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Crosstalk
Selected AbstractsCrosstalk between Hsp70 molecular chaperone, lysosomes and proteasomes in autophagy-mediated proteolysis in human retinal pigment epithelial cellsJOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE, Issue 9b 2009Tuomas Ryhänen Abstract The pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration involves chronic oxidative stress, impaired degradation of membranous discs shed from photoreceptor outer segments and accumulation of lysosomal lipofuscin in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. It has been estimated that a major part of cellular proteolysis occurs in proteasomes, but the importance of proteasomes and the other proteolytic pathways including autophagy in RPE cells is poorly understood. Prior to proteolysis, heat shock proteins (Hsps), agents that function as molecular chaperones, attempt to refold misfolded proteins and thus prevent the accumulation of cytoplasmic protein aggregates. In the present study, the roles of the Hsp70 molecular chaperone and proteasomal and lysosomal proteolytic pathways were evaluated in human RPE cells (ARPE-19). The Hsp70 and ubiquitin protein levels and localization were analysed by Western blotting and immunofluorescense. Confocal and transmission electron microscopy were used to detect cellular organelles and to evaluate the morphological changes. Hsp70 levels were modulated using RNA interference and overexpression techniques. Cell viability was measured by colorimetric assay. The proteasome inhibitor MG-132 evoked the accumulation of perinuclear aggregates positive for Hsp70, ubiquitin-protein conjugates and the lysosomal membrane protein LAMP-2. Interestingly, the hsp70 mRNA depletion significantly increased cell death in conjunction with proteasome inhibition. We found that the accumulation of lysosomes was reversible: a cessation of proteasome inhibition led to clearance of the deposits via a mechanism believed to include autophagy. The molecular chaperone Hsp70, proteasomes and autophagy have an important regulatory role in the protein turnover of human RPE cells and may thus open new avenues for understanding degenerative processes in retinal cells. [source] Gibberellin and Jasmonate Crosstalk during Stamen DevelopmentJOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY, Issue 12 2009Jinrong Peng Abstract Gibberellin (GA) and jasmonate (JA) are two types of phytohormones that play important roles during stamen development. For example, Arabidopsis plants deficient in either of GA or JA develop short stamens. An apparent question to ask is whether GA action and JA action during stamen filament development are independent of each other or are in a hierarchy. Recent studies showed that GA modulates the expression of genes essential for JA biosynthesis to promote JA production and high levels of JA will induce the expression of three MYB genes MYB21, MYB24 and MYB57. These three MYB genes are crucial factors for the normal development of stamen filament in Arabidopsis. [source] Signal Crosstalk in Plant Stress ResponsesJOURNAL OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 7-8 2010Rudolf Heitefuss No abstract is available for this article. [source] Crosstalk between Auxin, Cytokinins, and Sugars in the Plant Cell CyclePLANT BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2006K. Hartig Abstract: Plant meristems are utilization sinks, in which cell division activity governs sink strength. However, the molecular mechanisms by which cell division activity and sink strength are adjusted to a plant's developmental program in its environmental setting are not well understood. Mitogenic hormonal as well as metabolic signals drive and modulate the cell cycle, but a coherent idea of how this is accomplished, is still missing. Auxin and cytokinins are known as endogenous mitogens whose concentrations and timing, however, can be externally affected. Although the sites and mechanisms of signal interaction in cell cycle control have not yet been unravelled, crosstalk of sugar and phytohormone signals could be localized to several biochemical levels. At the expression level of cell cycle control genes, like cyclins, Cdks, and others, synergistic but also antagonistic interactions could be demonstrated. Another level of crosstalk is that of signal generation or modulation. Cytokinins affect the activity of extracellular invertases and hexose-uptake carriers and thus impinge on an intracellular sugar signal. With tobacco BY-2 cells, a coordinated control of cell cycle activity at both regulatory levels could be shown. Comparison of the results obtained with the root cell-representing BY-2 cells with literature data from shoot tissues or green cell cultures of Arabidopsis and Chenopodium suggests opposed and tissue-specific regulatory patterns of mitogenic signals and signal crosstalk in root and shoot meristems. [source] Ethylene regulates lateral root formation and auxin transport in Arabidopsis thalianaTHE PLANT JOURNAL, Issue 2 2008Sangeeta Negi Summary Lateral root branching is a genetically defined and environmentally regulated process. Auxin is required for lateral root formation, and mutants that are altered in auxin synthesis, transport or signaling often have lateral root defects. Crosstalk between auxin and ethylene in root elongation has been demonstrated, but interactions between these hormones in the regulation of Arabidopsis lateral root formation are