Common variation at 10p12.31 near MLLT10 influences meningioma risk

To identify susceptibility loci for meningioma, we conducted a genome-wide association study of 859 affected individuals (cases) and 704 controls with validation in two independent sample sets totaling 774 cases and 1,764 controls. We identified a new susceptibility locus for meningioma at 10p12.31 (MLLT10, rs11012732, odds ratio = 1.46, P(combined) = 1.88 × 10(-14)). This finding advances our understanding of the genetic basis of meningioma development.     

Mutations in lectin complement pathway genes COLEC11 and MASP1 cause 3MC syndrome

3MC syndrome has been proposed as a unifying term encompassing the overlapping Carnevale, Mingarelli, Malpuech and Michels syndromes. These rare autosomal recessive disorders exhibit a spectrum of developmental features, including characteristic facial dysmorphism, cleft lip and/or palate, craniosynostosis, learning disability and genital, limb and vesicorenal anomalies. Here we studied 11 families with 3MC syndrome and identified two mutated genes, COLEC11 and MASP1, both of which encode proteins in the lectin complement pathway (collectin kidney 1 (CL-K1) and MASP-1 and MASP-3, respectively). CL-K1 is highly expressed in embryonic murine craniofacial cartilage, heart, bronchi, kidney and vertebral bodies. Zebrafish morphants for either gene develop pigmentary defects and severe craniofacial abnormalities. Finally, we show that CL-K1 serves as a guidance cue for neural crest cell migration. Together, these findings demonstrate a role for complement pathway factors in fundamental developmental processes and in the etiology of 3MC syndrome.     

The sheddase activity of ADAM17/TACE is regulated by the tetraspanin CD9

ADAM17/TACE is a metalloproteinase responsible for the shedding of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α and many other cell surface proteins involved in development, cell adhesion, migration, differentiation, and proliferation. Despite the important biological function of ADAM17, the mechanisms of regulation of its metalloproteinase activity remain largely unknown. We report here that the tetraspanin CD9 and ADAM17 partially co-localize on the surface of endothelial and monocytic cells. In situ proximity ligation, co-immunoprecipitation, crosslinking, and pull-down experiments collectively demonstrate a direct association between these molecules. Functional studies reveal that treatment with CD9-specific antibodies or neoexpression of CD9 exert negative regulatory effects on ADAM17 sheddase activity. Conversely, CD9 silencing increased the activity of ADAM17 against its substrates TNF-α and ICAM-1. Taken together, our results show that CD9 associates with ADAM17 and, through this interaction, negatively regulates the sheddase activity of ADAM17.     

The cross-talk between the urokinase receptor and fMLP receptors regulates the activity of the CXCR4 chemokine receptor

The receptor (CXCR4) for the stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF1) and the urokinase-receptor (uPAR) are up-regulated in various tumors. We show that CXCR4-transfected cells migrate toward SDF1 on collagen (CG) and do not on vitronectin (VN). Co-expression of cell-surface uPAR, which is a VN receptor, impairs SDF1-induced migration on CG and allows migration on VN. Blocking fMLP receptors (fMLP-R), alpha-v integrins or the uPAR region capable to interact with fMLP-Rs, impairs migration of uPAR/CXCR4-transfected cells on VN and restores their migration on CG. uPAR co-expression also reduces the adherence of CXCR4-expressing cells to various components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and influences the partitioning of beta1 and alpha-v integrins to membrane lipid-rafts, affecting ECM-dependent signaling. uPAR interference in CXCR4 activity has been confirmed in cells from prostate carcinoma. Our results demonstrate that uPAR expression regulates the adhesive and migratory ability of CXCR4-expressing cells through a mechanism involving fMLP receptors and alpha-v integrins.     

