The alpha7 integrin subunit in astrocytes promotes endothelial blood-brain barrier integrity.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a vascular endothelial cell boundary that partitions the circulation from the central nervous system to promote normal brain health. We have a limited understanding of how the BBB is formed during development and maintained in adulthood. We used quantitative transcriptional profiling to investigate whether specific adhesion molecules are involved in BBB functions, with an emphasis on understanding how astrocytes interact with endothelial cells. Our results reveal a striking enrichment of multiple genes encoding laminin subunits as well as the laminin receptor gene Itga7, which encodes the alpha7 integrin subunit, in astrocytes. Genetic ablation of Itga7 in mice led to aberrant BBB permeability and progressive neurological pathologies. Itga7-/- mice also showed a reduction in laminin protein expression in parenchymal basement membranes. Blood vessels in the Itga7-/- brain showed separation from surrounding astrocytes and had reduced expression of the tight junction proteins claudin 5 and ZO-1. We propose that the alpha7 integrin subunit in astrocytes via adhesion to laminins promotes endothelial cell junction integrity, all of which is required to properly form and maintain a functional BBB.

The ß8 integrin cytoplasmic domain activates extracellular matrix adhesion to promote brain neurovascular development.

In the developing mammalian brain, neuroepithelial cells interact with blood vessels to regulate angiogenesis, blood-brain barrier maturation and other key neurovascular functions. Genetic studies in mice have shown that neurovascular development is controlled, in part, by Itgb8, which encodes the neuroepithelial cell-expressed integrin ß8 subunit. However, these studies have involved complete loss-of-function Itgb8 mutations, and have not discerned the relative roles for the ß8 integrin extracellular matrix (ECM) binding region versus the intracellular signaling tail. Here, Cre/lox strategies have been employed to selectively delete the cytoplasmic tail of murine Itgb8 without perturbing its transmembrane and extracellular domains. We report that the ß8 integrin cytoplasmic domain is essential for inside-out modulation of adhesion, including activation of latent-TGFßs in the ECM. Quantitative sequencing of the brain endothelial cell transcriptome identifies TGFß-regulated genes with putative links to blood vessel morphogenesis, including several genes linked to Wnt/ß-catenin signaling. These results reveal that the ß8 integrin cytoplasmic domain is essential for the regulation of TGFß-dependent gene expression in endothelial cells and suggest that cross-talk between TGFßs and Wnt pathways is crucial for neurovascular development.

Glial Cell Adhesion Molecule (GlialCAM) Determines Proliferative versus Invasive Cell States in Glioblastoma.

The malignant brain cancer glioblastoma (GBM) contains groups of highly invasive cells that drive tumor progression as well as recurrence after surgery and chemotherapy. The molecular mechanisms that enable these GBM cells to exit the primary mass and disperse throughout the brain remain largely unknown. Here we report using human tumor specimens and primary spheroids from male and female patients that glial cell adhesion molecule (GlialCAM), which has normal roles in brain astrocytes and is mutated in the developmental brain disorder megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC), is differentially expressed in subpopulations of GBM cells. High levels of GlialCAM promote cell-cell adhesion and a proliferative GBM cell state in the tumor core. In contrast, GBM cells with low levels of GlialCAM display diminished proliferation and enhanced invasion into the surrounding brain parenchyma. RNAi-mediated inhibition of GlialCAM expression leads to activation of proinvasive extracellular matrix adhesion and signaling pathways. Profiling GlialCAM-regulated genes combined with cross-referencing to single-cell transcriptomic datasets validates functional links among GlialCAM, Mlc1, and aquaporin-4 in the invasive cell state. Collectively, these results reveal an important adhesion and signaling axis comprised of GlialCAM and associated proteins including Mlc1 and aquaporin-4 that is critical for control of GBM cell proliferation and invasion status in the brain cancer microenvironment.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Glioblastoma (GBM) contains heterogeneous populations of cells that coordinately drive proliferation and invasion. We have discovered that glial cell adhesion molecule (GlialCAM)/hepatocyte cell adhesion molecule (HepaCAM) is highly expressed in proliferative GBM cells within the tumor core. In contrast, GBM cells with low levels of GlialCAM robustly invade into surrounding brain tissue along blood vessels and white matter. Quantitative RNA sequencing identifies various GlialCAM-regulated genes with functions in cell-cell adhesion and signaling. These data reveal that GlialCAM and associated signaling partners, including Mlc1 and aquaporin-4, are key factors that determine proliferative and invasive cell states in GBM.

