Paraneoplastic Antigen Research Articles

Uncommon Pediatric Immune-Mediated Epilepsy: Disease Course, Diagnosis, and Outcome - A Series of Three Cases.

Immune-mediated epilepsy (IME) constitutes a substantial proportion of drug-refractory epilepsies. Rapid diagnosis and prompt immunosuppression are required along with antiseizure medications (ASMs). Here we report three unrelated children who presented with fever, encephalopathy, and refractory epilepsy and subsequently tested positive for rare intraneuronal and surface receptor antibodies, namely, contactin-associated protein like 2 (CASPR2), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65), and paraneoplastic antigen Ma2 (PNMA2). In all of them, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was noncontributory. Electroencephalography showed nonspecific interictal epileptic discharges. F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) brain scan revealed abnormality in metabolic pattern with hypermetabolism in basal ganglia, thalami, frontotemporal cortices, and cerebellar hemispheres, consistent with autoimmune encephalitis. Immunosuppression was initiated along with ASMs. Complete seizure freedom was achieved in GAD65 antibody IME and >50% seizure reduction in CASPR2 and PNMA2 antibody IME. A variable degree of behavioral problems persisted in all. Early immunosuppression is warranted in IME, but does not universally guarantee a complete response.

Human paraneoplastic antigen Ma2 (PNMA2) forms icosahedral capsids that can be engineered for mRNA delivery

A number of endogenous genes in the human genome encode retroviral gag-like proteins, which were domesticated from ancient retroelements. The paraneoplastic Ma antigen (PNMA) family members encode a gag-like capsid domain, but their ability to assemble as capsids and traffic between cells remains mostly uncharacterized. Here, we systematically investigate human PNMA proteins and find that a number of PNMAs are secreted by human cells. We determine that PNMA2 forms icosahedral capsids efficiently but does not naturally encapsidate nucleic acids. We resolve the cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of PNMA2 and leverage the structure to design engineered PNMA2 (ePNMA2) particles with RNA packaging abilities. Recombinantly purified ePNMA2 proteins package mRNA molecules into icosahedral capsids and can function as delivery vehicles in mammalian cell lines, demonstrating the potential for engineered endogenous capsids as a nucleic acid therapy delivery modality.

Bioinformatic analysis of the potential molecular mechanism of PAK7 expression in glioblastoma.

The present study aimed to determine the potential molecular mechanisms underlying p21 (RAC1)-activated kinase 7 (PAK7) expression in glioblastoma (GBM) and evaluate candidate prognosis biomarkers for GBM. Gene expression data from patients with GBM, including 144 tumor samples and 5 normal brain samples, were downloaded. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were explored via re-annotation. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including differentially expressed mRNAs and differentially expressed lncRNAs, were investigated and subjected to pathway analysis via gene set enrichment analysis. The miRNA-lncRNA-mRNA interaction [competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA)] network was investigated and survival analysis, including of overall survival (OS), was performed on lncRNAs/mRNAs to reveal prognostic markers for GBM. A total of 954 upregulated and 1,234 downregulated DEGs were investigated between GBM samples and control samples. These DEGs, including PAK7, were mainly enriched in pathways such as axon guidance. ceRNA network analysis revealed several outstanding ceRNA relationships, including miR-185-5p-LINC00599-PAK7. Moreover, paraneoplastic antigen Ma family member 5 (PNMA5) and somatostatin receptor 1 (SSTR1) were the two outstanding prognostic genes associated with OS. PAK7 may participate in the tumorigenesis of GBM by regulating axon guidance, and miR-185-5p may play an important role in GBM progression by sponging LINC00599 to prevent interactions with PAK7. PNMA5 and SSTR1 may serve as novel prognostic markers for GBM.

PNMA5 knockdown suppresses the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of epithelial ovarian cancer cells.

