Quantitative comparison of a human cancer cell surface proteome between interphase and mitosis.

The cell surface is the cellular compartment responsible for communication with the environment. The interior of mammalian cells undergoes dramatic reorganization when cells enter mitosis. These changes are triggered by activation of the CDK1 kinase and have been studied extensively. In contrast, very little is known of the cell surface changes during cell division. We undertook a quantitative proteomic comparison of cell surface-exposed proteins in human cancer cells that were tightly synchronized in mitosis or interphase. Six hundred and twenty-eight surface and surface-associated proteins in HeLa cells were identified; of these, 27 were significantly enriched at the cell surface in mitosis and 37 in interphase. Using imaging techniques, we confirmed the mitosis-selective cell surface localization of protocadherin PCDH7, a member of a family with anti-adhesive roles in embryos. We show that PCDH7 is required for development of full mitotic rounding pressure at the onset of mitosis. Our analysis provided basic information on how cell cycle progression affects the cell surface. It also provides potential pharmacodynamic biomarkers for anti-mitotic cancer chemotherapy.

Intrascrotal extratesticular neurofibroma as a possible cause of failed descent in ipsilateral testis.

Intrascrotal extratesticular neurofibromas (IEN) often originate from genitofemoral nerve (GFN) and present as a paratesticular mass. Synchronous presence of IEN and undescended testis has not been reported previously. A 12-year-old boy with neurocutaneous syndrome and congenital giant melanocytic nevi along with IEN and ipsilateral undescended testis is presented, to discuss the underlying pathophysiology of failed testicular descent in the presence of IEN.

Difficulties in diagnosing sexual abuse in children with condyloma acuminata in Turkey.

Human papillomavirus is responsible for anogenital warts and could be regarded as an indicator of possible sexual abuse in children. A genital wart was detected during an investigation of anti-hepatitis C virus positivity in a four-year-old male patient. No pathological findings of another sexually transmitted disease were found except complete cleft palate and circumferential lesions in the perianal region. No family member was anti-hepatitis C virus positive, but the patient's uncle and his wife had genital condylomata. Although detailed physical examination uncovered no other findings indicative of sexual abuse, suspicion of abuse could not be eliminated. Therefore, we wanted to draw the attention of health professionals to the association of anogenital warts and sexual abuse.