hour recalls for a 1-year period provided food energy intake data comparable with the data collected with other methods and with less effort or cost. Additional analyses were recommended to determine the numbers of days required to obtain estimates of usual intake for individuals and for diet components other than food energy.