Two G protein oncogenes in human endocrine tumors

Somatic mutations in a subset of growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary tumors convert the gene for the alpha polypeptide chain (alpha s) of Gs into a putative oncogene, termed gsp. These mutations, which activate alpha s by inhibiting its guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) activity, are found in codons for either of two amino acids, each of which is completely conserved in all known G protein alpha chains. The likelihood that similar mutations would activate other G proteins prompted a survey of human tumors for mutations that replace either of these two amino acids in other G protein alpha chain genes. The first gene so far tested, which encodes the alpha chain of Gi2, showed mutations that replaced arginine-179 with either cysteine or histidine in 3 of 11 tumors of the adrenal cortex and 3 of 10 endocrine tumors of the ovary. The mutant alpha i2 gene is a putative oncogene, referred to as gip2. In addition, gsp mutations were found in 18 of 42 GH-secreting pituitary tumors and in an autonomously functioning thyroid adenoma. These findings suggest that human tumors may harbor oncogenic mutations in various G protein alpha chain genes.     

产纤维素酶辅助蛋白菌种筛选及蛋白增效作用条件研究

[目的]筛选产纤维素酶辅助蛋白的菌种,测定该辅助蛋白作用条件。[方法]从纤维素降解菌的生存环境中,寻找到产纤维素酶辅助蛋白的菌株,通过Sephadex-G75分子筛层析对产纤维素酶辅助蛋白菌株胞外培养液进行蛋白分离纯化,分析辅助蛋白的增效作用,并进一步探讨其增效作用适宜的温度及pH条件。[结果]从纤维素降解菌的生长环境中分离得到80余株菌株,经液体培养、胞外蛋白检测筛选出3株产纤维素酶辅助蛋白的菌株,分别命名为BAP1、BAP2、BAP3。经Sephadex-G75分子筛层析纯化,获得了最大增效率分别为35%,27%及47%的辅助蛋白。测定其中辅助增效作用最明显的BAP3峰2蛋白增效作用条件为温度40～60℃、pH 4.0～6.0。[结论]该研究为通过菌体诱变和培养条件优化等手段获得高效纤维素酶辅助蛋白提供了较好的原始菌株资源。     

Germline mutations in genes within the MAPK pathway cause cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome

Cardio-facio-cutaneous (CFC) syndrome is a sporadic developmental disorder involving characteristic craniofacial features, cardiac defects, ectodermal abnormalities, and developmental delay. We demonstrate that heterogeneous de novo missense mutations in three genes within the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway cause CFC syndrome. The majority of cases (18 out of 23) are caused by mutations in BRAF, a gene frequently mutated in cancer. Of the 11 mutations identified, two result in amino acid substitutions that occur in tumors, but most are unique and suggest previously unknown mechanisms of B-Raf activation. Furthermore, three of five individuals without BRAF mutations had missense mutations in either MEK1 or MEK2, downstream effectors of B-Raf. Our findings highlight the involvement of the MAPK pathway in human development and will provide a molecular diagnosis of CFC syndrome.     

Exome sequencing of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma reveals inactivating mutations in NOTCH1

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. To explore the genetic origins of this cancer, we used whole-exome sequencing and gene copy number analyses to study 32 primary tumors. Tumors from patients with a history of tobacco use had more mutations than did tumors from patients who did not use tobacco, and tumors that were negative for human papillomavirus (HPV) had more mutations than did HPV-positive tumors. Six of the genes that were mutated in multiple tumors were assessed in up to 88 additional HNSCCs. In addition to previously described mutations in TP53, CDKN2A, PIK3CA, and HRAS, we identified mutations in FBXW7 and NOTCH1. Nearly 40% of the 28 mutations identified in NOTCH1 were predicted to truncate the gene product, suggesting that NOTCH1 may function as a tumor suppressor gene rather than an oncogene in this tumor type.     

