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The Genomic Landscape of MYC-, MYCL-, and MYCN-Amplified Solid Tumors.

PURPOSE: MYC, MYCN, and MYCL amplifications are recurrent oncogenic events across solid tumors. Currently, no standardized selection biomarker is available to identify patients with MYC-dependent tumors. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We analyzed copy-number alterations of MYC family genes and their features in more than 68,000 tumor-normal paired samples from pediatric and adult patients sequenced with MSK-IMPACT (Memorial Sloan Kettering-Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets) and annotated with FACETS (Fraction and Allele-Specific Copy Number Estimates from Tumor Sequencing). The relationship between amplification features and MYC mRNA expression levels were evaluated in more than 10,000 samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). RESULTS: Across MSK Cancer Center samples, MYC amplifications were most common, found in 2,949 samples compared with 310 in MYCL and 217 in MYCN. Although MYCN and MYCL amplifications were predominantly focal (<10 Mb, 79% and 93%, respectively), MYC amplifications were frequently broader (>10 Mb, 62%). Although most tumor types showed similar features between broad and focal amplifications of MYC, in select cancer types, we identified differing co-occurrence and mutual exclusivity patterns with other disease-specific drivers. Furthermore, although MYC-amplified TCGA samples showed higher mRNA expression than wild-type ones, the focality of MYC amplification was seen to have limited influence on expression levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that MYC dependency likely depends on many factors, including, but not limited to, total copy number of the detected amplification, lineage-specific factors, concomitant presence or absence of additional oncogenic alterations, and in some cases amplification focality.

Humans↗

Extra-toes (Xt) homozygous mutant mice demonstrate a role for the Gli-3 gene in the development of the forebrain.

The development of the forebrain in homozygous extra-toes mutants (Xt/Xt) was examined histologically from day 11.5 to day 16.5 of gestation. It is shown that until day 16.5 of gestation, the forebrains of Xt/Xt mutant embryos develop neither an olfactory bulb nor a choroid plexus in the lateral ventricles, and do not exhibit lamination in the cerebral cortex. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-expressing glial cells are detected in the prospective cerebral cortex of Xt/Xt animals, indicating that differentiation to glial cells is not disturbed. Upon comparison with a Splotch mutant, it is demonstrated that delayed closure of the anterior neuropore cannot account for the extra-toes specific defect in the developing cerebral cortex. It is, therefore, suggested that the forebrain phenotype in Xt/Xt mutant embryos is caused by the direct action of the mutation on the forebrain. As the zinc finger gene Gli-3 is deleted in extra-toes mutants, these observations suggest that the proper expression of the Gli-3 gene in the forebrain is a prerequisite for the normal development of the telencephalon and later of the cerebral cortex.

Animals↗

Variable phosphate-mediated regulation of vitamin D metabolism in the murine hypophosphatemic rachitic/osteomalacic disorders.

The familial hypophosphatemic (vitamin D-resistant) disorders are a variety of genetic and acquired syndromes that exhibit unexpected biochemical heterogeneity, manifest as variably abnormal or apparently normal regulation of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D] production. Recently, we observed that Hyp and Gy mice, murine homologs of X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets, exhibit similarly disparate regulation of vitamin D metabolism. While Gy mice under basal conditions maintain an appropriate elevation (relative to hypophosphatemia) of renal 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD)-1 alpha-hydroxylase, Hyp mice manifest only normal, not increased, enzyme activity. Whether such diversity results from maintenance of phosphate (P)-regulated 1,25-(OH)2D production in Gy mice and loss of this function in Hyp mice or from other variations remains unknown. Therefore, we examined the integrity of P-regulated enzyme activity in the Gy and Hyp mice by testing the effects of enzyme inhibition and alteration of the serum phosphorus concentration on 1,25-(OH)2D production. Initially, we discovered that inhibition of renal 25OHD-1 alpha-hydroxylase suppressed enzyme function in Hyp mice, but did not prevent expression of P-mediated activity in Gy mice. In this regard, while administration of a high calcium diet or 1,25-(OH)2D (0.4 ng/h, sc, for 48 h) resulted in a comparable inhibition of enzyme activity in Hyp (5.9 +/- 0.5 vs. 2.8 +/- 0.7 fmol/mg.min) and normal mice (4.4 +/- 0.6 vs. 2.0 +/- 0.2 fmol/mg.min), similar treatment did not effect complete inhibition of 25OHD-1 alpha-hydroxylase in Gy (10.3 +/- 0.6 vs. 4.9 +/- 0.3 fmol/mg.min) or P-depleted mice (10.2 +/- 0.5 vs. 5.1 +/- 0.4 fmol/mg.min). In accord with the apparent persistence of P-mediated stimulation of enzyme function in Gy mice, dietary P repletion in this mutant resulted in a serum phosphorus concentration similar to that of normal mice and decreased enzyme activity (4.0 +/- 0.8 fmol/mg.min) to a level no different from that expressed in controls (3.4 +/- 0.3 fmol/mg.min). However, in the absence of apparent P-mediated stimulation of enzyme activity, identical treatment of Hyp mice increased the serum phosphorus level comparably, but paradoxically enhanced 25OHD-1 alpha-hydroxylase (3.1 +/- 0.4 vs. 11.7 +/- 2.0 fmol/mg.min). Collectively, these data indicate that enhanced renal 25OHD-1 alpha-hydroxylase expressed in Gy mice and probably in related human diseases results from normally maintained P regulation of enzyme activity, an action absent or mutated in the genetically distinct Hyp mouse.