Highly reactive oxygen species: detection, formation, and possible functions

The so-called reactive oxygen species (ROS) are defined as oxygen-containing species that are more reactive than O(2) itself, which include hydrogen peroxide and superoxide. Although these are quite stable, they may be converted in the presence of transition metal ions, such as Fe(II), to the highly reactive oxygen species (hROS). hROS may exist as free hydroxyl radicals (HO·), as bound ("crypto") radicals or as Fe(IV)-oxo (ferryl) species and the somewhat less reactive, non-radical species, singlet oxygen. This review outlines the processes by which hROS may be formed, their damaging potential, and the evidence that they might have signaling functions. Since our understanding of the formation and actions of hROS depends on reliable procedures for their detection, particular attention is given to procedures for hROS detection and quantitation and their applicability to in vivo studies.     

Evidence that prokineticin receptor 2 exists as a dimer in vivo

Prokineticins are proteins that regulate diverse biological processes including gastrointestinal motility, angiogenesis, circadian rhythm, and innate immune response. Prokineticins bind two closed related G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), PKR1 and PKR2. In general, these receptors act as molecular switches to relay activation to heterotrimeric G-proteins and a growing body of evidence points to the fact that GPCRs exist as homo- or heterodimers. We show here by Western-blot analysis that PKR2 has a dimeric structure in neutrophils. By heterologous expression of PKR2 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we examined the mechanisms of intermolecular interaction of PKR2 dimerization. The potential involvement of three types of mechanisms was investigated: coiled-coil, disulfide bridges, and hydrophobic interactions between transmembrane domains. Characterization of differently deleted or site-directed PKR2 mutants suggests that dimerization proceeds through interactions between transmembrane domains. We demonstrate that co-expressing binding-deficient and signaling-deficient forms of PKR2 can re-establish receptor functionality, possibly through a domain-swapping mechanism.     

Sulfatase activities towards the regulation of cell metabolism and signaling in mammals

In higher vertebrates, sulfatases belong to a conserved family of enzymes that are involved in the regulation of cell metabolism and in developmental cell signaling. They cleave the sulfate from sulfate esters contained in hormones, proteins, and complex macromolecules. A highly conserved cysteine in their active site is post-translationally converted into formylglycine by the formylglycine-generating enzyme encoded by SUMF1 (sulfatase modifying factor 1). This post-translational modification activates all sulfatases. Sulfatases are extensively glycosylated proteins and some of them follow trafficking pathways through cells, being secreted and taken up by distant cells. Many proteoglycans, glycoproteins, and glycolipids contain sulfated carbohydrates, which are sulfatase substrates. Indeed, sulfatases operate as decoding factors for a large amount of biological information contained in the structures of the sulfated sugar chains that are covalently linked to proteins and lipids. Modifications to these sulfate groups have pivotal roles in modulating specific signaling pathways and cell metabolism in mammals.     

Physical activity and the endocannabinoid system: an overview

Recognized as a “disease modifier”, physical activity (PA) is increasingly viewed as a more holistic, cost-saving method for prevention, treatment and management of human disease conditions. The traditional view that PA engages the monoaminergic and endorphinergic systems has been challenged by the discovery of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), composed of endogenous lipids, their target receptors, and metabolic enzymes. Indeed, direct and indirect evidence suggests that the ECS might mediate some of the PA-triggered effects throughout the body. Moreover, it is now emerging that PA itself is able to modulate ECS in different ways. Against this background, in the present review we shall discuss evidence of the cross-talk between PA and the ECS, ranging from brain to peripheral districts and highlighting how ECS must be tightly regulated during PA, in order to maintain its beneficial effects on cognition, mood, and nociception, while avoiding impaired energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammatory processes.     

On the chromosomic polymorphism ofRattus rattus L. a study on West-European populations

Riassunto Nell'ambito del problema del polimorfismo cromosomico diRattus rattus è stato studiato il cariotipo di varie popolazioni europee (Italia, Svizzera, Francia ed Inghilterra) riferibili alle sottospeciefrugivorus, rattus edalexandrinus. Il numero diploide osservato è sempre stato2n=38 e non è emersa nessuna differenza morfologica tra i cariogrammi delle varie popolazioni.

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This research was supported by the Gruppo di Studio per le popolazioni insulari del C.N.R..