Low NKp30, NKp46 and NKG2D expression and reduced cytotoxic activity on NK cells in cervical cancer and precursor lesions

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Persistent high risk HPV infection can lead to cervical cancer, the second most common malignant tumor in women worldwide. NK cells play a crucial role against tumors and virus-infected cells through a fine balance between activating and inhibitory receptors. Expression of triggering receptors NKp30, NKp44, NKp46 and NKG2D on NK cells correlates with cytolytic activity against tumor cells, but these receptors have not been studied in cervical cancer and precursor lesions. The aim of the present work was to study NKp30, NKp46, NKG2D, NKp80 and 2B4 expression in NK cells from patients with cervical cancer and precursor lesions, in the context of HPV infection.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>NKp30, NKp46, NKG2D, NKp80 and 2B4 expression was analyzed by flow cytometry on NK cells from 59 patients with cervical cancer and squamous intraepithelial lesions. NK cell cytotoxicity was evaluated in a 4 hour CFSE/7-AAD flow cytometry assay. HPV types were identified by PCR assays.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We report here for the first time that NK cell-activating receptors NKp30 and NKp46 are significantly down-regulated in cervical cancer and high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HGSIL) patients. NCRs down-regulation correlated with low cytolytic activity, HPV-16 infection and clinical stage. NKG2D was also down-regulated in cervical cancer patients.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our results suggest that NKp30, NKp46 and NKG2D down-regulation represent an evasion mechanism associated to low NK cell activity, HPV-16 infection and cervical cancer progression.</p

African ancestry of New World, Bemisia tabaci-whitefly species

Bemisia tabaci whitefly species are some of the world’s most devastating agricultural pests and plant-virus disease vectors. Elucidation of the phylogenetic relationships in the group is the basis for understanding their evolution, biogeography, gene-functions and development of novel control technologies. We report here the discovery of five new Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) B. tabaci putative species, using the partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 gene: SSA9, SSA10, SSA11, SSA12 and SSA13. Two of them, SSA10 and SSA11 clustered with the New World species and shared 84.8‒86.5% sequence identities. SSA10 and SSA11 provide new evidence for a close evolutionary link between the Old and New World species. Re-analysis of the evolutionary history of B. tabaci species group indicates that the new African species (SSA10 and SSA11) diverged from the New World clade c. 25 million years ago. The new putative species enable us to: (i) re-evaluate current models of B. tabaci evolution, (ii) recognise increased diversity within this cryptic species group and (iii) re-estimate divergence dates in evolutionary time

Effects of temperature on the reproductive physiology of female elasmobranchs: the case of the narrownose smooth-hound shark (Mustelus schmitti)

The knowledge of how temperature influences elasmobranchs reproductive physiology allows a better understanding of their reproductive patterns. This study describes the relationship between temperature fluctuations and the plasmatic changes of the sex steroids related to reproduction: testosterone (T), estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4), throughout the female reproductive cycle of the shark Mustelus schmitti. A total of 123 adult females were bi-monthly sampled in Buenos Aires, Argentina, coastal waters. Bottom temperatures were recorded at each sampling point and blood samples were taken from each female for plasma sex steroids measurement. Sex steroid plasma levels were analyzed in relation with maximum follicular diameter (MFD), uterosomatic index (USI, as indicator of pregnancy) and temperature using Generalized Additive Models. Plasmatic E2 and T increased during follicular growth until MFD reached 1.34 and 1.46 cm, respectively. Peak of T occurred at the follicular stage associated with parturition (MFD, 1.4–1.6 cm), just prior to final maturation and ovulation (MFD, 1.6–2.0 cm). Progesterone significantly increased at this last ovarian phase, while T and E2 decreased. The increase of USI with pregnancy was associated to a decrease in T and mainly E2 levels, while P4 remained unaffected. Prior to ovulation, T plasma levels decreased with temperature below to 13 °C and then increased progressively with a pronounced elevation above 17 °C, while E2 presented an opposite pattern. Progesterone plasma levels changed with temperature showing a similar pattern to that observed for T. Using M. schmitti shark as model species, this study shows a clear picture of how seawater temperature variations can affect the reproductive physiology in elasmobranch females. A hypothetical mechanism (based on T elevation driven by temperature increase and its connection by feedback with a P4 rise and parturition/ovulation induction) is proposed as evidence to support that the increase in temperature can trigger reproductive events in elasmobranchs. In addition to its ecological scope, this work contributes to reinforce the relatively scarce general knowledge of elasmobranchs reproductive physiology

