Drosophila cell lines as model systems and as an experimental tool.

Given the power of Drosophila genetics, it may seem surprising to discover that many fly researchers are turning to Drosophila cell culture as an experimental system. However, as we will show in this chapter, there are many benefits to be gained by using cell lines as a complement to studies in a tissue and developmental context in the fly. Moreover, one can argue that Drosophila cell culture, in itself, provides an excellent model system for the study of many fundamental questions in molecular and cellular biology.

Sorting of growth hormone-erythropoietin fusion proteins in rat salivary glands.

Neuroendocrine and exocrine cells secrete proteins in either a constitutive manner or via the regulated secretory pathway (RSP), but the specific sorting mechanisms involved are not fully understood. After gene transfer to rat salivary glands, the transgenic model proteins human growth hormone (hGH) and erythropoietin (hEpo) are secreted primarily into saliva (RSP; exocrine) and serum (constitutive; endocrine), respectively. We hypothesized that fusion of hGH at either the C-terminus or the N-terminus of hEpo would re-direct hEpo from the bloodstream into saliva.

Correlation of residual limb length and gait parameters in amputees.

There is a lack of objective data on acceptable transection levels for transfemoral amputation. We retrospectively correlated the residual limb length of 13 young, athletic transfemoral and knee disarticulation amputees with temporal-spatial, kinematic, and kinetic outcomes after gait analysis. It was hypothesised that shorter residual limb lengths would correlate with greater gait deviations.

Cell shape: taking the heat.

Preservation of cell architecture under physically stressful conditions is a basic requirement for many biological processes and is critical for mechanosensory systems built to translate subtle changes in cell shape into changes in organism behaviour. A new study reveals how an extracellular protein--Spam--helps mechanosensory organs in the fruit fly to withstand the effects of the water loss that accompanies heat shock.

Evaluation of promoters for use in tissue-specific gene delivery.

Vectors used in gene therapy require an expression cassette. The expression cassette consists of three important components: promoter, therapeutic gene and polyadenylation signal. The promoter is essential to control expression of the therapeutic gene.

Molecular confirmation of the genomic constitution of Douglasdeweya (Triticeae: Poaceae): demonstration of the utility of the 5S rDNA sequence as a tool for haplome identification.

A new genus Douglasdeweya containing the two species, Douglasdeweya deweyi and D. wangii was published in 2005 by Yen et al. based upon the results of cytogenetical and morphological findings.

Extended transgene expression from a nonintegrating adenoviral vector containing retroviral elements.

We studied the effects of specific retroviral elements in a first-generation serotype 5 adenoviral (Ad5) vector, AdLTR(2)EF1alpha-hEPO. This vector contains 858 base pair (bp) [251-bp envelope sequence plus 607-bp long-terminal repeat (LTR)] from Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMLV), upstream of the human elongation factor-1alpha (EF1alpha) promoter and human erythropoietin (hEPO) cDNA, with the LTR sequence downstream of the polyadenylation signal. We compared expression of AdLTR(2)EF1alpha-hEPO with corresponding expressions of two conventional Ad5 vectors, AdEF1alpha-hEPO and AdCMV-hEPO, in vivo in submandibular glands in rats.

Locomotor treadmill training with partial body-weight support before overground gait in adults with acute stroke: a pilot study.

Objective: To investigate the impact of locomotor treadmill training with partial body-weight support (BWS) before the initiation of overground gait for adults less than 6 weeks poststroke.

Design: Parallel group, posttest only.

Setting: Inpatient rehabilitation center.

The evolution of robust development and homeostasis in artificial organisms.

During embryogenesis, multicellular animals are shaped via cell proliferation, cell rearrangement, and apoptosis. At the end of development, tissue architecture is then maintained through balanced rates of cell proliferation and loss. Here, we take an in silico approach to look for generic systems features of morphogenesis in multicellular animals that arise as a consequence of the evolution of development.

Molecular evolution of dimeric alpha-amylase inhibitor genes in wild emmer wheat and its ecological association.

Background: alpha-Amylase inhibitors are attractive candidates for the control of seed weevils, as these insects are highly dependent on starch as an energy source. In this study, we aimed to reveal the structure and diversity of dimeric alpha-amylase inhibitor genes in wild emmer wheat from Israel and to elucidate the relationship between the emmer wheat genes and ecological factors using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Another objective of this study was to find out whether there were any correlations between SNPs in functional protein-coding genes and the environment.

Asymptotic solutions for optical properties of large particles with strong absorption.

The transverse wave condition is not applicable to the refracted electromagnetic wave within the context of geometrical optics when absorption is involved. Either the TM or the TE wave condition can be assumed for the wave to locally satisfy the electromagnetic boundary condition in a ray-tracing calculation. The assumed wave mode affects both the reflection and the refraction coefficients.

Molecular diversity of the 5S rRNA gene and genomic relationships in the genus Avena (Poaceae: Aveneae).

The molecular diversity of the rDNA sequences (5S rDNA units) in 71 accessions from 26 taxa of Avena was evaluated. The analyses, based on 553 sequenced clones, indicated that there were 6 unit classes, named according to the haplomes (genomes) they putatively represent, namely the long A1, long B1, long M1, short C1, short D1, and short M1 unit classes. The long and short M1 unit classes were found in the tetraploid A.