25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 1-alpha-Hydroxylase↗

Differential role of PR-A and -B isoforms in transcription regulation of human GnRH receptor gene.

The presence of progesterone response element (PRE) in the 5'-flanking region of the human GnRH receptor (GnRHR) suggests the possible regulation of this gene by progesterone (P). In the present study, we examined the effects of P in transcriptional regulation of human GnRHR gene expression at the pituitary and placenta levels since the GnRHR has been detected in both tissues. By the use of transient transfection assays, a differential regulation of human GnRHR promoter activity by P was observed. P treatment resulted in a decrease in promoter activity in the pituitary alphaT3-1 cells, suggesting a P-mediated inhibitory action. Interestingly, P is found to have a stimulatory role at the placental expression of this gene. Addition of RU486 to, or inhibition of endogenous P production by, the placental JEG-3 cells leads to a decrease in promoter activity, which is reversed by the replacement of P. Further studies have identified a putative PRE, namely human GR-PRE (located between -535 and -521, related to translation start site), that may be responsible for the P action since the mutation of these motifs reversed the P-mediated effects. The binding of PR to this element is confirmed by antibody supershift assays. The physiological effects of P are mediated through two PR isoforms, namely PR-A and PR-B. In the present study, overexpression of human PR-A resulted in a decrease in human promoter activity in both pituitary and placental cells. Interestingly, overexpression of PR-B exhibits a cell-dependent transcriptional activity, whereby it functions as a transcription activator in the placenta but as a transcription repressor in the pituitary. In summary, our results demonstrated a differential usage of PR-A and PR-B in transcriptional regulation of human GnRHR gene expression by P at the pituitary and placenta levels.

Aminoglutethimide↗

Clinical variability in two pairs of identical twins with the Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A duplication.

We report two pairs of male homozygotic twins in two unrelated families with the Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A duplication. Homozygosity was supported by DNA analysis. There was remarkable congruity of conduction velocities between the left and right side of each twin and between twin brothers. The similarity and symmetry of the electrophysiologic deficit contrast with the variable and asymmetric clinical presentations. Variability of clinical expression in these patients with identical mutations suggests the action of stochastic factors or environmental modulation of disease severity.

Adult↗

Interaction between hormonal signaling pathways in Drosophila melanogaster as revealed by genetic interaction between methoprene-tolerant and broad-complex.

Juvenile hormone (JH) regulates insect development by a poorly understood mechanism. Application of JH agonist insecticides to Drosophila melanogaster during the ecdysone-driven onset of metamorphosis results in lethality and specific morphogenetic defects, some of which resemble those in mutants of the ecdysone-regulated Broad-Complex (BR-C). The Methoprene-tolerant (Met) bHLH-PAS gene mediates JH action, and Met mutations protect against the lethality and defects. To explore relationships among these two genes and JH, double mutants were constructed between Met alleles and alleles of each of the BR-C complementation groups: broad (br), reduced bristles on palpus (rbp), and 2Bc. Defects in viability and oogenesis were consistently more severe in rbp Met or br Met double mutants than would be expected if these genes act independently. Additionally, complementation between BR-C mutant alleles often failed when MET was absent. Patterns of BRC protein accumulation during metamorphosis revealed essentially no difference between wild-type and Met-null individuals. JH agonist treatment did not block accumulation of BRC proteins. We propose that MET and BRC interact to control transcription of one or more downstream effector genes, which can be disrupted either by mutations in Met or BR-C or by application of JH/JH agonist, which alters MET interaction with BRC.

