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Benign and malignant musculoskeletal masses: MR imaging differentiation with rim-to-center differential enhancement ratios.

PURPOSE: To assess the diagnostic potential of the rim-to-center differential enhancement ratio in the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging differentiation of benign from malignant musculoskeletal masses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dynamic gadolinium-enhanced fast multiplanar spoiled gradient-recalled acquisition in the steady state imaging was performed to evaluate 17 one and soft-tissue masses (10 malignant, seven benign) in 14 patients. The rim-to-center differential enhancement ratio was determined from images at the maximal enhancement rate. The difference in differential enhancement ratios between benign and malignant masses was evaluated and compared with the maximum rate of enhancement for each mass. RESULTS: Nine of 10 malignant masses showed rapid rim enhancement with delayed central fill-in. This enhancement pattern was absent in benign masses. The average rim-to-center differential enhancement ratio was 0.64 +/- 0.26 for malignant masses and -0.16 +/- 0.33 for benign masses (P < .001). This difference was statistically significant. The average maximum rate of enhancement was 3.41%/sec +/- 2.20 for malignant masses and 2.74%/sec +/- 2.46 for benign masses (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Intratumoral enhancement patterns of malignant and benign masses differ because of differences in vascular architecture. These preliminary results suggest that the rim-to-center differential enhancement ratio has potential as an additional parameter for the MR imaging differentiation of indeterminate musculoskeletal masses.

Adolescent↗

Differential expression of classical nuclear transport factors during cellular proliferation and differentiation.

We recently cloned six human importin a proteins that transport specific substrates in complex with importin beta into the nucleus. We now compared their absolute expression levels in different human cell lines. We examined their expression regulation during human cell proliferation and differentiation by means of specific antibodies. Proliferation inhibition by starvation of HeLa and HaCaT cells led to a marked decrease in the expression of various nuclear transport factors. In contrast, re-addition of serum increased alpha-importin expression. We analyzed two models for cell differentiation and found differential importin regulation. Stimulation of rat pancreatic AR42J cell differentiation towards a neuroendocrine phenotype with activin A or towards an acinar phenotype with dexamethasone, caused strong upregulation of importin alpha3 and alpha4 expression. Phorbol ester-induced differentiation of human leukemia (HL60) cells towards a macrophage phenotype led to downregulation of importin alpha1 and alpha4 expression after 72 hours. Similarly, importins alpha1 and alpha4 displayed a strong downregulation when HL60 cells were directed towards a neutrophil phenotype by DMSO treatment. This study is the first to assess all the human importin alpha isoforms in documenting differential nuclear transport factor regulation during cell proliferation and differentiation.

Animals↗

Mesothelial differentiation as reflected by differential gene expression.

Human mesothelial cells obtained from benign effusions retain their proliferative capacity and grow uniformly either with a fibroblastic or epithelioid morphology in vitro. These cultures therefore provide a model for the process of mesothelial differentiation in vivo. To study this differentiation, we isolated differentially expressed genes obtained by suppression subtractive hybridization. Of the nine genes found to be overexpressed in fibroblastic mesothelial cells, three are matrix-associated (integrin alpha5, collagen binding protein 2, human cartilage glycoprotein 39), whereas the others are associated with a proliferative cell type (14-3-3 epsilon, plexin B2, N33, and three genes encoding ribosomal elements). Seven of the eight genes upregulated in the epithelioid phenotype are related rather to specialized functions, such as metabolism (aldose reductase, lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase, ATPase 6), cytoskeletal composition (cytokeratins 7 and 8), and regulation of differentiation (granulin, annexin II). Immunohistochemistry with available antibodies to six of the differentially expressed gene products confirmed the differences also in pleural tissues, where submesothelial cells displayed the fibroblastic markers, whereas surface cells displayed the epithelioid markers. In summary, this approach revealed a pattern of genes coordinately regulated during mesothelial differentiation and suggests that mesothelium may regenerate also by recruiting cells from the submesothelial layer. Some of the gene products may also be useful markers for differentiation and activation in serosal tissues.