BackgroundOvarian cancer is a severe gynecological malignancy. Paraneoplastic Ma antigen 5 (PNMA5) is a confirmed tumor onconeural antigen, which has been screened as a female fertility factor. PNMA5 overexpression might serve as a marker of poor prognosis in colon cancer. Our earlier study showed that PNMA5 was essential for meiosis in mouse oocytes. In this study, we investigate the role and probable mechanism of PNMA5 in the occurrence and development of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).MethodsImmunochemistry and western blot analyses were used to verify PNMA5 overexpression in clinical EOC tissues and EOC cell line HO8910. A specific siRNA was used to reduce PNMA5 levels, and several proliferation and migration-related indexes were assessed. We also examined mitochondria, microfilaments, and several essential kinases.ResultsWe found that the expression of PNMA5 in EOC tissues was significantly higher than that in benign ovarian tumors and healthy normal ovarian tissues and that this was strictly related to the FIGO stage and histological grade. PNMA5 expression in ovarian cancer cell line HO8910 was higher than that in the normal healthy ovarian cell line Moody. PNMA5 knockdown in HO8910 cells not only inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle, and F-actin polymerization of HO8910 cells but also promoted early apoptosis and led to abnormal distribution and accumulation of mitochondria. PNMA5 phosphorylation was found to be positively regulated by Src activity, and PNMA5 phosphorylation promoted the downstream glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) signaling pathway.ConclusionsPNMA5 plays a pivotal role in the occurrence and development of EOC and is a potential marker of this disease.

Autoantigens in the trabecular meshwork and glaucoma-specific alterations in the natural autoantibody repertoire.

ObjectivesPrimary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) is a neurodegenerative disorder leading to a gradual vision loss caused by progressive damage to the optic nerve. Immunological processes are proposed to be involved in POAG pathogenesis. Altered serological autoantibody levels have been frequently reported, but complete analyses of the natural autoantibodies with respect to disease‐related alterations are scarce. Here, we provide an explorative analysis of pathways and biological processes that may involve naturally immunogenic proteins and highlight POAG‐specific alterations.MethodsMass spectrometry‐based antibody‐mediated identification of autoantigens (MS‐AMIDA) was carried out in healthy and glaucomatous trabecular meshwork (TM) cell lines, using antibody pools purified from serum samples of 30 POAG patients and 30 non‐glaucomatous subjects. Selected antigens were validated by protein microarray (n = 120). Bioinformatic assessment of identified autoantigens, including Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and protein–protein interaction networks, was applied.ResultsOverall, we identified 106 potential autoantigens [false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.01], from which we considered 66 as physiological targets of natural autoantibodies. Twenty‐one autoantigens appeared to be related to POAG. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the platelet‐derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRB) pathway involved in TM fibrosis was particularly rich in POAG‐related antigens. Antibodies to threonine‐tRNA ligase (TARS), component 1 Q subcomponent‐binding protein (C1QBP) and paraneoplastic antigen Ma2 (PNMA2) showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher levels in POAG patients as validated by protein microarray.ConclusionThis study provides new insights into autoimmunity in health and glaucoma. Bioinformatic analysis of POAG‐related autoantigens showed a strong association with the PDGFRB pathway and also increased levels of PNMA2, TARS, and C1QBP autoantibodies in the serum of POAG patients as potential glaucoma biomarkers.

Pnma5 is essential to the progression of meiosis in mouse oocytes through a chain of phosphorylation.

