A Mouse Model of Targeted Musashi1 Expression in Whole Intestinal Epithelium Suggests Regulatory Roles in Cell Cycle and Stemness.

The intestinal epithelium is very peculiar for its continuous cell renewal, fuelled by multipotent stem cells localized within the crypts of Lieberkühn. Several lines of evidence have established the evolutionary conserved RNA-binding protein Musashi1 as a marker of adult stem cells, including those of the intestinal epithelium, and revealed its roles in stem cell self-renewal and cell fate determination. Previous studies from our laboratories have shown that Musashi1 controls stem cell-like features in medulloblastoma, glioblastoma, and breast cancer cells, and has pro-proliferative and pro-tumorigenic properties in intestinal epithelial progenitor cells in vitro. To undertake a detailed study of Musashi1's function in the intestinal epithelium in vivo, we have generated a mouse model, referred to as v-Msi, overexpressing Musashi1 specifically in the entire intestinal epithelium. Compared with wild type litters, v-Msi1 mice exhibited increased intestinal crypt size accompanied by enhanced proliferation. Comparative transcriptomics by RNA-seq revealed Musashi1's association with gut stem cell signature, cell cycle, DNA replication, and drug metabolism. Finally, we identified and validated three novel mRNA targets that are stabilized by Musashi1, Ccnd1 (Cyclin D1), Cdk6, and Sox4. In conclusion, the targeted expression of Musashi1 in the intestinal epithelium in vivo increases the cell proliferation rate and strongly suggests its action on stem cells activity. This is due to the modulation of a complex network of gene functions and pathways including drug metabolism, cell cycle, and DNA synthesis and repair.

Switch in 3' splice site recognition between exon definition and splicing catalysis is important for sex-lethal autoregulation.

Maintenance of female sexual identity in Drosophila melanogaster involves an autoregulatory loop in which the protein Sex-lethal (SXL) promotes skipping of exon 3 from its own pre-mRNA. We have used transient transfection of Drosophila Schneider cells to analyze the role of exon 3 splice sites in regulation. Our results indicate that exon 3 repression requires competition between the 5' splice sites of exons 2 and 3 but is independent of their relative strength. Two 3' splice site AG's precede exon 3. We report here that, while the distal site plays a critical role in defining the exon, the proximal site is preferentially used for the actual splicing reaction, arguing for a switch in 3' splice site recognition between exon definition and splicing catalysis. Remarkably, the presence of the two 3' splice sites is important for the efficient regulation by SXL, suggesting that SXL interferes with molecular events occurring between initial splice site communication across the exon and the splice site pairing that leads to intron removal.

The Drosophila fl(2)d gene, required for female-specific splicing of Sxl and tra pre-mRNAs, encodes a novel nuclear protein with a HQ-rich domain.

The Drosophila gene female-lethal(2)d [fl(2)d] interacts genetically with the master regulatory gene for sex determination, Sex-lethal. Both genes are required for the activation of female-specific patterns of alternative splicing on transformer and Sex-lethal pre-mRNAs. We have used P-element-mediated mutagenesis to identify the fl(2)d gene. The fl(2)d transcription unit generates two alternatively spliced mRNAs that can encode two protein isoforms differing at their amino terminus. The larger isoform contains a domain rich in histidine and glutamine but has no significant homology to proteins in databases. Several lines of evidence indicate that this protein is responsible for fl(2)d function. First, the P-element insertion that inactivates fl(2)d interrupts this ORF. Second, amino acid changes within this ORF have been identified in fl(2)d mutants, and the nature of the changes correlates with the severity of the mutations. Third, all of the phenotypes associated with fl(2)d mutations can be rescued by expression of this cDNA in transgenic flies. Fl(2)d protein can be detected in extracts from Drosophila cell lines, embryos, larvae, and adult animals, without apparent differences between sexes, as well as in adult ovaries. Consistent with a possible function in posttranscriptional regulation, Fl(2)d protein has nuclear localization and is enriched in nuclear extracts.

Distinct mechanisms of splicing regulation in vivo by the Drosophila protein Sex-lethal.

