Biomedical subjects

U Hinz

Publications and source records attributed to U Hinz.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

Clinical value of [18-F]] fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography imaging in soft tissue sarcomas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate positron emission tomography (PET) using 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) for clinical application in soft tissue sarcomas. SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND DATA: FDG PET is a promising noninvasive method for the preoperative assessment of soft tissue sarcomas and may complement radiologic tomography. METHODS: Data from 50 consecutive patients with 59 masses, either suspicious for primary or locally recurrent soft tissue sarcoma, were prospectively gathered. The semiquantitative FDG uptake (standardized uptake values [SUVs]) was calculated in tumor and normal tissue (muscle). Histopathology of surgical specimens and follow-up data were used as control criteria. RESULTS: In primary soft tissue sarcomas, PET displayed a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 88%. Local recurrence was detected with a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 92%. All intermediate-grade and high-grade soft tissue sarcomas (primary and locally recurrent) were visualized with a precise differentiation from muscle. Fifty percent of the low-grade sarcomas showed an FDG uptake equivalent to muscle (false-negative results in one primary and three recurrent soft tissue sarcomas). Benign soft tissue tumors (e.g., lipoma, leiomyoma, ganglion) did not accumulate FDG. Inflammation resulted in an increased FDG uptake. The semiquantitative FDG uptake (SUVs) correlated with tumor grade but not with size and histologic type. CONCLUSION: High-grade and intermediate-grade soft tissue sarcomas are amenable to PET imaging, whereas low-grade lesions may not be depicted. SUVs for FDG correlate with tumor grade in soft tissue sarcomas. Benign soft tissue tumors are differentiated from higher-grade soft tissue sarcomas. These data show that FDG-PET can complement preoperative radiologic assessment for soft tissue sarcomas and that FDG-PET is a powerful diagnostic tool for detecting high-grade and intermediate-grade local recurrence.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Molecular profiling of sporadic colorectal tumors by microsatellite analysis.

To investigate the prognostic value of multiple genetic alterations, individual molecular tumor profiles were established in 79 sporadic colorectal carcinomas (41 stage II and 38 stage III). Tumors were analyzed for allelic loss (LOH) and genetic instability (MSI) using 14 microsatellites intragenic to or associated with tumor suppressor or DNA mismatch repair genes. Molecular profiling identified tumors with LOH at multiple loci without microsatellite instability (MSS), tumors with high levels of LOH and low level microsatellite marker instability (MSI-L), and tumors with high levels of MSI (MSI-H), but rare LOH. K-ras mutations occurred more frequently in MSS/MSI-L carcinomas (26%) than in MSI-H colorectal tumors (10%), the latter showing a high frequency of TGFbeta type II frameshift mutations (82%). Correlation of molecular and clinical data revealed a better prognosis for stage III tumor patients displaying 5q12 loss rather than retention of heterozygosity. Thus, molecular profiling allows the identification of new prognostic markers and might facilitate the stratification of colorectal cancer patients.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Intraoperative radiotherapy for primary and locally recurrent soft tissue sarcoma: morbidity and long-term prognosis.

