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Neuronal activity in substantia nigra pars reticulata during target selection.

Complex visual scenes require that a target for an impending saccadic eye movement be selected from a number of possible targets. We investigated whether changing the number of stimuli from which a target would be identified altered the activity of substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) neurons of the basal ganglia (BG) and how such changes might contribute to changes we observed previously in the superior colliculus (SC). One, two, four, or eight visual stimuli appeared on random trials while monkeys fixated a centrally located spot. After a delay, one of the stimuli in the array changed luminance, indicating that it was the saccade target. We found that SNr neurons that had a pause in tonic activity after target onset and when the saccade was made to the target showed a modulation of activity during the multitarget task. Because the number of stimuli in the array increased from one to eight, the initial pause after the onset of the visual stimulus decreased. Activity during the preselection delay was reduced but was independent of the number of possible targets present. When one of the stimuli was identified as the saccade target, but before the saccade was made, we found a sharp decline in activity. This decline was related to the monkey's selecting the target rather than the luminance change identifying the target, because on error trials, when the luminance changed but a saccade was not made to the target, the activity did not decline. The decline for the preferred target location was also accompanied by a lesser decline for adjacent locations. Our findings indicate that SNr activity changes with target selection as it does with saccade initiation and that the SNr could make substantial, direct contributions to the SC at both times. The pause in SNr activity with target selection is consistent with the hypothesis that BG provide a disinhibition for the selection of desired movements.

Action Potentials↗

Microsatellite instability of selective target genes in HNPCC-associated colon adenomas.

Microsatellite instability (MSI) occurs in most hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancers (HNPCC) and less frequently in sporadic tumors as the result of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency. Instability at coding microsatellites (cMS) in specific target genes causes frameshift mutations and functional inactivation of affected proteins, thereby providing a selective growth advantage to MMR deficient cells. At present, little is known about Selective Target Gene frameshift mutations in preneoplastic lesions. In this study, we examined 30 HNPCC-associated MSI-H colorectal adenomas of different grades of dysplasia for frameshift mutations in 26 cMS-bearing genes, which, according to our previous model, represent Selective Target genes of MSI. About 30% (8/26) of these genes showed a high mutation frequency (> or =50%) in colorectal adenomas, similar to the frequencies reported for colorectal carcinomas. Mutations in one gene (PTHL3) occurred significantly less frequently in MSI adenomas compared to published mutation rates in MSI carcinomas (36.0 vs 85.7%, P=0.023). Biallelic inactivation was observed in nine genes, thus emphasizing the functional impact of cMS instability on MSI tumorigenesis. Some genes showed a high frequency of frameshift mutations already at early stages of MSI colorectal tumorigenesis that increased with grade of dysplasia and transition to carcinoma. These include known Target Genes like BAX and TGFBR2, as well as three novel candidates, MACS, NDUFC2, and TAF1B. Overall, we have identified genes of potential relevance for the initiation and progression of MSI tumorigenesis, thus representing promising candidates for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches directed towards MMR-deficient tumors.

Adenoma↗

Novel PEG-matrix metalloproteinase-2 cleavable peptide-lipid containing galactosylated liposomes for hepatocellular carcinoma-selective targeting.

In order to obtain an HCC-selective drug delivery system, a novel functional lipid, which is cleaved by the protease activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), was developed. The amino group of dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) was conjugated with PEGylated MMP-2 substrate peptide (Gly-Pro-Leu-Gly-Ile-Ala-Gly-Gln), and MMP-2-cleavable PEG-Peptide-DOPE (PEG-PD) was synthesized. When PEG-PD was incorporated in galactosylated liposomes (Gal-PEG-PD-liposomes), we expected that Gal-PEG-PD-liposomes would not be taken up by normal hepatocytes due to the steric hindrance effect, but would be activated around HCC cells by secreted MMPs. In the pretreatment by hMMP2 (1, 5, and 10mug/ml), an hMMP2 concentration-dependent higher uptake of Gal-PEG-PD-liposomes was observed in HepG2 cells, suggesting PEG-PD cleavage. In the presence of an excess of galactose, the uptake of Gal-PEG-PD-liposomes with hMMP2 was significantly inhibited, suggesting asialoglycoprotein receptor-mediated uptake of Gal-PEG-PD-liposomes following the PEG-PD cleavage. Pretreatment of Gal-PEG-PD-liposomes with the conditioned medium of B16BL6, which contained secreted MMPs, enhanced the binding to HepG2 cells, as in the case of hMMP-2 treatment. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of N(4)-octadecyl-1-beta-d-arabinofuranosylcytosine (NOAC) incorporated Gal-PEG-PD-liposomes was enhanced by hMMPs (5mug/ml) and its cytotoxicity was significantly reduced by the presence of an excess of galactose in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, Gal-PEG-PD-liposomes were successfully developed for novel HCC-selective targeting.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Efficient target-selected mutagenesis in zebrafish.