14-3-3 Proteins↗

Differential activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling during proliferation and differentiation of lens epithelial cells.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3K) signaling is involved in lens epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation promoted by growth factors. METHODS: Proliferation of rabbit lens epithelial cells grown in culture was measured with a DNA-binding fluorescent dye in a proliferation assay. Primary cultures of embryonic chicken lens epithelial cells that develop lentoids were used for differentiation-related studies, and delta-crystallin synthesis in these cultures was determined by metabolic labeling with [(35)S]methionine. Immunoprecipitation and immunoblot analyses were also used. RESULTS: The PI-3K inhibitors wortmannin and LY294002 blocked the insulin-, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1-, and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2-promoted cell proliferation in rabbit lens epithelial cells. Inhibition of PI-3K activity by these inhibitors unexpectedly increased the synthesis of early differentiation marker protein delta-crystallin in chicken lens epithelial cells. Insulin and IGF-1 stimulated activation of PI-3K in proliferating and differentiating cultures. FGF-2 showed no direct effect on PI-3K activation. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) did not induce significant proliferation or increased expression of delta-crystallin, but stimulated PI-3K. The presence of FGF-2 in proliferating rabbit lens epithelial cells enhanced the IGF-1-, but not the PDGF-mediated PI-3K activation, suggesting a possible integration of FGF-2 signals with IGF-1. Whereas there was a gradual decrease in insulin/IGF-1-mediated activation of PI-3K and its downstream target Akt, with progression of differentiation in chicken lens epithelial cells, Erk2 phosphorylation induced by these growth factors was not decreased; rather, it remained increased in early stages of differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: The results reveal significant differences in the modulation of PI-3K signaling by different growth factors during proliferation in rabbit lens epithelial cells and differentiation in chicken lens epithelial cells and demonstrate that regulation of the PI-3K pathway plays a key role in these processes. A balance between the nonactivation of PI-3K and the activation of Erk2 may be necessary during early stages of epithelial cell transformation.

Animals↗

Overexpression of Her-2 in patients with poorly differentiated carcinoma or poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of unknown primary site.

PURPOSE: To determine the frequency of Her-2 overexpression in patients with poorly differentiated carcinoma or poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of unknown primary site. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Tumor specimens from 100 patients with poorly differentiated carcinoma or poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma were stained for the Her-2 protein using the Dako immunohistochemical method. Clinical and pathologic characteristics of patients with and without Her-2 overexpression were compared. RESULTS: Staining for Her-2 overexpression was successful in 94 of 100 patients. Ten (11%) of 94 tumor specimens overexpressed Her-2. Eight of 10 overexpressors had poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, and all overexpressors had predominant tumor location above the diaphragm, usually in the mediastinum or lungs. CONCLUSION: Her-2 overexpression occurs in a minority of patients with poorly differentiated carcinoma/adenocarcinoma of unknown primary site. Because most overexpressors had poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, further evaluation of patients with adenocarcinoma of unknown primary site is necessary to determine the frequency of Her-2 overexpression in this common subgroup. Evaluation of the efficacy of trastuzumab in Her-2 overexpressors with carcinoma of unknown primary site is indicated.

Adenocarcinoma↗

p38 Mitogen-activated protein kinase is crucially involved in osteoclast differentiation but not in cytokine production, phagocytosis, or dendritic cell differentiation of bone marrow macrophages.

We previously reported that p38 MAPK signaling is required for osteoclast differentiation but not osteoclast function. Here we further investigated the role of p38 MAPK in the function and differentiation of mouse bone marrow macrophages (BMM phi), common precursors of osteoclasts and dendritic cells. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activated the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in BMM phi by sequential phosphorylation of MAPK kinase 3/6, p38 MAPK, and activating transcription factor-2. Treatment of BMM phi with SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, suppressed LPS-induced phosphorylation of activating transcription factor-2. LPS stimulated production of IL-1 beta, TNF alpha, and IL-6 in BMM phi, and SB203580 failed to inhibit the LPS-induced cytokine production. BMM phi incorporated latex beads via phagocytosis, and SB203580 had no effect on this phagocytosis. BMM phi differentiated into dendritic cells when treated with granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor together with CD40 ligand, TNF alpha, or LPS, and SB203580 failed to inhibit this differentiation. Thus, p38 MAPK-mediated signals are not involved in either BMM phi function or BMM phi differentiation into dendritic cells. The differentiation of BMM phi into osteoclasts in response to receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand or TNF alpha was strongly inhibited by SB203580. These findings emphasize the crucial roles of p38 MAPK-mediated signaling in osteoclast differentiation.

Animals↗

Two distinct coactivators, DRIP/mediator and SRC/p160, are differentially involved in vitamin D receptor transactivation during keratinocyte differentiation.

