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Protein denaturation is a common process in the food industry, which can impact food quality and safety. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a powerful tool that can be used to predict protein denaturation in food products. In this review article, we present an overview of the application of CFD simulation in predicting protein denaturation in food products. We discuss the factors that influence protein denaturation, the importance of predicting protein denaturation, and the various numerical methods used in protein denaturation studies. The main focus of the article is the use of CFD simulation in predicting protein denaturation in selected food products, such as milk, meat, and eggs. We provide examples of numerical studies that have been conducted on these products, and we discuss the results and implications of these studies. The use of CFD simulation can help to optimize food processing conditions, improve food quality and safety, and reduce waste and costs in the food industry. Overall, this review article highlights the importance of using advanced computational tools such as CFD simulation in food science, research and development.

Signaling through classical death receptor Fas was mainly appreciated as a pro-death pathway until recent reports characterized pro-inflammatory outcomes of Fas-mediated activation in pathological contexts. How Fas signaling can switch to pro-inflammatory activation is poorly understood. Herein, we report that in macrophages and neutrophils, the Toll-like receptor (TLR) adapter CD14 determines the inflammatory output of Fas-mediated signaling. Our findings propose CD14 as a crucial chaperone of Fas receptor internalization in macrophages and neutrophils, resulting in Cd14−/−myeloid cells that are protected from FasL-induced apoptosis, activate nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and release cytokines in response. As in TLR signaling, CD14 is also required for Fas to signal through the adaptor TRIF (TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β) and induce a pro-death complex. Our findings demonstrate that CD14 availability can determine the switch between Fas-mediated pro-death and pro-inflammatory outcomes by internalizing the receptor.

Caspase-8-dependent pyroptosis has been shown to mediate host protection from Yersiniainfection. For this mode of cell death, the kinase activity of receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) is required, but the autophosphorylation sites required to drive caspase-8 activation have not been determined. Here, we show that non-canonical autophosphorylation of RIPK1 at threonine 169 (T169) is necessary for caspase-8-mediated pyroptosis. Mice with alanine in the T169 position are highly susceptible to Yersiniadissemination. Mechanistically, the delayed formation of a complex containing RIPK1, ZBP1, Fas-associated protein with death domain (FADD), and caspase-8 abrogates caspase-8 maturation in T169A mice and leads to the eventual activation of RIPK3-dependent necroptosis in vivo; however, this is insufficient to protect the host, suggesting that timely pyroptosis during early response is specifically required to control infection. These results position RIPK1 T169 phosphorylation as a driver of pyroptotic cell death critical for host defense.

Thermoelectric materials could play an important role in global sustainable energy. However, improving thermoelectric efficiency has proved difficult, largely due to the complex interdependence of electronic properties of solids. Early work by Ioffe has developed into the standard thermoelectric optimization paradigm of tuning the electronic carrier concentration in semiconductors. Although the localization theory of electrons by Anderson and Mott has developed in parallel, its potential for thermoelectrics optimization has not been explored. Here, we show that structural-disorder-induced electron localization also provides an effective optimization strategy for thermoelectric materials. By using a transport model that includes the relevant physics of localization, it is shown that the maximum thermoelectric figure of merit can be increased ∼20% by tuning both carrier concentration and disorder. The benefit of slight disorder is confirmed in two model Ge-Sb-Te material systems. Particularly for highly degenerate semiconductors, this bidimensional optimization strategy provides a new methodology to attain high thermoelectric performance.

Interferons (IFNs) are critical determinants in immune-competence and autoimmunity, and are endogenously regulated by a low-level constitutive feedback loop. However, little is known about the functions and origins of constitutive IFN. Recently, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced IFN was implicated as a driver of necroptosis, a necrotic form of cell death downstream of receptor-interacting protein (RIP) kinase activation and executed by mixed lineage kinase like-domain (MLKL) protein. We found that the pre-established IFN status of the cell, instead of LPS-induced IFN, is critical for the early initiation of necroptosis in macrophages. This pre-established IFN signature stems from cytosolic DNA sensing via cGAS/STING, and maintains the expression of MLKL and one or more unknown effectors above a critical threshold to allow for MLKL oligomerization and cell death. Finally, we found that elevated IFN-signaling in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) augments necroptosis, providing a link between pathological IFN and tissue damage during autoimmunity.

