The N-terminus of the Aspergillus fumigatus group III hybrid histidine kinase TcsC is essential for its physiological activity and targets the protein to the nucleus.

Group III hybrid histidine kinases are fungal-specific proteins and part of the multistep phosphorelay, representing the initial part of the high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway. TcsC, the corresponding kinase in Aspergillus fumigatus, was expected to be a cytosolic protein but is targeted to the nucleus. Activation of TcsC by the antifungal fludioxonil has lethal consequences for the fungus. The agent triggers a fast and TcsC-dependent activation of SakA and later on a redistribution of TcsC to the cytoplasm. High osmolarity also activates TcsC, which then exits the nucleus or concentrates in spot-like, intra-nuclear structures. The sequence corresponding to the N-terminal 208 amino acids of TcsC lacks detectable domains. Its loss renders TcsC cytosolic and non-responsive to hyperosmotic stress, but it has no impact on the antifungal activity of fludioxonil. A point mutation in one of the three putative nuclear localization sequences, which are present in the N-terminus, prevents the nuclear localization of TcsC, but not its ability to respond to hyperosmotic stress. Hence, this striking intracellular localization is no prerequisite for the role of TcsC in the adaptive response to hyperosmotic stress, instead, TcsC proteins that are present in the nuclei seem to modulate the cell wall composition of hyphae, which takes place in the absence of stress. The results of the present study underline that the spatiotemporal dynamics of the individual components of the multistep phosphorelay is a crucial feature of this unique signaling hub. IMPORTANCE: Signaling pathways enable pathogens, such as Aspergillus fumigatus, to respond to a changing environment. The TcsC protein is the major sensor of the high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway of A. fumigatus and it is also the target of certain antifungals. Insights in its function are therefore relevant for the pathogenicity and new therapeutic treatment options. TcsC was expected to be cytoplasmic, but we detected it in the nucleus and showed that it translocates to the cytoplasm upon activation. We have identified the motif that guides TcsC to the nucleus. An exchange of a single amino acid in this motif prevents a nuclear localization, but this nuclear targeting is no prerequisite for the TcsC-mediated stress response. Loss of the N-terminal 208 amino acids prevents the nuclear localization and renders TcsC unable to respond to hyperosmotic stress demonstrating that this part of the protein is of crucial importance.

Regnase-1 overexpression as a therapeutic approach of Marfan syndrome.

Rupture or dissection of thoracic aortic aneurysms is still the leading cause of death for patients diagnosed with Marfan syndrome. Inflammation and matrix digestion regulated by matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) play a major role in the pathological remodeling of the aortic media. Regnase-1 is an endoribonuclease shown to cleave the mRNA of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6. Considering the major anti-inflammatory effects of regnase-1, here, we aimed to determine whether adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated vascular overexpression of the protein could provide protection from the development and progression of aortic aneurysms in Marfan syndrome. The overexpression of regnase-1 resulted in a marked decrease in inflammatory parameters and elastin degradation in aortic smooth muscle cells in vitro. Intravenous injection of a vascular-targeted AAV vector resulted in the efficient transduction of the aortic wall and overexpression of regnase-1 in a murine model of Marfan syndrome, associated with lower circulating levels of proinflammatory cytokines and decreased MMP expression and activity. Regnase-1 overexpression strongly improved elastin architecture in the media and reduced aortic diameter at distinct locations. Therefore, AAV-mediated regnase-1 overexpression may represent a novel gene therapy approach for inhibiting aortic aneurysms in Marfan syndrome.

Systemic gene therapy with thymosin ß4 alleviates glomerular injury in mice.