The protein Sex-lethal (SXL) controls pre-mRNA splicing of two genes involved in Drosophila sex determination: transformer (tra) and the Sxl gene itself. Previous in vitro results indicated that SXL antagonizes the general splicing factor U2AF65 to regulate splicing of tra. In this report, we have used transgenic flies expressing chimeric proteins between SXL and the effector domain of U2AF65 to study the mechanisms of splicing regulation by SXL in vivo. Conferring U2AF activity to SXL relieves its inhibitory activity on tra splicing but not on Sxl splicing. Therefore, antagonizing U2AF65 can explain tra splicing regulation both in vitro and in vivo, but this mechanism cannot explain splicing regulation of Sxl pre-mRNA. These results are a direct proof that Sxl, the master regulatory gene in sex determination, has multiple and separable activities in the regulation of pre-mRNA splicing.

Molecular characterization of the C-3 DNA puff gene of Rhynchosciara americana.

We have mapped a region of about 33 kb which includes the transcription unit of the C-3 DNA puff gene of Rhynchosciara americana. The C-3 TU and a region extending approximately 800 bp upstream of the C-3 promoter were characterized. The TU is composed of three exons and produces a 1.1-kb mRNA whose level in salivary glands increases with the expansion of the C-3 puff. The C-3 messenger appears to undergo rapid deadenylation resulting in an RNA of about 0.95 kb which can still be observed in gland cells 15 h after the puff has regressed. The 1.1-kb mRNA codes for a 32.4-kDa, predominantly alpha-helical polypeptide with three conserved parallel coiled-coil stretches. The aa composition and structure of this polypeptide suggests that it is secreted and contributes to the formation of the cocoon in which the larvae pupate. The region upstream of the promoter contains several A-rich sequences with similarity to the ACS of yeast which might have a role in the initiation of replication/amplification.

Regulation of the gene Sex-lethal: a comparative analysis of Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila subobscura.

The Drosophila gene Sex-lethal (Sxl) controls the processes of sex determination and dosage compensation. A Drosophila subobscura genomic fragment containing all the exons and the late and early promotors in the Sxl gene of D. melanogaster was isolated. Early Sxl expression in D. subobscura seems to be controlled at the transcriptional level, possibly by the X:A signal. In the region upstream of the early Sxl transcription initiation site are two conserved regions suggested to be involved in the early activation of Sxl. Late Sxl expression in D. subobscura produces four transcripts in adult females and males. In males, the transcripts have an additional exon which contains three translational stop codons so that a truncated, presumably nonfunctional Sxl protein is produced. The Sxl pre-mRNA of D. subobscura lacks the poly-U sequence presented at the polypirimidine tract of the 3' splice site of the male-specific exon present in D. melanogaster. Introns 2 and 3 contain the Sxl-binding poly-U stretches, whose localization in intron 2 varies but in intron 3 is conserved. The Sxl protein is fully conserved at the amino acid level in both species.

The gene fl(2)d is needed for the sex-specific splicing of transformer pre-mRNA but not for double-sex pre-mRNA in Drosophila melanogaster.

In Drosophila melanogaster, regulation of the sex determination genes throughout development occurs by sex-specific splicing of their products. The first gene is Sex-lethal(Sxl). The downstream target of Sxl is the gene transformer (tra): the Sxl protein controls the female-specific splicing of the Tra pre-mRNA. The downstream target of the gene tra is the gene double-sex (dsx): the Tra protein of females, controls the female-specific splicing of the Dsx pre-mRNA. We have identified a gene, female-lethal-2-d fl(2) d, whose function is required for the female-specific splicing of Sxl pre-mRNA. In this report we analyze whether the gene fl(2)d is also required for the sex-specific splicing of both Tra and Dsx pre-mRNAs. We found that the Sxl protein is not sufficient for the female-specific splicing of Tra pre-mRNA, the fl(2)d function also being necessary. This gene, however, is not required for the female-specific splicing of Dsx pre-mRNA.

Indirect evidence of alteration in the expression of the rDNA genes in interspecific hybrids between Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila simulans.

