The mouse genome

The house mouse has been used as a privileged model organism since the early days of genetics, and the numerous experiments made with this small mammal have regularly contributed to enrich our knowledge of mammalian biology and pathology, ranging from embryonic development to metabolic disease, histocompatibility, immunology, behavior, and cancer. Over the past two decades, a number of large-scale integrated and concerted projects have been undertaken that will probably open a new era in the genetics of the species. The sequencing of the genome, which will allow researchers to make comparisons with other mammals and identify regions conserved by evolution, is probably the most important project, but many other initiatives, such as the massive production of point or chromosomal mutations associated with comprehensive and standardized phenotyping of the mutant phenotypes, will help annotation of the approximately 25,000 genes packed in the mouse genome. In the same way, and as another consequence of the sequencing, the discovery of many single nucleotide polymorphisms and the development of new tools and resources, like the Collaborative Cross, will contribute to the development of modern quantitative genetics. It is clear that mouse genetics has changed dramatically over the last 10-15 years and its future looks promising.     

高血压鼠动脉壁去甲肾上腺素含量及形态变化研究

取不同年龄组自发性高血压鼠的胸主动脉，颈劝脉和基底动脉，用高效液相色谱－电化学检测仪测定其去甲肾上腺素含量，并取脑软膜血管作超微结构观察，结果显示：各组高血压鼠动有脉壁去甲肾上腺素含量均下降，颈内动脉更明显；脑血管内弹性膜部分断裂，平滑肌细胞有空不包变性等。     

In vitro studies of plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite/Ti-6Al-4V composite coatings in simulated body fluid (SBF)

The bioactivity of plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA)/Ti-6Al-4V composite coatings was studied by soaking the coatings in simulated body fluid (SBF) for up to 8 weeks. This investigation was aimed at elucidating the biological behaviour of plasma-sprayed HA/Ti-6Al-4V composite coatings by analyzing the changes in chemistry, and crystallinity of the composite coating in a body-analogous solution. Phase composition, microstructure and calcium ion concentration were analyzed before, and after immersion. The mechanical properties, such as tensile bond strength, microhardness and Young's modulus were appropriately measured. Results demonstrated that the tensile bond strength of the composite coating was significantly higher than that of pure HA coatings even after soaking in the SBF solution over an 8-weeks period. Dissolution of Ca-P phases in SBF was evident after 24h of soaking, and, a layer of carbonate-apatite covered the coating surface after 2 weeks of immersion. The mechanical properties were found to diminish with soaking duration. However, slight variation in mechanical properties was found after supersaturation of the calcium ions was attained with the precipitation of the calcium phosphate layers.     

Selective recruitment of Th2-type cells and evasion from a cytotoxic immune response mediated by viral macrophage inhibitory protein-II

The viral CC chemokine macrophage inhibitory protein-II (vMIP-II) encoded by human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8) binds to multiple chemokine receptors, however, its ability to control the initial recruitment of specific leukocyte subtypes from the peripheral circulation has not been fully clarified. Here we show that vMIP-II blocks the firm arrest and transmigration of monocytes or Th1-like T lymphocytes triggered by RANTES immobilized on activated human microvascular endothelium (HMVEC) under flow conditions. The internalization of the receptors CCR1 and CCR5 that mediate arrest and transmigration of these cells in response to RANTES was prevented by vMIP-II, supporting its role as an antagonist of CCR1 and CCR5. In contrast, vMIP-II triggered the firm arrest of eosinophils and Th2-like T cells by engaging CCR3, as confirmed by its down-regulation. Immunohistochemical analysis of HHV-8-associated Kaposi's sarcoma lesions marked by vMIP-II expression and mononuclear cell infiltration revealed a predominance of Th2-type CCR3(+) lymphocytes over Th1-type CXCR3(+)/CCR5(+) leukocytes, indicating that as a CCR3 agonist vMIP-II can drive a Th2-type immune response in vivo. Thus, our data provide evidence for a immunomodulatory role of vMIP-II in directing inflammatory cell recruitment away from a Th1-type towards a Th2-type response and thereby facilitating evasion from cytotoxic reactions.     

IL—2／LAK细胞对麻风杆菌感染巨噬细胞的溶解作用

观察了小鼠IL-2/LAK细胞体外对麻风杆菌感染巨噬细胞(Mφ)的溶解作用。结果显示,当麻风杆菌感染Mφ比率在1:1,10:1和50:1时,经体外培养1,3和5天后,效应细胞与靶细胞比例在10:1时,对麻风杆菌感染Mφ比率在10:1和50:1的靶细胞溶解作用比没有感染的Mφ或麻风杆菌与Mφ比率1:1的靶细胞显著增加。而且溶解百分率随着培养时间增加而提高。用放射性同位素标记麻风杆菌的代谢活力测定发现,LAK细胞能抑制麻风杆菌氧化(14)~C-棕榈酸产生(14)~CO_2。提示IL-2/LAK细胞在溶解麻风杆菌感染的巨噬细胞时,可能还具有影响胞内杀菌物质对麻风杆菌活力代谢的作用。     

FAM19A4基因启动子甲基化检测在宫颈癌及其癌前病变筛查的研究

宫颈癌是最常见的妇科恶性肿瘤之一。目前人乳头瘤病毒(HPV)检测及细胞学检查是宫颈癌及其癌前病变(CCPL)的主要筛查手段。由于上述传统筛查方法,仍然存在对CCPL漏诊的风险,因此寻找有效识别CCPL的特异性分子标志物,具有重要临床意义。对具有序列相似性家族19成员A4(FAM19A4)基因启动子甲基化定量检测,可有效检出CCPL组织,较传统筛查方法有较高特异度,有望成为CCPL筛查的特异性分子标志物。笔者拟就FAM19A4基因启动子甲基化定量检测,在CCPL筛查中应用的最新研究现状进行阐述,旨在为进一步推进CCPL筛查方法的开发,提供思路。