Plasma ultrafiltration in the kidney occurs across glomerular capillaries, which are surrounded by epithelial cells called podocytes. Podocytes have a unique shape maintained by a complex cytoskeleton, which becomes disrupted in glomerular disease resulting in defective filtration and albuminuria. Lack of endogenous thymosin ß4 (TB4), an actin sequestering peptide, exacerbates glomerular injury and disrupts the organisation of the podocyte actin cytoskeleton, however, the potential of exogenous TB4 therapy to improve podocyte injury is unknown. Here, we have used Adriamycin (ADR), a toxin which injures podocytes and damages the glomerular filtration barrier leading to albuminuria in mice. Through interrogating single-cell RNA-sequencing data of isolated glomeruli we demonstrate that ADR injury results in reduced levels of podocyte TB4. Administration of an adeno-associated viral vector encoding TB4 increased the circulating level of TB4 and prevented ADR-induced podocyte loss and albuminuria. ADR injury was associated with disorganisation of the podocyte actin cytoskeleton in vitro, which was ameliorated by treatment with exogenous TB4. Collectively, we propose that systemic gene therapy with TB4 prevents podocyte injury and maintains glomerular filtration via protection of the podocyte cytoskeleton thus presenting a novel treatment strategy for glomerular disease.

Influence of Cannabinoid Receptor Deficiency on Parameters Involved in Blood Glucose Regulation in Mice.

Cannabinoids are known to influence hormone secretion of pancreatic islets via G protein­coupled cannabinoid receptor type 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2). The present study was designed to further investigate the impact of cannabinoid receptors on the parameters involved in insulin secretion and blood glucose recognition. To this end, CB1 and CB2 receptor knockout mice (10-12 week old, both sexes) were characterised at basal state and compared to wild-type mice. The elimination of cannabinoid receptor signalling resulted in alterations of blood glucose concentrations, body weights and insulin levels. Changes were dependent on the deleted receptor type and on the sex. Analyses at mRNA and protein levels provided evidence for the impact of cannabinoid receptor deficiency on the glucose sensing apparatus in the pancreas. Both receptor knockout mouse lines showed decreased mRNA and protein amounts of glucose transporters Glut1 and Glut2, combined with alterations in immunostaining. In addition, pancreatic glucokinase expression was elevated and immunohistochemical labelling was modified in the pancreatic islets. Taken together, CB1 and CB2 signalling pathways seem to influence glucose sensing in ß-cells by affecting glucose transporters and glucokinase. These alterations were more pronounced in CB2 knockout mice, resulting in higher blood glucose and lower plasma insulin levels.

Fenretinide induces a new form of dynamin-dependent cell death in pediatric sarcoma.

Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (aRMS) is a highly malicious childhood malignancy characterized by specific chromosomal translocations mostly encoding the oncogenic transcription factor PAX3-FOXO1 and therefore also referred to as fusion-positive RMS (FP-RMS). Previously, we have identified fenretinide (retinoic acid p-hydroxyanilide) to affect PAX3-FOXO1 expression levels as well as FP-RMS cell viability. Here, we characterize the mode of action of fenretinide in more detail. First, we demonstrate that fenretinide-induced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) depends on complex II of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, since ROS scavenging as well as complexing of iron completely abolished cell death. Second, we co-treated cells with a range of pharmacological inhibitors of specific cell death pathways including z-vad (apoptosis), necrostatin-1 (necroptosis), 3-methyladenine (3-MA) (autophagy), and ferrostatin-1 (ferroptosis) together with fenretinide. Surprisingly, none of these inhibitors was able to prevent cell death. Also genetic depletion of key players in the apoptotic and necroptotic pathway (BAK, BAX, and RIPK1) confirmed the pharmacological data. Interestingly however, electron microscopy of fenretinide-treated cells revealed an excessive accumulation of cytoplasmic vacuoles, which were distinct from autophagosomes. Further flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy experiments suggested a hyperstimulation of macropinocytosis, leading to an accumulation of enlarged early and late endosomes. Surprisingly, pharmacological inhibition as well as genetic depletion of large dynamin GTPases completely abolished fenretinide-induced vesicle formation and subsequent cell death, suggesting a new form of dynamin-dependent programmed cell death. Taken together, our data identify a new form of cell death mediated through the production of ROS by fenretinide treatment, highlighting the value of this compound for treatment of sarcoma patients including FP-RMS.