Effects of temperature on the reproductive physiology of female elasmobranchs: the case of the narrownose smooth-hound shark (Mustelus schmitti)

The knowledge of how temperature influences elasmobranchs reproductive physiology allows a better understanding of their reproductive patterns. This study describes the relationship between temperature fluctuations and the plasmatic changes of the sex steroids related to reproduction: testosterone (T), estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4), throughout the female reproductive cycle of the shark Mustelus schmitti. A total of 123 adult females were bi-monthly sampled in Buenos Aires, Argentina, coastal waters. Bottom temperatures were recorded at each sampling point and blood samples were taken from each female for plasma sex steroids measurement. Sex steroid plasma levels were analyzed in relation with maximum follicular diameter (MFD), uterosomatic index (USI, as indicator of pregnancy) and temperature using Generalized Additive Models. Plasmatic E2 and T increased during follicular growth until MFD reached 1.34 and 1.46 cm, respectively. Peak of T occurred at the follicular stage associated with parturition (MFD, 1.4–1.6 cm), just prior to final maturation and ovulation (MFD, 1.6–2.0 cm). Progesterone significantly increased at this last ovarian phase, while T and E2 decreased. The increase of USI with pregnancy was associated to a decrease in T and mainly E2 levels, while P4 remained unaffected. Prior to ovulation, T plasma levels decreased with temperature below to 13 °C and then increased progressively with a pronounced elevation above 17 °C, while E2 presented an opposite pattern. Progesterone plasma levels changed with temperature showing a similar pattern to that observed for T. Using M. schmitti shark as model species, this study shows a clear picture of how seawater temperature variations can affect the reproductive physiology in elasmobranch females. A hypothetical mechanism (based on T elevation driven by temperature increase and its connection by feedback with a P4 rise and parturition/ovulation induction) is proposed as evidence to support that the increase in temperature can trigger reproductive events in elasmobranchs. In addition to its ecological scope, this work contributes to reinforce the relatively scarce general knowledge of elasmobranchs reproductive physiology

The secretogranin II-derived peptide secretoneurin stimulates luteinizing hormone secretion from gonadotrophs

Secretoneurin (SN) isa 33-to34-aminoacid neuropeptide derived from secretogranin-II, a member of the chromogranin family. We previously synthesized a putative goldfish (gf) SN and demonstrated its ability to stimulate LH release in vivo. However, it was not known whether goldfish actually produced the free SN peptide or whether SN directly stimulates LH release from isolated pituitary cells. Using a combination of reverse-phase HPLC and mass spectrometry analysis, we isolated for the first time a 34-amino acid free gfSN peptide from the whole brain. Moreover, Western blot analysis indicated the existence of this peptide in goldfish pituitary. Immunocyto- chemical localization studies revealed the presence of SN immunoreactivity in prolactin cells of rostral pars distalis of the anterior pituitary. Additionally, we found that magnocellular cells of the goldfish preoptic region are highly immunoreactive for SN. These neurons send heavily labeled projections that pass through the pituitary stalk and innervate the neurointermediateand anterior lobes. In static 12-h incubation of dispersed pituitary cells, application of SN antiserum reduced LH levels, whereas 1 and 10 nM gfSN, respectively, induced 2.5-fold (P < 0.001) and 1.9-fold (P < 0.01) increments of LH release into the medium, increases similar to those elicited by 100 nM concentrations of GnRH. LikeGnRH, gfSN elevated intracellular Ca2+ in identified gonadotrophs. Whereas we do not yet know the relative contribution of neural SN or pituitary SN to LH release, we propose that SN could act as a neuroendocrine and/or paracrine factor to regulate LH release from the anterior pituitary. Copyright © 2009 by The Endocrine Society.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Plume Subduction Beneath the Neuquén Basin and the Last Mountain Building Stage of the Southern Central Andes