Cell programs such as proliferation and differentiation involve the sequential activation and repression of gene expression. Vitamin D, via its active metabolite 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D3)], controls the proliferation and differentiation of a number of cell types, including keratinocytes, by directly regulating transcription. Two classes of coactivators, the vitamin D receptor (VDR)-interacting proteins (DRIP/mediator) and the p160 steroid receptor coactivator family (SRC/p160), control the actions of nuclear hormone receptors, including the VDR. However, the relationship between these two classes of coactivators is not clear. Using glutathione-S-transferase-VDR affinity beads, we have identified the DRIP/mediator complex as the major VDR binding complex in proliferating keratinocytes. After the cells differentiated, members of the SRC/p160 family were identified in the complex but not major DRIP subunits. Both DRIP and SRC proteins were expressed in keratinocytes. DRIP205 expression decreased during differentiation, although SRC-3 levels increased. Both DRIP205 and SRC-3 potentiated vitamin D-induced transcription in proliferating cells, but during differentiation, DRIP205 was no longer effective. These results indicate that these two distinct coactivators are sequentially involved in vitamin D regulation of gene transcription during keratinocyte differentiation, suggesting that these coactivators are part of the means by which the temporal sequence of gene expression is regulated during the differentiation process.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Differential regulation of AP-1 and novel TRE-specific DNA-binding complexes during differentiation of oligodendrocyte-type-2-astrocyte (O-2A) progenitor cells.

AP-1 is an ubiquitous transcription factor which is composed of the Jun and Fos proto-oncogene proteins and is thought to play a role in both cell proliferation and differentiation. We have used an immortal, bipotential oligodendrocyte-type-2 astrocyte progenitor cell line (O-2A/c-myc) which can differentiate into oligodendrocytes or type-2 astrocytes in vitro, to investigate whether AP-1 DNA-binding activity fluctuates during glial cell differentiation. Unexpectedly, DNA-mobility shift assays using a TRE-containing oligonucleotide derived from the promoter of the glial-specific gene, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP/AP-1), revealed that O-2A/c-myc progenitor cells were devoid of conventional AP-1 DNA-binding complexes. O-2A/c-myc cells did however contain several novel GFAP/AP-1-specific DNA-binding complexes, which we have termed APprog. APprog complexes recognise the TRE consensus motif present in the GFAP/AP-1 oligonucleotide together with adjacent 3' sequences but do not contain c-Jun or any other known Jun-related proteins. When O-2A/c-myc cells underwent terminal differentiation APprog complexes were lost and conventional AP-1 DNA-binding activity became evident, particularly in astrocytes. These changes appear to be closely linked to the differentiation process since they did not occur in a derivative of the O-2A/c-myc cell line that contains an activated v-ras oncogene and which fails to differentiate under appropriate culture conditions. The inverse regulation of conventional AP-1 and APprog complexes within the O-2A lineage suggests that these factors may play a role in the regulation of glial cell differentiation or glial cell-specific gene expression.

Animals↗

Arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is involved in negative regulation of adipose differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells: AhR inhibits adipose differentiation independently of dioxin.

The arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is the receptor for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and related compounds. Although a physiological ligand for the AhR has yet to be identified, and the precise physiological roles of the AhR are unknown, it may play important roles not only in the regulation of xenobiotic metabolism but also in the maintenance of homeostatic functions. We have previously reported that the level of AhR protein decreased with ongoing adipose differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells. Studies using a TCDD-resistant clone of 3T3-L1 cells suggested that the AhR may be involved in the negative regulation of adipose differentiation. To confirm this hypothesis, 3T3-L1 fibroblast cells were stably transfected with a vector expressing high levels of full-length sense AhR mRNA, antisense AhR mRNA or a control vector. Comparison of the differentiation potency of these clones with that of control cells showed that overexpression of the AhR suppressed morphological differentiation, as well as induction of adipocyte-related genes, whereas decreased expression of the AhR induced much greater morphological differentiation and expression of adipocyte-related genes. Activation of PPARgamma2 with ligands such as troglitazone, ciglitazone and indomethacin restored the ability of the AhR-overexpressing cells to differentiate. The cells overexpressing the AhR exhibited the higher p42/p44 MAP kinase activity compared with the control cells. Treatment with PD98059 or U0126 also abrogated the inhibitory action of the AhR on adipogenesis. We also present data showing that activation of the AhR slowed clonal expansion. During clonal expansion, the AhR inhibited the pRB phosphorylation and the downregulation of p107 expression. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that AhR is a negative regulator of adipose differentiation in 3T3 L1 cells.

