Significant Role Of Collagen Xvii And Integrin Beta 4 In Migration And Invasion Of The Less Aggressive Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells

Collagen XVII and integrin alpha 6 beta 4 have well-established roles as epithelial adhesion molecules. Their binding partner laminin 332 as well as integrin alpha 6 beta 4 are largely recognized to promote invasion and metastasis in various cancers, and collagen XVII is essential for the survival of colon and lung cancer stem cells. We have studied the expression of laminin.2, collagen XVII and integrin beta 4 in tissue microarray samples of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and its precursors, actinic keratosis and Bowen's disease. The expression of laminin.2 was highest in SCC samples, whereas the expression of collagen XVII and integrin beta 4 varied greatly in SCC and its precursors. Collagen XVII and integrin beta 4 were also expressed in SCC cell lines. Virus-mediated RNAi knockdown of collagen XVII and integrin beta 4 reduced the migration of less aggressive SCC-25 cells in horizontal scratch wound healing assay. Additionally, in a 3D organotypic myoma invasion assay the loss of collagen XVII or integrin beta 4 suppressed equally the migration and invasion of SCC-25 cells whereas there was no effect on the most aggressive HSC-3 cells. Variable expression patterns and results in migration and invasion assays suggest that collagen XVII and integrin beta 4 contribute to SCC tumorigenesis.7Academy of FinlandOulu University HospitalNorthern Finland Cancer AssociationTurku University Hospital [13336]Sigrid Juselius FoundationCancer Research Foundation of Finlan

The Spitzer c2d Survey of Nearby Dense Cores: VI. The Protostars of Lynds Dark Nebula 1221

Observations of Lynds Dark Nebula 1221 from the Spitzer Space Telescope are presented. These data show three candidate protostars towards L1221, only two of which were previously known. The infrared observations also show signatures of outflowing material, an interpretation which is also supported by radio observations with the Very Large Array. In addition, molecular line maps from the Five College Radio Astronomy Observatory are shown. One-dimensional dust continuum modelling of two of these protostars, IRS1 and IRS3, is described. These models show two distinctly different protostars forming in very similar environments. IRS1 shows a higher luminosity and larger inner radius of the envelope than IRS3. The disparity could be caused by a difference in age or mass, orientation of outflow cavities, or the impact of a binary in the IRS1 core.Comment: accepted for publication in Ap

Significant Role of Collagen XVII And Integrin beta 4 in Migration and Invasion of The Less Aggressive Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells

Collagen XVII and integrin alpha 6 beta 4 have well-established roles as epithelial adhesion molecules. Their binding partner laminin 332 as well as integrin alpha 6 beta 4 are largely recognized to promote invasion and metastasis in various cancers, and collagen XVII is essential for the survival of colon and lung cancer stem cells. We have studied the expression of laminin.2, collagen XVII and integrin beta 4 in tissue microarray samples of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and its precursors, actinic keratosis and Bowen's disease. The expression of laminin.2 was highest in SCC samples, whereas the expression of collagen XVII and integrin beta 4 varied greatly in SCC and its precursors. Collagen XVII and integrin beta 4 were also expressed in SCC cell lines. Virus-mediated RNAi knockdown of collagen XVII and integrin beta 4 reduced the migration of less aggressive SCC-25 cells in horizontal scratch wound healing assay. Additionally, in a 3D organotypic myoma invasion assay the loss of collagen XVII or integrin beta 4 suppressed equally the migration and invasion of SCC-25 cells whereas there was no effect on the most aggressive HSC-3 cells. Variable expression patterns and results in migration and invasion assays suggest that collagen XVII and integrin beta 4 contribute to SCC tumorigenesis.Peer reviewe

The Physical Conditions for Massive Star Formation: Dust Continuum Maps and Modeling

Fifty-one dense cores associated with water masers were mapped at 350 micron. These cores are very luminous, 10^3 < Lbol/Lsun < 10^6, indicative of the formation of massive stars. Dust continuum contour maps and photometry are presented for these sources. The spectral energy distributions and normalized radial profiles of dust continuum emission were modeled for 31 sources using a one-dimensional dust radiative transfer code, assuming a power law density distribution in the envelope, n = n_f (r/r_f)^{-p}. The best fit density power law exponent, p, ranged from 0.75 to 2.5 with = 1.8 +/- 0.4. The mean value of p is comparable to that found in regions forming only low mass stars. The mean p is incompatible with a logatropic sphere (p = 1), but other star formation models cannot be ruled out. Different mass estimates are compared and mean masses of gas and dust are reported within a half-power radius determined from the dust emission and within a radius where the total density exceeds 10^4 cm^3. Evolutionary indicators commonly used for low mass star formation may have some utility for regions forming massive stars. For comparison with extragalactic star formation studies, the luminosity to dust mass ratio is calculated for these sources with a method most parallel to that used in studies of distant galaxies and is found to be similar to that seen in high redshift starburst galaxies.Comment: 45 pages, 20 figures, accepted to ApJ Supplemen

Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies Novel Restless Legs Syndrome Susceptibility Loci on 2p14 and 16q12.1

Peer reviewe

Management Considerations for Late-Season Escapes of Palmer Amaranth and Common Waterhemp in Texas Cotton

Herbicide resistance in weeds is an emerging problem across Texas, and a strong emphasis on weed seedbank management is vital for addressing this problem. Escaped weeds present in the late-season at crop harvest (weeds that escape control measures early-season and/or the ones that recruit after control interventions have been terminated) can tremendously contribute to seedbank addition, but little is known on the level of seed input from such escapes, particularly that of Palmer amaranth and common waterhemp - two of the most problematic and herbicide resistance prone weed species in cotton production in Texas. Moreover, effective methods to reduce viable seed production from late-season escapes also need to be developed. A state-level survey was conducted to quantify seed production in late-season escapes of Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats) and common waterhemp (A. tuberculatus (Moq.) Sauer) across important cotton production regions in Texas (objective 1). The survey revealed that Palmer amaranth densities and seed production were greater in the High Plains region (6.4 to 13.9 million seed ha^-1), whereas waterhemp was predominant in the Blacklands and the Upper Gulf Coast regions, with 12.9 and 9.8 million seeds ha^-1, respectively. In addition, the three most common weeds documented in Texas cotton were Palmer amaranth, Texas millet [Urochloa texana (Buckl.)] and common waterhemp. Further, experiments were carried out in College Station and Lubbock to understand the effect of different cotton defoliants on the viable seed production potential of Palmer amaranth, when applied at different maturity stages (green inflorescence, white seed, brown seed and black seed) (objective 2). Results indicated that paraquat, MSMA, diuron and glufosinate provided the greatest seed mortality compared to a number of other defoliants evaluated. Findings suggest that certain defoliants may be used to provide the dual benefit of crop harvest aid as well as reducing the seed viability of late-season weed escapes. Future experiments in a controlled environment could provide more insights on the impact of these desiccants on seed viability of Palmer amaranth

Management Considerations for Late-Season Escapes of Palmer Amaranth and Common Waterhemp in Texas Cotton

Herbicide resistance in weeds is an emerging problem across Texas, and a strong emphasis on weed seedbank management is vital for addressing this problem. Escaped weeds present in the late-season at crop harvest (weeds that escape control measures early-season and/or the ones that recruit after control interventions have been terminated) can tremendously contribute to seedbank addition, but little is known on the level of seed input from such escapes, particularly that of Palmer amaranth and common waterhemp - two of the most problematic and herbicide resistance prone weed species in cotton production in Texas. Moreover, effective methods to reduce viable seed production from late-season escapes also need to be developed. A state-level survey was conducted to quantify seed production in late-season escapes of Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats) and common waterhemp (A. tuberculatus (Moq.) Sauer) across important cotton production regions in Texas (objective 1). The survey revealed that Palmer amaranth densities and seed production were greater in the High Plains region (6.4 to 13.9 million seed ha^-1), whereas waterhemp was predominant in the Blacklands and the Upper Gulf Coast regions, with 12.9 and 9.8 million seeds ha^-1, respectively. In addition, the three most common weeds documented in Texas cotton were Palmer amaranth, Texas millet [Urochloa texana (Buckl.)] and common waterhemp. Further, experiments were carried out in College Station and Lubbock to understand the effect of different cotton defoliants on the viable seed production potential of Palmer amaranth, when applied at different maturity stages (green inflorescence, white seed, brown seed and black seed) (objective 2). Results indicated that paraquat, MSMA, diuron and glufosinate provided the greatest seed mortality compared to a number of other defoliants evaluated. Findings suggest that certain defoliants may be used to provide the dual benefit of crop harvest aid as well as reducing the seed viability of late-season weed escapes. Future experiments in a controlled environment could provide more insights on the impact of these desiccants on seed viability of Palmer amaranth

Late-season surveys to document seed rain potential of Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) and waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) in Texas cotton.