The Ontogeny of Monocyte Subsets.

Classical and non-classical monocytes, and the macrophages and monocyte-derived dendritic cells they produce, play key roles in host defense against pathogens, immune regulation, tissue repair and many other processes throughout the body. Recent studies have revealed previously unappreciated heterogeneity among monocytes that may explain this functional diversity, but our understanding of mechanisms controlling the functional programming of distinct monocyte subsets remains incomplete. Resolving monocyte heterogeneity and understanding how their functional identity is determined holds great promise for therapeutic immune modulation. In this review, we examine how monocyte origins and developmental influences shape the phenotypic and functional characteristics of monocyte subsets during homeostasis and in the context of infection, inflammation, and cancer. We consider how extrinsic signals and transcriptional regulators impact monocyte production and functional programming, as well as the influence of epigenetic and metabolic mechanisms. We also examine the evidence that functionally distinct monocyte subsets are produced via different developmental pathways during homeostasis and that inflammatory stimuli differentially target progenitors during an emergency response. We highlight the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between monocyte ontogeny and heterogeneity, including multiparametric single-cell profiling and functional analyses. Studies defining mechanisms of monocyte subset production and maintenance of unique monocyte identities have the potential to facilitate the design of therapeutic interventions to target specific monocyte subsets in a variety of disease contexts, including infectious and inflammatory diseases, cancer, and aging.

Gene editing enables T-cell engineering to redirect antigen specificity for potent tumor rejection.

Adoptive transfer of TCR transgenic T cells holds great promise for treating various cancers. So far, mainly semi-randomly integrating vectors have been used to genetically modify T cells. These carry the risk of insertional mutagenesis, and the sole addition of an exogenous TCR potentially results in the mispairing of TCR chains with endogenous ones. Established approaches using nonviral vectors, such as transposons, already reduce the risk of insertional mutagenesis but have not accomplished site-specific integration. Here, we used CRISPR-Cas9 RNPs and adeno-associated virus 6 for gene targeting to deliver an engineered TCR gene specifically to the TCR alpha constant locus, thus placing it under endogenous transcriptional control. Our data demonstrate that this approach replaces the endogenous TCR, functionally redirects the edited T cells' specificity in vitro, and facilitates potent tumor rejection in an in vivo xenograft model.

Mast Cells Reveal Their Past Selves.

Mast cells have been thought to derive from bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells. In this issue of Immunity, Gentek et al. (2018) reveal that mast cells have dual developmental origins in primitive and definitive hematopoiesis and that adult mast cell maintenance is largely bone marrow independent.

The selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist eplerenone prevents decompensation of the liver in cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) contributes to fibrosis in various tissues, and MR antagonists, like eplerenone, are used to prevent fibrosis. The role of MR antagonists in hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis is unknown. Here, we investigated the role of MRs and eplerenone in cirrhosis development. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Liver fibrosis (5 weeks) and cirrhosis, without (8 weeks) and with ascites (12 weeks), were induced by CCl4 in rats and comprehensively analysed. The effect of eplerenone on the development of cirrhosis with ascites was assessed. MR expression, cellular and subcellular distribution and impact of hypoxia were investigated in vivo and ex vivo. Primary rat hepatocytes and cell lines were used to investigate MR trafficking and transcriptional activity mechanistically. KEY RESULTS: In cirrhosis with ascites, MR mRNA and protein expressions were reduced in hepatocytes of hypoxic areas. While in normoxic areas MRs were mainly cytosolic, the remaining MRs in hypoxic areas were mainly localized in the nuclei, indicating activation followed by translocation and degradation. Accordingly, eplerenone treatment prevented nuclear MR translocation and the worsening of cirrhosis. Exposing hepatocytes ex vivo to hypoxia induced nuclear MR translocation and enhanced transcriptional MR activity at response elements of the NF-κB pathway. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: We showed for the first time that hypoxia leads to a pathogenetic ligand-independent activation of hepatic MRs during cirrhosis resulting in their nuclear translocation and transcriptional activation of the NF-κB pathway. Treatment with eplerenone prevented the worsening of cirrhosis by blocking this ligand-independent activation of the MR.

