A dural metastatic small cell carcinoma of the gallbladder as the first manifestation: a case report

Abstract Background A dural metastasis is one of the essential differential diagnoses of meningioma. In general, carcinomas of the breast and lung in females and prostate in males have been the most commonly reported primary lesions of dural metastases. However, dural metastasis of gallbladder carcinoma is extremely rare. Here, we report a unique case of a dural matter metastasis of gallbladder carcinoma as the first manifestation, which was autopsy-defined as small cell carcinoma. Case presentation A 78-year-old man came to our hospital complaining of left hemianopia. Brain computed tomography (CT) revealed a sizeable parasagittal dural-based extra-axial tumor. However, the findings for meningioma were atypical by magnetic resonance imaging, suggesting a meningioma mimic. A contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen revealed a large gallbladder carcinoma. The patient opted for the best supportive care and died 2 months later. The post-mortem examination revealed small cell carcinoma in gallbladder carcinoma. Moreover, an immunologically similar carcinoma was detected in the dural metastasis. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of a dural metastasis of gallbladder small cell carcinoma. A systemic examination is essential for clinicians when atypical findings of meningioma are observed, suggesting a meningioma mimic. We present this rare case with a review of the literature

研究概要図のブラッシュアップを通じた研究資金獲得支援の試み

研究資金獲得や研究発信のために、研究者自らが、研究構想を視覚的に整理し、効果的に表現する技術を身につける必要性が高まっている。研究者から申請書や論文に用いる研究概要図の作成に関する支援依頼も少なくない。一方、申請書の書面（文章）のブラッシュアップについては多くのURA組織で支援しており、その蓄積によりURAのスキルアップも図られているが、研究概要図をはじめとした効果的な図の作成支援については、URAが担うには限界がある。京都大学学術研究展開センターでは、2020年度より3年間、研究概要図の作成支援にフォーカスした研究資金獲得支援の活動を実施した。初年度は、研究者のニーズ調査の位置づけで、申請書、プレゼン資料作成のデザインスキルアップセミナーとプロのデザイナーとの協業についてのセミナーを実施。次年度は、初年度のアンケートをもとに、研究概要図のブラッシュアップにフォーカスしたセミナーを実施した。3年目は外部デザイナーによる個別の研究概要図ブラッシュアップをURAも交えて実施し、個々の研究者支援と並行してURAのスキルアップも試みた。発表では、本取り組みの成果と課題について議論したい。RA協議会第9回年次大会(八王子) : 9th RMAN-J Annual Conference(Hachioji)開催日時: 2023年8月8日(火)-2023年8月9日(水)開催場所: 東京たま未来メッセ主催: リサーチ・アドミニストレーター協議

Indirect CRISPR screening with photoconversion revealed key factors of drug resistance with cell–cell interactions

Abstract Comprehensive screenings to clarify indirect cell–cell interactions, such as those in the tumor microenvironment, especially comprehensive assessments of supporting cells’ effects, are challenging. Therefore, in this study, indirect CRISPR screening for drug resistance with cell–cell interactions was invented. The photoconvertible fluorescent protein Dendra2 was inducted to supporting cells and explored the drug resistance responsible factors of supporting cells with CRISPR screenings. Random mutated supporting cells co-cultured with leukemic cells induced drug resistance with cell–cell interactions. Supporting cells responsible for drug resistance were isolated with green-to-red photoconversion, and 39 candidate genes were identified. Knocking out C9orf89, MAGI2, MLPH, or RHBDD2 in supporting cells reduced the ratio of apoptosis of cancer cells. In addition, the low expression of RHBDD2 in supporting cells, specifically fibroblasts, of clinical pancreatic cancer showed a shortened prognosis, and a negative correlation with CXCL12 was observed. Indirect CRISPR screening was established to isolate the responsible elements of cell–cell interactions. This screening method could reveal unknown mechanisms in all kinds of cell–cell interactions by revealing live phenotype-inducible cells, and it could be a platform for discovering new targets of drugs for conventional chemotherapies