One of the most powerful methods available to assign function to a gene is to inactivate or knockout the gene. Recently,we described the first target-selected knockout in zebrafish. Here,we report on the further improvements of this procedure,resulting in a highly efficient and easy method to do target-selected mutagenesis in zebrafish. A library of 4608 ENU-mutagenized F1 animals was generated and kept as a living stock. The DNA of these animals was screened for mutations in 16 genes by use of CEL-I-mediated heteroduplex cleavage (TILLING) and subsequent resequencing. In total,255 mutations were identified,of which 14 resulted in a premature stop codon,7 in a splice donor/acceptor site mutation,and 119 in an amino acid change. By this method,we potentially knocked out 13 different genes in a few months time. Furthermore,we show that TILLING can be used to detect the full spectrum of ENU-induced mutations in a vertebrate genome with the presence of many naturally occurring polymorphisms.

Animals↗

Target selectivity of MAPK phosphorothioate antisense ODN on p42/p44, p38 MAPK, and JNK protein expression and its inhibitory effect on VSMC DNA synthesis.

AIM: To analyze the target selective and sequence-specific inhibitory effect of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorothioate antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) on p42/p44, p38 MAPK, c-jun NH2-terminal protein kinases (JNK) protein expression, and DNA synthesis in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC). METHODS: Using a phosphorothioate-protected 17-mer antisense MAPK ODN directed against the initiation of translation sites of the p42/p44 MAPK isoforms by liposomal transfection to deplete cultured rat, rabbit, and fetal calf VSMC MAP kinases. The 17-mer sense and random sequence MAPK ODN were used as controls. After liposomal transfection, cells were exposed to 20% serum for 24 h, and then harvested in lysis buffer. P42/p44, p38 MAPK, and p46/p58 JNK protein expression were measured by Western blot. DNA synthesis was measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation. RESULTS: Treatment with MAPK antisense ODN (0.1-0.8 mumol.L-1) for 48 h reduced phosphored p42/p44 MAPK protein expression but without effect on p38 MAPK and JNK expression, and inhibited cultured rat, rabbit, and fetal calf VSMC [3H]thymidine incorporation stimulated by 20% serum in a concentration-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: The MAPK antisense ODN target-selectively and sequence-specifically reduces the p42/p44 MAPK protein expression and concentration-dependently inhibits proliferation of rat, rabbit and fetal calf VSMC.

Animals↗

Search target selection in monkey prefrontal cortex.

To explore a visual scene, the brain must detect an object of interest and direct the eyes to it. To investigate the brain's mechanism of saccade target selection, we trained monkeys to perform a visual search task with a response delay and recorded neuronal activity in the prefrontal (PF) cortex. Even though the monkey was not allowed to express its choice until after a delay, the response field of a class of PF neurons was able to differentiate between target and distractors from the very beginning of their response (135 ms). Strong responses were obtained only when the target was presented at the field. Neurons responded much less during a nonsearch task in which saccade target was presented alone in this response field. These results suggest that the PF cortex may be involved in the decision-making process and the focal attention for saccade target selection.

Animals↗

Mechanism of regulatory target selection by the SOX high-mobility-group domain proteins as revealed by comparison of SOX1/2/3 and SOX9.

