Influence of E-cadherin methylation on prognosis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the significance of E-cadherin and the association between E-cadherin methylation status and prognosis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) by examining the mRNA and protein expression of E-cadherin and its gene methylation status in bone marrow mononuclear cells of children with ALL.@*METHODS@#The samples of 5 mL bone marrow blood were collected from 42 children with ALL who were diagnosed for the first time at diagnosis (pre-treatment group) and on day 33 of induction chemotherapy (post-treatment group). RT-qPCR, Western blot, and methylation-specific PCR were used to measure the mRNA and protein expression of E-cadherin and the methylation level of the E-cadherin gene. The changes in each index after induction chemotherapy were compared.@*RESULTS@#The mRNA and protein expression levels of E-cadherin in the post-treatment group were significantly higher than those in the pre-treatment group (P<0.05), while the positive rate of E-cadherin gene methylation in the post-treatment group was significantly lower than that in the pre-treatment group (P<0.05). At the end of the test, the children with negative methylation had significantly higher overall survival rate and event-free survival rate than those with positive methylation (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#E-cadherin expression is associated with the development of ALL in children, and its decreased expression and increased methylation level may indicate a poor prognosis.

miR-497 inhibits the growth and metastasis of SGC-7901 human gastric cancer anoikis resistant cells via blocking Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway / 细胞与分子免疫学杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of microRNA497 (miR-497) on the metastasis of gastric cancer and its possible molecular mechanism. Methods SGC-7901 gastric cancer parent cells were cultured in an ultra-low adhesion environment, and the anoikis resistance model of SGC-7901 cells was created after re-adhesion. Clone formation assay, flow cytometry, TranswellTM test and scratch healing test were used to detect the differences of biological behavior compared with their parent cells. Fluorescence quantitative PCR was performed to detect the expression of miR-497. Western blot analysis was used to detect the changes of key proteins of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) related proteins such as vimentin and E-cadherin. Parent cells and anoikis resistant SGC-7901 cells were transfected with miR-497 inhibitor or miR-497 mimic, and CCK-8 assay was used to detect the proliferation activity. TranswellTM invasion assay was performed to detect the invasion ability of cells. TranswellTM migration test and scratch healing assay was used to determine the migration ability. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expressions of Wnt1, β-catenin, vimentin and E-cadherin. By transfecting miR-497 mimic into the anoikis resistance SGC-7901 cells and inoculating them subcutaneously in nude mice, the changes in the volume and mass of tumor tissues were measured and recorded. Western blot analysis was used to determine the expressions of Wnt1, β-catenin, vimentin and E-cadherin of tumor tissues. Results Compared with the parent cells, the anoikis resistance SGC-7901 gastric cancer cells had faster proliferation rate, stronger colony formation, lower apoptosis rate, stronger invasion and migration ability. The expression of miR-497 was significantly decreased. After down-regulation of miR-497, the proliferation ability, invasion and migration ability were significantly enhanced. The expressions of Wnt1, β-catenin and vimentin increased significantly, while E-cadherin decreased notably. The results of up-regulation miR-497 were the opposite. The tumor growth rate, tumor volume and mass of miR-497 overexpression group were significantly lower than those of control group. The expressions of Wnt1, β-catenin and vimentin decreased significantly, while the expression of E-cadherin increased significantly. Conclusion The expression of miR-497 is low in the anoikis resistance SGC-7901 cells. miR-497 can inhibit the growth and metastasis of gastric cancer cells by blocking Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and EMT.