INTRODUCTION: Soft tissue sarcoma has a high risk of local recurrence. Therefore, extensive surgical resection has been combined with radiotherapy to improve long-term results. Because external beam radiation doses may be limited by adjacent radiosensitive tissue, intraoperative boost radiation has been devised to achieve a higher total radiation dose in combination with external beam radiotherapy. We report our experience with this multimodal approach for primary and recurrent soft tissue sarcoma. METHODS: Clinical and pathological data were extracted from a prospective data base including all patients with a diagnosis of soft tissue sarcoma treated at the Department of Surgery, University of Heidelberg between 1988 and 1999. Intraoperative radiotherapy dosages were 12-15 Gy for the extremities and 15-18 Gy for the trunk and the retroperitoneum. Additional external beam radiotherapy was given at 40 Gy, whenever possible. RESULTS: Between 1988 and 1999, a total of 251 patients with primary or recurrent soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities, the trunk or the retroperitoneum were treated. The mean (+/- SD) age of 136 men and 115 women was 53+/-16 years. Five of 251 patients died post-operatively, giving a mortality rate of 2.0%. Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) was used in 92 patients (37%). Surgical complications were more frequent in IORT patients (30 of 92; 33%) compared to non-IORT patients (36 of 159; 23% P=0.1). Infectious complications were significantly more frequent in patients receiving IORT (P=0.03). Two hundred and four patients were macroscopically tumour-free (R0, R1 resection). For these patients multivariate analysis identified grading (relative risk (RR) 3.1-6.6; P<0.001), age (over 55 years; (RR) 1.8: P<0.008) and tumour location in the retroperitoneum (RR 2.2; P<0.004) as independently associated with recurrence-free survival. The use of IORT (P<0.02) reduced the relative risk of death or recurrence by 40% (RR 0.6; P<0.02). Sex, primary vs. recurrent tumour, T classification and R-status (R0 vs. R1) were not significantly related to recurrence-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective, non-randomized study of soft tissue sarcoma IORT was associated with a higher rate of infectious complications, but the the risk of death or recurrence was reduced by 40%.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Detection of tenascin-C isoforms in colorectal mucosa, ulcerative colitis, carcinomas and liver metastases.

The glycoprotein tenascin-C is up-regulated in inflammatory and neoplastic diseases. Most available data on tissue tenascin-C content do not distinguish its various isoforms. We have quantified tissue tenascin-C signals in colorectal mucosa, ulcerative colitis, colorectal carcinomas and liver metastases using 5 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) with different binding sites. Tenascin-C of tissue extracts was analyzed by a standardized Western blot technique and densitometry. As a reference MAb, K8 displayed tenascin-C tissue concentrations of 4.1 +/- 2.3 microgram/mg total protein in normal mucosa, 13.8 +/- 4.7 microgram/mg in ulcerative colitis, 28.8 +/- 14.5 microgram/mg in colorectal carcinomas and 25.6 +/- 8.9 microgram/mg in liver metastases. The optical density values per microgram protein tissue extract of the 5 MAbs reflect the levels of the corresponding tenascin-C epitopes. Various signal intensities indicate a distinct diagnostic usefulness of the MAbs in detecting colorectal carcinomas. The binding characteristics of MAb J1/tn2 point to an under-representation of the TNfnD domain in metastasizing colorectal carcinomas, while MAb 19H12 showed an increased binding rate on the TNfnA1,2,4 region. Our comparative study of tenascin-C in inflammatory and neoplastic diseases of the colon mucosa substantiates the occurrence of large differences in the diagnostic value of tenascin-C MAbs. The detected alterations of tenascin-C in metastasizing colorectal carcinomas might indicate a prognostic value of specific tenascin-C isoforms.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed1999

Effects of restorative proctocolectomy on renal and adrenal function.

PURPOSE: Restorative proctocolectomy is a standard procedure in the surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis. The radical removal of the colorectum with construction of an ileostomy often results in high stoma losses. These may lead to changes in the electrolyte and acid-base balance and to alterations in renal and suprarenal gland function. METHODS: In this study 33 patients who received an ileoanal pouch before and after proctocolectomy were investigated at different time intervals for electrolyte changes, alteration of the acid-base balance, kidney function, and hormonal changes of the suprarenal glands. Measurements were performed before proctocolectomy, ten days after proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis under protective loop ileostomy, before ileostomy closure, and 6 to 12 months after ileostomy closure. Neither acute renal failure nor other vital complications were observed. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed a significant decrease of urine pH to 5.4 +/- 0.22 (before ileostomy closure) and metabolic acidosis (pH 7.32 +/- 0.04; base excess -1.3 +/- 5.6 (before ileostomy closure)). Likewise, we found a decrease in renal clearance to 86 ml/minute (before ileostomy closure) without signs of tubular damage. The most important change during the phase with ileostomy was a functional secondary hyperaldosteronism with aldosterone levels of 63.2 +/- 70.8 ng/dl (before ileostomy closure). In comparison with preoperative levels, there was a ten-fold increase in mineralocorticoid adrenal activity. Additionally, during the period with protective ileostomy, the hepatic synthesis of aldosterone-18-glucuronide was only slightly increased, and the cortisol/cortisone ratio was extremely decreased. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and protective loop ileostomy significantly influences fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance. Functional secondary hyperaldosteronism is of central importance for subsequent renal recompensation. Approximately one-half year after ileostomy closure, the endogenous hormones with mineralocorticoid effects returned to normal levels.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

