Showing papers by "St. Jude Children's Research Hospital published in 1997"

Phosphorylation of the translational repressor PHAS-I by the mammalian target of rapamycin

Abstract: The immunosuppressant rapamycin interferes with G1-phase progression in lymphoid and other cell types by inhibiting the function of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). mTOR was determined to be a terminal kinase in a signaling pathway that couples mitogenic stimulation to the phosphorylation of the eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF)-4E-binding protein, PHAS-I. The rapamycin-sensitive protein kinase activity of mTOR was required for phosphorylation of PHAS-I in insulin-stimulated human embryonic kidney cells. mTOR phosphorylated PHAS-I on serine and threonine residues in vitro, and these modifications inhibited the binding of PHAS-I to eIF-4E. These studies define a role for mTOR in translational control and offer further insights into the mechanism whereby rapamycin inhibits G1-phase progression in mammalian cells.

Inhibition of cyclin D1 phosphorylation on threonine-286 prevents its rapid degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway

Abstract: The expression of D-type G1 cyclins and their assembly with their catalytic partners, the cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4 and CDK6), into active holoenzyme complexes are regulated by growth factor-induced signals. In turn, the ability of cyclin D-dependent kinases to trigger phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma (Rb) protein in the mid- to late G1 phase of the cell cycle makes the inactivation of Rb's growth suppressive function a mitogen-dependent step. The ability of D-type cyclins to act as growth factor sensors depends not only on their rapid induction by mitogens but also on their inherent instability, which ensures their precipitous degradation in cells deprived of growth factors. However, the mechanisms governing the turnover of D-type cyclins have not yet been elucidated. We now show that cyclin D1 turnover is governed by ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, which are positively regulated by cyclin D1 phosphorylation on threonine-286. Although "free" or CDK4-bound cyclin D1 molecules are intrinsically unstable (t1/2 < 30 min), a cyclin D1 mutant (T286A) containing an alanine for threonine-286 substitution fails to undergo efficient polyubiquitination in an in vitro system or in vivo, and it is markedly stabilized (t1/2 approximately 3.5 hr) when inducibly expressed in either quiescent or proliferating mouse fibroblasts. Phosphorylation of cyclin D1 on threonine-286 also occurs in insect Sf9 cells, and although the process is enhanced significantly by the binding of cyclin D1 to CDK4, it does not depend on CDK4 catalytic activity. This implies that another kinase can phosphorylate cyclin D1 to accelerate its destruction and points to yet another means by which cyclin D-dependent kinase activity may be exogenously regulated.

Molecular diagnosis of thiopurine S-methyltransferase deficiency: Genetic basis for azathioprine and mercaptopurine intolerance

Abstract: Background: Thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPM) catalyzes the S-methylation (that is, inactivation) of mercaptopurine, azathioprine, and thioguanine and exhibits genetic polymorphism. About 10% of...

Scrambler and yotari disrupt the disabled gene and produce a reeler -like phenotype in mice

Abstract: Formation of the mammalian brain requires choreographed migration of neurons to generate highly ordered laminar structures such as those in the cortices of the forebrain and the cerebellum. These processes are severely disrupted by mutations in reelin1 which cause widespread misplacement of neurons and associated ataxia in reeler mice2,3. Reelin is a large extracellular protein secreted by pioneer neurons that coordinates cell positioning during neurodevelopment1,4,5,6,7,8. Two new autosomal recessive mouse mutations, scrambler9 and yotari10 have been described that exhibit a phenotype identical to reeler9,10,11. Here we report that scrambler and yotari arise from mutations in mdab1 (ref. 12), a mouse gene related to the Drosophila gene disabled ( dab )13. Both scrambler and yotari mice express mutated forms of mdab1 messenger RNA and little or no mDab1 protein. mDab1 is a phosphoprotein that appears to function as an intracellular adaptor in protein kinase pathways. Expression analysis indicates that mdab1 is expressed in neuronal populations exposed to Reelin. The similar phenotypes of reeler, scrambler, yotari and mdab1 null mice14 indicate that Reelin and mDab1 function as signalling molecules that regulate cell positioning in the developing brain.