Alleles↗

[Discovery of genes active in embryogenesis by gene trapping].

Gene trapping is one of the most promising technologies of vector mutagenesis used for discovery of genes active in embryogenesis. A brief description is provided for gene trapping based on the use of embryonic stem cells and vectors carrying the reporter gene lacZ without promoter, as well as the results obtained with the help of this technology. A total of four transgenic mouse lines were obtained, in three of which the vector was integrated into genes active during embryogenesis. As a result, various patterns of beta-galactosidase expression were observed in the limb rudiments, heart, liver, and other organs at different embryonic stages. At present, detailed studies of the site and time of action of the mutated genes in embryonic and postnatal development are under way, as well as molecular-genetic identification of these genes.

Animals↗

NITROUS ACID MUTATION OF TRANSFORMING DNA: CONSIDERATION OF MODE OF ACTION.

Apparently nitrous acid produces genetic alterations, expressed as antibiotic-resistant markers, directly on heat-denatured transforming DNA of Haemophilus influenzae, rather than producing DNA which acts as a non-specific mutagen. The markers which arise as a result of treatment with nitrous acid behave similarly to naturally occurring antibiotic markers. In addition, data comparing the expression and replication of induced markers to natural markers suggest that the nitrous acid-induced markers express and multiply in the same fashion as do "normal" markers. Therefore, mutations which require additional time to produce a functional DNA by a base-pair substitution, or by replication of the introduced DNA, are not responsible for the mutants observed.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

[Induction of mutations in Streptomyces antibioticus].

Mutagenic action of UV-light, nitrosoguanidine and nitrosomethylbiuret was studied in Streptomyces antibioticus VNIIA 1607. Nitrosomethylbiuret appeared to be most effective inducer of auxotrophic mutations (mutation frequency reached 15%). By means of hybridological analysis, it was shown that heterokaryons predominated in the progeny of mixed cultures of multiply marked strains. The test for functional allelism using heterokaryons permitted us to divide 93 independently obtained mutations into 28 complementation groups.

Alleles↗

Inactivation and mutation induction in Saccharomyces cerevisiae exposed to simulated sunlight: evaluation of action spectra.

The effectiveness of polychromatic light irradiation was investigated for haploid yeast cells. Inactivation and mutation induction were measured in both a RAD-wildtype strain and an excision-repair defective strain. The behaviour of vegetative "wet" cells was compared to that of dehydrated cells. The aim of the study was to assess the interaction of UVC with other wavelengths in cells of different states of humidity. The irradiation procedure was therefore carried out using a solar simulator either with full spectrum or with a UVC-blocking filter (modified sunlight) added. The results were analysed on the basis of separately determined action spectra. The summation of the efficiency of individual wavelengths was compared to the values obtained from polychromatic irradiation. It is shown that the effects caused by the whole-spectrum irradiation in wet cells can be predicted sufficiently from the calculation, while dried wildtype cells exhibit higher mutation rates. Thus it can be assumed that drying-specific damage leads to lethal and mutagenic lesions which are processed in different ways, causing a synergistic behaviour in mutation induction. Irradiation of vegetative cells with modified sunlight (UVC-) results in less inactivation and lower mutation rates than were calculated. From these results it can be concluded that this antagonistic behaviour is caused by the interaction of near-UV photoproducts.

Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation↗

General anesthetic actions in vivo strongly attenuated by a point mutation in the GABA(A) receptor beta3 subunit.