PNMA (paraneoplastic antigen MA) family includes Pnma1–6. Although other members have been found to be involved in paraneoplastic neurological disorders, death receptor-dependent apoptosis, and tumorigenesis, Pnma5 was thought to be a female fertility factor, as indicated by one genome-wide study. But until now there have not been any further functional studies about Pnma5 in female meiosis. Our preliminary study indicated that Pnma5 might play important roles in meiosis. To further address this, Pnma5 was knocked down in in-vitro maturated (IVM) mouse oocytes, which are common models for mammalian female meiosis, by specific siRNA, and results showed that the loss of Pnma5 significantly delayed the progression of meiosis I and increased chromosome segregation errors during anaphase I. In in-vitro fertilization (IVF), Pnma5 knockdown caused significantly lower fertilization. To assess how it affects meiosis, Pnma5 knockdown was found to significantly decrease the stability of spindle microtubules and altered F-actin organization within actin cap regions, cause significantly abnormal mitochondria aggregation and lower ATP concentration. Next we have found that phosphorylation at Thr533 re-located Pnma5 strongly to spindles & cortex and was required for the phosphorylation of Akt and Gsk3β, while Src and Erk1/2 phosphorylation was required for the phosphorylation of Pnma5, indicating that phosphorylated Pnma5 is the active form and subsequently activates Akt and Gsk3β. Collectively this study suggests that Pnma5 is important for meiosis and is the pivot of Src→Erk1/2→Pnma5→Akt→Gsk3β pathway.

Aquaporin-4 antibody positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder associated with esophageal cancer

Autoimmune diseases are sometimes associated with neoplasms. A 70-year-old Japanese woman with myelitis, seropositive for aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody, was diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD); thereafter an esophageal squamous cell carcinoma was identified. Immunohistochemically, her cancer was anti-AQP4 antibody negative. Her symptoms, imaging findings and AQP4 titer markedly improved with corticosteroid and anti-cancer therapies. Although AQP4 may be a paraneoplastic antigen, paraneoplastic syndrome could not be definitively diagnosed in this case. Nevertheless, this is the first report of an association between AQP4 antibody-seropositive NMOSD and esophageal cancer. The possibility of underlying malignancy should be considered in patients diagnosed with NMOSD.

Coexisting neuronal autoantibodies among children with demyelinating syndromes

ObjectivesTo determine the incidence and clinical relevance of neuronal autoantibodies in children with demyelinating syndromes. MethodsWe conducted a prospective study including 31 consecutive children with demyelinating syndromes. Four patients with N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis, 32 patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome, 13 children with benign childhood epilepsy, and 28 healthy children were used as controls. Prior to initiating immunomodulatory therapy, serum samples were tested for antibodies against NMDAR, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) 1, AMPAR2, leucine-rich glioma-activated protein 1, contactin-associated protein 2, gamma-aminobutyric acid B receptors, paraneoplastic ma antigen 2 (PNMA2/Ta), Yo, Ri, Hu, CV2, amphiphysin, and aquaporin-4 by indirect immunofluorescence assays. ResultsThree anti-neuronal antibodies were detected; NMDAR antibody in one with multiple sclerosis, PNMA2/Ta antibody in one with multiple sclerosis, and Yo antibody in one with clinically isolated syndrome. The positivity rate of neuronal autoantibodies in demyelinating syndrome was 10%. All seropositive patients were found to be negative for tumor screening. None of these patients exhibited symptoms of encephalitis. ConclusionChildren with demyelinating syndromes without symptoms of encephalitis can be positive for anti-neuronal antibodies.

Evolution of brain functions in mammals and LTR retrotransposon-derived genes.

In the human genome, there are approximately 30 LTR retrotransposon-derived genes, such as the sushi-ichi retrotransposon homologues (SIRH) and the paraneoplastic Ma antigen (PNMA) family genes. They are derivatives from the original LTR retrotransposons and each gene seems to have its own unique function. PEG10/SIRH1 as well as PEG11/RTL1/SIRH2 and SIRH7/LDOC1 play essential roles in placenta formation, maintenance of fetal capillaries and the differentiation/maturation of a variety of placental cells, respectively. All of this evidence provides strong support for their contribution to the evolution of viviparity in mammals via their eutherian-specific functions. SIRH11/ZCCHC16 is an X-linked gene that encodes a CCHC type of zinc-finger protein that exhibits high sequence identity to the LTR retrotransposon Gag protein and its deletion causes abnormal behavior related to cognition, including attention, impulsivity and working memory, possibly via the locus coeruleus noradrenaergic system in mice. Therefore, we have suggested that the acquisition of SIRH11/ZCCHC16 was involved in eutherian brain evolution. Interestingly, SIRH11/ZCCHC16 displays lineage-specific structural and putative species-specific functional variations in eutherians, suggesting that it contributed to the diversification of eutherians via increasing evolutionary fitness by these changes.