A system for functional analysis of Ebola virus glycoprotein

Abstract: Ebola virus causes hemorrhagic fever in humans and nonhuman primates, resulting in mortality rates of up to 90%. Studies of this virus have been hampered by its extraordinary pathogenicity, which requires biosafety level 4 containment. To circumvent this problem, we developed a novel complementation system for functional analysis of Ebola virus glycoproteins. It relies on a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) that contains the green fluorescent protein gene instead of the receptor-binding G protein gene (VSVΔG*). Herein we show that Ebola Reston virus glycoprotein (ResGP) is efficiently incorporated into VSV particles. This recombinant VSV with integrated ResGP (VSVΔG*-ResGP) infected primate cells more efficiently than any of the other mammalian or avian cells examined, in a manner consistent with the host range tropism of Ebola virus, whereas VSVΔG* complemented with VSV G protein (VSVΔG*-G) efficiently infected the majority of the cells tested. We also tested the utility of this system for investigating the cellular receptors for Ebola virus. Chemical modification of cells to alter their surface proteins markedly reduced their susceptibility to VSVΔG*-ResGP but not to VSVΔG*-G. These findings suggest that cell surface glycoproteins with N-linked oligosaccharide chains contribute to the entry of Ebola viruses, presumably acting as a specific receptor and/or cofactor for virus entry. Thus, our VSV system should be useful for investigating the functions of glycoproteins from highly pathogenic viruses or those incapable of being cultured in vitro.

The Possibilities and Pitfalls of Doing a Secondary Analysis of a Qualitative Data Set

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to identify the general methodologic and data set-specific challenges that must be overcome when attempting a secondary analysis of qualitative data Two separate examples of secondary analyses of qualitative data sets are also described, including one unsuccessful beginning

Expression of the p16INK4A tumor suppressor versus other INK4 family members during mouse development and aging

Abstract: Four INK4 proteins can prevent cell proliferation by specifically inhibiting cyclin D-dependent kinases. Both p18INK4c and p19INK4d were widely expressed during mouse embryogenesis, but p16INK4a and p15INK4b were not readily detected prenatally. Although p15INK4b, p18INK4c and p19INK4d were demonstrated in many tissues by 4 weeks after birth, p16INK4a protein expression was restricted to the lung and spleen of older mice, with increased, more widespread mRNA expression during aging. Transcripts encoding the INK4a alternative reading frame product p19ARF were not detected before birth but were ubiquitous postnatally. Expression of p16INK4a and p15INK4b was induced when mouse embryos were disrupted and cultured as mouse embryo 'fibroblasts' (MEFs). The levels of p16INK4a and p18INK4c, but not p15INK4b or p19INK4d, further increased as MEFs approached senescence. Following crisis and establishment, three of four independently-derived cell lines became polyploid and expressed higher levels of functional p16INK4a. In contrast, one MEF line that sustained bi-allelic deletions of INK4a initially remained diploid. Therefore, loss of p16INK4a and other events predisposing to polyploidy may represent alternative processes contributing to cell immortalization. Whereas p18INK4c and p19INK4d may regulate pre- and postnatal development, p16INK4a more likely plays a checkpoint function during cell senescence that underscores its selective role as a tumor suppressor.

ALK , the chromosome 2 gene locus altered by the t(2;5) in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, encodes a novel neural receptor tyrosine kinase that is highly related to leukocyte tyrosine kinase (LTK)

Abstract: Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) was originally identified as a member of the insulin receptor subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases that acquires transforming capability when truncated and fused to nucleophosmin (NPM) in the t(2;5) chromosomal rearrangement associated with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, but further insights into its normal structure and function are lacking. Here, we characterize a full-length normal human ALK cDNA and its product, and determine the pattern of expression of its murine homologue in embryonic and adult tissues as a first step toward the functional assessment of the receptor. Analysis of the 6226 bp ALK cDNA identified an open reading frame encoding a 1620-amino acid (aa) protein of predicted mass ∼177 kDa that is most closely related to leukocyte tyrosine kinase (LTK), the two exhibiting 57% aa identity and 71% similarity over their region of overlap. Biochemical analysis demonstrated that the ∼177 kDa ALK polypeptide core undergoes co-translational N-linked glycosylation, emerging in its mature form as a 200 kDa single chain receptor. Surface labeling studies indicated that the 200 kDa glycoprotein is exposed at the cell membrane, consistent with the prediction that ALK serves as the receptor for an unidentified ligand(s). In situ hybridization studies revealed Alk expression beginning on embryonic day 11 and persisting into the neonatal and adult periods of development. Alk transcripts were confined to the nervous system and included several thalamic and hypothalamic nuclei; the trigeminal, facial, and acoustic cranial ganglia; the anterior horns of the spinal cord in the region of the developing motor neurons; the sympathetic chain; and the ganglion cells of the gut. Thus, ALK is a novel orphan receptor tyrosine kinase that appears to play an important role in the normal development and function of the nervous system.

