Quantitative proteomics reveals dynamic interaction of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) with RNA transport granule proteins splicing factor proline- and glutamine-rich (Sfpq) and non-POU domain-containing octamer-binding protein (Nono) during neuronal differentiation

The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is an important mediator of physiological and pathophysiological processes in the central nervous system. Importantly, JNK is not only involved in neuronal cell death but also plays a significant role in neuronal differentiation and regeneration. For example, nerve growth factor (NGF) induces JNK-dependent neuronal differentiation in several model systems. The mechanism how JNK mediates neuronal differentiation is not well understood. Here, we employ a proteomic strategy to better characterize the function of JNK during neuronal differentiation. We use SILAC-based quantitative proteomics to identify proteins that interact with JNK in PC12 cells in an NGF-dependent manner. Intriguingly, we find that JNK interacts with neuronal transport granule proteins such as Sfpq and Nono upon NGF treatment. We validate the specificity of these interactions by showing that they are disrupted by a specific peptide inhibitor that blocks the interaction of JNK with its substrates. Immunoprecipitation and western blotting experiments confirm the interaction of JNK1 with Sfpq/Nono and demonstrate that it is RNA dependent. Confocal microscopy and subcellular fractionation indicates that JNK1 associates with neuronal granule proteins in the cytosol of PC12 cells, primary cortical neurons and P19-neuronal cells. Finally, siRNA experiments confirm that Sfpq is necessary for neuronal outgrowth in PC12 cells and that it is most likely acting in the same pathway as JNK. In summary, our data indicate that the interaction of JNK1 with transport granule proteins in the cytosol of differentiating neurons plays an important role during neuronal development

Assessing the Frequency and Severity of Malware Attacks: An Exploratory Analysis of the Advisen Cyber Loss Dataset

In today\u27s business landscape, cyberattacks present a significant threat that can lead to severe financial losses and damage to a company\u27s reputation. To mitigate this risk, it is essential for stakeholders to have an understanding of the latest types and patterns of cyberattacks. The primary objective of this research is to provide this knowledge by utilizing the Advisen cyber loss dataset, which comprises over 137,000 cyber incidents that occurred across various industry sectors from 2013 to 2020. By using text mining techniques, this paper will conduct an exploratory data analysis to identify the most common types of malware, including ransomware. Furthermore, the study will include a likelihood and severity analysis to evaluate the financial impact of these cyberattacks on businesses. Ultimately, this study aims to shed light on the prevalence and financial repercussions of malware incidents and provide businesses with valuable insights to help develop effective cybersecurity strategies

Maf links Neuregulin1 signaling to cholesterol synthesis in myelinating Schwann cells

Cholesterol is a major constituent of myelin membranes, which insulate axons and allow saltatory conduction. Therefore, Schwann cells, the myelinating glia of the peripheral nervous system, need to produce large amounts of cholesterol. Here, we define a crucial role of the transcription factor Maf in myelination and cholesterol biosynthesis and show that Maf acts downstream from Neuregulin1 (Nrg1). Maf expression is induced when Schwann cells begin myelination. Genetic ablation of Maf resulted in hypomyelination that resembled mice with defective Nrg1 signaling. Importantly, loss of Maf or Nrg1 signaling resulted in a down-regulation of the cholesterol synthesis program, and Maf directly binds to enhancers of cholesterol synthesis genes. Furthermore, we identified the molecular mechanisms by which Nrg1 signaling regulates Maf levels. Transcription of Maf depends on calmodulin-dependent kinases downstream from Nrg1, whereas Nrg1-MAPK signaling stabilizes Maf protein. Our results delineate a novel signaling cascade regulating cholesterol synthesis in myelinating Schwann cells

Criteria for the use of omics-based predictors in clinical trials.

The US National Cancer Institute (NCI), in collaboration with scientists representing multiple areas of expertise relevant to 'omics'-based test development, has developed a checklist of criteria that can be used to determine the readiness of omics-based tests for guiding patient care in clinical trials. The checklist criteria cover issues relating to specimens, assays, mathematical modelling, clinical trial design, and ethical, legal and regulatory aspects. Funding bodies and journals are encouraged to consider the checklist, which they may find useful for assessing study quality and evidence strength. The checklist will be used to evaluate proposals for NCI-sponsored clinical trials in which omics tests will be used to guide therapy

GNAO1 encephalopathy: broadening the phenotype and evaluating treatment and outcome

