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Osteosarcoma and interferon. Studies of human xenografts in the nude mouse.

This work assessed the transplantability of human osteosarcomas to immunodeficient nude mice. Osteosarcomas serially transplanted in nude mice were characterized by growth rate, histologic features, and nuclear DNA content. The osteosarcoma xenografts were used to investigate the antitumor effects of interferon (IFN). Tumor tissue from 25 primary osteosarcomas was transplanted into nude mice. All tumors were histologically of high grade (III-IV). Flow DNA cytometry disclosed that all, except 1, had a nondiploid DNA content. 14 of the 25 osteosarcomas grew in serial passage in nude mice, i.e., the take rate was 0.6. The transplantable osteosarcoma group was characterized by a predominance of Grade IV lesions, and a high proportion of proliferating cells, compared to the nontransplantable. The 14 osteosarcoma xenografts, established in nude mice, were heterogeneous with respect to growth rate, histologic subtype, DNA content, and proliferative activity. However, the osteosarcomas retained the basic characteristics of their respective original tumor; the xenografts exhibited the same histologic appearance and DNA content in the first 2 passages in nude mice. During serial transplantation of the 14 osteosarcomas, the histologic features remained unaltered from passage to passage during the observation period of up to 3 years. The aneuploid DNA content was also unchanged over time in most tumors. However, in 4 osteosarcomas with 2 aneuploid cell populations, the cell population with the higher DNA content became predominant, while the other gradually disappeared. Hence, the changes in DNA content involved polyploidization, followed by selection of the cell population with higher DNA content. At the same time growth rate increased, but histologic features were unchanged. This study of osteosarcoma, serially transplanted in nude mice, shows that growth rate, histologic appearance, and DNA content are relatively stable tumor features. The observed changes in DNA content illustrate the development of aneuploidy in malignant tumors. The antitumor effects of human nIFN-alpha were assessed in the 14 osteosarcoma xenografts. In dose-response experiments, based on 2 different tumors, 2 x 10(5) IU/day of nIFN-alpha was found to arrest tumor growth. This dose was chosen as the standard dose in subsequent experiments. Among the 14 osteosarcomas, tumor regression or growth arrest was seen in 5, whereas 8 were only partially growth inhibited with the standard dose. The remaining osteosarcoma was growth inhibited with higher nIFN-alpha doses. Hence, all 14 analyzed osteosarcomas were sensitive to the antitumor effect of nIFN-alpha.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

Ploidy, geographical distribution and morphological differentiation of Parasenecio auriculata (Senecioneae; Asteraceae) in Japan.

Parasenecio auriculata is a woodland perennial herb widely distributed in Northeastern Asia, constituted by a poorly understood polyploidy with a diploid (2n = 2x = 60) and a tetraploid (2n = 4x = 120). In this study, for a better understanding of the polyploidal evolution, cytogeography and morphological variation were analyzed in Japanese P. auriculata, including two varieties; var. bulbifera endemic to central Hokkaido and var. kamtschatica widely distributed in northern Honshu and Hokkaido. The occurrence of two polyploidal levels was reconfirmed. While var. bulbifera is predominantly tetraploid, var. kamtschatica is comprised of diploid and tetraploid. Morphological variation among 22 quantitative characteristics is continuous and not distinctive among cytotypes or varieties, but plant size tended to be larger in the order, diploid of var. kamtschatica, var. bulbifera, and tetraploid of var. kamtschatica. The cytotype distribution showed a conspicuous geographical pattern. Besides var. bulbifera endemic to the central Hokkaido, the diploid of var. kamtschatica is mainly found in Southern Hokkaido, and the tetraploid has a disjunct distribution in eastern and northern Hokkaido and northern Honshu. Such a geographical pattern is possibly attributable to the differentiation of climatic preference among cytotypes and varieties, and may have been established in association with the climatic cline along the Japanese archipelago.

Analysis of Variance↗

Somatic cell fusion as a source of genetic rearrangement leading to metastatic variants.

