The maize brown midrib6 (bm6) mutation encodes a functional GTP Cyclohydrolase1

Brown midrib mutations in maize (Zea mays L.) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) alter lignin composition and enhance cell wall digestibility. These mutations are prime candidates for silage breeding. Six brown midrib mutants are currently known, brown midrib1 (bm1) to brown midrib6 (bm6). The bm1 and bm3 mutations are being used commercially for silage. The underlying genes responsible for five of the six bm mutations in maize (bm1, bm2, bm3, bm4, and bm5) are known. Chen and co-workers (2012) characterized the bm6 mutation, demonstratingthat bm6 increases cell wall digestibility and physically mapped bm6 within a 180 kilobase region on chromosome 2. The present investigation utilized map-based cloning to identify the candidate gene responsible for the bm6 phenotype as GTP Cyclohydrolase1 (GCH1) and validated the candidate gene through reverse genetics. Orthologs of bm6 include at least one paralogous gene in maize on chromosome 10 and various homologs in other grasses and dicots. The discovery that GCH1 is  responsible for the maize bm6 phenotype suggests that GCH1 plays a role in the tetrahydrofolate biosynthetic process

Increasing Efforts to Reduce Cervical Cancer through State-Level Comprehensive Cancer Control Planning

Reducing cervical cancer disparities in the U.S. requires intentional focus on structural barriers such as systems and policy which impact access to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, cervical cancer screening and treatment. Such changes are difficult and often politicized. State comprehensive cancer control (CCC) plans are vehicles that, if designed well, can help build collective focus on structural changes. Study objectives were to identify the prioritization of cervical cancer in state CCC plans, the conceptualization of HPV within these plans, and the focus of plans on structural changes to reduce cervical cancer disparities. Data were gathered by systematic content analysis of CCC plans from 50 states and the District of Columbia from February-June 2014 for evidence of cervical cancer prioritization, conceptualization of HPV, and focus on structural barriers to cervical cancer vaccination, screening or treatment. Findings indicate that prioritization of cervical cancer within state CCC plans may not be a strong indicator of state efforts to reduce screening and treatment disparities. While a majority of plans reflected scientific evidence that HPV causes cervical and other cancers, they did not focus on structural elements impacting access to evidence-based interventions. Opportunities exist to improve state CCC plans by increasing their focus on structural interventions that impact cervical cancer prevention, detection, and treatmentparticularly for the 41% of plans ending in 2015 and the 31% ending between 2016-2020. Future studies should focus on the use of policy tools in state CCC plans and their application to cervical cancer prevention and treatment

The Utility of Research Domain Criteria in Diagnosis and Management of Dual Disorders: A Mini-Review

The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) initiative has been considered a comprehensive alternative classification framework for understanding neuropsychiatric ailments, as opposed to the longstanding, traditional DSM framework. Where the DSM categorizes neuropsychiatric disorders as each being distinct and diagnostically defined by the presence of specified symptoms, RDoC provides a multidimensional conceptualization of psychiatric disorders with neurobiological roots. By taking a multidimensional approach, RDoC overcomes two major constraints of the DSM framework: that is, that the DSM is categorical in its approach to psychiatric disorders to the point of understating the intersectionality between concomitant disorders, and that the DSM focuses mainly on clinical features. RDoC seems to better account for the intersection between dual disorders and considers a range of factors, from the more microscopic (e.g., genetics or molecular functions) to the more macroscopic (e.g., environmental influences). The multidimensional approach of RDoC is particularly appealing in the context of dual disorders. Dual disorders refers to a concurrent psychiatric disorder with an addiction disorder. RDoC accounts for the fact that there is often overlap in symptoms across and bidirectional influence between various disorders. However, to date, there is limited research into the clinical utility of RDoC, and less so in the context of the clinical management of dual disorders. In this Mini-Review, we discuss how RDoC differs from the DSM, what outcomes have been reported in utilizing RDoC clinically, the utility of RDoC for the diagnosis, management, and monitoring of psychopathology, and the limitations of RDoC as well as avenues for future research

Abstract C188: A phase 1 study of RXDX-105, an oral RET, BRAF and EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in patients with advanced or metastatic cancers

