Cell Cycle Control Factors Research Articles

The hybrid RAVE complex plays V-ATPase-dependent and -independent pathobiological roles in Cryptococcus neoformans.

V-ATPase, which comprises 13-14 subunits, is essential for pH homeostasis in all eukaryotes, but its proper function requires a regulator to assemble its subunits. While RAVE (regulator of H+-ATPase of vacuolar and endosomal membranes) and Raboconnectin-3 complexes assemble V-ATPase subunits in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and humans, respectively, the function of the RAVE complex in fungal pathogens remains largely unknown. In this study, we identified two RAVE complex components, Rav1 and Wdr1, in the fungal meningitis pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, and analyzed their roles. Rav1 and Wdr1 are orthologous to yeast RAVE and human Rabconnectin-3 counterparts, respectively, forming the hybrid RAVE (hRAVE) complex. Deletion of RAV1 caused severe defects in growth, cell cycle control, morphogenesis, sexual development, stress responses, and virulence factor production, while the deletion of WDR1 resulted in similar but modest changes, suggesting that Rav1 and Wdr1 play central and accessary roles, respectively. Proteomics analysis confirmed that Wdr1 was one of the Rav1-interacting proteins. Although the hRAVE complex generally has V-ATPase-dependent functions, it also has some V-ATPase-independent roles, suggesting a unique role beyond conventional intracellular pH regulation in C. neoformans. The hRAVE complex played a critical role in the pathogenicity of C. neoformans, and RAV1 deletion attenuated virulence and impaired blood-brain barrier crossing ability. This study provides comprehensive insights into the pathobiological roles of the fungal RAVE complex and suggests a novel therapeutic strategy for controlling cryptococcosis.

Novel CWF19L1 mutations in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia, autosomal recessive 17.

Spinocerebellar ataxia, autosomal recessive-17 (SCAR17) is a rare hereditary ataxia characterized by ataxic gait, cerebellar signs and occasionally accompanied by intellectual disability and seizures. Pathogenic mutations in the CWF19L1 gene that code for CWF19 like cell cycle control factor 1 cause SCAR17. We report here two unrelated families with the clinical characteristics of global developmental delay, cerebellar ataxia, pyramidal signs, and seizures. Cerebellar atrophy, and T2/FLAIR hypointense transverse pontine stripes were observed in brain imaging. Exome sequencing identified novel homozygous mutations including a splice acceptor site variant c.1375-2 A > G on intron 12 in a male patient and a single nucleotide variant c.452 T > G on exon 5 resulting in a missense variant p.Ile151Ser in the female patient from two unrelated families, respectively. Sanger sequencing confirmed the segregation of these variants in the family members with autosomal recessive inheritance. Transcript analysis of the splice site variant revealed activation of a novel cryptic splice acceptor site on exon 13 resulting in an alternative transcription with a loss of nine nucleotides on exon 13. Translation of this transcript predicted an in-frame deletion of three amino acids p.(459_461del). We also observed a novel exon 13 skipping which results in premature termination of the protein product. Our study expands the phenotype, radiological features, and genotypes known in SCAR17.