Transitions between epithelial and mesenchymal states in development and disease.

The ancestors of modern Metazoa were constructed in large part by the foldings and distortions of two-dimensional sheets of epithelial cells. This changed approximately 600 million years ago with the evolution of mesenchymal cells. These cells arise as the result of epithelial cell delamination through a reprogramming process called an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) [Shook D, Keller R.

Gene therapy: some history, applications, problems, and prospects.

The concept of transferring genes to tissues for clinical applications has been discussed for nearly half a century, but our ability to manipulate genetic material via recombinant DNA technology has brought this goal to reality. While originally conceived as a way to treat life-threatening disorders (inborn errors, cancers) refractory to conventional treatment, gene therapy now is considered for many non-life-threatening conditions, including those adversely affecting a patient's quality of life. The lack of suitable treatment has become a rational basis for extending the scope of gene therapy.

Sorting behavior of a transgenic erythropoietin-growth hormone fusion protein in murine salivary glands.

Salivary glands are useful gene transfer target sites for the production of therapeutic proteins, and can secrete proteins into both saliva and the bloodstream. The mechanisms involved in this differential protein sorting are not well understood, although it is believed, at least in part, to be based on the amino acid sequence of the encoded protein. We hypothesized that a transgenic protein, human erythropoietin (hEpo), normally sorted from murine salivary glands into the bloodstream, could be redirected into saliva by fusing it with human growth hormone (hGH).

Moesin controls cortical rigidity, cell rounding, and spindle morphogenesis during mitosis.

Background: During mitosis, animal cells undergo a complex sequence of morphological changes, from retraction of the cell margin and cell rounding at the onset of mitosis to axial elongation and cytokinesis at mitotic exit. The molecular mechanisms driving the early changes in mitotic cell form and their functional significance, however, remain unknown. Here we identify Moesin as a key player.

Gender differences in serotype 2 adeno-associated virus biodistribution after administration to rodent salivary glands.

Salivary glands (SGs) have proven useful targets for clinical applications of gene therapeutics. In this toxicology and biodistribution study, which conforms to U.S.

Prevention of irradiation-induced salivary hypofunction by microvessel protection in mouse salivary glands.

Treatment of most head and neck cancers includes radiotherapy. Salivary glands (SGs) in the irradiation (IR) field are irreversibly damaged resulting in severe hyposalivation. We evaluated the importance of SG endothelial cells to this IR-induced injury, and whether serotype 5 adenoviral (Ad5) vector-mediated transfer of basic fibroblast growth factor (AdbFGF) or vascular endothelial growth factor (AdVEGF) complementary DNAs would afford radioprotection.

Differential radiation protection of salivary glands versus tumor by Tempol with accompanying tissue assessment of Tempol by magnetic resonance imaging.

Purpose: The nitroxide free radical, Tempol, was evaluated for potential differential radiation protection of salivary glands and tumor using fractionated radiation. Mechanistic information was explored by monitoring the presence and bioreduction of Tempol in both tissues noninvasively by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Experimental Design: Female C3H mice were immobilized using custom-made Lucite jigs for localized irradiation (five daily fractions) either to the oral cavity or tumor-bearing leg.

Physical properties, durability, and energy-dissipation function of dual-density orthotic materials used in insoles for diabetic patients.

Background: Patients with neuropathic conditions may develop plantar bony deformities through neuropathic collapse, frequently placing the skin and soft tissues at risk. Orthoses have been used to accommodate and distribute plantar pressures over a large surface area, thereby minimizing peak loading pressures in small regions and reducing the risk of ulceration.

Methods: A previously described bony prominence model (Brodsky et al.

Sorting of transgenic secretory proteins in miniature pig parotid glands following adenoviral-mediated gene transfer.

Background: Gene transfer to salivary glands for use in treating both systemic and upper gastrointestinal tract diseases shows considerable potential. Numerous studies in rodents demonstrate that salivary glands can secrete transgenic secretory proteins either into saliva, primarily via the regulated secretory pathway (RSP), or into the bloodstream, primarily by the constitutive secretory pathway (CSP). The purpose of the present study was to assess the sorting characteristics of human growth hormone (hGH), a RSP protein, and human erythropoietin (hEpo), a CSP protein, in a large animal model of salivary gland gene transfer, the miniature pig.

The 5S DNA sequences in Hordeum bogdanii and in the H. brevisubulatum complex, and the evolution and the geographic dispersal of the diploid Hordeum species (Triticeae: Poaceae).

The molecular diversity of 5S rDNA from the closely related Asiatic diploid species, Hordeum bogdanii and the H. brevisubulatum complex has been catalogued and analysed. As in previous studies in Hordeum, we found that the sequences are constrained in such an manner that unit classes can be defined.

Female mice are more susceptible to developing inflammatory disorders due to impaired transforming growth factor beta signaling in salivary glands.

Objective: Transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) plays a key role in the onset and resolution of autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation. The aim of this study was to delineate the precise function of TGFbeta signaling in salivary gland inflammation.

Methods: We impaired TGFbeta signaling in mouse salivary glands by conditionally inactivating expression of TGFbeta receptor type I (TGFbetaRI), either by using mouse mammary tumor virus-Cre mice or by delivering adenoviral vector containing Cre to mouse salivary glands via retrograde infusion of the cannulated main excretory ducts of submandibular glands.