Crosses between Drosophila melanogaster females and D. simulans males produce viable hybrid females, while males are lethal. These males are rescued if they carry the D. simulans Lhr gene. This paper reports that females of the wild-type D. melanogaster population Staket do not produce viable hybrid males when crossed with D. simulans Lhr males, a phenomenon which we designate as the Staket phenotype. The agent responsible for this phenomenon was found to be the Staket X chromosome (Xmel, Stk). Analysis of the Staket phenotype showed that it is suppressed by extra copies of D. melanogaster rDNA genes and that the Xmel, Stk chromosome manifests a weak bobbed phenotype in D. melanogaster Xmel, Stk/0 males. The numbers of functional rDNA genes in Xmel, Stk and Xmel, y w (control) chromosomes were found not to differ significantly. Thus a reduction in rDNA gene number cannot account for the weak bobbed Xmel, Stk phenotype let alone the Staket phenotype. The rRNA precursor molecules transcribed from the Xmel, Stk rDNA genes seem to be correctly processed in both intraspecific (melanogaster) and interspecific (melanogaster-simulans) conditions. It is therefore suggested that the Xmel, Stk rDNA genes are inefficiently transcribed in the melanogaster-simulans hybrids.

Deep vein thrombosis in a 13-year-old boy with hereditary protein S deficiency and a review of the pediatric literature.

We report a 13-year-old boy with hereditary deficiency of protein S, who developed a deep vein thrombosis of the lower limb after a varicella with severe cutaneous lesions. Hereditary protein S deficiency is an established cause of thrombophilia; however thrombotic events are seldom described in pediatric patients. A review of previous literature revealed 35 cases, 16 girls and 19 boys, with a first episode below of the age of 18 years old (x = 10y). The 57% of the patients had venous thrombosis, 20% arterial thrombosis, and 14% both and in 9% the type of thrombosis was not reported. Predisposing factors were referred in only 12 cases. The deficiencies can be classified as type I in 25 patients and type III in 8.

Behavior of diluted activated partial thromboplastin time in pregnant women with a lupus anticoagulant.

The present study was developed to verify whether a reduction in phospholipid concentration could increase the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) sensitivity to detect lupus anticoagulant (LA) during pregnancy. The authors studied 38 pregnant women (10 normal subjects and 28 patients with associated clinical complications) and 40 nonpregnant control subjects. Tests to detect LA, including APTT, platelet neutralization procedure (standard APTT), the kaolin clotting time, the diluted Russell viper venom test neutralized by lysed platelets, and factor assays, were performed. Positive results were found in 5 of 28 pregnant women with associated clinical complications. The APTT, using three different phospholipid concentrations (standard and more diluted cephalin), was performed on plasma samples and on its 1:1 mixture with normal plasma. The behavior of standard and diluted APTT was similar in negative LA pregnant women and nonpregnant control subjects. The mean values showed nonsignificant differences. Four of five pregnant women with positive LA findings had a prolonged APTT, which was not corrected by the addition of normal plasma using standard conditions. When diluted phospholipids were used, only one of them had a prolonged APTT that was corrected by the addition of normal plasma. Therefore, the highest sensitivity (80%) and specificity (100%) of the APTT to detect LA in pregnant women were obtained using the standard conditions.

Effect of acenocoumarine on the breast-fed infant.

Apart from teratogenic phenomena and the potential risk of maternal or neonatal peripartum haemorrhage, the use of oral anticoagulants during pregnancy poses an additional hazard: the risk of transferring some anticoagulant activity to the nursing infant through breast milk. We analysed the coagulation status of seven full term breast-fed neonates whose mothers were under chronic anticoagulant therapy with acenocoumarine as thromboembolic prophylaxis following cardiac valve replacement. Prothrombin Times (PT) observed in neonates were significantly higher than the corresponding maternal values. Data were subsequently compared with those obtained from a control group comprising forty-two full term neonates nursed by non-anticoagulated mothers: coagulation profiles again showed no signs of any noticeable antivitamin K effect. Our results indicate that mothers given acenocoumarine at therapeutic doses may safely breast-feed their infants: anticoagulant activity in breast milk seems to be negligible as assessed by neonates PT.