The ability to study the adsorption behavior of surfactant species is of interest in the field of enhanced oil recovery (EOR), especially pertaining to alkaline surfactant flooding. In this work, a calcite model mineral surface was obtained by electrochemically assisted deposition. This was achieved via the nitrate and/or oxygen electroreduction reactions in the presence of bicarbonate and calcium ions, by which controlled deposition of calcium carbonate was effected on a quartz crystal microbalance sensor covered with an electroactive gold layer. In addition, the effect of pH and Ca2+concentration on the effective surface charge of the deposited calcite particles was mapped. Calcite-modified sensors were used in conjunction with a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring to study the effect of Na+and Ca2+concentration on the adsorption behavior of an anionic alcohol alkoxy sulfate (AAS) surfactant. Adsorption of the surfactant remained indifferent to ionic concentrations around the isoelectric point of calcite. Still, electrostatics play an important role in this regard, and it is essential to decrease the Ca2+concentration sufficiently to minimize AAS adsorption. The results from this study show that a relatively simple method allows for the controlled deposition of a model rock surface, and there is ample opportunity to extend the work to other metal oxide surface types, including complex mixtures as can be obtained by co-deposition. Furthermore, the findings from these adsorption studies aid in the determination of optimal flooding parameters, with the aim to increase the efficiency and efficacy of EOR.

Abstract:Félix Morisseau-Leroy is a poet beloved by many Haitian poetry auditors and readers. The term auditorsprecedes readersbecause those who encountered his Haitain-Creole poems for the first time often heard them broadcast via radio in Port-au-Prince and elsewhere in Haiti from the 1950s until he died in 1998. Morriseau-Leroy also rode the nation’s diasporic airwaves, which reached across and connected Montreal and Miami, New York and Dakar, Boston and Kinshasa, Chicago and Havana, Santo Domingo and Nassau.

Few actualistic studies of the patterns resulting from human preparation and consumption of birds inform interpretations of archeological avifauna assemblages. This study focuses on developing new and adding to existing interpretive models. We examine differences in bone modifications produced by a culturally homogeneous group of eaters consuming medium-sized birds cooked using three cross-culturally common methods. We use the analytical concept of discard packages to capture variability in how groups of skeletal elements might be deposited into the archeological record. We also examine chop/cut marks, burn marks, and chew marks as these are variables that archeologists frequently use to identify and interpret anthropogenic avifaunal assemblages. We find that the creation of discard packages appears to be culturally motivated and varies little within our group of eaters, but the degree to which the associated elements are disaggregated during consumption is highly variable and depends on individual preference. Additionally, we find that while the presence and locations of chop marks are consistent across cooking methods and individual consumption preferences, the presence and locations of cut marks, burn marks, and chew marks are affected by cooking methods, individual preferences, or both.

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine known for its role in immunity, and previous studies have shown that IL-12 provides mitigation of radiation injury. In this study, we utilize a multimodal microscopy system equipped with second harmonic generation (SHG) and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) to examine the effect of IL-12 on collagen structure and cellular metabolic activity in vivo during skin wound healing. This preliminary study illustrates the highly dynamic and heterogeneous in vivo microenvironment of the wounded skin. In addition, results suggest that IL-12 triggers a significantly more rapid and greater cellular metabolic response in the wounded animals. These results can elucidate insights into the response mechanism of IL-12 in both wound healing and acute radiation syndrome.

The article offers information on the International Skating Union International Ice Dance Development Training Seminar for Coaches and their Couples from Asia, Oceania, the Pacific Region and South Africa held in Seoul, South Korea from August 17 to 23, 2014.

Fused deposition modeling 3D printing (FDM-3DP) employing electrically conductive filaments has recently been recognized as an exceptionally attractive tool for the manufacture of sensing devices. However, capabilities of 3DP electrodes to measure electric properties of materials have not yet been explored. To bridge this gap, we employ bimaterial FDM-3DP combining electrically conductive and insulating filaments to build an integrated platform for sensing conductivity and permittivity of liquids by impedance measurements. The functionality of the device is demonstrated by measuring conductivity of aqueous potassium chloride solution and bottled water samples and permittivity of water, ethanol, and their mixtures. We further implement an original idea of applying impedance measurements to investigate dimensions of 3DP channels as base structures of microfluidic devices, complemented by their optical microscopic analysis. We demonstrate that FDM-3DP allows the manufacture of microchannels of width down to 80 μm.