not well characterized. This study utilized Arabidopsis mutants altered in ethylene signaling and synthesis to explore the role of ethylene in lateral root formation. We find that enhanced ethylene synthesis or signaling, through the eto1-1 and ctr1-1 mutations, or through the application of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), negatively impacts lateral root formation, and is reversible by treatment with the ethylene antagonist, silver nitrate. In contrast, mutations that block ethylene responses, etr1-3 and ein2-5, enhance root formation and render it insensitive to the effect of ACC, even though these mutants have reduced root elongation at high ACC doses. ACC treatments or the eto1-1 mutation significantly enhance radiolabeled indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) transport in both the acropetal and the basipetal directions. ein2-5 and etr1-3 have less acropetal IAA transport, and transport is no longer regulated by ACC. DR5-GUS reporter expression is also altered by ACC treatment, which is consistent with transport differences. The aux1-7 mutant, which has a defect in an IAA influx protein, is insensitive to the ethylene inhibition of root formation. aux1-7 also has ACC-insensitive acropetal and basipetal IAA transport, as well as altered DR5-GUS expression, which is consistent with ethylene altering AUX1-mediated IAA uptake, and thereby blocking lateral root formation. [source] Inflammation and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Lung Transplant Recipients: Role in Dysregulated Epithelial Wound RepairAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 3 2010L. A. Borthwick Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of obliterative bronchiolitis (OB) after lung transplant. Although TNF-, accentuates TGF-,1 driven EMT in primary human bronchial epithelial cells (PBECs), we hypothesized that other acute pro-inflammatory cytokines elevated in the airways of patients with OB may also accentuate EMT and contribute to dysregulated epithelial wound repair. PBECs from lung transplant recipients were stimulated with TGF-,1 ± IL-1,, IL-8, TNF-, or activated macrophages in co-culture and EMT assessed. The quality and rate of wound closure in a standardized model of lung epithelial injury was assessed in response to above stimuli. Co-treatment with TGF-,1 + TNF-, or IL-1, significantly accentuates phenotypic and some functional features of EMT compared to TGF-,1 alone. Co-treatment with TGF-,1 + TNF-, or IL-1, accelerates epithelial wound closure however the quality of repair is highly dysregulated. Co-treatment with TGF-,1 + IL-8 has no significant effect on EMT or the speed or quality of wound healing. Activated macrophages dramatically accentuate TGF-,1-driven EMT and cause dysregulated wound repair. Crosstalk between macrophage-derived acute inflammation in the airway and elevated TGF-,1 may favor dysregulated airway epithelial repair and fibrosis in the lung allograft via EMT. [source] Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in normal physiological processesACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 1 2010J. Pourova Abstract Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species have generally been considered as being highly reactive and cytotoxic molecules. Besides their noxious effects, ROS participate in physiological processes in a carefully regulated manner. By way of example, microbicidal ROS are produced in professional phagocytes, ROS function as short-lived messengers having a role in signal transduction and, among other processes, participate in the synthesis of the iodothyronine hormones, reproduction, apoptosis and necrosis. Because of their ability to mediate a crosstalk between key molecules, their role might be dual (at least in some cases). The levels of ROS increase from a certain age, being associated with various diseases typical of senescence. The aim of this review is to summarize the recent findings on the physiological role of ROS. Other issues addressed are an increase in ROS levels during ageing, and the possibility of the physiological nature of this process. [source] Cell hydration and mTOR-dependent signallingACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 1-2 2006F. Schliess Abstract Insulin- and amino acid-induced signalling by the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) involves hyperphosphorylation of the p70 ribosomal S6 protein kinase (p70S6-kinase) and the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) binding protein 4E-BP1 and contributes to regulation of protein metabolism. This review considers the impact of cell hydration on mTOR-dependent signalling. Although hypoosmotic hepatocyte swelling in some instances activates p70S6-kinase, the hypoosmolarity-induced proteolysis inhibition in perfused rat liver is insensitive to mTOR inhibition by rapamycin. Likewise, swelling-dependent proteolysis inhibition by insulin and swelling-independent proteolysis inhibition by leucine, a potent activator of p70S6-kinase and 4E-BP1 hyperphosphorylation, in perfused rat liver is insensitive to rapamycin, indicating that at least rapamycin-sensitive mTOR signalling is not involved. Hyperosmotic dehydration in different cell types produces inactivation of signalling components around mTOR, thereby attenuating insulin-induced glucose uptake, glycogen synthesis, and lipogenesis in adipocytes, and MAP-kinase phosphatase MKP-1 expression in hepatoma cells. Direct inactivation