SOX proteins bind similar DNA motifs through their high-mobility-group (HMG) domains, but their action is highly specific with respect to target genes and cell type. We investigated the mechanism of target selection by comparing SOX1/2/3, which activate delta-crystallin minimal enhancer DC5, with SOX9, which activates Col2a1 minimal enhancer COL2C2. These enhancers depend on both the SOX binding site and the binding site of a putative partner factor. The DC5 site was equally bound and bent by the HMG domains of SOX1/2 and SOX9. The activation domains of these SOX proteins mapped at the distal portions of the C-terminal domains were not cell specific and were independent of the partner factor. Chimeric proteins produced between SOX1 and SOX9 showed that to activate the DC5 enhancer, the C-terminal domain must be that of SOX1, although the HMG domains were replaceable. The SOX2-VP16 fusion protein, in which the activation domain of SOX2 was replaced by that of VP16, activated the DC5 enhancer still in a partner factor-dependent manner. The results argue that the proximal portion of the C-terminal domain of SOX1/2 specifically interacts with the partner factor, and this interaction determines the specificity of the SOX1/2 action. Essentially the same results were obtained in the converse experiments in which COL2C2 activation by SOX9 was analyzed, except that specificity of SOX9-partner factor interaction also involved the SOX9 HMG domain. The highly selective SOX-partner factor interactions presumably stabilize the DNA binding of the SOX proteins and provide the mechanism for regulatory target selection.

Animals↗

Manipulating intent: evidence for a causal role of the superior colliculus in target selection.

The superior colliculus (SC) is well known for its role in the motor control of saccades. Recent work has shown that it also plays a role in the selection of saccades, but a causal role in the process of target selection has not been demonstrated. We applied subthreshold microstimulation to the SC while monkeys performed a task requiring them to select a stimulus as the target for a pursuit or saccade movement. Stimulation increased the proportion of selections toward the stimulus that appeared contralateral to the site of stimulation and also decreased their latencies. For pursuit, this stimulation-induced contralateral response bias was with respect to the initial target location and not the direction of eye movement, demonstrating a causal effect on target choice distinct from any effect on motor preparation. These results show that the SC helps decide the object of the next movement, beyond its traditional responsibility of saccade production.

Animals↗

Target selection for reaching and saccades share a similar behavioral reference frame in the macaque.

The selection of one of two visual stimuli as a target for a motor action may depend on external as well as internal variables. We examined whether the preference to select a leftward or rightward target depends on the action that is performed (eye or arm movement) and to what extent the choice is influenced by the target location. Two targets were presented at the same distance to the left and right of a fixation position and the stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) was adjusted until both targets were selected equally often. This balanced SOA time is then a quantitative measure of selection preference. In two macaque monkeys tested, we found the balanced SOA shifted to the left side for left-arm movements and to the right side for right-arm movements. Target selection strongly depended on the horizontal target location. By varying eye, head, and trunk position, we found this dependency embedded in a head-centered behavioral reference frame for saccade targets and, somewhat counter-intuitively, for reach targets as well. Target selection for reach movements was influenced by the eye position, while saccade target selection was unaffected by the arm position. These findings suggest that the neural processes underlying target selection for a reaching movement are to a large extent independent of the coordinate frame ultimately used to make the limb movement, but are instead closely linked to the coordinate frame used to plan a saccade to that target. This similarity may be indicative of a common spatial framework for hand-eye coordination.

Animals↗

Attentional set mixing: Effects on target selection and selective response activation.

Performance is impaired under set mixing conditions that require frequent readjustments of attentional focus over an extended time period. We compared set repetitions within pure blocks (constant focus of attention) to physically identical repetitions within mixed blocks (changing focus of attention). The aim was to investigate how set mixing affects target selection, indexed by the N2pc component, and selective response activation, indexed by the lateralized readiness potential (LRP). We found that set mixing prolonged the evolution of the N2pc while leaving its onset unaffected. Impaired target selection indicated by the N2pc mixing effect also delayed the start of response planning indexed by an onset delay of the stimulus-locked LRP, explaining one part of the behavioral mixing cost. A larger part of mixing cost could be attributed to a prolonged response planning phase, indexed by an earlier onset of the response-locked LRP.

Adult↗

Transgenic knockouts as part of high-throughput, evidence-based target selection and validation strategies.

The worldwide genome sequencing projects are helping to define the size and complexity of the expressed genome and are thereby identifying an unprecedented number of genes of uncertain disease alignment and unknown function. It is widely recognized that, within the pharmaceutical industry, a significant commercial advantage will accrue to those companies that most effectively gather and integrate additional biological information into their therapeutic target selection and drug progression strategies. This article presents the rationale for including comparative phenotypic information obtained from transgenic gene knockouts as an integral part of any future therapeutic target selection strategy.

