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Mesendoderm and left-right brain, heart and gut development are differentially regulated by pitx2 isoforms.

The pitx2 gene is a member of the bicoid-homeodomain class of transcription factors that has been implicated in the control of left-right asymmetry during organogenesis. Here we demonstrate that in zebrafish there are two pitx2 isoforms, pitx2a and pitx2c, which show distinct expression patterns and have non-overlapping functions during mesendoderm and asymmetric organ development. pitx2c is expressed symmetrically in presumptive mesendoderm during late blastula stages and in the prechordal plate during late gastrulation. pitx2a expression is first detected at bud stage in the anterior prechordal plate. The regulation of early mesendoderm pitx2c expression is dependent on one-eyed pinhead (EGF-CFC-related gene) and spadetail (tbx-transcription factor) and can be induced by ectopic goosecoid expression. Maintenance of pitx2c midline expression is dependent on cyclops (nodal) and schmalspur, but not no tail (brachyury). Ectopic expression of pitx2 isoforms results in distinct morphological and molecular phenotypes, indicating that pitx2a and pitx2c have divergent regulatory functions. Both isoforms downregulate goosecoid on the dorsal side, but in contrast to earlier reports that nodal and lefty are upstream of pitx2, ectopic pitx2c in other regions induces cyclops, lefty2 and goosecoid expression. Asymmetric isoform expression occurs in non-overlapping domains, with pitx2c in left dorsal diencephalon and developing gut and pitx2a in left heart primordium. Targeted asymmetric expression in Xenopus shows that both isoforms can alter left-right development, but pitx2a has a slightly stronger effect on heart laterality. Our results indicate that distinct genetic pathways regulate pitx2a and pitx2c isoform expression, and each isoform regulates different downstream pathways during mesendoderm and asymmetric organ development.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Bayesian identification of differentially expressed isoforms using a novel joint model of RNA-seq data.

We develop a Bayesian approach, BayesIso, to identify differentially expressed isoforms from RNA-seq data. The approach features a novel joint model of the sample variability and the deferential state of isoforms. Specifically, the within-sample variability and the between-sample variability of each isoform are modeled by a Poisson-Lognormal model and a Gamma-Gamma model, respectively. Using a Bayesian framework, the differential state of each isoform and the model parameters are jointly estimated by a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method. Extensive studies using simulation and real data demonstrate that BayesIso can effectively detect isoforms of less differentially expressed and differential transcripts for genes with multiple isoforms. We applied the approach to breast cancer RNA-seq data and uncovered a unique set of isoforms that form key pathways associated with breast cancer recurrence. First, PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and PTEN signaling pathways are identified as being involved in breast cancer development. Further integrated with protein-protein interaction data, pathways of Jak-STAT, mTOR, MAPK and Wnt signaling are revealed in association with breast cancer recurrence. Finally, several pathways are activated in the early recurrence of breast cancer. In tumors that occur early, members of pathways of cellular metabolism and cell cycle (such as CD36 and TOP2A) are upregulated, while immune response genes such as NFATC1 are downregulated.

Humans↗

Basal and gonadotropin-releasing hormone-releasable serum follicle-stimulating hormone charge isoform distribution and in vitro biological-to-immunological ratio in male puberty.