Tumor cell populations displaying metastatic properties often have higher gene dosage than their less malignant progenitor tumors, as shown by increased ploidy levels, chromosome duplication and gene amplification. The acquisition by tumor cells of high chromosome numbers may be due to endoreduplication or somatic hybridization either between tumor cells or between tumor and host cells. All such mechanisms increase genetic variability and instability in tumor cells since they trigger a polyploidization-segregation cycle. Among the wide variety of segregants which may emerge from high-ploidy cells, variants with increased malignancy can be positively selected in vivo. Evidence for in vivo fusion of tumor and normal host cells has been reported in different tumor systems. However the attainment by tumor-host hybrids of a higher degree of malignancy has only been observed following substantial chromosome segregation. The involvement of a cell of bone marrow origin as preferential host partner in the fusion process has been proved both by studies on tumor-host hybrids in bone marrow radiation chimeras and in vitro hybridization experiments between non-metastatic tumors and normal lymphoreticular cells which have led to the establishment of metastatic variants. Several different segregational mechanisms may bring about homozygosity or hemizygosity of recessive alleles in tumor-host hybrids, leading to their expression. The marked chromosome dynamics of tumor-host hybrids are also responsible for extensive chromosome rearrangements. At the molecular level these may represent mechanisms causing altered oncogene activity. The activation of new oncogenes by transposition or amplification as well as the amplification of previously activated oncogenes are the mechanisms most likely to be responsible for transition from low to high malignancy, occurring through ploidy changes, such as those produced by somatic mating.

Animals↗

An islet of Langerhans located within the epithelium of a human pancreatic duct.

An unusual structure resembling an islet of Langerhans was described in the pancreatic ductal epithelium of a presumably normal human male. Further studies to establish the identities of both islet and duct were performed. The original hematoxylin and eosin section served for histological description, as well as for nuclear volume analysis to characterize levels of beta cell polyploidy. The section was restained with Gomori's Chrome Alum Hematoxylin Phloxine to ascertain the presence of islet-like cells and to quantitate the ratio of beta- to non-beta cells. The section was then restained by the Feulgen technique to confirm proportionality between nuclear volume and DNA content. An apparently normal islet in the same section served as control. The combined observations were consistent with the interpretation that the structure is indeed an islet situated within the ductal epithelium. The almost complete absence of polyploid beta cells, however, and the high ratio of non-beta cells:beta cells suggested that it was a young islet. A similarly high proportion of non-beta cells in the control islet, as well as the frequent occurrence of ducts within, or in close proximity to, other islets, suggested that the entire islet organ was under some form of proliferative stimulus at time of resection. Alterations of the ductal epithelium and the secretory contents suggested that the duct was also in the process of transformation. Although the islet had apparently arisen within the ductal epithelium, the ultimate source of the progenitor cells could not be determined from these studies. The relationship of the ductal islet to other well known forms of islet regeneration is discussed.

Adult↗

Paclitaxel-associated multimininucleation is permitted by the inhibition of caspase activation: a potential early step in drug resistance.

The chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel disrupts microtubule dynamics causing mitotic arrest, which leads to cell death. However, in paclitaxel-resistant tumor cells, treatment with paclitaxel induces abnormal progression through prophase resulting in a multimininucleated phenotype. Multimininucleation and subsequent polyploidization have been correlated with paclitaxel resistance. Paclitaxel treatment of HeLa cells resulted in cell death via typical activation of the apoptotic machinery, whereas treatment of the relative paclitaxel-resistant prostate cancer cell line PC-3 induced an attenuated caspase activation and multimininucleation. The multimininucleated phenotype could be mimicked in HeLa cells treated with paclitaxel and benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethylketone (z-VAD-fmk), a peptide caspase inhibitor. Interestingly, we observed no discernible difference in the pattern of cdc-2 kinase activation or phosphorylation of bcl-2-like proteins in PC-3 and HeLa cells treated with paclitaxel, which demonstrated that these molecules could not be used as indicators for the degree of caspase activation. In this study, we establish a connection between relative paclitaxel resistance, caspase attenuation/inhibition, and the multimininucleated phenotype.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic↗

Effects of PUVA on a human skin epithelial cell line.

An established human epithelial cell line was exposed to photoactivated 8-methoxy psoralen (PUVA) during exponential growth. Effects of PUVA treatment on cell growth were measured by cell kinetic methods (counting of cell numbers, flow cytometric measurements (FCM) of DNA and calculations of labelling indices (LI)). Doses of 8-methoxy psoralen and UVA were comparable to those used in patients. The cell number in PUVA treated cultures remained almost constant, and very few mitoses were seen for 144 h. About 9 h after PUVA, both FCM and LI showed an increase in the fraction of cells in S-phase, reaching a maximum of 85-90% after 24 h. DNA synthesis took place at a low rate in these cells. FCM showed an increasing fraction of polyploid cells after PUVA treatment. The possibility that inhibition of cell proliferation is one of the main effects of PUVA, is discussed.

