A simple and robust method for preparation of cDNA nylon microarrays.

DNA array technology has made remarkable progress in recent years and has become an indispensable tool in molecular biology research. However, preparing high-quality custom-made DNA arrays at a reasonable cost is still an important concern because we cannot abandon the use of DNA array systems designed for specific purposes. To address these problems, we here report the use of rolling circle amplification products of cDNA plasmids dissolved in 80% formamide as DNA probes immobilized on a nylon membrane.

Effect of a topical steroid on gene expressions for chemokines in mice with contact hypersensitivity.

Effects of a topical corticosteroid drug, diflucortolone valerate, on the mRNA expressions for four CC- and four CXC-chemokines, which have been reported to be associated with recruitment of different kinds of proinflammatory and inflammatory cells, were investigated by RT-PCR in mice with 2,4,6-trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB)-induced contact hypersensitivity (CHS) response. All of the eight gene expressions were clearly up-regulated in the lesion site of the CHS response up to 24 h post-challenge of TNCB at which ear swelling response reached a peak, so that heavy infiltration of inflammatory cells consisting mainly of mononuclear cells and neutrophils was likely induced by these chemokines. Topical treatment with diflucortolone valerate suppressed completely the infiltrates as well as the ear swelling response.

Novel benzylidene-9(10H)-anthracenones as highly active antimicrotubule agents. Synthesis, antiproliferative activity, and inhibition of tubulin polymerization.

A novel series of 10-benzylidene-9(10H)-anthracenones and 10-(phenylmethyl)-9(10H)-anthracenones were synthesized and evaluated for antiproliferative activity in an assay based on K562 leukemia cells. The 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzylidene analogue 9h was found to be the most active compound (IC(50) K562: 20 nM). Structure-activity relationships are also considered.

Kinetic profiles of sequential gene expressions for chemokines in mice with contact hypersensitivity.

Using cDNA microarray technology, the expression of chemokine genes in the elicitation site of 2,4,6-trinitrochlorobenzene-induced contact hypersensitivity (CHS) was examined in mice. Of the 33 genes analyzed, levels of 11 gene expressions changed, and these can be assigned to four groups based on their kinetic patterns; (1) LARC/CCL20 whose mRNA level increased rapidly at 3 h post-challenge and then gradually decreased, (2) JE/CCL2, MARC/CCL7, MIP-1gamma/CCL9, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-5/CCL12, ELC/CCL19 and BRAK/CXCL14 whose mRNA levels increased with time and reached the maximum at 6-9 h post-challenge, (3) LIX/CXCL5, Mig/CXCL9 and IP-10/CXCL10 whose mRNA levels increased gradually at least up to 12 h post challenge, and (4) SLC/CCL21 whose mRNA level decreased gradually with time after challenge. The findings suggest that sequential expression of chemokine genes is essential for orientating non-specific skin response to hapten-specific CHS response through the recruitment of inflammatory cells such as neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages and T-cells from the circulation into the tissue site.

Enhancement of sensitivity by bestatin of acute promyelocytic leukemia NB4 cells to all-trans retinoic acid.

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) induces the differentiation of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cells into neutrophils. We found that bestatin, an inhibitor of CD13/aminopeptidase N, enhanced the sensitivity of APL NB4 cells to ATRA at concentrations of 0.1-1000ng/ml.