#5865 BET INHIBITION DIMINISHES CELLULAR SENESCENCE IN CULTURED TUBULAR EPITHELIAL CELLS

Abstract Background and Aims Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be considered an age-related disorder. Recent studies have shown the involvement of the activation of cellular senescence mechanisms in the kidney and aging. Intensive research to develop pharmacological approaches targeting cellular senescence is under investigation. Among novel therapeutic options, epigenetic drugs, such as bromodomain and extra terminal BET inhibitors, are being widely explored in proliferative, immune and chronic inflammatory diseases, including CKD. These drugs regulate transcription activation of cell cycle control and proinflammatory factors. There are not studies about the potential effect of BET inhibitors on cellular senescence in the kidney despite the fact that tubular epithelial cells are frequently implicated in kidney senescence. Method To study this, we evaluate the effect of JQ1, a BET inhibitor, on cellular senescence in primary cell culture of murine tubular epithelial cells (TECs) using Adriamycin as a senescence inducer verified by B-galactosidase assay. Next, we evaluated the effect of JQ1 on gene expression levels of cell cycle markers, components of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) as well as anti-apoptotic and antioxidant markers, all of them related to senescence program. Results Our results indicated that JQ1 significantly decreased Adriamycin-induced p21 gene upregulation, a primordial cell cycle arrest factor. This BET inhibitor also downregulated SAPS genes, such as Tgfb1, Il1b, Ctgf, Ccl2 and Il6 overexpression in Adriamycin-treated tubular cells. Likewise, anti-apoptotic Bcl-xl and antioxidant factors Cat, Hmox-1, Nox-4 and Nrf2 mRNA levels were significantly restored by JQ1. Conclusion In conclusion, the present study highlights the use of JQ1 as a therapeutic option to ameliorate tubular cellular senescence-associated markers. These data support the potential use of BET inhibitors in chronic kidney diseases.

NPM1 Mutation Reprograms Leukemic Transcription Network Via Reshaping CTCF-Defined TAD Topology

C-terminal mutation of Nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1C+) was thought to be a primary driving event in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that reprograms leukemic-associated transcription programs to transform hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). However, it remains poorly understood how NPM1C+ mutation results in altered myeloid master transcription program and HOX expression profile leading to AML disease and whether NPM1 mutant associated transcription signature can be targeted to prevent pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia. Here, we report that NPM1C+ reprograms MIZ-1/MYC regulatory axis by altering NPM1-associated CTCF-driven topologically associated domains (TADs) that switches the balance of MIZ1 interaction with coactivator NPM1/p300 and corepressors MYC/G9A complexes to control cell cycle progression and myeloid lineage-specific PU.1/CEBPa transcription networks leading to impairment of myeloid differentiation and leukemic transformation. To test the hypothesis that mislocalization of the NPM1C+ mutant to cytoplasm may alter CTCF mediated three-dimensional (3D) TADs, we carried out Hi-C to examine whether NPM1C+ mutation altered hematopoietic TAD integrity by comparing mouse bone marrow (BM) Lin-cKit+ (LK) stem- and progenitor-enriched cells purified from WT and NPM1C+ knock-in animals, which develop a myeloproliferative neoplasm/myelodsplasia-like condition with a long latency characterized by enlarged spleens, leukocytosis, and thrombocytopenia. Hematopoietic-specific NPM1C+ knock-in alters TAD topology leading to altered chromatin accessibility and NPM1 mutant associated gene expression signature, which results in disrupted regulation of the cell cycle and myeloid master transcription factors, and eventually myeloid differentiation block. In contract, Retention of NPM1 in OCI-AML3 nucleus, a NPM1C+ mutant driven AML cells, reverses NPM1C+-driven signature TAD formation and gene transcription leading to proper cell cycle control and myeloid differentiation. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that cytoplasmic mislocalization of NPM1C+ mutant exerts two coordinated effects: (a) alteration of CTCF dependent TAD structure, and (b) MYC-MIZ-1 transcription axis. Both of these regulate target genes critical for cell cycle control and myeloid master transcription factors, Pu.1 and CEBPA, mediated myeloid differentiation. Re-activation of Pu.1 or CEBPa within the nucleus by CRISPR-dCas9 mediated endogenous promoter activation restores myeloid differentiation programs by reorganizing TADs critical for myeloid TFs and cell cycle regulators, and prevents NPM1C+-driven gene expression. FinalIy, when we transplanted NPM1OE, activated Pu.1, or activated CEBPA OCI-AML3 cell line or primary NPM1C+ AML patient cells into NSG mice along with control cells, NPM1 overexpression or re-activation of PU.1 or CEBPA in OCI-AML3 cells or NPM1C+ primary AML patient cells prolonged transplanted or PDX mice survival and mitigate AML leukemic blast in transplant or PDX mouse models. In sum, our data reveal that NPM1C+ reshapes CTCF-defined TAD topology to reprogram signature leukemic transcription programs required for cell cycle progression and leukemic transformation. Restoration of myeloid transcription program in nucleus reversed NPM1C+-driven transcription signature and promotes myeloid differentiation leading to mitigation of AML.