Paraneoplastic Ma Antigen-Like 1 as a Potential Prognostic Biomarker in Human Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

The present study aimed to identify novel useful clinical biomarker at early stages and to elucidate the molecular background of carcinogenesis in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs). Proteomes of dissected PDACs and adjacent nontumor pancreatic tissues from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded sections from 10 patients were analyzed using QSTAR Elite liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, ProteinPilot Software, and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Expression of potential biomarker candidates was validated immunohistochemically in 50 PDAC patients, followed by survival analyses and statistical comparison of protein expression with clinicopathologic variables. Eight hundred five proteins displaying significant quantitative changes were identified in human PDACs by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Based on altered expression of downstream molecules, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis predicted up-regulation and/or activation of nuclear factor β-catenin, SOX11, enolase 1, NFE2L2, SP1, SMAD1, SMAD2, SMAD3, SMAD4, HIF-1, and others. From proteome analysis, paraneoplastic Ma antigen-like 1 was selected as a potential biomarker of human PDAC. Furthermore, paraneoplastic neuronal Ma antigen-like 1 immunohistochemical evaluation in 50 PDAC patients revealed that its positive expression was significantly associated with the better overall survival (log-rank test; P = 0.009) and histological differentiation of PDACs (well, moderate, and poor; P = 0.027) as compared with patients with negative expression. Paraneoplastic Ma antigen-like 1 is suggested as a novel potential clinically useful prognostic biomarker for patients with PDAC.

Tcells targeting a neuronal paraneoplastic antigen mediate tumor rejection and trigger CNS autoimmunity with humoral activation.

Paraneoplastic neurologic diseases (PND) involving immune responses directed toward intracellular antigens are poorly understood. Here, we examine immunity to the PND antigen Nova2, which is expressed exclusively in central nervous system (CNS) neurons. We hypothesized that ectopic expression of neuronal antigen in the periphery could incite PND. In our C57BL/6 mouse model, CNS antigen expression limits antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell expansion. Chimera experiments demonstrate that this tolerance is mediated by antigen expression in nonhematopoietic cells. CNS antigen expression does not limit tumor rejection by adoptively transferred transgenic T cells but does limit the generation of a memory population that can be expanded upon secondary challenge in vivo. Despite mediating cancer rejection, adoptively transferred transgenic T cells do not lead to paraneoplastic neuronal targeting. Preliminary experiments suggest an additional requirement for humoral activation to induce CNS autoimmunity. This work provides evidence that the requirements for cancer immunity and neuronal autoimmunity are uncoupled. Since humoral immunity was not required for tumor rejection, B-cell targeting therapy, such as rituximab, may be a rational treatment option for PND that does not hamper tumor immunity.

Identification of a Novel PNMA-MS1 Gene in Marsupials Suggests the LTR Retrotransposon-Derived PNMA Genes Evolved Differently in Marsupials and Eutherians

Two major gene families derived from Ty3/Gypsy long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons were recently identified in mammals. The sushi-ichi retrotransposon homologue (SIRH) family comprises 12 genes: 11 in eutherians including Peg10 and Peg11/Rtl1 that have essential roles in the eutherian placenta and 1 that is marsupial specific. Fifteen and 12 genes were reported in the second gene family, para-neoplastic antigen MA (PNMA), in humans and mice, respectively, although their biological functions and evolutionary history remain largely unknown. Here, we identified two novel candidate PNMA genes, PNMA-MS1 and -MS2 in marsupials. Like all eutherian-specific PNMA genes, they exhibit the highest homology to a Gypsy12_DR (DR, Danio rerio) Gag protein. PNMA-MS1 is conserved in both Australian and South American marsupial species, the tammar wallaby and grey short-tailed opossum. However, no PNMA-MS1 orthologue was found in eutherians, monotremes or non-mammalian vertebrates. PNMA-MS1 was expressed in the ovary, mammary gland and brain during development and growth in the tammar, suggesting that PNMA-MS1 may have acquired a marsupial-specific function. However, PNMA-MS2 seems to be a pseudogene. The absence of marsupial orthologues of eutherian PNMA genes suggests that the retrotransposition events of the Gypsy12_DR-related retrotransposons that gave rise to the PNMA family occurred after the divergence of marsupials and eutherians.

