1,131 publications from this institution
Angiotensin II (ANG II) elicits an ANG II type 2 (AT2) receptor-mediated increase in outward K+ current (IK; delayed rectifier K+ current) in neurons cocultured from rat hypothalamus and brain stem. Here we have shown that the AT2-receptor-mediated stimulation of neuronal IK by ANG II (100 nM) was abolished by pretreatment of cultures with pertussis toxin (PTX; 200 ng/ml) and by intracellular application of an antibody against the inhibitory guanine nucleotide (GTP) binding protein (anti-Gi alpha, 1:200). Antibodies against other GTP binding proteins (anti-Go alpha, 1:50 and 1:200; anti-Gq/11 alpha, 1:200) did not alter the AT2-receptor-mediated stimulation of neuronal IK by ANG II (100 nM). Furthermore, this effect of ANG II (100 nM) was inhibited by the serine/threonine phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid (1-10 nM) and by anti-type 2A protein phosphatase (PP2A) antibodies but not by the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor sodium orthovanadate (1 mM). Thus we have identified key components (Gi and PP2A) of the signal transduction pathway that is responsible for the AT2-receptor-mediated stimulation of neuronal K+ currents.
Gap junctions are highly conductive channels that allow the direct transfer of intracellular messengers such as Ca 2+ and inositol triphosphate (IP 3 ) between interconnected cells. In brain, astrocytes are coupled extensively by gap junctions. We found here that gap junctions among astrocytes in acutely prepared brain slices as well as in culture remained open during ischemic conditions. Uncoupling first occurred after the terminal loss of plasma membrane integrity. Gap junctions therefore may link ischemic astrocytes in an evolving infarct with the surroundings. The free exchange of intracellular messengers between dying and potentially viable astrocytes might contribute to secondary expansion of ischemic lesions.
Abstract Background Targeting the MDM2-p53 interaction using AMG 232 is synergistic with MAPK inhibitors (MAPKi) in preclinical melanoma models. We postulated that AMG 232 plus MAPKi is safe and more effective than MAPKi alone in TP53 -wild type, MAPKi-naïve metastatic melanoma. Methods Patients were treated with increasing (120 mg, 180 mg, 240 mg) oral doses of AMG 232 (seven-days-on, 15-days-off, 21-day cycle) plus dabrafenib (D) and trametinib (T) (Arm 1, BRAFV600 -mutant) or T alone (Arm 2, BRAFV600 -wild type). Patients were treated for seven days with AMG 232 alone before adding T±D. Safety and efficacy were assessed using CTCAE v4.0 and RECIST v1.1 criteria, respectively. Pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis was performed at baseline and steady-state levels for AMG 232. Results 31 patients were enrolled. Ten and 21 patients were enrolled in Arm 1 and Arm 2, respectively. The most common AMG 232-related adverse events (AEs) were nausea (87%), diarrhea (77%), and fatigue (74%). Seven patients (23%) were withdrawn from the study due to AMG 232-related AEs. Three dose-limiting AEs occurred (Arm 1, 180 mg, nausea; Arm 2, 240 mg, grade 3 pulmonary embolism; Arm 2, 180 mg, grade 4 thrombocytopenia). AMG 232 PK exposures were not altered when AMG 232 was combined with T±D. Objective responses were seen in 8/10 (Arm 1) and 3/20 (Arm 2) evaluable patients. The median progression-free survival for Arm 1 and Arm 2 was 19.0 months-not reached and 2.8 months, respectively. Conclusion The maximum tolerated dose of AMG 232 for both arms was 120 mg. AMG 232 plus T±D exhibited a favorable PK profile. Although objective responses occurred in both arms, adding AMG 232 to T±D did not confer additional clinical benefit.
Ribosome biogenesis and protein synthesis are fundamental rate-limiting steps for cell growth and proliferation. The ribosomal proteins (RPs), comprising the structural parts of the ribosome, are essential for ribosome assembly and function. In addition to their canonical ribosomal functions, multiple RPs have extra-ribosomal functions including activation of p53-dependent or p53-independent pathways in response to stress, resulting in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Defects in ribosome biogenesis, translation, and the functions of individual RPs, including mutations in RPs have been linked to a diverse range of human congenital disorders termed ribosomopathies. Ribosomopathies are characterized by tissue-specific phenotypic abnormalities and higher cancer risk later in life. Recent discoveries of somatic mutations in RPs in multiple tumor types reinforce the connections between ribosomal defects and cancer. In this article, we review the most recent advances in understanding the molecular consequences of RP mutations and ribosomal defects in ribosomopathies and cancer. We particularly discuss the molecular basis of the transition from hypo- to hyper-proliferation in ribosomopathies with elevated cancer risk, a paradox termed "Dameshek's riddle." Furthermore, we review the current treatments for ribosomopathies and prospective therapies targeting ribosomal defects. We also highlight recent advances in ribosome stress-based cancer therapeutics. Importantly, insights into the mechanisms of resistance to therapies targeting ribosome biogenesis bring new perspectives into the molecular basis of cancer susceptibility in ribosomopathies and new clinical implications for cancer therapy.
T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia is a rare post-thymic lymphoid disorder, which has distinctive clinical, morphologic, immunophenotypic and cytogenetic features. It has previously been associated with an aggressive course, poor response to conventional chemotherapy and a short median survival. Treatment with purine analogs and the monoclonal antibody alemtuzumab has resulted in significantly higher response rates and increased survival. However, responses are transient and allogeneic hematopoietic progenitor-cell transplantation remains the only potential curative option. The proportion of patients eligible for transplant is low, owing to the older age group of patients, and nonmyeloablative transplantation is a promising alternative that needs to be explored.