1, 25-(OH)2-VitD3 attenuates renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in diabetic kidney disease by inhibiting Snail1-SMAD3/SMAD4 complex formation / 细胞与分子免疫学杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of 1, 25-(OH)2-VitD3 (VitD3) on renal tubuleinterstitial fibrosis in diabetic kidney disease. Methods NRK-52E renal tubular epithelial cells were divided into control group (5.5 mmol/L glucose medium treatment), high glucose group (25 mmol/L glucose medium treatment) and high glucose with added VitD3 group (25 mmol/L glucose medium combined with 10-8 mmol/L VitD3). The mRNA and protein expression of Snail1, SMAD3, SMAD4, α-SMA and E-cadherin in NRK-52E cells were detected by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis respectively. The expression and localization of Snail1, SMAD3 and SMAD4 were detected by immunofluorescence cytochemical staining. The binding of Snail1 with SMAD3/SMAD4 complex to the promoter of Coxsackie-adenovirus receptor (CAR) was detected by chromatin immunoprecipitation. The interaction among Snail1, SMAD3/SMAD4 and E-cadherin were detected by luciferase assay. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to inhibit the expression of Snail1 and SMAD4, and the expression of mRNA of E-cadherin was detected by real-time quantitative PCR. SD rats were randomly divided into control group, DKD group and VitD3-treated group. DKD model was established by injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in DKD group and VitD3-treated group. After DKD modeling, VitD3-treated group was given VitD3 (60 ng/kg) intragastric administration. Control group and DKD group were given normal saline intragastric administration. In the DKD group and VitD3-treated group, insulin (1-2 U/kg) was injected subcutaneously to control blood glucose for 8 weeks. The mRNA and protein levels of Snail1, SMAD3, SMAD4, α-SMA and E-cadherin in renal tissues were detected by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis respectively. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression and localization of Snail1, SMAD3, SMAD4, α-SMA and E-cadherin in renal tissue. Results Compared with the control group, the mRNA and protein expressions of Snail1, SMAD3, SMAD4 and α-SMA in NRK-52E cells cultured with high glucose and in DKD renal tissues were up-regulated, while E-cadherin expression was down-regulated. After the intervention of VitD3, the expression levels of Snail1, SMAD3, SMAD4, α-SMA and E-cadherin in the DKD model improved to be close to those in the control group. Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that Snail1 and SMAD3/SMAD4 bound to CAR promoter IV, while VitD3 prevented Snail1 and SMAD3/SMAD4 from binding to CAR promoter IV. Luciferase assay confirmed the interaction among Snail1, SMAD3/SMAD4 and E-cadherin. After the mRNA of Snail1 and SMAD4 was inhibited by siRNA, the expression of E-cadherin induced by high glucose was up-regulated. Conclusion VitD3 could inhibit the formation of Snail1-SMAD3/SMAD4 complex and alleviate the renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in DKD.

Decursin affects proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of colorectal cancer cells through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway / 中国中药杂志

We investigated the effects of decursin on the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of colorectal cancer HT29 and HCT116 cells through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/serine-threonine kinase(Akt) pathway. Decursin(10, 30, 60, and 90 μmol·L~(-1)) was used to treat HT29 and HCT116 cells. The survival, colony formation ability, proliferation, apoptosis, wound hea-ling area, and migration of the HT29 and HCT116 cells exposed to decursin were examined by cell counting kit-8(CCK8), cloning formation experiments, Ki67 immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, wound healing assay, and Transwell assay, respectively. Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of epithelial cadherin(E-cadherin), neural cadherin(N-cadherin), vimentin, B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), tumor suppressor protein p53, PI3K, and Akt. Compared with the control group, decursin significantly inhibited the proliferation and colony number and promoted the apoptosis of HT29 and HCT116 cells, and it significantly down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 and up-regulated the expression of Bax. Decursin inhibited the wound healing and migration of the cells, significantly down-regulated the expression of N-cadherin and vimentin, and up-regulated the expression of E-cadherin. In addition, it significantly down-regulated the expression of PI3K and Akt and up-regulated that of p53. In summary, decursin may regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby affecting the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of colorectal cancer cells.

Low-dose cisplatin exposure and SNAIL, Vimentin, E-cadherin expression in HEPG2 cell line / Exposición a dosis bajas de cisplatino y expresión de SNAIL, Vimentina, E-cadherina en línea celular HEPG2

Cisplatin, the first platinum compound approved for cancer treatment, is widely used in the treatment of various cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC incidence rates rise globally. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is implicated in cancer invasion and metastasis, which are associated with increased mortality. Cisplatin dose might influence cancer invasion and metastatic behavior of the cells. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of low-dose cisplatin treatment on EMT- related changes in HepG2 cells. Following treatment with 4 µM cisplatin, HepG2 cells were evaluated morphologically. Gene expression of E-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail1 was assessed by quantitative PCR. Immunofluorescence analyses of NA-K ATPase were performed. Although the low-dose cisplatin treated cells exhibited a more stretched morphology, no statistical difference was detected in gene expression of E-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail1 and immunofluorescence of NA-K ATPase. Findings on low-dose cisplatin effects in HepG2 might contribute to the knowledge of antineoplastic inefficacy by further understanding the molecular mechanisms of drug action.

