Regulation of E2F transcription by cyclin E-Cdk2 kinase mediated through p300/CBP co-activators.

The E2F proteins form a family of transcription factors that regulate the transition from the G1 to the S phase in the cell cycle. E2F activity is regulated by members of the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) family, ensuring the tight control of E2F-responsive genes. During the G1 phase, phosphorylation of pRb by cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), most notably cyclin D-CDK complexes, releases pRb from E2F, facilitating cell-cycle progression by the timely induction of E2F-targeted genes such as cyclin E. However, it is not known whether E2F proteins are directly targeted by CDKs. Here we show that E2F-5 is phosphorylated by the cyclin E-Cdk2 complex, which functions in the late G1 phase, but not by the early-G1-phase-acting cyclin D-CDK complex. A phosphorylation site in the trans-activation domain of E2F-5 stimulates transcription and cell-cycle progression by the recruitment of the p300/CBP family of co-activators, whose binding to E2F-5 is stabilized upon phosphorylation by cyclin E-Cdk2. These results indicate that E2F activity may be directly regulated by cyclin E-Cdk2, and imply an autoregulatory mechanism for cell-cycle-dependent transcription through the CDK-stimulated interaction of E2F with p300/CBP co-activators.

Lapatinib monotherapy in patients with relapsed, advanced, or metastatic breast cancer: efficacy, safety, and biomarker results from Japanese patients phase II studies.

BACKGROUND: HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) relapsing after trastuzumab-based therapy may require continued HER2 receptor inhibition to control the disease and preserve the patients' quality-of-life. Efficacy and safety of lapatinib monotherapy was evaluated in Japanese breast cancer patients after trastuzumab-based therapies. METHODS: In studies, EGF100642 and EGF104911 evaluated the efficacy and safety of oral lapatinib given 1500 mg once daily in patients with advanced or MBC. All patients progressed on anthracyclines and taxanes; HER2-positive patients had also progressed on trastuzumab. RESULTS: For HER2-positive tumours (n=100), objective response rate was 19.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 11.8-28.1) and clinical benefit rate (CBR) was 25.0% (95% CI: 16.9-34.7). One out of 22 HER2-negative tumour was documented as complete response (n=22). The median time-to-progression (TTP) in the HER2-positive and HER2-negative groups was 13.0 and 8.0 weeks (P=0.007); median overall survival was 58.3 and 40.0 weeks, respectively. The most frequent adverse event was diarrhoea. TTP and CBR were significantly associated with HER2 expression. Patients with tumours harbouring an H1047R PIK3CA mutation or low expression of PTEN derived clinical benefit from lapatinib. CONCLUSION: Lapatinib monotherapy had shown anti-tumour activity in Japanese patients with HER2-positive MBC that relapsed after trastuzumab-based therapy, including those with brain metastases. Patients benefiting from lapatinib may have biomarker profiles differing from that reported for trastuzumab.

Alternate pathway of infection with Hepatozoon americanum and the epidemiologic importance of predation.

BACKGROUND: The range of American canine hepatozoonosis (ACH) is expanding from the southern USA northward. Transmission of Hepatozoon americanum occurs by ingestion of infected Gulf Coast ticks, Amblyomma maculatum. The source of the protozoan for the tick remains undetermined; infected dogs are unusual hosts for the tick. OBJECTIVE: Compare possible sources of infection by field investigations of 2 multiple-dog outbreaks of ACH. ANIMALS: Twenty-eight privately owned dogs (Canis familiaris), 1 coyote (Canis latrans), 31 wild-trapped cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus), 24 wild-trapped field mice (Peromyscus leucopus), and 9 wild-caught rabbits (Sylvilagus spp.) from sites in eastern Oklahoma were monitored for hepatozoonosis. Six laboratory-raised cotton rats (S. hispidus), 6 Sprague-Dawley rats (Rattus norvegicus), 6 C57BL/6J-Lystbg-J/J mice (Mus musculus), 6 outbred white mice (M. musculus), 6 New Zealand white rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), and 2 dogs were acquired through commercial vendors for experimental transmission trials of H. americanum. METHODS: Four of 15 dogs in a rural neighborhood and 5/12 hunting Beagles were confirmed to be infected by blood smear examination, muscle biopsy, and polymerase chain reaction assay of the 18S rRNA gene of Hepatozoon species. Histories and tick host preferences led to field collections of common prey of canids and experimental transmission trials of H. americanum to selected prey (M. musculus, S. hispidus, R. norvegicus, and O. cuniculus). RESULTS: Dogs with ready access to prey (4/15 dogs) or that were fed prey retrieved from hunts (5/12 hunting Beagles) became infected, providing evidence that predation is an important epidemiologic component of ACH infection. Experimental transmission studies identified a quiescent, infectious stage (cystozoite) of the parasite that provides an alternate mode of transmission to canids through predation, demonstrating that cotton rats, mice, and rabbits but not brown rats may act as paratenic hosts of H. americanum. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Predation of prey harboring infected A. maculatum or containing cystozoites of H. americanum in their tissues provide 2 modes of transmission of ACH to dogs, putting unconfined dogs at increased risk of infection in endemic areas.