of mTOR, stimulation of the AMP-activated protein kinase, and the destabilization of individual proteins may impair mTOR signalling under dehydrating conditions. Further investigation of the crosstalk between the mTOR pathway(s) and hyperosmotic signalling will improve our understanding about the contribution of cell hydration changes in health and disease and will provide further rationale for fluid therapy of insulin-resistant states. [source] Analysis of the IKK,/NF-,B signaling pathway during embryonic angiogenesisDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 10 2008Yanjun Hou Abstract The nuclear factor-,B (NF-,B) signaling pathway regulates cellular growth, survival, differentiation and development. In this study, the functions of I,B kinase (IKK), in angiogenesis during mouse development were examined. Conditional disruption of the Ikk, locus in endothelial cells using the well-characterized Tie2-Cre transgene resulted in embryonic lethality between embryonic day (E) 13.5 and E15.5. Examination of the mutant embryos revealed that while deletion of Ikk, occurred in endothelial cells throughout the embryo, only the vascular network in the fetal liver was affected. Disruption of the fetal liver vasculature was accompanied by decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis of hepatocytes, but hematopoiesis was not affected. Increased apoptosis was not observed outside of fetal liver in the mutant embryos. These results indicate that the IKK,/NF-,B pathway plays a previously unappreciated role in development of the sinusoidal vasculature in the fetal liver and additionally that this pathway is critical in the crosstalk between endothelial cells and hepatocytes during mouse development. Developmental Dynamics 237:2926,2935, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Expression of STAMP2 in monocytes associates with cardiovascular alterationsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 6 2010Zhi-Hao Wang Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (6): 490,496 Abstract Background, Metabolic and inflammatory pathways crosstalk at many levels. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression of six-transmembrane protein of prostate 2 (STAMP2) in macrophages and tried to search for the association between the decreased STAMP2 expression, if any, and carotid atherosclerosis as well as cardiac adaptations. Materials and methods, A total of 97 unrelated Chinese subjects were recruited including 48 subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and 49 controls. Clinical and biochemical characteristics were collected from subjects, with quantification of STAMP2 in monocyte/macrophages. All subjects underwent ultrasonography. Results, STAMP2 expression in macrophages was significantly decreased in MetS as compared with the control group (10·25 ± 9·20 vs. 15·20 ± 9·18, P = 0·009), especially in women patients. Partial correlation analysis showed that STAMP2 expression in macrophages correlated with BMI (r = ,0·375, P = 0·045), age (r = 0·414, P = 0·026) and HDL (r = 0·377, P = 0·044) after controlling for systolic blood pressure (SBP). Furthermore, STAMP2 expression was correlated with PI (r = ,0·454, P = 0·013), LVEF (r = ,0·503, P = 0·005), LA-ESR (r = ,0·424, P = 0·022), LA-S (r = 0·469, P = 0·010) and mitral E/A ratio (r = 0·492, P = 0·005) after controlling for SBP. Still, in multivariable analysis, STAMP2 expression was independently associated with IMTmean, PI and mitral E/A ratio. Conclusions, In MetS patients, especially women patients, STAMP2 expression was down-regulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cell, which was correlated with carotid atherosclerosis and cardiac adaptation. [source] Fatty acids as metabolic mediators in innate immunityEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 10 2009A. Kopp Abstract Background, Increasing data support the hypothesis of a local and systemic crosstalk between adipocytes and monocytes mediated by fatty acids. The aim of this study was to characterize the immunomodulatory effects of a large panel of fatty acids on cytokines and chemokines in monocytic THP-1 cells and primary human monocytes. We tested whether anti-inflammatory fatty acids are able to inhibit the binding of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to its receptor, toll-like receptor/MD-2 (TLR4/MD-2). Materials and methods, Resistin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Proteins were analysed by Western blot. A designed Flag-tagged TLR4/MD-2 fusion protein (LPS trap) was used to investigate the effect of fatty acids on binding of LPS to its receptor. In 30 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), the correlation of serum triglyceride levels with LPS-induced monocyte activation was analysed. Results, Eleven fatty acids investigated exerted differential effects on the monocytic release of cytokines and chemokines. Eicosapentaenoic acid had potent anti-inflammatory effects on human primary monocytes and THP-1 cells; 100 and 200 ,M eicosapentaenoic acid dose-dependently inhibited LPS binding to the LPS trap. LPS-induced release of monocytic MCP-1 and TNF was significantly and positively correlated with serum triglyceride levels in 30 patients with T2D. Conclusions, Monocytic activation is differentially regulated by fatty acids and depends on triglyceride levels in T2D. The main finding of the present study shows that eicosapentaenoic acid inhibits the specific binding of LPS to