El cisplatino, el primer compuesto de platino aprobado para el tratamiento del cáncer, es ampliamente utilizado en el tratamiento de varios tipos de cáncer, incluido el carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC). Las tasas de incidencia de CHC aumentan a nivel mundial. La transición mesenquimal epitelial (EMT) está implicada en la invasión del cáncer y la metástasis, que se asocian con un aumento de la mortalidad. La dosis de cisplatino podría influir en la invasión del cáncer y el comportamiento metastásico de las células. El objetivo del estudio fue investigar el efecto del tratamiento con dosis bajas de cisplatino en los cambios relacionados con la EMT en las células HepG2. Tras el tratamiento con cisplatino de 4 µM, se evaluaron morfológicamente las células HepG2. La expresión génica de E-cadherina, vimentina, caracol1 se evaluó mediante PCR cuantitativa. Se realizaron análisis de inmunofluorescencia de NA-K ATPasa . Aunque las células tratadas con cisplatino en dosis bajas exhibieron una morfología más estirada, no se detectaron diferencias estadísticas en la expresión génica de E-cadherina, vimentina, Snail1 e inmunofluorescencia de NA-K ATPasa. Los hallazgos sobre los efectos del cisplatino en dosis bajas en HepG2 podrían contribuir al conocimiento de la ineficacia antineoplásica al comprender mejor los mecanismos moleculares de la acción del fármaco.

Genetic analysis and prenatal diagnosis of a Chinese pedigree affected with Usher syndrome due to novel compound heterozygous variants of PCDH15 gene / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the clinical features and genetic variant in a patient with Usher syndrome.@*METHODS@#Whole exome sequencing was carried out for the patient. Suspected variants were validated by Sanger sequencing of her parents and fetus.@*RESULTS@#The proband was found to harbor compound heterozygous variants c.17_18insA (p.Tyr6Ter*) and c.4095_4096insA (p.Arg1366Lys fs*38) of the PCDH15 gene (NM_033056), which were respectively inherited from her father and mother. The same variants were not detected in 100 healthy controls. Based on the guidelines of the American Society of Medical Genetics and Genomics, both variants were predicted to be pathogenic (PVS1+PM2+PP4). By prenatal diagnosis, her fetus was found to carry the c.4095_4096insA variant. After birth, the child has passed neonatal hearing screening test, and no abnormal auditory and visual function was found after the first year.@*CONCLUSION@#The compound heterozygous variants c.17_18insA (p.Tyr6Ter*) and c.4095_4096insA (p.Arg1366Lys fs*38) of the PCDH15 gene probably underlay the Usher syndrome is this proband.

Effect of lathyrol derivatives on non-small cell lung cancer and the possible mechanism / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 85% of all lung cancer, with highmorbidity and mortality rate. Nove drug development for NSCLC is urgently needed.This study aims to investigate the activity of lathyrol derivatives and the mechanism for its inhibitory effect on the growth of NSCLC cells.@*METHODS@#Three lathyrol derivatives were synthesized from lathyrol and their structures were verified by nuclear magnetic resonance. MTT assay was used to detect the effects of the lathyrol derivatives on the proliferation activity of NSCLC cells (A549 and H1299 cells), and the compound with the best activity was selected for subsequent experiments. Colony forming assay, wound-healing assay, and transwell assay were applied to detect in vitro cell proliferation, migration and invasion ability in A549 and H1299 cells, respectively. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting were performed to detect mRNA and protein levels of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, β-catenin, and MMP2 in A549 cells, respectively.@*RESULTS@#Three lathyrol derivatives inhibited the growth of A549 and H1299 cells in a dose-dependent manner, and they showed a weak inhibitory effect on normal cells Beas-2B and 16HBE, indicating that they possessed certain selective toxic effects. Therefore, C-5 benzoylated lathyrol with the best activity was selected as the ideal drug for the subsequent experiments. Compared with the control group, the number and size of cell clusters in the treatment group of A549 and H1299 cells were significantly decreased, the relative mobility were significantly decreased, and the number of invaded cells were significantly decreased (all P<0.05), indicating that the in vitro cell proliferation, migration and invasion ability were decreased. The mRNA levels of integrin α2, integrin β1, MMP2, MMP9, β-catenin, and N-cadherin were decreased, while the expression of E-cadherin was increased (all P<0.05). The protein levels of N-cadherin, β-catenin, MMP2, and integrin αV were decreased, while the expression of E-cadherin was increased (all P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The lathyrol derivatives synthesized in this study possess good inhibitory activity against NSCLC. Among them, C-5 benzoylated lathyrol significantly inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of NSCLC cells in vitro through regulating the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Association of CDH11 with Autism Spectrum Disorder Revealed by Matched-gene Co-expression Analysis and Mouse Behavioral Studies / 神经科学通报·英文版

