Targeting of BRM Sensitizes -Mutant Lung Cancer Cell Lines to Radiotherapy.

Targeting of epigenetic regulators as the chromatin remodeler SWI/SNF is proving to be a promising therapeutic strategy for individualized treatment of cancer patients. Here, we tested whether targeting one of the two mutually exclusive subdomains of the SWI/SNF complex BRM/SMARCA2 can sensitize specifically non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells with mutations in the other subunit BRG1/SMARCA4 toward ionizing radiation (IR). Knockdown of BRM with siRNA or shRNA and its consequences for radiation sensitivity as measured by clonogenic survival and plaque-monolayer control was studied in different NSCLC lines with or without mutations and in primary fibroblasts.

Mutations in betaB3-crystallin associated with autosomal recessive cataract in two Pakistani families.

Purpose: To identify the disease locus for autosomal recessive congenital cataracts in consanguineous Pakistani families.

Methods: Two Pakistani families were ascertained, patients were examined, blood samples were collected, and DNA was isolated. A genome-wide scan was performed using >382 polymorphic microsatellite markers on genomic DNA from affected and unaffected family members.