Zebrafish Caudal Haematopoietic Embryonic Stromal Tissue (CHEST) Cells Support Haematopoiesis.

Haematopoiesis is an essential process in early vertebrate development that occurs in different distinct spatial locations in the embryo that shift over time. These different sites have distinct functions: in some anatomical locations specific hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) are generated de novo. In others, HSPCs expand. HSPCs differentiate and renew in other locations, ensuring homeostatic maintenance. These niches primarily control haematopoiesis through a combination of cell-to-cell signalling and cytokine secretion that elicit unique biological effects in progenitors. To understand the molecular signals generated by these niches, we report the generation of caudal hematopoietic embryonic stromal tissue (CHEST) cells from 72-hours post fertilization (hpf) caudal hematopoietic tissue (CHT), the site of embryonic HSPC expansion in fish. CHEST cells are a primary cell line with perivascular endothelial properties that expand hematopoietic cells in vitro. Morphological and transcript analysis of these cultures indicates lymphoid, myeloid, and erythroid differentiation, indicating that CHEST cells are a useful tool for identifying molecular signals critical for HSPC proliferation and differentiation in the zebrafish. These findings permit comparison with other temporally and spatially distinct haematopoietic-supportive zebrafish niches, as well as with mammalian haematopoietic-supportive cells to further the understanding of the evolution of the vertebrate hematopoietic system.

Posttranslational Control of ALA Synthesis Includes GluTR Degradation by Clp Protease and Stabilization by GluTR-Binding Protein.

5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is the first committed substrate of tetrapyrrole biosynthesis and is formed from glutamyl-tRNA by two enzymatic steps. Glutamyl-tRNA reductase (GluTR) as the first enzyme of ALA synthesis is encoded by HEMA genes and tightly regulated at the transcriptional and posttranslational levels. Here, we show that the caseinolytic protease (Clp) substrate adaptor ClpS1 and the ClpC1 chaperone as well as the GluTR-binding protein (GBP) interact with the N terminus of GluTR Loss-of function mutants of ClpR2 and ClpC1 proteins show increased GluTR stability, whereas absence of GBP results in decreased GluTR stability. Thus, the Clp protease system and GBP contribute to GluTR accumulation levels, and thereby the rate-limiting ALA synthesis. These findings are supported with Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) hema1 mutants expressing a truncated GluTR lacking the 29 N-terminal amino acid residues of the mature protein. Accumulation of this truncated GluTR is higher in dark periods, resulting in increased protochlorophyllide content. It is proposed that the proteolytic activity of Clp protease counteracts GBP binding to assure the appropriate content of GluTR and the adequate ALA synthesis for chlorophyll and heme in higher plants.

Yangtze Three Gorges Reservoir, China: A holistic assessment of organic pollution, mutagenic effects of sediments and genotoxic impacts on fish.

Besides obvious benefits, the Three Gorges Dam's construction resulted in new pollution scenarios with the potentials to threaten the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) ecosystem. In order to record organic contamination, to find links to ecotoxicological impacts and to serve as reference for ensuing monitoring, several sites in the TGR area were screened applying the triad approach with additional lines-of-evidence as a holistic assessment method. Sediments and the benthic fish species Pelteobagrus vachellii were sampled in 2011 and 2012 to determine organic pollution levels, mutagenic potentials and genotoxic impacts. Two regional hot-spots near the cities of Chongqing and Kaixian were identified and further investigated in 2013. Only polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) could be detected in sediments in 2011 (165-1653ng/g), emphasizing their roles as key pollutants of the area. Their ubiquity was confirmed at Chongqing (150-433ng/g) and Kaixian (127-590ng/g) in 2013. Concentrations were comparable to other major Chinese and German rivers. However, the immense sediment influx suggested a deposition of 216-636kgPAH/day (0.2-0.6mgPAH/(m(2)·day)), indicating an ecotoxicological risk. PAH source analysis highlighted primary impacts of combustion sources on the more industrialized upper TGR section, whereas petrogenic sources dominated the mid-low section. Furthermore, sediment extracts from several sites exhibited significant activities of frameshift promutagens in the Ames fluctuation assay. Additionally, significant genotoxic impairments in erythrocytes of P. vachellii were detected (Chongqing/Kaixian), demonstrating the relevance of genotoxicity as an important mode of action in the TGR's fish. PAHs, their derivatives and non-target compounds are considered as main causative agents.