CD8+ T cells clear influenza virus by perforin or Fas-dependent processes.

Abstract: Influenza virus infection is controlled in CD4-depleted mice that are also defective for the expression of either Fas (Fas-/-) or perforin (P-/-). Virus-immune P+/+ and P-/- CD8+ T cells can thus function in, respectively, a Fas-/- or Fas+/+ lung environment. The obvious question is whether the P-/- CD8+ set is effective in Fas-/- mice, a conclusion that would tend to favor cytokine secretion as the mode of virus clearance. Short term chimeras were made with P-/- bone marrow, P+/+ or P-/- T cells, and Fas+/+ or Fas-/- irradiated recipients. While the P+/+ CD8+ population cleared the virus from Fas+/+ and Fas-/- respiratory epithelium, the P-/- effectors were operational only if there was the potential for Fas to be expressed on radiation-resistant lung cells. Target cell destruction mediated via the Fas or perforin pathways is clearly the primary mechanism used by CD8+ T cells to terminate this viral pneumonia.

Reelin Is a Secreted Glycoprotein Recognized by the CR-50 Monoclonal Antibody

Abstract: The neurological mouse mutant strain reeler displays abnormal laminar organization of several brain structures as a consequence of a defect in cell migration during neurodevelopment. This phenotype is a result of the disruption of reelin , a gene encoding a protein that has several structural characteristics of extracellular matrix proteins. To understand the molecular basis of the action of Reelin on neuronal migration, we constructed a full-length reelin clone and used it to direct Reelin expression. Here, we demonstrate that Reelin is a secreted glycoprotein and that a highly charged C-terminal region is essential for secretion. In addition, we demonstrate that an amino acid sequence present in the N-terminal region of Reelin contains an epitope that is recognized by the CR-50 monoclonal antibody. CR-50 was raised against an antigen expressed in normal mouse brain that is absent in reeler mice. The interaction of CR-50 with its epitope leads to the disruption of neural cell aggregation in vitro . Here, we used CR-50 to precipitate Reelin from reticulocyte extracts programmed with reelin mRNA, from cells transfected with reelin clones, and from cerebellar explants. The reelin gene product seems to function as an instructive signal in the regulation of neuronal migration.

The human homologue of yeast CRM1 is in a dynamic subcomplex with CAN/Nup214 and a novel nuclear pore component Nup88.

Abstract: The oncogenic nucleoporin CAN/Nup214 is essential in vertebrate cells. Its depletion results in defective nuclear protein import, inhibition of messenger RNA export and cell cycle arrest. We recently found that CAN associates with proteins of 88 and 112 kDa, which we have now cloned and characterized. The 88 kDa protein is a novel nuclear pore complex (NPC) component, which we have named Nup88. Depletion of CAN from the NPC results in concomitant loss of Nup88, indicating that the localization of Nup88 to the NPC is dependent on CAN binding. The 112 kDa protein is the human homologue of yeast CRM1, a protein known to be required for maintenance of correct chromosome structure. This human CRM1 (hCRM1) localized to the NPC as well as to the nucleoplasm. Nuclear overexpression of the FG‐repeat region of CAN, containing its hCRM1‐interaction domain, resulted in depletion of hCRM1 from the NPC. In CAN−/− mouse embryos lacking CAN, hCRM1 remained in the nuclear envelope, suggesting that this protein can also bind to other repeat‐containing nucleoporins. Lastly, hCRM1 shares a domain of significant homology with importin‐β, a cytoplasmic transport factor that interacts with nucleoporin repeat regions. We propose that hCRM1 is a soluble nuclear transport factor that interacts with the NPC.

NF-AT activation induced by a CAML-interacting member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily.