К вопросу о формировании адаптивного ответа под действием природного и профессионального факторов хронического облучения. Обзор литературы

The paper summarizes results of medical examination of two groups of patients, the public members resided in high natural background radiation areas and occupationally irradiated nu-clear and health workers. Adaptive response to chronic exposure to radiation was found to last much time and, thus, its impact on the development of late health effects, including cancer, may be great. In vitro studies demonstrate that induction of adaptive response is the multistep process including the excision reparation of nucleotides, nonhomologous DNA ends joining, antioxidative system and cell cycle control factors. The review presents data on effects of low doses radiation of high or low relative radiation effectiveness(RBE). Some damaged peripheral blood lympho-cytes demonstrated increased radioresistance to high radiation doses, results of examinations of both the public members and professionals.

CUL1: Novel Therapeutic Target in Myeloid Neoplasms Harboring -7/Del(7q)

CUL1: Novel Therapeutic Target in Myeloid Neoplasms Harboring -7/Del(7q)

A Lipid Transfer Protein Signaling Axis Exerts Dual Control of Cell-Cycle and Membrane Trafficking Systems

Kes1/Osh4 is a member of the conserved, but functionally enigmatic, oxysterol binding protein-related protein (ORP) superfamily that inhibits phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (Sec14)-dependent membrane trafficking through the trans-Golgi (TGN)/endosomal network. We now report that Kes1, and select other ORPs, execute cell-cycle control activities as functionally non-redundant inhibitors of the G1/S transition when cells confront nutrient-poor environments and promote replicative aging. Kes1-dependent cell-cycle regulation requires the Greatwall/MASTL kinase ortholog Rim15, and is opposed by Sec14 activity in a mechanism independent of Kes1/Sec14 bulk membrane-trafficking functions. Moreover, the data identify Kes1 as a non-histone target for NuA4 through which this lysine acetyltransferase co-modulates membrane-trafficking and cell-cycle activities. We propose the Sec14/Kes1 lipid-exchange protein pair constitutes part of the mechanism for integrating TGN/endosomal lipid signaling with cell-cycle progression and hypothesize that ORPs define a family of stage-specific cell-cycle control factors that execute tumor-suppressor-like functions.

SRSF10 Connects DNA Damage to the Alternative Splicing of Transcripts Encoding Apoptosis, Cell-Cycle Control, and DNA Repair Factors

SummaryRNA binding proteins and signaling components control the production of pro-death and pro-survival splice variants of Bcl-x. DNA damage promoted by oxaliplatin increases the level of pro-apoptotic Bcl-xS in an ATM/CHK2-dependent manner, but how this shift is enforced is not known. Here, we show that in normally growing cells, when the 5′ splice site of Bcl-xS is largely repressed, SRSF10 partially relieves repression and interacts with repressor hnRNP K and stimulatory hnRNP F/H proteins. Oxaliplatin abrogates the interaction of SRSF10 with hnRNP F/H and decreases the association of SRSF10 and hnRNP K with the Bcl-x pre-mRNA. Dephosphorylation of SRSF10 is linked with these changes. A broader analysis reveals that DNA damage co-opts SRSF10 to control splicing decisions in transcripts encoding components involved in DNA repair, cell-cycle control, and apoptosis. DNA damage therefore alters the interactions between splicing regulators to elicit a splicing response that determines cell fate.

Karyopherin Alpha 1 Regulates Satellite Cell Proliferation and Survival by Modulating Nuclear Import.