Cell Count↗

RAPD of controlled crosses and clones from the field suggests that hybrids are rare in the Salix alba-Salix fragilis complex.

The polyploid Salix alba-Salix fragilis hybrid complex is rather difficult to study when using only morphological characters. Most of the features have a low diagnostic value for unambiguously identifying the hybrids, introgression patterns and population structures, though morphological traits have proved to be useful in making a hybrid index. Morphology and molecular variation from RAPDs were investigated in several case studies on willows from Belgium. A thorough screening of full-sib progenies of interspecific controlled crosses was made to select homologous amplification products. The selected amplified products proved to be useful in a principal coordinate analysis for the estimation of variability of hybrid progenies. On the basis of genetic similarities and ordination analysis, a method for the identification of clones in the field was established using presumed pure species and presumed introgressants. The chosen reference clones were checked against additional European samples of putative pure species to ensure the reliability of the method beyond a regional scale. The RAPDs suggested that both species have kept their gene pools well separated and that hybridization actually does not seem to be a dominating process. The observation that molecular markers do not always follow the morphological traits or allozyme data is discussed.

Belgium↗

To succeed globally, disperse locally: effects of local pollen and seed dispersal on tetraploid establishment.

Newly formed tetraploid plants in sympatry with their diploid progenitors should face significant obstacles to persistence and population establishment because of low-fitness triploids formed by cross-ploidy pollinations. Prior models have found restrictive conditions for a minority tetraploid subpopulation to persist. A stochastic spatial model, parameterized using snow buttercups (Ranunculus adoneus), was used to examine the influence of limited seed and pollen dispersal distances on the success of minority tetraploids and the interaction of these factors with different rates of self-pollination and tetraploid advantage. Higher rates of self-pollination and increased tetraploid advantage increase the probability of tetraploid persistence. Limiting the dispersal of seeds and pollen further increases the positive impact of any given level of self-pollination and tetraploid advantage. Taxa with short-distance seed and pollen dispersal should face much less stringent barriers to sympatric polyploid speciation than taxa with long-distance dispersal patterns. With short-distance seed and pollen dispersal, polyploid speciation should be possible in the absence of ecological differentiation or recurrent polyploid formation through unreduced gametes.

Crosses, Genetic↗

Allopolyploidy--a shaping force in the evolution of wheat genomes.

Recent studies have shown that allopolyploidy accelerates genome evolution in wheat in two ways: (1) allopolyploidization triggers rapid genome changes (revolutionary changes) through the instantaneous generation of a variety of cardinal genetic and epigenetic alterations, and (2) the allopolyploid condition facilitates sporadic genomic changes during the life of the species (evolutionary changes) that are not attainable at the diploid level. The revolutionary changes comprise (1) non-random elimination of coding and non-coding DNA sequences, (2) epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation of coding and non-coding DNA leading, among others, to gene silencing, (3) activation of genes and retroelements which in turn alters the expression of adjacent genes. These highly reproducible changes occur in the F1 hybrids or in the first generation(s) of the nascent allopolyploids and were similar to those that occurred twice in nature: first in the formation of allotetraploid wheat (approximately 0.5 million years ago) and second in the formation of hexaploid wheat (approximately 10,000 years ago). Elimination of non-coding sequences from one of the two homoeologous pairs in tetraploids and from two homoeologous pairs in hexaploids, augments the differentiation of homoeologous chromosomes at the polyploid level, thus providing the physical basis for the diploid-like meiotic behavior of allopolyploid wheat. Regulation of gene expression may lead to improved inter-genomic interactions. Gene inactivation brings about rapid diploidization while activation of genes through demethylation or through transcriptional activation of retroelements altering the expression of adjacent genes, leads to novel expression patterns. The evolutionary changes comprise (1) horizontal inter-genomic transfer of chromosome segments between the constituent genomes, (2) production of recombinant genomes through hybridization and introgression between different allopolyploid species or, more seldom, between allopolyploids and diploids, and (3) mutations. These phenomena, emphasizing the plasticity of the genome with regards to both structure and function, might improve the adaptability of the newly formed allopolyploids and facilitate their rapid and successful establishment in nature.

Chromosomes, Plant↗

Phylogenomic evidence provides insights into the phylogeny and speciation patterns in the subgenus Caloscordum (Allium, Amaryllidaceae).

