miR-132, an experience-dependent microRNA, is essential for visual cortex plasticity

Using quantitative analyses, we identified microRNAs (miRNAs) that were abundantly expressed in visual cortex and that responded to dark rearing and/or monocular deprivation. The most substantially altered miRNA, miR-132, was rapidly upregulated after eye opening and was delayed by dark rearing. In vivo inhibition of miR-132 in mice prevented ocular dominance plasticity in identified neurons following monocular deprivation and affected the maturation of dendritic spines, demonstrating its critical role in the plasticity of visual cortex circuits.National Eye Institute (Ruth L. Kirschstein Postdoctoral Fellowship 1F32EY020066-01)Simons Foundation (Postdoctoral Fellowship)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (EY017098)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (EY007023

MicroRNA signature of cis-platin resistant vs. cis-platin sensitive ovarian cancer cell lines

Abstract Background Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancer in women worldwide. According to the National Cancer Institute, ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate among all the reproductive cancers in women. Advanced stage diagnosis and chemo/radio-resistance is a major obstacle in treating advanced ovarian cancer. The most commonly employed chemotherapeutic drug for ovarian cancer treatment is cis-platin. As with most chemotherapeutic drugs, many patients eventually become resistant to cis-platin and therefore, diminishing its effect. The efficacy of current treatments may be improved by increasing the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemo/radiation therapies. Methods The present study is focused on identifying the differential expression of regulatory microRNAs (miRNAs) between cis-platin sensitive (A2780), and cis-platin resistant (A2780/CP70) cell lines. Cell proliferation assays were conducted to test the sensitivity of the two cell lines to cis-platin. Differential expression patterns of miRNA between cis-platin sensitive and cis-platin resistant cell lines were analyzed using novel LNA technology. Results Our results revealed changes in expression of 11 miRNAs out of 1,500 miRNAs analyzed. Out of the 11 miRNAs identified, 5 were up-regulated in the A2780/CP70 cell line and 6 were down regulated as compared to cis-platin sensitive A2780 cells. Our microRNA data was further validated by quantitative real-time PCR for these selected miRNAs. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis was performed for the selected miRNAs and their putative targets to identify the potential pathways and networks involved in cis-platin resistance. Conclusions Our data clearly showed the differential expression of 11 miRNAs in cis-platin resistant cells, which could potentially target many important pathways including MAPK, TGF-β signaling, actin cytoskeleton, ubiquitin mediated proteasomal pathway, Wnt signaling, mTOR signaling, Notch signaling, apoptosis, and many other signaling pathways. Manipulation of one or more of these miRNAs could be an important approach for ovarian cancer chemotherapy.</p

MicroRNA signature of cis-platin resistant vs. cis-platin sensitive ovarian cancer cell lines

Background: Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancer in women worldwide. According to the National Cancer Institute, ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate among all the reproductive cancers in women. Advanced stage diagnosis and chemo/radio-resistance is a major obstacle in treating advanced ovarian cancer. The most commonly employed chemotherapeutic drug for ovarian cancer treatment is cis-platin. As with most chemotherapeutic drugs, many patients eventually become resistant to cis-platin and therefore, diminishing its effect. The efficacy of current treatments may be improved by increasing the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemo/radiation therapies. Methods: The present study is focused on identifying the differential expression of regulatory microRNAs (miRNAs) between cis-platin sensitive (A2780), and cis-platin resistant (A2780/CP70) cell lines. Cell proliferation assays were conducted to test the sensitivity of the two cell lines to cis-platin. Differential expression patterns of miRNA between cis-platin sensitive and cis-platin resistant cell lines were analyzed using novel LNA technology. Results: Our results revealed changes in expression of 11 miRNAs out of 1,500 miRNAs analyzed. Out of the 11 miRNAs identified, 5 were up-regulated in the A2780/CP70 cell line and 6 were down regulated as compared to cis-platin sensitive A2780 cells. Our microRNA data was further validated by quantitative real-time PCR for these selected miRNAs. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis was performed for the selected miRNAs and their putative targets to identify the potential pathways and networks involved in cis-platin resistance. Conclusions: Our data clearly showed the differential expression of 11 miRNAs in cis-platin resistant cells, which could potentially target many important pathways including MAPK, TGF-&#946; signaling, actin cytoskeleton, ubiquitin mediated proteasomal pathway, Wnt signaling, mTOR signaling, Notch signaling, apoptosis, and many other signaling pathways. Manipulation of one or more of these miRNAs could be an important approach for ovarian cancer chemotherapy.National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (NIH/NCI CA124630

Listeria Rhomboencephalitis Manifesting with Cervicomedullary Junction Findings

Here we present a patient with downbeat nystagmus, skew deviation, intractable hiccups and left cruciate paralysis. After extensive workup, this patient was ultimately diagnosed with rhomboencephalitis with expansile serpiginous ring-enhancing lesion due to listeria monocytogenes, probably acquired due to consumption of raw meat