ROS-generating mitochondrial DNA mutations can regulate tumor cell metastasis

Mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) occur at high frequency in human tumors, but whether these mutations alter tumor cell behavior has been unclear. We used cytoplasmic hybrid (cybrid) technology to replace the endogenous mtDNA in a mouse tumor cell line that was poorly metastatic with mtDNA from a cell line that was highly metastatic, and vice versa. Using assays of metastasis in mice, we found that the recipient tumor cells acquired the metastatic potential of the transferred mtDNA. The mtDNA conferring high metastatic potential contained G13997A and 13885insC mutations in the gene encoding NADH (reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) dehydrogenase subunit 6 (ND6). These mutations produced a deficiency in respiratory complex I activity and were associated with overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Pretreatment of the highly metastatic tumor cells with ROS scavengers suppressed their metastatic potential in mice. These results indicate that mtDNA mutations can contribute to tumor progression by enhancing the metastatic potential of tumor cells.     

接骨木的快速繁殖研究

在ＭＳ培养基中进行基尖培养,研究植物激素对器官形成的影响．试验结果表明：ＢＡＰ可明显促进芽的形成和增殖,ＢＡＰ和ＮＡＡ结合使用有助于苗的形成和生长．合适的培养基为ＭＳ＋ＮＡＡ（０．２ｍｇ／Ｌ）＋ＢＡＰ（１．０ｍｇ／Ｌ）或者ＭＳ＋ＮＡＡ（０．２ｍｇ／Ｌ）＋ＢＡＰ（３．０ｍｇ／Ｌ）．ＮＡＡ对根的诱导有促进作用,诱导生根用１／２ＭＳ附加ＮＡＡ（０．２ｍｇ／Ｌ）,当无根苗转入生根培养基,诱导生根获得完整植株,试管苗移栽成功     

Mutations in CIC and FUBP1 contribute to human oligodendroglioma

Oligodendrogliomas are the second most common malignant brain tumor in adults and exhibit characteristic losses of chromosomes 1p and 19q. To identify the molecular genetic basis for this alteration, we performed exomic sequencing of seven tumors. Among other changes, we found that the CIC gene (homolog of the Drosophila gene capicua) on chromosome 19q was somatically mutated in six cases and that the FUBP1 gene [encoding far-upstream element (FUSE) binding protein] on chromosome 1p was somatically mutated in two tumors. Examination of 27 additional oligodendrogliomas revealed 12 and 3 more tumors with mutations of CIC and FUBP1, respectively, 58% of which were predicted to result in truncations of the encoded proteins. These results suggest a critical role for these genes in the biology and pathology of oligodendrocytes.     

Altered telomeres in tumors with ATRX and DAXX mutations

The proteins encoded by ATRX and DAXX participate in chromatin remodeling at telomeres and other genomic sites. Because inactivating mutations of these genes are common in human pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs), we examined the telomere status of these tumors. We found that 61% of PanNETs displayed abnormal telomeres that are characteristic of a telomerase-independent telomere maintenance mechanism termed ALT (alternative lengthening of telomeres). All of the PanNETs exhibiting these abnormal telomeres had ATRX or DAXX mutations or loss of nuclear ATRX or DAXX protein. ATRX mutations also correlate with abnormal telomeres in tumors of the central nervous system. These data suggest that an alternative telomere maintenance function may operate in human tumors with alterations in the ATRX or DAXX genes.     

Mouse models of tumor development in neurofibromatosis type 1

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a prevalent familial cancer syndrome resulting from germ line mutations in the NF1 tumor suppressor gene. Hallmark features of the disease are the development of benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors (neurofibromas), which can progress to malignancy. Unlike humans, mice that are heterozygous for a mutation in Nf1 do not develop neurofibromas. However, as described here, chimeric mice composed in part of Nf1-/- cells do, which demonstrates that loss of the wild-type Nf1 allele is rate-limiting in tumor formation. In addition, mice that carry linked germ line mutations in Nf1 and p53 develop malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), which supports a cooperative and causal role for p53 mutations in MPNST development. These two mouse models provide the means to address fundamental aspects of disease development and to test therapeutic strategies.     