The occurrence of a Neogene shallow subduction stage, as well as, a Pliocene slab-tearing, and steepening of the Nazca plate in the southern Central Andes are well established. However, a satisfactory explanation for the origin and connection between these complex processes is still elusive. In this contribution, we revise the late Cenozoic tectonic and magmatic evolution of the southern Central Andes between 35° and 38° S and discuss different proposals for the Miocene slab shallowing and its Pliocene destabilization. Recent plate kinematic reconstructions show that Neogene arc-front expansion linked to slab shallowing, fold belt reactivation in the main cordillera and intraplate contraction in the San Rafael Block correlates with the subduction of the ancient Payenia plume, a deep mantle anomaly potentially rooted in the lower mantle. Also, the Nazca slab tear determined from tomographic analyses and subsequent slab steepening may also be a direct consequence of this plume subduction process. Considering the westward drift of South America and the presence of several neighbor hotspots over the Nazca plate, the Payenia plume overriding could be the first of future episodes of plume?trench interaction in the Andes.Fil: Gianni, Guido Martin. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Estudios Andinos "Don Pablo Groeber". Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Estudios Andinos "Don Pablo Groeber"; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Geofísico Sismológico Volponi; ArgentinaFil: Pesce, Agustina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Juan; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Geofísico Sismológico Volponi; ArgentinaFil: García, Luciano Héctor. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Juan; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Geofísico Sismológico Volponi; ArgentinaFil: Lupari, Marianela Nadia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Juan; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Geofísico Sismológico Volponi; ArgentinaFil: Correa Otto, Sebastian Ariel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Juan; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Geofísico Sismológico Volponi; ArgentinaFil: Nacif Suvire, Silvina Valeria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Juan; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Geofísico Sismológico Volponi; ArgentinaFil: Folguera Telichevsky, Andres. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Estudios Andinos "Don Pablo Groeber". Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Estudios Andinos "Don Pablo Groeber"; Argentin

Efficient silencing of reporter transgenes coupled to known functional promoters in sugarcane, a highly polyploid crop species

Sugarcane is a crop of great interest for engineering of sustainable biomaterials and biofuel production. Isolated sugarcane promoters have generally not maintained the expected patterns of reporter transgene expression. This could arise from defective promoters on redundant alleles in the highly polyploid genome, or from efficient transgene silencing. To resolve this question we undertook detailed analysis of a sugarcane gene that combines a simple pattern in genomic Southern hybridization analysis with potentially useful, sink-specific, expression. Sequence analysis indicates that this gene encodes a member of the SHAQYF subfamily of MYB transcription factors. At least eight alleles were revealed by PCR analysis in sugarcane cultivar Q117 and a similar level of heterozygosity was seen in BAC clones from cultivar Q200. Eight distinct promoter sequences were isolated from Q117, of which at least three are associated with expressed alleles. All of the isolated promoter variants were tested for ability to drive reporter gene expression in sugarcane. Most were functional soon after transfer, but none drove reporter activity in mature stems of regenerated plants. These results show that the ineffectiveness of previously tested sugarcane promoters is not simply due to the isolation of non-functional promoter copies from the polyploid genome. If the unpredictable onset of silencing observed in most other plant species is associated with developmental polyploidy, approaches that avoid efficient transgene silencing in polyploid sugarcane are likely to have much wider utility in molecular improvement

Antioxidant activity and protective effects of green and dark coffee components against human low density lipoprotein oxidation

The in vitro antioxidant activity and the protective effect against human low density lipoprotein oxidation of coffees prepared using different degrees of roasting was evaluated. Coffees with the highest amount of brown pigments (dark coffee) showed the highest peroxyl radical scavenging activity. These coffees also protected human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) against oxidation, although green coffee extracts showed more protection. In a different experiment, coffee extracts were incubated with human plasma prior to isolation of LDL particles. This showed, for the first time, that incubation of plasma with dark, but not green coffee extracts protected the LDL against oxidation by copper or by the thermolabile azo compound AAPH. Antioxidants in the dark coffee extracts must therefore have become associated with the LDL particles. Brown compounds, especially those derived from the Maillard reaction, are the compounds most likely to be responsible for this activity