Journal Article↗

Apolipoprotein A-I is a selective target for myeloperoxidase-catalyzed oxidation and functional impairment in subjects with cardiovascular disease.

In recent studies we demonstrated that systemic levels of protein-bound nitrotyrosine (NO(2)Tyr) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), a protein that catalyzes generation of nitrating oxidants, serve as independent predictors of atherosclerotic risk, burden, and incident cardiac events. We now show both that apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), the primary protein constituent of HDL, is a selective target for MPO-catalyzed nitration and chlorination in vivo and that MPO-catalyzed oxidation of HDL and apoA-I results in selective inhibition in ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux from macrophages. Dramatic selective enrichment in NO(2)Tyr and chlorotyrosine (ClTyr) content within apoA-I recovered from serum and human atherosclerotic lesions is noted, and analysis of serum from sequential subjects demonstrates that the NO(2)Tyr and ClTyr contents of apoA-I are markedly higher in individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Analysis of circulating HDL further reveals that higher NO(2)Tyr and ClTyr contents of the lipoprotein are each significantly associated with diminished ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux capacity of the lipoprotein. MPO as a likely mechanism for oxidative modification of apoA-I in vivo is apparently facilitated by MPO binding to apoA-I, as revealed by cross-immunoprecipitation studies in plasma, recovery of MPO within HDL-like particles isolated from human atheroma, and identification of a probable contact site between the apoA-I moiety of HDL and MPO. To our knowledge, the present results provide the first direct evidence for apoA-I as a selective target for MPO-catalyzed oxidative modification in human atheroma. They also suggest a potential mechanism for MPO-dependent generation of a proatherogenic dysfunctional form of HDL in vivo.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter 1↗

A phylogenetic approach to target selection for structural genomics: solution structure of YciH.

Structural genomics presents an enormous challenge with up to 100 000 protein targets in the human genome alone. At current rates of structure deter-mination, judicious selection of targets is necessary. Here, a phylogenetic approach to target selection is described which makes use of the National Center for Biotechnology Information database of Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COGS). The strategy is designed so that each new protein structure is likely to provide novel sequence-fold information. To demonstrate this approach, the NMR solution structure of YciH (COG0023), a putative translation initiation factor from Escherichia coli, has been determined and its fold classified. YciH is an ortholog of eIF-1/SUI1, an integral component of the translation initiation complex in eukaryotes. The structure consists of two antiparallel alpha-helices packed against the same side of a five-stranded beta-sheet. The first 31 residues of the 11.5 kDa protein are unstructured in solution. Comparative analysis indicates that the folded portion of YciH resembles a number of structures with the alpha-beta plait topology, though its sequence is not homologous to any of them. Thus, the phylogenetic approach to target selection described here was used successfully to identify a new homologous superfamily within this topology.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A dual-ligand approach for enhancing targeting selectivity of therapeutic nanocarriers.

Conjugation of ligands to nano-scale drug carriers targeting over-expressed cell surface receptors is a promising approach for delivery of therapeutic agents to tumor cells. However, most commonly utilized ligands are directed at receptors expressed not only on target cells but also on other cells in the body, leading to unintended uptake in these off-target cells. In this study, a novel, dual-ligand approach is reported, which targets tumor cells while sparing off-target cells by exploiting the fact that tumor cells typically over-express multiple types of surface receptors. This approach was tested in the human KB cell line, which over-expresses both folate receptor (FR) and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Liposomal nanocarriers loaded with doxorubicin and bearing controlled numbers of both folic acid and a monoclonal antibody against the EGFR were designed. Cytotoxicity was used to determine targeting selectivity of the designed carriers in vitro by utilizing KB cells expressing both FR and EGFR and off-target control cells in which one or both receptors were blocked. The data demonstrates that nanocarriers can be designed to achieve toxicity only when all targeted receptors are available, providing an approach to improve selectivity over current single-ligand approaches.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Precision and variability in postsynaptic target selection of inhibitory cells in the hippocampal CA3 region.