Occurrence and distribution of organic trace substances in waters from the Three Gorges Reservoir, China.

This study deals with the evaluation of water quality of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) in order to assess its suitability as a raw water source for drinking water production. Therefore, water samples from (1) surface water, (2) tap water, and (3) wastewater treatment plant effluents were taken randomly by 2011-2012 in the area of the TGR and were analyzed for seven different organic contaminant groups (207 substances in total), applying nine different analytical methods. In the three sampled water sources, typical contaminant patterns were found, i.e., pesticides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in surface water with concentrations of 0.020-3.5 µg/L and 0.004-0.12 µg/L, disinfection by-products in tap water with concentrations of 0.050-79 µg/L, and pharmaceuticals in wastewater treatment plant effluents with concentrations of 0.020-0.76 µg/L, respectively. The most frequently detected organic compounds in surface water (45 positives out of 57 samples) were the pyridine pesticides clopyralid and picloram. The concentrations might indicate that they are used on a regular basis and in conjunction in the area of the TGR. Three- and four-ring PAH were ubiquitously distributed, while the poorly soluble five- and six-ring members, perfluorinated compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers, were below the detection limit. In general, the detected concentrations in TGR are in the same range or even lower compared to surface waters in western industrialized countries, although contaminant loads can still be high due to a high discharge. With the exception of the two pesticides, clopyralid and picloram, concentrations of the investigated organic pollutants in TGR meet the limits of the Chinese Standards for Drinking Water Quality GB 5749 (Ministry of Health of China and Standardization Administration of China 2006) and the European Union (EU) Council Directive 98/83/EC on the quality of water intended for human consumption (The Council of the European Union 1998), or rather, the EU Directive on environmental quality standards in the field of water policy (The European Parliament and The Council of the European Union 2008). Therefore, the suggested use of surface water from TGR for drinking water purposes is a valid option. Current treatment methods, however, do not seem to be efficient since organic pollutants were detected in significant concentrations in purified tap water.

Human endometrial stromal cell-trophoblast interactions: mutual stimulation of chemotactic migration and promigratory roles of cell surface molecules CD82 and CEACAM1.

We have previously shown that the presence of trophoblast cells enhances invasiveness of decidualizing human endometrial stromal cells. The metastasis suppressor CD82, which has antimigratory function in tumor cells, is up-regulated in decidualizing endometrial stromal cells. CEACAM1 is expressed in trophoblast cells at the invasion front in early placenta and is considered proinvasive. Here, we investigate the role of CD82 and CEACAM1 in cocultures of the endometrial stromal cell line T-HESC and AC-1M88 trophoblast cells. In transwell migration assays, chemotaxis of AC-1M88 cells was stimulated by coplated T-HESC in the lower compartment or by the combination of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta), and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), local factors present at the time of implantation. In an implantation model of AC-1M88 trophoblast spheroids on a monolayer of T-HESC, spheroid expansion was enhanced in the presence of HB-EGF/IL-1beta/LIF. Silencing of CEACAM1 in AC-1M88 blunted this response. Chemotactic migration of T-HESC was stimulated by trophoblast secretions or HB-EGF/IL-1beta/LIF. These responses were suppressed by CD82 depletion in T-HESC. Proteome profiling revealed the presence of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AA in trophoblast supernatant. Chemotaxis of T-HESC toward PDGF-AA was significantly inhibited by CD82 silencing. Neutralization of PDGF-AA in AC-1M88 conditioned media reduced the chemotactic effect on T-HESC. In summary, we demonstrate a mutual stimulation of chemotactic migration between trophoblast and endometrial stromal cells and promigratory roles for the cell surface molecules CEACAM1 and CD82, which may serve to support tissue remodeling at the implantation site.