Abstract: Activation of the nuclear factor of activated T cells transcription factor (NF-AT) is a key event underlying lymphocyte action. The CAML (calcium-modulator and cyclophilin ligand) protein is a coinducer of NF-AT activation when overexpressed in Jurkat T cells. A member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily was isolated by virtue of its affinity for CAML. Cross-linking of this lymphocyte-specific protein, designated TACI (transmembrane activator and CAML-interactor), on the surface of transfected Jurkat cells with TACI-specific antibodies led to activation of the transcription factors NF-AT, AP-1, and NFkappaB. TACI-induced activation of NF-AT was specifically blocked by a dominant-negative CAML mutant, thus implicating CAML as a signaling intermediate.

Runt Homology Domain Proteins in Osteoblast Differentiation: AML3/CBFA1 Is a Major Component of a Bone-Specific Complex

Abstract: The AML/CBFA family of runt homology domain (rhd) transcription factors regulates expression of mammalian genes of the hematopoietic lineage. AML1, AML2 and AML3 are the three AML genes identified to date which influence myeloid cell growth and differentiation. Recently AML-related proteins were identified in an osteoblast-specific promoter binding complex that functionally modulates bone-restricted transcription of the osteocalcin gene. In the present study we demonstrate that in primary rat osteoblasts AML-3 is the AML family member present in the osteoblast-specific complex. Antibody specific for AML-3 completely supershifts this complex, in contrast to antibodies with specificity for AML-1 or AML-2, AML-3 is present as a single 5.4 kb transcript in bone tissues. To establish the functional involvement of AML factors in osteoblast differentiation, we pursued antisense strategies to alter expression of rhd genes. Treatment of osteoblast cultures with rhd antisense oligonucleotides significantly decreased three parameters which are linked to differentiation of normal diploid osteoblasts: the representation of alkaline phosphatase-positive cells, osteocalcin production, and the formation of mineralized nodules. Our findings indicate that AML-3 is a key transcription factor in bone cells and that the activity of rhd proteins is required for completion of osteoblast differentiation.

Effector CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell mechanisms in the control of respiratory virus infections.

Abstract: The rules for T-cell-mediated control of viruses that infect via the respiratory mucosae show both common themes and differences, depending on the nature of the pathogen. Virus-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are the key effectors of virus clearance in mice infected with both negative strand RNA viruses (influenza and Sendai) and a DNA virus, the murine gamma-herpesvirus-68 (MHV-68). Recently completed experiments establish that these activated CD8+ T cells indeed operate primarily via contact-dependent lysis. Perforin-mediated cytotoxicity seems to be the preferred mode, though a Fas-based mechanism can apparently serve as an alternative mechanism. Immune CD4+ T cells functioning in the absence of the CD8+ subset cannot eliminate MHV-68 from lung epithelial cells, are somewhat less efficient than the CD8+ CTLs at clearing the RNA viruses, and are generally ineffectual in mice that lack B lymphocytes. Though cytokine secretion by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the virus-infected lung may promote both T-cell extravasation and macrophage activation, such processes are not alone sufficient to deal consistently with any of these infections. However, CD4+ T help is mandatory for an effective B-cell response, and can operate to promote the clonal expansion of virus-specific CD8+ T cells in the lymph nodes and spleen. Furthermore, a concurrent CD4+ T-cell response seems to be essential for maintaining continued CD8+ T-cell surveillance and effector capacity through the persistent, latent phase of MHV-68 infection in B cells. Thus, the evidence to date supports a very traditional view; CD8+ T cells function mainly as killers and the CD4+ T cells as helpers in these respiratory virus infections.

Role of the nucleophosmin (NPM) portion of the non-Hodgkin's lymphoma-associated NPM-anaplastic lymphoma kinase fusion protein in oncogenesis