Satellite cells are stem cells with an essential role in skeletal muscle repair. Precise regulation of gene expression is critical for proper satellite cell quiescence, proliferation, differentiation and self-renewal. Nuclear proteins required for gene expression are dependent on the nucleocytoplasmic transport machinery to access to nucleus, however little is known about regulation of nuclear transport in satellite cells. The best characterized nuclear import pathway is classical nuclear import which depends on a classical nuclear localization signal (cNLS) in a cargo protein and the heterodimeric import receptors, karyopherin alpha (KPNA) and beta (KPNB). Multiple KPNA1 paralogs exist and can differ in importing specific cNLS proteins required for cell differentiation and function. We show that transcripts for six Kpna paralogs underwent distinct changes in mouse satellite cells during muscle regeneration accompanied by changes in cNLS proteins in nuclei. Depletion of KPNA1, the most dramatically altered KPNA, caused satellite cells in uninjured muscle to prematurely activate, proliferate and undergo apoptosis leading to satellite cell exhaustion with age. Increased proliferation of satellite cells led to enhanced muscle regeneration at early stages of regeneration. In addition, we observed impaired nuclear localization of two key KPNA1 cargo proteins: p27, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor associated with cell cycle control and lymphoid enhancer factor 1, a critical cotranscription factor for β-catenin. These results indicate that regulated nuclear import of proteins by KPNA1 is critical for satellite cell proliferation and survival and establish classical nuclear import as a novel regulatory mechanism for controlling satellite cell fate. Stem Cells 2016;34:2784-2797.

A Multiscale Finite Element Model for Avascular Tumor Growth

There are many mathematical models or chemical models available to describe the avascular tumor growth. However, few of them take into account the necessary physical growth for the avascular tumor. In this paper, we proposed a multiscale finite element model that spans three distinct scales for the avascular tumor growth. At the extracellular microenvironment level, we proposed a new set of piecewise reaction diffusion equations to describe the extracellular microenvironment of the tumor growth. At the intracellular cycle level, we proposed a cell cycle control factor to model the key role that played by the G1-S phase transition. At the cellular level, we introduced the proposed cell cycle control factor to combine the extracellular microenvironment, the intracellular cycle and the cellular cycle into the total energy equations to form our finite element cellular model. Experiments were performed to simulate the growth of EMT6/Ro mouse mammary cell under three different kinds of initial chemical concentrations. Results showed that the proposed approach outperformed the baseline approach in terms of tumor cell number and tumor cell volume.

A Parameter Selection Model for Avascular Tumor Growth

Based on a set of reaction-diffusion equations of oxygen, glucose and growth inhibitory factor which were built to describe the tumor growth environment, a cell cycle control factor was proposed for the simulation of the avascular tumor growth. In order to fix the model parameters, a two-level heuristic searching was given for the parameter selection. Finally, a total finite element energy equation was present to combine the chemical simulation and the physical simulation for the avascular tumor growth. Experimental results showed that the presented approach outperformed the baseline approach in the simulation of the mouse mammary tumor cells EMT6/Ro.

Epigenetics in the Pathogenesis of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma.

Epigenetic influences, such as DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and up-regulation/down-regulation of genes by microRNAs, change the genetic makeup of an individual without affecting DNA base-pair sequences. Indeed, epigenetic changes play an integral role in the progression from normal esophageal mucosa to Barrett's esophagus to esophageal adenocarcinoma via dysplasia-metaplasia-neoplasia sequence. Many genes involved in esophageal adenocarcinoma display hypermethylation, leading to their down-regulation. The classes of these genes include cell cycle control, DNA and growth factor repair, tumor suppressors, antimetastasis, Wnt-related genes, and proapoptotic genes. Histone acetylation in the pathophysiology of esophageal diseases has not been thoroughly investigated, and its critical role in the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma is less defined. Many microRNAs have been associated with the development of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Here, we critically addressed the specific steps most closely influenced by microRNAs in the progression from Barrett's esophagus to esophageal adenocarcinoma. However, microRNAs can target up to hundreds of genes, making it difficult to correlate directly with a given phenotype of the disease. Esophageal adenocarcinoma progressing from premalignant condition of Barrett's esophagus carries an extremely poor prognosis. Risk stratification for patients based on their epigenetic profiles may be useful in providing more targeted and directed treatment to patients.