Follicle-stimulating hormone is synthesized and secreted as a mixture of heterogeneous isoforms that differ from each other in carbohydrate structure, biological potency, and plasma half-life. The relative abundance of the FSH isoforms will depend on the endocrine status of the donor at the time of sample collection. In the present study, we attempted to define the impact of the changing endocrine milieu characteristic of male puberty on the charge heterogeneity and plasma half-life of the serum FSH isoforms released under endogenous and exogenous GnRH drives, and examined whether such a varying hormone milieu modifies the capability of the circulating hormone to trigger intracellular signal transduction at the human FSH receptor level. Forty healthy male subjects at Tanner stages (Ts) 1 to 5 were sampled at 10 min intervals for 10 h. Serum from successive samples collected across 2-4 h intervals containing FSH released under basal, low-dose (10 microg), and high-dose (90 microg) exogenous GnRH-stimulated conditions was subjected to preparative chromatofocusing and tested for bioactivity employing a homologous cell in vitro bioassay system. Deconvolution analysis was applied to estimate the apparent endogenous FSH plasma half-life in samples obtained after administration of low-dose exogenous GnRH. Under all conditions studied, serum FSH charge isoforms were distributed along a pH range of 7.0 to less than 3.0. Comparisons across the different Tanner stages revealed a significant and selective increase in the ratio of FSH isoforms with elution pH values <4.50 relative to those with values >/=4.50 at Ts-2. At Ts-3, this ratio returned to that present at Ts-1, to decline thereafter during the ensuing pubertal stages. Serum bioactive FSH concentrations progressively increased (from 3.72 +/- 1.3 to 16.2 +/- 5.3 IU/L) throughout puberty, and in all conditions bioactive FSH concentrations exceeded those detected by a specific radioimmunoassay. The biological to immunological (B:I) FSH ratio at baseline was significantly (p < 0.05) lower at Ts-1 and Ts-2 (1.33 +/- 0.30 and 1.62 +/- 0.34, respectively) than at more advanced stages of pubertal development (2.28 +/- 0.20, 2.96 +/- 0.38, and 2.77 +/- 0.63 at Ts-3-, 4-, and -5, respectively) Similar differences were detected in samples containing FSH molecules released after low- and high-dose GnRH administration. The apparent endogenous FSH half-life of the deconvolved GnRH-induced FSH pulses was similar in the five study groups. These results demonstrate that the transition from infancy to sexual maturity in men is accompanied by qualitative changes in the circulating FSH isoform mixture. Although the changes in FSH glycosylation occurring throughout puberty are not of sufficient magnitude to alter the survival of the gonadotropin in circulation, they allow preferential secretion of bioactive FSH. The enrichment of the circulating mix of FSH isoforms with highly bioactive variants throughout spontaneous puberty may potentially favor the development of spermatogenesis and acquisition of reproductive competence.

Adolescent↗

Differential expression of thyroid hormone receptor isoforms is strikingly related to cardiac and skeletal muscle phenotype during postnatal development.

The genomic actions of thyroid hormones (THs) are mediated by receptors (TRs) that are encoded by two protooncogenes, c-erbA-alpha and c-erbA-beta. The precise functions of the TR isoforms are unclear and this study focuses on the potential roles of the TRalpha and TRbeta isoforms in mammalian striated muscles postnatally. The porcine TRalpha1, TRalpha2 and TRbeta1 cDNAs were first cloned, sequenced and characterised by Northern blotting. A quantitative analysis of TR isoform expression was then undertaken, using RNase protection analysis with novel riboprobes designed to detect relative expression levels of TRalpha1, TRalpha2, TRbeta1 and TRbeta2, in functionally distinct muscles from 7-week-old pigs kept under controlled conditions of nutrition and thermal environment. We found a striking muscle-specific pattern of TRalpha isoform distribution: in heart the mRNA level of TRalpha2 (non-TH binding) was markedly greater (P<0.01) than that of TRalpha1 (TH binding); in longissimus dorsi the opposite pattern of expression occurred (TRalpha1>TRalpha2, P<0.001); in soleus, diaphragm and rhomboideus there were no differences between the two isoforms. The overall abundance of TRbeta was very much lower than that of TRalpha, and TRbeta1 was expressed at a higher level than TRbeta2 in all muscles. Together with recent data from TR gene inactivation studies and the established role of TH in determining myosin heavy chain isoform expression and muscle phenotype, these results suggest a role for differential expression of TR isoforms in acquisition and maintenance of optimal cardiac and skeletal muscle function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Zonal expression of the thyroid hormone receptor alpha isoforms in rodent liver.

Many metabolic processes occur simultaneously in the liver in different locations along the porto-central axis of the liver units. These processes are often regulated by hormones, one of which is thyroid hormone which for its action depends on the presence of the different isoforms of the thyroid hormone receptor (TR). These are encoded by two genes: c-erbA-alpha encoding TRalpha1 and TRalpha2 and their respective Delta isoforms, and c-erbA-beta which encodes TRbeta1, TRbeta2 and TRbeta3. We recently found a zonal (pericentral) expression of and a diurnal variation in the TRbeta1 isoform in rat liver. We were therefore also interested to see whether TRalpha1 and TRalpha2 expression showed similar characteristics. For this reason we raised both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against TRalpha1 and TRalpha2 isoforms and characterised these. Antibody specificity was tested using Western blots and immunohistochemistry in liver of TR isoform-specific knockout animals. Using these antibodies we found that the TRalpha1 and TRalpha2 isoforms are zonally expressed around the central vein in rat liver. The experiments show that the portal to central gradient of TRalpha1 is broader than that of TRbeta1. Moreover, the expression of the TRalpha2 protein showed a diurnal variation with a peak in the afternoon when the animals are least active whereas no such variation was found for the TRalpha1 protein. From our data it appears that both the TRalpha1 and TRalpha2 isoforms show a zonal distribution in liver. This finding, together with the observed diurnal rhythm, has major implications for interpreting and timing experiments concerning the TR and its downstream actions in liver.

