FoxP1 Represses MEF2A in Striated Muscle

Myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) proteins are involved in multiple developmental, physiological, and pathological processes in vertebrates. Protein-protein interactions underlie the plethora of biological processes impacted by MEF2A, necessitating a detailed characterization of the MEF2A interactome. A nanobody based affinity-purification/mass spectrometry strategy was employed to achieve this goal. Specifically, the MEF2A protein complexes were captured from myogenic lysates using a GFP-tagged MEF2A protein immobilized with a GBP-nanobody followed by LC-MS/MS proteomic analysis to identify MEF2A interactors. After bioinformatic analysis, we further characterized the interaction of MEF2A with a transcriptional repressor, FOXP1. FOXP1 coprecipitated with MEF2A in proliferating myogenic cells which diminished upon differentiation (myotube formation). Ectopic expression of FOXP1 inhibited MEF2A driven myogenic reporter genes (derived from the creatine kinase muscle and myogenin genes) and delayed induction of endogenous myogenin during differentiation. Conversely, FOXP1 depletion enhanced MEF2A transactivation properties and myogenin expression. The FoxP1:MEF2A interaction is also preserved in cardiomyocytes and FoxP1 depletion enhanced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. FOXP1 prevented MEF2A phosphorylation and activation by the p38MAPK pathway. Overall, these data implicate FOXP1 in restricting MEF2A function in order to avoid premature differentiation in myogenic progenitors and also to possibly prevent re-activation of embryonic gene expression in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.

Re-organization of nucleolar architecture in myogenic differentiation

Myogenesis, the process of muscle differentiation, requires an extensive remodeling of the cellular transcriptome and proteome. Whereas the transcriptional program underpinning myogenesis is well characterized, the required adaptation in protein synthesis is incompletely understood. Enhanced protein synthesis necessitates ribosome biogenesis at the nucleolus. Nucleolar size and activity are inextricably linked with altered gene expression. Here, we report changes in nucleolar morphology and function during myogenic differentiation. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed alterations in nucleolar morphology that were dependent on the cellular state - proliferative or quiescent myogenic progenitors (myoblasts or reserve cells) contained multiple small nucleoli with a characteristic spherical shape, whereas multinucleated myotubes typically contained one large, often irregularly shaped nucleolus. These morphological alterations are consistent with changes to nucleolar phase separation properties. Re-organization of the nucleolar structure was correlated with enhanced rRNA production and protein translation. Inhibition of mTOR signaling with rapamycin perturbed nucleolar re-organization. Conversely, hyperactivated mTOR enhanced alterations in nucleolar morphology. These findings support the idea that there is an mTOR dependent re-organization of nucleolar structure during myogenesis, enhancing our understanding of myogenesis and possibly facilitating new approaches to therapeutic interventions in muscle pathologies.

O-130 Reproductive outcomes of normal ovarian reserve patients after progestin-primed ovarian stimulation with chlormadinone acetate vs GnRH antagonist: A retrospective study with inverse-probability-of-treatment weighting

Study question

To evaluate the effectiveness of chlormadinone acetate (CMA) for preventing premature LH surge in patients with normal ovarian reserve compared to cetrorelix.

Summary answer

In progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) than GnRH antagonist (GnRH-ant), the incidence of premature LH surge was significantly lower, without significant difference in oocyte maturation rate.

What is known already

The GnRH-ant protocol is one of the conventional protocols which has some disadvantages including increased premature LH surge rate and cancelation rate. In recent years, the PPOS protocol has attracted attention as a new ovarian stimulation using progestin as an alternative to GnRH analog for suppressing a premature LH surge, however its efficacy is still controversial. In addition, many studies have investigated the reproductive outcomes of PPOS using medroxy-progesterone acetate or dydrogesterone; however, there are few reports of CMA, an oral progestin, which is inexpensive and widely used in Japan.

Study design, size, duration

This retrospective cohort study was performed in a reproduction center between March 2018 and October 2020 which included 977 Japanese patients with normal ovarian reserve undergoing PPOS with CMA (n = 299), or GnRH antagonist (GnRH-ant) with cetrorelix (n = 608) in their first IVF cycle at the reproduction center. In subgroup analysis, pregnancy outcomes after frozen embryo transfers (FET) between PPOS (n = 284) and GnRH-ant (n = 579) were also compared.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The inclusion criteria were patients aged < 40 years and AMH ≧ 1.1 ng/mL, who underwent autologous oocyte retrieval in their first IVF cycle with freeze-all strategy. The primary outcome was the incidence of premature LH surge, the secondary outcomes was oocyte maturation rate. To reduce the impact of treatment bias and potential confounding factors, we conducted logistic regression models with inverse-probability-of-treatment weighting (IPTW).

