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Differentially expressed genes in neurofibromatosis 1-associated neurofibromas and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.

Neurofibromas represent one of the hallmarks of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) patients. Tumor progression of neurofibromas to malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) is a frequent and life threatening complication. To learn more about processes involved in malignant transformation, we evaluated differential gene expression in plexiform neurofibroma and MPNST from the same NF1 patient. Suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) yielded 133 differentially expressed genes confirmed by reverse Northern blotting. Virtual Northern blots were employed to validate 23 genes. To independently verify differential expression, immunohistochemical analyses with antibodies to matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13), platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) and fibronectin (FN1) were performed on 9 dermal and 9 plexiform neurofibromas and 16 MPNST from 19 NF1 patients. All three proteins proved to be up-regulated in MPNST. MMP13 expression was observed in 44% of MPNST but was absent in neurofibromas. PDGFRA was expressed in all tumors, but the number of cells expressing it was below 30% in neurofibromas and over 50% in MPNST. Likewise, FN1 was expressed in all tumors, but less than 30% of the cells in neurofibromas and more than 70% of the cells in MPNST exhibited antibody binding. Our data point to several genes not previously recognized to be differentially expressed, and provide a framework for future studies on progression-associated gene expression in low- and high-grade nerve sheath tumors.

Adult↗

Integrative pooled transcriptomic analysis reveals shared and distinct molecular signatures in adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and peripheral T-cell lymphoma.

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) and peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are aggressive neoplasms of mature T cells with poor prognosis and limited therapies. ATLL originates from HTLV-1 infection, while PTCL comprises heterogeneous subtypes without a defined etiologic factor. Comparative molecular profiling of these malignancies remains limited. We conducted an integrative pooled transcriptomic analysis of publicly available Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) microarray datasets to compare ATLL, PTCL, and normal T-cell samples. Differential expression, functional enrichment, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses were performed using STRING, Cytoscape, and Gephi. Key hub genes and functional modules were further analyzed through KEGG and Enrichr databases. Comparative analyses revealed upregulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components (COL1A1, COL3A1, FN1, SPARC, THBS1) and immune-regulatory molecules (CD163, CXCL12-CXCR4, complement subunits). Shared pathways included ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and PI3K-Akt signaling. PTCL showed enrichment in coagulation and angiogenesis, while ATLL displayed distinct enrichment of cytoskeletal, chemokine, immune-regulatory, and signaling-associated pathways. PPI networks identified ECM and chemokine signaling as key hubs, with subtype-specific modules related to immune regulation, proliferation, and metabolism. This integrative approach uncovers common and distinct oncogenic programs in ATLL and PTCL, emphasizing ECM remodeling and immune modulation as shared hallmarks. Hub genes such as COL1A1, FN1, and CXCL12-CXCR4 may represent candidate molecular signatures that warrant validation in independent patient cohorts and functional studies before their clinical utility can be established.

Humans↗

Identification of pathogenic variants in six Chinese families with keratoconus of autosomal dominant inheritance: pathogenicity analysis and variable phenotype.

