Synthesis and Fungicidal Activity of Hydrated Geranylated Phenols against Botrytis cinerea.

Botrytis cinerea is a ubiquitous fungus that affects hundreds of plants, resulting in economic losses to the horticulture and fruit industry. The search for new antifungal agents is a matter of current interest. Thus, in this work a series of geranylated phenols in which the side alkyl chain has been hydrated have been synthesized, and their activity against B. cinerea has been evaluated. The coupling of phenol and geraniol has been accomplished under microwave irradiation obtaining the highest reaction yields in the shortest reaction times. Hydration of the side chain was carried out in dioxane with p-toluenesulfonic acid polymer-bound as the catalyst. All synthesized compounds were tested against B. cinerea using the growth inhibition assay and EC50 values were determined. The results show that activity depends on the number and nature of functional groups in the phenol ring and hydration degree of the geranyl chain. The most active compound is 1,4-dihydroquinone with one hydroxyl group attached at the end of the alkyl chain. Results from a molecular docking study suggest that hydroxyl groups in the phenol ring and alkyl chain are important in the binding of compounds to the active site, and that the experimental antifungal activity correlates with the number of H-bond that can be formed in the binding site.

Measuring Transcellular Interactions through Protein Aggregation in a Heterologous Cell System.

Protein interactions at cellular interfaces dictate a multitude of biological outcomes ranging from tissue development and cancer progression to synapse formation and maintenance. Many of these fundamental interactions occur in trans and are typically induced by heterophilic or homophilic interactions between cells expressing membrane anchored binding pairs. Elucidating how disease relevant mutations disrupt these fundamental protein interactions can provide insight into a myriad of cell biology fields. Many protein-protein interaction assays do not typically disambiguate between cis and trans interactions, which potentially leads to an overestimation of the extent of binding that is occurring in vivo and involve labor intensive purification of protein and/or specialized monitoring equipment. Here, we present an optimized simple protocol that allows for the observation and quantification of only trans interactions without the need for lengthy protein purifications or specialized equipment. The HEK cell aggregation assay involves the mixing of two independent populations of HEK cells, each expressing membrane-bound cognate ligands. After a short incubation period, samples are imaged and the resulting aggregates are quantified.

CaMKII versus DAPK1 Binding to GluN2B in Ischemic Neuronal Cell Death after Resuscitation from Cardiac Arrest.

DAPK1 binding to GluN2B was prominently reported to mediate ischemic cell death in vivo. DAPK1 and CaMKII bind to the same GluN2B region, and their binding is mutually exclusive. Here, we show that mutating the binding region on GluN2B (L1298A/R1300Q) protected against neuronal cell death induced by cardiac arrest followed by resuscitation. Importantly, the GluN2B mutation selectively abolished only CaMKII, but not DAPK1, binding. During ischemic or excitotoxic insults, CaMKII further accumulated at excitatory synapses, and this accumulation was mediated by GluN2B binding. Interestingly, extra-synaptic GluN2B decreased after ischemia, but its relative association with DAPK1 increased. Thus, ischemic neuronal death requires CaMKII binding to synaptic GluN2B, whereas any potential role for DAPK1 binding is restricted to a different, likely extra-synaptic population of GluN2B.

Modeling a Neurexin-3α Human Mutation in Mouse Neurons Identifies a Novel Role in the Regulation of Transsynaptic Signaling and Neurotransmitter Release at Excitatory Synapses.

Presynaptic α-neurexins are highly expressed and more frequently linked to neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders than ß-neurexins. However, how extracellular sequences specific to α-neurexins enable synaptic transmission is poorly understood. We identified a mutation in an extracellular region of neurexin-3α (A687T), located in a region conserved among α-neurexins and throughout vertebrate evolution, in a patient diagnosed with profound intellectual disability and epilepsy. We systematically interrogated this mutation using a knockdown-replacement approach, and discovered that the A687T mutation enhanced presynaptic morphology and increased two critical presynaptic parameters: (1) presynaptic release probability, and (2) the size of the readily releasable pool exclusively at excitatory synapses in mixed sex primary mouse hippocampal cultures. Introduction of the mutation in vivo and subsequent analysis in ex vivo brain slices made from male and female mice revealed a significant increase in excitatory presynaptic neurotransmission that occluded presynaptic but not postsynaptic LTP. Mechanistically, neurexin-3αA687T enhanced binding to LRRTM2 without altering binding to postsynaptic neuroligin-1. Thus, neurexin-3αA687T unexpectedly produced the first neurexin presynaptic gain-of-function phenotype and revealed unanticipated novel insights into how α-neurexin extracellular sequences govern both transsynaptic adhesion and presynaptic neurotransmitter release.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Despite decades of scientific scrutiny, how precise α-neurexin extracellular sequences control synapse function remains enigmatic. One largely unpursued avenue to identify the role of precise extracellular sequences is the interrogation of naturally occurring missense mutations. Here, we identified a neurexin-3α missense mutation in a compound heterozygous patient diagnosed with profound intellectual disability and epilepsy and systematically interrogated this mutation. Using in vitro and in vivo molecular replacement, electrophysiology, electron microscopy, and structure-function analyses, we reveal a novel role for neurexin-3α, unanticipated based on α-neurexin knock-out models, in controlling presynaptic morphology and neurotransmitter release at excitatory synapses. Our findings represent the first neurexin gain-of-function phenotype and provide new fundamentally important insight into the synaptic biology of α-neurexins.