TLR4/MD-2. Eicosapentaenoic acid represents a new anti-inflammatory LPS-antagonist. [source] Mechanisms and consequences of bladder cell invasion by uropathogenic Escherichia coliEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 2008B. K. Dhakal ABSTRACT Strains of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are the major cause of urinary tract infections worldwide. Multiple studies over the past decade have called into question the dogmatic view that UPEC strains act as strictly extracellular pathogens. Rather, bacterial expression of filamentous adhesive organelles known as type 1 pili and Afa/Dr fibrils enable UPEC to invade host epithelial cells within the urinary tract. Entry into bladder epithelial cells provides UPEC with a protected niche where the bacteria can persist quiescently for long periods, unperturbed by host defences and protected from many antibiotic treatments. Alternately, internalized UPEC can rapidly multiply, forming large intracellular inclusions that can contain several thousand bacteria. Initial work aimed at defining the host and bacterial factors that modulate the entry, intracellular trafficking, and eventual resurgence of UPEC suggests a high degree of host-pathogen crosstalk. Targeted disruption of these processes may provide a novel means to prevent and treat recurrent, relapsing and chronic infections within the urinary tract. [source] Complement C5a regulates IL-17 by affecting the crosstalk between DC and ,, T cells in CLP-induced sepsisEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 4 2010Ruonan Xu Abstract Complement 5a (C5a) and Interleukin-17 (IL-17) are two important inflammatory mediators in sepsis. Here we studied the mechanisms underlying regulation of IL-17 by anaphylatoxin C5a. We found that C5a blockade increased the survival rate of mice following cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis and decreased IL-17 expression in vivo. IL-17 was secreted mainly by ,, T cells in this model. Importantly, our data suggest that C5a participates in the regulation of IL-17 secretion by ,, T cells. Dendritic cells (DC) were found to act as a "bridge" between C5a and ,, T cells in a mechanism involving IL-6 and transforming growth factor , (TGF-,). These results imply that C5a affects the crosstalk between DC and ,, T cells during sepsis development, and this may result in a large production of inflammatory mediators such as IL-17. [source] Enhanced B-cell activation mediated by TLR4 and BCR crosstalk,EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 9 2008Susana Minguet Abstract Despite the important role of B lymphocytes as a bridge between the innate and the adaptive immune system, little is known regarding lipopolysaccharide (LPS) recognition, activation of signalling networks or conceivable cooperation between LPS and the B-cell antigen receptor (BCR). Here, we show that primary B cells can efficiently discriminate between different LPS chemotypes, responding with at least 100-fold higher sensitivity to rough-form LPS compared with smooth-form LPS. Using genetically modified mice, we demonstrate that B lymphocytes recognize all LPS chemotypes via Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). In addition, we dissect the signalling pathways that lead to CD69 upregulation upon TLR4 and BCR activation in primary B cells. Our data suggest that TLR4 and BCR induce CD69 transcription via two distinct sets of signalling molecules, exerting quantitative and qualitative differences in B-cell activation. Finally, we show that simultaneous stimulation of TLR4 and BCR additively elevates B-cell activation. In contrast, co-engagement of TLR4 and BCR by antigen-coupled LPS synergistically enhances activation of B cells, pointing out attractive targets for signalling crosstalk in B lymphocytes. [source] Emerging topics in Reelin functionEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 9 2010Eckart Förster Abstract Reelin signalling in the early developing cortex regulates radial migration of cortical neurons. Later in development, Reelin promotes maturation of dendrites and dendritic spines. Finally, in the mature brain, it is involved in modulating synaptic function. In recent years, efforts to identify downstream signalling events induced by binding of Reelin to lipoprotein receptors led to the characterization of novel components of the Reelin signalling cascade. In the present review, we first address distinct functions of the Reelin receptors Apoer2 and Vldlr in cortical layer formation, followed by a discussion on the recently identified downstream effector molecule n-cofilin, involved in regulating actin cytoskeletal dynamics required for coordinated neuronal migration. Next, we discuss possible functions of the recently identified Reelin,Notch signalling crosstalk, and new aspects of the role of Reelin in the formation of the dentate radial glial scaffold. Finally, progress in characterizing the function of Reelin in modulating synaptic function in the adult brain is summarized. The present review has been inspired by a session entitled ,Functions of Reelin in the developing and adult hippocampus', held at the Spring Hippocampal Research Conference in Verona/Italy, June 2009. [source] Altered subcellular location of phosphorylated Smads in Alzheimer's diseaseEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 8 2006Uwe Ueberham Abstract A number of growth factors and cytokines, such as transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-,1), is