Glucose Hypometabolism Prompts RAN Translation and Exacerbates C9orf72-related ALS/FTD Phenotypes.

The most prevalent genetic cause of both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia is a (GGGGCC)n nucleotide repeat expansion (NRE) occurring in the first intron of the C9orf72 gene (C9). Brain glucose hypometabolism is consistently observed in C9-NRE carriers, even at pre-symptomatic stages, although its potential role in disease pathogenesis is unknown. Here, we identified alterations in glucose metabolic pathways and ATP levels in the brain of asymptomatic C9-BAC mice. We found that, through activation of the GCN2 kinase, glucose hypometabolism drives the production of dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs), impairs the survival of C9 patient-derived neurons, and triggers motor dysfunction in C9-BAC mice. We also found that one of the arginine-rich DPRs (PR) can directly contribute to glucose metabolism and metabolic stress. These findings provide a mechanistic link between energy imbalances and C9-ALS/FTD pathogenesis and support a feedforward loop model that opens several opportunities for therapeutic intervention.

Components of the cytoskeleton in the retinal pigmented epithelium of the chick.

The retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) is a simple cuboidal epithelium with apical processes which, unlike many epithelia, do not extend freely into a lumen but rather interdigitate closely with the outer segments of the neural retina. To determine whether this close association was reflected in the cytoskeletal organization of the RPE, we studied the components of the cytoskeleton of the RPE and their localization in the body of the cell and in the apical processes. By relative mobility on SDS gels and by immunoblotting, we identified actin, vimentin, myosin, spectrin (240/235), and alpha-actinin as major components, and vinculin as a minor component. In addition, the RPE cytoskeleton contains polypeptides of Mr 280,000 and 250,000; the latter co-electrophoreses with actin-binding protein. By immunofluorescence, the terminal web region appeared similar to the comparable region of the intestinal epithelium that consists of broad belts of microfilaments containing myosin, actin, spectrin, and alpha-actinin. However, the components of the apical processes were very different from those of intestinal microvilli. We observed staining along the process for myosin, actin, spectrin, alpha-actinin, and vinculin. The presence in the apical processes of contractile proteins and also of proteins typically found at sites of cell attachments suggests that the RPE may actively adhere to, and exert tension on, the neural retina.

Iodide transport in a continuous line of cultured cells from rat thyroid.

The properties of TSH-dependent iodide (I-) uptake are defined for a cloned, continuously growing, functioning rat thyroid cell line (FRTL-5 cells). Since these cells grow without a lumen and are therefore restricted in their ability to iodinate thyroglobulin, the FRTL-5 cells offer the opportunity to directly study transport processes across the membrane into the cell as well as the process whereby I- moves from the cell. FRTL-5 cells concentrate I- approximately 30-fold and exhibit many of the properties of I- uptake seen in thyroid tissue slice and primary cell culture systems. In these cells, accumulation of I- is consistent with a Na+-dependent carrier model for I- uptake, and effects on the influx and efflux processes can be dissociated. Because FRTL-5 cells can be maintained in culture indefinitely and can provide large quantities of a homogeneous functional thyroid cell preparation for study, these cells offer the unique opportunity to further define the mechanism and kinetics of I- transport in a less complex system.

Effect of thyrotropin on iodide efflux in FRTL-5 cells mediated by Ca2+.

A functioning rat thyroid cell line (FRTL-5) responds acutely to the addition of TSH, norepinephrine, and the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 by a depression in iodide (I-) uptake levels. The decrease in I- content measured at the steady state depends on the presence of external Ca2+ and can be accounted for by an effect on stimulated I- efflux. As contrasted to the prolonged time (hours and days) involved in the stimulatory effect of TSH on I- uptake, the acute response to TSH is 1) seen within 5 min and maintained for about 20 min, 2) maximum, at a 1 X 10(-7)M concentration of TSH compared with the concentration of 1 X 10(-9)M necessary for the stimulatory effect, 3) independent of whether the cells are growing in the presence or absence of TSH, and 4) not mimicked by the addition of (Bu)2cAMP. The results suggest that TSH and adrenergic stimulation lead to increased membrane permeability to I- which is mediated by an elevation in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration.

Thyrotropin-stimulated iodide transport mediated by adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate and dependent on protein synthesis.