Abstract: The NPM-ALK fusion gene, formed by the t(2;5)(p23;q35) translocation in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, encodes a 75-kDa hybrid protein that contains the amino-terminal 117 amino acid residues of the nucleolar phosphoprotein nucleophosmin (NPM) joined to the entire cytoplasmic portion of the receptor tyrosine kinase ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase). Here, we demonstrate the transforming ability of NPM-ALK and show that oncogenesis by the chimeric protein requires the activation of its kinase function as a result of oligomerization mediated by the NPM segment. Sedimentation gradient experiments revealed that NPM-ALK forms in vivo multimeric complexes of approximately 200 kDa or greater that also contain normal NPM. Cell fractionation studies of the t(2;5) translocation-containing lymphoma cell line SUP-M2 showed NPM-ALK to be localized within both the cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments. Immunostaining performed with both polyclonal and monoclonal anti-ALK antibodies confirmed the dual location of the oncoprotein and also indicated that NPM-ALK is abundant within both the nucleoplasm and the nucleolus. An intact NPM segment is absolutely required for NPM-ALK-mediated oncogenesis, as indicated by our observation that three different NPM-ALK mutant proteins lacking nonoverlapping portions of the NPM segment were each unable to form complexes, lacked kinase activity in vivo, and failed to transform cells. However, NPM could be functionally replaced in the fusion protein with the portion of the unrelated translocated promoter region (TPR) protein that activates the TPR-MET fusion kinase by mediating dimerization through its leucine zipper motif. This engineered TPR-ALK hybrid protein, which transformed cells almost as efficiently as NPM-ALK, was localized solely within the cytoplasm of cells. These data indicate that the nuclear and nucleolar localization of NPM-ALK, which probably occur because of transport via the shuttling activity of NPM, is not required for oncogenesis. Further, the activation of the truncated ALK protein by a completely heterologous oligomerization domain suggests that the functionally important role of the NPM segment of NPM-ALK in transformation is restricted to the formation of kinase-active oligomers and does not involve the alteration of normal NPM functions.

Activation of Jak2 catalytic activity requires phosphorylation of Y1007 in the kinase activation loop.

Abstract: The Janus protein tyrosine kinases (Jaks) play critical roles in transducing growth and differentiation signals emanating from ligand-activated cytokine receptor complexes. The activation of the Jaks is hypothesized to occur as a consequence of auto- or transphosphorylation on tyrosine residues associated with ligand-induced aggregation of the receptor chains and the associated Jaks. In many kinases, regulation of catalytic activity by phosphorylation occurs on residues within the activation loop of the kinase domain. Within the Jak2 kinase domain, there is a region that has considerable sequence homology to the regulatory region of the insulin receptor and contains two tyrosines, Y1007 and Y1008, that are potential regulatory sites. In the studies presented here, we demonstrate that among a variety of sites, Y1007 and Y1008 are sites of trans- or autophosphorylation in vivo and in in vitro kinase reactions. Mutation of Y1007, or both Y1007 and Y1008, to phenylalanine essentially eliminated kinase activity, whereas mutation of Y1008 to phenylalanine had no detectable effect on kinase activity. The mutants were also examined for the ability to reconstitute erythropoietin signaling in gamma2 cells, which lack Jak2. Consistent with the kinase activity, mutation of Y1007 to phenylalanine eliminated the ability to restore signaling. Moreover, phosphorylation of a kinase-inactive mutant (K882E) was not detected, indicating that Jak2 activation during receptor aggregation is dependent on Jak2 and not another receptor-associated kinase. The results demonstrate the critical role of phosphorylation of Y1007 in Jak2 regulation and function.

Enhanced proteolysis of thiopurine s-methyltransferase (tpmt) encoded by mutant alleles in humans (tpmt*3a, tpmt*2): mechanisms for the genetic polymorphism of tpmt activity

Abstract: TPMT is a cytosolic enzyme that catalyzes the S-methylation of aromatic and heterocyclic sulfhydryl compounds, including medications such as mercaptopurine and thioguanine. TPMT activity exhibits autosomal codominant genetic polymorphism, and patients inheriting TPMT deficiency are at high risk of potentially fatal hematopoietic toxicity. The most prevalent mutant alleles associated with TPMT deficiency in humans have been cloned and characterized (TPMT*2 and TPMT*3A), but the mechanisms for loss of catalytic activity have not been elucidated. In the present study, we established that erythrocyte TPMT activity was significantly related to the amount of TPMT protein on Western blots of erythrocytes from patients with TPMT activities of 0.4-23 units/ml pRBC (rs = 0.99; P < 0.001). Similarly, heterologous expression of wild-type (TPMT*1) and mutant (TPMT*2 and TPMT*3A) human cDNAs in yeast and COS-1 cells demonstrated comparable levels of TPMT mRNA but significantly lower TPMT protein with the mutant cDNAs. Rates of protein synthesis were comparable for wild-type and mutant proteins expressed in yeast and with in vitro translation in rabbit reticulocyte lysates. In contrast, pulse-chase experiments revealed significantly shorter degradation half-lives for TPMT*2 and TPMT*3A ( approximately 0.25 hr) compared with wild-type TPMT*1 (18 hr). The degradation of mutant proteins was impaired by ATP depletion and in yeast with mutant proteasomes (pre-1 strain) but unaffected by the lysosomal inhibitor chloroquine. These studies establish enhanced degradation of TPMT proteins encoded by TPMT*2 and TPMT*3A as mechanisms for lower TPMT protein and catalytic activity inherited by the predominant mutant alleles at the human TPMT locus.