A large number of putative risk genes for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been reported. The functions of most of these susceptibility genes in developing brains remain unknown, and causal relationships between their variation and autism traits have not been established. The aim of this study was to predict putative risk genes at the whole-genome level based on the analysis of gene co-expression with a group of high-confidence ASD risk genes (hcASDs). The results showed that three gene features - gene size, mRNA abundance, and guanine-cytosine content - affect the genome-wide co-expression profiles of hcASDs. To circumvent the interference of these features in gene co-expression analysis, we developed a method to determine whether a gene is significantly co-expressed with hcASDs by statistically comparing the co-expression profile of this gene with hcASDs to that of this gene with permuted gene sets of feature-matched genes. This method is referred to as "matched-gene co-expression analysis" (MGCA). With MGCA, we demonstrated the convergence in developmental expression profiles of hcASDs and improved the efficacy of risk gene prediction. The results of analysis of two recently-reported ASD candidate genes, CDH11 and CDH9, suggested the involvement of CDH11, but not CDH9, in ASD. Consistent with this prediction, behavioral studies showed that Cdh11-null mice, but not Cdh9-null mice, have multiple autism-like behavioral alterations. This study highlights the power of MGCA in revealing ASD-associated genes and the potential role of CDH11 in ASD.

Early identification and diagnosis of epilepsy related to fever sensitivity / 中国当代儿科杂志

Febrile seizures are the most common nervous system disease in childhood, and most children have a good prognosis. However, some epilepsy cases are easily induced by fever and are characterized by "fever sensitivity", and it is difficult to differentiate such cases from febrile seizures. Epilepsy related to fever sensitivity includes hereditary epilepsy with febrile seizures plus, Dravet syndrome, and

Effects of Pigment Epithelium-derived Factor and Its Peptides on Proliferation, Apoptosis and Migration of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer / 中国肺癌杂志

BACKGROUND@#The anti-tumor effect of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) has been widely confirmed. However, the anti-tumor effect of its peptides is rarely reported. This study aims to investigate the effects of PEDF and its peptides on the apoptosis and migration of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).@*METHODS@#In this study, A549 cells and H1299 cells were selected as the research object, and the cells were divided into normal group, PEDF treatment group, 34 peptide treatment group, 44 peptide treatment group and 34+44 peptide treatment group by administering different drugs at the same concentration to the cells. The proliferation activity of cells in each group was detected by CCK-8 method; the migration ability of cells was detected by scratch test; the expression levels of apoptosis related proteins such as protein kinase 3 (RIP3) and cleaved-caspase-3 were detected by Western blot; the expression levels of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in each group, such as cadherin (E-cadherin) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were detected by Western blot; the apoptosis rate of each group was detected by flow cytometry.@*RESULTS@#The results of CCK-8 showed that PEDF and its peptides could inhibit cell proliferation, and the inhibitory effect of 34+44 peptide was the strongest (P<0.05); Observation under the microscope found that PEDF and its peptides can inhibit the proliferation and mesenchymal transformation of A549 cells and H1299 cells, and the inhibitory effect of the 34+44 peptide group is the most obvious; Western blot indicated that compared with other groups, the expressions of cleaved-caspase-3 and RIP3 in 34+44 peptide group were significantly higher (P<0.05), and the expressions of EMT protein E-cadherin were higher, the expression of α-SMA decreased (P<0.05); The results of flow cytometry showed that the apoptosis rate of 34+44 peptide group was significantly higher than those of other groups (P<0.05); The scratch test showed that compared with all the other groups, the healing rate of 34+44 peptide group was the lowest (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#34+44 combination peptide can better promote the apoptosis of NSCLC, inhibit the migration of NSCLC, and thereby inhibit the growth of NSCLC.