Phylogenomics with abundant informative sites offers a powerful means for elucidating complex diversification history. Here, we collected 22 samples from 18 populations representing all species of subgenus Caloscordum (Allium). Using transcriptome and whole-genome resequencing data, we generated 1755 low-copy nuclear genes and 81 plastid genes. By integrating morphological and phylogenomic evidence, we clarified the subgenus's complex evolutionary histories and speciation patterns. A total of 18 morphological characteristics were analysed, with a taxonomic framework established. Our analyses resolved robust species relationships despite detecting extensive phylogenetic discordances, which were attributed to incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) and hybridization. Specifically, our results suggest that A. inutile originated via rapid budding speciation from the widespread A. tubiflorum. This process likely coincided with mid-Pleistocene glacial-interglacial cycles and may have been reinforced by geographic isolation and ecological adaptation. In contrast, the sole tetraploid species, A. peikingense, was confirmed to be of hybrid origin, derived from A. neriniflorum and A. tubiflorum. This allopolyploidization event appears to have been facilitated by secondary contact between the parent species, which was likely associated with climatic oscillations within the 35° N-45° N arid belt. Overall, our findings elucidate the intricate speciation patterns within Caloscordum and highlight how the interplay of polyploidization, ecological isolation, and tectonic uplift-driven aridification has shaped plant diversity in East Asia.

Phylogeny↗

Establishment of a new peroxidase-positive human myeloid cell line, PL-21.

A myeloid cell line, designated PL-21, was established from the peripheral blood of a patient with acute promyelocytic leukemia. The PL-21 cell line grew in single-cell suspension, with a doubling time of 48-64 hr, and consisted of promyelocytes with fine immature nuclei and prominent azurophilic granules in the cytoplasm. PL-21 cells were positive for peroxidase, naphthol AS-D chloroacetate esterase, and Sudan Black B staining. Under the usual culture conditions, a small proportion of these cells differentiated into mature granulocytes, and this differentiation was enhanced by the addition of dimethyl sulfoxide in the culture medium. PL-21 cells had receptors for the Fc portion of IgG and complement, intracytoplasmic lysozyme and phagocytic activity, but lacked Epstein-Barr virus-associated nuclear antigen. Chromosome analysis of this cell line revealed a human male polyploid karyotype with 13q+ and double minute chromosomes. This new myeloid cell line may provide useful material for the study of proliferation and differentiation of human leukemia cells.

Adult↗

Mutations in Drosophila myb lead to centrosome amplification and genomic instability.

We have previously established that the single myb gene in Drosophila melanogaster, Dm myb, which is related to the proto-oncogene Myb, is required for the G2/M transition of the cell cycle and for suppression of endoreduplication in pupal wing cells. We now report that studies of the abdominal phenotype in loss-of-function Dm myb mutants reveal additional roles for Dm myb in the cell cycle, specifically in mitosis. Abdominal epidermal cells that are mutant for Dm myb proliferate more slowly than wild-type controls throughout pupation, with particularly sluggish progression through the early stages of mitosis. Abnormal mitoses associated with multiple functional centrosomes, unequal chromosome segregation, formation of micronuclei, and/or failure to complete cell division are common in the later cell cycles of mutant cells. Resulting nuclei are often aneuploid and/or polyploid. Similar defects have also been observed in loss-of-function mutations of the tumor suppressor genes p53, Brca1 and Brca2. These data demonstrate that in abdominal epidermal cells, Dm myb is required to sustain the appropriate rate of proliferation, to suppress formation of supernumerary centrosomes, and to maintain genomic integrity.

Abdomen↗

Diagnosis of Castleman's disease by identification of an immunophenotypically aberrant population of mantle zone B lymphocytes in paraffin-embedded lymph node biopsies.

