USP37 Deubiquitinates CDC73 in HPT-JT Syndrome.

The CDC73/HRPT2 gene, a defect which causes hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor (HPT-JT) syndrome, encodes CDC73/parafibromin. We aimed to investigate whether CDC73 would be a target for ubiquitin-proteasome degradation. We cloned full-length cDNAs encoding a family of 58 ubiquitin-specific deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), also known as ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs). Use of the yeast two-hybrid system then enabled us to identify USP37 as interacting with CDC73. The biochemical interaction between the USP37 and CDC73 and their reciprocal binding domains were studied. Co-localization of CDC73 and USP37 was observed in cells. CDC73 was found to be polyubiquitinated, and polyubiquitination of CDC73 was prominent in mutants. CDC73 was deubiquitinated via K48-specific ubiquitin chains by USP37, but not by the catalytically inactive USP37C350S mutant. Observation of the binding between deletion mutants of CDC73 and USP37 revealed that the ß-catenin binding site of CDC73 and the ubiquitin-interacting motifs 2 and 3 (UIM2 and 3) of USP37 were responsible for the interaction between the two proteins. Moreover, these two enzymes co-existed within the nucleus of COS7 cells. We conclude that USP37 is a DUB for CDC73 and that the two proteins interact through specific domains, suggesting that USP37 is responsible for the stability of CDC73 in HPT-JT syndrome.

Clinical features and signaling effects of RET D631Y variant multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2).

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Germline mutations of the rearranged during transfection (RET) gene cause multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2). About 85% of RET mutations in MEN2 occur in codon Cys634. The RET D631Y mutation has recently been discovered, and we have studied its molecular expression and clinical consequences. METHODS: We analyzed the clinical characteristics of a total of 34 D631Y variant MEN2 individuals from seven families. We also constructed wild-type and mutant C630Y, D631Y, and C634R/W expression vectors and investigated their effects on signaling pathways and ability to correct the phenotypes of RET mutant cells. RESULTS: The median ages at diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) were higher in patients with RET D631Y variant MEN2 than in those with the C634R/W variant (49:53.5 years vs. 33.5:27 years, respectively), and the penetration of the D631Y mutation with respect to MTC was lower than that of the C634R/W mutation (32.3% vs. 90%). The effects of the mutant vectors on phosphorylation of RET signaling molecules and focus formation were significantly different from those of wild type, but there were no significant differences between the mutants. D631Y scored significantly higher for chemotaxis and wound healing than C630Y, but lower than C634R and C634W. CONCLUSION: We suggest that the tumorigenic potential conferred by the D631Y mutation is lower than that conferred by the C634R/W mutation, but higher than that conferred by C630Y. Thus, the risk level of the RET D631Y variant appears to be higher than that of C630Y and lower than that of C634R/W.

Long-Term Glycaemic Durability of Early Combination Therapy Strategy versus Metformin Monotherapy in Korean Patients with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

We assessed the glycaemic durability with early combination (EC; vildagliptin+metformin [MET], n=22) versus MET monotherapy (n=17), among newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) enrolled (between 2012 and 2014) in the VERIFY study from Korea (n=39). Primary endpoint was time to initial treatment failure (TF) (glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c] ≥7.0% at two consecutive scheduled visits after randomization [end of period 1]). Time to second TF was assessed when both groups were receiving and failing on the combination (end of period 2). With EC the risk of initial TF significantly reduced by 78% compared to MET (n=3 [15%] vs. n=10 [58.7%], P=0.0228). No secondary TF occurred in EC group versus five patients (29.4%) in MET. Patients receiving EC treatment achieved consistently lower HbA1c levels. Both treatment approaches were well tolerated with no hypoglycaemic events. In Korean patients with newly diagnosed T2DM, EC treatment significantly and consistently improved the long-term glycaemic durability as compared with MET.

Comparison of enteroendocrine cells and pancreatic ß-cells using gene expression profiling and insulin gene methylation.

