Patterns of gene expression and copy-number alterations in von-hippel lindau disease-associated and sporadic clear cell carcinoma of the kidney.

Recent insights into the role of the von-Hippel Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene in hereditary and sporadic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) have led to new treatments for patients with metastatic ccRCC, although virtually all patients eventually succumb to the disease. We performed an integrated, genome-wide analysis of copy-number changes and gene expression profiles in 90 tumors, including both sporadic and VHL disease-associated tumors, in hopes of identifying new therapeutic targets in ccRCC. We identified 14 regions of nonrandom copy-number change, including 7 regions of amplification (1q, 2q, 5q, 7q, 8q, 12p, and 20q) and 7 regions of deletion (1p, 3p, 4q, 6q, 8p, 9p, and 14q).

Neuropeptide Y expression in phaeochromocytomas: relative absence in tumours from patients with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome.

Phaeochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumours that produce catecholamines and numerous secretory proteins and peptides, including neuropeptide Y (NPY), a vasoactive peptide with influences on blood pressure. The production of catecholamines and NPY by phaeochromocytomas is highly variable. This study examined influences of hereditary factors and differences in catecholamine production on tumour expression of NPY, as assessed by quantitative PCR, enzyme immunoassay and immunohistochemistry.

Different expression of catecholamine transporters in phaeochromocytomas from patients with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2.

Objective: Phaeochromocytomas in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2) produce adrenaline, whereas those with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome do not. This study assessed whether these distinctions relate to differences in expression of the transporters responsible for uptake and storage of catecholamines - the noradrenaline transporter and the vesicular monoamine transporters (VMAT 1 and VMAT 2).

Methods: Tumour tissue and plasma samples were obtained from 31 patients with hereditary phaeochromocytoma - 18 with VHL syndrome and 13 with MEN 2.

EXTENSIVE CHROMOSOMAL DIVERGENCE WITHIN A SINGLE RIVER BASIN IN THE GOODEID FISH, ILYODON FURCIDENS.

Extensive variation in the number of metacentric chromosomes exists among populations of the viviparous goodeid fish, Ilyodon furcidens, in the Río Coahuayana basin of south central Mexico (states of Colima and Jalisco). The variation can be divided, somewhat arbitrarily, into four "cytotypes" with 0-2, 0-4, 6 and 10-16 metacentrics. Of these, the first, shared with the closely adjacent Río Armería and similar to other species of Ilyodon, is probably ancestral.