Mlc1-Expressing Perivascular Astrocytes Promote Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity.

In the mammalian brain, perivascular astrocytes (PAs) closely juxtapose blood vessels and are postulated to have important roles in the control of vascular physiology, including regulation of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Deciphering specific functions for PAs in BBB biology, however, has been limited by the ability to distinguish these cells from other astrocyte populations. In order to characterize selective roles for PAs in vivo, a new mouse model has been generated in which the endogenous megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts 1 (Mlc1) gene drives expression of Cre fused to a mutated estrogen ligand-binding domain (Mlc1-T2A-CreERT2). This knock-in mouse model, which we term MLCT, allows for selective identification and tracking of PAs in the postnatal brain. We also demonstrate that MLCT-mediated ablation of PAs causes severe defects in BBB integrity, resulting in premature death. PA loss results in aberrant localization of Claudin 5 and -VE-Cadherin in endothelial cell junctions as well as robust microgliosis. Collectively, these data reveal essential functions for Mlc1-expressing PAs in regulating endothelial barrier integrity in mice and indicate that primary defects in astrocytes that cause BBB breakdown may contribute to human neurologic disorders.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Interlaced among the billions of neurons and glia in the mammalian brain is an elaborate network of blood vessels. Signals from the brain parenchyma control the unique permeability properties of cerebral blood vessels known as the blood-brain barrier (BBB). However, we understand very little about the relative contributions of different neural cell types in the regulation of BBB functions. Here, we show that a specific subpopulation of astrocyte is essential for control of BBB integrity, with ablation of these cells leading to defects in endothelial cell junctions, BBB breakdown, and resulting neurologic deficits.

A crossbar architecture based system (CAS) as hydrogen gas sensing platform.

The development of sensing technologies and miniaturization allows for the development of smart systems with elevated sensing performance. Silicon-based hydrogen sensors have received a lot of attention due to its electrical conductivity and the mechanical endurance. With this motivation, we have proposed a two-terminal silicon-based device in a crossbar architecture as a hydrogen gas sensing platform. In this work, we have adopted a multi-layer modeling approach to analyze the performance of the proposed system. Technology computer-aided design models have been used to capture device performance. A gas sensor model based on hydrogen adsorption on the Palladium surface and a crossbar model has been adopted to understand the Palladium work function variation with gas pressure and the performance of the proposed crossbar system respectively. We have shown the impact of parameters like interconnect resistance and array size on the whole system's performance. Finally, a comprehensive analysis has been provided for the design rule of this architecture. A fabrication process to spur future experimental works has also been added. This work will provide computational insight into the performance of a crossbar hydrogen sensor system, optimized against some critical parameters.

Bacterial Swarmers Enriched During Intestinal Stress Ameliorate Damage.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Bacterial swarming, a collective movement on a surface, has rarely been associated with human pathophysiology. This study aims to define a role for bacterial swarmers in amelioration of intestinal stress. METHODS: We developed a polymicrobial plate agar assay to detect swarming and screened mice and humans with intestinal stress and inflammation. From chemically induced colitis in mice, as well as humans with inflammatory bowel disease, we developed techniques to isolate the dominant swarmers. We developed swarm-deficient but growth and swim-competent mutant bacteria as isogenic controls. We performed bacterial reinoculation studies in mice with colitis, fecal 16S, and meta-transcriptomic analyses, as well as in vitro microbial interaction studies. RESULTS: We show that bacterial swarmers are highly predictive of intestinal stress in mice and humans. We isolated a novel Enterobacter swarming strain, SM3, from mouse feces. SM3 and other known commensal swarmers, in contrast to their mutant strains, abrogated intestinal inflammation in mice. Treatment of colitic mice with SM3, but not its mutants, enriched beneficial fecal anaerobes belonging to the family of Bacteroidales S24-7. We observed SM3 swarming associated pathways in the in vivo fecal meta-transcriptomes. In vitro growth of S24-7 was enriched in presence of SM3 or its mutants; however, because SM3, but not mutants, induced S24-7 in vivo, we concluded that swarming plays an essential role in disseminating SM3 in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our work identified a new but counterintuitive paradigm in which intestinal stress allows for the emergence of swarming bacteria; however, these bacteria act to heal intestinal inflammation.