Animals↗

Isoform-specific quantification of metallothionein in the terrestrial gastropod Helix pomatia. I. Molecular, biochemical, and methodical background.

The biomarker concept is an important approach of modern ecotoxicology based on the detection and quantification of molecular, biochemical, cellular, or physiological alterations in organisms as the result of exposure to toxic compounds. In the present study, the biomarker potential of two metallothionein (MT) isoforms from hepatopancreas and mantle tissue of the Roman snail, Helix pomatia L., is evaluated. This species possesses two MT isoforms with specific functions: The Cd-specific isoform (Cd-MT) is predominantly induced and expressed in the hepatopancreas upon Cd exposure. It binds and inactivates this potentially toxic trace element. The second isoform is Cu-specific (Cu-MT), primarily expressed in the mantle tissue and responsible for the homeostatic regulation of Cu. The differential expression and metal-specificity of the two isoforms make them potential candidates for a dual MT biomarker system based on an isoform-specific approach. This study shows that Cd-MT and Cu-MT of H. pomatia can reliably be quantified by a differential metal saturation approach that could be used for environmental biomarker studies. The approach works by virtue of the following preconditions: The two isoforms differ from each other with respect to their molecular and biochemical features, they show metal-specific binding preferences, they are organ-specific, they exhibit distinct induction patterns in response to the metals to which they bind, and their biological and functional background is thoroughly known.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Isoform-specific quantification of metallothionein in the terrestrial gastropod Helix pomatia. II. A differential biomarker approach under laboratory and field conditions.

The two function-specific metallothionein (MT) isoforms characterized from the midgut gland and mantle tissue of Helix pomatia differ substantially in their metal-binding preferences, as well as molecular and biochemical features. These differences make them potential candidates for biomarker studies based on a differential, isoform-specific approach. To prove this hypothesis, induction experiments with two metals (Cd and Cu) that are normally bound by the two isoforms were compared with a range of organic chemicals and physical stressors under laboratory conditions to test the responsiveness of the two isoforms to the stressors applied. In addition, field studies were conducted with Roman snails and substrate samples collected from different metal-contaminated sites in Austria to test the suitability of the two isoforms as biomarkers under field conditions. The results of these combined laboratory and field studies confirmed the validity of the biomarker approach with the two metal- and tissue-specific isoforms. It is demonstrated that the Cd-binding MT specifically and exclusively responds to Cd exposure by increasing concentrations, whereas the Cu-binding MT isoform decreases in its concentration upon exposure to physical stress (X-ray irradiation and cold). This suggests researchers should adopt, under certain preconditions, a dual biomarker approach by combining the simultaneous quantification of Cd-MT concentrations in the midgut gland as a biomarker for Cd pollution and of Cu-MT concentration in the mantle as a biomarker for the impairment of snails by additional physical stressors.

Animals↗

Combining restriction digestion and touchdown PCR permits detection of trace isoforms of histamine H3 receptor.

The conserved sequences of the mouse histamine H3 receptor at the potential alternative splice junctions suggest that the splice isoforms found in guinea pig, rat, human, and hamster may also be present in the mouse. However, the trace amount isoforms are hard to be detected by the regular PCR approach. In this paper, we report a method in which the unspliced long isoform is cut by restriction endonuclease so that the short isoforms can be amplified to detectable levels to confirm the existence of the splice isoforms of H3 receptor mRNA in the mouse. This method is applicable to the detection of trace amounts of splice isoforms that coexist with the long, more abundant isoforms.

Animals↗

CD44 isoform-cytoskeleton interaction in oncogenic signaling and tumor progression.

