Interaction network analysis of YBX1 for identification of therapeutic targets in adenocarcinomas

Human Y-box binding protein-1 (YBX1) is a member of highly conserved cold-shock domain protein family, which isinvolved in transcriptional as well as translational regulation of many genes. Nuclear localization of YBX1 has beenobserved in various cancer types and it’s overexpression has been linked to adverse clinical outcome and poor therapyresponse, but no diagnostic or therapeutic correlation has been established so far. This study aimed to identify differentiallyexpressed novel genes among the interactors of YBX1 in different cancer types. Analysis of RNA-Seq data for colorectal,lung, prostate and stomach adenocarcinoma identified 39 unique genes, which are differentially expressed in the fouradenocarcinoma types. Gene-enrichment analysis for the differentially expressed genes from individual adenocarcinomawith focus on unique genes resulted in a total of 57 gene sets specific to each adenocarcinoma. Gene ontology forcommonly expressed genes suggested the pathways and possible mechanisms through which they affect each adenocarcinoma type considered in the study. Gene regulatory network constructed for the common genes and network topologywas analyzed for the central nodes. Here 12 genes were found to play important roles in the network formation; amongthem, two genes FOXM1 and TOP2A were found to be in central network formation, which makes them a common targetfor therapeutics. Furthermore, five common differentially expressed genes in all adenocarcinomas were also identified.

Retroperitoneal teratomas in children.

OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to highlight the clinical features, investigations and treatment of retroperitoneal teratomas condition. METHODS: 12 patients (8 females and 4 males, age range-2 months to 14 yrs) of retroperitoneal teratoma admitted to the department of Pediatric Surgery, King George Medical University, Lucknow between 1980 and 2004 were studied. Investigations included hematology, plain X-ray of the abdomen, intravenous urography, ultrasound, computerised tomography (CT) of the abdomen (after 1990, 8 patients) and serum alpha-fetoprotein assay (after 1991, 6 patients, preoperatively). All patients underwent surgery. Serum alpha-fetoprotein assay was used during follow-up to detect recurrence. RESULTS: Majority of the tumors were left pararenal in location. In two patients there was bilateral involvement. In all except one, the tumor could be excised easily preserving the kidneys. In one child with a massive cystic tumor with bilateral involvement, the tumor was marsupialised in the first stage and excised subsequently. One child died postoperatively, the other 11 children are well and there has been no tumor recurrence on follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Retroperitoneal teratomas are uncommon lesions in children mostly arising in close relation to the kidneys. The majority are benign but complete excision is necessary for cure. Even large tumors with bilateral involvement of the retroperitoneum can be excised while preserving adjacent organs. Serum alpha-fetoprotein assay is a reliable method of detecting recurrence.