3T3 Cells↗

[Sex differential in life expectancy at birth in Japan: (2) trends in sex differential in life expectancy at birth from 1920 to 1990].

Sex differentials in life expectancy at birth in Japan are analyzed for the period 1920 to 1990. The results show that there was a general increase in differences in mortality by sex over time. "The sex differential in age-specific death rate in 0-4 year age group (particularly age 0) explained most of the sex differential in life expectancy at birth before 1947. After 1950, the age group of 60-79 played a major role in the sex differential in life expectancy at birth. It is noteworthy that female mortality exceeded male mortality in age groups of 2-41 before 1930. Consequently, excess of female mortality reduced the sex differential in life expectancy at birth at that period. As for the sex differential in mortality rates by causes of death, tuberculosis, pregnancy and childbirth related disease exerted a great influence...before 1940. Recently, malignant neoplasms, heart diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and accidents [have] become leading contributors to the sex differentials in life expectancy at birth." (SUMMARY IN ENG)

Age Factors↗

Cdk9 regulates neural differentiation and its expression correlates with the differentiation grade of neuroblastoma and PNET tumors.

Cdk9 is a member of the Cdc2-like family of kinases. Its cyclin partners are members of the family of cyclin T (T1, T2a and T2b) and cyclin K. The Cdk9/Cyclin T complex appears to be involved in regulating several physiological processes. Recently, Cdk9 has been identified as a regulator of the differentiation program of several cell types, such as muscle cells, monocytes and lymphocytes, suggesting that it may have a function in controlling specific differentiative pathways. We analyzed whether Cdk9 and Cyclin T1 may be involved in the regulation of neuron and astrocyte differentiation. Cdk9 and Cyclin T1 expression levels were monitored during the differentiation program of neuroblastoma and astrocytoma cell lines. Our results suggest that Cdk9/Cyclin T1 complex may be required for neuron differentiation induced by retinoic acid, because the expression level of the complex varies during differentiation, but no significant changes were observed in its expression in the astrocytoma cell line. In addition, the expression of Cdk9 and Cyclin T1 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in samples of neuroblastoma, PNET (Primary Neuroectodermal Tumor) and astrocytoma tumors of different grades, in order to assess whether there was a correlation between Cdk9 expression and tumor grading. Our results show that in neuroblastoma and PNET tumor samples Cdk9 is more expressed the more differentiated the tumor is. Conversely, no significant alteration of Cdk9 expression was observed in astrocytoma tumor samples of different grades, thus confirming the results obtained for the cell lines.

Astrocytes↗

Differential expression of basal and hydrocarbon-induced cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase and quinone reductase activities in subpopulations of murine epidermal cells differing in their stages of differentiation.

The activities of NAD(P)H-dependent quinone reductase (QR) and the cytochrome P-450 monooxygenases 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase (7-ECD) and 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (7-ERD) were measured in four subpopulations of murine epidermal keratinocytes (MKs) that differed in their stages of differentiation. Noninduced per cell 7-ECD and 7-ERD activities were the lowest in basal cell MKs and progressively increased as the MKs underwent differentiation. In contrast, noninduced per cell QR activities in the three less differentiated MK subpopulations were very similar to one another and greater than the activities measured in the most differentiated subpopulation. Treatment of dorsal skin with 100 nmol of dibenz[a,c]anthracene (DB[a,c]A) increased CYPIA1 mRNA abundance and elevated 7-ERD activities to similar per cell levels in all MK subpopulations. This was achieved by differential inductions (200- to greater than or equal to 1850-fold) of 7-ERD in the different subpopulations. In contrast, QR induction by DB[a,c]A was similar (less than 3-fold) in all MK subpopulations. Consequently, the expressions of noninduced QR and 7-ERD activities in skin are regulated as a function of MK differentiation. However, the distributions of the noninduced activities of these two enzymes in MK subpopulations are the exact opposite. Furthermore, the relative inducibility of 7-ERD, but not QR, in skin is also regulated as a function of epidermal differentiation.

7-Alkoxycoumarin O-Dealkylase↗

Differential expression of ras protooncogenes during in vitro differentiation of human erythroleukemia cells.