Noise immune dielectric modulated dual trench transparent gate engineered MOSFET as a label free biosensor: proposal and investigation.

We propose and investigate a biosensor based on a transparent dielectric-modulated dual-trench gate-engineered metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (DM DT GE-MOSFET) for label-free detection of biomolecules with enhanced sensitivity and efficiency. Various sensing parameters such as the I ON/I OFF ratio and the threshold voltage shift are evaluated as metrics to validate the proposed sensing device. Additionally, S Vth (the V th sensitivity) is also analyzed, considering both positively and negatively charged biomolecules. In addition, radiofrequency (RF) sensing parameters such as the transconductance gain and the cutoff frequency are taken into account to provide further insight into the sensitivity of the proposed device. Furthermore, the linearity, distortion, and noise immunity of the device are evaluated to confirm the overall performance of the biosensor at high (GHz) frequency. The results indicate that the proposed biosensor exhibits a S Vth value of 0.68 for positively charged biomolecules at a very low drain bias of 0.2 V. The proposed device can thus be used as an alternative to conventional FET-based biosensors.

Analysis of the Cariogenic Potential of Various Almond Milk Beverages using a Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Model in vitro.

To evaluate the cariogenic properties of almond milk beverages, 6 almond milks, along with soy and whole bovine milk, were analyzed for their abilities to support Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation and acid production, and their capacity to buffer changes in pH. Biofilm formation by S. mutans was analyzed using an in vitro 96-well plate model and measured by crystal violet staining. Acid production by S. mutans was evaluated by a colorimetric L-lactate assay and pH measurement of bacterial cultures. Buffering capacity was assessed by a pH titration assay. Soy milk supported the most biofilm growth, while the least was observed with unsweetened almond milk (both p < 0.001). Among almond milks, sucrose-sweetened milk led to the highest level of biofilm formation (p < 0.001), while the least was observed with unsweetened milk (p < 0.05). Sucrose-sweetened almond milk yielded the lowest pH (4.56 ± 0.66), followed by soy milk and bovine milk; the highest pH was with unsweetened almond milk (6.48 ± 0.5). When analyzed by pH titration, the unsweetened almond milk displayed the weakest buffering capacity while bovine milk showed the highest (p < 0.001). These results suggest that the almond milk beverages, except those that are sweetened with sucrose, possess limited cariogenic properties, while soy milk exhibits the most cariogenic potential. As milk alternatives become increasingly popular, dentists must counsel their patients that almond milks, especially sucrose-sweetened varieties, have cariogenic potential. For patients who are lactose-intolerant or suffer from milk allergy, almond milks may be a better alternative than soy-based products.

Deficiency of RgpG Causes Major Defects in Cell Division and Biofilm Formation, and Deficiency of LytR-CpsA-Psr Family Proteins Leads to Accumulation of Cell Wall Antigens in Culture Medium by Streptococcus mutans.