Main results and the role of chance

After IPTW, baseline clinical data were well-balanced between the two groups, including age, AMH, BMI, the duration, type, and cause of infertility, antral follicle count, the history of recurrent spontaneous abortion, and previous IVF attempts. The premature LH surge rate was significantly lower with PPOS (3.1%) compared to GnRH-ant (20.1%) (odds ratio, 0.21; 95% confidence interval, 0.11–0.36). No significant differences were found in total gonadotropin dose (2400IU for PPOS vs 2400IU for GnRH-ant, p = 0.136), the number of oocyte retrieval (n = 15 vs n = 15, p = 0.484), oocyte maturation rate (78.8% vs 77.8%, p = 0.275), fertilization rate (73.0% vs 72.0%, p = 0.412), viable embryo rate per oocyte retrieval (40% vs 40%, p = 0.890), and good quality blastocyst rate (72.0% vs 69.6%, p = 0.092). However, the good quality day-3 embryo rate was significantly lower with PPOS (37.2% vs 49.1%, p < 0.05). There were no differences in the incidence of moderate-to-severe OHSS (0.3% vs 0.7%, p = 0.481). In FET cycles, the pregnancy outcomes, such as implantation rate (43.1 % vs 51.9 %, p = 0.013) and clinical pregnancy rate (46.5% vs 54.7%, p = 0.027) were significantly lower with PPOS, however, no significant differences were found in ongoing pregnancy rate (75.6% vs 80.5%, p = 0.325), and live birth rate (72.4% vs 79.5 %, p = 0.142).

Limitations, reasons for caution

This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in a single center. The participants in this study were limited to Japanese ethnicity. The results need to be validated across different centers and other ethnicities.

Wider implications of the findings

This is the first report assessing the reproductive outcomes on PPOS using CMA, widely used in Japan. The PPOS with CMA significantly suppressed the premature LH surge rate compared to GnRH-ant protocol, without decrease in oocyte maturation rate.

Trial registration number

N/A

TAZ exhibits phase separation properties and interacts with Smad7 and β-catenin to repress skeletal myogenesis

Hippo signaling in Drosophila and mammals is prominent in regulating cell proliferation, death and differentiation. Hippo signaling effectors (YAP/TAZ) exhibit crosstalk with transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-Smad and Wnt-β-catenin pathways. Previously, we implicated Smad7 and β-catenin in myogenesis. Therefore, we assessed a potential role of TAZ on theSmad7/β-catenin complex in muscle cells. Here, we document functional interactions between Smad7, TAZ and β-catenin in myogenic cells. Ectopic TAZ expression resulted in repression of the muscle-specific creatine kinase muscle (ckm) gene promoter and its corresponding protein level. Depletion of endogenous TAZ enhanced ckm promoter activation. Ectopic TAZ, while potently active on a TEAD reporter (HIP-HOP), repressed myogenin and myod enhancer regions and Myogenin protein level. Additionally, a Wnt/β-catenin readout (TOP flash) demonstrated TAZ inhibition of β-catenin activity. In myoblasts, TAZ is predominantly localized in nuclear speckles, while in differentiation conditions TAZ is hyperphosphorylated at Ser 89 leading to enhanced cytoplasmic sequestration. Finally, live cell imaging indicates that TAZ exhibits properties of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). These observations indicate that TAZ, as an effector of Hippo signaling, supresses the myogenic differentiation machinery.

Nucleolar localization of c-Jun

Nucleoli are well defined for their function in ribosome biogenesis, but only a small fraction of the nucleolar proteome has been characterized. Here, we report that the proto-oncogene, c-Jun, is targeted to the nucleolus. Using live cell imaging in myogenic cells, we document that the c-Jun basic domain contains a unique, evolutionarily conserved motif that determines nucleolar targeting. Fos family Jun dimer partners, such as Fra2, while nuclear, do not co-localize with c-Jun in the nucleolus. A point mutation in c-Jun that mimics Fra2 (M260E) in its Nucleolar Localization sequence (NoLS) results in loss of c-Jun nucleolar targeting while still preserving nuclear localization. Fra2 can sequester c-Jun in the nucleoplasm, indicating that the stoichiometric ratio of heterodimeric partners regulates c-Jun nucleolar targeting. Finally, nucleolar localization of c-Jun modulates nucleolar architecture and ribosomal RNA accumulation. These studies highlight a novel role for Jun family proteins in the nucleolus, having potential implications for a diverse array of AP-1-regulated cellular processes.