Non-pyramidal cells were filled intracellularly with biocytin in the CA3 region of the guinea-pig hippocampus in vitro, within or close to stratum pyramidale. On the basis of camera lucida reconstructions and electron microscopy, six different cell types with distinct laminar distribution of axon terminals could be distinguished. The axon of three axo-axonic cells, three typical basket cells, and atypical basket cells of two types arborized in the perisomatic and proximal dendritic region of CA3 pyramidal cells. Two cells with axons innervating the distal dendritic segments of pyramidal cells were also found; one terminated in stratum radiatum and the other in stratum lacunosum-moleculare. Electron microscopy demonstrated that symmetrical synapses were formed by the labelled boutons on axon initial segments, somata, and proximal or distal dendrites of mostly pyramidal neurons. Axo-axonic cells showed absolute target selectivity for axon initial segments, whereas for the other cells the distribution of contacted elements was determined by the laminar distribution of axon terminals. In two cases, where additional cells were labelled with biocytin, multiple (up to nine) light microscopically identified contacts (presumed synaptic contacts) were established by the interneurons on several pyramidal cells and on an axo-axonic cell. Our results show that a restricted set of inhibitory cells, with somata within or close to CA3 stratum pyramidale, possess variable patterns of axonal arborization. Various types of postsynaptic elements are contacted, but precision in selecting certain targets and ignoring others is maintained within a particular cell type and layer. In contrast to the diversity of axonal arbors the structure of the dendritic trees shows no consistent differences, suggesting that the cells may be activated by a similar set of afferents. It seems probable that the innervation of precise regions of postsynaptic pyramidal cells by different types of interneurons--often in conjunction with particular excitatory afferents (Han et al., Eur. J. Neurosci., 5, 395-410, 1993)--underlies functional differences in inhibitory synaptic actions.

Animals↗

Target selection for structural genomics.

Structural genomics aims to use high-throughput structure determination and computational analysis to provide three-dimensional models of every tractable protein. The process of choosing proteins for experimental structure characterization is known as target selection. In this nomenclature, the targets are regions of proteins to be studied by crystallography or NMR. Selection of the targets is principally a computational process of restricting candidate proteins to those that are tractable and of unknown structure, and prioritizing according to expected interest and accessibility.

Computational Biology↗

Selective targeting of somatostatin receptor 3 to neuronal cilia.

Recently, five members of the somatostatin receptor family have been cloned. However, little is known about their cellular and subcellular localization in the central nervous system. Using specific anti-peptide antisera, we observed somatostatin receptor 3-like immunoreactivity in many brain regions, including the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, amygdala and cerebellum. In all of these regions (except for the cerebellar cortex), somatostatin receptor 3-like immunoreactivity was selectively targeted to 4-8-microm-long rod-shaped profiles which did not co-localize with axonal or dendritic markers. One immunoreactive profile was always associated with one neuronal cell body. This staining pattern was resistant to colchicine treatment and showed a closely overlapping distribution with somatostatin receptor 3 messenger RNA, suggesting that the receptor protein is not transported over long distances. Electron microscopic analysis revealed that somatostatin receptor 3-like immunoreactivity is localized to the plasma membrane of neuronal cilia which extended into an intercellular pocket and showed a 9+0 filament pattern in their basal body and proximal segments. Thus, somatostatin receptor 3 demonstrates a unique example of a G-protein-coupled receptor not localized to "classical" pre- or postsynaptic sites, but selectively targeted to neuronal cilia. The presence of the somatostatin receptor 3 receptor on neuronal cilia suggests that these presumably non-motile cilia may not merely represent developmental remnants, but rather function as chemical sensors of the immediate milieu.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Binding of the Vestigial co-factor switches the DNA-target selectivity of the Scalloped selector protein.

The formation and identity of organs and appendages are regulated by specific selector genes that encode transcription factors that regulate potentially large sets of target genes. The DNA-binding domains of selector proteins often exhibit relatively low DNA-binding specificity in vitro. It is not understood how the target selectivity of most selector proteins is determined in vivo. The Scalloped selector protein controls wing development in Drosophila by regulating the expression of numerous target genes and forming a complex with the Vestigial protein. We show that binding of Vestigial to Scalloped switches the DNA-binding selectivity of Scalloped. Two conserved domains of the Vestigial protein that are not required for Scalloped binding in solution are required for the formation of the heterotetrameric Vestigial-Scalloped complex on DNA. We suggest that Vestigial affects the conformation of Scalloped to create a wing cell-specific DNA-binding selectivity. The modification of selector protein DNA-binding specificity by co-factors appears to be a general mechanism for regulating their target selectivity in vivo.

Amino Acid Sequence↗