Inhibition of Activin A Ameliorates Skeletal Muscle Injury and Rescues Contractile Properties by Inducing Efficient Remodeling in Female Mice

Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, provides pleiotropic regulation of fibrosis and inflammation. We aimed at determining whether selective inhibition of activin A would provide a regenerative benefit. The introduction of activin A into normal muscle increased the expression of inflammatory and muscle atrophy genes Tnf, Tnfrsf12a, Trim63, and Fbxo32 by 3.5-, 10-, 2-, and 4-fold, respectively. The data indicate a sensitive response of muscle to activin A. Two hours after cardiotoxin-induced muscle damage, local activin A protein expression increased by threefold to ninefold. Neutralization of activin A with a specific monoclonal antibody in this muscle injury model decreased the muscle protein levels of lymphotoxin α and Il17a by 32% and 42%, respectively. Muscle histopathological features showed that activin A antibody-treated mice displayed an increase in muscle degradation, with the concomitant 9.2-fold elevation in F4/80-positive cells 3 days after injury. At the same time, the number of Pax7/Myod1-positive cells also increased, indicative of potentiated muscle precursor activation. Ultimately, activin A inhibition resulted in rapid recovery of muscle contractile properties indicated by a restoration of maximum and specific force. In summary, selective inhibition of activin A with a monoclonal antibody in muscle injury leads to the early onset of tissue degradation and subsequent enhanced myogenesis, thereby accelerating muscle repair and functional recovery.

Cell cycle control factors and skeletal development

In the oral and maxillofacial region, conditions such as delayed bone healing after tooth extraction, bone fracture, trauma-induced bone or cartilage defects, and tumors or birth defects are common, and it is necessary to identify the molecular mechanisms that control skeletogenesis or the differentiation of cells, in order to establish new treatment strategies for these conditions. Multiple studies have been conducted to investigate the involvement of factors that may be crucial for skeletogenesis or the differentiation of cells, including transcription factors, growth factors and cell cycle factors. Several genetically engineered mouse models of cell cycle factors have been generated in research seeking to identify cell cycle factor(s) involved in the differentiation of cells, carcinogenesis, etc. Many groups have also reported the importance of cell cycle factors in the differentiation of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, chondrocytes and other cell types. Herein, we review the phenotypes of the genetically engineered mouse models of cell cycle factors with a particular focus on the size, body weight and skeletal abnormalities of the mice, and we discuss the potential of cell cycle factors as targets of clinical applications.