Effects of preemptive analgesia with intravenous acetaminophen on postoperative pain relief in patients undergoing third molar surgery: a prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of preemptive analgesia in managing postoperative pain remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of intravenous (IV) acetaminophen administered before or immediately after the surgical extraction of an impacted mandibular third molar.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This prospective randomized clinical trial included 120 patients. The patients were assigned to one of three groups: the preoperative-treatment group (pre-group), which received 1000 mg of IV acetaminophen 20 min before surgery; the postoperative-treatment group (post-group), which received 1000 mg of IV acetaminophen after surgery; the no-treatment group (control-group), which did not receive any analgesic. Rescue analgesic (60 mg loxoprofen) was issued to each patient, with instructions on self-administration if needed. For the rescue medication usage, the time of first loxoprofen usage and the total amount of loxoprofen consumption were obtained for a 17-hour period after surgery. We measured pain using the visual analogue scale at 1 hour and at 2, 3, 4, 5, and 15 hours after surgery.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in pain level among the three groups at any time interval. However, the pre-group demonstrated significantly lower rescue analgesic consumption and longer time until initial administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of IV acetaminophen before third molar surgery provides more effective pain control than postoperative administration and no treatment.

Radial Spin Texture in Elemental Tellurium with Chiral Crystal Structure

The chiral crystal is characterized by a lack of mirror symmetry and inversion center, resulting in the inequivalent right- and left-handed structures. In the noncentrosymmetric crystal structure, the spin and momentum of electrons are expected to be locked in the reciprocal space with the help of the spin-orbit interaction. To reveal the spin textures of chiral crystals, we investigate the spin and electronic structure in a p-type semiconductor, elemental tellurium, with the simplest chiral structure by using spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. Our data demonstrate that the highest valence band crossing the Fermi level has a spin component parallel to the electron momentum around the Brillouin zone corners. Significantly, we have also confirmed that the spin polarization is reversed in the crystal with the opposite chirality. The results indicate that the spin textures of the right- and left-handed chiral crystals are hedgehoglike, leading to unconventional magnetoelectric effects and nonreciprocal phenomena.

A candidate-SNP retrospective cohort study for fracture risk in Japanese Thoroughbred racehorses

Fractures are medical conditions that compromise the athletic potential of horses and/or the safety of jockeys. Therefore, the reduction of fracture risk is an important horse and human welfare issue. The present study used molecular genetic approaches to determine the effect of genetic risk for fracture at four candidate SNPs spanning the myostatin (MSTN) gene on horse chromosome 18. Among the 3706 Japanese Thoroughbred racehorses, 1089 (29.4%) had experienced fractures in their athletic life, indicating the common occurrence of this injury in Thoroughbreds. In the case/control association study, fractures of the carpus (carpal bones and distal radius) were statistically associated with g.65809482T/C (P = 1.17 x 10^-8 ), g.65868604G/T (P = 2.66 x 10^-9 ), and g.66493737C/T (P = 6.41 x 10^-8 ). In the retrospective cohort study using 1710 racehorses born in 2000, the relative risk (RR) was highest for male horses at g.65868604G/T, based on the dominant allele risk model (RR = 2.251, 95% confidence interval 1.407-3.604, P = 0.00041), and for female horses at g.65868604G/T, based on the recessive allele risk model (RR = 2.313, 95% confidence interval 1.380-3.877, P = 0.00163). Considering the association of these SNPs with racing performance traits such as speed, these genotypes may affect the occurrence of carpus fractures in Japanese Thoroughbred racehorses as a consequence of the non-genetic influence of the genotype on the distance and/or intensity of racing and training. The genetic information presented here may contribute to the development of strategic training programs and racing plans for racehorses that improve their health and welfare.

6108Efficacy of the PCSK9 inhibitor for lipid-rich coronary plaque reduction: a near-infrared spectroscopy analysis

Background

Recently, some studies have highlighted proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors produce incremental low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering effect. However, it is unknown whether the lipid composition of plaque changes is associated with serum LDL-C reduction due to PCSK9 inhibitors administration.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of PCSK9 inhibitor (PCSK9i) on coronary plaque component in patients with a history of coronary artery disease (CAD) assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy intravascular ultrasound (NIRS-IVUS).

Methods

A total of 67 non-culprit coronary segments were identified in 34 patients. These lesions were analyzed utilizing NIRS-IVUS at baseline and follow-up coronary angiography (CAG). The subjects were divided into two groups according to lipid-lowering treatment; administration of PCSK9i group (PCSK9i: 19 segments, 9 patients) and traditional statin treatment group (Control: 48 segments, 25 patients). The change of lipid-rich plaque distribution between baseline and follow-up NIRS-IVUS was defined as the change of maximal lipid core burden index (LCBI) score for each of the 4-mm longitudinal segments (maxLCBI4mm).