PURPOSE: Keratoconus (KC) is a bilateral, asymmetric disease causing corneal thinning, irregular astigmatism, and vision decline, with unclear etiology. This study aims to investigate pathogenic variants of candidate genes in Chinese KC families via whole exome sequencing (WES). METHODS: The Pentacam 3D anterior segment analysis system was applied for keratectasia detection, and the Corvis ST was used for corneal biomechanics measurement. Probands from KC families were screened via WES and further verified in other family members through Sanger sequencing. Additionally, qPCR was used to validate copy number variants and identify pathogenic gene loci. The identified variants were then classified according to the Standards and Guidelines for the Interpretation of Sequence Variants published by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). Finally, STRING protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks analysis was performed to investigate interactions among candidate gene-related proteins. RESULTS: Using WES, four heterozygous missense variants were detected in the ZNF469, KRT12, COL8A2, and COL18A1 genes: c.4384G > A: p.Asp1462Asn, c.1229T > G:p.Val410Gly, c.505A > G:p.Ile169Val, and c.1159G > A:p.Gly387Arg. Additionally, a heterozygous frameshift variant was detected in the PMS2 gene: c.1551_1572del:p.Ser517Argfs*71. The affected parents carried the same variants as the probands verified by Sanger sequencing. A copy number variant was detected in the DPP6 gene: seq[GRCh38] dup(7)(q36.2q36.2) chr7:g.153782360_ 153982491dup. According to ACMG guidelines, ZNF469, KRT12, COL8A2, and COL18A1 gene variants are Likely Pathogenic; PMS2 and DPP6 gene variants are Pathogenic. STRING analysis highlights a tightly interconnected network centered on COL8A2, involving COL18A1, FN1, ZNF469, and KRT12. DPP6 was involved in KC via affecting FN1. In four of six autosomal dominant KC (adKC) families, affected parents had the same variants as probands but milder phenotypes. CONCLUSION: In this study, six novel variants in ZNF469, KRT12, COL8A2, COL18A1, PMS2, and DPP6 were linked to adKC. Family phenotypes showed variable expressivity with irregular dominance inheritance. Abnormal KC-related gene protein expression may contribute to corneal structural instability. This study broadened KC genetic screening candidates and suggested genetic testing could aid early KC diagnosis and intervention.

Adult↗

Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles from the Cell-Free Supernatant of Mychonastes sp. B1: Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Effects, and Wound Healing Activity Supported by Gene and Protein Expression Analysis.

The biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using microalgae provides a sustainable alternative to conventional physicochemical methods. In this study, AgNPs were synthesized from the cell-free supernatant of the freshwater microalga Mychonastes sp. B1 and characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FE-SEM/EDS). The nanoparticles were predominantly spherical (15-55&#xa0;nm), highly stable (&#x3b6;&#x2009;=&#x2009;&#x2009;-&#x2009;42.8&#xa0;mV), and appeared to be capped by extracellular polymeric substances. The biogenic AgNPs (GS-AgNPs) exhibited potent antibacterial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 2.0&#xa0;&#xb5;g/mL against Staphylococcus aureus and 2.5&#xa0;&#xb5;g/mL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and significantly (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05) inhibited biofilm formation. Fibroblast viability remained at or above 80% at AgNP concentrations up to 1.5&#xa0;&#xb5;g/mL, which promoted cell migration and increased wound closure by 8.1% at 24&#xa0;h (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05). Exposure to 1.5&#xa0;&#xb5;g/mL AgNPs significantly upregulated extracellular matrix markers (Col1a1 2.3-fold, Fn1 3.3-fold at mRNA level; COL1A1 2.1-fold, FN1 2.7-fold at the protein level). These findings indicate that GS-AgNPs possess antimicrobial and wound healing properties, highlighting their potential as biocompatible nanomaterials for biomedical applications.

Silver↗

Fibronectin structure and assembly.

Significant progress has been made recently in the determination of the structure and assembly of the important matrix protein fibronectin, a molecule mainly constructed from three modular units denoted Fn1, Fn2 and Fn3. Atomic resolution structures are now available for all three single modules, for Fn1 and Fn3 module pairs, and for the disulphide-linked join between fibronectin monomers. Combined with results from new binding and mutation studies, the new structural information is leading to a clearer view of structure/function relationships in intact fibronectin.

Animals↗

THY1 expression is associated with tumor suppression of human ovarian cancer.

