A Novel Poly(N‐Isopropylacrylamide‐co‐acryloylamidobenzo‐12‐crown‐4) Microgel with Rapid Stimuli‐Responsiveness for Molecule‐Specific Adsorption of γ‐Cyclodextrin

A novel poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐acryloylamidobenzo‐12‐crown‐4) (PNB) microgel with rapid γ‐cyclodextrin (CD)‐responsive characteristics and adsorption property is developed. The microgel is composed of benzo‐12‐crown‐4 (B₁₂C₄) units as molecule‐recognition receptors and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) networks as phase‐transition actuators as well as adsorbent backbone chains. The PNB microgels significantly increase their volumes induced by γ‐CD, and adsorb γ‐CD molecules within PNB networks because of formation of γ‐CD/B₁₂C₄ inclusion complexes. Detection of γ‐CD‐concentration and the molecule‐specific adsorption processes of the microgels are investigated systematically. The PNB microgels provide a new tool for rapid concentration measurement and effective separation of γ‐CD.     

Synthesis,Photophysical, and Morphological Properties of Azomethine‐Persylilated α‐Cyclodextrin Main‐Chain Polyrotaxane

The synthesis of 2‐rotaxane (3?TMS‐αCD) through a condensation reaction between 3,5–diamino‐1,2,4‐triazole encapsulated into hexakis(2,3,6‐trimethylsilyl) α‐cyclodextrin cavity (TMS‐αCD ) and 1‐pyrenecarboxaldehyde is reported. The oxidative coupling of 3?TMS‐αCD afforded then pyrene‐triazole/TMS‐αCD PAMs polyrotaxane (4?TMS‐αCD) azomethine polyrotaxane. The optical, electrochemical, morphological, surface‐free energies, as well as transport properties of 3?TMS‐αCD and its corresponding 4?TMS‐αCD polyrotaxane have been investigated and compared with those of the reference polymer pyrene‐triazole azomethine. The polyrotaxane is soluble in toluene/dimethylformamide (DMF) 1:1, v/v, mixture and displays useful levels of thermal stability and higher fluorescence quantum yield (Φ_PL) in DMF solutions. Φ_PL improvement is further reflected in the fluorescence lifetime (τ_F), significantly longer than that of the starting monomer 3?TMS‐αCD (7.8 vs 0.89 ns). In addition, a smoother surface with the smaller grains uniformly distributed on the surface, as well as lower surface‐free energy, combined with energy gap (3.32 vs 3.76 eV) represent noticeable advantages of azomethine backbones encapsulation by TMS‐αCD.

     

Preparation and Properties of Degradable Shape Memory Material Based on Partial α‐Cyclodextrin–Poly(ε‐caprolactone) Inclusion Complex

A series of supramolecular degradable inclusion complex (IC) films were formed by threading α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD) molecules over poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) according to the designed ratio of α‐CD–PCL. Due to containing both α‐CD–PCL inclusion crystallites and uncovered PCL crystallites, the resulting supramolecular α‐CD–PCL IC partial films displayed a shape memory effect. The properties of the materials were investigated by ¹H NMR, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and swelling measurement. It was found that the casting temperature and solvent have great influence on the formation and properties of the α‐CD–PCL partial ICs. The modes of complexes on different conditions were proposed. In addition, the introduction of inclusion structure accelerates the degradation of materials strongly.

     

Self‐Assembly of Polyrotaxanes Synthesized Via Click Chemistry of Azido‐Endcapped PNIPAAm‐b‐Pluronic F68‐b‐PNIPAAm/γ‐CD with Propargylamine‐Substituted β‐CDs

A kind of γ‐(cyclodextrin) (γ‐CD)‐based polyrotaxane (PR) is synthesized via an aqueous click reaction between propargylamine‐substituted β‐CD and polypseudorotaxanes (PPRs) self‐assembled from azido‐endcapped PNIPAAm‐b‐Pluronic F68‐b‐PNIPAAm with a varying amount of γ‐CD. The evolution of the self assembly, dependent on the preparation process, is observable by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and DSC analyses. The γ‐CD is able to be included and preferably entrapped on the PNIPAAm blocks, showing a unique loose‐fit aggregate structure after the click reaction. Most γ‐CDs gradually slip over to the middle PPG block of Pluronic F68, giving rise to a characteristic channel‐type crystal structure in the dialy­sis process. In addition, the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) is sharply enhanced due to the coverage of the remaining γ‐CDs hindering the thermally responsive aggregation of the PNIPAAm blocks.