Autoantibodies against the Ca2+-binding protein recoverin in blood sera of patients with various oncological diseases

In cancer, the retinal Ca(2+)-binding protein recoverin is a paraneoplastic antigen, the aberrant expression of which is capable of triggering the appearance of specific autoantibodies in the serum of patients with malignant tumors and the subsequent development of a paraneoplastic syndrome, cancer-associated retinopathy (CAR). The frequency of serum autoantibodies against recoverin (AAR), earlier determined at a rate of 15-20% in lung cancer, is much higher than the frequency of CAR syndrome, which is approximately 1%. In the present study, we estimated for the first time the frequencies of serum AAR in patients with various types of malignancies other than lung cancer. Patient biospecimens were collected to analyze for the presence of AAR. Additionally, various cell lines were cultivated and analyses were performed using Western blotting and RT-PCR. Results showed that in all cases tested, the AAR frequencies did not exceed 10%. Five AAR-positive patients with various types of cancer were available for ophthalmological investigation and only one of these patients had CAR syndrome. This result is consistent with the conclusion made in our previous studies of lung cancer that serum AAR do not necessarily trigger the development of CAR syndrome.

Biomarkers and Molecular Imaging in Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

Neuroendocrine gastrointestinal and pancreatic tumors (GEP-NETs) are a heterogenous group of cancers with various clinical expressions. All tumors produce and secret various amines and peptides, which can be used as tissue and circulating markers. Chromogranin A (CgA) is a general tumor marker stored in secretory granules within the tumor cell and released upon stimulation. CgA is the best general tumor marker at the moment, expressed in 80-90% in all patients with GEP-NETs. CgA and NSE are used as tissue markers for the delineation of the neuroendocrine features of the tumors, but recently also the proliferation marker Ki-67 has been included in the standard procedure for evaluation of the proliferation. GEP-NETs are classified into well differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (Ki-67<2%), well-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (Ki-67 2-20%), poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (Ki-67>20%). The molecular imaging of NETs is based on the ability of these tumor cells to express somatostatin receptors as well as the APUD features. Octreoscan has been applied for imaging and staging of the disease for more than 2 decades and will nowadays be replaced by 68Ga-DOTA-Octreotate, with higher specificity and sensitivity. 18Fluoro-DOPA and 11C-5HTP are specific tracers for NETs with high specificity and selectivity. A new potential biomarker is auto-antibodies to paraneoplastic antigen MA2, which might indicate early recurrence of carcinoids after surgery with a curative intent. Circulating tumor cells (CTC) have been applied in GEP-NETs quite recently. There is still an unmet need for new markers.

Abstract A27: Coordinate posttranscriptional regulation of breast cancer metastasis genes by RNA binding protein HuR