Control of human endometrial stromal cell motility by PDGF-BB, HB-EGF and trophoblast-secreted factors.

Human implantation involves extensive tissue remodeling at the fetal-maternal interface. It is becoming increasingly evident that not only trophoblast, but also decidualizing endometrial stromal cells are inherently motile and invasive, and likely contribute to the highly dynamic processes at the implantation site. The present study was undertaken to further characterize the mechanisms involved in the regulation of endometrial stromal cell motility and to identify trophoblast-derived factors that modulate migration. Among local growth factors known to be present at the time of implantation, heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) triggered chemotaxis (directed locomotion), whereas platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB elicited both chemotaxis and chemokinesis (non-directed locomotion) of endometrial stromal cells. Supernatants of the trophoblast cell line AC-1M88 and of first trimester villous explant cultures stimulated chemotaxis but not chemokinesis. Proteome profiling for cytokines and angiogenesis factors revealed neither PDGF-BB nor HB-EGF in conditioned media from trophoblast cells or villous explants, while placental growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor and PDGF-AA were identified as prominent secretory products. Among these, only PDGF-AA triggered endometrial stromal cell chemotaxis. Neutralization of PDGF-AA in trophoblast conditioned media, however, did not diminish chemoattractant activity, suggesting the presence of additional trophoblast-derived chemotactic factors. Pathway inhibitor studies revealed ERK1/2, PI3 kinase/Akt and p38 signaling as relevant for chemotactic motility, whereas chemokinesis depended primarily on PI3 kinase/Akt activation. Both chemotaxis and chemokinesis were stimulated upon inhibition of Rho-associated, coiled-coil containing protein kinase. The chemotactic response to trophoblast secretions was not blunted by inhibition of isolated signaling cascades, indicating activation of overlapping pathways in trophoblast-endometrial communication. In conclusion, trophoblast signals attract endometrial stromal cells, while PDGF-BB and HB-EGF, although not identified as trophoblast-derived, are local growth factors that may serve to fine-tune directed and non-directed migration at the implantation site.

Optimizing adenoviral transduction of endothelial cells under flow conditions.

PURPOSE: To target adenoviral vectors to cells of the vasculature and shielding vectors from inactivation by the immune system. METHODS: Complexes of reporter gene expressing adenoviral vectors with positively charged magnetic nanoparticles were formed by electrostatic interaction in presence or absence of additional negatively charged poly(ethylene glycol)-based polymer. Transduction of HUVEC was analyzed in vitro under flow. Protection from inactivation by the immune system was analyzed by pre-incubation of AdV and complexes with neutralizing antibodies and subsequent reporter protein analysis of infected cells. RESULTS: Physical association of AdV with MNP and polymers was demonstrated by radioactive labelling of components and co-sedimentation in a magnetic field. Ad-MNP+/-polymer resulted in efficient transduction of HUVEC, depending on MOI and flow rate in presence of magnetic field, whereas no transduction was observed without complex formation with MNP or in absence of magnetic field. Association with MNP did result in protection from neutralizing antibodies, with slightly increased protection provided by the polymer. CONCLUSIONS: Complex formation of AdV with MNP is a viable means for targeting of vectors to areas of magnetic field gradient. Additional coating with polymer might proof useful in protection from inactivation by the immune system.

Expansion of human trophoblastic spheroids is promoted by decidualized endometrial stromal cells and enhanced by heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor and interleukin-1 ß.