     

Molecular characterization and clinical presentation of HKαα and anti‐HKαα alleles in southern Chinese subjects

The HKαα allele is a rearrangement occurring in the α‐globin gene cluster containing both the ‐α^3.7 and ααα^anti4.2 unequal crossover junctions. The anti‐HKαα allele is the reciprocal product containing both the ‐α^4.2 and ααα^anti3.7 unequal crossover junctions, which had been predicted but had not been detected previously. The phenotypic feature and population frequency of these two unusual alleles were not described. We report the identification of nine individuals carrying the HKαα allele and two individuals carrying the anti‐HKαα allele in southern China and describe their phenotype and haplotype data. The molecular structures of HKαα allele and anti‐HKαα allele were confirmed by two‐round nested polymerase chain reaction assay. The mechanism of origin of both alleles is related to probably simultaneous double crossover. Heterozygotes of HKαα or anti‐HKαα allele show a normal hematological phenotype. Finally, we report the carrier rates of these both alleles in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of southern China, namely, ∼0.07% for the HKαα allele and ∼0.02% for the anti‐HKαα allele.     

Amphiphilic Hyperbranched Polymers Containing Two Types of β‐Cyclodextrin Segments: Synthesis and Properties

Amphiphilic hyperbranched polymers carrying two types of β‐cyclodextrin groups including ionic and covalent bonding were synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization and immobilization reaction. Their inclusion capabilities for single or double‐guest molecules were investigated by UV‐visible spectroscopy. Using Chlorambucil and Lonidamine as the double model drugs, their encapsulation efficiencies indicate that these polymers possess the capabilities of high drug‐loading. Furthermore, the release behaviors of these polymers were studied via UV‐visible spectroscopy. The results indicate that they can slow the release rate of double model drugs. Varying the pH values of environment or regulating their shell layer structures can control the release behaviors of double model drugs.

     

Synthesis and Characterization of Polyrotaxanes Comprising γ‐CDs and Distal Azide‐Terminated PHEMA Using Propargylamine Monosubstituted β‐CDs as End Stoppers

To highlight whether γ‐cyclodextrins (CDs) facilitate propargylamine monosubstituted β‐CDs (PA‐β‐CDs) as end stoppers to get threaded onto a distal azide terminated poly(2‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate) (PHEMA) homopolymer (PH‐46‐2N₃) to create linear and hyperbranched polyrotaxanes (PRs) via the in situ copper‐catalyzed azide/alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), PH‐46‐2N₃ is self‐assembled with a varying amount of γ‐CDs in water and then subjected the CuAAC with PA‐β‐CDs to end‐cap the resulting γ‐CD‐PHEMA polypseudorotaxanes (PPRs) into the γ‐CD‐PHEMA PRs. It demonstrates that γ‐CDs cannot promote PA‐β‐CDs to be entrapped on the PHEMA chain most likely due to their different cavity size and molecular framework and linear PRs are always formed with up to 29% γ‐CD coverage ratio along the PHEMA axis thereof.     

