A gene encoding a sphingolipid biosynthesis enzyme determines the sensitivity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to an antifungal plant defensin from dahlia (Dahlia merckii).

We have previously identified a Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutant that is markedly more resistant than wild-type to Dahlia merckii antimicrobial peptide 1 (DmAMP1), an antifungal plant defensin isolated from seeds of dahlia (Dahlia merckii). A complementation approach was followed that consisted of the introduction of a genomic library of DmAMP1-sensitive wild-type yeast into the DmAMP1-resistant yeast mutant and screening for restored sensitivity to DmAMP1. The gene determining sensitivity of S.

[Plasma tumor markers (calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen) in medullary thyroid cancers].

The authors have studied 43 patients operated on for medullary thyroïd carcinoma. Plasma calcitonin was measured regularly in all patients, while carcinoembryonic antigen assay was performed in only 30 patients. Calcitonin assay was found to be useful for preoperative diagnosis of medullary carcinoma, and the level of plasma calcitonin appeared to be roughly correlated with tumor extension.

[Diagnosis of familial medullary cancers].

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is hereditary in 20 to 25% of cases. It is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. MTC can be considered as a sporadic form only after a clinical and biological survey of the two parents, siblings and children of the patient, using pentagastrin stimulation test.