BRCA1 tumor suppression depends on BRCT phosphoprotein binding, but not its E3 ligase activity

Germline mutations of the breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) gene are a major cause of familial breast and ovarian cancer. The BRCA1 protein displays E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, and this enzymatic function is thought to be required for tumor suppression. To test this hypothesis, we generated mice that express an enzymatically defective Brca1. We found that this mutant Brca1 prevents tumor formation to the same degree as does wild-type Brca1 in three different genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models of cancer. In contrast, a mutation that ablates phosphoprotein recognition by the BRCA C terminus (BRCT) domains of BRCA1 elicits tumors in each of the three GEM models. Thus, BRCT phosphoprotein recognition, but not the E3 ligase activity, is required for BRCA1 tumor suppression.     

The human papilloma virus-16 E7 oncoprotein is able to bind to the retinoblastoma gene product

Deletions or mutations of the retinoblastoma gene, RB1, are common features of many tumors and tumor cell lines. Recently, the RB1 gene product, p105-RB, has been shown to form stable protein/protein complexes with the oncoproteins of two DNA tumor viruses, the adenovirus E1A proteins and the simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen. Neither of these viruses is thought to be associated with human cancer, but they can cause tumors in rodents. Binding between the RB anti-oncoprotein and the adenovirus or SV40 oncoprotein can be recapitulated in vitro with coimmunoprecipitation mixing assays. These assays have been used to demonstrate that the E7 oncoprotein of the human papilloma virus type-16 can form similar complexes with p105-RB. Human papilloma virus-16 is found associated with approximately 50 percent of cervical carcinomas. These results suggest that these three DNA viruses may utilize similar mechanisms in transformation and implicate RB binding as a possible step in human papilloma virus-associated carcinogenesis.     

Germ line p53 mutations in a familial syndrome of breast cancer, sarcomas, and other neoplasms

Familial cancer syndromes have helped to define the role of tumor suppressor genes in the development of cancer. The dominantly inherited Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is of particular interest because of the diversity of childhood and adult tumors that occur in affected individuals. The rarity and high mortality of LFS precluded formal linkage analysis. The alternative approach was to select the most plausible candidate gene. The tumor suppressor gene, p53, was studied because of previous indications that this gene is inactivated in the sporadic (nonfamilial) forms of most cancers that are associated with LFS. Germ line p53 mutations have been detected in all five LFS families analyzed. These mutations do not produce amounts of mutant p53 protein expected to exert a trans-dominant loss of function effect on wild-type p53 protein. The frequency of germ line p53 mutations can now be examined in additional families with LFS, and in other cancer patients and families with clinical features that might be attributed to the mutation.     

实时荧光定量PCR对犬乳腺肿瘤组织VEGF-C基因的定量检测研究

运用实时荧光PCR定量检测了38例犬乳腺肿瘤病例(包括15例良性乳腺肿瘤和23例恶性乳腺肿瘤)、4例正常乳腺组织.结果表明:在犬恶性乳腺肿瘤组织中,VEGF-C表达量明显高于良性乳腺肿瘤和正常乳腺组织,两者差异极显著(P<0.001);在伴有淋巴结转移的犬乳腺癌组织中,VEGF-C基因表达量明显高于没有发现转移的乳腺癌组织,两者差异极显著(P<0.01),但VEGF-C的表达量与肿瘤的大小和发病动物年龄无关.由此表明,VEGF-C在犬乳腺癌组织中的表达量远高于其在正常乳腺和良性乳腺肿瘤组织中的表达,且与淋巴结是否发生转移相关,因此VEGF-C有可能作为乳腺癌转移、复发的预测指标之一.     