Abstract Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Distance metastasis is responsible for patient mortality. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms underlying tumor pathogenesis and metastasis is crucial for the development of novel therapies as well as preventive strategies for those who are prone to breast cancer. In contrast to transcriptional gene regulation, posttranscriptional control mechanisms of gene expression are poorly understood. Yet, many metastasis genes are regulated by RNA binding proteins (RBPs) at the levels of mRNA stability and translation. The paraneoplastic antigen, HuR, is an RBP shown to regulate multiple genes that are significantly related to breast cancer metastasis by stabilizing target mRNAs and facilitating translation into proteins. Using novel techniques developed in our lab of RNA immunoprecipitation applied to microarrays (RIP-Chip) we identified novel discrete HuR-associated mRNAs in triple negative breast cancer and estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. Many of these HuR-associated mRNA transcripts were metastasis related. We investigated the role of HuR in an aggressive triple-negative breast cancer metastatic cell line, LM2. The LM2 cells were retrovirally transduced with triple fusion reporter construct encoding thymidine kinase1, GFP and firefly luciferase to obtain in vivo and in vitro tracking capabilities. The cells were further transfected with plasmid containing HA-HuR or empty vector control to demonstrate the function of HuR in LM2. HuR over-expressing clones showed greater metastatic capability by in vitro matrigel invasion assay. Furthermore, athymic mice that were intravenously injected with HuR over-expressing LM2 cells had greater (335-fold more) tumor metastasis to the lungs than empty vector control injected group as measured by IVIS imaging. Mice injected with HuR over-expressing LM2 cells were more moribund and had greater mortality as compared with mice injected with empty vector control cells. These results suggest that HuR may play a role in breast cancer metastasis by stabilizing various pro-metastatic genes. The implications of this work are twofold. First, HuR RIP-Chip can be used to identify novel cancer relevant genes and second, interference with HuR function may ameliorate distant metastasis in breast cancer, potentially providing new therapeutic approaches for treatment. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Second AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Basic Cancer Research; 2011 Sep 14-18; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(18 Suppl):Abstract nr A27.

스트레스 음파 처리에 따른 아메리카잎굴파리(Liriomyza trifolii)의 생리 변화와 프로테오믹 분석

본 연구는 음파 처리에 따른 아메리카잎굴파리(Liriomyza trifolii)의 생리 변화를 발육 시기별로 분석하였다. 유충의 섭식량은 섭식을 통해 형성된 잎 내부 갱도의 길이로 분석했다. 이때 5,000 Hz (95 dB)의 음파 처리는 섭식 행동을 크게 둔화시켰다. 이러한 스트레스 음파는 또한 용발육에 영향을 주어 315 - 5,000 Hz 음파 범위에서 발육 지연 효과를 나타냈고, 1,000 - 5,000 Hz 음파 범위에서 우화를 억제하였다. 스트레스 음파는 암컷의 산란 행동을 억제시켰으나 성충의 주광성 행동에는 영향을 주지 않았다. 스트레스 음파(5,000 Hz, 95 dB)를 받은 용은 이차원 전기영동 분석 결과 단백질 발현 양상에서 무처리구와 뚜렷한 차이를 보였다. 특정 단백질에 대한 MALDI-TOF 분석 결과는 trafficking protein particle complex I, triosephosphate isomerase, hypothetical protein TcasGA2_TC013388, polycystin-2, paraneoplastic neuronal antigen MA1 및 tropomyosin I (isoform M)의 단백질들이 무처리구에서 발견되고, 음파 처리구에서는 소멸되었다. 반면에 DOCK9, cytoskeletal keratin II 및 <TEX>$F_0F_1$</TEX>-ATP synthase beta subunit은 스트레스 음파 처리에 따라 새롭게 나타나는 단백질로 판명되었다. 이러한 스트레스 음파는 아메리카잎굴파리의 살충제에 대한 감수성을 크게 증가시켰다. 이상의 결과는 아메리카잎굴파리의 생리 과정을 교란하는 스트레스 음파가 작용한다는 것을 제시하고 있다. 또한 본 연구는 이러한 스트레스 음파를 이용하여 아메리카잎굴파리에 대한 새로운 물리적 해충 방제 기술 개발 가능성을 제시하고 있다. This study investigated the adverse effects of sound treatment on physiological processes of the American leafminer, Liriomyza trifolii, during several developmental stages. Larval feeding activity was analyzed by measuring feeding tunnel length. It was significantly suppressed by sound treatment (5,000 Hz, 95 dB). Sound treatment delayed the pupal period at 315 - 5,000 Hz and prevented adult emergence at 1,000 - 5,000 Hz. Female oviposition was also inhibited by the stress sound treatments. However, phototactic adult movement was not affected by sound treatment. Pupae treated with 5,000 Hz showed marked changes in protein patterns analyzed by two dimensional electrophoresis. MALDI-TOF analysis of specific protein spots indicated that trafficking protein particle complex I, triosephosphate isomerase, hypothetical protein TcasGA2_TC013388, polycystin-2, paraneoplastic neuronal antigen MA1, and tropomyosin I (isoform M) were predicted in the control insects and disappeared in the insects treated with sound. By contrast, DOCK9, cytoskeletal keratin II, and F0F1-ATP synthase beta subunit were predicted only in the sound-treated insects. Furthermore, stress sound significantly increased the susceptibility of L. trifolii to insecticides. These results suggest that physiological processes of L. trifolii are altered by sound stress, which may be exploited to develop a novel physical control tactic against L. trifolii.