Microcell-mediated transfer of chromosome 11 into the human ovarian cancer cell line SKOV-3 results in suppression of tumorigenicity in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. To identify the differentially expressed transcripts associated with suppression of tumorigenicity, cDNA populations from the slow-growing tumorigenic clone 11(H)8-3, tumorigenic clone 11(H)8-4, and parental SKOV-3 cells were subtracted from the nontumorigenic clones, 11(H)7-2 and 11(C)9-8. The subtracted cDNA populations were either cloned, sequenced and searched in GenBank, or analyzed by gene discovery array screening. A cDNA transcript corresponding to the THY1 gene located at chromosome 11q23 approximately q24 was found to be exclusively expressed in the two nontumorigenic cell clones. In contrast, THY1 expression was not detected in SKOV-3, the tumorigenic hybrid clones, or six other tumorigenic ovarian cancer cell lines. Further analysis using immunocytochemistry and quantitative flow cytometry with a Thy-1-specific antibody confirmed the exclusive expression of THY1 at the protein level in the two nontumorigenic clones. Several cell growth and differentiation-related genes, including thrombospondin 1 (THBS1), SPARC [secreted protein, acidic, cysteine-rich (osteonectin)], and fibronectin (FN1) were also found to be upregulated in the nontumorigenic clones; however, these were expressed in the slow-growing tumorigenic clones as well. Expression of these genes was not observed in the parental SKOV-3 cell line and therefore must be regulated by a gene or genes on chromosome 11. Our results suggest that THY1 is a putative tumor suppressor gene for ovarian cancer and that THBS1, SPARC, and FN1 are genes associated with the regulation of in vivo tumor growth rate.

Cell Division↗

Antigen presentation by murine and human cells to a murine T-cell hybridoma: demonstration of a restriction element associated with a major histocompatibility complex class II determinant(s) shared by both species.

A CB6F1 murine T-cell hybridoma, FN1-18, secreting interleukin 2 in response to presentation of keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) by syngeneic cells in the context of an I-E gene complementation product, also exhibited a major histocompatibility complex-restricted response to KLH presented by human leukocytes. The murine restriction element was I-E beta b or k E alpha d or k. The KLH-induced interleukin 2 production was inhibited by the monoclonal antibody 17-3-3s with similar but not identical anti-I-E specificity. This antibody reacted with human Ia-like antigens on T-depleted mononuclear cells in 10 of 30 humans, as assessed by immunofluorescence. The presence of the epitope recognized by antibody 17-3-3s was closely correlated with MT3 allospecificity. The ability of human cells to present KLH to the murine hybridoma strongly correlated (r = 0.768) with the expression of this epitope and was also inhibited by 17-3-3s. Another monoclonal antibody, 109d6, of the same isotype and with related but not identical MT3 specificity, caused only limited inhibition. The ability of human cells to present KLH segregated as a dominant trait linked to the major histocompatibility complex. The results indicate that the restriction element recognized by FN1-18 on both human and mouse cells is a determinant closely related to but not identical with the antigenic determinant to which 17-3-3s binds. This determinant is not influenced by the considerable species differences in the remainder of the Ia molecules.

Animals↗

A Molecularly Anchored Spatial Transcriptomic Framework for Precise CA1-Subiculum Parcellation and Region-Resolved Analysis in Alzheimer's Disease.

BACKGROUND: The precise molecular delineation of the interface between the Subiculum (Sub) and cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) is a challenge in hippocampal research, as conventional cytoarchitectural boundaries are often ambiguous and limit reproducible regional annotation. Here, we developed a molecularly anchored spatial transcriptomic framework to define CA1-Sub regional identities using high-definition spatial transcriptomics (Stereo-seq) and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) references. FINDINGS: Using a human hippocampal Stereo-seq dataset from 12 donors, we established a data-driven parcellation framework that defines reproducible molecular features distinguishing CA1 and Sub while capturing the transition between these regions. FN1 was identified as a Sub-enriched marker in a subset of EX_Sub and, together with ETV1 and additional regional markers, enabled molecular assignment of CA1 and Sub identities across datasets. The Sub association of FN1 and ETV1 was further supported by human 10X Genomics spatial transcriptomics, mouse in situ hybridization data, and a mouse spatial transcriptomic dataset. Applying this framework to Alzheimer's disease (AD) tissues revealed region-specific transcriptional alterations across CA1 and Sub, including enrichment of mitochondrial energy metabolism-related transcripts in the Sub, suggesting exploratory transcriptional associations of altered metabolic function. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a molecularly anchored framework for human CA1-Sub parcellation that complements conventional annotation. By defining regional molecular states while preserving the biological continuum across CA1-Sub interface, this approach enables more consistent regional analysis of human hippocampus tissue across donors, datasets, and disease conditions.