Islets of Langerhans from prohormone convertase‐2 knockout mice show α‐cell hyperplasia and tumorigenesis with elevated α‐cell neogenesis

Antagonism of the effects of glucagon as an adjunct therapy with other glucose‐lowering drugs in the chronic treatment of diabetes has been suggested to aggressively control blood glucose levels. Antagonism of glucagon effects, by targeting glucagon secretion or disabling the glucagon receptor, is associated with α‐cell hyperplasia. We evaluated the influence of total glucagon withdrawal on islets of Langerhans using prohormone convertase‐2 knockout mice (PC2‐ko), in which α‐cell hyperplasia is present from a young age and persists throughout life, in order to understand whether or not sustained glucagon deficit would lead to islet tumorigenesis. PC2‐ko and wild‐type (WT) mice were maintained drug‐free, and cohorts of these groups sampled at 3, 12 and 18 months for plasma biochemical and morphological (histological, immunohistochemical, electron microscopical and image analytical) assessments. WT mice showed no islet tumours up to termination of the study, but PC2‐ko animals displayed marked changes in islet morphology from α‐cell hypertrophy/hyperplasia/atypical hyperplasia, to adenomas and carcinomas, these latter being first encountered at 6–8 months. Islet hyperplasias and tumours primarily consisted of α‐cells associated to varying degrees with other islet endocrine cell types. In addition to substantial increases in islet neoplasia, increased α‐cell neogenesis associated primarily with pancreatic duct(ule)s was present. We conclude that absolute blockade of the glucagon signal results in tumorigenesis and that the PC2‐ko mouse represents a valuable model for investigation of islet tumours and pancreatic ductal neogenesis.     

The stimulatory effect of α‐melanotropin on progesterone release from rat granulosa cells is inhibited by interleukin‐1β and by tumour necrosis factor‐α

Aim: Several studies have shown that a variety of peptides and cytokines are involved in ovarian regulatory mechanisms; however, their exact function is still unclear. In this work we study whether the administration of peptide α‐melanotropin and the cytokines interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) on their own modify the release of progesterone in cultured granulosa cells (GC) from pro‐oestrous rats. We also investigate an interaction between these cytokines and α‐melanotropin in the modulation of progesterone secretion. Methods: Granulosa cells were collected from the ovaries of female Wistar rats and cultured for up to 24 h in the presence of different concentrations of α‐melanotropin, cytokines or a combination of both. Progesterone concentration was measured by radioimmunoassay. Results: The addition of α‐melanotropin in a dose of 0.01 and 0.1 mm had no effect on progesterone release, whereas a dose of 1 mm significantly increased progesterone release (P < 0.01) compared with the control culture. Progesterone release was not modified when different concentrations of interleukin‐1β or TNF‐α were added to the cell cultures. However, when interleukin‐1β or TNF‐α were added simultaneously with 1 μm α‐melanotropin, a significant reduction (P < 0.01 for interleukin‐1β and P < 0.05 for TNF‐α) of the steroid release was found with respect to the α‐melanotropin‐treated group. Conclusions: These results lead us to suggest that, although α‐melanotropin stimulates progesterone release in pre‐ovulatory GC, this effect is blocked by the presence of interleukin‐1β or TNF‐α.     

Layer‐by‐Layer Coated PLA Nanoparticles with Oppositely Charged β‐Cyclodextrin Polymer for Controlled Delivery of Lipophilic Molecules

The preparation of novel nanoparticles is described, which consist of a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) core obtained by the nanoprecipitation method with a shell made of oppositely charged β‐cyclodextrin polymer (poly‐β‐CD) assembled using the layer‐by‐layer technique. Characterization of these nanoparticles is accomplished through dynamic light scattering, ζ‐potential measurements, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron microscopy. The release of a loaded lipophilic molecule, benzophenone (BP), is mainly controlled by diffusion of BP and by its host–guest interaction with the β‐CD cavities of the adsorbed poly‐β‐CD. Increasing the number of poly‐β‐CD layers results in a better control of the release through the partition equilibrium between free BP and BP included in the cavities inside the multilayers.