Results

Mean duration from baseline to follow-up CAG was 239.4±52.4 days in the PCSK9i group and 341.0±84.1 days in the Control group (p<0.001). Despite the higher total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the PCSK9i group at baseline (206.6±40.9 mg/dl vs. 168.5±37.1 mg/dl, 131.5±35.4 mg/dl vs. 100.0±29.5 mg/dl; respectively, p<0.001 for both), the PCSK9i group was significantly lower TC and LDL-C at the follow-up (111.5±23.5 mg/dl vs. 157.4±27.8 mg/dl, 40.8±15.7 mg/dl vs. 86.2±19.6 mg/dl; respectively, p<0.001 for both). Furthermore, the PCSK9i group induced greater regression of maxLCBI4mm than that of Control group (99.6±156.6 vs. 27.9±118.0, p=0.046) (Figure).

Figure 1

Conclusion

Compared with traditional statin therapy, PCSK9i treatment resulted in a greater decrease in lipid component in non-culprit coronary plaques. Therefore, PCSK9i may be useful option in preventing from adverse coronary events for the patients with CAD.

TNAP limits TGF-β-dependent cardiac and skeletal muscle fibrosis by inactivating the SMAD2/3 transcription factors

Fibrosis is associated with almost all forms of chronic cardiac and skeletal muscle diseases. The accumulation of extracellular matrix impairs the contractility of muscle cells contributing to organ failure. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) plays a pivotal role in fibrosis, activating pro-fibrotic gene programmes via phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 transcription factors. However, the mechanisms that control de-phosphorylation of SMAD2 and SMAD3 (SMAD2/3) have remained poorly characterized. Here, we show that tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP, also known as ALPL) is highly upregulated in hypertrophic hearts and in dystrophic skeletal muscles, and that the abrogation of TGF-β signalling in TNAP-positive cells reduces vascular and interstitial fibrosis. We show that TNAP colocalizes and interacts with SMAD2. The TNAP inhibitor MLS-0038949 increases SMAD2/3 phosphorylation, while TNAP overexpression reduces SMAD2/3 phosphorylation and the expression of downstream fibrotic genes. Overall our data demonstrate that TNAP negatively regulates TGF-β signalling and likely represents a mechanism to limit fibrosis.

FMRP recruitment of β-catenin to the translation pre-initiation complex represses translation

Canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling is an essential regulator of various cellular functions throughout development and adulthood. Aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling also contributes to various pathologies including cancer, necessitating an understanding of cell context-dependent mechanisms regulating this pathway. Since protein-protein interactions underpin β-catenin function and localization, we sought to identify novel β-catenin interacting partners by affinity purification coupled with tandem mass spectrometry in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), where β-catenin is involved in both physiological and pathological control of cell proliferation. Here, we report novel components of the VSMC β-catenin interactome. Bioinformatic analysis of the protein networks implies potentially novel functions for β-catenin, particularly in mRNA translation, and we confirm a direct interaction between β-catenin and the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). Biochemical studies reveal a basal recruitment of β-catenin to the messenger ribonucleoprotein and translational pre-initiation complex, fulfilling a translational repressor function. Wnt stimulation antagonizes this function, in part, by sequestering β-catenin away from the pre-initiation complex. In conclusion, we present evidence that β-catenin fulfills a previously unrecognized function in translational repression.

Reappraisal of classification of distal cholangiocarcinoma based on tumour depth

Background

In the eighth edition of the AJCC cancer staging classification, the T system for distal cholangiocarcinoma (DCC) has been revised from a layer-based to a depth-based approach. The aim of this study was to propose an optimal T classification using a measured depth in resectable DCC.

Methods

Patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for DCC at 32 hospitals between 2001 and 2010 were included. The distance between the level of the naive bile duct and the deepest cancer cells was measured as depth of invasion (DOI). Invasive cancer foci were measured as invasive tumour thickness (ITT). Log rank χ2 scores were used to determine the cut-off points, and concordance index (C-index) to assess the survival discrimination of each T system.

Results

Among 404 patients, DOI was measurable in 182 (45·0 per cent) and ITT was measurable in all patients, with median values of 2·3 and 5·6 mm respectively. ITT showed a positive correlation with DOI (rs = 0·854, P &lt; 0·001), and the cut-off points for prognosis were 1, 5 and 10 mm. Median survival time was shorter with increased ITT: 12·4 years for ITT below 1 mm, 5·2 years for ITT at least 1 mm but less than 5 mm, 3·0 years for ITT at least 5 mm but less than 10 mm, and 1·5 years for ITT 10 mm or more (P &lt; 0·001). This classification exhibited more favourable prognostic discrimination than the T systems of the seventh and eighth editions of the AJCC (C-index 0·646, 0·622 and 0·624 respectively).