Molecular and functional characterisation of E2F-5, a new member of the E2F family.

The transcription factor DRTF1/E2F is implicated in the control of cellular proliferation due to its interaction with key regulators of cell cycle progression, such as the retinoblastoma tumour suppressor gene product and related pocket proteins, cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases. DRTF1/E2F DNA binding activity arises when a member of two distinct families of proteins, DP and E2F, interact as DP/E2F heterodimers. Here, we report the isolation and characterisation of a new member of the E2F family of proteins, called E2F-5. E2F-5 was isolated through a yeast two hybrid assay in which a 14.5 d.p.c. mouse embryo library was screened for molecules capable of binding to murine DP-1, but also interacts with all known members of the DP family of proteins. E2F-5 exists as a physiological heterodimer with DP-1 in the generic DRTF1/E2F DNA binding activity present in mammalian cell extracts, an interaction which results in co-operative DNA binding activity and transcriptional activation through the E2F site. A potent transcriptional activation domain, which functions in both yeast and mammalian cells and resides in the C-terminal region of E2F-5, is specifically inactivated upon pocket protein binding. Comparison of the sequence with other members of the family indicates that E2F-5 shows a greater level of similarity with E2F-4 than to E2F-1, -2 and -3. The structural and functional similarity of E2F-5 and E2F-4 defines a subfamily of E2F proteins.

Effects of inhibitors on the plasma membrane and mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatases of Neurospora crassa.

A comparative study has been made of the effects of a variety of inhibitors on the plasma membrane ATPase and mitochondrial ATPase of Neurospora crassa. The most specific inhibitors proved to be vanadate and diethylstilbestrol for the plasma membrane ATPase and azide, oligomycin, venturicidin, and leucinostatin for mitochondrial ATPase. N,N'-Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, octylguanidine, triphenylsulfonium chloride, and quercetin and related bioflavonoids inhibited both enzymes, although with different concentration dependences. Other compounds that were tested (phaseolin, fusicoccin, deoxycorticosterone, alachlor, salicyclic acid, N-1-napthylphthalamate, triiodobenzoic acid, cyclic AMP, cyclic GMP, theobromine, theophylline, and histamine) had no significant effect on either enzyme. Overall, the results indicate that the plasma membrane and mitochondrial ATPases are distinct enzymes, in spite of the fact that they may play related roles in H+ transport across their respective membranes.

Geometric isomers of substituted triphenylethylenes and antiestrogen action.

The estrogenic and antiestrogenic activities of tamoxifen ICI 47,699, enclomiphene, zuclomiphene, and the geometric isomers of monohydroxytamoxifen and CI628 were determined in the 3-day immature rat uterine weight test. Tamoxifen, enclomiphene, and the releated geometric isomers of monohydroxytamoxifen and CI628 were partially estrogenic with antiestrogenic properties. ICI 47,699 and zuclomiphene were predominantly estrogenic; however, an antiestrogen effect for zuclomiphene (100 micrograms daily) was demonstrable and large doses of ICI 47,699 (1 or 10 mg daily) inhibited full estrogen action. In contrast, the geometric isomers of monohydroxytamoxifen and CI628 related to ICI 47,699 and zuclomiphene were partially estrogenic with antiestrogenic properties. The estrogenic properties of ICI 47,699 were classified in three ways: elevation of uterine wet weight, increase in whole uterine DNA, and increase in the mitotic activity of luminal epithelial cells. In general, ICI 47,699 was able to initiate estrogenic responses of DNA synthesis or mitosis by translocation of fewer cytoplasmic estrogen receptors to the nuclear compartment than tamoxifen. A model is proposed to explain antiestrogen action in terms of the geometric requirements for receptor binding. It is suggested that the position in space of the alkylaminoethoxyside chain is of fundamental importance. Overall, these data lend support to the view that a structurally specific ligand-estrogen receptor complex can influence the future events within a target tissue to produce either an agonist or an antagonist response.