We have compared the expression of the ras protooncogene family (H-, K-, and N-ras) in leukemia cell differentiation utilizing as a model K562 and HEL erythroleukemia cells treated either with 1-beta-arabinofuranosylcytosine or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). 1-beta-D-Arabinofuranosylcytosine induced terminal erythroid differentiation of K562 cells, while TPA induced myeloid differentiation of K562 and HEL cells, resulting in myelomonocytic-like cells expressing macrophagic and megakaryocytic markers. H-ras mRNA levels showed a dramatic decrease in K562 cells subjected to erythroid and myelomonocytic differentiation. The same result was found at the protein level for p21H-ras. Expression of K-ras and N-ras in K562 cells also decreased with differentiation, although significant mRNA levels remained despite cessation of cell proliferation. The decrease in K-ras expression was greater for TPA-treated cells than for 1-beta-arabinofuranosylcytosine-treated cells. TPA-induced myelomonocytic differentiation in HEL cells also resulted in a dramatic down-regulation of H-ras mRNA levels. Thus, by using a leukemia cell line able to differentiate along two different lineages, our results reveal a lineage-specific modulation of ras gene family expression.

Cell Differentiation↗

Differential regulation of the alpha 2 beta 1 and alpha IIb beta 3 integrin genes during megakaryocytic differentiation of pluripotential K562 cells.

Expression of the alpha 2 beta 1 and alpha IIb beta 3 integrin genes is differentially regulated during megakaryocytic differentiation of pluripotent K562 cells induced with phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate. Upon megakaryocytic differentiation, steady-state alpha 2 mRNA increased markedly from the undetectable level present in the uninduced cells. The level of beta 1 mRNA did not change. Expression of alpha IIb beta 3 is regulated differently. beta 3 mRNA was undetectable in uninduced cells but increased significantly following induction. alpha IIb mRNA was detectable at a low level prior to induction, but at an increased level following differentiation. Altered mRNA stability did not contribute to changes in mRNA levels. Nuclear run-off experiments revealed a 20-fold increase in alpha 2 gene transcription upon megakaryocytic differentiation, but no change in transcription of the beta 1 gene. Transcription of both the alpha IIb and beta 3 genes increased 10- and 5-fold, respectively. Thus, the increase in alpha 2 beta 1 protein which accompanies the megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 cells is a consequence of the increased steady-state level of alpha 2 mRNA due to transcriptional activation of the alpha 2 gene. The long-lived beta 1 mRNA is not altered during differentiation. In contrast, increased alpha IIb beta 3 protein appears due to increased steady-state levels of both alpha IIb and beta 3 mRNAs that result from transcriptional activation of both integrin genes.

Cell Differentiation↗

[Expression of osteoclast differentiation factor and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells enhanced with osteogenic differentiation].

OBJECTIVE: To investgate whether the expression of osteoclast differentiation factor (ODF), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) depended on the stage of osteoblastic differentiation from rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC). METHODS: BMSC (4 passage) were selected for osteogenic differentiation by treated with osteogenic supplements (OS). Cells were harvested by day 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 respectively after osteogenic inducement. In each experiment, control and OS-treated cells were processed in parallel. ODF and ICAM-1 mRNA were analyzed by semiquantitave RT-PCR assay. RESULTS: Expression of ODF was enhanced with osteogenic differentiation guadully. whereas, expression of ICAM-1 was activated at OS-treated day 6, then keeping at a stable level. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that BMSC undergoing osteogenic inducement was an ideal model for studying the differentiation and maturation of osteoblasts. During the early stage of differentiation along osteoblasts from stem cells to osteocytes, BMSC or osteoprogenitor react somewhat differently from osteoblasts, suggesting the ability of osteoblasts to regulating differentiation and maturation of osteoclasts have been improved with osteogenic culture.

Animals↗

[Differentiation in primitive neuroectodermal tumors. Significance of histology and immunohistochemistry for differential diagnosis].

