Pontin52 and reptin52 function as antagonistic regulators of beta-catenin signalling activity.

In Wnt-stimulated cells, beta-catenin becomes stabilized in the cytoplasm, enters the nucleus and interacts with HMG box transcription factors of the lymphoid-enhancing factor-1 (LEF-1)/T-cell factor (TCF) family, thereby stimulating the transcription of specific target genes. We recently identified Pontin52 as a nuclear protein interacting with beta-catenin and the TATA-box binding protein (TBP), suggesting its involvement in regulating beta-catenin-mediated transactivation. Here, we report the identification of Reptin52 as an interacting partner of Pontin52. Highly homologous to Pontin52, Reptin52 likewise binds beta-catenin and TBP. Using reporter gene assays, we show that the two proteins antagonistically influence the transactivation potential of the beta-catenin-TCF complex. Furthermore, we demonstrate the evolutionary conservation of this mechanism in Drosophila. dpontin and dreptin are essential genes that act antagonistically in the control of Wingless signalling in vivo. These results indicate that the opposite action of Pontin52 and Reptin52 on beta-catenin-mediated transactivation constitutes an additional mechanism for the control of the canonical Wingless/Wnt pathway.

[Alveolar echinococcosis in the French province of Ardennes: isolated case or new focus?]. / L'échinococcose alvéolaire dans le département français des Ardennes: cas isolés ou nouveau foyer?

The first three autochthonous cases of alveolar echinococcosis were diagnosed in the Ardennes area (France). This is the most occidental localization of this disease in Northern Europe. The authors discuss these cases with an epidemiological regard. They are looking for relationships with natural parasitic cycle in the neighbouring country Belgium and their consequences on local public health in the future.