Streptococcus mutans is known to possess rhamnose-glucose polysaccharide (RGP), a major cell wall antigen. S. mutans strains deficient in rgpG, encoding the first enzyme of the RGP biosynthesis pathway, were constructed by allelic exchange. The rgpG deficiency had no effect on growth rate but caused major defects in cell division and altered cell morphology. Unlike the coccoid wild type, the rgpG mutant existed primarily in chains of swollen, "squarish" dividing cells. Deficiency of rgpG also causes significant reduction in biofilm formation (P < 0.01). Double and triple mutants with deficiency in brpA and/or psr, genes coding for the LytR-CpsA-Psr family proteins BrpA and Psr, which were previously shown to play important roles in cell envelope biogenesis, were constructed using the rgpG mutant. There were no major differences in growth rates between the wild-type strain and the rgpG brpA and rgpG psr double mutants, but the growth rate of the rgpG brpA psr triple mutant was reduced drastically (P < 0.001). Under transmission electron microscopy, both double mutants resembled the rgpG mutant, while the triple mutant existed as giant cells with multiple asymmetric septa. When analyzed by immunoblotting, the rgpG mutant displayed major reductions in cell wall antigens compared to the wild type, while little or no signal was detected with the double and triple mutants and the brpA and psr single mutants. These results suggest that RgpG in S. mutans plays a critical role in cell division and biofilm formation and that BrpA and Psr may be responsible for attachment of cell wall antigens to the cell envelope.IMPORTANCEStreptococcus mutans, a major etiological agent of human dental caries, produces rhamnose-glucose polysaccharide (RGP) as the major cell wall antigen. This study provides direct evidence that deficiency of RgpG, the first enzyme of the RGP biosynthesis pathway, caused major defects in cell division and morphology and reduced biofilm formation by S. mutans, indicative of a significant role of RGP in cell division and biofilm formation in S. mutans These results are novel not only in S. mutans, but also other streptococci that produce RGP. This study also shows that the LytR-CpsA-Psr family proteins BrpA and Psr in S. mutans are involved in attachment of RGP and probably other cell wall glycopolymers to the peptidoglycan. In addition, the results also suggest that BrpA and Psr may play a direct role in cell division and biofilm formation in S. mutans This study reveals new potential targets to develop anticaries therapeutics.

Synthesis, Fluorescence Spectra, Redox Property and the DNA Binding Studies of 7-phenylacenaphtho[1,2-b]quinoxalin-7-ium chloride: Evidences of the Formation of Neutral Radical Analogue.

Reaction of acenaphthoquinone with N-phenyl-o-phenylenediamine in methanol in presence of HCl yielded 7-phenylacenaphtho[1,2-b]quinoxalin-7-ium chloride, [1][Cl]. [1][Cl] is brightly fluorescencent in dichloromethane (λex = 403 nm and λem = 442, 464, 488 nm) and water (λex = 408 nm and λem = 545 nm). Density functional theory (DFT) and time dependent (TD) DFT calculations on [1](+) at the B3LYP level of the theory elucidated that the origin of the lower energy excitation at around 400 nm is due to π → π(*) transition. [1](+) is redox active and exhibits a reversible cathodic wave at -0.66 V referenced to Fc(+)/Fc couple due to [1](+)/[1](•) redox couple. Electrogenerated neutral radical analogue [1](•) was characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), UV-vis spectra and DFT calculations. DNA binding studies using the techniques of UV-vis absorption, fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD) spectra, viscosity, gel electrophoresis, hydrodynamic, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and UV optical melting studies of [1][Cl] revealed that [1](+) is a strong DNA intercalator obeying neighbor exclusion principle. ITC experiment authenticated that the binding of [1](+) to DNA is entropy driven.

Protocol for isolating single species of bacteria with swarming ability from human feces.

Understanding the specific movements of bacteria isolated from human feces can serve as a novel diagnostic and therapeutic tool for inflammatory bowel disease. Here, we present a protocol for a microbial swarming assay and to isolate the bacteria responsible for swarming activity. We describe steps for identifying bacteria using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and whole-genome sequencing. We then detail procedures for validating findings by observing the same swarming phenotype upon reperforming the swarming assay. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to De et al.1.

Performance analysis of DNA crossbar arrays for high-density memory storage applications.

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) has emerged as a promising building block for next-generation ultra-high density storage devices. Although DNA has high durability and extremely high density in nature, its potential as the basis of storage devices is currently hindered by limitations such as expensive and complex fabrication processes and time-consuming read-write operations. In this article, we propose the use of a DNA crossbar array architecture for an electrically readable read-only memory (DNA-ROM). While information can be 'written' error-free to a DNA-ROM array using appropriate sequence encodings its read accuracy can be affected by several factors such as array size, interconnect resistance, and Fermi energy deviations from HOMO levels of DNA strands employed in the crossbar. We study the impact of array size and interconnect resistance on the bit error rate of a DNA-ROM array through extensive Monte Carlo simulations. We have also analyzed the performance of our proposed DNA crossbar array for an image storage application, as a function of array size and interconnect resistance. While we expect that future advances in bioengineering and materials science will address some of the fabrication challenges associated with DNA crossbar arrays, we believe that the comprehensive body of results we present in this paper establishes the technical viability of DNA crossbar arrays as low power, high-density storage devices. Finally, our analysis of array performance vis-à-vis interconnect resistance should provide valuable insights into aspects of the fabrication process such as proper choice of interconnects necessary for ensuring high read accuracies.

