Application of a bcr-specific probe in the classification of human leukaemia

Summary A genomic probe derived from the breakpoint cluster region (bcr) on chromosome 22q11 was used to assess whether Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome positive chronic myelogenous leukaemia patients have unique patterns of bcr rearrangements and whether this pattern is modified as the disease progresses from stable phase to blast crisis. The data indicated that bcr rearrangements are fairly unique to each patient and are not subject to additional modifications during the course of the disease. We have also found bcr rearrangements in acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) patients, usually of the cALL phenotype. For the majority of Ph⁺ ALL patients, the breakpoint on 22q11 was in bcr. However, we describe a case of Ph⁺ ALL without bcr rearrangement, indicating heterogeneity of Ph chromosomes in ALL at the molecular level. Contrary to previous reports, a bcr rearrangement was also identified in a childhood cALL.     

Juvenile hormone receptors in insect larval epidermis: identification by photoaffinity labeling

Tritiated photoaffinity analogs of the natural lepidopteran juvenile hormones, JH I and II [epoxy[3H]bishomofarnesyl diazoacetate ([3H]EBDA) and epoxy[3H]homofarnesyl diazoacetate ([3H]EHDA)], and of the JH analog methoprene [[3H]methoprene diazoketone ([3H]MDK)] were synthesized and used to identify specific JH binding proteins in the larval epidermis of the tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta). EBDA and EHDA specifically photolabeled a 29-kDa nuclear protein (pI 5.8). This protein and a second 29-kDa protein (pI 6.0) were labeled by MDK, but excess unlabeled methoprene or MDK only prevented binding to the latter. These 29-kDa proteins are also present in larval fat body but not in epidermis from either wandering stage or allatectomized larvae, which lack high-affinity JH binding sites. A 29-kDa nuclear protein with the same developmental specificity as this JH binder bound the DNA of two larval endocuticle genes. A 38-kDa cytosolic protein was also specifically photolabeled by these photoaffinity analogs. The 29-kDa nuclear protein is likely the high-affinity receptor for JH that mediates its genomic action, whereas the 38-kDa cytosolic protein may serve as an intracellular carrier for these highly lipophilic hormones and hormone analogs.     

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) gene mutations in a subset of patients with sporadic and familial primary hyperparathyroidism target the coding sequence but spare the promoter region

Germ line mutations of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) tumour suppressor gene cause MEN1, a rare familial tumour syndrome associated with parathyroid hyperplasia, adenoma and hyperparathyroidism (HP). Here we investigated the role of the MEN1 gene in isolated sporadic and familial HP. Using RT-PCR single-strand conformational polymorphism screening, somatic (but not germ line) mutations of the MEN1 coding sequence were identified in 6 of 31 (19.3%) adenomas from patients with sporadic primary HP, but none in patients (n=16) with secondary HP due to chronic renal failure. MEN1 mutations were accompanied by a loss of heterozygosity (LOH) for the MEN1 locus on chromosome 11q13 in the adenomas as detected by microsatellite analysis. No DNA sequence divergence within the 5' region of the MEN1 gene, containing the putative MEN1 promoter, was detectable in HP adenomas. Clinical characteristics were not different in HP patients with or without MEN1 mutation. Heterozygous MEN1 gene polymorphisms were identified in 9.6% and 25% of patients with primary and secondary HP respectively. In a large kindred with familial isolated familial HP, MEN1 germ line mutation 249 del4 and LOH was associated with the HP phenotype and a predisposition to non-endocrine malignancies. We suggest that the bi-allelic somatic loss of MEN1 wild-type gene expression is involved in the pathogenesis of a clinically yet undefined subset of sporadic primary HP adenomas. MEN1 genotyping may further help define the familial hyperparathyroidism-MEN1 disease complex, but it seems dispensable in sporadic primary HP.     

Homozygous and compound heterozygous mutations in the ATP6V1B1 gene in patients with renal tubular acidosis and sensorineural hearing loss

Mohebbi N, Vargas‐Poussou R, Hegemann SCA, Schuknecht B, Kistler AD, Wüthrich RP, Wagner CA. Homozygous and compound heterozygous mutations in the ATP6V1B1 gene in patients with renal tubular acidosis and sensorineural hearing loss. Distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) is characterized by the inability to excrete acid in the renal collecting ducts resulting in inappropriately alkaline urine and hyperchloremic (normal anion gap) metabolic acidosis in the context of a normal (or near‐normal) glomerular filtration rate. Inborn dRTA can be due to autosomal dominant or recessive gene defects. Clinical symptoms vary from mild acidosis, incidental detection of kidney stones or renal tract calcification to severe findings such as failure to thrive, severe metabolic acidosis, and nephrocalcinosis. The majority of patients with recessive dRTA present with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Few cases with abnormal widening of the vestibular aqueduct have been described with dRTA. Mutations in three different genes have been identified, namely SLC4A1, ATP6V1B1, and ATP6V0A4. Patients with mutations in the ATP6V1B1 proton pump subunit develop dRTA and in most of the cases sensorineural hearing loss early in childhood. We present two patients from two different and non‐consanguineous families with dRTA and SNHL. Direct sequencing of the ATP6V1B1 gene revealed that one patient harbors two homozygous mutations and the other one is a compound heterozygous. To our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature describing homozygosity in the same dRTA gene on both alleles.     