Paraneoplastic Antigen Ma2 Autoantibodies as Specific Blood Biomarkers for Detection of Early Recurrence of Small Intestine Neuroendocrine Tumors

BackgroundSmall intestine neuroendocrine tumors (SI-NETs) belong to a rare group of cancers. Most patients have developed metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis, for which there is currently no cure. The delay in diagnosis is a major issue in the clinical management of the patients and new markers are urgently needed. We have previously identified paraneoplastic antigen Ma2 (PNMA2) as a novel SI-NET tissue biomarker. Therefore, we evaluated whether Ma2 autoantibodies detection in the blood stream is useful for the clinical diagnosis and recurrence of SI-NETs.Methodology/Principal FindingsA novel indirect ELISA was set up to detect Ma2 autoantibodies in blood samples of patients with SI-NET at different stages of disease. The analysis was extended to include typical and atypical lung carcinoids (TLC and ALC), to evaluate whether Ma2 autoantibodies in the blood stream become a general biomarker for NETs. In total, 124 blood samples of SI-NET patients at different stages of disease were included in the study. The novel Ma2 autoantibody ELISA showed high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy with ROC curve analysis underlying an area between 0.734 and 0.816. Ma2 autoantibodies in the blood from SI-NET patients were verified by western blot and sequential immunoprecipitation. Serum antibodies of patients stain Ma2 in the tumor tissue and neurons. We observed that SI-NET patients expressing Ma2 autoantibody levels below the cutoff had a longer progression and recurrence-free survival compared to those with higher titer. We also detected higher levels of Ma2 autoantibodies in blood samples from TLC and ALC patients than from healthy controls, as previously shown in small cell lung carcinoma samples.ConclusionHere we show that high Ma2 autoantibody titer in the blood of SI-NET patients is a sensitive and specific biomarker, superior to chromogranin A (CgA) for the risk of recurrence after radical operation of these tumors.

Induction of neuronal cell death by paraneoplastic Ma1 antigen

Paraneoplastic Ma1 (PNMA1) is a member of a family of proteins involved in an autoimmune disorder called paraneoplastic neurological syndrome. Although it is widely expressed in brain, nothing is known about the function of PNMA1 in neurons. We find that PNMA1 expression is highest in the perinatal brain, a period during which developmentally regulated neuronal death occurs. PNMA1 expression increases in cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) induced to die by low potassium (LK) and in cortical neurons following homocysteic acid (HCA) treament. Elevated PNMA1 expression is also observed in the degenerating striatum in two separate mouse models of Huntington's disease, the R6/2 transgenic model and the 3-nitropropionic acid-induced chemical model. Suppression of endogenous PNMA1 expression inhibits LK-induced neuronal apoptosis. Ectopic expression of PNMA1 promotes apoptosis even in medium containing high potassium, a condition that normally ensures survival of CGNs. Deletion of the N-terminal half of the PNMA1 protein abrogates its apoptotic activity, whereas deletion of the C-terminal half renders the protein more toxic. Within the N-terminal half, the ability to induce neuronal death depends on the presence of a BH3-like domain. In addition to being necessary for apoptosis, the BH3-like domain is necessary for self-association of PNMA1. Apoptosis by PNMA1 expression is inhibited by overexpression of Bcl2, suggesting that PNMA1-induced neuronal death may depend on the binding of a proapoptotic member of the Bcl2 family to the BH3 domain. Taken together, our results suggest that PNMA1 is a proapoptotic protein in neurons, elevated expression of which may contribute to neurodegenerative disorders.