Successful pregnancy in humans depends on deep invasion of the maternal decidua by extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs), a process regulated by autocrine and paracrine signals in the decidual-trophoblast microenvironment. Here we examined whether trophoblast invasion is affected by decidual differentiation of endometrial stromal cells (ESC) and modulated locally by cytokines and growth factors. Trophoblast spheroids were generated from the EVT-derived cell line AC-1M88 and placed onto monolayers of either undifferentiated or decidualized ESC, or directly onto tissue culture surface. Co-cultures were treated with epidermal growth factor (EGF), hepatocyte growth factor, heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Expansion of spheroids over 2-3 days was significantly enhanced by a monolayer of undifferentiated ESC compared with tissue culture surface and further increased if ESC had been decidualized. HB-EGF and IL-1ß, alone or in combination with LIF, stimulated spheroid expansion but only on undifferentiated ESC. CEACAM1, an adhesion molecule implicated in trophoblast invasion, was up-regulated in AC-1M88 cells by conditioned medium from decidualized ESC, and by HB-EGF, IL-1ß and LIF in combination. Treatment of ESC with HB-EGF or IL-1ß increased the level of the tetraspanin CD82, a metastasis suppressor found in decidual cells at the implantation site. We suggest that decidualized ESC support trophoblast invasion by paracrine signals that may include HB-EGF, IL-1ß and LIF.

Two new species of Nephridiophaga (Zygomycota) in the Malpighian tubules of cockroaches.

The Malpighian tubules of the cockroaches Archimandrita tessellata and Lucihormetica verrucosa were infected with stages of unicellular parasites. Plasmodial stages occurred freely in the lumen and attached to the epithelium of the Malpighian tubules. Vegetative plasmodia contain few or numerous nuclei, while the sporogenic plasmodia (pansporoblasts) have vegetative nuclei in their cytoplasm and in addition endogenously form uninucleate spores. New species of the genus Nephridiophaga were proposed for these two isolates. This decision was made based on the fact that they are not only found in different hosts, but are different in their morphology. For example, the size of the spores and the number of spores per sporogenic plasmodium differed. Light and electron microscopic observations show that the parasites are new members of the genus Nephridiophaga, i.e., Nephridiophaga archimandrita and Nephridiophaga lucihormetica.

An illegitimate microRNA target site within the 3' UTR of MDM4 affects ovarian cancer progression and chemosensitivity.

Overexpression of MDM4 (also known as MDMX or HDMX) is thought to promote tumorigenesis by decreasing p53 tumor suppressor function. Even modest decrease in Mdm4 levels affects tumorigenesis in mice, suggesting that genetic variants of MDM4 might have similar effects in humans. We sequenced the MDM4 gene in a series of ovarian cancer cell lines and carcinomas to identify mutations and/or single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We identified an SNP (SNP34091) in the 3'-UTR of MDM4 that creates a putative target site for hsa-miR-191, a microRNA that is highly expressed in normal and tumor tissues. Biochemical evidence supports specific miR-191-dependent regulation of the MDM4-C, but not MDM4-A, variant. Consistently, the A-allele was associated with statistically significant increased expression of MDM4 mRNA and protein levels in ovarian carcinomas. Importantly, the wild-type genotype (A/A) is more frequent (57.8% vs. 42.2% for A/C and C/C, respectively) in patients with high-grade carcinomas than in patients with low-grade carcinomas (47.2% vs. 52.5% for A/A and A/C + C/C, respectively). Moreover, A/A patients who do not express the estrogen receptor had a 4.2-fold [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.2-13.5; P = 0.02] increased risk of recurrence and 5.5-fold (95% CI = 1.5-20.5; P = 0.01) increased risk of tumor-related death. Unexpectedly, the frequency of p53 mutations was not significantly lower in A/A patients. We conclude that acquisition of an illegitimate miR-191 target site causes downregulation of MDM4 expression, thereby significantly delaying ovarian carcinoma progression and tumor-related death. Importantly, these effects appear to be, at least partly, independent of p53.