Polymorphisms of Homologous Recombination Genes and Clinical Outcomes of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Definitive Radiotherapy

The repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) is the major mechanism to maintain genomic stability in response to irradiation. We hypothesized that genetic polymorphisms in DSB repair genes may affect clinical outcomes among non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with definitive radio(chemo)therapy. We genotyped six potentially functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (i.e., RAD51 −135G>C/rs1801320 and −172G>T/rs1801321, XRCC2 4234G>C/rs3218384 and R188H/rs3218536 G>A, XRCC3 T241M/rs861539 and NBN E185Q/rs1805794) and estimated their associations with overall survival (OS) and radiation pneumonitis (RP) in 228 NSCLC patients. We found a predictive role of RAD51 −135G>C SNP in RP development (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31–0.86, P = 0.010 for CG/CC vs. GG). We also found that RAD51 −135G>C and XRCC2 R188H SNPs were independent prognostic factors for overall survival (adjusted HR = 1.70, 95% CI, 1.14–2.62, P = 0.009 for CG/CC vs. GG; and adjusted HR = 1.70; 95% CI, 1.02–2.85, P = 0.043 for AG vs. GG, respectively) and that the SNP-survival association was most pronounced in the presence of RP. Our study suggests that HR genetic polymorphisms, particularly RAD51 −135G>C, may influence overall survival and radiation pneumonitis in NSCLC patients treated with definitive radio(chemo)therapy. Large studies are needed to confirm our findings

Touch induces ATP release in Arabidopsis roots that is modulated by the heterotrimeric G-protein complex

Amongst the many stimuli orienting the growth of plant roots, of critical importance are the touch signals generated as roots explore the mechanically complex soil environment. However, the molecular mechanisms behind these sensory events remain poorly defined. We report an impaired obstacle-avoiding response of roots in Arabidopsis lacking a heterotrimeric G protein. Obstacle avoidance may utilize a touch-induced release of ATP to the extracellular space. While sequential touch stimulation revealed a strong refractory period for ATP release in response to mechanostimulation in wild-type plants, the refractory period in mutants was attenuated, resulting in extracellular ATP accumulation. We propose that ATP acts as an extracellular signal released by mechanostimulation and that the G-protein complex is needed for fine-tuning this response

Lalinet status - Station expansion and lidar ratio systematic measurements

LALINET is expanding regionally to guarantee spatial coverage over South and Central Americas. One of the network goals is to obtain a set of regional representative aerosol optical properties such as particle backscatter, extinction and lidar ratio. Given the North-South extension and influence of distinct airmass circulation patterns it is paramount to distinguish these optical parameters in order to gain better perfomance in radiation transfer models. A set of lidar ratio data is presented. © The Authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2018

Clinical Application of Autologous Epithelial Stem Cells in Disorders of Squamous Epithelia

Epidermis and epithelia lining the ocular surface, the oral cavity, the pharynx, the oesophagus, the larynx, and the vagina, called stratified squamous epithelia (SSE), contain stem/progenitor cells that support renewal and repair. Under appropriate conditions, these cells can be massively expanded in culture. Restoration of the integrity and the function of SSE is obtained by transplantation and engraftment of the autologous cultivated stem cells in case of several severe clinical conditions (e.g., extensive third-degree burns, limbal deficiency). Successful gene therapy for hereditary SSE disorders has also been achieved by means of correction of the genetic defect in cultivated autologous keratinocyte stem cells. However, the mechanisms controlling engraftment of the transplanted stem cells remain poorly understood, leading to unpredictable clinical results. Further fundamental investigations to explore the behaviour of the transplanted stem cells and their plasticity, anticipating the regulatory affairs main concerns, are needed for successful cell and gene therap