Detección de portadores de hemofilia A: complementación de los estudios convencionales con el análisis de ADN / Detection of haemophilia A patients: complementation of the conventional study with DNA analysis

Con el propósito de evaluar la utilidad de complementar los estudos convencionales mediante el análisis del ADN con sondas extragénicas, para la detección de portadoras, estudiamos 60 individuos pertenecientes a 15 familias argentinas con uno (9) o más (6) miembros afectados de hemofilia. A severa. Realizamos el análisis de segregación de los enfermos polimórficos (RFLP), luego del tratamiento del ADN con TaqI/ST14, en 21 varones (15 hemofílicos) y 39 mujeres - 6 portadoras obligadas (PO) y 33 potenciales (PP) -, además de la determinación de la actividad del factor VIII (FVIII) y del antígeno del factor von Willebrand (vWFAg). La probabilidad de ser portadora de cada consultante, fue asignada según los métodos convencionales (antecedentes familiares y niveles de FVIII y vWFAg) y combinada con los resultados del análisis de los RFLP, expresados en términos de probabilidad. ST14 fue informativa en el 67% de las PO y en el 79% de las PP. El análisis de los RFLP permitió definir el estado portador (4,5% de riesgo de recombinación) en el 53% de las familias. En los casos con antecedentes previos, pudimos clasificar 5 de las 10 PP (1 portadora, 4 no-portadoras). El estado portador pudo ser excluido en 5 de 23 mujeres, parientes de hemofílicos esporádicos. En ciertos casos (5/10) observamos una falta de coincidencia entre el genotipo asignado y el fenotipo, probablemente por efecto del fenómeno de Lyon (inactivación al azar de uno de los cromosomas X), aunque no puede excluirse una recombinación entre el locus ST14 y el gen del FVIII. Los resultados del análisis de los RFLP fueron expresados en términos de probabilidad y combinados con los datos fenotípicos; las probabilidades así estimadas fueron bajas (< 0,13) o altas (> 0,95), contrariamente o lo obtenido al considerar exclusivamente los métodos convencionales (0,01 a 0,99). el análisis de segregación de los RFLP disminuye pues, considerablemente la incertidumbre sobre la probabilidad de ser portadora de cada consultante

Detección de portadores de hemofilia A: complementación de los estudios convencionales con el análisis de ADN / Detection of haemophilia A patients: complementation of the conventional study with DNA analysis

Con el propósito de evaluar la utilidad de complementar los estudos convencionales mediante el análisis del ADN con sondas extragénicas, para la detección de portadoras, estudiamos 60 individuos pertenecientes a 15 familias argentinas con uno (9) o más (6) miembros afectados de hemofilia. A severa. Realizamos el análisis de segregación de los enfermos polimórficos (RFLP), luego del tratamiento del ADN con TaqI/ST14, en 21 varones (15 hemofílicos) y 39 mujeres - 6 portadoras obligadas (PO) y 33 potenciales (PP) -, además de la determinación de la actividad del factor VIII (FVIII) y del antígeno del factor von Willebrand (vWFAg). La probabilidad de ser portadora de cada consultante, fue asignada según los métodos convencionales (antecedentes familiares y niveles de FVIII y vWFAg) y combinada con los resultados del análisis de los RFLP, expresados en términos de probabilidad. ST14 fue informativa en el 67% de las PO y en el 79% de las PP. El análisis de los RFLP permitió definir el estado portador (4,5% de riesgo de recombinación) en el 53% de las familias. En los casos con antecedentes previos, pudimos clasificar 5 de las 10 PP (1 portadora, 4 no-portadoras). El estado portador pudo ser excluido en 5 de 23 mujeres, parientes de hemofílicos esporádicos. En ciertos casos (5/10) observamos una falta de coincidencia entre el genotipo asignado y el fenotipo, probablemente por efecto del fenómeno de Lyon (inactivación al azar de uno de los cromosomas X), aunque no puede excluirse una recombinación entre el locus ST14 y el gen del FVIII. Los resultados del análisis de los RFLP fueron expresados en términos de probabilidad y combinados con los datos fenotípicos; las probabilidades así estimadas fueron bajas (< 0,13) o altas (> 0,95), contrariamente o lo obtenido al considerar exclusivamente los métodos convencionales (0,01 a 0,99). el análisis de segregación de los RFLP disminuye pues, considerablemente la incertidumbre sobre la probabilidad de ser portadora de cada consultante (AU)