Clinicopathological Features and Expression of P504s,E-cadherin,Erythroblast Transformation-specific Related Gene and Estrogen Receptor in Prostate Adenocarcinoma in Tibet / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To investigate the clinicopathological features and immunohistochemical expression of P504s,E-cadherin,erythroblast transformation-specific related gene(ERG)and estrogen receptor(ER)in prostate adenocarcinoma in Tibet.Methods The clinical data of 15 patients with prostate adenocarcinoma diagnosed by the Department of Pathology of Tibet Autonomous Region People's Hospital from September 2013 to September 2020 were analyzed retrospectively.All patients were assigned to prognostic grade groups based on Gleason score according to the WHO 2016 criteria.Immunostaining of P504s,E-cadherin,ERG,and ER was performed.Results The age of all 15 patients ranged from 61 to 86 years.The serum prostate specific antigen(PSA)concentration was ≥20 ng/ml in 12 patients and<20 ng/ml in 3 patients.Among the 15 patients,11 underwent needle biopsy,1 transurethral resection of the prostate,and 3 radical prostatectomy.Prognostic grouping results revealed 5 cases in grade groups 1-3,4 cases in grade group 4,and 6 cases in grade group 5.Immunohistochemistrically,15 cases(100%)were positive for P504s,E-cadherin and PSA;one case(7%)was positive for ERG;all cases were negative for P63,ER and CK34βE12.Thirteen cases were followed up for 2-48 months,with 2 cases treated with total prostatectomy and 11 cases with non-surgical treatment.Two cases were lost to follow-up. Conclusions Prostate adenocarcinoma is rare relatively in Tibet.The accuracy of diagnosis can be improved by using multiple immunohistochemical markers.The cases of grades 4 and 5 by pathological confirmed are relatively common in Tibet.P504s and E-cadherin are highly expressed in prostate adenocarcinoma patients in Tibet,while ERG presents low expression,ER is unexpressed.

Variante patogénica en el gen PCDH19 en una paciente con epilepsia y discapacidad cognitiva / Pathogenic variant in the PCDH19 gene in a patient with epilepsy and cognitive disability

INTRODUCCIÓN: La asociación de casos familiares de epilepsia y discapacidad intelectual (DI) en mujeres fue reportada en 1971. El año 2008, se identificó el rol de variantes patogénicas del gen PCDH19 en algunas familias. La enfermedad se presenta con crisis febriles en cluster, DI y rasgos autistas. La mayoría se debe a variantes de novo, pero hay algunos casos heredados por un modo peculiar de transmisión ligada X. OBJETIVO: Comunicar el caso de una paciente con epilepsia portadora de una variante patogénica en el gen PCDH1 9, revisando la historia natural de la enfermedad y la evidencia disponible para su manejo. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente femenina, con antecedentes de embarazo y período perinatal normal. A los 6 meses, estando febril, presentó crisis focales motoras en cluster que repitieron a los 14, 18, 21 meses y 3 años siempre asociadas a fiebre, presentando incluso estatus epiléptico. Mantiene biterapia con topiramato y ácido valproico, completando 13 años sin crisis. El estudio del gen SCN1A no mostró anomalías y el estudio del gen PCDH19 reveló una variante patogénica en heterocigosis, "de novo". La paciente ha evolucionado con DI y alteraciones conductuales severas que requieren aten ción de salud mental. CONCLUSIONES: Las variantes patogénicas PCDH19 tienen expresión fenotípica variada. El diagnóstico genético debe sospecharse con la clínica. La morbilidad psiquiátrica a largo plazo puede ser incapacitante.

INTRODUCTION: The association of family cases of epilepsy and intellectual disability in women was reported in 1971. In 2008, the role of pathogenic variants of the PCDH19 gene in some families were identified. The disease presents with febrile seizure clusters, intellectual disability, and autistic features. Most cases are due to de novo variants, however, there are some inherited cases, with an atypical way of X-linked transmission. OBJECTIVE: To report the case of a patient with epilepsy carrier of a pathogenic variant of the PCDH19 gene, reviewing the natural history of this condition and the available evidence for its management. CLINICAL CASE: Female patient, with normal history of pregnancy and perinatal period. At 6 months, while febrile, she presented focal motor seizure clusters that repeated at 14, 18, 21 months and 3 years old, always associated with fever, even presenting status epilepticus. She is on therapy with topiramate and valproic acid, achieving 13 seizure-free years. The analysis of the SCN1A gene showed no abnormalities and the study of the PCDH19 gene revealed a de novo heterozygous pathogenic variant. The patient evolved with intellectual disability and severe behavioral disorders that require mental health team support. CONCLUSIONS: PCDH19 pathogenic variants have varied phenotypic expression. The genetic diagnosis should be guided with the clinical features. Long-term psychiatric morbidity can be disabling.