The Relevance of Circadian Clocks to Stem Cell Differentiation and Cancer Progression.

The molecular mechanism of circadian clocks depends on transcription-translation feedback loops (TTFLs) that have known effects on key cellular processes. However, the distinct role of circadian TTFLs in mammalian stem cells and other less differentiated cells remains poorly understood. Neural stem cells (NSCs) of the brain generate neurons and glia postnatally but also may become cancer stem cells (CSCs), particularly in astrocytomas. Evidence indicates clock TTFL impairment is needed for tumor growth and progression; although, this issue has been examined primarily in more differentiated cancer cells rather than CSCs. Similarly, few studies have examined circadian rhythms in NSCs. After decades of research, it is now well recognized that tumors consist of CSCs and a range of other cancer cells along with noncancerous stromal cells. The circadian properties of these many contributors to tumor properties and treatment outcome are being widely explored. New molecular tools and ones in development will likely enable greater discrimination of important circadian and non-circadian cells within malignancies at multiple stages of cancer progression and following therapy. Here, we focus on adult NSCs and glioma CSCs to address how cells at different stages of differentiation may harbor unique states of the molecular circadian clock influencing differentiation and cell fate.

Enterobacter sp. Strain SM1_HS2B Manifests Transient Elongation and Swimming Motility in Liquid Medium.

Many species of bacteria change their morphology and behavior under external stresses. In this study, we report transient elongation and swimming motility of a novel Enterobacter sp. strain, SM1_HS2B, in liquid broth under a standard growth condition. When growing in the Luria-Bertani medium, HS2B cells delay their cell division and elongate. Although transient over a few hours, the average cell length reaches over 10 times that of the stationary-state cells. The increase is also cumulative following repeated growth cycles stimulated by taking cells out of the exponential phase and adding them into fresh medium every 2 hours. The majority of the cells attain swimming motility during the exponential growth phase, and then they lose swimming motility over the course of several hours. Both daughter cells due to division of a long swimming cell retain the ability to swim. We confirm that the long HS2B cells swim with rigid-body rotation along their body axis. These findings based on microscopic observation following repeated cycles of growth establish HS2B as a prototype strain with sensitive dependence of size and motility on its physical and biochemical environment. IMPORTANCE Bacteria undergo morphological changes in order to cope with external stresses. Among the best-known examples are cell elongation and hyperflagellation in the context of swarming motility. The subject of this report, SM1_HS2B, is a hyperswarming strain of a newly identified species of enterobacteria, noted as Enterobacter sp. SM1. The key finding that SM1_HS2B transiently elongates to extreme length in fresh liquid medium offers new insights on regulation in bacterial growth and division. SM1_HS2B also manifests transient but vigorous swimming motility during the exponential phase of growth in liquid medium. These properties establish HS2B as a prototype strain with sensitive dependence of size and motility on its physical and biochemical environment. Such a dependence may be relevant to swarming behavior with a significant environmental or physiological outcome.

Insights into Oncogenesis from Circadian Timing in Cancer Stem Cells.

Cancer and circadian rhythms are linked in several ways, through immunomodulatory, neuroendocrine, and metabolic pathways. The circadian timing system consists of interacting circadian clocks in organs throughout the body that contain cells endowed with self-sustaining molecular circadian oscillations. Circadian rhythms are spontaneously generated by specific transcription and translation feedback cycles. Cancer cells emerging from these rhythmic tissues are subjected to daily physiological rhythms imposed by the circadian system, and some transformed cells have their own intrinsic circadian clocks. The role of these circadian clock cells in cancer prevention and oncogenesis remains to be fully explored. Nevertheless, evidence suggests that new cancers are fostered by degradation of the circadian system's rhythmic properties. In contrast, circadian clocks within cancer cells might aid in their survival if they provide benefits such as an ability to synchronize with daily nutrient availability or circadian rhythms in immune cell activity. Here, we address new evidence challenging the simplicity of carcinogenesis models that depend solely on the importance of minimized cancer risk provided by well-aligned and robust circadian clocks in the body. The biology of cancer stem cells and the benefits they may receive from their own rhythmic and non-rhythmic expressions of core circadian clock genes are examined with a focus on gliomas and liver cancer stem cells, along with possibilities for timed medical interventions.

Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts 1 (MLC1) promotes glioblastoma cell invasion in the brain microenvironment.

Glioblastoma (GBM), or grade IV astrocytoma, is a malignant brain cancer that contains subpopulations of proliferative and invasive cells that coordinately drive primary tumor growth, progression, and recurrence after therapy. Here, we have analyzed functions for megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts 1 (Mlc1), an eight-transmembrane protein normally expressed in perivascular brain astrocyte end feet that is essential for neurovascular development and physiology, in the pathogenesis of GBM. We show that Mlc1 is expressed in human stem-like GBM cells (GSCs) and is linked to the development of primary and recurrent GBM. Genetically inhibiting MLC1 in GSCs using RNAi-mediated gene silencing results in diminished growth and invasion in vitro as well as impaired tumor initiation and progression in vivo. Biochemical assays identify the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl and its intracellular signaling effectors as important for MLC1 control of GSC invasive growth. Collectively, these data reveal key functions for MLC1 in promoting GSC growth and invasion, and suggest that targeting the Mlc1 protein or its associated signaling effectors may be a useful therapy for blocking tumor progression in patients with primary or recurrent GBM.

Cancer stem cell generation during epithelial-mesenchymal transition is temporally gated by intrinsic circadian clocks.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key event preceding tumor cell metastasis that increases cell invasiveness and cancer stem cell (CSC) populations. Studies suggest that genes used in generating circadian rhythms also serve in regulating EMT. To test the role of circadian clocks in cellular EMT events two cancer cell lines were compared, one that has a well-established circadian clock, C6 from rat glioma, and one that does not, MCF-7 from human breast tumor. MCF-7 tumorsphere cultures were tested for evidence of circadian rhythms because of previously reported circadian rhythm enhancement in C6 tumorspheres shown by elevated rhythm amplitude and increased expression of circadian clock gene Per2. Bioluminescence imaging of Per2 gene expression in MCF-7 tumorspheres revealed a previously unconfirmed circadian clock in this important cancer research model. Inducing CSC generation through EMT in C6 and MCF-7 monolayer cultures revealed circadian oscillations in the size of the post-EMT CSC population, confirming that circadian rhythms are additional processes controlling this stage of cancer progression. EMT was verified by distinct cellular morphological changes and expression of stem cell proteins OCT4, nestin, MSI1, and CD133 along with EMT-related proteins ZEB1, vimentin, and TWIST. Quantifying single-cell events and behaviors through time-lapse imaging indicated the post-EMT population size was determined largely by circadian rhythms in epithelial-like cancer cells undergoing EMT. We then identified a specific phase of the circadian rhythm in Per2 gene activation as a potential target for therapeutic treatments that may suppress EMT, minimize CSCs, and limit metastasis.

Musashi-2 and related stem cell proteins in the mouse suprachiasmatic nucleus and their potential role in circadian rhythms.