CD44, a major hyaluronan receptor, exists as several isoforms and is widely distributed in different cells and tissues. The isoforms of CD44, such as CD44s (the standard form), CD44E (the epithelial form) and CD44v (variant isoforms) (arise from differential splicing of one to ten (or eleven) variable exons that encode portions of the membrane proximal extracellular domain. The molecular diversity of CD44 isoforms is further compounded by differential biosynthetic processes and post-translational modifications [e.g. N-/O-glycosylation or glycosaminoglycan (GAG) addition]. This structural arrangement, which occurs within either the invariant region or the extracellular domain of the variant region, is important for CD44-mediated communication between extracellular matrix materials [ECM-hyaluronic acid (HA), collagen and fibronectin] and intracellular protein components (e.g cytoskeletal proteins and various regulatory enzymes). The 15 amino acid sequence [e.g. NSGNGAVEDRKPSGL (in human) or NGGNGTVEDRKPSEL (in mouse)] residing in the cytoplasmic domain of CD44 isoforms is the ankyrin-binding domain of this family of transmembrane glycoproteins. Biochemical analyses plus in vitro mutagenesis indicate that the ankyrin-binding domain is required for CD44-mediated "outside-in" and "inside-out" cell activation events. Furthermore, CD44s-cytoskeleton interaction is tightly coupled with signal transducing molecules (e.g. p185HER2 or Src kinases) during oncogenic signaling. Moreover, the transmembrane linkage between CD44v isoforms (CD44v10 and CD44v3) and the cytoskeleton up-regulates invasive and metastatic-specific tumor phenotypes [e.g. matrix degradation (MMPs) activities, tumor cell invasion and migration]. These findings strongly suggest that the interaction between CD44 isoforms and the cytoskeleton plays a pivotal role in the onset of oncogenesis and tumor progression.

Animals↗

Isoform-specific expression of VEGF-B in normal tissues and tumors.

Vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGF-B), a member of the VEGF/PDGF family, is highly expressed in many tissues with two differentially spliced transcripts generating two secreted isoforms, VEGF-B167 and VEGF-B186. In this work, we have investigated the expression of VEGF-B in tissues and cell lines using techniques that can distinguish the two isoforms. The results showed that the VEGF-B167 isoform was predominantly expressed in most tissues, accounting for more than 80% of the total VEGF-B transcripts. The VEGF-B186 isoform was expressed at lower levels and only in a limited number of tissues. Moreover, the VEGF-B186 isoform was up-regulated in mouse and human tumor cell lines and primary tumors compared with their corresponding normal tissues. Taken together, our data suggest a fine genetic control of the expression of the two isoforms of VEGF-B, implying tissue- and cell-specific roles of the two VEGF-B isoforms.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Up-regulation of metallothionein isoforms in keloid keratinocytes.

Keloids are proliferative growths of dermal collagen, usually resulting from excessive tissue response during wound healing. There is evidence that keratinocytes may promote keloidogenesis via epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. Metallothioneins (MTs) are known to be involved in the fundamental cellular processes of growth and apoptosis. In this study, we evaluated the expression of MT isoforms in normal and keloid keratinocytes. The expression patterns of ten functional MT isoforms were assessed using real-time RT-PCR in primary cultures of normal and keloid keratinocytes. The MT-2A isoform was the most abundant MT isoform in both normal and keloid keratinocytes while the MT-1B isoform was absent. There was a significant increase in the mRNA expression of four MT isoforms, viz. MT-1A, 1E, 1F and 2A in keloid keratinocytes as compared to normal keratinocytes. Up-regulation of MT-1A, 1E, 1F and 2A isoforms may play a part in the development of keloids by paracrine signaling.

Cells, Cultured↗

Either of the CD45RB and CD45RO isoforms are effective in restoring T cell, but not B cell, development and function in CD45-null mice.

The protein tyrosine phosphatase CD45 is expressed as a series of isoforms whose tissue and differentiation stage specificity is broadly conserved in evolution. CD45 has been shown to be an important regulator of a variety of functions in many different hemopoietic lineages. We have chosen an in vivo genetic complementation strategy to investigate the differential functions between isoforms. In this study, we report the characterization of transgenic mice which express the isoforms CD45RO or CD45RB as their only CD45 molecules, at a variety of expression levels and in the majority of hemopoietic lineages. Both CD45RO and CD45RB isoforms reconstitute thymocyte development in a CD45-null mouse background when expressed above a threshold level. The resulting mature T cells populate the peripheral lymphoid organs where they are found at normal frequency. Both CD45RO and CD45RB isoforms also permit T cell function in the periphery, although the threshold for normal function here appears to be set higher than in the thymus. In contrast, neither isoform is capable of fully restoring peripheral B cell maturation, even at levels approaching those in heterozygous CD45(+/-) mice in which maturation is normal. In vitro activation of B cells by Ag-receptor stimulation is only minimally complemented by these CD45RO and CD45RB transgenes. Our results suggest that CD45 isoforms play unique roles which differ between the T and B lineages.

Animals↗

Distinct and shared transcriptomes are regulated by microphthalmia-associated transcription factor isoforms in mast cells.

The Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (Mitf) is an essential basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper transcription factor for mast cell development. Mice deficient in Mitf harbor a severe mast cell deficiency, and Mitf-mutant mast cells cultured ex vivo display a number of functional defects. Therefore, an understanding of the genetic program regulated by Mitf may provide important insights into mast cell differentiation. Multiple, distinct isoforms of Mitf have been identified in a variety of cell types; we found that Mitf-a, Mitf-e, and Mitf-mc were the major isoforms expressed in mast cells. To determine the physiologic function of Mitf in mast cells, we restored expression of these isoforms in primary mast cells from Mitf(-/-) mice. We found that these isoforms restored granular morphology and integrin-mediated migration. By microarray analysis, proteases, signaling molecules, cell surface receptor, and transporters comprised the largest groups of genes up-regulated by all isoforms. Furthermore, we found that isoforms also regulated distinct genes sets, suggesting separable biological activities. This work defines the transcriptome regulated by Mitf in mast cells and supports its role as master regulator of mast cell differentiation. Expression of multiple isoforms of this transcription factor may provide for redundancy of biological activities while also allowing diversity of function.

Animals↗

Multiple NF-ATc isoforms with individual transcriptional properties are synthesized in T lymphocytes.

The transcription factor NF-ATc that controls gene expression in T lymphocytes and embryonic cardiac cells is expressed in three prominent isoforms. This is due to alternative splice/polyadenylation events that lead to the predominant synthesis of two long isoforms in naive T cells and a shorter NF-ATc isoform in effector T cells. Whereas the previously described isoform NF-ATc/A contains a relatively short C terminus, the longer isoforms, B and C, span extra C-terminal peptides of 128 and 246 aa, respectively. We show here that in addition to the strong N-terminal trans-activation domain, TAD-A, which is common to all three NF-ATc isoforms, NF-ATc/C contains a second trans-activation domain, TAD-B, in its C-terminal peptide. Various stimuli of T cells that induce the activity of TAD-A also enhance the activity of TAD-B, but, unlike TAD-A, TAD-B remains unphosphorylated by protein from 12-O-tetradecanoyl 12-phorbol 13-acetate-stimulated T cells. The shorter C-terminal peptide of isoform NF-ATc/B exerts a suppressive transcriptional effect. These properties of NF-ATc/B and -C might be of importance for gene regulation in naive T lymphocytes in which NF-ATc/B and -C are predominantly synthesized.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Decreased stability of the M54 isoform of paraoxonase as a contributory factor to variations in human serum paraoxonase concentrations.

There are considerable variations in serum concentrations of the high density lipoprotein (HDL)-associated enzyme, paraoxonase (PON), which is an important determinant of the antioxidant capacity of HDL. The present study examined the hypothesis that differences in the stability of isoforms arising from the coding region L54M polymorphism could contribute to such variations. A model system was developed using transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells to secrete recombinant PON corresponding to human L or M isoforms. The recombinant peptides exhibited the molecular properties of human serum PON. They formed complexes with lipoproteins in culture medium, notably binding to apolipoprotein A-I-containing particles. The enzymatic properties of the recombinant isoforms were comparable to those of human serum PON. The recombinant M isoform lost activity more rapidly and to a greater extent than the recombinant L isoform [26.0 +/- 3.0% vs. 14.0 +/- 1.0% (phenylacetate substrate) and 36.1 +/- 2.0% vs. 19.3 +/- 2.0% (paraoxon substrate) over 96 h (P < 0.01)] in medium containing fetal calf serum or PON-free human serum. Addition of a protease inhibitor resulted in retention of activity by both isoforms. Parallel results were obtained in incubation studies of human serum from donors homozygous LL or MM for the L54M polymorphism. Enzyme activity was lost more rapidly and to a greater extent from MM than LL sera (P < 0.01). A parallel loss of PON peptide mass was also observed, with a significantly greater loss from MM homozygotes (P < 0.001). It corresponded to the appearance of a smaller molecular mass band on SDS-PAGE analysis. Direct analysis of the proteolytic effect using HDL isolated from homozygotes and incubated with purified kallikrein confirmed the greater loss of activity from MM homozygotes and the protective effect of proteolysis inhibitor. The results provide evidence for lesser stability of the M54 isoform of PON, apparently involving greater susceptibility to proteolysis. It provides one mechanism to explain variations in serum levels of PON and has implications for the antioxidant capacity of HDL.

Animals↗

[Visualization of tau isoforms by splicing-site specific antibodies].

