Complete genome sequence and comparative metabolic profiling of the prototypical enteroaggregative Escherichia coli strain 042.

BACKGROUND: Escherichia coli can experience a multifaceted life, in some cases acting as a commensal while in other cases causing intestinal and/or extraintestinal disease. Several studies suggest enteroaggregative E. coli are the predominant cause of E. coli-mediated diarrhea in the developed world and are second only to Campylobacter sp. as a cause of bacterial-mediated diarrhea. Furthermore, enteroaggregative E. coli are a predominant cause of persistent diarrhea in the developing world where infection has been associated with malnourishment and growth retardation. METHODS: In this study we determined the complete genomic sequence of E. coli 042, the prototypical member of the enteroaggregative E. coli, which has been shown to cause disease in volunteer studies. We performed genomic and phylogenetic comparisons with other E. coli strains revealing previously uncharacterised virulence factors including a variety of secreted proteins and a capsular polysaccharide biosynthetic locus. In addition, by using Biolog Phenotype Microarrays we have provided a full metabolic profiling of E. coli 042 and the non-pathogenic lab strain E. coli K-12. We have highlighted the genetic basis for many of the metabolic differences between E. coli 042 and E. coli K-12. CONCLUSION: This study provides a genetic context for the vast amount of experimental and epidemiological data published thus far and provides a template for future diagnostic and intervention strategies.

New interleukins: are there any more?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: It is now well established that cytokines play a critical role in the regulation of the immune system. Processes such as lymphoid development, differentiation, homeostasis, tolerance and memory are all regulated by cytokines that bind the type I family of cytokine receptors. Like the interferons, which bind receptors designated as the type II cytokine receptor family, type I cytokines also have essential functions in host defence. RECENT FINDINGS: Recently, a number of new interleukins and their receptors have been discovered and their role in mounting an appropriate immune response is currently being studied. In this review we will describe the new interleukin-12 family of cytokines, which now includes two other members: interleukins 23 and 27. We will also review the newly discovered interleukins 28 and 29, also known as interferon-lambdas, which bind to the type II family of cytokine receptors, their structure and the structure of their receptors, their biological activities and modes of signalling. SUMMARY: These new molecules will certainly be the focus of active research in the immediate future. Their discovery opens the door to new therapeutic approaches to the treatment of various diseases ranging from infections from intracellular pathogens to viral infections.

The role of thymidylate synthase induction in modulating p53-regulated gene expression in response to 5-fluorouracil and antifolates.

Thymidylate synthase (TS) is a critical target for chemotherapeutic agents such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and antifolates such as tomudex (TDX),multitargeted antifolate, and ZD9331. Using the MCF-7 breast cancer line, we have developed p53 wild-type (M7TS90) and null (M7TS90-E6) isogenic lines with inducible TS expression (approximately 6-fold induction compared with control after 48 h). In the M7TS90 line, inducible TS expression resulted in a moderate approximately 3-fold increase in 5-FU IC-50(72 h) dose and a dramatic >20-fold increase in the IC-50(72 h) doses of TDX, multitargeted antifolate, and ZD9331. S-phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induced by the antifolates were abrogated by TS induction. In contrast, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induced by 5-FU was unaffected by TS expression levels. Inactivation of p53 significantly increased resistance to 5-FU and the antifolates with IC-50(72 h) doses for 5-FU and TDX of >100 and >10 microM, respectively, in the M7TS90-E6 cell line. Furthermore, p53 inactivation completely abrogated the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induced by 5-FU. The antifolates induced S-phase arrest in the p53 null cell line; however, the induction of apoptosis by these agents was significantly reduced compared with p53 wild-type cells. Both inducible TS expression and the addition of exogenous thymidine (10 microM) blocked p53 and p21 induction by the antifolates but not by 5-FU in the M7TS90 cell line. Similarly, inducible TS expression and exogenous thymidine abrogated antifolate but not 5-FU-mediated up-regulation of Fas/CD95 in M7TS90 cells. Our results indicate that in M7TS90 cells, inducible TS expression modulates p53 and p53 target gene expression in response to TS-targeted antifolate therapies but not to 5-FU.