植物激素在离体培养苦楝中对芽及嫩梢的增殖效应

本文研究了10年生苦楝返幼茎段离体培养中植物激素对芽及嫩梢的增殖效应。方差分析表明,BAP决定了每个外植体上的芽数,而NAA决定了丛芽率(%)。对于芽增殖,最佳BAP:KT为1:1。对于有效嫩梢增殖,细胞分裂素和生长素之间具有极显著的交互效应。细胞分裂素的作用大于生长素,而BAP的作用大于KT,NAA的作用大于IBA。芽及有效嫩梢增殖最佳的激素组合为BAP0.5ppm NAA0.005ppm,BAP:NAA的最佳比例为100:1。     

A phosphatase associated with metastasis of colorectal cancer

To gain insights into the molecular basis for metastasis, we compared the global gene expression profile of metastatic colorectal cancer with that of primary cancers, benign colorectal tumors, and normal colorectal epithelium. Among the genes identified, the PRL-3 protein tyrosine phosphatase gene was of particular interest. It was expressed at high levels in each of 18 cancer metastases studied but at lower levels in nonmetastatic tumors and normal colorectal epithelium. In 3 of 12 metastases examined, multiple copies of the PRL-3 gene were found within a small amplicon located at chromosome 8q24.3. These data suggest that the PRL-3 gene is important for colorectal cancer metastasis and provide a new therapeutic target for these intractable lesions.     

PTEN、VEGF蛋白表达与犬乳腺肿瘤病理学特征的关系

为探讨犬的乳腺肿瘤组织中PTEN和VEGF蛋白表达与临床病理学特征关系的相关性,采用免疫组织化学SP染色法检测了32例乳腺肿瘤组织及6例正常乳腺组织中上述2种蛋白的表达。结果发现:1)PTEN蛋白在正常乳腺组织和良性乳腺肿瘤高表达率为100%,在恶性乳腺肿瘤组织中的高表达率为67%(8/12),两者比较差异极显著(P<0.01);乳腺肿瘤组织中PTEN蛋白表达与犬的年龄、肿瘤大小无关(P>0.05),而与淋巴结转移、组织学分级有关(P<0.01)。2)VEGF蛋白在正常乳腺组织中高表达率为33.3%(2/6),在乳腺肿瘤组织中高表达率为78%(25/32),两者比较差异极显著(P<0.01);乳腺肿瘤组织中VEGF蛋白表达与患病犬的年龄、肿瘤大小无关(P>0.05),而与淋巴结转移有关(P<0.05)。联合检测PTEN、VEGF表达可作为乳腺癌生物学行为和预后判断的重要指标。     

鹅掌楸组织培养技术研究

运用组织培养技术对鹅掌楸穴LiriodendronchinenseSarg.雪的种子及冬芽进行诱导,通过初代培养、继代培养、生根培养及炼苗等技术研究,筛选出最适宜的培养基配方。结果表明:冬芽诱导的最佳配方为WPM+穴0.2～2.0雪mg/LBAP鸦种子发芽诱导最佳配方为MS+0.05mg/LBAP鸦继代培养最佳配方为MS+0.2mg/LBAP+0.05mg/LNAA或WPM+0.2mg/LBAP;生根培养最佳配方为WPM或1/2WPM+穴1.0～2.0雪mg/LNAA,1/2MS+0.2mg/LIBA+0.1mg/LNAA+0.1mg/LABT;炼苗最佳基质为蛭石。     

EGFR mutations in lung cancer: correlation with clinical response to gefitinib therapy

Receptor tyrosine kinase genes were sequenced in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and matched normal tissue. Somatic mutations of the epidermal growth factor receptor gene EGFR were found in 15of 58 unselected tumors from Japan and 1 of 61 from the United States. Treatment with the EGFR kinase inhibitor gefitinib (Iressa) causes tumor regression in some patients with NSCLC, more frequently in Japan. EGFR mutations were found in additional lung cancer samples from U.S. patients who responded to gefitinib therapy and in a lung adenocarcinoma cell line that was hypersensitive to growth inhibition by gefitinib, but not in gefitinib-insensitive tumors or cell lines. These results suggest that EGFR mutations may predict sensitivity to gefitinib.