PubMed1998

Effect of surgeon expertise on the outcome in primary hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Success in surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is thought to be closely linked to surgical expertise. We investigated the effect of the surgeon's experience on the postoperative outcome in patients with PHPT. DESIGN: Cohort study with retrospective analysis. SETTING: University tertiary care center. PATIENTS: Two hundred thirty consecutive patients with PHPT. We excluded patients with prior cervical surgery, parathyroid carcinoma, multiple endocrine neoplasia types 1 and 2, and renal hyperparathyroidism. INTERVENTIONS: All 230 patients underwent bilateral neck exploration for PHPT. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We registered complication rates, fulfillment of predefined operative concepts, and operative time in 230 cervical revisions for PHPT and compared the results of experienced surgeons (40 or more cervical revisions for PHPT performed before 1988) with those of surgeons still in training. RESULTS: Two surgeons classified as experienced operated on 75 patients. Under supervision of these surgeons, most operative procedures (n=155) were performed by 12 different surgeons classified as less experienced. Complications were observed in 31 patients (13.5%) with no statistical difference between the specialists and the less-experienced surgeons (P=.85). The ability to demonstrate 4 or more parathyroid glands was significantly increased for the specialists (74.7% vs 51.6%; P<.001), who also terminated the operation earlier (average, 15 minutes; P<.001). CONCLUSION: In an analysis of 230 operations for PHPT in patients without prior neck surgery, no effect of the surgeon's experience on postoperative outcome was demonstrated. Under the supervision of experienced endocrine surgeons, less-experienced surgeons perform cervical revisions for PHPT with comparable results, although with longer operating time.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Mucosal tenascin C content in inflammatory and neoplastic diseases of the large bowel.

PURPOSE: Tenascin C is a glycoprotein of the extracellular matrix. It is upregulated during embryologic development, wound healing, and under conditions of normal and neoplastic growth. Most available data on tenascin C expression in tissues is based on immunohistologic studies. The present study was designed to quantify tissue concentrations in patients with inflammatory and neoplastic diseases of the large bowel. METHODS: Fifty patients with ulcerative colitis, 19 patients suffering from familiar adenomatous polyposis without malignant transformation, and 69 patients with colorectal carcinoma were investigated. Tenascin C concentrations in tissue extracts were determined by semiquantitative Western blotting. RESULTS: The tenascin C tissue concentration of normal mucosa was 2.6 +/- 3.4 microg/mg (n = 55), 2.9 +/- 2.1 microg/mg in colorectal adenomas (n = 19), 7.5 +/- 4.7 microg/mg in ulcerative colitis (n = 50), and 18 +/- 15 microg/mg in colorectal carcinomas (n = 69; mean +/- standard deviation). In ulcerative colitis, the mucosal tenascin C content correlated with histopathologic disease activity. No differences were found between subgroups of adenomas or carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS: Tenascin C tissue concentrations were not altered in adenomas, slightly elevated in ulcerative colitis, and substantially increased in colorectal carcinomas. Although less useful as a diagnostic parameter, tenascin C tissue levels serve as an instrument for assessing the activity of stromal remodeling in large-bowel diseases generally. Specifically, they may reflect disease activity in ulcerative colitis.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗

PubMed1998

[Pre- and postoperative quality of life of patients with ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis with ileoanal pouch operation].

After ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), in addition to postoperative morbidity and functional outcome quality of life is a relevant factor for assessment of the operation's success. Between 1982 and 1997 restorative proctocolectomy was performed in 602 patients (UC: n = 424; FAP: n = 178) at the Department of Surgery, University of Heidelberg. The assessment of pre- and postoperative quality of life was done through a prospective study (before restorative proctocolectomy, before and 1 year after closure of ileostomy). This study (UC: n = 27; FAP: n = 7) revealed a poor preoperative quality of life in patients with ulcerative colitis. Proctocolectomy is the decisive factor for the improvement of quality of life in the surgical treatment in UC. Quality of life could not be further significantly improved by ileostomy closure. Before proctocolectomy, FAP patients showed a quality of life, activity and function similar to that of healthy controls. In FAP patients proctocolectomy led to a significant loss of quality of life. This loss could only partly be regained by ileostomy closure. Quality of life and activity comparable to that of healthy controls can be achieved in UC patients by restorative proctocolectomy.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1998

A genetic screen for elements of the network that regulates neurogenesis in Drosophila.

The development of external sensory organs on the notum of Drosophila is promoted by the proneural genes achaete and scute. Their activity defines proneural cell clusters in the wing imaginal disc. Ectopic expression, under control of the GAL4 system, of the proneural gene lethal of scute (l'sc) causes the development of ectopic bristles. Persistent ectopic expression of l'sc is not sufficient to impose a neural fate on any given cell. This implies that mutual inhibition, mediated by the Notch signaling pathway, occurs among the cells of the ectopic proneural cluster. Consequently, the dominant, quantifiable phenotype associated with ectopic expression of l'sc is modified by mutations in genes known to be involved in neurogenesis. This phenotype has been utilized to screen for dominant enhancers and suppressors that modify the number of ectopic bristles. In this way, about 100,000 progeny of EMS or X-ray-treated flies have been analyzed to identify autosomal genes involved in regulation of the neural fate. In addition 1200 chromosomes carrying lethal P-element insertions were screened for modifiers. Besides mutations in genes expected to modify the phenotype, we have isolated mutations in six genes not known so far to be involved in neurogenesis.

Alleles↗

PubMed1998

Surgery for local recurrence or distant metastases in patients aged 75 years or older.

Between 1982 and 1997, a total of 105 patients aged 75 years or older (median age 78 years) underwent surgical treatment for recurrent solid tumours. The most frequent primary tumours were melanoma, colorectal carcinoma and breast cancer. Sixty-one patients had complete removal of recurrent tumour. Post-operative mortality was 3.8% (four of 105 patients). The median hospital stay was 16 days and the post-operative hospital stay was 10 days. At a median follow-up of 57 months, 77 patients had died. Twenty one patients died of causes unrelated to the tumour. The overall survival of 105 patients was 35% at 3 years and 27% at 5 years. Following R0 resection, 5-year survival was 43%, (n = 61) and in the absence of post-operative complications even reached 50% (n = 47). Survival correlated with completeness of tumour resection (P<0.0001) and post-operative complications (P=0.021). No significant correlation could be established between survival and age, ASA score, blood replacement, primary tumour location or sex. Elderly patients presenting with recurrent tumour should be evaluated for surgical resection. If tumour removal is complete and post-operative complications are avoided, a 5-year survival rate of over 40% may be expected.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

Improved outcome after emergency surgery for cancer of the large intestine.

BACKGROUND: Emergency surgery for colorectal cancer has become more aggressive and radical over the past decade. This retrospective review analyses the impact on outcome. METHODS: The results of emergency surgery within 24 h of admission were compared between 1982 and 1987 (77 patients) and 1988 and 1993 (75 patients). Patient and tumour characteristics were similar in both groups. RESULTS: Right colonic obstruction or perforation was treated by primary resection and anastomosis in 11 of 12 patients before 1988 and in all 19 patients thereafter. Primary resection was also the treatment of choice for perforated cancer of the left colon and rectum before 18 of 20) and after (20 of 21) 1988. The rate of primary resection for obstructing cancer of the left colon and rectum increased from 17 of 45 to 30 of 35. One-stage resections for obstructing cancer were performed in ten of 45 and 22 of 35 patients before and after 1988 respectively. The overall mortality rate declined from 14 of 77 to three of 75 after 1988 (P< 0.01). The rate of radical lymphadenectomy rose from six of 46 patients to 42 of 69 after 1988. The 3-year survival rate increased from 50 to 74 per cent (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The data support further efforts towards improving the immediate and late outcome of emergency surgery in complicated colorectal cancer.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