Evidence for the metabolic activation of non-steroidal antioestrogens: a study of structure-activity relationships.

1 The oestrogenic and antioestrogenic activities of tamoxifen and monohydroxytamoxifen have been compared with those of para-methoxy, -methyl, -fluoro, and -chloro tamoxifen in the 3 day immature rat uterine weight test.2 The oestrogenic activity of mestranol, a steroid with low oestrogen receptor binding affinity which is believed to be demethylated to ethinyl oestradiol before exerting its effects, was less potent than ethinyl oestradiol when assayed in the 3 day immature rat uterine weight test. Similarly, para-methoxytamoxifen was less active than monohydroxytamoxifen in oestrogenic and antioestrogenic tests.3 The introduction of a para-methoxy group into tamoxifen did not affect oestrogenic or antioestrogenic activity.4 All the derivatives of tamoxifen were partial oestrogen agonists when compared with oestradiol benzoate in the 3 d immature rat uterine weight test. All test compounds inhibited the uterotrophic activity of oestradiol benzoate (0.16 mug daily) in a dose-related manner. The order of potency was: monohydroxytamoxifen > tamoxifen identical with methoxytamoxifen > p-fluoro identical with p-chloro identical with p-methyltamoxifen.5 Tamoxifen was approximately equiactive with its p-methyl, p-fluoro and p-chloro derivatives in the ability to inhibit [(3)H]-oestradiol binding to rat uterine oestrogen receptors in vitro.6 Tamoxifen was approximately equiactive with its p-methyl and p-fluoro derivatives in the ability to inhibit vaginal cornification of ovariectomized rats upon intravaginal administration with oestradiol (3.2 ng total dose).7 Since tamoxifen in vivo was more active as a partial oestrogen agonist and antagonist than the para substituted fluoro, chloro and methyl derivatives that cannot undergo metabolic hydroxylation to monohydroxytamoxifen, whereas the antioestrogenic activity of the compounds upon local application in the vaginal cornification test was equivalent as was their ability to inhibit [(3)H]-oestradiol-17beta binding to the oestrogen receptor in vitro, it is suggested that at low doses; i.e. over the range of the partial agonist dose-response curve, the biological activity of tamoxifen is the net result of the activities of the parent compound and its metabolites.8 The results demonstrate that metabolic activation of non-steroidal antioestrogens is only an advantage and not a requirement for antioestrogenic activity.

The intrapreneurial nursing department: nature and nurture.

By creating and promoting an "intrapreneurial climate" with appropriate "actions" within the department of nursing, nurses may exploit their creativity and commitment to health care without leaving the organization. This article discusses an approach to fostering nurse intrapreneurship and gives examples of success achieved at Stanford University Hospital.

Older women's experiences with sternotomy.

While incision and subsequent scarring is a feature of all surgery, in cardiac surgery the sternotomy incision is significant and central to the body, separating the chest in half between the breasts. Increasingly older women count for a larger proportion of patients undergoing cardiac surgery each year in Australia yet there has been limited exploration of their experiences with sternotomy. A phenomenological approach was used to elicit the experiences of older women who had undergone cardiac surgery. In-depth interviews with four older women revealed a range of ways in which these women were affected by their sternotomy and their whole experience of cardiac surgery. Findings from this project provide insight into practical issues affecting these women and may assist nurses in the assessment and planning of care and education for older women having cardiac surgery, particularly in the areas of preparation for cardiac surgery and body image.

Mutations which alter the DNA binding properties of the herpes simplex virus type 1 transactivating protein Vmw175 also affect its ability to support virus replication.

