Arabidopsis CMT3 activity is positively regulated by AtSIZ1-mediated sumoylation.

The activities of mammalian DNA and histone methyltransferases are regulated by post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation and sumoylation; however, it is unclear how the activities of these enzymes are regulated at the post-translational level in plants. Here, we demonstrate that the DNA methylation activity of Arabidopsis CHROMOMETHYLASE 3 (CMT3) is positively regulated by the E3 SUMO ligase AtSIZ1. The methylation level of the Arabidopsis genome, including transposons, was significantly lower in the siz1-2 mutant than in wild-type plants. CMT3 was sumoylated by the E3 ligase activity of AtSIZ1 through a direct interaction, and the DNA methyltransferase activity of CMT3 was enhanced by this modification. In addition, the methylation levels of a large number of genes, including the nitrate reductase gene NIA2, were lower in siz1-2 and cmt3 plants than in wild-type plants. Furthermore, the CHG methylation activity of CMT3 was specific for NIA2and not NIA1 (the other nitrate reductase gene in Arabidopsis), indicating that CMT3 selectively regulates the CHG methylation levels of target genes. Taken together, our results indicate that the sumoylation of CMT3 is critical for its role in the control of gene expression and that AtSIZ1 positively controls the epigenetic repression of CMT3-mediated gene expression.

Post-radiation Piriformis Syndrome in a Cervical Cancer Patient -A Case Report-.

The piriformis syndrome is a condition allegedly attributable to compression of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle. Recently, magnetic resonance neurography and electrophysiologic study have helped to diagnose piriformis syndrome. High dose radiotherapy could induce acute and delayed muscle damage. We had experienced piriformis syndrome with fatty atrophy of piriformis muscle after radiotherapy for recurrent cervical cancer.

The short-term effects on restenosis and thrombosis of echinomycin-eluting stents topcoated with a hydrophobic heparin-containing polymer.

Although drug-eluting stents (DESs) have become the most effective means of treating coronary artery disease, safety concerns regarding their thrombogenicities remain to be surmounted. Here, we report on a novel type of DES capable of preventing restenosis and thrombosis. The DES was prepared by coating a bare metal stent with echinomycin (an anti-proliferative drug) in polyurethane by a spray drying method. Hydrophobic heparinized polymer was then topcoated onto stent over echinomycin/PU layer by dipping to improve hemocompatibility. The two-layered stent was characterized regarding surface and cross-sectional morphology, drug release pattern, platelet adhesion in vitro, and restenosis in vivo. It was found that the heparin topcoat acts as a diffusion barrier that allows the controlled release of drug in a sustained manner. Also, the heparin coated layer effectively reduced platelet adhesion, indicating excellent hemocompatibility. From the animal test using pigs, it was evident that the developed DESs can minimize neointimal proliferation and thrombus formation. The devised hydrophobic heparinized polymer-coated DES effectively reduced both restenosis and thrombosis, suggesting that they have potential as tools for the treatment of coronary artery diseases.