Survival and recurrence after liver transplantation versus liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study compares the results of liver transplantation (LTx) and liver resection (LR) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to test the widespread hypothesis that LTx is the preferable approach for small HCCs. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: With respect to scarcity of donor organs and poor results, LTxs for large HCCs are obsolete. Small HCC transplantations have been reported to result in an excellent survival rate. However, the data of comparative studies are controversial. METHODS: Patients who were treated curatively by LTx (n = 50) or LR (n = 52) for HCC were included in this retrospective study. Survival and freedom from recurrence were analyzed. Patients were stratified according to prognostic factors (pT classification, tumor size, number of tumor nodules, vascular infiltration, and cirrhosis). RESULTS: Overall, after LTx and LR the 3-year survival rate and recurrence rate were not significantly different. In the Cox analysis, tumor size (p = 0.02) and vascular infiltration (p = 0.04) were independent variables after LTx, whereas after LR, none of the tested prognostic parameters was significant. With regards to recurrence, tumor size was the only independent factor, after both LTx and LR (p = 0.02, respectively). Directly comparing the two therapeutic approaches, a 3-year survival rate in pT 1/2, oligocentric (1-5 nodules), and oligocentric and small tumors proved to be superior after LTx. The recurrence rate after LTx was superior to LR in pT 1/2 and oligocentric tumors. Remarkably, for small (< or = 5 cm) tumors, LTx and LR resulted in a similar 3-year survival rate and freedom from recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: According to our analysis, the oncological advantage of LTx compared with LR is questionable. This applies especially for small tumors. Superior results of LTx in early stage HCC and particularly in oligocentric tumors may be attributed to incorrect preoperative diagnosis. Nevertheless, LTx is a reasonable treatment for patients with early stage tumors if a LR is impossible because of tumor localization or poor functional hepatic capacity.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

[Biologic characterization of soft tissue sarcomes by positron emission tomography (initial results)].

Positron emission tomography (PET) with fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), carbon-11-labeled aminoisobutyric acid (AIB) and oxygen-15-labeled water (15O-labeled water) was evaluated for imaging soft tissue sarcomas (STS). Eleven pathologically confirmed STS were evaluated by PET using FDG, AIB and 15O-labeled water. All radiotracers showed an increased activity in viable tumor with a significant differentiation from normal tissue (muscle). An increased glucose metabolism in STS allowed a differentiation from normal tissue (muscle) with FDG. Furthermore, STS showed an increased AIB activity suggesting an increased "A-type" aminoacid transport. AIB therefore can be used for evaluation of STS. 15O-labeled water demonstrated an increased uptake with an overlap with blood vessel activity. These radiotracers supply information about biological properties of STS. Five patients with suspicious lesions in conventional radiodiagnostic but negative PET scans were free of local recurrence, diagnosed either by surgery or by follow-up. Two patients with PET findings suggesting local failure, ultimately demonstrated local recurrence. The differentiation of local recurrence from benign postoperative tissue alterations is encouraging and requires further evaluation.

Amino Acid Transport System A↗

PubMed1998

[Long-term quality of life after continence-preserving proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis].

After ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), quality of life is a relevant factor for the assessment of the operation's success, in addition to postoperative morbidity and functional outcome. Between 1982 and 1995 restorative proctocolectomy was performed in 453 patients (UC: n = 332; FAP: n = 121) at the Department of Surgery, University of Heidelberg. We studied postoperative quality of life through a long-term follow-up study (median follow-up time 43.2 months). This study 1 year or more following ileostomy closure of persons who had undergone J-pouch anastomosis (n = 243 total; UC n = 185, FAP n = 58) revealed that at the time of follow-up, the underlying disease (UC versus FAP) and successfully treated complications are without influence on the quality of life. The patient's age (P < 0.01) and the presence of unsuccessfully treated complications (P < 0.0001) showed a significant influence on the quality of life. There was a distinct relation between the functional index and the quality of life index (coefficient of correlation r = -0.714). However, quality of life, comparable to that of healthy controls, can be achieved with UC and FAP patients by restorative proctocolectomy only if postoperative complications can be avoided or are successfully treated.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1997

[Outcome of surgical therapy in asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism].

