Chromosome-specific induction of micronuclei and chromosomal aberrations by mitomycin C: Involvement of human chromosomes 9, 1 and 16.

Cytogenetic studies have shown that human chromosomes 1, 9, and 16, with a large heterochromatic region of highly methylated classical satellite DNA, are prone to induction of chromatid breaks and interchanges by mitomycin C (MMC). A couple of studies have indicated that material from chromosome 9, and possibly also from chromosomes 1 and 16, are preferentially micronucleated by MMC. Here, we further examined the chromosome-specific induction of micronuclei (MN; with and without cytochalasin B) and chromosomal aberrations (CAs) by MMC.

Preclinical efficacy and pharmacokinetics of an RNA-encoded T cell-engaging bispecific antibody targeting human claudin 6.

We present the preclinical pharmacology of BNT142, a lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-formulated RNA (RNA-LNP) encoding a T cell-engaging bispecific antibody that monovalently binds the T cell marker CD3 and bivalently binds claudin 6 (CLDN6), an oncofetal antigen that is absent from normal adult tissue but expressed on various solid tumors. Upon BNT142 RNA-LNP delivery in cell culture, mice, and cynomolgus monkeys, RNA is translated, followed by self-assembly into and secretion of the functional bispecific antibody RiboMab02.1.

Loss of Nexilin function leads to a recessive lethal fetal cardiomyopathy characterized by cardiomegaly and endocardial fibroelastosis.

The Nexilin F-Actin Binding Protein (Nexilin) encoded by NEXN is a cardiac Z-disc protein important for cardiac function and development in humans, zebrafish, and mice. Heterozygote variants in the human NEXN gene have been reported to cause dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Homozygous variants in NEXN cause a lethal form of human fetal cardiomyopathy, only described in two patients before.

Site-Specific Conjugation Strategy for Dual Antibody-Drug Conjugates Using Aerobic Formylglycine-Generating Enzymes.

Multiple, site-specific protein conjugation is increasingly attractive for the generation of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). As it is important to control the number and position of cargoes in an ADC, position-selective generation of reactive sites in the protein of interest is required. Formylglycine (FGly) residues are generated by enzymatic conversion of cysteine residues embedded in a certain amino acid sequence motif with a formylglycine-generating enzyme (FGE).

Conversion of Serine-Type Aldehyde Tags by the Radical SAM Protein AtsB from Methanosarcina mazei.

Formylglycine-generating enzymes provide a convenient tool for site-specific protein derivatization. Their ability to oxidize cysteine or serine residues within a defined consensus sequence to C -formylglycine (FGly) allows for the targeted introduction of a unique chemical handle for various bioconjugation reactions. In recent years, oxygen-dependent FGly-generating enzyme saw broad use in protein functionalization and the generation of protein conjugates.

Two-fold Bioorthogonal Derivatization by Different Formylglycine-Generating Enzymes.

Formylglycine-generating enzymes are of increasing interest in the field of bioconjugation chemistry. They catalyze the site-specific oxidation of a cysteine residue to the aldehyde-containing amino acid C -formylglycine (FGly). This non-canonical residue can be generated within any desired target protein and can subsequently be used for bioorthogonal conjugation reactions.

Enzyme-Based Labeling Strategies for Antibody-Drug Conjugates and Antibody Mimetics.

Strategies for site-specific modification of proteins have increased in number, complexity, and specificity over the last years. Such modifications hold the promise to broaden the use of existing biopharmaceuticals or to tailor novel proteins for therapeutic or diagnostic applications. The recent quest for next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) sparked research into techniques with site selectivity.

Genotoxicity of short single-wall and multi-wall carbon nanotubes in human bronchial epithelial and mesothelial cells in vitro.

Although some types of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been described to induce mesothelioma in rodents and genotoxic effects in various cell systems, there are few previous studies on the genotoxicity of CNTs in mesothelial cells. Here, we examined in vitro DNA damage induction by short multi-wall CNTs (MWCNTs; 10-30 nm × 1-2 μm) and single-wall CNTs (SWCNTs; >50% SWCNTs, ~40% other CNTs; <2 nm × 1-5 μm) in human mesothelial (MeT-5A) cells and bronchial epithelial (BEAS 2B) cells, using the single cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay and the immunoslot blot assay for the detection of malondialdehyde (M1dG) DNA adducts. In BEAS 2B cells, we also studied the induction of micronuclei (MN) by the CNTs using the cytokinesis-block method.

Genotoxicity of inhaled nanosized TiO(2) in mice.

In vitro studies have suggested that nanosized titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) is genotoxic. The significance of these findings with respect to in vivo effects is unclear, as few in vivo studies on TiO(2) genotoxicity exist. Recently, nanosized TiO(2) administered in drinking water was reported to increase, e.

Nano-specific genotoxic effects.

It cannot be generally assumed that nanoparticles are genotoxic or that nanoscale size would increase the genotoxicity of the material. The large-scale in vivo genotoxicity testing of the various nanomaterials does not seem realistic. Information on nanoparticle characteristics associated with genotoxicity, carcinogenicity and mechanisms involved can probably be used in risk assessment.