Various subtypes of enteroendocrine cells (EECs) are present in the gut epithelium. EECs and pancreatic ß-cells share similar pathways of differentiation during embryonic development and after birth. In this study, similarities between EECs and ß-cells were evaluated in detail. To obtain specific subtypes of EECs, cell sorting by flow cytometry was conducted from STC-1 cells (a heterogenous EEC line), and each single cell was cultured and passaged. Five EEC subtypes were established according to hormone expression, measured by quantitative RT-PCR and immunostaining: L, K, I, G and S cells expressing glucagon-like peptide-1, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, cholecystokinin, gastrin and secretin, respectively. Each EEC subtype was found to express not only the corresponding gut hormone but also other gut hormones. Global microarray gene expression profiles revealed a higher similarity between each EEC subtype and MIN6 cells (a ß-cell line) than between C2C12 cells (a myoblast cell line) and MIN6 cells, and all EEC subtypes were highly similar to each other. Genes for insulin secretion-related proteins were mostly enriched in EECs. However, gene expression of transcription factors crucial in mature ß-cells, such as PDX1, MAFA and NKX6.1, were remarkably low in all EEC subtypes. Each EEC subtype showed variable methylation in three cytosine-guanosine dinucleotide sites in the insulin gene (Ins2) promoter, which were fully unmethylated in MIN6 cells. In conclusion, our data confirm that five EEC subtypes are closely related to ß-cells, suggesting a potential target for cell-based therapy in type 1 diabetes.

Effect of Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitor, Dapagliflozin, on Renal Renin-Angiotensin System in an Animal Model of Type 2 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Renal renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activation is one of the important pathogenic mechanisms in the development of diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor, dapagliflozin, on renal RAS in an animal model with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Dapagliflozin (1.0 mg/kg, OL-DA) or voglibose (0.6 mg/kg, OL-VO, diabetic control) (n = 10 each) was administered to Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats for 12 weeks. We used voglibose, an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, as a comparable counterpart to SGLT2 inhibitor because of its postprandial glucose-lowering effect without proven renoprotective effects. Control Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LT) and OLETF (OL-C) rats received saline (n = 10, each). Changes in blood glucose, urine albumin, creatinine clearance, and oxidative stress were measured. Inflammatory cell infiltration, mesangial widening, and interstitial fibrosis in the kidney were evaluated by histological analysis. The effects of dapagliflozin on renal expression of the RAS components were evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR in renal tissue. RESULTS: After treatment, hyperglycemia and urine microalbumin levels were attenuated in both OL-DA and OL-VO rather than in the OL-C group (P < 0.05). The urine angiotensin II (Ang II) and angiotensinogen levels were significantly decreased following treatment with dapagliflozin or voglibose, but suppression of urine Ang II level was more prominent in the OL-DA than the OL-VO group (P < 0.05). The expressions of angiotensin type 1 receptor and tissue oxidative stress markers were markedly increased in OL-C rats, which were reversed by dapagliflozin or voglibose (P < 0.05, both). Inflammatory cell infiltration, mesangial widening, interstitial fibrosis, and total collagen content were significantly increased in OL-C rats, which were attenuated in OL-DA group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Dapagliflozin treatment showed beneficial effects on diabetic nephropathy, which might be via suppression of renal RAS component expression, oxidative stress and interstitial fibrosis in OLETF rats. We suggest that, in addition to control of hyperglycemia, partial suppression of renal RAS with an SGLT2 inhibitor would be a promising strategy for the prevention of treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

Identification and functional analysis of a novel CaSR mutation in a family with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia.

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is a G-protein-coupled receptor that plays an essential role in maintaining calcium homeostasis. In the present study, we analyzed the CaSR gene in a Korean family with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH). Genetic studies were performed by direct sequence analysis of the CaSR gene in genomic DNA obtained from peripheral leukocytes. A novel heterozygous G to T substitution at nucleotide position 1711 in exon 6, resulting in the G571W mutation, was identified in the CaSR gene in a 26-year-old female with asymptomatic hypercalcemia, a low calcium/creatinine clearance ratio, and normal intact parathyroid hormone. To study CaSR expression, the mutation was introduced by site-directed mutagenesis into a wild-type (WT) CaSR-expressing pCR3.1 vector, and COS-7 cells were transfected with either the WT or mutant CaSR-containing vector. Transfected cells loaded with Fura-2/AM, a fluorescent indicator of Ca2+, were assessed for CaSR function by the change in intracellular calcium [as measured by the 340 nm/380 nm fluorescence intensity ratio (F340/F380)] made in response to challenge with extracellular Ca2+. Both WT and G571W cells had equivalent amounts of CaSR protein in the cell membrane. However, after challenge with extracellular Ca2+, cells transfected with G571W CaSR responded with a lower F340/F380 ratio than those transfected with WT CaSR and showed decreased sensitivity to extracellular Ca2+ concentrations. The G571W mutation had therefore impaired the CaSR function. In conclusion, we identified a novel loss-of-function mutation, G571W, in the CaSR gene in a Korean family with FHH.