Journal Article↗

Distinct effects of recombinant tenascin-R domains in neuronal cell functions and identification of the domain interacting with the neuronal recognition molecule F3/11.

We have identified distinct domains of the rat extracellular matrix glycoprotein tenascin-R using recombinant fragments of the molecule that confer neuronal cell functions. In short-term adhesion assays (0.5 h), cerebellar neurons adhered best to the fragment representing the fibrinogen knob (FG), but also the fibronectin type III (FN) repeats 1-2 and 6-8. FG, FN1-2 and FN3-5 were the most repellent fragments for neuronal cell bodies. Neurites and growth cones were strongly repelled from areas coated with fragments containing the cysteine-rich stretch and the EGF-like domains (EGF-L), FN1-2, FN3-5 and FG. Polarization of morphology of hippocampal neurons was exclusively associated with FG, while EGF-L prevented neurite outgrowth altogether. The binding site of the neuronal receptor for tenascin-R, the immunoglobulin superfamily adhesion molecule F3/11, was localized to EGF-L. The combined observations show distinct, but also overlapping functions for the different tenascin-R domains. They further suggest the existence of multiple neuronal tenascin-R receptors which influence the response of neurons to their extracellular matrix environment.

Animals↗

Proof without prejudice: use of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for the analysis of histograms from flow systems and other sources.

In this paper the Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistical test for the analysis of histograms is presented. The test is discussed for both the two-sample case (comparing fn1(X) to fn2 (X)) and the one-sample case (comparing fn1 (X) to f(X)). Presentation of the specific algorithmic steps involved is done through development of an example where the data are from an experiment discussed elsewhere in this issue. It is shown that the two histograms examined come from two different parent populations at the 99.9% confidence level.

Immunoglobulin D↗

Formation of alkali-soluble fluoride on the surface of human dental enamel after treatment with fluoridated gels: influence of the pH variation and of the treatment time.

The aim of this study was to quantify, in vitro, the formation of CaF2 after the application of three fluoridated gels: one neutral, one acidulated and another highly acidulated, on a bovine enamel dental surface treated with a Dijkman's demineralizing solution (1990). 145 sections were utilized, obtained from 145 sound teeth and divided into seven groups: C (enamel without treatment); FN1 (enamel demineralized and treated with neutral gel for 1 minute); FN4 (enamel demineralized and treated with neutral gel for 4 minutes); FFA1 (enamel demineralized and treated with acidulated gel for 1 minute); FFA4 (enamel demineralized and treated with acidulated gel for 4 minutes); FAA1 (enamel demineralized and treated with highly acidulated gel for 1 minute) and FAA4 (enamel demineralized and treated with highly acidulated gel for 4 minutes). The formation of CaF2 was analyzed by SEM and chemically by Caslavska's method (1975). The average and standard deviations from the groups studied were respectively: C-0.63; 0.38; FN1-23.06; 16.52; FFA1-54.11; 49.00; FAA1-43.87; 32.66; FN4-34.92; 23.00; FFA4-67.91; 42.36; FAA4-56.03; 38.96. (Mann-Whitney non-parametric test). The time of application did not interfere in the CaF2 formation from the acidulated and highly-acidulated gels. A minor concentration of fluoride and amount of pH from highly-acidulated gel did not affect the higher formation from the CaF2 in relation to the acidulated gel in both cases when the application was evaluated.

Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride↗

[Gene expression analysis by DNA microarray in papillary thyroid cancer].

