Possible ancient origin of heterochromatic JNK sequences in chromosomes 2R of Secale vavilovii Grossh.

Employing FISH analysis as well as BLAST and CUSTAL W (1.82) programs, we investigated types of DNA nucleotide sequences building an additional heterochromatic band in 2R chromosomes of 3 lines of Secale vavilovii Grossh. The probes used in FISH analysis were designed based on the reverse transcriptase sequence of Ty1-copia and Ty3-gypsy retrotransposons and the 5S rRNA gene sequence. No hybridization signals from the reverse transcriptase probes were observed in the chromosome region where the additional band occurs. On the other hand, signals were observed after hybridization with the 5S rDNA probe, clearly suggesting the presence of that type of sequences in the analyzed heterochromatin band. Using BLAST and CUSTAL W programs, we revealed high similarity of the JNK1 sequence to the 5S rRNA gene from Hordeum chilense (HCH1016, HCH1018, 88%) and to a fragment of the 5S rRNA sequence of H. marinum (HMAR003, 97%). In addition, the same fragment of JNK1 was shown to be very similar to the part of the Angela retrotransposon (92%) as well as to the SNAC 426K20-1 transposon (89%) belonging to CACTA family, both from Triticum monococcum, and to Zingeria biebersteiniana pericentromeric sequences (78%). The similarity of JNK1 to those sequences may be accidental or the JNK1 may represent an ancient mobile genetic element that caught the 5S rRNA sequence. During the evolution those sequences might have been accumulated in the particular region on the 2R chromosome. Our results suggest that the additional heterochromatin band in chromosomes 2R of S. vavilovii is a collection of defective genes and/or mobile genetic elements.

[Characterization and staging of renal tumors: significance of MRI diagnostics]. / Charakterisierung und Staging von Nierentumoren: Bedeutung der MRT-Diagnostik.

PURPOSE: Retrospective evaluation of MRI in the diagnosis of renal masses and determination of the correlation of MRI with histology or follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 46 consecutive patients (13 female, 33 male, mean age 64.7 yrs) with suspected renal tumors were examined with a 1.5 T MR scanner using a standardized protocol (TSE T2fs, 2DGRE T1, dynam. ce3DGRE T1fs, ce2DGRE T1fs, ce3DGRE urogram). RESULTS: 142 renal lesions were found with diameters of < 2 cm up to 14 x 18 cm. A primary classification as solid and cystic lesions was performed according to MRI criteria. In 29 cases we found lesions bilaterally, in 17 patients only in one kidney, and in four cases we found multifocal renal tumors unilaterally (n = 3) or bilaterally (n = 1). In 22 patients with renal tumors, cystic lesions could be seen as well. In 19 cases these were uncomplicated cysts, and in 3 cases these were complicated cysts. 35/43 lesions were histologically proven solid vascularized tumors (29 renal cell carcinomas, 6 urothelial carcinomas), five additional masses with tumor signs in MRI appeared to be progressive during follow-up thus suggesting malignancy, and one case was a multifocal bilateral renal tumor. 3/43 lesions were initially reported as being suspected of malignancy but were proven during follow-up or histologically to be benign. Tumor thrombus was depicted in MRI in the renal vein in 5 cases, stretching into the IVC in 4 cases and proven histologically in 4 and 3 cases, respectively. Of these solid masses, 99 cystic lesions could be differentiated clearly in MRI (88 simple cysts, 11 complicated cysts) that remained unchanged during follow-up (6 - 65 months) or were proven to be cysts histologically. In 17 cases these cysts were bilateral, in 19 cases unilateral, and 33 kidneys showed multicystic changes. In characterizing renal masses, MRI showed a positive predictive value of 93 % for the diagnosis of a malignant tumor. The T-stage of histologically proven renal cell carcinomas using MRI was correct in 89 %. CONCLUSIONS: MRI is a valid modality for characterizing and staging renal masses using a suitable sequence protocol that includes dynamic ce studies. Venous tumor invasion can be depicted safely. MRI can be employed alternatively to state-of-the-art ceCT and additionally to CT in unclear cases.