Combined use of basal insulin analog and acarbose reduces postprandial glucose in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Early initiation of basal insulin therapy is recommended for normalizing fasting blood glucose in type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, basal insulin treatment might not adequately control postprandial glucose levels. The present study evaluated whether the combination of the α-glucosidase inhibitor, acarbose, and basal insulin improved blood glucose control under daily-life treatment conditions in a large sample of Korean patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was a multicenter, prospective, observational study under daily-life treatment conditions. A total of 539 patients with type 2 diabetes who were treated with basal insulin and additional acarbose were enrolled and followed up for 20 weeks. Changes in hemoglobin A1c, fasting and postprandial blood glucose were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the observation period. The physician and patient satisfaction of the combination treatment and safety were assessed. RESULTS: Hemoglobin A1c decreased by 0.55 ± 1.05% from baseline (P < 0.0001). Fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels were reduced by 0.89 ± 3.79 and 2.59 ± 4.77 mmol/L (both P < 0.0001). The most frequently reported adverse drug reactions were flatulence (0.37%) and abnormal gastrointestinal sounds (0.37%), and all were mild in intensity and transient. In the satisfaction evaluation, 79.0% of physicians and 77.3% of patients were 'very satisfied' or 'satisfied' with the combined basal insulin and acarbose therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Combination therapy of basal insulin and acarbose in patients with type 2 diabetes improved glucose control, and had no drug-specific safety concerns, suggesting that the treatment might benefit individuals who cannot control blood glucose with basal insulin alone.

Upregulation of FGFR1 expression is associated with parathyroid carcinogenesis in HPT-JT syndrome due to an HRPT2 splicing mutation.

Mutations of the HRPT2 gene, which are responsible for hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor (HPT-JT) syndrome, have been implicated in the development of a high proportion of parathyroid carcinomas. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in expression of the most important genes connected with parathyroid carcinoma between HPT-JT syndrome due to an HRPT2 splicing mutation, normal parathyroid tissue and sporadic parathyroid adenoma. Total RNAs were extracted from parathyroid carcinoma in HPT-JT syndrome harbouring HRPT2 splicing mutation or sporadic parathyroid adenoma and normal parathyroid gland, and subjected to Illumina DASL-based gene expression assay. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis was used to compare gene expression in HPT-JT syndrome, sporadic parathyroid adenoma and normal parathyroid glands. We identified differentially regulated genes in HPT-JT syndrome and sporadic parathyroid adenoma relative to normal parathyroid glands using a combination of Welch's t-test and fold-change analysis. Quantitative PCR, RT-PCR and IHC were used for validation. Sixteen genes differentially regulated in the parathyroid carcinoma were associated with signal pathways, MAPK, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, prostate cancer and apoptosis. FGFR1 expression was confirmed to be significantly upregulated by validation experiments. Our gene expression profiling experiments suggest that upregulated FGFR1 expression appears to be associated with parathyroid carcinoma in HPT-JT syndrome due to an HRPT2 splicing mutation.

Reprogramming of enteroendocrine K cells to pancreatic ß-cells through the combined expression of Nkx6.1 and Neurogenin3, and reaggregation in suspension culture.

Recent studies have demonstrated that adult cells such as pancreatic exocrine cells can be converted to pancreatic ß-cells in a process called cell reprogramming. Enteroendocrine cells and ß-cells share similar pathways of differentiation during embryonic development. Notably, enteroendocrine K cells express many of the key proteins found in ß-cells. Thus, K cells could be reprogrammed to ß-cells under certain conditions. However, there is no clear evidence on whether these cells convert to ß-cells. K cells were selected from STC-1 cells, an enteroendocrine cell line expressing multiple hormones. K cells were found to express many genes of transcription factors crucial for islet development and differentiation except for Nkx6.1 and Neurogenin3. A K cell clone stably expressing Nkx6.1 (Nkx6.1(+)-K cells) was established. Induction of Neurogenin3 expression in Nkx6.1(+)-K cells, by either treatment with a γ-secretase inhibitor or infection with a recombinant adenovirus expressing Neurogenin3, led to a significant increase in Insulin1 mRNA expression. After infection with the adenovirus expressing Neurogenin3 and reaggregation in suspension culture, about 50% of Nkx6.1(+)-K cells expressed insulin as determined by immunostaining. The intracellular insulin content was increased markedly. Electron microscopy revealed the presence of insulin granules. However, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was defective, and there was no glucose lowering effect after transplantation of these cells in diabetic mice. In conclusion, we demonstrated that K cells could be reprogrammed partially to ß-cells through the combined expression of Nkx6.1 and Neurogenin3, and reaggregation in suspension culture.