Weed escapes are often present in large production fields prior to harvest, contributing to seed rain and species persistence. Late-season surveys were conducted in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fields in Texas in 2016 and 2017 to identify common weed species present as escapes and estimate seed rain potential of Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson) and waterhemp [A. tuberculatus (Moq.) J.D. Sauer], two troublesome species with high fecundity. A total of 400 cotton fields across four major cotton-producing regions in Texas [High Plains (HP), Gulf Coast (GC), Central Texas, and Blacklands] were surveyed. Amaranthus palmeri, Texas millet [Urochloa texana (Buckley) R. Webster], A. tuberculatus, ragweed parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.), and barnyardgrass [Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv.] were reported as the top five weed escapes in cotton fields. Amaranthus palmeri was the most prevalent weed in the HP and Lower GC regions, whereas A. tuberculatus escapes were predominantly observed in the Upper GC and Blacklands regions. On average, 9.4% of an individual field was infested with A. palmeri escapes in the Lower GC region; however, 5.1 to 8.1% of a field was infested in the HP region. Average A. palmeri density ranged from 405 (Central Texas) to 3,543 plants ha-1 (Lower GC). The greatest seed rain potential by A. palmeri escapes was observed in the upper HP region (13.9 million seeds ha-1), whereas the seed rain potential of A. tuberculatus escapes was the greatest in the Blacklands (12.9 million seeds ha-1) and the upper GC regions (9.8 million seeds ha-1). Seed rain from late-season A. palmeri and A. tuberculatus escapes is significant in Texas cotton, and effective management of these escapes is imperative for minimizing seedbank inputs and impacting weed species persistence

Response of Sesame to Selected Herbicides Applied Early in the Growing Season

Growth chamber experiments were conducted to evaluate the response of sesame to PRE and POST applications of soil residual herbicides. PRE applications of acetochlor and S-metolachlor at 1.26 and 1.43 kg ai·ha−1 showed little or no sesame injury (0 to 1%) 4 wks after herbicide treatments (WAT). POST treatments of acetochlor and trifluralin made 3 wks after planting (WAP) resulted in greater sesame injury (40%) compared to applications at bloom (18%). Field studies were conducted in Texas and Oklahoma during the 2014 and 2015 growing seasons to determine sesame response to clethodim, diuron, fluometuron, ethalfluralin, quizalofop-P, pendimethalin, pyroxasulfone, trifluralin, and trifloxysulfuron-sodium applied 2, 3, or 4 weeks after planting (WAP). Late-season sesame injury with the dinitroaniline herbicides consisted of a proliferation of primary branching at the upper nodes of the sesame plant (in the shape/form of a broom). Ethalfluralin and trifluralin caused more “brooming” effect than pendimethalin. Some yield reductions were noted with the dinitroaniline herbicides. Trifloxysulfuron-sodium caused the greatest injury (up to 97%) and resulted in yield reductions from the untreated check. Early-season diuron injury (leaf chlorosis and necrosis) decreased as application timing was delayed, and late-season injury was virtually nonexistent with only slight chlorosis (<4%) still apparent on the lower leaves. Sesame yield was not consistently affected by the diuron treatments. Fluometuron caused early-season injury (stunting/chlorosis), and a reduction of yield was observed at one location. Pyroxasulfone applied 2 WAP caused up to 25% sesame injury (stunting) but did not result in a yield reduction. Quizalofop-P caused slight injury (<5%) and no reduction in yield

Deletion of the Major Bullous Pemphigoid Epitope Region of Collagen XVII Induces Blistering, Autoimmunization, and Itching in Mice

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune subepidermal blistering skin disease with a characteristic of pruritus and blistering. BP patients carry inflammation-triggering autoantibodies against the collagen XVII (ColXVII, also known as BP180) juxtamembraneous extracellular noncollagenous 16A (NC16A) domain involved in ectodomain shedding. Deletion of the corresponding NC14A region in a genetically modified mouse model (ΔNC14A) decreased the amount of ColXVII in skin, but it did not prevent ectodomain shedding. Newborn ΔNC14A mice had no macroscopic phenotypic changes. However, subepidermal microblisters, rudimentary hemidesmosomes, and loose basement membrane zone were observed by microscopy. ΔNC14A mice grow normally, but at around 3 months of age they start to scratch themselves and develop crusted erosions. Furthermore, perilesional eosinophilic infiltrations in the skin, eosinophilia, and elevated serum IgE levels are detected. Despite the removal of the major BP epitope region, ΔNC14A mice developed IgG and IgA autoantibodies with subepidermal reactivity, indicating autoimmunization against a dermo-epidermal junction component. Moreover, IgG autoantibodies recognized a 180-kDa keratinocyte protein, which was sensitive to collagenase digestion. We show here that ΔNC14A mice provide a highly reproducible BP-related mouse model with spontaneous breakage of self-tolerance and development of autoantibodies