Simultaneous Live Imaging of Multiple Endogenous Proteins Reveals a Mechanism for Alzheimer's-Related Plasticity Impairment.

CaMKIIα is a central mediator of bidirectional synaptic plasticity, including long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). To study how CaMKIIα movement during plasticity is affected by soluble amyloid-ß peptide oligomers (Aß), we used FingR intrabodies to simultaneously image endogenous CaMKIIα and markers for excitatory versus inhibitory synapses in live neurons. Aß blocks LTP-stimulus-induced CaMKIIα accumulation at excitatory synapses. This block requires CaMKII activity, is dose and time dependent, and also occurs at synapses without detectable Aß; it is specific to LTP, as CaMKIIα accumulation at inhibitory synapses during LTD is not reduced. As CaMKII movement to excitatory synapses is required for normal LTP, its impairment can mechanistically explain Aß-induced impairment of LTP. CaMKII movement during LTP requires binding to the NMDA receptor, and Aß induces internalization of NMDA receptors. However, surprisingly, this internalization does not cause the block in CaMKIIα movement and is observed for extrasynaptic, but not synaptic, NMDA receptors.

Recognition of cancer mutations in histone H3K36 by epigenetic writers and readers.

Histone posttranslational modifications control the organization and function of chromatin. In particular, methylation of lysine 36 in histone H3 (H3K36me) has been shown to mediate gene transcription, DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, and pre-mRNA splicing. Notably, mutations at or near this residue have been causally linked to the development of several human cancers. These observations have helped to illuminate the role of histones themselves in disease and to clarify the mechanisms by which they acquire oncogenic properties. This perspective focuses on recent advances in discovery and characterization of histone H3 mutations that impact H3K36 methylation. We also highlight findings that the common cancer-related substitution of H3K36 to methionine (H3K36M) disturbs functions of not only H3K36me-writing enzymes but also H3K36me-specific readers. The latter case suggests that the oncogenic effects could also be linked to the inability of readers to engage H3K36M.

Shared peptide binding of HLA Class I and II alleles associate with cutaneous nevirapine hypersensitivity and identify novel risk alleles.

Genes of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system encode cell-surface proteins involved in regulation of immune responses, and the way drugs interact with the HLA peptide binding groove is important in the immunopathogenesis of T-cell mediated drug hypersensitivity syndromes. Nevirapine (NVP), is an HIV-1 antiretroviral with treatment-limiting hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) associated with multiple class I and II HLA alleles. Here we utilize a novel analytical approach to explore these multi-allelic associations by systematically examining HLA molecules for similarities in peptide binding specificities and binding pocket structure. We demonstrate that primary predisposition to cutaneous NVP HSR, seen across ancestral groups, can be attributed to a cluster of HLA-C alleles sharing a common binding groove F pocket with HLA-C*04:01. An independent association with a group of class II alleles which share the HLA-DRB1-P4 pocket is also observed. In contrast, NVP HSR protection is afforded by a cluster of HLA-B alleles defined by a characteristic peptide binding groove B pocket. The results suggest drug-specific interactions within the antigen binding cleft can be shared across HLA molecules with similar binding pockets. We thereby provide an explanation for multiple HLA associations with cutaneous NVP HSR and advance insight into its pathogenic mechanisms.