Castleman's disease (CD) is characterized by lymph node enlargement due to hyperplasia of abnormal lymphoid follicles and paracortical lymphocytic hyaline vascular (HV) stroma or plasmacytosis (PC). The lymphoid follicles in CD show involuted germinal centers and prominent mantle zone lymphocytes. Ninety-seven cases clinically suspected to be CD were analyzed according to conventional histologic criteria established by Castleman and Keller for diagnosis. Twenty-two cases were excluded as nonspecific hyperplasia (12); Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (9); and multiple myeloma involving lymph node paracortex (1). The 75 remaining cases, consisting of 51 cases of CD and 24 with altered follicles or paracortex suggestive of CD, were further analyzed immunohistologically for changes in follicular dendritic reticulum cells (FDRC) using the monoclonal antibody Ki-M4p, for germinal center proliferation with Ki-S5, for mantle zone immunophenotype with Ki-B3 and Ki-B5, for paracortical plasmacytoid monocytes with Ki-M1p, and for plasma cell clonality by applying antibodies to kappa and lambda immunoglobulin light chains. Lymph nodes showing nonspecific follicular and paracortical hyperplasia were included as controls. Hyaline vascular CD and plasma cell CD showed enlarged, polyploid FDRC with prominent nucleoli, decreased germinal center proliferation, and mantle zone populations of immunophenotypically aberrant, Ki-B3-negative B lymphocytes. Thirty-seven percent of hyaline vascular CD and plasma cell CD contained plasmacytoid monocytes, and 15% showed interstitial areas of lambda predominant plasma cells. Plasmacytoid monocytes were common in hyaline vascular CD but rare in plasma cell CD. Cases suspected to be CD that demonstrated a mantle zone population of Ki-B3-negative B lymphocytes had clinical finding of POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal paraprotein, and skin changes or sclerotic bone lesions) syndrome and were reclassified as hyaline vascular CD, plasma cell CD, and mantle zone CD with an aberrant mantle zone immunophenotype only (lacking follicular center and paracortical histologic or immunohistologic abnormalities). Immunohistochemistry was valuable for identification of dysplastic FDRC, decreased germinal center proliferation, and plasmacytoid monocytes. In addition, immunohistochemistry was essential for detection of plasma cell clonality, an aberrant mantle zone immunophenotype, and mantle-zone-restricted CD that was devoid of diagnostic alterations of germinal center or paracortex.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Super high estradiol response to gonadotropin stimulation in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization.

The likelihood of establishment of a term pregnancy from in vitro fertilization (IVF) is related to the estradiol (E2) pattern and peak level. To examine the influence of super high E2 peak levels (greater than or equal to 2000 pg/ml), we reviewed the clinical outcomes of all IVF cycles with follicular phase E2 levels greater than 2000 pg/ml from May 1982 through June 1987. Among 1651 IVF cycles initiated during this time, 102 cycles (6.2%) had super high E2 levels. Twenty-seven of these cycles occurred in 34 IVF attempts in 12 women. Stimulation was performed with human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) in 96 cycles and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in 6 cycles. A mean of 9.3 +/- 0.7 oocytes per cycle was recovered, of which 5.5 +/- 0.5 fertilized and underwent cleavage. In 11 cycles, with a mean of 6.8 oocytes recovered, none fertilized. Polyploid fertilization occurred in 23 of 90 cycles (25.6%), and 40 of 558 fertilized oocytes (7.2%). From these cycles, 10 clinical pregnancies (9.8%) have resulted: 6 pregnancies in 59 cycles with luteal-phase progesterone support (10.2%) and 4 pregnancies in 31 cycles without luteal-phase progesterone support (12.9%). Among the 1549 cycles with peak E2 levels less than or equal to 2000 pg/ml, 143 (9.2%) resulted in clinical pregnancies. We conclude that there is a small subset of patients who will have super high E2 responses to gonadotropin stimulation and that there is a tendency to stimulate repetitively in this fashion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Chorionic Gonadotropin↗

Development of an integrated genetic map of a sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) commercial cross, based on a maximum-likelihood approach for estimation of linkage and linkage phases.

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is a clonally propagated outcrossing polyploid crop of great importance in tropical agriculture. Up to now, all sugarcane genetic maps had been developed using either full-sib progenies derived from interspecific crosses or from selfing, both approaches not directly adopted in conventional breeding. We have developed a single integrated genetic map using a population derived from a cross between two pre-commercial cultivars ('SP80-180' x 'SP80-4966') using a novel approach based on the simultaneous maximum-likelihood estimation of linkage and linkage phases method specially designed for outcrossing species. From a total of 1,118 single-dose markers (RFLP, SSR and AFLP) identified, 39% derived from a testcross configuration between the parents segregating in a 1:1 fashion, while 61% segregated 3:1, representing heterozygous markers in both parents with the same genotypes. The markers segregating 3:1 were used to establish linkage between the testcross markers. The final map comprised of 357 linked markers, including 57 RFLPs, 64 SSRs and 236 AFLPs that were assigned to 131 co-segregation groups, considering a LOD score of 5, and a recombination fraction of 37.5 cM with map distances estimated by Kosambi function. The co-segregation groups represented a total map length of 2,602.4 cM, with a marker density of 7.3 cM. When the same data were analyzed using JoinMap software, only 217 linked markers were assigned to 98 co-segregation groups, spanning 1,340 cM, with a marker density of 6.2 cM. The maximum-likelihood approach reduced the number of unlinked markers to 761 (68.0%), compared to 901 (80.5%) using JoinMap. All the co-segregation groups obtained using JoinMap were present in the map constructed based on the maximum-likelihood method. Differences on the marker order within the co-segregation groups were observed between the two maps. Based on RFLP and SSR markers, 42 of the 131 co-segregation groups were assembled into 12 putative homology groups. Overall, the simultaneous maximum-likelihood estimation of linkage and linkage phases was more efficient than the method used by JoinMap to generate an integrated genetic map of sugarcane.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Specific chromosome changes associated with rabbit cell lines cultured in vitro.