elevated in Alzheimer's disease (AD), giving rise to activated intracellular mitogenic signaling cascades. Activated mitogenic signaling involving the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and other protein kinases might alter the phosphorylation states of structural proteins such as tau, resulting in hyperphosphorylated deposits. Many intracellular signaling proteins are potential targets of misregulated phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. Recently, a crosstalk between MAPKs and Smad proteins, both involved in mediating TGF-,1 signaling, has been reported. Although TGF-,1 has previously been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of AD, the role of Smad proteins has not been investigated. In this study we thus analysed the subcellular distribution of phosphorylated Smad2 and Smad3 in the hippocampus of both normal and AD brains. Here we report on strong nuclear detection of phosphorylated Smad2 and Smad3 in neurons of control brains. In AD brains these phosphorylated proteins were additionally found in cytoplasmic granules in hippocampal neurons, within amyloid plaques and attached to neurofibrillary tangles. Our data suggest a critical role of Smad proteins in the pathogenesis of AD. [source] The mesenchymal component of hair follicle neogenesis: background, methods and molecular characterizationEXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Manabu Ohyama Please cite this paper as: The mesenchymal component of hair follicle neogenesis: background, methods and molecular characterization. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 89,99. Abstract:, Hair follicle morphogenesis and regeneration occur by an extensive and collaborative crosstalk between epithelial and mesenchymal skin components. A series of pioneering studies, which revealed an indispensable role of follicular dermal papilla and dermal sheath cells in this crosstalk, has led workers in the field to study in detail the anatomical distribution, functional properties, and molecular signature of the trichogenic dermal cells. The purpose of this paper was to provide a practical summary of the development and recent advances in the study of trichogenic dermal cells. Following a short review of the relevant literature, the methods for isolating and culturing these cells are summarized. Next, the bioassays, both in vivo and in vitro, that enable the evaluation of trichogenic properties of tested dermal cells are described in detail. A list of trichogenic molecular markers identified by those assays is also provided. Finally, this methods review is completed by defining some of the major questions needing resolution. [source] Corticotropin-releasing factor decreases IL-18 in the monocyte-derived dendritic cellEXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Hee Jung Lee Abstract:, Recent evidence suggests that crosstalk between mast cells, nerves and keratinocytes might be involved in the exacerbation of inflammatory conditions by stress, but the mechanism by which this occurs remains unclear. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), which activates the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis under stress, also has pro-inflammatory peripheral effects. However, there have been no reports about CRF receptor expression and the functional role of CRF in the dendritic cell (DC), which is considered to be the link between allergen uptake and the clinical manifestations of allergic diseases, such as atopic dermatitis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of CRF receptors and the functional role of CRF in the monocyte-derived DC (MoDC) of atopic dermatitis patients and non-atopic healthy controls. In this study, mRNAs for CRF-R1, and 1,, as well as the CRF-R1 protein, were detected in MoDCs. CRF-R2, (but not R2, or R2,) mRNA and the CRF-R2 protein were present in MoDCs. Exposure of DCs to CRF resulted in a decrease of IL-18 in both atopic dermatitis patients and non-atopic healthy controls. However, CRF did not alter the expression of IL-6, CCL17, CCL18, and CCL22. Therefore, our results demonstrate that CRF could modulate immune responses by acting directly upon DCs. [source] Hair growth inhibition by psychoemotional stress: a mouse model for neural mechanisms in hair growth controlEXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2006Eva M. J. Peters Abstract:, Stress has long been discussed controversially as a cause of hair loss. However, solid proof of stress-induced hair growth inhibition had long been missing. If psychoemotional stress can affect hair growth, this must be mediated via definable neurorendocrine and/or neuroimmunological signaling pathways. Revisiting and up-dating relevant background data on neural mechanisms of hair growth control, we sketch essentials of hair follicle (HF) neurobiology and discuss the modulation of murine hair growth by neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, neurotrophins, and mast cells. Exploiting an established mouse model for stress, we summarize recent evidence that sonic stress triggers a cascade of molecular events including plasticity of the peptidergic peri- and interfollicular innervation and neuroimmune crosstalk. Substance P (SP) and NGF (nerve growth factor) are recruited as key mediators of stress-induced hair growth-inhibitory effects. These effects include perifollicular neurogenic inflammation, HF keratinocyte apoptosis, inhibition of proliferation within