     

4–1BB signal stimulates the activation,expansion, and effector functions of γδ T cells in mice and humans

We show here that the expression of 4–1BB is rapidly induced in γδ T cells following antigenic stimulation in both mice and humans, and ligation of the newly acquired 4–1BB with an agonistic anti‐4–1BB augments cell division and cytokine production. We further demonstrate that γδ rather than αβ T cells protect mice from Listeria monocytogenes (LM) infection and 4–1BB stimulation enhances the γδ T‐cell activities in the acute phase of LM infection. IFN‐γ produced from γδ T cells was the major soluble factor regulating LM infection. Vγ1⁺ T cells were expanded in LM‐infected mice and 4–1BB signal triggered an exclusive expansion of Vγ1⁺ T cells and induced IFN‐γ in these Vγ1⁺ T cells. Similarly, 4–1BB was induced on human γδ T cells and shown to be fully functional. Combination treatment with human γδ T cells and anti‐hu4–1BB effectively protected against LM infection in human γδ T cell‐transferred NOD‐SCID mice. Taken together, these data provide evidence that the 4–1BB signal is an important regulator of γδ T cells and induces robust host defense against LM infection.     

Influence of β‐Cyclodextrin on the Free‐Radical Copolymerization of N‐(4‐Methylphenyl)maleimide with N‐Vinylpyrrolidone in Water

Randomly methylated β‐cyclodextrin (me‐β‐CD) is used to include the hydrophobic monomer N‐(4‐methylphenyl)maleimide (MPM) ( 1 ) yielding the corresponding water‐soluble host‐guest structure 1a . Free‐radical copolymerization of 1a with N‐vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) ( 2 ) is performed and the reactivity ratios r₁ and r₂ are determined: 0.24 ± 0.03 (r₂) and 1.10 ± 0.05 (r_1a). This indicates a preferred incorporation of complexed maleimide into the copolymer chain. In contrast to that, the copolymerization of the uncomplexed monomers 1 and 2 is carried out using organic solvent (DMF/H₂O) showing reactivity ratios corresponding to nearly alternating copolymerization (r₂ = 0.09 ± 0.02; r₁ = 0.34 ± 0.03).

     

Involvement of α‐ and β‐catenins and E‐cadherin in the development of mammary phyllodes tumours

Tsang J Y S, Mendoza P, Lam C C F, Yu A M C, Putti T C, Karim R Z, Scolyer R A, Lee C S, Tan P H & Tse G M
(2012) Histopathology  61, 667–674 Involvement of α‐ and β‐catenins and E‐cadherin in the development of mammary phyllodes tumours Aims: Phyllodes tumours (PT) are rare but clinically important fibroepithelial tumours of the breast. β‐Catenin, a key component in Wnt signalling, has been shown to be important in the development of PT. It also functions as a component of the cadherin complex, which may therefore be implicated in PT pathogenesis. By assessing stromal α‐catenin, β‐catenin and E‐cadherin expression in 158 PT cases using immunohistochemistry and examining associations with clinicopathological features, we aimed to determine the role of these proteins in PT pathogenesis. Methods and results: Cytoplasmic β‐catenin correlated with α‐catenin expression. A significantly higher expression of both markers was observed in borderline than in benign PT (P = 0.003 and <0.001, respectively), but a lower level was found in malignant PT. Cytoplasmic E‐cadherin expression was significantly higher in borderline and malignant than in benign PT (P = 0.001 and 0.012, respectively), but was not correlated with other markers. Both E‐cadherin and α‐catenin showed stronger correlations with histological parameters than β‐catenin. α‐Catenin showed a significant correlation with recurrence (P = 0.005 and 0.016, respectively). Conclusions: α‐ and β‐catenins may be important in the early stages of PT development, while E‐cadherin may be required for malignant development. The correlation of α‐catenin expression with tumour recurrence may be relevant in predicting PT behaviour.     

1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 acts via transforming growth factor‐β to up‐regulate expression of immunosuppressive CD73 on human CD4+ Foxp3– T cells