Conclusion

ITT is an accurate approach for depth assessment in DCC. The four-tier ITT classification with cut-off points of 1, 5 and 10 mm seems to be a better T system than those in the seventh and eighth editions of the AJCC classification.

Three-dimensional imaging reveals endo(sarco)plasmic reticulum-containing invaginations within the nucleoplasm of muscle

The mammalian nucleus has invaginations from the cytoplasm, termed nucleoplasmic reticulum (NR). With increased resolution of cellular imaging, progress has been made in understanding the formation and function of NR. In fact, nucleoplasmic Ca²⁺ homeostasis has been implicated in the regulation of gene expression, DNA repair, and cell death. However, the majority of studies focus on cross-sectional or single-plane analyses of NR invaginations, providing an incomplete assessment of its distribution and content. Here, we provided advanced imaging and three-dimensional reconstructive analyses characterizing the molecular constituents of nuclear invaginations in the nucleoplasm in HEK293 cells, murine C₂C₁₂ muscle cells, and cardiac myocytes. We demonstrated the presence of critical Ca²⁺ regulatory channels, including sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase 2a (SERCA2a), stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), and Ca²⁺ release-activated Ca²⁺ channel protein 1 (ORAI1), in the nucleoplasm in isolated primary mouse cardiomyocytes. We have shown for the first time the presence of STIM1 and ORAI1 in the nucleoplasm, suggesting the presence of store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) mechanism in nucleoplasmic Ca²⁺ regulation. These results show that nucleoplasmic invaginations contain continuous endoplasmic reticulum components, mitochondria, and intact nuclear membranes, highlighting the extremely detailed and complex nature of this organellar structure.

TGFβ-TAZ/SRF signalling regulates vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) do not terminally differentiate; they modulate their phenotype between proliferative and differentiated states, which is a major factor contributing to vascular diseases. TGFβ signalling has been implicated in inducing VSMC differentiation, although the exact mechanism remains largely unknown. Our goal was to assess the network of transcription factors involved in the induction of VSMC differentiation, and to determine the role of TAZ in promoting the quiescent VSMC phenotype. TGFβ robustly induces VSMC marker genes in 10T1/2 mouse embryonic fibroblast cells and the potent transcriptional regulator TAZ has been shown to retain Smad complexes on DNA. Thus, the role of TAZ in regulation of VSMC differentiation was studied. Using primary aortic VSMCs coupled with siRNA-mediated gene silencing, our studies reveal that TAZ is required for TGFβ induction of smooth muscle genes and is also required for the differentiated VSMC phenotype; synergy between TAZ and SRF, and TAZ and Myocardin (MyoC856), in regulating smooth muscle gene activation was observed. These data provide evidence of components of a novel signalling pathway that links TGFβ signalling to induction of smooth muscle genes through a mechanism involving regulation of TAZ and SRF proteins. In addition, we report a physical interaction of TAZ and MyoC856. These observations elucidate a novel level of control of VSMC induction which may have implications for vascular diseases and congenital vascular malformations.

Squamous cell carcinoma arising from lupus vulgaris with a >60-year history

We report the case of a 71-year-old Japanese man with squamous cell carcinoma arising from lupus vulgaris on the face, >60 years after the appearance of the lupus vulgaris. The red plaque on the patient's face had been diagnosed as a hemangioma or rosacea at several hospitals, although he had had lung tuberculosis at the age of 4 and his father died from lung tuberculosis at 38 years of age. Although lupus vulgaris was the most frequent clinical form of true skin tuberculosis until the 1960s, it has become rare since then. Malignant tumors are known to occur in individuals with lupus vulgaris, with a reported rate of 0.5-10.5%. In light of Japan's "graying society," tuberculosis is still an important disorder, and clinicians must remain aware of cutaneous tuberculosis.

Abstract P2-01-27: Sentinel lymph node biopsy by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography with sonazoid in patients with breast cancer - Prospective multicenter study

Background: The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate feasibility of the periareolar injection of contrast agent (Sonazoid (SNZ)) followed by ultrasonography (US) for identification of sentinel lymph node (SLN) in breast cancer patients with clinically negative node.

Patients and Methods: Patients with T1-2N0M0 breast cancer were recruited in this study. They received the periareolar injection of SNZ followed by US to identify contrast-enhanced SLN. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was done for each CE-SLN. Then, they underwent SLN biopsy with the conventional method, blue dye and/or radiotracer (B/R).