Thirty-three rabbit cell lines were established from various fetal tissues of the inbred strain III of the New Zealand rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). None of these lines exhibited senescence during a growth period of more than 2 years. Karyologic studies of most cell lines at 10 to 20 cell-passage intervals revealed that the karyotype stability of the rabbit cells in vitro was correlated with the organs from which the cell lines were derived. Thus, lines derived from cornea, spleen, and kidney tissues usually contained high frequencies of polyploidy in their early passages, whereas most of those derived from lung and skin were found to retain the normal diploid karyotype for much longer periods of time. One line derived from fetal lung tissue, designated Lung 16, remained diploid up to 100 passages. In late passages of the majority of all the lines studied, the cells became pseudodiploid, hyperdiploid, or polyploid. Among the pseudodiploid and the hyperdiploid cell lines, the chromosomal changes followed three basic patterns: (1) a gain of one or more telocentric chromosomes; (2) a loss of one telocentric chromosome plus a metacentric marker chromosome (M); or (3) a gain of a long telocentric marker chromosome with or without changes in the number of telocentric D chromosomes. By the G-banding technique, the telocentric chromosome involved in these three patterns was identified as the D-group chromosome 18 and the M marker chromosome as an isochromosome of 18. These results suggest that chromosomal rearrangement in rabbit cells involving trisomy of 18 may be responsible for the longevity of these cell lines cultured in vitro.

Animals↗

Genetic diversity and relationships in mulberry (genus Morus) as revealed by RAPD and ISSR marker assays.

BACKGROUND: The genus Morus, known as mulberry, is a dioecious and cross-pollinating plant that is the sole food for the domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori. Traditional methods using morphological traits for classification are largely unsuccessful in establishing the diversity and relationships among different mulberry species because of environmental influence on traits of interest. As a more robust alternative, PCR based marker assays including RAPD and ISSR were employed to study the genetic diversity and interrelationships among twelve domesticated and three wild mulberry species. RESULTS: RAPD analysis using 19 random primers generated 128 discrete markers ranging from 500-3000 bp in size. One-hundred-nineteen of these were polymorphic (92%), with an average of 6.26 markers per primer. Among these were a few putative species-specific amplification products which could be useful for germplasm classification and introgression studies. The ISSR analysis employed six anchored primers, 4 of which generated 93 polymorphic markers with an average of 23.25 markers per primer. Cluster analysis of RAPD and ISSR data using the WINBOOT package to calculate the Dice coefficient resulted into two clusters, one comprising polyploid wild species and the other with domesticated (mostly diploid) species. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that RAPD and ISSR markers are useful for mulberry genetic diversity analysis and germplasm characterization, and that putative species-specific markers may be obtained which can be converted to SCARs after further studies.

DNA, Plant↗

Establishment of a novel acute monoblastic leukemia cell line (YK-M2) having a near-triploid karyotype.

The YK-M2 cell line was established from the peripheral blood of a patient with acute monoblastic leukemia in whom an anterior mediastinal tumor preceded the peripheral blood manifestation. The established cells grew in a single cell suspension with a doubling time of 60 h and consisted of primitive monoblastic cells. The cells were 52% positive for peroxidase staining and manifested strongly positive activity of alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase, which was completely inhibited by sodium fluoride. The cells showed strong expression of Fc gamma receptors and phagocytosed sensitized ox erythrocytes. When the cells were incubated with 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3, they were induced to differentiate into mature monocyte-macrophage-like cells, which reduced the nitroblue tetrazolium dye and released a small amount of the superoxide anion. Cytogenetic studies revealed that the cells had a near-triploid karyotype with a modal chromosome number of 68, and the short arm of one No. 17 chromosome was deleted [del(17)(p11)]. The YK-M2 cell line is particularly unique in that the cells retained the polyploid karyotype that may be an initial cytogenetic change in the malignant transformation of the parent leukemia cells.

Adult↗