A new compound heterozygous mutation in the CYP17A1 gene in a female with 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency (OMIM #202110) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, which is caused by mutations of the CYP17A1 gene located on chromosome 10q24.3. It has been reported that the type of mutation of the CYP17A1 gene was associated with the extent of 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency, and the prevalence of common mutation was different among ethnic groups. CASE: A 21-year-old Korean female presented with primary amenorrhea and sexual infantilism, and intermittent hypokalemic episodes. Laboratory test was consistent with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. The karyotype was 46,XX[20]. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes. All the eight exons of the CYP17A1 gene including flanking regions of introns were amplified by PCR. The mutations of the CYP17A1 gene were detected by direct sequencing. A compound heterozygous mutation was identified; one allele had a missense mutation of c.1118A>T (p.His373Leu), which was reported previously and induced the complete loss of both 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase activity. This mutation has been known to be one of the common mutation types in East Asia. The other allele had a novel 1-bp deletion c.1148delA causing frameshift, premature termination codon (p.Glu383fs) and induced truncated enzymes. CONCLUSION: Our experience for stepwise clinical, laboratory and molecular approach would be helpful to diagnose these patients accurately and understand the genetic events in 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency patients.

Optimal hemoglobin A1C Cutoff Value for Diagnosing type 2 diabetes mellitus in Korean adults.

Commonly used tests for the diagnosis of diabetes include measurements of fasting plasma glucose levels and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Recently, a hemoglobin A1C (A1C) level of 6.5% has been included as a criterion for diabetes diagnosis by the American Diabetes Association. We aimed to determine appropriate A1C cutoff values for identifying patients with diabetes or prediabetes, including impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glucose among Korean adults and to determine whether these cutoffs vary according to age. We recruited 4616 adults without a history of diabetes from 10 university hospitals. A 75-g OGTT and A1C sampling were performed in all examinees. Pointwise area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the A1C cutoff. An A1C threshold of 6.1% proved to be the optimal limit for diagnosing diabetes, with 63.8% sensitivity and 88.1% specificity. The cutoff value increased with age (5.9% in 18-39 years, 6.2% in 40-64 years, and 6.4% in older than 65 years) and were similar for men and women. An A1C cutoff of 5.7% had reasonable sensitivity (48.6%) and specificity (65.7%) for the identification of prediabetes. Further prospective studies should be carried out to determine whether the application of age-specific diagnostic criteria is appropriate.

Protective Effect of Heme Oxygenase-1 on High Glucose-Induced Pancreatic ß-Cell Injury.

BACKGROUND: Glucose toxicity that is caused by chronic exposure to a high glucose concentration leads to islet dysfunction and induces apoptosis in pancreatic ß-cells. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) has been identified as an anti-apoptotic and cytoprotective gene. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether HO-1 up-regulation when using metalloprotophyrin (cobalt protoporphyrin, CoPP) could protect pancreatic ß-cells from high glucose-induced apoptosis. METHODS: Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyze the CoPP-induced mRNA expression of HO-1. Cell viability of INS-1 cells cultured in the presence of CoPP was examined by acridine orange/propidium iodide staining. The generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured using flow cytometry. Glucose stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) was determined following incubation with CoPP in different glucose concentrations. RESULTS: CoPP increased HO-1 mRNA expression in both a dose- and time-dependent manner. Overexpression of HO-1 inhibited caspase-3, and the number of dead cells in the presence of CoPP was significantly decreased when exposed to high glucose conditions (HG). CoPP also decreased the generation of intracellular ROS by 50% during 72 hours of culture with HG. However, decreased GSIS was not recovered even in the presence of CoPP. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that CoPP-induced HO-1 up-regulation results in protection from high glucose-induced apoptosis in INS-1 cells; however, glucose stimulated insulin secretion is not restored.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is associated with increased arterial stiffness without changes in carotid intima-media thickness in type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate the association of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) with both arterial stiffness and intima-media thickness (IMT). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 731 subjects with type 2 diabetes. DPN was diagnosed on the basis of neuropathic symptoms, insensitivity to a 10-g monofilament, abnormal pin-prick sensation, and abnormal current perception threshold. Arterial stiffness was assessed by cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), and IMT was assessed by B-mode ultrasonography. RESULTS: Patients with DPN had higher CAVI than those without DPN in multivariate-adjusted models, whereas no differences in IMT were observed between patients with and without DPN after adjustment for age and sex. In the multivariate analysis, CAVI was a significant determinant of DPN (odds ratio 1.36 [95% CI 1.13-1.65], P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: DPN is significantly associated with arterial stiffness without carotid intimal changes in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Analysis of a novel AVPR2 mutation in a family with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.

Congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is a rare X-linked recessive disorder associated with germ-line mutations of the arginine vasopressin (AVP) receptor type 2 (AVPR2) gene. Recent molecular studies have demonstrated that insensitivity of renal tubule cells to AVP is associated with AVPR2 mutations. We identified a novel deletion mutation at nucleotide position 302 (302delC), in a Korean NDI family, that results in a frameshift and a truncated receptor protein. To identify the mutant AVPR2 protein we developed an expression vector for the AVPR2 mutation by a PCR-based restriction fragment replacement strategy. COS-7 cells were transiently transfected with expression vectors for the wild-type and mutant genes, and we analyzed AVP-induced cyclic adenosine monophos-phate (cAMP) responses, and assessed the localization of AVPR2 receptors, in the transfected COS-7 cells. In the cells expressing the mutant gene, the maximum AVP-induced cAMP response was reduced and the truncated receptor proteins were retained within the cytoplasmic compartment. These results suggest that the novel frameshift AVPR2 (302delC) mutation is responsible for the AVP resistance in the family with congenital NDI.

Novel compound heterozygous mutations in the fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase gene cause hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis.

Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a mutation of the fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase 1 (FBP1) gene and results in impaired gluconeogenesis. We describe a male patient with typical FBPase deficiency who presented with hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis. The FBPase activity in his peripheral leukocytes and liver was very low. We amplified and sequenced the entire FBP1 coding region of the patient and his family members. Direct and allele-specific sequence analysis of the FBP1 gene revealed that the proband had a compound heterozygote for the G164S and 838delT, which he inherited from his carrier parents. His father and mother had heterozygous 838delT and G164S mutations, respectively, without any symptoms of hypoglycemia. Gene tracking within the family revealed that his elder sister had a heterozygous G164S mutation without symptoms of hypoglycemia. A G164S mutation of FBP1 in a heterozygous pattern (G164S and InsG960_961) has been reported previously, but the heterozygous 838delT mutation is novel. Transient transfection studies using COS-7 cells demonstrated that FBPase proteins with G164S or 838delT mutations were enzymatically inactive. In conclusion, we report a new case of molecular diagnosis of FBPase deficiency and provide evidence that impaired FBPase activity may be caused by novel compound heterozygous mutations in the FBP1 gene.

Analysis of aberrantly spliced HRPT2 transcripts and the resulting proteins in HPT-JT syndrome.

The risk for parathyroid carcinoma is high in those with the HPT-JT syndrome. Parafibromin is a protein derived from HRPT2 gene and its inactivation has been coupled to familial form of parathyroid malignancy. We previously identified altered transcripts resulting from splice site mutation of the HRPT2 gene in a family with this syndrome. In the present work, we investigated the stability of the altered HRPT2 transcripts and translation products produced in the HPT-JT syndrome. We quantified the differentially expressed HRPT2 mRNAs using real-time RT-PCR and developed a novel monoclonal parafibromin antibody to study the expression of parafibromin in the HPT-JT syndrome. The relative quantification ratios of the wild type HRPT2 mRNA, 23 bp deleted HRPT2 mRNA, and 70 bp deleted HRPT2 mRNA in the HPT-JT syndrome were 0.68, 0.17 and 0.15, respectively. But endogenous parafibromin expression was not detectable in the HPT-JT syndrome carcinoma. The altered HRPT2 mRNAs resulting from the splice site mutation in the HPT-JT syndrome were stable, but their parafibromin translation products from the HPT-JT syndrome carcinoma were probably degraded rapidly. Additional studies that aim to fully characterize the consequences of altered HRPT2 mRNAs in HPT-JT syndrome are required to explore these possibilities.

