An oncogenic KRAS2 expression signature identified by cross-species gene-expression analysis

Using advanced gene targeting methods, generating mouse models of cancer that accurately reproduce the genetic alterations present in human tumors is now relatively straightforward. The challenge is to determine to what extent such models faithfully mimic human disease with respect to the underlying molecular mechanisms that accompany tumor progression. Here we describe a method for comparing mouse models of cancer with human tumors using gene-expression profiling. We applied this method to the analysis of a model of Kras2-mediated lung cancer and found a good relationship to human lung adenocarcinoma, thereby validating the model. Furthermore, we found that whereas a gene-expression signature of KRAS2 activation was not identifiable when analyzing human tumors with known KRAS2 mutation status alone, integrating mouse and human data uncovered a gene-expression signature of KRAS2 mutation in human lung cancer. We confirmed the importance of this signature by gene-expression analysis of short hairpin RNA-mediated inhibition of oncogenic Kras2. These experiments identified both a pattern of gene expression indicative of KRAS2 mutation and potential effectors of oncogenic KRAS2 activity in human cancer. This approach provides a strategy for using genomic analysis of animal models to probe human disease.     

Activators of serum lipoprotein lipase in alloxan diabetic rats

Summary The amount of free fatty acid (FFA) liberated with intralipid in post-heparin guinea-pig serum, when serum from alloxan diabetic rat is incubated, is higher than that liberated when serum from healthy rats is used. The above effect is probably due to larger quantities of lipoprotein lipase present in the diabetic serum.     

Replication pattern of double minutes derived from an insect cell line

The DNA replication pattern of double minutes derived from an established cell line of Aedes albopictus is described. Although the vast majority of double minutes replicate semiconservatively once during the S phase, some double minutes appear to exhibit different pattern(s). Two theories are suggested as possible explanations of our findings.     

Aldose metabolism in developing human fetal brain and liver

Summary Aldose reductase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme activities were studied in human foetal brain and liver at different periods of gestation. Aldose reductase activity in liver disappears after 16 weeks of gestation whereas sorbitol dehydrogenase keeps on increasing in liver as well as in brain. In utero, some glucose metabolism may be mediated through an active sorbitol pathway in human fetuses.Acknowledgments. These studies were supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research.     

Aldose metabolism in developing human fetal brain and liver

Aldose reductase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme activities were studied in human foetal brain and liver at different periods of gestation. Aldose reductase activity in liver disappears after 16 weeks of gestation whereas sorbitol dehydrogenase keeps on increasing in liver as well as in brain. In utero, some glucose metabolism may be mediated through an active sorbitol pathway in human fetuses.     

Further studies on the sensitivity of plant pathogenic microorganisms towards some naturally occurring chalcones and flavanones

Summary The antifungal and antibacterial activities of some quinochalcones, chalcones and flavanones isolated fromDidymocarpus pedicellata have been assayed.The authors are grateful to B.C.K.V.V. and CSIR, India, for financial assistance.