We have developed five tau antibodies that recognize each of 6 human tau isoforms to examine tau lesions such as Alzheimer's neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) as well as other tauopachies. These five antibodies were designed to be specific to splicing-sites of exon 2, exon 3, or exon10 or to the amino acid sequence in exon 3 or exon10. All of newly prepared antibodies as well as anti-human tau stained corresponding recombinant tau isoforms and isolated hyperphosphorylated tau isoforms in an isoform-specific manner on western blot. All antibodies were also found to decorate immunohistochemically NFTs but to be present in unequal amounts in NFTs where two tau isoforms (tau1-352 and tau1-381) were the major species. It is not easy to compare immunoreaction based on immunohistochemical analysis with multiple antibodies. However, the present result strongly suggest unequal occurrence of tau isoforms in Alzheimer's NFTs, indicating other isoform selection in AD than tauopathies.

Alzheimer Disease↗

[Profile of estrogen receptor alpha isoforms in endometrial adenocarcinoma].

Affectivity of activity of wild-type estrogen receptors forms depends not only from transcriptional activity of their encoding genes, but also from participation of ERs isoforms in entire ERs mRNA pool. Estrogen receptor mRNA isoforms are essential intracellular factor regulating cellular answer of estrogen. ERs expression, as well as the mRNA splice variants, may influence the biological properties of some tumors and affect their ability to respond to estrogen and antiestrogen therapies. The aim of the study was qualitative and quantitative analysis and comparison of mRNA ER-alpha and their isoforms concentration profile in endometrial adenocarcinoma and normal endometrium as control group. The level of ER-alpha mRNA was estimated using RT-QPCR method in proliferative phase (n = 12) and endometrial adenocarcinoma (n = 15). Types of alternative mRNA ER-alpha splice variants were marked. Seven transcripts ER-alpha (ER-alpha/delta 2, ER-alpha/3, ER-alpha/delta 2-3, ER-alpha 4-ER-alpha/delta 7) were quantitatively evaluated. Proportional analysis of particular mRNA ER-alpha isoforms participation in entire pool of mRNA ER-alpha showed diminution of ER-alpha/delta 2, ER-alpha/delta 2-3, ER-alpha/delta 7 what correlated with simultaneous decrease of mRNA copy number in endometrial adenocarcinoma. Endometrial adenocarcinoma was also characterized by presence of isoforms not stepping out in investigated segments of normal endometrium: ER-alpha/delta 4, ER-alpha/delta 6 and ER-alpha/delta 5 being with factor about high transcriptional activity potential, are able to activate transcription of estrogen receptors target genes independently from ligad binding. Additional ER-alpha isoforms appearing in endometrial adenocarcinoma instead of wild-type ER? proves, that in chance of tumor transformation the number of potranscriptional modifications increases. One can not exclude that their number is connected with genetic changes starting carcinogenesis in endometrium. Changes of mRNA ER-alpha copy number and presence of definite isoforms may altered of signaling estrogen pathways.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Complex p63 mRNA isoform expression patterns in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

The human p63 gene encodes a series of protein isoforms that differ in their N- and/or C-terminal sequences and possess widely varying activities in promoting or repressing p53-related functions and in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of epithelial cells. To gain further information on the role of p63 expression in human tumours, we used quantitative real-time RT-PCR to study individual p63 isoforms in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (SCCHN). In keeping with previous reports, expression of the deltaN- and p63alpha-isoforms predominated and deltaNp63 mRNA was expressed at significantly higher levels in tumours compared to matched normal tissues. Some tumours also expressed the highly efficient transactivator TA- and p63beta-isoforms, and p63beta was significantly increased in tumours compared to matched normal tissue. We could not identify any correlations between different p63-isoform expression patterns and proliferation, p53 status, or telomerase expression. All p63 isoforms could be identified in normal surface epithelium, and micro-dissection showed that the high levels present in basal layers were similar to those seen in tumour tissues. Thus, high-level expression of deltaNp63 in tumour cells may represent maintained expression by the basal cells from which the tumour arose, rather than representing a true over-expression of p63 during tumourigenesis. Tobacco usage, a genotoxic predisposing factor for SCCHN, had no effect on p63 expression in oral epithelium. Taken together, our data indicate that SCCHN maintain expression of high levels of deltaNp63alpha in combination with varying levels of other p63 isoforms, some of which are highly efficient transcriptional activators. The complexity of these p63 expression patterns seen in primary SCCHN indicates that p63 has multifaceted roles in tumour biology.

Biopsy↗