Results: In almost all cases, contrast-enhanced lymphatic vessels were clearly visualized US soon after the periareolar injection of SNZ, and SLN, into which lymphatic flow was draining, was easily identified. The identification rate of SLN was 98% (98/100) by SNZ and 100% (100/100) by B/R. The number of SLNs identified by SNZ (mean per patient, 1.52) was significantly (P &lt; 0.001) lower than that of those by B/R (2.22). Twenty-five patients had at least one metastasis in the SLNs identified by SNZ and/or B/R. In these patients, SLNs (n=39) identified by both SNZ and B/R showed a significantly (P &lt; 0.0001) higher positivity (74.4%) for metastases than those (n=19) identified by B/R alone (21.1%).

Conclusion: Identification of SLN by periareolar injection of SNZ followed by US is a technically easy method and the identification rate of SLN was as high as 98%, being comparable to the conventional B/R. SLNs detected by SNZ seem to represent the true SLNs which first receive lymphatic flow from the tumor among the SLNs detected by B/R.

Citation Format: Shimazu K, Ito T, Uji K, Miyake T, Motomura K, Noguchi S. Sentinel lymph node biopsy by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography with sonazoid in patients with breast cancer - Prospective multicenter study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-01-27.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy and prevalence of erectile dysfunction in Japanese patients aged <65 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus: The Dogo Study

Only limited epidemiological evidence exists regarding the relationship between diabetic neuropathy and erectile dysfunction (ED) among Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. To investigate the relationship between diabetic neuropathy and ED among Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, a multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in 287 male Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, age (19-65 years). Diabetic neuropathy was diagnosed if the patients showed two or more of the following three characteristics: neuropathic symptoms, decreased or disappeared Achilles tendon reflex and/or abnormal vibration perception. ED, moderate to severe ED, and severe ED were defined as present when a subject had a Sexual Health Inventory for Men score <22, <12 and <8, respectively. The prevalence values of diabetic neuropathy and severe ED were 47.0 and 39.0%, respectively. Diabetic neuropathy was independently positively associated with severe ED, but not ED and moderate ED: the adjusted odds ratio was 1.90 (95% confidence interval: 1.08-3.38). No relationships were found between diabetic retinopathy or diabetic nephropathy and ED. Diabetic neuropathy is positively associated with severe erectile dysfunction among Japanese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients aged <65 years.

Fish collagen is an important panallergen in the Japanese population

Collagen was identified as a fish allergen in early 2000s. Although its allergenic potential has been suggested to be low, risks associated with collagen as a fish allergen have not been evaluated to a greater extent. In this study, we aimed to clarify the importance of collagen as a fish allergen. Our results showed that 50% of Japanese patients with fish allergy had immunoglobulin E (IgE) against mackerel collagen, whereas 44% had IgE against mackerel parvalbumin. IgE inhibition assay revealed high cross-reactivity of mackerel collagen to 22 fish species (inhibition rates: 87-98%). Furthermore, a recently developed allergy test demonstrated that collagen triggered IgE cross-linking on mast cells. These data indicate that fish collagen is an important and very common panallergen in fish consumed in Japan. The high rate of individuals' collagen allergy may be attributable to the traditional Japanese custom of raw fish consumption.

Abstract 187: Metformin Increases Degradation of Ubiquitinylated Phospholamban via Autophagy in Cardiomyocytes

Phospholamban (PLN) is an effective inhibitor of the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) in striated muscles. Here, we examined PLN stability and degradation in primary cultured mouse neonatal cardiomyocytes (CMNCs) and mouse hearts using immunoblotting, molecular imaging, and [35S]-methionine pulse-chase experiments along with lysosome (chloroquine and bafilomycin A1) and autophagic (3-methyladenine and Atg5 siRNA) antagonists. Inhibiting lysosomal and autophagic activities promoted endogenous PLN accumulation, whereas accelerating autophagy with metformin enhanced PLN degradation in CMNCs. Metabolic labeling reaffirmed that metformin promoted wild-type and R9C PLN degradation. Immunofluorescence showed that PLN and the autophagy marker, microtubule light chain 3 (LC3), became increasingly co-localized in response to chloroquine and bafilomycin treatments. Mechanistically, pentameric PLN was polyubiquitinylated at K3 residue and this modification was required for p62-mediated selective autophagy trafficking. Consistently, attenuated autophagic flux in Hace1-null mouse hearts was associated with increased PLN levels determined by immunoblot and immunofluorescence. Our study identifies a biological mechanism that traffics PLN to the lysosomes for degradation in mouse hearts.