Childhood adrenocortical tumors

Abstract: The problem From 1966 ‐1996, 73 children under 16 yr of age with adrenocortical tumor were admitted to the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology at the Clinics Hospital, Federal University of Parana, in the city of Curitiba, State of Parana, in southern Brazil. The Clinics Hospital is a tertiary referral center for approximately 10 million inhabitants, 3.5 million of whom are children less than 15 yr of age. With 12‐14 new cases of childhood adrenocortical tumor (ACT) diagnosed in the State of Parana each year, the annual incidence of ACT within this region can be estimated to range from 3.4 ‐ 4.2/ million children below the age of 15 yr. Remarkably, patients 4 yr of age or less account for the vast majority of cases seen at the Clinics Hospital (Fig. 1). This finding as well as those from other southern Brazilian states suggest an increased incidence of ACT in children (1). By comparison, the annual worldwide incidence of childhood ACT ranges from only 0.3‐ 0.38/million children below the age of 15 yr (2, 3). Definitive explanations for this apparent excess of ACT cases in southern Brazil are presently lacking. The Parana region is located below the Tropic of Capricorn and has no known endemic transmissible diseases. The population is mainly of European extraction (Italy, Poland, and Germany), locales in which the incidence of ACT in children has not been unduly increased. Moreover, compared with other regions of Brazil, this southern state has had the least native Indian influence during colonization. A genetic predisposition toward cancer, which appears to play a role in many childhood tumors, is not a common feature among southern Brazilian families of children with ACT (4). Industrial pollutants, a major contributor to increased rates of solid tumor development, cannot be accorded more than a minor role in the Parana cases due to the slow pace of industrial expansion in this region. However, because of the extensive agricultural activities in southern Brazil, it is possible that environmental pollutants, such as pesticides, may pose a substantial health hazard. Agricultural pesticides are widely used in Parana, usually without safety guidelines. In this regard, British investigators found an association between an increased incidence of ACT and pesticide use in northwestern England (5), whereas in Norway, Kristensen et al. (6) noted an almost 2-fold increase in the relative risk for cancer among children 0 ‐ 4 yr of age whose parents were engaged in agriculture. Taken together, these findings suggest that environmental pollutants may play a causative role in the excessive incidence of childhood ACT in southern Brazil.

Cancer-associated mutations at the INK4a locus cancel cell cycle arrest by p16INK4a but not by the alternative reading frame protein p19ARF.

Abstract: The INK4a gene, one of the most frequently disrupted tumor suppressor loci in human cancer, encodes two unrelated proteins, p16INK4a and p19ARF, each of which is capable of inducing cell cycle arrest. Splicing of alternative first exons (1α vs. 1β) to a common second exon within INK4a generates mRNAs in which exon 2 sequences are translated in two different reading frames. One of the products, the cyclin D-dependent kinase inhibitor p16INK4a, is functionally inactivated by mutations or deletions in a wide variety of cancers. However, because many such mutations reside in exon 2, they also affect the alternative reading frame (ARF) protein. To determine whether such mutations disrupt p19ARF function, we introduced naturally occurring missense mutations into mouse INK4a exon 2 sequences and tested mutant p16INK4a and p19ARF proteins for their ability to inhibit cell cycle progression. Six p19ARF point mutants remained fully active in mediating cell cycle arrest in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, whereas two of the corresponding mutations within p16INK4a resulted in complete loss of activity. Analysis of p19ARF deletion mutants indicated that the unique aminoterminal domain encoded by exon 1β was both necessary and sufficient for inducing G1 arrest. Therefore, cancer-associated mutations within exon 2 of the INK4a gene specifically target p16INK4a, and not p19ARF, for inactivation.