Tissue-specific expression and subcellular localization of ALADIN, the absence of which causes human triple A syndrome.

Triple A syndrome is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the achalasia-addisonianism-alacrima syndrome (AAAS) gene which encodes a tryptophan aspartic acid (WD) repeat-containing protein named alacrima-achalasia-adrenal insufficiency neurologic disorder (ALADIN). Northern blot analysis shows that the 2.1 kb AAAS mRNA is expressed in various tissues with stronger expression in testis and pancreas. We show that human ALADIN is a protein with an apparent molecular weight of 60 kDa, and expressed in the adrenal gland, pituitary gland and pancreas. Furthermore, biochemical analysis using anti-ALADIN antibody supports the previous finding of the localization of ALADIN in the nuclear membrane. The mutations S544G and S544X show that alteration of S544 residue affects correct targeting of ALADIN to the nuclear membrane.

Long-term effect of the Internet-based glucose monitoring system on HbA1c reduction and glucose stability: a 30-month follow-up study for diabetes management with a ubiquitous medical care system.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the long-term effectiveness of the Internet-based glucose monitoring system (IBGMS) on glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled trial in 80 patients with type 2 diabetes for 30 months. The intervention group was treated with the IBGMS, while the control group made conventional office visits only. HbA1c (A1C) was performed at 3-month intervals. For measuring of the stability of glucose control, the SD value of A1C levels for each subject was used as the A1C fluctuation index (HFI). RESULTS: The mean A1C and HFI were significantly lower in the intervention group (n = 40) than in the control group (n = 40). (A1C [mean +/- SD] 6.9 +/- 0.9 vs. 7.5 +/- 1.0%, P = 0.009; HFI 0.47 +/- 0.23 vs. 0.78 +/- 0.51, P = 0.001; intervention versus control groups, respectively). Patients in the intervention group with a basal A1C >or=7% (n = 27) had markedly lower A1C levels than corresponding patients in the control group during the first 3 months and maintained more stable levels throughout the study (P = 0.022). Control patients with a basal A1C <7% (n = 15) showed the characteristic bimodal distribution of A1C levels, whereas the A1C levels in the intervention group remained stable throughout the study with low HFI. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term use of the IBGMS has proven to be superior to conventional diabetes care systems based on office visits for controlling blood glucose and achieving glucose stability.

Proteomic analysis of differential protein expression in response to epidermal growth factor in neonatal porcine pancreatic cell monolayers.

We have proposed that porcine neonatal pancreatic cell clusters (NPCCs) may be a useful alternative source of cells for islet transplantation, and that monolayer cultures might provide an opportunity to manipulate the cells before transplantation. In addition we previously identified 10 genes up-regulated by epidermal growth factor (EGF) in cultured porcine NPCC monolayers. We have now analyzed the intracellular signaling pathways activated by EGF and searched for proteins differentially expressed following EGF treatment of the monolayers, using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). EGF treatment resulted in phosphorylation of both Erk 1/2 and Akt, as well as increased cell proliferation. Five unknown and 13 previously identified proteins were differentially expressed in response to EGF. EGF treatment increased the expression of several structural proteins of epithelial cells, such as cytokeratin 19 and plakoglobin, whereas vimentin, the intermediate filament protein of mesenchymal cells, and non-muscle myosin alkali chain isoform 1, decreased. Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) A2/B1 factor, which promotes epithelial cell proliferation, and hemoglobin alpha I & II also increased, whereas cyclin A1, immunoglobulin heavy chain, apolipoprotein A1, 5,10-ethylenetetrahydrofolated reductase (5,10-MTHFR), angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), co-lipase II precursor, and NAD+ isocitrate dehydrogenase (NAD+ IDH) alpha chain proteins decreased. Our results show that EGF stimulates proliferation of pancreatic epithelial cells by simultaneously activating the MAPK and PI-3K pathways. HnRNP A2/B1, hemoglobin, cyclin A1, and ACE2 may play roles in the proliferation of epithelial cells in response to EGF.