A genome-wide scan for tying-up syndrome in Japanese Thoroughbreds

Tying-up syndrome, also known as recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis in Thoroughbreds, is a common muscle disorder for racehorses. In this study, we performed a multipoint linkage analysis using LOKI based on the Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo method using 5 half-sib families (51 affected and 277 nonaffected horses in total), and a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using microsatellites (144 affected and 144 nonaffected horses) to map candidate regions for tying-up syndrome in Japanese Thoroughbreds. The linkage analysis identified one strong L-score (82.45) between the loci UCDEQ411 and COR058 (24.9-27.9 Mb) on ECA12. The GWAS identified two suggestive genomic regions on ECA12 (24.9-27.8 Mb) and ECA20 (29.3-33.5 Mb). Based on both results, the genomic region between UCDEQ411 and TKY499 (24.9-27.8 Mb) on ECA12 was the most significant and was considered as a candidate region for tying-up syndrome in Japanese Thoroughbreds.

FT-NMR Detection of 45Sc, 49Ti and 93Nb in TiO2 Single Crystal

In order to determine the electric quadrupole moment of the short-lived β-emitter 41Sc from the quadrupole coupling constant in TiO2 , we measured the field gradient by detecting the Fourier-Transformed-NMR of stable isotope 45Sc doped in TiO2. Also, in order to study the electronic structure of impurities systematically, EFGs were measured for 45Sc, 49Ti and 93Nb in a TiO2 ingle single crystal.

Electric Quadrupole Interactions of the Short-Lived β-Emitter 12N in Insulator Crystals (12N Implanted in Single Crystal TiO2)

The electronic structure of nitrogen atoms as impurities in an ionic TiO2 crystal has been investigated by analyzing electric field gradients (EFGs) measured by use of short-lived β-emitting 12N implant-ed following nuclear reactions. Conventional β-NMR and its modification, suitable for the detection of quadrupole effects in the NMR spectra, were used for the investigation of hyperfine interactions of 12N located in substitutional sites of O atoms and interstitial sites in the crystal. In order to deduce absolute values of the EFGs from the obtained eqQ/h, the quadrupole moment of 12N has been determined from the NMR detection of 12N implanted in BN(hexagonal) crystal. Here the EFG at the N atom in BN was measured by detecting the FT-NMR of 14N in the crystal. The EFGs in TiO2 are compared with the theoretical predictions based on the ab initio band-structure calculation in the framework of the KKR method.

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy using a combination of mitomycin C,5-fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin in patients at high risk of colorectal peritoneal metastasis: A Phase I clinical study

INTRODUCTION

The drugs and protocols used for hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) vary among institutions. Here we show the efficacy of the 3-drug combination of mitomycin C (MMC), 5-fluorouracil (5FU), and oxaliplatin (OHP) in an in vitro simulation of HIPEC and the safety of HIPEC with these drugs during a Phase I study of patients at high risk of developing colorectal peritoneal metastasis.

METHODS

To simulate HIPEC, we used HCT116 and WiDr cells to assess the growth inhibitory efficacy of MMC 2 μg/mL, 5FU 200 μg/mL, and OHP 40 μg/mL as single drugs or their combination after an exposure time of 30 min at 37 or 42 °C. In addition, nine patients underwent surgical resection of tumors and HIPEC with MMC, 5FU, and an escalating dose of OHP (90/110/130 mg/m²). Dose-limiting toxicity was monitored.

RESULTS

In the simulation, the 3-drug combination showed marked tumor-suppressive effects compared with those from ten times higher dose of OHP 400 μg/mL, with significant augmentation under hyperthermic conditions. No dose-limiting toxicity occurred in the clinical study. Dose escalation was completed at the final level of OHP.

CONCLUSIONS

The MMC-5FU-OHP combination showed marked growth inhibition against colorectal cancer cells under hyperthermic conditions in vitro. In the phase I study, the recommended dose of OHP was determined as 130 mg/m² when used with MMC and 5FU; HIPEC using MMC-5FU-OHP appears to be safe and feasible for patients at high risk of colorectal peritoneal metastasis.

Empirical growth curve estimation considering multiple seasonal compensatory growths of body weights in Japanese Thoroughbred colts and fillies

Thoroughbred horses are seasonal mating animals, and their foals are born yearly in spring seasons. In northern regions or countries, the foals generally show a typical seasonal compensatory growth pattern, where their growth rate declines in winter and increases in the next spring. In this study, a new empirical approach is proposed to adjust for this compensatory growth when growth curve equations are estimated, by using BW of Japanese Thoroughbred colts and fillies raised in Hidaka, Hokkaido. Based on the traditional Richards growth curve equation, new growth curve equations were developed and fit to the weight-age data. The foals generally experience 2 major winter seasons before their debut in horseracing. The new equations had sigmoid subfunctions that can empirically adjust the first and second year compensatory growths, combined with the Richards biological parameter responsible for the maturity of animals. The unknown parameters included in the equations were estimated by SAS NLMIXED procedure. The goodness-of-fit was examined by using several indices of goodness-of-fit (i.e., Akaike's information criterion, Bayesian information criterion, -2 log likelihood, and residual sum of squares) for the multiple applications of the subfunctions. The indices indicated the best fit of the new equations including both subfunctions for the first and second compensatory growths to the weight-age data. The shapes of the growth curves were improved during the periods of compensatory growth. The proposed method is one of the useful approaches for adjusting multiple seasonal compensatory growths in growth curve estimations of Thoroughbreds and for the management of young horses during the compensatory periods.