OBJECTIVE: To describe better the motor phenotype, molecular genetic features, and clinical course of GNAO1-related disease. METHODS: We reviewed clinical information, video recordings, and neuroimaging of a newly identified cohort of 7 patients with de novo missense and splice site GNAO1 mutations, detected by next-generation sequencing techniques. RESULTS: Patients first presented in early childhood (median age of presentation 10 months, range 0-48 months), with a wide range of clinical symptoms ranging from severe motor and cognitive impairment with marked choreoathetosis, self-injurious behavior, and epileptic encephalopathy to a milder phenotype, featuring moderate developmental delay associated with complex stereotypies, mainly facial dyskinesia and mild epilepsy. Hyperkinetic movements were often exacerbated by specific triggers, such as voluntary movement, intercurrent illnesses, emotion, and high ambient temperature, leading to hospital admissions. Most patients were resistant to drug intervention, although tetrabenazine was effective in partially controlling dyskinesia for 2/7 patients. Emergency deep brain stimulation (DBS) was life saving in 1 patient, resulting in immediate clinical benefit with complete cessation of violent hyperkinetic movements. Five patients had well-controlled epilepsy and 1 had drug-resistant seizures. Structural brain abnormalities, including mild cerebral atrophy and corpus callosum dysgenesis, were evident in 5 patients. One patient had a diffuse astrocytoma (WHO grade II), surgically removed at age 16. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the causative role of GNAO1 mutations in an expanded spectrum of early-onset epilepsy and movement disorders, frequently exacerbated by specific triggers and at times associated with self-injurious behavior. Tetrabenazine and DBS were the most useful treatments for dyskinesia

Radionuclides in a deciduous forest surrounding a shallow-land-burial site in the eastern United States

The objective of this study was to determine if radioactive materials buried in trenches at the Maxey Flats burial ground in eastern Kentucky have migrated into the surrounding oak-hickory forest. Forest floor litter, minearl soil, and tree leaves were sampled and the radionuclide content measured. (ACR

NCI-MATCH Arms N & P: Phase II study of PI3K beta inhibitor GSK2636771 in patients (pts) with cancers (ca) with PTEN mutation/deletion (mut/del) or PTEN protein loss

Background: The NCI-MATCH trial is the largest national study (1173 sites) for ptswith relapsed/ refractory solid tumors, lymphomas and myeloma, which assigns tar-geted therapies based on individual tumor molecular alterations detected using theadapted Oncomine AmpliSeq panel (143 genes) and immunohistochemistry (IHC).We hypothesized that patients with PTEN-deficient cancers enrolled to Arms N and Pmay benefit from treatment with the PI3K beta-selective inhibitor GSK2636771. Methods: Eligibility: relapsed/refractory ca, good end-organ function, and ECOG PS ≤ 1. Pts were screened for molecular alterations by centralized testing on fresh tumor biopsy and had deleterious PTEN mut/del without loss of expression (Arm N) or complete loss of cytoplasmic and nuclear PTEN staining on IHC (Arm P), and no other aberrations activating the PI3K/MTOR and MAPK pathways (mut in PIK3CA, PIK3R1, BRAF, KRAS, AKT1, TSC1/2, mTOR, RHEB, NF2, NRAS, HRAS). Pts received GSK2636771 400mg/day (28-days cycles). RECIST 1.1 overall response rate (ORR) was the primary endpoint. Results: Of 59 enrolled pts, 56 were eligible and received treatment. Of 22 pts with PTEN mut/del (Arm N: 6 uterine, 2 breast, 2 prostate, 2 head/neck ca, 10 other), all are off treatment as of analysis (14 disease progression, 4 for adverse events [AEs], 4 other). One pt (4.5%) with prostate ca (PTEN deletion, MPRSS2-ERG fusion) attained a partial response (-42%). Of 7 (32%) pts with stable disease (SD), 2 had SD \u3e 6 months (uterine leiomyosarcoma; endometrial carcinoma). Of 34 pts with loss of PTEN protein by IHC (Arm P: 7 prostate, 6 breast, 3 squamous anal ca, 2 cholangiocarcinoma, 16 other), all are off treatment as of analysis (26 disease progression, 4 for AE, 4 other). Of 9 (37.5%) pts with SD, 3 had SD \u3e 6 months (prostate cancer; squamous bladder cancer, squamous anal cancer). Median progression-free survival was 1.8 months for both arms. Gr ≥ 3 treatment-related (tr) reversible toxicities were experienced by 30% (7) and 20% (7) of pts in arms N and P, respectively. No tr Gr 5 toxicities were observed in either arm. Conclusions: Single agent GSK2636771 has very modest activity in ca with PTEN gene mutation/deletion and/or PTEN protein loss

A Perspective on Challenges and Issues in Biomarker Development and Drug and Biomarker Codevelopment

A workshop sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and the US Food and Drug Administration addressed past lessons learned and ongoing challenges faced in biomarker development and drug and biomarker codevelopment. Participants agreed that critical decision points in the product life cycle depend on the level of understanding of the biology of the target and its interaction with the drug, the preanalytical and analytical factors affecting biomarker assay performance, and the clinical disease process. The more known about the biology and the greater the strength of association between an analytical signal and clinical result, the more efficient and less risky the development process will be. Rapid entry into clinical practice will only be achieved by using a rigorous scientific approach, including careful specimen collection and standardized and quality-controlled data collection. Early interaction with appropriate regulatory bodies will ensure studies are appropriately designed and biomarker test performance is well characterized