Breast cancer in the post-genomic era

Few tumour types have received as much molecular analysis as breast cancer over the past 10 years. Impressive progress has been made in the analysis and interpretation of genomic data sets, the identification of novel mechanisms of breast cancer susceptibility, growth and development and the parallel integration of these molecular data to test novel therapeutic approaches for patients with this disease within clinical trials. This book, edited by Giordano and Normanno with individual chapters from experts in the field, successfully integrates this diverse field of progress within one volume, suitable for both medical professionals with an interest in breast cancer management and scientists with an interest in translational oncology. The book covers an impressive field, guiding the reader through scientific developments in breast tumour biology, cell-cycle control and growth factor signalling, to the complexities of stromal/tumour interactions, mammary gland development and stem cell biology, through to the clinical implications of basic research. A consistent feature of the book is the elegant way in which the reader is led from the basic science observations underpinning the evidence through to the clinical implications of bench-side research. Several chapters review developments in the field from a clinical practice perspective. Chapter 3 explores the implications of developments in breast cancer genetics and its application in clinical practice, succinctly explained by Russo and colleagues. The authors cover a broad field, describing the molecular portrait of breast cancer using microarray analysis (also reviewed in detail in chapter 8) of gene and microRNA expression and the difficulties implementing such techniques into clinical practice, recently emphasised by Weigelt et al (2010). The authors present a useful section on oncogenetic counselling and genotype/phenotype relationship discussing the implications of distinct BRCA1/2 sequence variants and disease association. Modelling breast cancer using transgenic mice is discussed in detail in chapter 7 by Dillon and Muller. The authors present structured and balanced examples supporting the use of animal models while expressing caution concerning the key differences between mouse and human mammary stromal tissue, patterns of cancer spread and the predominant oestrogen receptor negativity of most animal models. A future vision of developments in this field is presented, through the modelling of stromal/tumour interactions and the design of animal models that more robustly reflect hormone receptor profiles and patterns of spread witnessed in human breast cancer. The final four chapters of the book discuss novel targets in breast cancer, their therapeutic implications and clinical trial considerations when developing drugs targeting these molecules. Lee and colleagues discuss the complexities of TGF-β signalling and the Jekyll and Hyde character of this signalling cascade in breast cancer mediating both tumour suppressor and oncogenic pathway activation and how this may impact on the successful targeting of this network. Szyf reviews epigenetic modification through the modification of gene expression through regional DNA hypermethylation in chapter 10. DNA methylation is associated with the silencing of tumour suppressor gene expression and widespread hypomethylation patterns involving metastasis-associated genes are commonly witnessed in solid tumours. This chapter presents a balanced view associated with therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating methyltransferase activity in breast cancer, detailing the complexity of this process mediated by the DNA methyltransferase family and their targeting to specific DNA positions through interaction with sequence recognition factors. The author discusses practical considerations when attempting to influence the activity of this process, as although DNA methyltransferase blockade may activate tumour suppressor gene expression, the paradoxical activation of metastasis-associated gene expression could also be unleashed. Chapter 11, ‘Signal transduction inhibitors in the treatment of breast cancer' by Maiello and colleagues, discusses the clinical trial results associated with the specific targeting of growth factor receptor pathways in breast cancer. Despite the excitement of the introduction of such strategies into clinical trial development in breast cancer, the authors emphasise that clinical activity associated with notable monotherapy strategies has been disappointing. Redundancy of growth factor signalling pathways and inter-patient tumoural heterogeneity are likely to contribute to these disappointing results. The only potential criticism of such a book is the rate at which this field is progressing and how rapidly a second edition is required to keep up with developments. Perhaps the second edition will consider the impact of next-generation sequencing technologies on our understanding of the complexity of breast cancer tumourigenesis and tumour heterogeneity and the post-genomic functional annotation of the breast cancer genome using RNA interference strategies. In summary, Breast Cancer in the Post-Genomic Era will be highly relevant to both scientists and oncology health professionals requiring a practical overview of the field of translational breast cancer medicine.

Genome-Wide ChIP-Seq Reveals a Dramatic Shift in the EKLF Binding Profile Between Erythroid Progenitors and Erythroblasts.