General anesthetics are widely used in clinical practice. On the molecular level, these compounds have been shown to modulate the activity of various neuronal ion channels. However, the functional relevance of identified sites in mediating essential components of the general anesthetic state, such as immobility and hypnosis, is still unknown. Using gene-targeting technology, we generated mice harboring a subtle point mutation (N265M) in the second transmembrane region of the beta3 subunit of the GABA(A) receptor. In these mice, the suppression of noxious-evoked movements in response to the intravenous anesthetics etomidate and propofol is completely abolished, while only slightly decreased with the volatile anesthetics enflurane and halothane. beta3(N265M) mice also display a profound reduction in the loss of righting reflex duration in response to intravenous but not volatile anesthetics. In addition, electrophysiological recordings revealed that anesthetic agents were significantly less effective in enhancing GABA(A) receptor-mediated currents, and in decreasing spontaneous action potential firing in cortical brain slices derived from mutant mice. Taken together, our results demonstrate that a single molecular target, and indeed a specific residue (N265) located within the GABA(A) receptor beta3 subunit, is a major determinant of behavioral responses evoked by the intravenous anesthetics etomidate and propofol, whereas volatile anesthetics appear to act via a broader spectrum of molecular targets.

Anesthetics, Inhalation↗

Gain-of-function mutations reveal expanded intermediate states and a sequential action of two gates in MscL.

The tension-driven gating transition in the large mechanosensitive channel MscL proceeds through detectable states of intermediate conductance. Gain-of-function (GOF) mutants with polar or charged substitutions in the main hydrophobic gate display altered patterns of subconducting states, providing valuable information about gating intermediates. Here we present thermodynamic analysis of several GOF mutants to clarify the nature and position of low-conducting conformations in the transition pathway. Unlike wild-type (WT) MscL, which predominantly occupies the closed and fully open states with very brief substates, the mild V23T GOF mutant frequently visits a multitude of short-lived subconducting states. Severe mutants V23D and G22N open in sequence: closed (C) --> low-conducting substate (S) --> open (O), with the first subtransition occurring at lower tensions. Analyses of equilibrium state occupancies as functions of membrane tension show that the C-->S subtransition in WT MscL is associated with only a minor conductance increment, but the largest in-plane expansion and free energy change. The GOF substitutions strongly affect the first subtransition by reducing area ((Delta)A) and energy ((Delta)E) changes between C and S states commensurably with the severity of mutation. GOF mutants also exhibited a considerably larger (Delta)E associated with the second (S-->O) subtransition, but a (Delta)A similar to WT. The area changes indicate that closed conformations of GOF mutants are physically preexpanded. The tension dependencies of rate constants for channel closure (k(off)) predict different positions of rate-limiting barriers on the energy-area profiles for WT and GOF MscL. The data support the two-gate mechanism in which the first subtransition (C-->S) can be viewed as opening of the central (M1) gate, resulting in an expanded water-filled "leaky" conformation. Strong facilitation of this step by polar GOF substitutions suggests that separation of M1 helices associated with hydration of the pore in WT MscL is the major energetic barrier for opening. Mutants with a stabilized S1 gate demonstrate impeded transitions from low-conducting substates to the fully open state, whereas extensions of S1-M1 linkers result in a much higher probability of reverse O-->S transitions. These data strongly suggest that the bulk of conductance gain in the second subtransition (S-->O) occurs through the opening of the NH2-terminal (S1) gate and the linkers are coupling elements between the M1 and S1 gates.

Electrophysiology↗

HERG channel (dys)function revealed by dynamic action potential clamp technique.

The human ether-a-go-go-related gene (HERG) encodes the rapid component of the cardiac delayed rectifier potassium current (I(Kr)). Per-Arnt-Sim domain mutations of the HERG channel are linked to type 2 long-QT syndrome. We studied wild-type and/or type 2 long-QT syndrome-associated mutant (R56Q) HERG current (I(HERG)) in HEK-293 cells, at both 23 and 36 degrees C. Conventional voltage-clamp analysis revealed mutation-induced changes in channel kinetics. To assess functional implication(s) of the mutation, we introduce the dynamic action potential clamp technique. In this study, we effectively replace the native I(Kr) of a ventricular cell (either a human model cell or an isolated rabbit myocyte) with I(HERG) generated in a HEK-293 cell that is voltage-clamped by the free-running action potential of the ventricular cell. Action potential characteristics of the ventricular cells were effectively reproduced with wild-type I(HERG), whereas the R56Q mutation caused a frequency-dependent increase of the action potential duration in accordance with the clinical phenotype. The dynamic action potential clamp approach also revealed a frequency-dependent transient wild-type I(HERG) component, which is absent with R56Q channels. This novel electrophysiological technique allows rapid and unambiguous determination of the effects of an ion channel mutation on the ventricular action potential and can serve as a new tool for investigating cardiac channelopathies.

