Peroxisome biogenesis, protein targeting mechanisms and PEX gene functions in plants

Peroxisomes play diverse and important roles in plants. The functions of peroxisomes are dependent upon their steady state protein composition which in turn reflects the balance of formation and turnover of the organelle. Protein import and turnover of constituent peroxisomal proteins is controlled by the state of cell growth and environment. The evolutionary origin of the peroxisome and the role of the endoplasmic reticulum in peroxisome biogenesis is discussed, as informed by studies of the trafficking of peroxisome membrane proteins. The process of matrix protein import in plants and its similarities and differences with peroxisomes in other organisms is presented and discussed in the context of peroxin distribution across the green plants

An evidence base for reconsidering current follow-up guidelines for patients with cutaneous melanoma less than 05mm thick at diagnosis

Background Despite current guidelines, there is uncertainty about the required duration and frequency of follow-up visits for patients with invasive primary cutaneous melanoma < 0-+5 mm thick. Objectives To review patients with invasive melanoma thinner than 0-+5 mm followed for at least 5 years to provide an evidence base for considering modification of guidelines. Methods A retrospective review of 430 patients diagnosed in the west of Scotland during 1992â€"2001 with melanoma < 0-+5 mm was carried out. Recurrence, deaths from melanoma and second primary melanomas were all identified. Results From 1992 to 2001, 430 melanomas < 0-+5 mm thick at diagnosis were diagnosed out of a total of 3036 primary cutaneous melanomas. To date there have been 593 deaths from melanoma (19%) in the whole group. Five of these deaths were reported in patients with melanomas < 0-+5 mm, but on pathological review two were thicker than 0-+5 mm at diagnosis (1-+5 and > 3 mm), and the remaining three patients all developed thicker second primary melanomas (2-+7, 12-+0 and 19-+0 mm) with a recurrence pattern and timing indicating that these thicker primaries were the cause of death. Fourteen further patients developed a second primary melanoma, and 13 are currently alive and disease free, one dying of other causes. Conclusions Our data indicate that recurrence and subsequent death from melanomas < 0-+5 mm is a very rare event, and that quarterly follow-up for 3 years will yield very few events. Modification of current guideline recommendations are suggested to include a period of patient education concentrating on recognition of second primary tumours followed by rapid access to an expert opinion if required

Buitenlandse toetreding in netwerksectoren. Een analyse van de effecten op publieke belangen.

Technology, Policy and Managemen