the HF epithelium, and premature HF regression (catagen induction). Intriguingly, most of these effects can be abrogated by treatment of stressed mice with SP-receptor neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1) antagonists or NGF-neutralizing antibodies , as well as, surprisingly, by topical minoxidil. Thus there is now solid in vivo -evidence for the existence of a defined brain- HF axis. This axis can be utilized by psychoemotional and other stressors to prematurely terminate hair growth. Stress-induced hair growth inhibition can therefore serve as a highly instructive model for exploring the brain-skin connection and provides a unique experimental model for dissecting general principles of skin neuroendocrinology and neuroimmunology well beyond the HF. [source] Viral crosstalk: Who gets to say what first?HEPATOLOGY, Issue 6 2002Andreas Cerny M.D. First page of article [source] Amplified in breast cancer 1 expression in breast cancerHISTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 6 2008M A Thorat Aims:, The amplified in breast cancer 1 (AIB1), steroid receptor co-activator family member, acts as an oestrogen receptor (ER) co-activator. Acting with HER-2, it is thought to play a role in endocrine resistance by facilitating ER,growth factor crosstalk. The aim was to analyse AIB1 expression by immunohistochemistry and study its correlations with other prognostic variables in breast cancer and its effect on survival. Methods:, A tissue microarray comprising tumours from 438 patients with 15.4 years' median follow-up was used. Interpretable AIB1 expression obtained in 395 patients was analysed along with other prognostic factors in breast cancer. Results:, AIB1 expression scores ranged from 0 to 30; positive AIB1 expression (score > 14) was seen in 146/395 breast cancers; it correlated negatively with ER (P = 0.003) and progesterone receptor (PR) (P = 0.007), and positively with HER-2 (P = 0.005) and tumour grade (P = 0.014). It did not correlate with nodal status (P = 0.437). Among ER+ patients, AIB1 expression showed a trend towards loss of PR expression (29% versus 20%; P = 0.14). AIB1 did not predict survival on univariate or multivariate analysis. Conclusions:, AIB1 expression correlates with HER-2 expression in breast cancer and shows a trend of association with loss of PR expression in ER+ tumours. Our study supports the postulated role of AIB1 in ER,growth factor interactions. [source] Tumor-stromal crosstalk in invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma: a pivotal role of CCL7INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 2 2010Da-Woon Jung Abstract Recent studies have shown that stromal fibroblasts have a more profound influence on the initiation and progression of carcinoma than was previously appreciated. This study aimed at investigating the reciprocal relationship between cancer cells and their associated fibroblasts at both the molecular and cellular level in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). To identify key molecular regulators expressed by carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAF) that promote cancer cell invasion, microarrays were performed by comparing cocultured OSCC cells and CAF with monoculture controls. Microarray and real-time PCR analysis identified marked upregulation of the chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 7 (CCL7) in cocultured CAF. ELISA showed an elevated level of CCL7 secretion from CAF stimulated by coculture with OSCC cells. CCL7 promoted the invasion and migration of OSCC cells, and the invasiveness was inhibited by treatment with CCL7 neutralizing antibody. OSCC cells were shown to express CCR1, CCR2 and CCR3, receptors for CCL7, by RT-PCR. In addition, treatment with anti-CCR1 or anti-CCR3 antibody inhibited CCL7-induced OSCC cell migration, implicating that CCL7 promotes cancer cell migration through CCR1 and CCR3 on OSCC cells. Cytokine antibody array analysis of the supernatant from OSCC cell culture revealed that interleukin-1, was an inducer of CCL7 secretion by CAF. This study confirms the reciprocal relationship of the molecular crosstalk regulating the invasion of OSCC and describes new potential targets for future therapy. [source] Reciprocal activating interaction between 6-sulfo LacNAc+ dendritic cells and NK cellsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 2 2009Rebekka Wehner Abstract Dendritic cells (DCs) display an extraordinary capacity to induce T-cell responses providing the opportunity of DC-based cancer vaccination strategies. Additional findings indicate that DCs may also play a crucial role for the activation of natural killer (NK) cells, which are important effectors in innate antitumor immunity. However, studies investigating the interaction between native human DCs and NK cells are limited. Recently, we defined 6-sulfo LacNAc (slan) DCs as a major subpopulation of myeloid human blood DCs, which represent principal producers of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-, and interleukin (IL)-12. Functional data revealed that slanDCs efficiently induce neoantigen-specific CD4+ T cells and activate tumor-reactive cytotoxic T cells. When evaluating the crosstalk between slanDCs and NK cells in this study, we found that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated slanDCs efficiently enhance NK cell CD69 expression and interferon (IFN)-, secretion. NK cell-mediated tumor-directed cytotoxicity was significantly improved by slanDCs. NK cell activation induced by slanDCs was critically dependent on IL-12. When investigating the impact of NK cells on the immunostimulatory capacity of slanDCs, we observed that they promote DC maturation. In addition, NK cells strongly enhanced the secretion of immunomodulatory IL-12 and reduced the release of immunosuppressive IL-10 by slanDCs. IFN-, and cell-to-cell contact contributed to these effects. Furthermore, data revealed that DC-NK cell crosstalk improves slanDC-mediated differentiation of naïve CD4+ T lymphocytes into IFN-,-producing Th1 cells. In conclusion, we demonstrate a reciprocal activating interaction between slanDCs and NK cells, which may play a pivotal role in the regulation of antitumor immunity. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Somatic mutations of adenomatous polyposis coli gene and nuclear b-catenin accumulation have prognostic significance in invasive urothelial carcinomas: Evidence for Wnt pathway implicationINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 1 2009Efstathios Kastritis Abstract Wnt pathway signaling is crucial in many cancers and data indicate crosstalk with other key cancer pathways, however in urothelial carcinogenesis it has not been extensively studied. We searched for mutations in adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), a key regulator of the pathway, and studied b-catenin expression and interactions with the expression of other markers of apoptosis, angiogenesis, and proliferation in patients with invasive urothelial cancer. The mutation cluster region of APC was directly sequenced in 70 patients with muscle invasive disease who were treated with surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. COX-2, p53, Ki67, and b-catenin were studied immunohistochemically and micro vessel density was quantified by CD105 expression. Single somatic amino-acid substitutions (missense) were found in 9 (13%) and frameshift deletions in 2 (3%) tumors, all located in regions adjacent to b-catenin binding sites. Patients having either APC missense mutations or b-catenin nuclear accumulation had less frequent COX-2 overexpression (24% vs. 76%, p = 0.043) and more frequent lymph node involvement (75% vs. 38%, p = 0.023). Patients with either APC mutations or b-catenin accumulation had shorter disease-free interval (13.4 vs. 28 months, p = 0.07), whereas in multivariate analysis they had shorter disease-specific survival (60.5 vs. 20.6 months, p = 0.048). Somatic APC missense mutations are not rare in advanced urothelial neoplasms. Either APC mutations and/or aberrant expression of b-catenin are associated with worse outcome. Further study of the role of the Wnt pathway, potential crosstalk with other pathways and potential candidate therapeutic targets in urothelial cancer is needed. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] ,6 integrin subunit mediates laminin enhancement of cisplatin-induced apoptosis in testicular tumor germ cellsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 1 2005Maoulana Andjilani Abstract Our study demonstrates that laminin potentiates cisplatin-induced apoptosis in NCCIT, a testicular tumor germ cell line. When cultured on laminin, NCCIT cells displayed a significantly higher susceptibility to cisplatin-induced apoptosis than on plastic or on other ECM components including fibronectin, Type IV collagen and vitronectin. This high cisplatin sensitivity observed on NCCIT cell cultured on laminin was mediated by the ,6-integrin signaling. The knockdown of the ,6-integrin subunit by small interfering RNAs suppressed the higher cisplatin-sensitivity supporting the existence of a crosstalk between laminin-,6-integrin signaling and cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Our findings indicate that in cisplatin-treated NCCIT cells, the laminin-,6-integrin signaling induces the activation of executioner procaspase-3 and -6 as well as apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) transcription and expression. The ability of integrin-mediated specific stroma,tumor cell interactions to modulate the chemosensitive phenotype of a tumor cell might provide new insights to overcome cisplatin resistance of tumor cells. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] An optimal spectrum-balancing algorithm for digital subscriber lines based on particle swarm optimizationINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, Issue 9 2008Meiqin Tang Abstract This paper presents a new algorithm for optimal spectrum balancing in modern digital subscriber line (DSL) systems using particle swarm optimization (PSO). In DSL, crosstalk is one of the major performance bottlenecks, therefore various dynamic spectrum management algorithms have been proposed to reduce excess crosstalks among users by dynamically optimizing transmission power spectra. In fact, the objective function in the spectrum optimization problem is always nonconcave. PSO is a new evolution algorithm based on the movement and intelligence of swarms looking for the most fertile feeding location, which can solve discontinuous, nonconvex and nonlinear problems efficiently. The proposed algorithm optimizes the weighted rate sum. These weights allow the system operator to place differing qualities of service or importance levels on each user, which makes it possible for the system to avoid the selfish-optimum. We can show that the proposed algorithm converges to the global optimal solutions. Simulation results demonstrate that our algorithm can guarantee fast convergence within a few iterations and solve the nonconvex optimization problems efficiently. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Hair biology: an updateINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE, Issue 1 2002B. A. Bernard Synopsis In the past few years, the hair follicle has started revealing its beauty and mysteries. The existence of a growth and regeneration cycle, together with a unique tissue organization and complex regulatory network, make it a true paradigm of tissue homeostasis and dermal,epithelial crosstalk. In this brief review, I will describe some of the most recent results obtained in this very active research field of hair biology, underlining the diversity of the molecular signals that control hair growth and pigmentation. Résumé Au cours des dernières années, le follicule pileux a commencéà révéler sa beauté et ses mystères. L'existence d'un cycle de croissance et de régénération, d'une organization tissulaire unique et d'un circuit complexe de régulation désigne le follicule pileux comme un paradigme d'homéostasie tissulaire et d'interactions dermo,épithéliales. Dans cette courte revue, je décris quelques uns des résultats récemment obtenus dans ce domaine de recherche très actif, en soulignant l'extrême diversité des signaux moléculaires qui contrôlent la croissance du cheveu et sa pigmentation. [source] RANKing Intracellular Signaling in OsteoclastsIUBMB LIFE, Issue 6 2005Xu Feng Abstract RANKL plays a pivotal role in the differentiation, function and survival of osteoclasts, the principal bone-resorbing cells. RANKL exerts the effects by binding RANK, the receptor activator of NF-,B, in osteoclasts and its precursors. Upon binding RANKL, RANK activates six major signaling pathways: NFATc1, NF-,B, Akt/PKB, JNK, ERK and p38, which play distinct roles in osteoclast differentiation, function and survival. Recent studies have not only provided more insights into RANK signaling but have also revealed that several factors, including INF-,, IFN-,, and ITAM-activated costimulatory signals, regulate osteoclastogenesis via direct crosstalk with RANK signaling. It was recently shown that RANK contains three functional motifs capable of mediating osteoclastogenesis. Moreover, although both IFN-, and IFN-, inhibit osteoclastogenesis, they exert the inhibitory effects by distinct mechanisms. Whereas IFN-, has been shown to block osteoclastogenesis by promoting degradation of TRAF6, IFN-, inhibits osteoclastogenesis by down-regulating c-fos expression. In contrast, the ITAM-activated costimulatory signals positively regulate osteoclastogenesis by mediating the activation of NFATc1 through two ITAM-harboring adaptors: FcR, and DAP12. This review is focused on discussing the current understanding of RANK signaling and signaling crosstalk between RANK and the various factors in osteoclasts. IUBMB Life, 57: 389-395, 2005 [source] Histone deacetylases as transducers and targets of nuclear signalingJOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2008Donald R. Walkinshaw Abstract Histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity was first discovered about 40 years ago, but it was not until the molecular identification of the first HDACs in 1996 that this family of enzymes gained prominence. In addition to histones, HDACs reverse lysine acetylation of various non-histone proteins located in the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Here, we examine the nuclear roles of these enzymes, with a specific focus on their active crosstalk with different chromatin regulators. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 1541,1552, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] B-type natriuretic peptide and extracellular matrix protein interactions in human cardiac fibroblastsJOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1 2010Brenda K. Huntley Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) regulate myocardial remodeling by proliferating, differentiating, and secreting extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is anti-fibrotic, inhibits collagen production, augments matrix metalloproteinases, and suppresses CF proliferation. Recently, we demonstrated that the ECM protein fibronectin (FN) augmented production of BNP's second messenger, 3,, 5, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in CFs, supporting crosstalk between FN, BNP, and its receptor, natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPR-A). Here, we address the specificity of FN to augment cGMP generation by investigating other matrix proteins, including collagen IV which contains RGD motifs and collagen I and poly- L -lysine, which have no RGD domain. Collagen IV showed increased cGMP generation to BNP similar to FN. Collagen I and poly- L -lysine had no effect. As FN also interacts with integrins, we then examined the effect of integrin receptor antibody blockade on BNP-mediated cGMP production. On FN plates, antibodies blocking RGD-binding domains of several integrin subtypes had little effect, while a non-RGD domain interfering integrin ,v,3 antibody augmented cGMP production. Further, on uncoated plates, integrin ,v,3 blockade continued to potentiate the BNP/cGMP response. These studies suggest that both RGD containing ECM proteins and integrins may interact with BNP/NPR-A to modulate cGMP generation. J. Cell. Physiol. 225: 251,255, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||