Iodide (I-) uptake by FRTL-5 cells, a functioning rat thyroid cell line, is TSH dependent. The effects of TSH withdrawal are not apparent until 1 day; 1 week is required to reduce I- uptake to a minimal level. The readdition of TSH leads to a return of the I--concentrating ability after a latency of 12-24 h. The reappearance of I- uptake induced by TSH is mimicked by (Bu)2cAMP and agents that elevate intracellular cAMP levels in these cells, such as forskolin, cholera toxin, and a Graves' disease serum. The appearance of I- uptake after TSH occurs 12 h after the appearance of TSH-induced [35S]methionine incorporation. Cycloheximide blocks both the TSH- and (Bu)2cAMP-induced increases in methionine incorporation and I- uptake to the same extent and in an identical concentration-dependent manner. TSH-induced [35S]methionine incorporation is associated with increased radiolabeling of several specific proteins, as revealed by gel electrophoresis; none, however, is radiolabeled coincident in time with the appearance of TSH-induced I- uptake. Several proteins whose apparent synthesis is induced by TSH also exhibit TSH-dependent phosphorylation.

Thyrotropin and norepinephrine stimulate the metabolism of phosphoinositides in FRTL-5 thyroid cells.

Hormone-induced changes in phospholipid metabolism were examined in a functioning rat thyroid cell line (FRTL-5). Stimulation of FRTL-5 cells, prelabeled with 32P, with TSH or NE resulted in a rapid decrease in the radioactivity of both phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and phosphatidylinositol 4-monophosphate (PIP). The effects of TSH on phospholipid metabolism and calcium mobilization are independent of those on adenylate cyclase. This suggests that the TSH receptor may be unique in that it activates enzyme cascades involved in cAMP production and Ca2+ mobilization.

Light-stimulated protein movement in rod photoreceptor cells of the rat retina.

We examined the intracellular distribution of three proteins involved in the cyclic GMP cascade of visual transduction; cGMP phosphodiesterase, the alpha-subunit of G-protein and arrestin. In adult rats, light-induced changes in the amounts of G and arrestin in the photoreceptor cell outer segments were observed both by polyacrylamide gel analysis of purified ROS and by immunocytochemical localization on retinal sections. In dark conditions, G was concentrated in the outer segments of photoreceptor cells while in the light G alpha was seen in the inner segments and the outer nuclear layer. Arrestin had the opposite distribution, appearing in the inner segments and outer nuclear layer under dark conditions and in the ROS under light conditions. In contrast, PDE, the enzyme which is activated by G and inhibited by arrestin showed no light-stimulated movement. In both light- and dark-adapted retinas, PDE was localized primarily in the outer segments of the photoreceptor cells.

Redistribution of insoluble interphotoreceptor matrix components during photoreceptor differentiation in the mouse retina.

The development of the nervous system is largely influenced by the extracellular matrix (ECM). In the neural retina, the photoreceptors are surrounded by a unique ECM, the interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM). The IPM plays a central and possibly crucial role in the development, maintenance and specific function of the photoreceptors. Therefore, the characterization of IPM components is necessary to understand the mechanisms regulating photoreceptor differentiation. The IPM in the mouse retina was examined during photoreceptor morphogenesis with the monoclonal antibody (MAb) F22, which recognizes a 250 kDa component of the interphotoreceptor matrix. The binding pattern of MAb F22 revealed a striking redistribution in the expression of the 250 kDa F22 antigen in late stage of postnatal photoreceptor differentiation in the mouse retina. The F22 staining was detectable in the IPM around the inner segments on the third postnatal day (P3). The MAb F22 initially labeled the region around inner segments, but as the outer segments elongated, the F22 distribution became concentrated to the matrix around the rod and cone outer segments until P16-17. At P17, the F22 label around rods began to disappear, while the label around cones became more defined. The shift in label distribution was largely completed by P20. Residual rod-associated label disappeared within a few days. In the adult animal, the F22 antibody labeled the cone-associated matrix only, and this labeling pattern remained stationary. The change in the distribution of MAb F22 demonstrated by immunolabeling was not accompanied by changes in the size of the molecule; F22 antigen isolated from the IPM of P13-15, and from adult IPM migrated with the same molecular weight on SDS gels. The distribution of MAb F22 was compared to that of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans which are abundant in the IPM. The labeling patterns of MAbs CS-56, C6-S and C4-S were distinct from that of MAb F22. A general decrease of the label intensity was seen with two chondroitin sulfate MAbs (CS-56 and C4-S) between 16 days and 4 months, but a total loss of rod-associated label was not observed. All three chondroitin sulfate MAbs labeled the retina at embryonic day (E) 11.5-13.5, a time of outgrowth of ganglion cell axons, but the F22 antigen was not detected in the retina at this stage of development. The results demonstrate that the F22 and the chondroitin sulfate antibodies are recognizing different molecules that have distinct roles in retinal morphogenesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Polarized distribution of integrin and fibronectin in retinal pigment epithelium.