BACKGROUND: The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the mammalian hypothalamus contains the master circadian clock of the body and an unusually large number of cells expressing stem cell-related proteins. These seemingly undifferentiated cells may serve in entrainment of the SCN circadian clock to light cycles or allow it to undergo neural plasticity important for modifying its rhythmic output signals. These cells may also proliferate and differentiate into neurons or glia in response to episodic stimuli or developmental events requiring alterations in the SCN's control of physiology and behavior. PROBLEM: To characterize expression of stem cell related proteins in the SCN and the effects of stem-like cells on circadian rhythms. METHODS: Explant cultures of mouse SCN were maintained in medium designed to promote survival and growth of stem cells but not neuronal cells. Several stem cell marker proteins including SRY-box containing gene 2 (SOX2), nestin, vimentin, octamer-binding protein 4 (OCT4), and Musashi RNA-binding protein 2 (MSI2) were identified by immunocytochemistry in histological sections from adult mouse SCN and in cultures of microdissected SCN. A bioinformatics analysis located potential SCN targets of MSI2 and related RNA-binding proteins. RESULTS: Cells expressing stem cell markers proliferated in culture. Immunostained brain sections and bioinformatics supported the view that MSI2 regulates immature properties of SCN neurons, potentially providing flexibility in SCN neural circuits. Explant cultures had ongoing mitotic activity, indicated by proliferating-cell nuclear antigen, and extensive cell loss shown by propidium iodide staining. Cells positive for vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) that are highly enriched in the SCN were diminished in explant cultures. Despite neuronal cell loss, tissue remained viable for over 7 weeks in culture, as shown by bioluminescence imaging of explants prepared from SCN of Per1::luc transgenic mice. The circadian rhythm in SCN gene expression persisted in brain slice cultures in stem cell medium. Prominent, widespread expression of RNA-binding protein MSI2 supported the importance of posttranscriptional regulation in SCN functions and provided further evidence of stem-like cells. CONCLUSION: The results show that the SCN retains properties of immature neurons and these properties persist in culture conditions suitable for stem cells, where the SCN stem-like cells also proliferate. These properties may allow adaptive circadian rhythm adjustments. Further exploration should examine stem-like cells of the SCN in vivo, how they may affect circadian rhythms, and whether MSI2 serves as a master regulator of SCN stem-like properties.

A Meta-Analysis Characterizing Stem-Like Gene Expression in the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus and Its Circadian Clock.

Cells expressing proteins characteristic of stem cells and progenitor cells are present in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the adult mammalian hypothalamus. Any relationship between this distinctive feature and the master circadian clock of the SCN is unclear. Considering the lack of obvious neurogenesis in the adult SCN relative to the hippocampus and other structures that provide neurons and glia, it is possible that the SCN has partially differentiated cells that can provide neural circuit plasticity rather than ongoing neurogenesis. To test this possibility, available databases and publications were explored to identify highly expressed genes in the mouse SCN that also have known or suspected roles in cell differentiation, maintenance of stem-like states, or cell-cell interactions found in adult and embryonic stem cells and cancer stem cells. The SCN was found to have numerous genes associated with stem cell maintenance and increased motility from which we selected 25 of the most relevant genes. Over ninety percent of these stem-like genes were expressed at higher levels in the SCN than in other brain areas. Further analysis of this gene set could provide a greater understanding of how adjustments in cell contacts alter period and phase relationships of circadian rhythms. Circadian timing and its role in cancer, sleep, and metabolic disorders are likely influenced by genes selected in this study.

Deficiency of MecA in Streptococcus mutans Causes Major Defects in Cell Envelope Biogenesis, Cell Division, and Biofilm Formation.

MecA is an adaptor protein that guides the ClpC/P-mediated proteolysis. A S. mutans MecA-deficient mutant was constructed by double-crossover allelic exchange and analyzed for the effects of such a deficiency on cell biology and biofilm formation. Unlike the wild-type, UA159, the mecA mutant, TW416, formed mucoid and smooth colonies, severely clumped in broth and had a reduced growth rate. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that TW416 grows primarily in chains of giant "swollen" cells with multiple asymmetric septa, unlike the coccoid form of UA159. As compared to UA159, biofilm formation by TW416 was significantly reduced regardless of the carbohydrate sources used for growth (P < 0.001). Western blot analysis of TW416 whole cell lysates showed a reduced expression of the glucosyltransferase GtfC and GtfB, as well as the P1 and WapA adhesins providing an explanation for the defective biofilm formation of TW416. When analyzed by a colorimetric assay, the cell wall phosphate of the mutant murein sacculi was almost 20-fold lower than the parent strain (P < 0.001). Interestingly, however, when analyzed using immunoblotting of the murein sacculi preps with UA159 whole cell antiserum as a probe, TW416 was shown to possess significantly higher signal intensity as compared to the wild-type. There is also evidence that MecA in S. mutans is more than an adaptor protein, although how it modulates the bacterial pathophysiology, including cell envelope biogenesis, cell division, and biofilm formation awaits further investigation.