Abstract 565Erythroid Kruppel-Like Factor (EKLF; KLF1) is the founding member of the Kruppel family of C2H2 zinc finger transcription factors. First identified as an activator of the beta-globin locus, EKLF facilitates chromatin remodeling and transcriptional activation of target genes, at least in part through recognition of a 9-base consensus motif (NCNCNCCCN). By comparing the transcriptional profiles of E13.5 wild type and Eklf-/- mice, we demonstrated that the lethal failure to complete definitive erythropoiesis in the fetal liver (FL) was due in part to dysregulation of an EKLF target gene, the cell cycle control factor, E2F2 (Pilon et al. 2008). To identify further direct targets of EKLF activation that affect erythropoiesis, we are coupling chromatin immunoprecipitation with ultra high-throughput massively parallel sequencing (ChIP-seq). ChIP-seq is increasingly being used to map protein-DNA interactions in vivo, allowing simultaneous genome-wide analysis of transcription factor occupancy, defining an ‘interactome‘. Using mice whose endogenous Eklf gene was replaced with a fully functional HA-tagged form of EKLF, chromatin was isolated at E13.5 from immature erythroid progenitors and maturing erythroblasts by ChIP. Using a highly specific high-affinity anti-HA antibody, libraries of HA-EKLF-bound chromatin were subjected to fluorescent in situ sequencing on a Solexa 1G platform, providing 36-base signature tags that were mapped to the mouse genome using the Eland software package. A control library was derived from E13.5 FL chromatin that was not enriched for HA-EKLF occupancy. For both progenitors and erythroblasts, >1.1×107tags were obtained. 72.5% and 78.7% of progenitor and erythroblast tags mapped to unique sites within the genome, respectively. The tags were highly enriched in the ∼10% of the genome within genes (genic; 42% of tags), sites ≤10 kb from the nearest gene (adjacent; 15%), as opposed to the ∼90% of the genome that is >10 kb from the nearest gene (intergenic; 22%) or in repetitive DNA (21%) p=2.2 ×10-16. Using the MACS software package clustered peaks of EKLF occupancy were identified throughout the genome, defining the EKLF ‘interactome‘. The vast majority of peaks were mapped to non-repetitive regions of the genome (98% in progenitors; 95% in erythroblasts). Progenitors contained 4,383 peaks of EKLF occupancy, while erythroblasts contained 15,396 peaks. Only 100 peaks were common between populations. This >3.5-fold increase in genomic EKLF occupancy between progenitors and erythroblasts (p=1×10-5) reflects the shift in the expression and activity of EKLF protein in erythropoiesis described previously (Bouilloux et al. 2008; Lohmann & Bieker 2008). To identify potential EKLF target genes, we partitioned the genome into 3 categories, relative to annotated RefSeq coordinates (genic) as well as adjacent and intergenic. In progenitors, the majority of EKLF binding (54%) occurred in intergenic regions, with a minority within (38%) or adjacent (7%) to genes. By contrast, the EKLF binding profile in erythroblasts was reversed, with 62% of the peaks in genic regions, and a minority at intergenic (26%) or adjacent (12%) sites.To assess the effect of this shift in EKLF binding on gene transcription, we used publicly availabel data from the inducible G1E model of erythroid maturation (GEO: GSE628) to correlate our ChIP-seq data with mRNA expression. Informatic analyses using MetaCore demonstrated that >2,200 EKLF-associated genes were differentially expressed during maturation (949 increasing expression; 1,298 decreasing expression, all p<0.05). Among progenitors, control of cell cycle S-phase entry and progression was a significantly represented network, highlighted by focal EKLF target genes like Cdk2, Cdk4, and p107, in agreement with our previous observations. Among erythroblasts, the erythropoietin (Epo) signaling pathway was most significantly represented, highlighted by focal EKLF target genes like Stat3 and Bcl-XL, reflecting the well-established importance of the Epo axis for erythroblast survival. These data indicate that shifts in EKLF occupancy during erythropoiesis correlate with distinct functional effects on gene expression. Further, these observations support a model in which transcriptional regulators (e.g., EKLF) may collect at intergenic locations when their activity is not required, but where they remain poised for rapid recruitment. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Myelodysplastic syndromes: molecular pathogenesis and genomic changes

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis presenting with peripheral cytopenias in combination with a hyperplastic bone marrow and an increased risk of evolution to acute myeloid leukemia. The classification systems such as the WHO classification mainly rely on morphological criteria and are supplemented by the International Prognostic Scoring System which takes cytogenetical changes into consideration when determining the prognosis of MDS but wide intra-subtype variations do exist. The pathomechanisms causing primary MDS require further work. Development and progression of MDS is suggested to be a multistep alteration to hematopoietic stem cells. Different molecular alterations have been described, affecting genes involved in cell-cycle control, mitotic checkpoints, and growth factor receptors. Secondary signal proteins and transcription factors, which gives the cell a growth advantage over its normal counterpart, may be affected as well. The accumulation of such defects may finally cause the leukemic transformation of MDS.

Proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib, for myeloma and lymphoma

Bortezomib, a boronic acid, is a potent and selective proteasome inhibitor. The 20S proteasome is an enzyme complex present in cells, and it degrades many cell-cycle control factors, signal transduction factors, transcription factors, and oncogene and anti-oncogene products, thus controlling cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Bortezomib is a novel molecular targeting agent which was designed to exhibit an antitumor effect by selectively inhibiting the 20S proteasome. Multiple myeloma is one of the incurable B-cell malignancies that continues to relapse with current treatment modalities, and the duration to progression becomes shorter in patients who repeatedly receive chemotherapy. There are no available treatment options in which durable efficacy can be expected after relapse; therefore, an effective therapy with a novel mechanism of action has been desired. In this review article, the results of clinical trials of bortezomib for multiple myeloma, including a Japanese phase I/II and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study, and those for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, especially for mantle cell lymphoma, are summarized. In the Japanese phase I/II study of bortezomib for relapsed multiple myeloma, this agent showed remarkable efficacy, with acceptable toxicities and unique pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profiles, warranting further investigations, including more relevant administration schedules.

Identification of Genes that Influence gurken Expression

Axial patterning in Drosophila relies on the deployment of patterning proteins at specific regions within the developing oocyte. This process involves transport of mRNAs from the nurse cells to the oocyte, localization of mRNAs within the oocyte, and translational regulation of these mRNAs to restrict the final distribution of the proteins. Despite extensive analysis, the events of deployment are not fully understood and it seems certain that many contributing factors remain to be identified. We describe the development and application of a sensitized genetic screen to reveal such additional factors. Overexpression of Imp, a factor implicated in regulation of gurken mRNA, causes a weak dorsalization that can be enhanced by reducing the level of other factors acting in the same pathway. A collection of deficiency mutants was screened using this assay, leading to the identification of 5 genes that are candidates to contribute to axial patterning. Three of the genes were characterized in greater detail. The mushroom body expressed gene was implicated in axial patterning, with overexpression leading to a range of patterning abnormalities that can be explained by a more primary defect in organization of the cytoskeleton. Two mitotic cell cycle control factors - cyclin E and E2f1 - were also implicated, raising the possibility that a mitotic cell cycle checkpoint may impinge on grk expression, much as meiotic checkpoints can alter expression of this gene.

Mutation analysis of the tumor suppressor genePPP2R1Bin human cervical cancer

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) holoenzyme plays a critical role in cell cycle control and growth factor signaling. ThePPP2R1Bgene encodes the beta isoforms of the subunit A of the PP2A. We aimed to evaluate the role of thePPP2R1Bgene in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer. Twenty-four women with primary cervical cancer were included. All resected specimens were divided into two groups: (1) cervical cancers (n= 24), (2) nearby noncancerous tissues (n= 24). We performed nested reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction analysis and complementary DNA sequencing on the genomic DNA samples of all specimens. The aberrant transcripts and gene mutation as well as the genotype and allele frequencies of codon 66 CTA/CTG ofPPP2R1Bgenes in both groups were compared. The percentages of aberrant transcripts between both groups were nonsignificantly different (20.8% vs 33.3%). There was no mutation in all specimens. The genotype and allele frequencies between both groups were non-different. Proportions of CTA homozygote/heterozygote/CTG homozygote were (1) 66.7/8.3/25% and (2) 58.3/12.5/29.2%. Proportions of CTA/CTG alleles in both groups were (1) 70.8/29.2% and (2) 64.6/35.4%. We conclude thatPPP2R1Bgenes may not play a role in the carcinogenesis of cervical cancer. Mutations ofPPP2R1Bgene are not frequent in cervical cancer.