We have examined the presence and distribution of integrin and fibronectin in the retinas of 21-day chick embryos and adult rats, with particular emphasis on the question of localization in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Isolated sheets of RPE solubilized and separated by gel electrophoresis contain integrin, as indicated by immunoblotting with polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to the complex. By the same technique, antibodies to fibronectin reacted with a single protein in the isolated RPE. In both chick and rat, integrin and fibronectin were localized by indirect immunofluorescence exclusively to the basement membrane of the RPE, the choriocapillaris and the retinal-vitreal border. When isolated RPE cells from chick retinas were examined, integrin was seen to be present along the basolateral surfaces of the cells as well. Similarly, in the intact rat retina, staining for integrin could be seen along the lateral surfaces of some of the RPE cells. Neither integrin nor fibronectin were present along the apical surfaces of the RPE in either rat or chick. The close similarity between the location of integrin and fibronectin supports the idea that the RPE adheres to the basal lamina at least in part via integrin-fibronectin linkages. A clear implication of our results is that the adhesion between RPE and retina requires a different set of linkage proteins.

S-antigen in a hereditary visual cell disease. Immunocytochemical and immunological studies.

S-antigen is a photoreceptor-specific and potentially autoantigenic protein. Using light microscopic immunocytochemistry, the localization of S-antigen was studied in the retinas of normal dogs and Irish setters affected with rod-cone dysplasia, a hereditary retinal degeneration characterized by abnormal cGMP metabolism and arrested outer segment differentiation. Normal and affected dogs were also tested for the presence of humoral and cellular immunity to S-antigen. S-antigen was present in both rods and cones during inner and outer segment differentiation, but there was an apparent loss of immunoreactivity in cones as the retina matured. The developmental appearance and localization of S-antigen in affected retinas was similar to that of normals. S-antigen immunoreactivity decreased during the early stages of rod loss (39-57 days), but was still present in photoreceptor somata in the late stages of retinal degeneration. No significant difference was found between normal and affected setters in humoral immunity to S-antigen, indicating that it probably does not stimulate autoimmunity in red 1. Because normal dog lymphocytes failed to respond when sensitized to bovine S-antigen, cellular immunity to S-antigen in this disease cannot be ruled out.

Integrins and development: how might these receptors regulate differentiation of the lens.

Integrins transduce both internal signals and signals from the matrix. These interactions between integrins, their extracellular matrix ligands, and their cytoskeletal partners play an important role in the regulation of cellular differentiation. We have shown them to be important in lens cell differentiation. In the lens capsule there is a compartmentalization of matrix components with fibronectin, primarily localized to the anterior capsule, and tenascin in the posterior capsule. Integrins are developmentally regulated in the lens. alpha 5 beta 1 integrin, like fibronectin, is primarily associated with the lens epithelial cells, where together they are likely to be important in regulation of adhesion and proliferation. alpha 6A beta 1, the integrin laminin receptor, is expressed at its highest levels in the equatorial epithelium and the peripheral fiber cells, both migratory populations. Because laminin is uniformly distributed in the lens capsule, such changes in alpha 6A integrin expression are likely critical to the cell's ability to regulate its response to laminin in the matrix. The organization of cytoskeletal molecules associated with the integrin cytoplasmic face also changes with development. In the epithelial regions of the lens, where the initiation of lens cell differentiation occurs, expression of the cytoskeletal proteins involved in cell-substrate interactions, talin, alpha-actinin, and the signaling proteins, are high. In the fiber cell region of the lens, where the cells establish stable cell-cell contacts, vinculin predominates and becomes highly associated with the cytoskeletal fraction. The role of integrins in lens development is not only regulated by changes in the expression of different integrin receptors but is also closely correlated with the expression and organization of the molecules with which they associate.

A double-blind single dose comparison of intramuscular ketorolac tromethamine and pethidine in the treatment of renal colic.

The efficacy of a single dose of intramuscular ketorolac 10 mg or 90 mg was compared with pethidine 100 mg in a randomized double-blind study in 121 patients reporting at least moderate pain due to renal colic. Pain was assessed before drug administration, and then at 1 hour and 12 hours after the dose. Sedation was also assessed at these times, and additionally at the 12 hour assessment the time of the next analgesic dose was recorded. At 1 hour after dosing, pain scores had decreased in all groups; the largest decrease was seen in the ketorolac 90 mg group. The difference in the decrease was significant between the two ketorolac groups, but the differences between ketorolac and pethidine were not significant. Fewer patients in the ketorolac 90 mg group (17%) required a further dose of analgesic within 10 hours than in either the ketorolac 10 mg group (39%) or the pethidine 100 mg group (47%). The difference between ketorolac 90 mg and pethidine 100 mg was statistically significant. At both assessment times the proportion of patients with no sedation was higher in the two ketorolac groups than in the pethidine group. The overall incidence of adverse events was low with all drugs, notably so for the occurrence of vomiting after ketorolac. The results of the study show that intramuscular ketorolac is efficacious in the treatment of renal colic.

Diethylene glycol distearate (DGD): a versatile embedding medium for retinal cytochemistry.