Catalytic and framework mutations in the neuraminidase active site of influenza viruses that are resistant to 4-guanidino-Neu5Ac2en.

Abstract: Here we report the isolation of influenza virus A/turkey/Minnesota/833/80 (H4N2) with a mutation at the catalytic residue of the neuraminidase (NA) active site, rendering it resistant to the novel NA inhibitor 4-guanidino-Neu5Ac2en (GG167). The resistance of the mutant stems from replacement of one of three invariant arginines (Arg 292-->Lys) that are conserved among all viral and bacterial NAs and participate in the conformational change of sialic acid moiety necessary for substrate catalysis. The Lys292 mutant was selected in vitro after 15 passages at increasing concentrations of GG167 (from 0.1 to 1,000 microM), conditions that earlier gave rise to GG167-resistant mutants with a substitution at the framework residue Glu119. Both types of mutants showed similar degrees of resistance in plaque reduction assays, but the Lys292 mutant was more sensitive to the inhibitor in NA inhibition tests than were mutants bearing a substitution at framework residue 119 (Asp, Ala, or Gly). Cross-resistance to other NA inhibitors (4-amino-Neu5Ac2en and Neu5Ac2en) varied among mutants resistant to GG167, being lowest for Lys292 and highest for Asp119. All GG167-resistant mutants demonstrated markedly reduced NA activity, only 3 to 50% of the parental level, depending on the particular amino acid substitution. The catalytic mutant (Lys292) showed a significant change in pH optimum of NA activity, from 5.9 to 5.3. All of the mutant NAs were less stable than the parental enzyme at low pH. Despite their impaired NA activity, the GG167-resistant mutants grew as well as parental virus in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells or in embryonated chicken eggs. However, the infectivity in mice was 500-fold lower for Lys292 than for the parental virus. These findings demonstrate that amino acid substitution in the NA active site at the catalytic or framework residues, followed by multiple passages in vitro, in the presence of increasing concentrations of the NA inhibitor GG167, generates GG167-resistant viruses with reduced NA activity and decreased infectivity in animals.

MR imaging differentiation of benign and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors: use of the target sign

Abstract: T2-weighted MR imaging of soft tissue tumors of neural origin may show round lesions with a central hypointensity and a hyperintense rim resembling a target. We define the “target sign” as a mass consisting of a solitary target, or a multicompartmental mass in which the largest component consists of multiple targets. The objective of this study was to determine whether the target sign can differentiate benign neurofibromas and their malignant counterparts, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Preoperative T2-weighted MR images of 23 neurofibromas or malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors were retrospectively reviewed in 16 patients, aged 3 weeks to 20 years (median 15 years), without knowledge of the pathologic diagnosis. The presence or absence of a target sign was noted. The target sign was seen in all 12 neurofibromas and 1 of the 11 malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Statistical analysis showed good differentiation of benign and malignant tumors using this sign (x = 0.91). The target sign on T2-weighted MR imaging is helpful in differentiating neurofibromas from malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.

Methylation Hot Spots in the 5′ Flanking Region Denote Silencing of the O6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase Gene

Abstract: The mechanism whereby the DNA repair protein O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is silenced in repair-deficient (Mer-) human tumor cells is unknown. The role of methylation of the 5' CpG island in MGMT gene suppression is controversial. Although we previously showed by restriction enzyme analysis that CpG methylation in this region was associated with gene suppression, methylation at such sites was generally incomplete, suggesting heterogeneity. To clarify this issue, we have unequivocally defined the methylation status of every CpG by genomic sequencing of individual cloned copies of bisulfite-modified DNA. The region from -249 to +259 at the transcription start site was virtually methylation free in HT29 cells (Mer+), whereas in BE or HeLa S3 cells (Mer-), this region was substantially methylated in every DNA copy, with "hot spots" from -249 to -103 and from +107 to +196. Up-regulation of MGMT in HeLa S3 cells induced by 5-azacytidine was accompanied by progressive demethylation and the appearance of totally unmethylated copies of DNA. We conclude that, in Mer- cells, the MGMT promoter contains specific CpG methylation hot spots that are tightly linked to and are potential markers of gene silencing.