Mutations in the gene encoding the basal body protein RPGRIP1L, a nephrocystin-4 interactor, cause Joubert syndrome

Protein-protein interaction analyses have uncovered a ciliary and basal body protein network that, when disrupted, can result in nephronophthisis (NPHP), Leber congenital amaurosis, Senior-L?ken syndrome (SLSN) or Joubert syndrome (JBTS). However, details of the molecular mechanisms underlying these disorders remain poorly understood. RPGRIP1-like protein (RPGRIP1L) is a homolog of RPGRIP1 (RPGR-interacting protein 1), a ciliary protein defective in Leber congenital amaurosis. We show that RPGRIP1L interacts with nephrocystin-4 and that mutations in the gene encoding nephrocystin-4 (NPHP4) that are known to cause SLSN disrupt this interaction. RPGRIP1L is ubiquitously expressed, and its protein product localizes to basal bodies. Therefore, we analyzed RPGRIP1L as a candidate gene for JBTS and identified loss-of-function mutations in three families with typical JBTS, including the characteristic mid-hindbrain malformation. This work identifies RPGRIP1L as a gene responsible for JBTS and establishes a central role for cilia and basal bodies in the pathophysiology of this disorder.     

界面处理和冷却条件对玻璃纤维与聚丙烯界面结合的影响 I.不同界面处理对界面剪切强度的影响

通过测定,得出马来酸酐改性聚丙烯（ＭＰＰ）是提高玻璃纤维与聚丙烯树脂界面剪切强度的关键因素,而偶联剂的变化对体系界面剪切强度的影响较少,用仪器分析证实了酸酐基团与玻璃纤维表面发生化学反应的实质,以及当界面存在改性聚丙烯时,应选择Ａ－１７４ＴＭ硅烷偶联剂处理增强聚丙烯的玻璃纤维,而不是传统的Ａ－１１００ＴＭ硅烷偶联剂。     

界面处理和冷却条件对玻璃纤维与聚丙烯界面结合的影响 Ⅱ.不同冷却速度对界面剪切强度的影响

通过对玻璃纤维与聚丙烯界面剪切强度的测量,以及对其界面结晶形态的观测,发现界面产生横晶的充分条件是界面存在较强的相互作用和样品的缓慢冷却。提出了横晶形成机理,并推断横晶的形成会导致玻璃纤维与聚丙烯树脂界面结合强度的明显下降。用观测到的横晶与基体球晶的冲击线进一步证实了横晶形成机理     

Male-pattern baldness susceptibility locus at 20p11

We conducted a genome-wide association study for androgenic alopecia in 1,125 men and identified a newly associated locus at chromosome 20p11.22, confirmed in three independent cohorts (n = 1,650; OR = 1.60, P = 1.1 x 10(-14) for rs1160312). The one man in seven who harbors risk alleles at both 20p11.22 and AR (encoding the androgen receptor) has a sevenfold-increased odds of androgenic alopecia (OR = 7.12, P = 3.7 x 10(-15)).     

WNT7b mediates macrophage-induced programmed cell death in patterning of the vasculature

Macrophages have a critical role in inflammatory and immune responses through their ability to recognize and engulf apoptotic cells. Here we show that macrophages initiate a cell-death programme in target cells by activating the canonical WNT pathway. We show in mice that macrophage WNT7b is a short-range paracrine signal required for WNT-pathway responses and programmed cell death in the vascular endothelial cells of the temporary hyaloid vessels of the developing eye. These findings indicate that macrophages can use WNT ligands to influence cell-fate decisions--including cell death--in adjacent cells, and raise the possibility that they do so in many different cellular contexts.