Action Potentials↗

A quality control study of CFTR mutation screening in 40 different European laboratories. The European Concerted Action on Cystic Fibrosis.

A quality control study was performed to determine the accuracy of cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutation screening in 40 different genetic screening laboratories throughout Europe. A total of 9 different samples were investigated blindly by the participating laboratories. Only 25/40 laboratories, i.e. 62.5%, were able to type all samples correctly for the mutations for which they routinely screened. Only 2 of the 9 samples were correctly typed in all 40 laboratories. The lowest accuracy rate was 80% for 1 sample. 12.5% of the participating laboratories interpreted the F508C polymorphism as a true CF disease mutation and 23.5% interpreted the delta I507 mutation as a delta F508 mutation. For the delta F508 mutation, a false-negative result of 3.75% was obtained. It is clear that the accuracy of CFTR typing should be improved.

Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulato↗

Synergistic action of genetic and phenotypic suppression of nonsense mutations in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

It was found that the phenotypic suppression induced by the paromamine-containing antibiotic paromomycin could be significantly strengthened by a ribosomal suppressor mutation in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. As a result the suppressor efficient towards ochre mutations in the presence of paromomycin acquired the ability to suppress both amber and opal mutations. It is suggested that phenotypic suppression by paromomycin and genotypic suppression by sup 1 both involve a similar mechanism of misreading.

Drug Resistance, Microbial↗

Antimutagenic action of cobaltous chloride on radiation-induced mutations in cultured Chinese hamster cells.

The effects of cobaltous chloride on 8-azaguanine (8AG)-resistant mutations induced by gamma-rays or ultraviolet (UV) light in cultured Chinese hamster V79 cells were examined. Cobaltous chloride alone had no significant effects on survival and mutations of V79 cells at concentrations less than 1 x 10(-5) M. Cobaltous chloride at a concentration of 3 x 10(-6) M had a marked effect in reducing 8AG-resistant mutations induced by gamma-rays of 2-6 Gy, when cells were incubated for 6-7 days in the presence of cobaltous chloride after gamma-ray irradiation (posttreatment). The pretreatment of cells with cobaltous chloride for 6 days before gamma-ray irradiation reduced 8AG-resistant mutations induced by gamma-rays. Pre- or post-treatment with cobaltous chloride had no such effect on UV-induced mutations, however. The difference in responsiveness to cobaltous chloride between bacterial and mammalian cell systems is discussed.

Animals↗

The nss mutation or lanthanum inhibits light-induced Ca2+ influx into fly photoreceptors.

Ion-selective calcium microelectrodes were inserted into the compound eyes of the wild-type sheep blowfly Lucilia or into the retina of the no steady state (nss) mutant of Lucilia. These electrodes monitored light-induced changes in the extracellular concentration of calcium (delta[Ca2+]o) together with the extracellularly recorded receptor potential. Prolonged dim lights induced a steady reduction in [Ca2+]o during light in the retina of normal Lucilia, while relatively little change in [Ca2+]o was observed in the retina of the nss mutant. Prolonged intense light induced a multiphasic change in [Ca2+]o: the [Ca2+]o signal became transient, reaching a minimum within 6 s after light onset, and then rose to a nearly steady-state phase below the dark concentration. When lights were turned off, a rapid increase in [Ca2+]o was observed, reaching a peak above the dark level and then declining again to the dark level within 1 min. In analogy to similar studies conduced in the honeybee drone, we suggest that the reduction in [Ca2+]o reflects light-induced Ca2+ influx into the photoreceptors, while the subsequent increase in [Ca2+]o reflects the activation of the Na-Ca exchange which extrudes Ca2+ from the cells. In the nss mutant in response to intense prolonged light, the receptor potential declines to baseline during light while the Ca2+ signal is almost abolished, revealing only a short transient reduction in [Ca2+]o. Application of lanthanum (La3+), but not nickel (Ni2+), into the retinal extracellular space of normal Lucilia mimicked the effect of the nss mutation on the receptor potential, while complete elimination of the Ca2+ signal in a reversible manner was observed. The results suggest that La3+ and the nss mutation inhibit light-induced Ca2+ influex into the photoreceptor in a manner similar to the action of the trp mutation in Drosophila, which has been shown to block specifically a light-activated Ca2+ channel necessary to maintain light excitation.

Animals↗