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased incidence and severity of various immune‐mediated diseases. Active vitamin D (1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3; 1,25(OH)₂D3) up‐regulates CD4⁺ T‐cell expression of the purine ectonucleotidase CD39, a molecule that is associated with the generation of anti‐inflammatory adenosine. Here we aimed to investigate the direct impact of 1,25(OH)₂D3 on expression of the downstream ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase CD73 by human CD4 T cells, and components of the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) pathway, which have been implicated in the modulation of CD73 by murine T cells. At 10^?8 to 10^?7 m , 1,25(OH)₂D3 significantly increased expression of CD73 on peripheral human CD4⁺ T cells. Although 1,25(OH)₂D3 did not affect the mRNA expression of latent TGF‐β₁, 1,25(OH)₂D3 did up‐regulate expression of TGF‐β‐associated molecules [latency‐associated peptide (LAP), glycophorin A repetitions predominant (GARP), GP96, neuropilin‐1, thrombospondin‐1 and α_v integrin] which is likely to have contributed to the observed enhancement in TGF‐β bioactivity. CD73 was highly co‐expressed with LAP and GARP following 1,25(OH)₂D3 treatment, but unexpectedly, each of these cell surface molecules was expressed primarily on CD4⁺ Foxp3^– T cells, rather than CD4⁺ Foxp3⁺ T cells. Notably, neutralization of TGF‐β significantly impaired 1,25(OH)₂D3‐mediated induction of CD73. Collectively, we show that 1,25(OH)₂D3 enhances expression of CD73 on CD4⁺ Foxp3^– T cells in a process that is at least partially TGF‐β‐dependent. These data reveal an additional contributing mechanism by which vitamin D may be protective in immune‐mediated disease.     

Synthesis of New Homopolyester and Copolyesters by Anionic Ring‐opening Polymerization of α,α′,β‐Trisubstituted β‐Lactones

Summary: Novel polyester and copolyesters have been prepared by anionic ring‐opening polymerization of racemic 4‐alkyloxycarbonyl‐3,3‐dimethyl‐2‐oxetanones that had been synthesized in five steps from diethyl oxalpropionate used as chemical precursor. The anionic polymerizations, realized in bulk or in solution with tetraethylammonium benzoate as initiator, led to a homopolymer and copolymers with high molecular weights and polydispersity indices close to unity. These features can be explained by the presence of two methyl groups on the same carbon atom in the lactone, preventing transfer reactions to the monomer. Preparation of seeds and re‐initiation by addition of fresh monomer confirmed a living process. The hydrolysis of poly[(R,S)‐3,3‐dimethylmalic acid] under physiological conditions yielded (R,S)‐3,3‐dimethylmalic acid. A terpolymer was also prepared for biological studies related to its use as biodegradable materials for tissue regeneration.

Structure of poly[(R,S)‐3,3‐dimethylmalic acid].     

ERRα augments HIF‐1 signalling by directly interacting with HIF‐1α in normoxic and hypoxic prostate cancer cells

Adaptation of cancer cells to a hypoxic microenvironment is important for their facilitated malignant growth and advanced development. One major mechanism mediating the hypoxic response involves up‐regulation of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (HIF‐1) expression, which controls reprogramming of energy metabolism and angiogenesis. Oestrogen‐related receptor‐α (ERRα) is a pivotal regulator of cellular energy metabolism and many biosynthetic pathways, and has also been proposed to be an important factor promoting the Warburg effect in advanced cancer. We and others have previously shown that ERRα expression is increased in prostate cancer and is also a prognostic marker. Here we show that ERRα is oncogenic in prostate cancer and also a key hypoxic growth regulator. ERRα‐over‐expressing prostate cancer cells were more resistant to hypoxia and showed enhanced HIF‐1α protein expression and HIF‐1 signalling. These effects could also be observed in ERRα‐over‐expressing cells grown under normoxia, suggesting that ERRα could function to pre‐adapt cancer cells to meet hypoxia stress. Immunoprecipitation and FRET assays indicated that ERRα could physically interact with HIF‐1α via its AF‐2 domain. A ubiquitination assay showed that this ERRα–HIF‐1α interaction could inhibit ubiquitination of HIF‐1α and thus reduce its degradation. Such ERRα–HIF‐1α interaction could be attenuated by XCT790, an ERRα‐specific inverse agonist, resulting in reduced HIF‐1α levels. In summary, we show that ERRα can promote the hypoxic growth adaptation of prostate cancer cells via a protective interaction with HIF‐1α, suggesting ERRα as a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.