Manifestaciones imaginológicas de las malformaciones cavernosas del sistema nervioso central / Imaging Manifestations of Cavernous Malformations of the Central Nervous System

El propósito de esta revisión es resaltar la epidemiología, presentación clínica y características imaginológicas de las malformaciones cavernosas del sistema nervioso central, especialmente en sus diferentes localizaciones, con el objetivo de brindarle al radiólogo claves para el diagnóstico de esta patología potencialmente curable. De las bases de datos de nuestras instituciones recolectamos casos de malformaciones cavernosas. Las imágenes de TC, MR y angiografía fueron evaluadas, y el tamaño, la localización, las características imaginológicas y los hallazgos asociados fueron registrados. Adicionalmente, se revisó la literatura científica pertinente a este tema para proveer una manera práctica de hacer una aproximación diagnóstica de esta malformación. Las malformaciones cavernosas son lesiones vasculares congénitas compuestas por vasos sinusoidales que forman una masa compacta. Pueden ocurrir en cualquier sitio del encéfalo y de la médula espinal. Imaginológicamente pueden presentar ciertas características alarmantes que pueden simular otras patologías más agresivas e incluso malignas. El conocimiento de los hallazgos característicos según su localización es esencial para evitar tratamientos innecesarios. Las malformaciones cavernosas del SNC pueden presentar ciertos rasgos que se sobreponen con patologías más malignas. Complicaciones asociadas como son la hemorragia y el edema perilesional pueden afectar aún más el diagnóstico adecuado. Por esta razón, es indispensable que el radiólogo conozca el comportamiento imaginológico de estas lesiones.

The purpose of this revision is to highlight the demographics, clinical presentation, and imaging features of cavernous malformations (CA) of the central nervous system, especially in its different locations, with the purpose of providing the radiologist clues regarding the diagnosis of this potentially curable pathology. We collected cases of cavernous malformations from the databases at our institutions. CT, MR and angiographic studies were evaluated and lesion size, location, imaging characteristics, multiplicity, and associated findings were recorded. Additionally, the scientific literature pertinent to the subject was reviewed in a practical manner in order to provide a practical manner of making a diagnostic approach of this malformation. Cavernous malformations are congenital vascular lesions composed of sinusoid- type blood vessels that assemble into a compact mass. They may occur in any location in the brain and in the spinal cord. In terms of imaging, they may present certain alarming characteristics that may mimic more aggressive or malignant entities. Associated complications such as hemorrhage and perilesional edema may affect adequate diagnosis at an ever larger degree. For this reason, it is essential that the radiologist is familiar with the imaging behavior of these lesions.

HIV-1 Env vaccine comprised of electroporated DNA and protein co-administered with Talabostat.

Selection of potent yet low reactogenic adjuvants for protein immunization is important for HIV-1 vaccine development. Immunogenicity of electroporated DNA (HIV env) and recombinant gp120, administered with either QS-21 or the orally administered immunomodulator, Talabostat, was evaluated in BALB/c mice. Electroporation of low dose DNA elicited Th1 cytokines and anti-envelope antibodies. Immunization with gp120 protein alone with or without Talabostat elicited lower Th1 and Th2 cytokine levels but comparable anti-gp120 antibodies to QS-21-formulated protein. Boosting of DNA-primed mice with gp120/Talabostat induced similar anti-gp120 antibody titers and slightly higher levels of Th1 and Th2 cytokines relative to QS-21-formulated protein. Induction of CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cells and functional CTL activity was noted. These results highlight the potential use of orally administered Talabostat for efficient protein boosting of antibody and T-cell responses primed by DNA.

Persistent antibody and T cell responses induced by HIV-1 DNA vaccine delivered by electroporation.

Intramuscular needle injection of HIV-1 DNA vaccines typically elicits weak immune responses in immunized individuals. To improve such responses, the immunogenicity of a vaccine consisting of electroporated DNA followed by intramuscular protein boost was evaluated in rabbits and macaques. In macaques, electroporation of low dose DNA encoding HIV-1 env followed by gp120 protein elicited Th1 cytokines and functional CTL that persisted for over 1 year. In both macaques and rabbits, robust anti-envelope antibodies, elicited by electroporated DNA, were augmented by gp120 protein and such responses neutralized sensitive SHIV isolates. These findings highlight efficient priming of immune responses by electroporated DNA that in conjunction with protein boost may give rise to long-term immunity in immunized hosts.

HIV-1 prophylactic vaccine comprised of topical DermaVir prime and protein boost elicits cellular immune responses and controls pathogenic R5 SHIV162P3.