Abstract Background: RXDX-105 is a potent RET, BRAF and EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that exhibits high target affinity at low nanomolar concentrations. The RET proto-oncogene encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase for members of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family of extracellular signaling molecules. RET gain of function alterations are associated with the development of various types of human cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). BRAF plays a key role in regulating the MEK/ERK signaling pathway, which affects cell division and differentiation. Acquired BRAF mutations can result in constitutive activation of this pathway, thereby fueling cancer growth. RXDX-105 is being developed as an oral therapy for patients with solid tumors that harbor RET or BRAF mutations or gene rearrangements. Methods: Adult pts with advanced solid tumors were enrolled in a Ph 1 single agent dose escalation study with a standard 3 + 3 design to determine the recommended Ph 2 dose. Oral RXDX-105 was given as a fixed dose on a continuous daily schedule. Tumor response was assessed at baseline and every 8 wks (RECIST v1.1). Treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) were recorded according to NCI CTC v4.03. Pharmacokinetic (PK) assessment was also a study objective. Results: To date, 35 pts (17 M and 18 F) received RXDX-105 across 7 dose levels (20 to 275 mg QD). Median age was 60.5 years (range 27-81). The most frequent tumors (pts) were metastatic CRC (13), ovarian cancer (3), NSCLC (3), cholangiocarcinoma (3), and pancreatic cancer (3). Median number of cycles was 2 (range 1 to 23). 34 pts experienced AEs; 6 pts experienced treatment-related G3 AEs, including anemia, hypophosphatemia, fatigue, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash and muscle weakness. 22 SAEs were reported from 9 pts, with none considered treatment-related. No treatment-related deaths occurred. The most common AEs were: fatigue (17 pts), vomiting (13 pts), abdominal pain (12 pts), nausea (11 pts), decreased appetite (10 pts), and rash (10 pts). At the time of this report, 3 pts have had DLTs; 1 pt at 200 mg with G2 hand and foot syndrome, 1 pt at 275 mg with G3 fatigue, and 1 pt at 275 mg with G3 asymptomatic hypophosphatemia. The protocol was amended to exclude hypophosphatemia as a DLT since it has been observed with approved TKIs and can be managed by supplementation. The PK data to date have demonstrated that RXDX-105 is absorbed with a median Tmax between 2 and 6 hrs at steady state. RXDX-105 plasma concentrations declined slowly after reaching Cmax with an average terminal half-life of 28 to 42 hrs across dose levels. There was a loss of dose proportionality at doses above 150 mg, possibly due to pH-dependent drug dissolution in the stomach. The impact of the fed state on exposure is being explored. 11 pts have been on treatment for ≥ 12 weeks. No objective responses have been observed; however, 1 pt with BRAF V600E-positive papillary thyroid cancer, previously treated with RAI, EBRT and multiple surgical resections, has been on study with stable disease for almost 2 years (23 cycles). Additionally, 2 heavily pre-treated pts with squamous NSCLC achieved clinical benefit with SD for &amp;gt; 6 months; 1 patient continues. Conclusions: To date, treatment with RXDX-105 demonstrates an acceptable safety profile. Improvements in bioavailability are being investigated. Dose escalation continues. Citation Format: Ding Wang, Manish Patel, Marwan Fakih, A. Craig Lockhart, Anthony J. Olszanski, Rupal Patel, Peter D. Brown, Jennifer W. Oliver, Pratik S. Multani. A phase 1 study of RXDX-105, an oral RET, BRAF and EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in patients with advanced or metastatic cancers. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2015 Nov 5-9; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(12 Suppl 2):Abstract nr C188.</jats:p

A Phase I/Ib Trial of the VEGFR-Sparing Multikinase RET Inhibitor RXDX-105

RET fusions are oncogenic drivers of various tumors, including non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). The safety and antitumor activity of the multikinase RET inhibitor RXDX-105 were explored in a phase I/Ib trial. A recommended phase II dose of 275 mg fed daily was identified. The most common treatment-related adverse events were fatigue (25%), diarrhea (24%), hypophosphatemia (18%), maculopapular rash (18%), and nonmaculopapular rash (17%). In the phase Ib cohort of RET inhibitor-naïve patients with RET fusion-positive NSCLCs, the objective response rate (ORR) was 19% (95% CI, 8%-38%, n = 6/31). Interestingly, the ORR varied significantly by the gene fusion partner (P \u3c 0.001, Fisher exact test): 0% (95% CI, 0%-17%, n = 0/20) with KIF5B (the most common upstream partner for RET fusion-positive NSCLC), and 67% (95% CI, 30%-93%, n = 6/9) with non-KIF5B partners. The median duration of response in all RETfusion-positive NSCLCs was not reached (range, 5 to 18+ months). SIGNIFICANCE: Although KIF5B-RET is the most common RET fusion in NSCLCs, RET inhibition with RXDX-105 resulted in responses only in non-KIF5B-RET-containing cancers. Novel approaches to targeting KIF5B-RET-containing tumors are needed, along with a deeper understanding of the biology that underlies the differential responses observed

A Phase I/Ib Trial of the VEGFR-Sparing Multikinase RET Inhibitor RXDX-105

RET fusions are oncogenic drivers of various tumors, including non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). The safety and antitumor activity of the multikinase RET inhibitor RXDX-105 were explored in a phase I/Ib trial. A recommended phase II dose of 275 mg fed daily was identified. The most common treatment-related adverse events were fatigue (25%), diarrhea (24%), hypophosphatemia (18%), maculopapular rash (18%), and nonmaculopapular rash (17%). In the phase Ib cohort of RET inhibitor-naïve patients with RET fusion-positive NSCLCs, the objective response rate (ORR) was 19% (95% CI, 8%-38%, n = 6/31). Interestingly, the ORR varied significantly by the gene fusion partner (P &lt; 0.001, Fisher exact test): 0% (95% CI, 0%-17%, n = 0/20) with KIF5B (the most common upstream partner for RET fusion-positive NSCLC), and 67% (95% CI, 30%-93%, n = 6/9) with non-KIF5B partners. The median duration of response in all RET fusion-positive NSCLCs was not reached (range, 5 to 18+ months). SIGNIFICANCE: Although KIF5B-RET is the most common RET fusion in NSCLCs, RET inhibition with RXDX-105 resulted in responses only in non-KIF5B-RET-containing cancers. Novel approaches to targeting KIF5B-RET-containing tumors are needed, along with a deeper understanding of the biology that underlies the differential responses observed.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 305