In our study we present chosen elements of microarray analysis of gene expression profile in papillary thyroid cancer. The study group included 16 papillary thyroid cancer tissues and 16 corresponding normal tissues. Samples were analyzed on high density oligonucleotide microarrays (GeneChip HG-U133A) which contain 22.000 genes. 110 genes, which had significant changed expression, were selected by MAS 5.0 program. 3 genes were chosen to the deeper analysis: dipeptidylpeptidase 4 (DPP4), fibronectin 1 (FN1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1). DPP4-RNA were absent in normal tissue while in cancer tissue it was detected in large amount. FN1 and TIMP1 expression were detected in normal tissue but markedly increased in papillary thyroid cancer. Among these 3 genes DPP4 seems to be the best molecular marker for papillary thyroid cancer.

Adenosine Deaminase↗

Transcriptosome and serum cytokine profiling of an atypical case of myelodysplastic syndrome with progression to acute myelogenous leukemia.

A Native American-Indian female presenting with anemia and thrombocytosis was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS, refractory anemia). Over the course of 5 years she developed cytopenias and periods of leukocytosis with normal bone marrow (BM) blast counts, features of an unclassifiable MDS/MPS syndrome. The patient ultimately progressed to acute myelogenous leukemia (AML, FAB M2) and had a normal karyotype throughout her course. The episodes of leukocytosis were associated with infectious complications. Transformation to AML was characterized by a BM blast percentage of 49%. Peripheral blood and BM samples were obtained for serum protein analysis and gene expression profiling (GEP) to elucidate her disease process. An ELISA assay of the serum analyzed approximately 80 cytokines, which demonstrated that hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 were markedly elevated compared to normal. GEP demonstrated a unique "tumor molecular profile," which included overexpression of oncogenes (HOXA9, N-MYC, KOC1), proliferative genes (PAWR, DLG5, AKR1C3), invasion/metastatic genes (FN1, N-CAM-1, ITGB5), pro-angiogenesis genes (c-Kit), and down regulation of tumor suppressor genes (SUI1, BARD1) and anti-apoptotic genes (PGLYRP, SERPINB2, MPO). Hence, a biomics approach has provided insight into elucidating disease mechanisms, molecular prognostic factors, and discovery of novel targets for therapeutic intervention.

Aged↗

Exclusion of candidate genes in a family with arterial tortuosity syndrome.

Arterial tortuosity syndrome (ATS) is a rare hereditary disorder with variable clinical presentation including tortuosity and elongation of the major arteries, often associated with pulmonary artery stenosis, pulmonary hypertension, and skin and joint laxity, suggestive of a connective tissue disorder. ATS is transmitted in an autosomal recessive mode, but the causal gene is unknown. We report an Italian pedigree with three inbred families in which five patients show signs of ATS. In particular, four adult patients present arterial tortuosity and elongation of the main arteries. Two of these patients, with the most severe degree of arterial tortuosity, also show severe peripheral stenosis of the main pulmonary artery. The fifth young patient shows a severe pulmonary valve stenosis in the absence of arterial tortuosity. All patients show signs of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS): soft skin with abundant subcutaneous tissue and joint laxity, hernias, and disorganization of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of fibronectin (FN) and of actin microfilaments in cultured skin fibroblasts. Linkage analysis of the genes involved in EDS and other connective tissue disorders, excluded COL1A1, COL1A2, COL2A1, COL3A1, COL5A1, COL5A2, COL5A3, COL6A1, COL6A2, ADAMTS2, ELN, FN1, TNXA, and TNXB as candidate genes in the family under study, thus indicating that ATS is a distinct clinical and molecular entity.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Coordinated inflammatory macrophage and vascular smooth muscle cell remodeling signatures in human atherosclerosis: An integrative single-cell and bulk transcriptomic analysis.