FAT1 Gene Alteration in Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy Type 1

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy type 1 (FSHD1) is caused by contraction of the D4Z4 repeat array. Recent studies revealed that the FAT1 expression is associated with disease activity of FSHD, and the FAT1 alterations result in myopathy with a FSHD-like phenotype. We describe a 59-year-old woman with both contracted D4Z4 repeat units and a FAT1 mutation. Shoulder girdle muscle weakness developed at the age of 56 years, and was followed by proximal leg weakness. When we examined her at 59 years of age, she displayed asymmetric and predominant weakness of facial and proximal muscles. Muscle biopsy showed increased variation in fiber size and multifocal degenerating fibers with lymphocytic infiltration. Southern blot analysis revealed 8 D4Z4 repeat units, and targeted sequencing of modifier genes demonstrated the c.10331 A>G variant in the FAT1 gene. This FAT1 variant has previously been reported as pathogenic variant in a patient with FSHD-like phenotype. Our study is the first report of a FAT1 mutation in a FSHD1 patient, and suggests that FAT1 alterations might work as a genetic modifier.

Hypotrichosis with juvenile macular dystrophy: a case report with molecular study / Hipotricose com distrofia macular juvenil: relato de caso com estudo molecular

ABSTRACT Hypotrichosis with juvenile macular dystrophy is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by sparse scalp hair caused by hair follicle abnormalities as well as progressive retinal degeneration leading to blindness in the second or third decade of life. It is associated with mutations of the cadherin 3 (CDH3) gene, which result in abnormal expression of P-cadherin. Mutations in CDH3 are related to ectodermal dysplasia, ectrodactyly, and macular dystrophy. In this report, we describe an 11-year-old Iranian boy born with a missing left index fingernail and sparse scalp hair who later displayed macular pigmentary changes. Genetic testing of the CDH3 gene revealed a homozygous gene variant at exon 6 (640A>T). This novel in-frame mutation converts a lysine to a premature stop codon, altering synthesis of P-cadherin on chromosome 16q22.

RESUMO Hipotricose com distrofia macular juvenil (HDMJ) é uma doença autossômica recessiva rara caracterizada por rarefação capilar por alteração nos folículos pilosos e degeneracão progressiva da retina levando a cegueira na segunda e terceira década de vida. Associada a mutações no gene CDH3, resultando em expressão anormal de P-caderina. Mutações no gene CDH3 estão relacionados à displasia ectodérmica, ectrodactilia e distrofia macular. Neste relato descrevemos um menino Iraniano de 11 anos de idade, com ausência da unha na mão esquerda e rarefação capilar desde o nascimento, e que posteriormente apresentou alterações pigmentares maculares. Teste genético do gene CDH3 revelou uma variação homozigótica no exon 6 (640A>T). Essa mutação in-frame troca uma lisina por um codon de parada prematura, alterando a síntese da proteína P-caderina no cromossomo 16q22.

Efecto de las alteraciones genéticas y epigenéticas de la cadherina E y su expresión en la transcripción en la propensión al cáncer de mama / Effect of genetics, epigenetics and variations in the transcriptional expression of cadherin-E in breast cancer susceptibility

