Search for potential gastric cancer markers using miRNA databases and gene expression analysis

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify genes that are differentially expressed in gastric tumors and to analyze the association of their expression level with tumor clinicopathologic features. Methods: In the present research, we used bioinformatic-driven search to identify miRNA that are down-regulated in gastric tumors and to find their potential targets. Then, the expression levels of some of the target mRNAs were investigated using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. Results: As a result of the bioinformatics analysis, fifteen genes were found to be potentially differentially expressed between the tumors and normal gastric tissue. Five of them were chosen for the further analysis (WNT4, FGF12, EFEMP1, CTGF, and HSPG2) due to their important role in cell proliferation and differentiation. Expression levels of these genes were evaluated in our collection of frozen tissue samples of gastric tumor and paired normal stomach epithelia. Increased FGF12 expression was observed in diffuse type of gastric cancer while WNT4 mRNA was found to be down-regulated in intestinal type of gastric cancer. Besides, CTGF gene overexpression was revealed in diffuse type of stomach cancer in comparison with that in intestinal type. Up-regulation of CTGF was also associated with lymph node metastasis. Conclusions: The findings show its expedient to perform further investigations in order to clarify diagnostic and prognostic value of CTGF, FGF12, and WNT4’s in stomach cancer as well as the role of these genes in carcinogenesis

Ассоциированность изменения упруго-эластических свойств грудного отдела аорты и выраженности коронарного атеросклероза

Introduction. Became possible to evaluate association between the elasticity of aorta and coronary atherosclerosis using echocardiography.Purpose. To evaluate the association between worsening of the local thoracic aorta elasticity and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis.Material and methods. With the application of echocardiography and coronarography there were examined 109 patients.Results. With stenosis >70%, occlusion or lesion of 2 or more coronary arteries, statistically significant differences were revealed.Conclusion. Worsening of thoracic aorta local elasticity in patients with coronary atherosclerosisis associated with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis. Введение. Изучена ассоциированность упруго-эластических свойств аорты и коронарного атеросклероза с помощью эхокардиографии (ЭхоКГ).Цель. Выявить ассоциированность ухудшения локальных упруго-эластических свойств грудного отдела аорты с выраженностью коронарного атеросклероза.Материалы и методы. C помощью коронарографии и ЭхоКГ обследованы 109 пациентов.Результаты. При стенозе >70%, окклюзии или поражении двух и более коронарных артерий выявлены статистически значимые различия.Заключение. Ухудшение локальных упруго-эластических свойств грудной аорты ассоциировано со степенью поражения коронарных артерий

Functional link between BLM defective in Bloom's syndrome and the ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated protein, ATM

Chromosome aberrations, genomic instability, and cancer predisposition are hallmarks of a number of syndromes in which the defective genes recognize and/or repair DNA damage or are involved in some aspect of DNA processing. We report here direct interaction between BLM, mutated in Bloom's Syndrome (BS), and ATM, mutated is ataxia-telangiectasia, and we have mapped the sites of interaction. Full-length BLM cDNA corrected sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and radiosensitivity in BS cells. Mitotic phosphorylation of BLM was partially dependent on ATM, and phosphorylation sites on BLM were identified. A phosphospecific antibody against one of these sites (Thr-99) revealed radiation-induced phosphorylation, which was defective in ataxia-telangiectasia cells. Stable cell lines expressing phosphorylation site mutants failed to correct radiosensitivity in BS cells but corrected SCE. These mutants also sensitized normal control cells to radiation and increased radiation-induced chromosome aberrations but did not cause SCE numbers to increase. These data suggest that ATM and BLM function together in recognizing abnormal DNA structures by direct interaction and that these phosphorylation sites in BLM are important for radiosensitivity status but not for SCE frequency

Complex activities of the human Bloom's syndrome helicase are encoded in a core region comprising the RecA and Zn-binding domains

Bloom's syndrome DNA helicase (BLM), a member of the RecQ family, is a key player in homologous recombination (HR)-based error-free DNA repair processes. During HR, BLM exerts various biochemical activities including single-stranded (ss) DNA translocation, separation and annealing of complementary DNA strands, disruption of complex DNA structures (e.g. displacement loops) and contributes to quality control of HR via clearance of Rad51 nucleoprotein filaments. We performed a quantitative mechanistic analysis of truncated BLM constructs that are shorter than the previously identified minimal functional module. Surprisingly, we found that a BLM construct comprising only the two conserved RecA domains and the Zn2+-binding domain (residues 642–1077) can efficiently perform all mentioned HR-related activities. The results demonstrate that the Zn2+-binding domain is necessary for functional interaction with DNA. We show that the extensions of this core, including the winged-helix domain and the strand separation hairpin identified therein in other RecQ-family helicases, are not required for mechanochemical activity per se and may instead play modulatory roles and mediate protein–protein interactions

LINGUISTIC AND CULTURAL STUDIES IN CLASSES OF GERMAN

Linguistic and cultural studies are an integral part of learning a foreign language. Language cannot be studied without learning culture, history, geography, traditions, people’s preferences in food, clothing and their behaviour. Each lesson in a foreign language is a lesson in country studies as well. The article presents the methodological development of German language classes including cultural material. The first task includes students splitting into pairs and receiving cards naming either attractions or architectural objects, or famous personalities, or a German brand. They come to the map and get as much necessary information as possible. Then they present the acquired knowledge in the form of a plenary session. The second task requires the students to use a computer in search for more detailed information about the life and work of prominent people of German origin. At the end of their search work, we split students into pairs for an unprepared dialogue. The idea is to get absolutely random pairs. So, the task is to get as much interesting information from the partner in the conversation as possible. Then the person, gathering the information about a famous person, without naming him or her, is chosen. The rest of the students pose him questions requiring an answer “yes” or “no,” and try to guess the name of the person. The interactive tasks offered have an aim of teaching the students to “extract” information on a given topic independently, using various sources such as a map, the Internet, an interlocutor. The information obtained is reinforced in practice, i.e. it is included in speech in the form of dialogues, interviews, questions. The teacher performs an advisory and guiding function in the performance of these tasks. Such elements of “independence” raise students’ confidence and create an imitation of fulfilling real tasks. This approach prepares students for their future professional life and forms the necessary skills for making independent decisions. It is possible to present the results of the search work in an interesting way and at the end of the lesson place them either on a magnetic board or on a rope with the help of clothespins so that students can summarize their activities. The development perspective of this approach is the methodological inclusion of presentations on cross-cultural topics made by students in the course of the lesson