The molecular role of the Rothmund-Thomson-, RAPADILINO- and Baller-Gerold-gene product, RECQL4: recent progress

The RecQ family of DNA helicases is highly conserved throughout evolution and plays an important role in the maintenance of genomic stability in all organisms. Mutations in three of the five known family members in humans, BLM, WRN and RECQL4, give rise to disorders that are characterized by predisposition to cancer and premature aging, emphasizing the importance of studying the RecQ proteins and their cellular activities. Interestingly, three autosomal recessive disorders have been associated with mutations in the RECQL4 gene: Rothmund-Thomson, RAPADILINO, and Baller-Gerold syndromes, thus making RECQL4 unique within the RecQ family of DNA helicases. To date, however, the molecular function of RECQL4 and the possible cellular pathways in which it is involved remain poorly understood. Here, we present an overview of recent findings in connection with RECQL4 and try to highlight different directions the field could head, helping to clarify the role of RECQL4 in preventing tumorigenesis and maintenance of genome integrity in humans. Received 31 October 2006; received after revision 4 January 2007; accepted 5 February 2007     

2/8 translocation in a Japanese Burkitt's lymphoma

Summary A new translocation between chromsomes 2 and 8 t(2p^–; 8q⁺), was found in fresh lymphoma cells from a Japanese patient with Epstein-Barr virus-carrying Burkitt's lymphoma, and in a lymphoma cell line derived from this patient. There was no 14q⁺ translocation, as has been previously described in African and North American Burkitt's lymphomas.Supported by a grant-in-aid for Cancer Research (52-11) from the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Japan.     

The mechanism of blood vessel permeability derangement under the influence of histamine,serotonin and bradykinin

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Antagonism of heterocyclic sulphonamides to the schistosomicidal effect of lucanthone

Zusammenfassung Heterocyclische Sulfonamide, in äquimolekularer Menge an mitSchistosoma mansoni infizierte Mäuse verabreicht, heben die Hemmung von Lucanthone auf die Entwicklung des Parasiten auf.     

Effect of adapting target size on the gain of the surround response mechanism in X- and Y-cells in cat retina

Summary The adaptation field of the surround mechanism of X and Y retinal ganglion cells in the cat was assessed with variable size, unmodulated adapting spots. Both an on-inhibition measure and an off-discharge measure of surround gain was used. Results suggest that the surround mechanism in Y-cells is strongest in the receptive field middle but weak or nonexistent in the middle of X-cell receptive fields.Acknowledgment. This research was supported by Public Health Service grant No. EY 00701.