Surgery for symptomatic hyperparathyroidism remains the standard therapy. Asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is being diagnosed with increasing frequency owing to broad serum testing. Indications for surgery in this setting are controversial. For evaluation of surgical safety we performed a retrospective analysis of our patients who were being operated on for asymptomatic pHPT. From January 1988 until August 1995, 243 patients were treated for pHPT and registered prospectively at our unit. Seventy-six patients were classified as asymptomatic. In all, 75% of the patients were female; the mean age was 62 years. In this group, 87% of the patients had cervical sonography in order to localize the adenoma. Highly selective venous catheterization was required in cervical reexplorations. Statistical analysis for potential prognostic factors for the clinical outcome was performed. Successful cervical exploration was possible in 71 patients (94.7%). With 4 patients remaining hypercalcemic, the rate of persistency was 5.2%. Localization procedures were correct in 58% for cervical ultrasound and 77% for selective venous catheterization. Postoperative morbidity included one permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and 2 patients with hemorrhage who were treated by reoperation. While one case of permanent hypoparathyroidism was well controlled by oral supplementation, 18 patients recovered from temporary hypoparathyroidism. No postoperative mortality occurred. Risk factor analysis revealed only cervical reexplorations for HPT to be associated with a higher morbidity (P = 0.02). Surgery for asymptomatic pHPT can be performed with reasonable safety. Cervical reexplorations in asymptomatic patients should be reserved for special indications. Apart from this small group, all patients should be evaluated for surgery.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Lethal of scute requires overexpression of daughterless to elicit ectopic neuronal development during embryogenesis in Drosophila.

Classical genetics indicates that the achaete-scute gene complex (AS-C) of Drosophila promotes development of neural progenitor cells. To further analyze the function of proneural genes, we have studied the effects of Gal4-mediated expression of lethal of scute, a member of the AS-C, during embryogenesis. Expression of lethal of scute forces progenitor cells of larval internal sensory organs, which are normally committed to this fate independently of the activity of the AS-C, to take on features of external sensory organs. Supernumerary neural cells can be induced ectopically only if daughterless is overexpressed, either alone or together with lethal of scute: cells of the amnioserosa and the hindgut then express neuronal markers. Furthermore, cells of the proctodeal anlage, which normally lack neural competence, acquire the ability to develop as neuroblasts following transplantation into the neuroectoderm. We show here that activated Notch prevents the cells of the neuroectoderm from forming extra neural tissue when they express an excess of proneural proteins. Under the present conditions, lateral inhibition is thus dominant over the activity of proneural genes.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

A basic-helix-loop-helix protein expressed in precursors of Drosophila longitudinal visceral muscles.

Basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors are involved in the control of many developmental processes in vertebrates and invertebrates. The HLH domain mediates formation of homo- or heterodimers. We have taken advantage of these dimerisation properties to identify a novel Drosophila HLH protein using the yeast two-hybrid system. Expression of bHLH54F at the blastoderm stage is restricted to a small subpopulation of mesodermal cells near the posterior pole. During germ band retraction these cells spread along the future midgut region. Later bHLH54F-expressing cells make up the longitudinal portion of the visceral musculature. Characterisation of this expression pattern demonstrates that precursors of the outer, longitudinal muscles of the midgut are distinct in origin and morphology from precursors of the inner, circular muscles.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1997

On the function of proneural genes in Drosophila.

The proneural genes in Drosophila render ectodermal cells competent to adopt a neural fate. Moreover, they also initiate the program of mutual inhibition, which will ultimately lead to their own inactivation. Recent advances that elucidate the regulatory relationships between proneural and neurogenic genes are discussed.

Animals↗