Topical DNA vaccination (DermaVir) facilitates antigen presentation to naive T cells. DermaVir immunization in mice, using HIV-1 Env and Gag, elicited cellular immune responses. Boosting with HIV-1 gp120 Env and p41 Gag augmented Th1 cytokine levels. Intramuscular DNA administration was less efficient in priming antigen-specific cytokine production and memory T cells. In rhesus macaques, DermaVir immunization induced Gag- and Env-specific Th1 and Th2 cytokines and generation of memory T cells. Boosting of DermaVir-primed serum antibody levels was noted following gp140(SHIV89.6P)/p27(SIV) immunization. Rectal challenge with pathogenic R5-tropic SHIV162P3 resulted in control of plasma viremia (4/5 animals) that was reflected in jejunum, colon and mesenteric lymph nodes. An inverse correlation was found between Gag- and Env-specific central memory T cell responses on the day of challenge and plasma viremia at set point. Overall, the topical DermaVir/protein vaccination yields central memory T cell responses and facilitates control of pathogenic SHIV infection.

Oxido nítrico en el Síndrome de Sjögren: posible participación en el bloqueo de la apoptosis linfocitaria

Objetivo: evaluar el papel del óxido nítrico (NO) en el síndrome de sjögren primario (SSp) y su relación con la apoptosis tisular en glándulas salivares menores (GSM). Métodos. Las GSM correspondieron a sialoadenitis focal propia del SSp, sialoadenitis crónica (SAC) y a GSM histológicamente normales. El progreso del SSp fue evaluado mediante el puntaje por focos inflamatorios en GSM. Los niveles salivares y séricos de nitrito (NO2) fueron medidos mediante la reacción de Griess. La expresión de la óxido nitrico sintetasa tipo 2 (NOS2) y de la cistatina C (Cis-C), un inhibidor fisiológico de proteasas, fue examinada en GSM por inmunohistoquímica, y analizada de manera semicuantitativa. La apoptosis tisular fue evaluada determinando la fragmentación del ADN mediante la incorporación de nucleótidos marcados. Resultados. Los niveles de NO2 en saliva fueron mayores en pacientes con SSp (n=17) que en controles sanos (n=17) (71.1ñ20.6 vs 3.7 uM, p=0.02), mientras que en suero fueron similares (22.3ñ3.8 vs 17ñ1.4 uM). En el infiltrado inflamatorio la expresión de NOs2 fue mayor en pacientes con SSp que con SAC (n=4) (94 por ciento vs 7 por ciento). La NOS2 fue observada también en células epiteliales canaliculares, células acinares y fibroblastos de pacientes (SSp y SAC), y de controles normales (n=5). En GSM de pacientes con SSp la expresión de NOS2 fue mayor en aquellas con focos inflamatorios <4(78 por ciento vs 17 por ciento, p=0.04) y con menor número de células apoptóticas en el inflitrado inflamatorio (0.6ñ0.2 vs 1.66ñ0.3, p=0.02). La expresión de Cls-C fue observada en los tres grupos estudiados, principalamente en células epiteliales canaliculares, en algunos plasmocitos y células acinares de pacientes con SSp. No se observó asociación entre la expresión de Cls-C y la apoptosis tisular. Conclusión. Este estudio confirma el aumento de la síntesis de NO en el SS primario, producido localmente en el sitio inflamatorio, principalamente durante las fases tempranas de la enfermedad, y sugiere su participación en el bloqueo de la apoptosis linfocitaria, la cual no es regulada por la Cis-C. el mecanismo de esta inhibición apoptótica podría estar asociada a la S-nitrosilación de caspasas

Activity of two different triazoles in a murine model of paracoccidioidomycosis

A new orally absorbable triazole (Schering 39304) with a long serum half-life in man (60 hours), was tried in a murine model of progressive paracoccidioidomycosis and compared with itraconazole, another triazole which has proven effective in this mycosis. Only 15 of the infected, untreated mice survived while 53 to 75 of the animals receiving itraconazole survived. Mice treated with Schering 39304 exhibited higher (86-100) survival rates. Statistically, the 5 mg/kg Sch 39304 was superior to the 50 mg/kg itraconazole dose. Lung cultures showed that 20 mg/kg/day of Sch achieved sterilization of the infectious foci. These results indicate that the new triazole will have a place in the treatment of paracoccidioidomycosis.

Poroma ecrino maligno / Malignant eccrine poroma

Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 47 anos a quien se le diagnostico un poroma ecrino maligno localizado en el dorso del pie derecho, con metastasis a region inguinal, pulmon, higado y sistema nervioso central, que le produjeron la muerte. Se discuten los hallazgos clinico e histopatologicos

We report on the case of a 47 year-old man with the diagnosis of malignant eccrine poroma, located on the right foot; he died from metastatic lesions affecting inguinal region, lungs, liver and central nervous system. Clinical and histopathologic findings are discussed .A review Is Included on sweat gland carcinomas.