Signal-dependent fra-2 regulation in skeletal muscle reserve and satellite cells

Activator protein-1 (AP-1) is a ubiquitous transcription factor that paradoxically also has some tissue-specific functions. In skeletal muscle cells, we document that the AP-1 subunit, Fra-2, is expressed in the resident stem cells (Pax7-positive satellite cells) and also in the analogous undifferentiated ‘reserve' cell population in myogenic cultures, but not in differentiated myofiber nuclei. Silencing of Fra-2 expression enhances the expression of differentiation markers such as muscle creatine kinase and myosin heavy chain, indicating a possible role of Fra-2 in undifferentiated myogenic progenitor cells. We observed that Fra-2 is a target of cytokine-mediated extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 signaling in cultured muscle cells, and extensive mass spectrometry and mutational analysis identified S320 and T322 as regulators of Fra-2 protein stability. Interestingly, Fra-2 S320 phosphorylation occurs transiently in activated satellite cells and is extinguished in myogenin-positive differentiating cells. Thus, cytokine-mediated Fra-2 expression and stabilization is linked to regulation of myogenic progenitor cells having implications for the molecular regulation of adult muscle stem cells and skeletal muscle regeneration.

α-Crystallin B prevents apoptosis after H2O2 exposure in mouse neonatal cardiomyocytes

α-Crystallin B (cryAB) is the most abundant small heat shock protein in cardiomyocytes (CMs) and has been shown to have potent antiapoptotic properties. Because the mechanism by which cryAB prevents apoptosis has not been fully characterized, we examined its protective effects at the cellular level by silencing cryAB in mouse neonatal CMs using lentivector-mediated transduction of short hairpin RNAs. Subcellular fractionation of whole hearts showed that cryAB is cytosolic under control conditions, and after H(2)O(2) exposure, it translocates to the mitochondria. Phosphorylated cryAB (PcryAB) is mainly associated with the mitochondria, and any residual cytosolic PcryAB translocates to the mitochondria after H(2)O(2) exposure. H(2)O(2) exposure caused increases in cryAB and PcryAB levels, and cryAB silencing resulted in increased levels of apoptosis after exposure to H(2)O(2). Coimmunoprecipitation assays revealed an apparent interaction of both cryAB and PcryAB with mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channels (VDAC), translocase of outer mitochondrial membranes 20 kDa (TOM 20), caspase 3, and caspase 12 in mouse cardiac tissue. Our results are consistent with the conclusion that the cardioprotective effects of cryAB are mediated by its translocation from the cytosol to the mitochondria under conditions of oxidative stress and that cryAB interactions with VDAC, TOM 20, caspase 3, and caspase 12 may be part of its protective mechanism.

Structural determination of the phosphorylation domain of the ryanodine receptor

The ryanodine receptor (RyR) is a large, homotetrameric sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane protein that is essential for Ca(2+) cycling in both skeletal and cardiac muscle. Genetic mutations in RyR1 are associated with severe conditions including malignant hyperthermia (MH) and central core disease. One phosphorylation site (Ser 2843) has been identified in a segment of RyR1 flanked by two RyR motifs, which are found exclusively in all RyR isoforms as closely associated tandem (or paired) motifs, and are named after the protein itself. These motifs also contain six known MH mutations. In this study, we designed, expressed and purified the tandem RyR motifs, and show that this domain contains a putative binding site for the Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase β isoform. We present a 2.2 Å resolution crystal structure of the RyR domain revealing a two-fold, symmetric, extended four-helix bundle stabilized by a β sheet. Using mathematical modelling, we fit our crystal structure within a tetrameric electron microscopy (EM) structure of native RyR1, and propose that this domain is localized in the RyR clamp region, which is absent in its cousin protein inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor.

Low-energy models for correlated materials: bandwidth renormalization from Coulombic screening

We provide a prescription for constructing Hamiltonians representing the low-energy physics of correlated electron materials with dynamically screened Coulomb interactions. The key feature is a renormalization of the hopping and hybridization parameters by the processes that lead to the dynamical screening. The renormalization is shown to be non-negligible for various classes of correlated electron materials. The bandwidth reduction effect is necessary for connecting models to materials behavior and for making quantitative predictions for low-energy properties of solids.