RESUMEN Introducción. La cadherina E (CDH1) cumple un papel importante en la transición epitelio-mesénquima y está relacionada con la invasión y las metástasis en varios tipos de carcinomas. Sin embargo, el efecto de las mutaciones y 'epimutaciones' germinales en la propensión al cáncer de mama no es claro. Objetivo. Evaluar el polimorfismo rs5030625, los cambios en el patrón de metilación del promotor y la expresión en la transcripción del gen CDH1 en pacientes con cáncer de mama. Materiales y métodos. Se tomaron muestras de sangre periférica de 102 pacientes con cáncer de mama y 102 mujeres de control. La genotipificación del polimorfismo rs5030625 se hizo mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) y análisis de polimorfismos de longitud del fragmento de restricción; la PCR y el análisis de disociación de alta resolución sensible a metilación se emplearon para determinar el estado y el nivel de metilación del promotor del CDH1; por último, el nivel de expresión en la transcripción del CDH1 se evaluó mediante PCR cuantitativa con transcripción inversa. Resultados. Los resultados no evidenciaron asociación entre el polimorfismo rs5030625 y el cáncer de mama. Se encontraron perfiles aberrantes de metilación del promotor del CDH1 en las pacientes con cáncer de mama relacionados con las primeras etapas de desarrollo del cáncer. La disminución de la expresión del CDH1 se asoció con la presencia de metástasis y el estado de metilación del promotor. Conclusión. Las alteraciones en el CDH1 se asociaron con la invasión y las metástasis en el cáncer de mama. Se proporcionó evidencia adicional sobre la relevancia del CDH1 en el desarrollo y la progresión del cáncer de mama.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Cadherin-E (CDH1) is an important regulator of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, invasion and metastasis in many carcinomas. However, germinal epimutations and mutations effect in breast cancer susceptibility is not clear. Objective: To evaluate rs334558 polymorphism, promoter methylation status and CDH1 expression profile in breast cancer patients. Materials and methods: We collected peripheral blood samples from 102 breast cancer patients and 102 healthy subjects. The identification of rs334558 polymorphism was performed using PCR-RFLP, while methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM) were used to explore CDH1 methylation status; finally, CDH1 transcriptional expression profile was evaluated using RT-qPCR. Results: We found no association between rs334558 polymorphism and breast cancer. Aberrant promoter methylation profile was found in breast cancer patients and it was related with early cancer stages. CDH1 down-regulation was significantly associated with metastasis and promoter methylation. Conclusion: CDH1 alterations were associated with invasion and metastasis in breast cancer. Our results offer further evidence of CDH1 relevance in breast cancer development and progression.

Expresión de cadherinas E y P en los tipos moleculares de cáncer de mama / Cadherins E and P expression in the molecular types of breast cancer.

La transición epitelial-mesenquimal es un proceso mediante el cual las células tumorales pierden sus marcadores epiteliales y facilita la migración a órganos distantes. En este proceso intervienen diversas proteínas de adhesión celular, tales como la cadherina E y la cadherina P. El presente estudio se realizó en 354 pacientes diagnosticadas de carcinoma ductal infiltrante de mama en seguimiento, en el Instituto de Oncología “Dr. Miguel Pérez Carreño” de Valencia, Venezuela. Se analizó la expresión de las dos moléculas por matrices de tejidos y se compararon los resultados obtenidos con las clases moleculares definidas por inmunohistoquímica, de acuerdo a la expresión de receptores de estrógeno (RE), receptores de progesterona (RP) y receptor del factor de crecimiento epidérmico humano 2 (HER2) y con la supervivencia global (SG). Con base a los resultados de RE, RP y HER2 se establecieron las clases moleculares, obteniendo los siguientes porcentajes: Luminal A 42,4%, Luminal B 20,3%, HER2 9% y triple negativo (TN) 28,2%. La expresión de cadherina E se observó conservada en la mayoría de los tumores de esta serie, 92,5% de los casos. Los tumores de fenotipo TN presentaron un porcentaje elevado (41,7%) con expresión ausente o reducida. La cadherina P se expresó en el 40,5% de los casos, y aunque expresada en todas las clases, la proporción fue significativamente mayor en los casos TN. No se apreció valor pronóstico significativo al analizar la SG a 5 años de las pacientes con tumores con ausencia o expresión reducida de cadherina E. La expresión de cadherina P presentó relación negativa con la SG.

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition is a process by which tumor cells lose their epithelial markers and migrate to distant organs. This process involves several cell adhesion proteins such as E-cadherin and P-cadherin. The present study was performed in 354 pacients diagnosed with breast infiltrating ductal carcinoma in the Oncology Institute “Dr. Miguel Pérez Carreño”, Valencia, Venezuela. The expression of 22 molecules was analyzed by tissue micro-arrays and the results were compared with the molecular clases established by immunohistochemistry, according to the expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2), and with the overall survival (OS). Based on the results of ER, PR and HER2 molecular classes according to the following percentages were established: Luminal A 42.4%, Luminal B 20.3%, 9% HER2 and 28.2% triple negative (TN). E-cadherin expression was observed conserved in most of the tumors of this series, 92.5% of cases. TN phenotype tumors showed a high percentage (41.7%) with absent or reduced expression. The P-cadherin was expressed in 40.5% of cases, although expressed in all classes; the proportion was significantly higher in cases TN. No significant prognostic value was observed when analyzing the overall five-year survival of patients with tumors with absent or reduced expression of E-cadherin. The P-cadherin expression had a negative relationship with the OS.