Atherosclerotic plaque progression is shaped by coordinated inflammatory and remodeling programs involving immune cells and vascular wall cells. Inflammatory macrophage activation and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic remodeling are central features of human atherosclerosis, but their transcriptomic relationships during plaque progression remain incompletely characterized. This study integrated single-cell and bulk transcriptomic datasets to examine highly inflammatory macrophage states, VSMC remodeling-related transcriptional programs, and candidate ligand-receptor expression patterns in human atherosclerotic plaques. Human atherosclerotic plaque single-cell RNA sequencing data from GSE260657 and bulk transcriptomic data from GSE28829 were analyzed. After quality control, 7628 cells were retained for single-cell analysis. Major cell types were annotated using canonical markers, followed by reclustering of macrophages and VSMC-related cells. Functional module scoring, differential expression analysis, Gene Ontology biological process enrichment, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses were performed to characterize macrophage transcriptional states. Slingshot was applied to infer VSMC pseudotime ordering. CellChat and NicheNet were used to prioritize candidate ligand-receptor expression patterns and ligand-associated VSMC target gene programs. External bulk transcriptomic analysis was performed to examine whether single-cell-derived inflammatory and remodeling signatures were represented at the tissue-transcriptome level during plaque progression. Macrophage reclustering identified a highly inflammatory macrophage state characterized by prominent inflammatory activation, cytokine-response, and stress-response features. Genes upregulated in this population were enriched in pathways related to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) response, nuclear factor kappa B signaling, leukocyte activation, cytokine signaling, lipid and atherosclerosis, toll-like receptor signaling, and inflammasome-associated inflammation. VSMC reclustering revealed contractile VSMCs, PTHLH+&#xa0;synthetic VSMCs, KRT7+ VSMC-like cells, interferon-responsive VSMCs, pericyte-like mural cells, and osteogenic/modulated VSMCs. Pseudotime analysis showed a broad contractile-to-osteogenic/modulated transcriptional continuum accompanied by increased expression of remodeling-associated genes and selected inflammatory or remodeling-associated receptor genes. CellChat and NicheNet analyses prioritized candidate ligand-receptor and ligand-associated target gene expression patterns involving SPP1-CD44, TNF-TNFRSF1A, IL1B-IL1R1/IL1RAP, MIF-ACKR3, PDGFB-PDGFRB, and FN1-SDC1/ITGB1. In GSE28829, inflammatory macrophage-, osteogenic/modulated VSMC-, candidate ligand-receptor expression-, SPP1-CD44 candidate axis-, and NicheNet-prioritized target program-related signatures were more prominent in advanced plaques and were positively correlated with each other. This integrative transcriptomic analysis identified a highly inflammatory macrophage state and a VSMC remodeling continuum in human atherosclerotic plaques. Candidate ligand-receptor and ligand-associated target gene expression patterns linked inflammatory macrophage activation with osteogenic/modulated VSMC remodeling at the computational level. External bulk data further showed coordinated enrichment of inflammatory and remodeling signatures in advanced plaques. These findings provide a descriptive and hypothesis-generating transcriptomic framework for understanding inflammatory macrophage activation and VSMC remodeling in human atherosclerosis.

atherosclerosis↗

Molecular profiling of platinum resistant ovarian cancer.

The aim of this study is to discover a gene set that can predict resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy in ovarian cancer. The study was performed on 96 primary ovarian adenocarcinoma specimens from 2 hospitals all treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. In our search for genes, 24 specimens of the discovery set (5 nonresponders and 19 responders) were profiled in duplicate with 18K cDNA microarrays. Confirmation was done using quantitative RT-PCR on 72 independent specimens (9 nonresponders and 63 responders). Sixty-nine genes were differentially expressed between the nonresponders (n=5) and the responders (n=19) in the discovery phase. An algorithm was constructed to identify predictive genes in this discovery set. This resulted in 9 genes (FN1, TOP2A, LBR, ASS, COL3A1, STK6, SGPP1, ITGAE, PCNA), which were confirmed with qRT-PCR. This gene set predicted platinum resistance in an independent validation set of 72 tumours with a sensitivity of 89% (95% CI: 0.68-1.09) and a specificity of 59% (95% CI: 0.47-0.71)(OR=0.09, p=0.026). Multivariable analysis including patient and tumour characteristics demonstrated that this set of 9 genes is independent for the prediction of resistance (p<0.01). The findings of this study are the discovery of a gene signature that classifies the tumours, according to their response, and a 9-gene set that determines resistance in an independent validation set that outperforms patient and tumour characteristics. A larger independent multicentre study should further confirm whether this 9-gene set can identify the patients who will not respond to platinum-based chemotherapy and could benefit from other therapies.