Preparation of nanoparticle dispersions for in-vitro toxicity testing.

Studies on potential toxicity of engineered nanoparticle (ENP) in biological systems require a proper and accurate particle characterization to ensure the reproducibility of the results and to understand biological effects of ENP. A full characterization of ENP should include various measurements such as particle size and size distribution, shape and morphology, crystallinity, composition, surface chemistry, and surface area of ENP. It is also important to characterize the state of ENP dispersions.

Genotoxic effects of nanosized and fine TiO2.

The in-vitro genotoxicity of nanosized TiO(2) rutile and anatase was assessed in comparison with fine TiO(2) rutile in human bronchial epithelial BEAS 2B cells using the single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay and the cytokinesis-block micronucleus test. BEAS 2B cells were exposed to eight doses (1-100 microg/cm(2)) of titanium(IV) oxide nanosized rutile (>95%, <5% amorphous SiO(2) coating; 10 x 40 nm), nanosized anatase (99.7%; <25 nm), or fine rutile (99.

Micronucleus assay for mouse alveolar Type II and Clara cells.

The objective of our study was to develop a micronucleus (MN) assay for detecting genotoxic damage after inhalation exposure in mouse alveolar Type II and Clara cells, potential target cells for lung carcinogens. Ten male C57BL/6J mice were exposed to ethylene oxide (630 mg/m(3)) for 4 hr via inhalation; 10 unexposed mice serving as controls. 72 hr after the exposure, Clara cells and alveolar Type II cells were isolated using two different methods.

Chromosomal aberrations in railroad transit workers: effect of genetic polymorphisms.

Complex chemical mixtures are transported by train from Russia to Finland for further shipment. Here, we studied if exposure to genotoxic components among these substances could affect chromosomal aberrations (CAs) in peripheral lymphocytes of workers handling the tank cars. An initial survey among 48 railroad workers and 39 referents (male smokers and nonsmokers) showed an elevation of CAs.

Genotoxicity of nanomaterials: DNA damage and micronuclei induced by carbon nanotubes and graphite nanofibres in human bronchial epithelial cells in vitro.

Despite the increasing industrial use of different nanomaterials, data on their genotoxicity are scant. In the present study, we examined the potential genotoxic effects of carbon nanotubes (CNTs; >50% single-walled, approximately 40% other CNTs; 1.1 nm x 0.

Characterization of chromosomes and chromosomal fragments in human lymphocyte micronuclei by telomeric and centromeric FISH.

Micronuclei (MN), used as a biomarker of effect in exposure to genotoxic carcinogens, derive from chromosomes and chromosomal fragments lagging behind in anaphase. The two types of MN are usually distinguished from each other by centromeric fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), centromere-positive (C(+)) MN representing entire chromosomes and centromere-negative (C(-)) MN chromosomal fragments. The incorporation of various types of chromosomal fragments and chromosomes and chromatids to MN is still poorly understood.

Origin of nuclear buds and micronuclei in normal and folate-deprived human lymphocytes.

Micronuclei are formed from chromosomes and chromosomal fragments that lag behind in anaphase and are left outside daughter nuclei in telophase. They may also be derived from broken anaphase bridges. Nuclear buds, micronucleus-like bodies attached to the nucleus by a thin nucleoplasmic connection, have been proposed to be generated similarly to micronuclei during nuclear division or in S-phase as a stage in the extrusion of extra DNA, possibly giving rise to micronuclei.

In vivo micronuclei in uncultured T-lymphocytes of male railroad transit workers and referents.

In the biomonitoring of human genotoxic effects, micronuclei (MN) usually are scored in phytohaemagglutinin-stimulated cultured lymphocytes. MN also can be examined in uncultured lymphocytes, which facilitates the analysis of genotoxic damage incurred in vivo. Characterization of MN in cultured lymphocytes by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) has shown a clear over-representation of the X and Y chromosomes in the MN of males.

Identification and regulation of the gastric H+/K+-ATPase in the rat heart.

Unlabelled: Previous reports indicate that H+/K+-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) might be expressed in the heart.

Aims: The objectives of the present study were to explore the presence of H+/K+-ATPase protein and gene expression in the rat heart and to investigate whether the enzyme could contribute to potassium transport across the sarcolemma.

Methods And Results: We performed reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on mRNA from myocardium and isolated cardiomyocytes using primers specific for the gastric H+/K+-ATPase alpha-subunit.

[Self-reported level of practical skills after the revision of a medical school curriculum in Trondheim].

Background: The medical curriculum of the University of Trondheim was recently changed from a traditional (2.5 years preclinical studies followed by 3.5 years clinical studies) to an integrated, problem-based approach.

[Self-reported level of skills in practical procedures following internship in general practice].

Background: Previous reports have demonstrated variable and partly insufficient skills in standard practical procedures among young doctors who have served their internship. The present study examines the development of interns' self-reported level of skills in practical procedures during internship in general practice in relation to quantity and quality of supervision, gender and the size of the community they served in.

Material And Methods: Between 1996 and 1999, all doctors going through internships in Norway were asked to indicate their level of skills in 88 practical clinical procedures before and after internship in general practice.