Surgical samples collected from 17 patients with "primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET)" were retrospectively tested for signs of cellular differentiation, using histological and immunohistochemical procedures. Histological characteristics of astrocytic differentiation were exhibited by 10 tumors. Expression of glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) was recorded from tumor cells in 8 cases. Assessment of astrocytic differentiation proved to be difficult with either method. Both of them, therefore, should be used in combination. Histological characteristics of neuronal differentiation were less often observed but were identifiable with relatively high unambiguity. Immunohistochemical detection of neurofilament (NF) protein appeared to depend on the presence of mature neuronal structures. Tests for that purpose were negative in all cases at hand. Its importance to differential diagnosis is believed to be low. Protein S 100 was recordable from tumor cells in 10 and vimentin in 7 cases. While both markers were found not to be specific of a certain direction of differentiation, they added to information on tumor cell maturity. Oligodendroglial structures appeared to be closely linked to occurrence of neuronal differentiation. Oligodendrocytes may possibly play a key role in maturation of neuronal cells.

Adult↗

Fenretinide-induced neuronal differentiation of ARPE-19 human retinal pigment epithelial cells is associated with the differential expression of Hsp70, 14-3-3, pax-6, tubulin beta-III, NSE, and bag-1 proteins.

PURPOSE: We reported earlier that fenretinide can induce neuronal differentiation of ARPE-19 human retinal pigment epithelial cells in culture. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential involvement of key proteins involved in gene transcription, signal transduction, cell cycle check point, differentiation, neuronal cell survival, and stress response in the neuronal differentiation of ARPE-19 cells by fenretinide. METHODS: Cells in culture were treated with 1.0 microM fenretinide. Cells were analyzed using antibodies against pax-6, neuronal specific enolase (NSE), tubulin beta-III, 14-3-3, bag-1, and Hsp-70 proteins using immunocytochemistry, western blot and ELISA methodologies. RESULTS: We found that pax-6 and NSE were both expressed in the control ARPE-19 cells. Fenretinide induced neuronal differentiation of ARPE-19 cells led to a decrease in pax-6 protein and an increase in tubulin beta-III protein expression after 5 days fenretinide treatment. There was a translocation of 14-3-3 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, and an increase in nuclear expression of bag-1 after treatment. We also found a time-dependent increase in Hsp70 protein expression in ARPE-19 cells treated with fenretinide. D-407, another human retinal pigment epithelial cell line, but not either Y-79 or PC-12 cells, was also able to be induced into neuronal morphologies by fenretinide. CONCLUSIONS: The fenretinide-induced neuronal differentiation of ARPE-19 cells is associated with an increase in expression of the neuronal specific protein tubulin beta-III, and a decrease in expression of the progenitor cell marker pax-6. Neuronal differentiation of ARPE-19 cells is also associated with nuclear translocation of 14-3-3, a protein involved in signal transduction, cell cycle check point and cell growth, and an increase in expression of bag-1, a protein involved in neuronal cell survival and axon elongation. These results suggest that ARPE-19 cells could be a progenitor cell line that can be differentiated into neuronal cells when treated with factors such as fenretinide.

14-3-3 Proteins↗

Differential germ cell proliferation in the salamander pleurodeles waltl: controls by sexual genotype and by thermal epigenetic factor before differentiation of sexual phenotype of gonads.

In the acceptance that, during early gonadogenesis, variations of germ cell (GC) proliferation express interactions between germ and somatic cells, early events occurring before histological differentiation of gonadal sex has been detected and timed through GC counts on larvae of Pleurodeles waltl (urodele amphibia) issued from male ZZ or female ZW monosexual offspring. Gonads differentiate in accordance with sexual genotype in ZZ and ZW larvae at room temperature and in ZZ larvae at 32 degrees C whereas they are sex-reversed at 32 degrees C in ZW larvae, becoming phenotypic neomales. At both the rearing temperatures, in genital ridges, GCs do not proliferate during a period called P0 period ending earlier in ZZ than in ZW larvae. The time when proliferation starts depends on sexual genotypes and determines a ZZP0 period shorter than ZWP0 period. After P0 period, at room temperature, a moderate increase in GC number determining a P1 period is observed in both ZZ and ZW larvae, whereas a strong proliferation, determining a P2 period, occurs on a differential pattern in ZZ and ZW larvae; thus, before sexual differentiation of gonads, ZW females have more GCs than ZZ males. At 32 degrees C, GC proliferation is moderate during P1 period and does not accelerate during P2 period in ZW larvae differentiating neotestes; they have a lower GC number than ZZ larvae reared at 32 degrees C. Thus, during P2 period, at both room temperature and at 32 degrees C, GC number correlates with future phenotype of gonads. Results suggest that differential molecular events arise during early gonadogenesis and that testes may differentiate in different ways according to whether phenotype conforms to genotype or sex reversion occurs.

Animals↗