Adult↗

Evidence of genetic underexpression in chorionic villi samples of euploid fetuses with increased nuchal translucency at 10-11 weeks' gestation.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively investigate whether the genetic profile from chorionic villous sampling (CVS) found in euploid fetuses with increased NT differs from matched controls. STUDY DESIGN: We employed cDNA microarray technology to characterize and compare the gene expression profile of chorionic villous tissues (which encompass the trophoblast and inner mesenchymal core) belonging to four singleton male fetuses with increased NT at 10-11 weeks' gestation. A pool of four normal chorionic villous tissues belonging to four respective fetuses, matched for gestational age and gender, was used as controls. RESULTS: In euploid fetuses, we found several underexpressed genes, possibly involved in mechanisms associated with the abnormal NT thickness. All these genes are likely to belong to the mesenchymal core of the villus that originates from the extraembryonic mesoderm, and thus might be closely representative of the embryonic genetic profile. They include: (1) genes of embryonic development and differentiation such as Endothelin 3 (EDN3) and secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4); (2) genes of the extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism such as tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase1 (TIMP1), and disintegrin-like and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) (reprolysin type) with thrombospondin type 1 Motif or ADAMTS2, exostoses (multiple)-like 1 (EXTL1), heparan sulfate (HS) 6-O-sulfotransferase 1 or HS6ST1, fibronectin 1 (FN1) and Integrin Alpha 10 (ITGA10) involved in HS and proteoglycan bio-synthesis, ECM synthesis and cell-matrix adhesion; (3) genes involved in vessel formation and differentiation such as angiogenic factor (VG5Q), and in blood pressure control and muscle contraction, like Endothelin 3 or EDN3 and sarcolemma associated protein (SLMAP). Such lower expressions of the villous tissues might be related to an immature genetic profile of the embryo development as well as abnormal regulation of ECM bio-synthesis and/or improper vessel growth and blood pressure control. Also, the results partially support the theories proposed for NT enlargement such as altered composition of ECM and abnormal/delayed development of the circulatory system. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal extraembryonic genetic expression is found at 10-11 weeks' gestation in euploid fetuses with increased NT. If both extra- and intraembryonic mesoderms express the same genetic alterations, then microarray analyses on CVS could be used to screen several mesoderm-derivate anomalies.

Case-Control Studies↗

Genetic and physical mapping of 2q35 in the region of the NRAMP and IL8R genes: identification of a polymorphic repeat in exon 2 of NRAMP.

Recent interest has focused on the region of conserved synteny between mouse chromosome 1 and human 2q33-q37, particularly over the region encoding the murine macrophage resistance gene Ity/Lsh/Bcg (candidate Nramp) and members of the Il8r interleukin-8 (IL8) receptor gene cluster. In this paper, identification of a restriction fragment length polymorphism in the IL8RB gene in 35 pedigrees previously typed for markers in the 2q33-q37 interval provided evidence (lod scores > 3) for linkage between IL8RB and the 2q34-q35 markers FN1, TNP1, VIL1, and DES. Physical mapping, using yeast artificial chromosomes isolated with VIL1, confirmed that IL8RA, IL8RB, and the IL8RB pseudogene map within the NRAMP-VIL1 interval, with the physical distance (155 kb) from 5' LSH to 3' VIL1 representing approximately 3-fold that observed in the mouse. Partial sequencing of NRAMP confirmed the presence of the N-terminal proline/serine-rich putative SH3 binding domain in exon 2 of the human gene. Further analysis of Brazilian leprosy and visceral leishmaniasis pedigrees identified a rare second allele varying in a 9-nucleotide repeat motif of the exon 2 sequence but segregating independently of the disease phenotype.

Animals↗