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists as neuroprotective agents for ischemic stroke: a systematic scoping review

Stroke mortality and morbidity is expected to rise. Despite considerable recent advances within acute ischemic stroke treatment, scope remains for development of widely applicable neuroprotective agents. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), originally licensed for the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, have demonstrated pre-clinical neuroprotective efficacy in a range of neurodegenerative conditions. This systematic scoping review reports the pre-clinical basis of GLP-1RAs as neuroprotective agents in acute ischemic stroke and their translation into clinical trials. We included 35 pre-clinical studies, 11 retrospective database studies, 7 cardiovascular outcome trials and 4 prospective clinical studies. Pre-clinical neuroprotection was demonstrated in normoglycemic models when administration was delayed by up to 24 h following stroke induction. Outcomes included reduced infarct volume, apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation alongside increased neurogenesis, angiogenesis and cerebral blood flow. Improved neurological function and a trend towards increased survival were also reported. Cardiovascular outcomes trials reported a significant reduction in stroke incidence with semaglutide and dulaglutide. Retrospective database studies show a trend towards neuroprotection. Prospective interventional clinical trials are on-going, but initial indicators of safety and tolerability are favourable. Ultimately, we propose that repurposing GLP-1RAs is potentially advantageous but appropriately designed trials are needed to determine clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness.     

Functionalized PLGA-doped zirconium oxide ceramics for bone tissue regeneration

Bone tissue engineering is an alternative approach to bone grafts. In our study we aim to develop a composite scaffold for bone regeneration made of doped zirconium oxide (ZrO₂) conjugated with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) particles for the delivery of growth factors. In this composite, the PLGA microspheres are designed to release a crucial growth factor for bone formation, bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2). We found that by changing the polymer’s molecular weight and composition, we could control microsphere loading, release and size. The BMP2 released from PLGA microspheres retained its biological activity and increased osteoblastic marker expression in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Uncapped PLGA microspheres were conjugated to ZrO₂ scaffolds using carbodiimide chemistry, and the composite scaffold was shown to support hMSCs growth. We also demonstrated that human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) can be co-cultured with hMSCs on the ZrO₂ scaffold for future vascularization of the scaffold. The ZrO₂ composite scaffold could serve as a bone substitute for bone grafting applications with the added ability of releasing different growth factors needed for bone regeneration.     

Endothelial progenitor cells, angioblasts, and angiogenesis--old terms reconsidered from a current perspective

When the term 'angioblast' was initially used, almost a century ago, the cells bearing this name were thought to give rise to plasma, red blood cells and endothelium, with new blood vessels arising from 'within the (cell) bodies of these angioblasts'. More recently, putative circulating 'progenitor endothelial cells', often also referred to as angioblasts, were first described in the adult human a mere decade ago. Therefore, while our understanding of progenitor cell biology and other relevant vascular developmental programs has progressed enormously, key terms such as 'angioblast' and 'angiogenesis' have remained constant. With the recent intense interest in angioblasts and endothelial progenitor cells, and their potential with respect to cardiovascular regenerative medicine, our knowledge of how these and other nonprogenitor cells might contribute to new vessel formation has taken a further leap in understanding. In this review, we focus on the controversial use and definition of these terms based upon our current understanding of vascular biology and progenitor cells.     

Storage of platelet concentrates using ion exchange resin charged with dibasic phosphate.

Platelet concentrates were prepared at twice the normal concentration and stored at room temperature for 7 days in either standard bags (controls) or bags to which 1 or 2 g of Amberlite resin beads charged with dibasic phosphate had been added. The resin beads served as a buffer system by providing a "slow release" form of phosphate ions as well as by binding CO2 produced during platelet metabolism. Control platelets demonstrated rapid falls in pH, ATP content, morphology score, and thrombin-induced nucleotide release after 24 hr of storage with a fall in pH to less than 6.0 by day 3. Profound ultrastructural changes and a rise in pO2, suggesting loss of platelet viability, accompanied these changes. In contrast, the resin-stored platelets remained near normal after 24 hr of storage, with preservation of discoid morphology, 95% of ATP levels, excellent ultrastructural appearance, and evidence of continued oxygen consumption after 3 days of storage. Even after 7 days of storage, ATP levels remained greater than 50% of baseline and ultrastructurally intact platelets were seen. In the 1-g resin bags the pH remained at baseline levels (6.9-7.0), while there was a rise in pH in the 2-g resin bags. These results demonstrate the beneficial effects of maintaining a higher pH during platelet storage and provide a new approach to studying the metabolic changes that occur during longer term storage.