Embedment in diethylene glycol distearate (DGD) was shown to be highly desirable and versatile for retinal cytochemical studies, including in situ hybridization, immuno- and lectin cytochemistry. This method allows for preservation of fine tissue detail as well as good reaction sensitivity. It appears to be more suitable than most other methods currently used for light microscopic retinal cytochemistry.

The effect of distigmine bromide on voiding in male paraplegic patients with reflex micturition.

The effect of parenteral and oral distigmine bromide on voiding efficiency in 23 male spinal cord injured patients is described. The parenteral preparation of the drug improved voiding efficiency.

Genomic structure and developmental expression of the chicken nonocarboxylate transporter MCT3 gene.

MCT3 is a monocarboxylate transporter that is specifically expressed on the basolateral membrane of retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE). In these studies the temporal expression of MCT3 during ocular development was examined using Northern blot analysis. A 2.2 kb transcript (MCT3b) was detected in RPE by embryonic day 7 (E7) and was present throughout embryonic development. A 2.45 kb transcript (MCT3a) was expressed at low levels before E11 but its expression increased between E11 and E17. Using 5'-RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) it has demonstrated that MCT3a and MCT3b mRNA had distinct 5'-untranslated sequences but shared the same translation start site. To determine the exon-intron structure and to understand the elements that control the tissue specific and developmental expression of MCT3, the MCT3 gene was cloned and sequenced from a chicken genomic library. The MCT3 gene is distributed over 8 kb of DNA and is composed of 6 exons. Coding sequences for MCT3 are found on exon 2 through exon 5. Comparison of the 5'-RACE sequence with the genomic sequence reveals that the two 5'-untranslated regions of the mRNAs are encoded by distinct exons, 1a and 1b, which are alternatively spliced to exon 2. These data suggest that two forms of MCT3 mRNAs could be generated by two distinct promoters that may be regulated in response to changes in the metabolic activity of the retina during development.

Modified nephroureterectomy: a risk of tumour implantation.

The standard surgical management of patients presenting with transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract is nephroureterectomy with excision of a cuff of bladder around the ureteric orifice. Recently a modified technique of resecting the lower ureter endoscopically and completing the nephroureterectomy through a single loin incision has been advocated as a safe and simple procedure. We consider that this technique may have a risk of tumour implantation at the site of the resected lower ureter. We report our experience of this operation in five patients, two of whom developed invasive tumour at the site of the ureteric orifice after only a short follow-up.

The effect of anteromedian sphincterotomy on penile erections in patients with neuropathic bladder.

In a series of 94 patients with neuropathic bladder undergoing anteromedian urethral sphincterotomy, 20 had no penile erections prior to surgery. In the remaining 74 cases, seven (9 X 5 per cent) had diminished erections postoperatively and three (4 per cent) no erections. It is considered that the risk of this complication is less with anteromedian sphincterotomy than with bilateral 3 and 9 o'clock sphincterotomy.

Long term indwelling urethral catheterisation for congenital neuropathic bladder.

Long term urethral catheterisation remains an important and effective method of achieving dryness and maintaining renal function in children with congenital neuropathic bladders. Those most likely to require an indwelling catheter are girls who are severely disabled because of myelomeningocele. The management of such catheterisation and its consequences, in the light of our experience with a 100 children treated over a 12 year period, is described.

Rupture of the urinary bladder in children. The importance of the double lesion.

We report 10 cases of rupture of the urinary bladder in children. Only one patient was a girl. The rupture was caused by a road accident in 6 cases and occurred "spontaneously" in 4. Rupture of the bladder may be difficult to diagnose. In many patients the vesical rupture is not the only abnormality in the urinary tract and a thorough investigation is necessary. The majority of the bladder ruptures in these children were intraperitoneal, which contrasts with the reported experience in adults.

Cloning of the human monocarboxylate transporter MCT3 gene: localization to chromosome 22q12.3-q13.2.

Lactate transport across cell membranes is mediated by a family of proton-coupled monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) expresses a unique member of this family, MCT3. A portion of the human MCT3 gene was cloned by polymerase chain reaction using primers designed from rat RPE MCT3 cDNA sequence. The human genomic sequence was used to design primers to clone human MCT3 cDNA and to identify a bacterial artificial chromosome clone containing the human MCT3 gene. The human MCT3 cDNA contained a 1512-nucleotide open reading frame with a deduced amino sequence 85% identical to rat MCT3. Comparison of the cDNA and genomic sequences revealed that the MCT3 gene was composed of five exons distributed over 5 kb of DNA. The exon-intron borders were conserved between the human and the chicken MCT3 genes. Using radiation hybrid mapping, the MCT3 gene was mapped to chromosome 22 between markers WI11639 and SGC30687. A search of chromosome 22 in the Sanger Centre database confirmed the location of the human MCT3 gene at 22q12.3-q13.2.