Genome‐wide transcriptome analyses reveal p53 inactivation mediated loss of miR‐34a expression in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNSTs) are aggressive soft tissue tumours that occur either sporadically or in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1. The malignant transformation of the benign neurofibroma to MPNST is incompletely understood at the molecular level. We have determined the gene expression signature for benign and malignant PNSTs and found that the major trend in malignant transformation from neurofibroma to MPNST consists of the loss of expression of a large number of genes, rather than widespread increase in gene expression. Relatively few genes are expressed at higher levels in MPNSTs and these include genes involved in cell proliferation and genes implicated in tumour metastasis. In addition, a gene expression signature indicating p53 inactivation is seen in the majority of MPNSTs. Subsequent microRNA profiling of benign and malignant PNSTs indicated a relative down‐regulation of miR‐34a in most MPNSTs compared to neurofibromas. In vitro studies using the cell lines MPNST‐14 (NF1 mutant) and MPNST‐724 (from a non‐NF1 individual) show that exogenous expression of p53 or miR‐34a promotes apoptotic cell death. In addition, exogenous expression of p53 in MPNST cells induces miR‐34a and other miRNAs. Our data show that p53 inactivation and subsequent loss of expression of miR‐34a may significantly contribute to the MPNST development. Collectively, our findings suggest that deregulation of miRNAs has a potential role in the malignant transformation process in peripheral nerve sheath tumours. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Unusual association of a unique CAG interruption in 5′ of DM1 CTG repeats with intergenerational contractions and low somatic mosaicism

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a dominant multisystemic disorder associated with high variability of symptoms and anticipation. DM1 is caused by an unstable CTG repeat expansion that usually increases in successive generations and tissues. DM1 family pedigrees have shown that ～90% and 10% of transmissions result in expansions and contractions of the CTG repeat, respectively. To date, the mechanisms of CTG repeat contraction remain poorly documented in DM1. In this report, we identified two new DM1 families with apparent contractions and no worsening of DM1 symptoms in two and three successive maternal transmissions. A new and unique CAG interruption was found in 5′ of the CTG expansion in one family, whereas multiple 5′ CCG interruptions were detected in the second family. We showed that these interruptions are associated with maternal intergenerational contractions and low somatic mosaicism in blood. By specific triplet‐prime PCR, we observed that CTG repeat changes (contractions/expansions) occur preferentially in 3′ of the interruptions for both families.     

Phylogenetic analysis of human G9P[8] rotavirus strains circulating in Jiangsu,China between 2010 and 2016

Rotavirus A (RVA) is the leading cause of acute viral gastroenteritis in children under 5 years of age worldwide. G9P[8] is a common RVA genotype that has been persistently prevalent in Jiangsu, China. To determine the genetic diversity of G9P[8] RVAs, 7 representative G9P[8] strains collected from Suzhou Children’s Hospital between 2010 and 2016 (named JS2010‐JS2016) were analyzed through whole‐genome sequencing. All evaluated strains showed the Wa‐like constellation G9‐P[8]‐I1‐R1‐C1‐M1‐A1‐N1‐T1‐E1‐H1. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis revealed that the VP7 genes of all strains clustered into lineage G9‐III and G9‐VI. With the exception of strain JS2012 (P[8]‐4), the VP4 sequences of all strains belonged to the P[8]‐3 lineage. Sequencing further revealed that amino acid substitutions were present in the antigenic regions of the VP7 and VP4 genes of all strains. Moreover, there were multiple substitutions in antigenic sites I and II of the nonstructural protein 4 (NSP4) genes, whereas the other NSP genes were relatively conserved. In conclusion, our phylogenetic analysis of these 7 G9P[8] strains suggests that RVA varied across regions and time. Therefore, our findings suggest that continued surveillance is necessary to explore the molecular evolutionary characteristics of RVA for better prevention and treatment of acute viral gastroenteritis.     

Implementation of the NCAA Sickle Cell Trait Screening Policy: A Survey of Athletic Staff and Student-athletes

Objective

To describe the perspectives and experiences of athletic trainers, coaches, and student-athletes approximately three years post-implementation of the NCAA sickle cell trait (SCT) screening policy.