Síndrome de Wiskott-Aldrich: Caso clínico / Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome: Case report

El síndrome de Wiskott-Aldrich es una inmunodeficiencia primaria; con una incidencia de 3,5 a 5,2 por cada millón de recién nacidos masculinos. Se caracteriza por tener un patrón de herencia recesiva ligada al cromosoma X. En estos pacientes; se ha descrito la tríada clásica de inmunodeficiencia; microtrombocitopenia y eczema. Presentamos un paciente de 5 años de edad; hispánico; con antecedentes de numerosas infecciones desde el primer año de vida. Actualmente; presenta desnutrición crónica; talla baja secundaria y retraso en el desarrollo del lenguaje. Se diagnosticó una mutación poco frecuente del gen asociado al síndrome de Wiskott-Aldrich.

The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is a rare X-linked recessive immunodeficiency, with an estimated incidence of 3.5 to 5.2 cases per million males. It is characterizedby immunodeficiency, microthrombocytopenia and eczema. We present a 5-year-old Hispanic male, with a medical history of numerous infectious diseases, compromised health, chronic malnutrition, language delay and failure to thrive. An infrequent mutation in the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome gene was found.

Isolated Schwannoma of the Olfactory Groove: A Case Report

Introduction Schwannoma of the olfactory groove is an extremely rare tumor that can share a differential diagnosis with meningioma or neuroblastoma. Objectives The authors present a case of giant schwannoma involving the anterior cranial fossa and ethmoid sinuses. Case Report The patient presented with a 30-month history of left nasal obstruction, anosmia, and sporadic ipsilateral bleeding. Computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses revealed expansive lesion on the left nasal cavity extending to nasopharynx up to ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses bilaterally with intraorbital and parasellar extension to the skull base. Magnetic resonance imaging scan confirmed the expansive tumor without dural penetration. Biopsy revealed no evidence of malignancy and probable neural cell. Bifrontal craniotomy was performed combined with lateral rhinotomy (Weber-Ferguson approach), and the lesion was totally removed. The tumor measured 8.0 4.3 3.7 cm and microscopically appeared as a schwannoma composed of interwoven bundles of elongated cells (Antoni A regions)mixed with less cellular regions (Antoni B). Immunohistochemical study stained intensively for vimentin and S-100. Conclusion Schwannomas of the olfactory groove are extremely rare, and the findings of origin of this tumor is still uncertain but recent studies point most probably to the meningeal branches of trigeminal nerve or anterior ethmoidal nerves. .

Hypoxia Induces Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Follicular Thyroid Cancer: Involvement of Regulation of Twist by Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1alpha

PURPOSE: Although follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) has a relatively fair prognosis, distant metastasis sometimes results in poor prognosis and survival. There is little understanding of the mechanisms contributing to the aggressiveness potential of thyroid cancer. We showed that hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) induced aggressiveness in FTC cells and identified the underlying mechanism of the HIF-1alpha-induced invasive characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cells were cultured under controlled hypoxic environments (1% O2) or normoxic conditions. The effect of hypoxia on HIF-1alpha, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related markers were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry. Invasion and wound healing assay were conducted to identify functional character of EMT. The involvement of HIF-1alpha and Twist in EMT were studied using gene overexpression or silencing. After orthotopic nude mouse model was established using the cells transfected with lentiviral shHIF-1alpha, tissue analysis was done. RESULTS: Hypoxia induces HIF-1alpha expression and EMT, including typical morphologic changes, cadherin shift, and increased vimentin expression. We showed that overexpression of HIF-1alpha via transfection resulted in the aforementioned changes without hypoxia, and repression of HIF-1alpha with RNA interference suppressed hypoxia-induced HIF-1alpha and EMT. Furthermore, we also observed that Twist expression was regulated by HIF-1alpha. These were confirmed in the orthotopic FTC model. CONCLUSION: Hypoxia induced HIF-1alpha, which in turn induced EMT, resulting in the increased capacity for invasion and migration of cells via regulation of the Twist signal pathway in FTC cells. These findings provide insight into a possible therapeutic strategy to prevent invasive and metastatic FTC.