Novel markers for enterochromaffin cells and gastrointestinal neuroendocrine carcinomas

The gene expression profile of metastasizing serotonin-producing neuroendocrine carcinomas, which arise from enterochromaffin cells in the jejunum and ileum, is still largely unknown. The aim of this study was to identify genes and proteins, which are preferentially expressed by neuroendocrine carcinoma and enterochromaffin cells and therefore potential novel biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets. Six carcinoma specimens and six normal ileal mucosas were profiled by Affymetrix microarrays. Advanced bioinformatics identified differentially and specifically expressed genes, which were validated by quantitative real-time-PCR on tumor cells extracted by laser capture microdissection and normal enterochromaffin cells extracted by immunolaser capture microdissection. We identified six novel marker genes for neuroendocrine carcinoma cells: paraneoplastic antigen Ma2 (PNMA2), testican-1 precursor (SPOCK1), serpin A10 (SERPINA10), glutamate receptor ionotropic AMPA 2 (GRIA2), G protein-coupled receptor 112 (GPR112) and olfactory receptor family 51 subfamily E member 1 (OR51E1). GRIA2 is specifically expressed by neuroendocrine carcinoma cells whereas the others are also expressed by normal enterochromaffin cells. GPR112 and OR51E1 encode proteins associated with the plasma membrane and may therefore become targets for antibody-based diagnosis and therapy. Hierarchical clustering shows high similarity between primary lesions and liver metastases. However, chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 14 (CXCL14) and NK2 transcription factor related locus 3 Drosophila (NKX2-3) are expressed to a lower level in liver metastases than in primary tumors and normal enterochromaffin cells, which implies a role in neuroendocrine carcinoma differentiation. In conclusion, this study provides a list of genes, which possess relatively specific expression to enterochromaffin and neuroendocrine carcinoma cells and genes with differential expression between primary tumors and metastases. We verified six novel marker genes that may be developed as biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets.

Antigen-specific oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid and serum from patients with anti-amphiphysin- and anti-CV2/CRMP5 associated paraneoplastic neurological syndromes

Using isoelectric focusing and affinity blotting employing paraneoplastic recombinant antigens, we investigated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and sera from three patients with positive anti-CV2/CRMP5- and one patient with positive anti-amphiphysin serology. CSF and sera were previously adjusted to total IgG concentrations of 20 mg/l. All patients suffered from paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNS) with predominant involvement of the central nervous system (CNS). Using affinity blot preloaded with paraneoplastic antigen, we detected in three of four patients more or stronger specific oligoclonal bands (OCB) in the CSF than in the corresponding serum, providing qualitative evidence of antigen specific intrathecal antibody synthesis. These results are in line with previous studies demonstrating specific OCB predominantly in CSF from patients with anti-Hu-, anti-Yo- and anti-Ri-associated PNS, supporting the hypothesis of autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of PNS. One patient harboured extensive anti-amphiphysin specific OCB, although OCB of total IgG could not be detected, indicating a higher sensitivity for detection of intrathecal antibody synthesis of the affinity blot preloaded with the paraneoplastic antigen, compared with investigation of total IgG OCB. These results could have implications concerning pathophysiological autoimmune aspects in other inflammatory diseases of CNS associated with total IgG OCB, provided that the target antigen is known.