The crucial role of herpes simplex virus type 1 immediate early protein Vmw175 (ICP4) in the regulation of all classes of viral genes has been established by extensive analysis of temperature-sensitive, insertion and deletion mutants. It has long been known that Vmw175 binds to selected DNA sequences, and recent studies have shown that it interacts with components of the basal transcription machinery. However, the role of DNA binding in its mechanism of action has been controversial. Despite the presence of Vmw175 recognition sites at numerous locations throughout the viral genome, it has proved difficult to establish that these sites are important for the activation of early and late promoters. In this study we have analysed the ability of a large number of insertion and single point mutant derivatives of Vmw175 to bind to DNA and to support virus replication. Vmw175 mutants which were unable to bind to DNA were also incapacitated in terms of their ability to activate gene expression in transfection assays and to complement the growth of a Vmw175 deletion mutant virus. These results strongly support the hypothesis that interaction with DNA is an essential feature of the mechanism of action of Vmw175.

Vanadate-resistant mutants of Neurospora crassa are deficient in a high-affinity phosphate transport system.

Mutant strains of Neurospora crassa have been selected which grow on media containing vanadate, an inhibitor of the plasma membrane ATPase. The mutations all map to a single region (designated van) on the left arm of linkage group VII. The van mutants are unable to take up vanadate from the medium and are also deficient in the uptake of phosphate via a derepressible, high-affinity phosphate transport system. In the van mutants, the K(m) for phosphate transport is elevated as much as 35-fold, indicating that the van locus may code for a structural component of the high-affinity phosphate transport system.

Effects of two methods of endothelial cell seeding on cell retention during blood flow.

The potential benefits of endothelial cell seeding depend not only on effective cell attachment, but also on the ability of the cells to resist the stresses of blood flow. We have investigated the effect of different blood flow rates on immediately seeded grafts (SHORT) and also on preformed confluent monolayers formed by overnight incubation (LONG). Cells were labelled with indium and then exposed to either 100 or 200 ml/min of pulsatile blood flow. Cell retention was measured up to 120 min. At both flow rates the LONG seeding procedure gave significantly better cell retention than the SHORT method (P less than 0.01 at all times). There was no difference in cell retention between the two flow rates in the LONG group, but more cells detached at the higher flow rate in the SHORT group (P less than 0.01). We conclude that the new seeding method, using preformed confluent monolayers, significantly improves cell retention during blood flow.

Pharmacology of tamoxifen in laboratory animals.

This paper reviews the recent laboratory findings about the nonsteroidal antiestrogen, tamoxifen, and its more potent major metabolite, monohydroxytamoxifen. Both compounds stimulate progesterone receptor synthesis in the rat uterus, and there is an inhibition of cell division in the uterine luminal epithelial cells. The effects of tamoxifen in vivo may be a result of the net effects of the parent compound and monohydroxytamoxifen. In rats with dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA)-induced rat mammary carcinomata, young tumors that are estrogen receptor- and progesterone receptor-rich respond more favorably to tamoxifen that do older estrogen receptor- and progesterone receptor-poor tumors. However, the antitumor effect of tamoxifen in the DMBA-induced rat mammary carcinoma model is probably a result of the blockade of tumor estrogen receptors, a reduction in circulating gonadotropins, lower circulating estrogen levels, and lower circulating prolactin levels. The 30-days treatment of rats with tamoxifen 30 days after DMBA resulted in a dose-related decrease in the appearance and numbers of mammary tumors; however, only continuous therapy maintained animals in a tumor-free state. Monohydroxytamoxifen was a less-potent antitumor agent, probably because it is cleared from the rat more rapidly than tamoxifen. The present laboratory findings support the clinical use of tamoxifen as a treatment of endometrial carcinoma and the resultant metastases and as an adjuvant therapy after surgery for breast cancer.

The conditioning of language in a nonverbal child conducted in a special education classroom.

The purpose of this study was twofold: first, to assess the feasibility of conducting speech conditioning sessions within a preschool classroom, and second, to examine the process of transfer of learned verbalizations from those sessions to classroom free time. The results indicated that the former was not only feasible but effective. A nonverbal boy, enrolled in a special education preschool, was taught to imitate reliably six words in 46 15-minute sessions. Furthermore, the child's use of spontaneous whole words during the rest of the classroom day seemed to be responsive to the contingencies of the speech sessions.