ABSTRACTMouse-derived macrophages have the unique ability to restrict or permit Legionella pneumophilaintracellular growth. The common inbred mouse strain C57BL/6J (B6) restricts L. pneumophilagrowth, whereas macrophages derived from A/J mice allow >103-fold bacterial growth within three days. This phenotypic difference was mapped to the mouse Naip5allele. The B6 restrictive Naip5allele is dominant, and six amino acid changes in its product were predicted to control permissiveness. By using the wild-derived mouse strain MOLF/Ei, we found that MOLF/Ei-derived macrophages also restrict L. pneumophilagrowth, yet the Naip5 protein is identical to the A/J Naip5 at the six-amino-acid signature. The MOLF/Ei restrictive trait, unlike that of B6-derived macrophages, was not dominant over the A/J trait. In spite of this phenotypic difference, the L. pneumophilagrowth restriction in MOLF/Ei macrophages was mapped to the Naip5region as well, indicating that the originally predicted change in the A/J Naip5allele may not be critical for restriction. In the product of the A/J Naip5permissive allele, there are four unique amino acid changes that map to a NACHT-like domain. Similar misregulating mutations have been identified in the NACHT domains of Nod-like receptor (NLR) proteins. Therefore, one of these mutations may be critical for restriction of L. pneumophilaintracellular growth, and this parallels results found with human NLR variants with defects in the innate immune response.

Mouse-derived macrophages have the unique ability to restrict or permit Legionella pneumophila intracellular growth. The common inbred mouse strain C57BL/6J (B6) restricts L. pneumophila growth, whereas macrophages derived from A/J mice allow >103-fold bacterial growth within three days. This phenotypic difference was mapped to the mouse Naip5 allele. The B6 restrictive Naip5 allele is dominant, and six amino acid changes in its product were predicted to control permissiveness. By using the wild-derived mouse strain MOLF/Ei, we found that MOLF/Ei-derived macrophages also restrict L. pneumophila growth, yet the Naip5 protein is identical to the A/J Naip5 at the six-amino-acid signature. The MOLF/Ei restrictive trait, unlike that of B6-derived macrophages, was not dominant over the A/J trait. In spite of this phenotypic difference, the L. pneumophila growth restriction in MOLF/Ei macrophages was mapped to the Naip5 region as well, indicating that the originally predicted change in the A/J Naip5 allele may not be critical for restriction. In the product of the A/J Naip5 permissive allele, there are four unique amino acid changes that map to a NACHT-like domain. Similar misregulating mutations have been identified in the NACHT domains of Nod-like receptor (NLR) proteins. Therefore, one of these mutations may be critical for restriction of L. pneumophila intracellular growth, and this parallels results found with human NLR variants with defects in the innate immune response.

Presents proceedings of the CORROSION/2004 annual conference and exposition sponsored by the NACE International organization in New Orleans, Louisiana from March 28 to April 1, 2004. Winners of the 2004 awards; Discussion on the Corrosion Prevention Program of the U.S. Department of Defense; Goals of the NACE International Roundtable; Activities of the NACE Foundation.

Presents news updates related to the National Association of Corrosion Engineers as of September 2003. Presentation of its scholarship award in California; Proposed revision to the Solvent Cleaning regulation; Initiatives launched in the coatings industry of the U.S.

C57BL/10ScCr (Cr) mice carry a deletion of the Toll-like receptor 4 (tlr4) gene (i.e. they are tlr40/0) and are thus refractory to LPS effects. Insertion of wild-type tlr4 transgene into the tlr40/0 Cr germ line endowed LPS susceptibility in the two transgenic lines created, indicating that TLR4 is the only limiting factor for LPS responsiveness in Cr mice. The absolute levels of tlr4 mRNA expressed by the heterozygous transgenic (tlr4Tr/0), wild-type C57BL/10ScSn (Sn) (tlr4+/+) and heterozygous F1 (Sn × Cr) (tlr4+/0) mice varied markedly. However, the pattern of distribution of expression in the different organs was the same in all strains. In different biological assays (B cell mitogenicity, cytokine induction and lethal toxicity) the degree of LPS response obtained in the different strains of mice correlated with the levels of tlr4 mRNA expression. In macrophages, investigation of the LPS-induced cytokine (IL-6) response revealed a linear relationship between the response and the logarithm of TLR4–MD-2 levels.

Neuropilin‐2 (NP‐2) is a cell surface transmembrane protein originally characterized as a receptor for the type 3 semaphorins, and more recently for a number of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) isoforms. NP‐2 expression has been recently localized to a subset of neuroendocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this study was to define the expression pattern of NP‐2 in normal pancreatic islets and to determine the utility of NP‐2 expression as a diagnostic marker of pancreatic endocrine tumours. Paraffin‐embedded tissue sections from 30 endocrine pancreatic tumours (EPTs) and from normal pancreas were immunostained with a rabbit polyclonal antibody generated towards NP‐2. Nineteen of the tumours were hormonally functional (nine insulinomas, nine gastrinomas, and one glucagonoma). The NP‐2 staining pattern was correlated with islet cell hormone expression. In addition, NP‐2 expression was evaluated in other normal neuroendocrine tissues and neuroendocrine neoplasms. In normal pancreas, NP‐2 stained a distinct subset of islet cells situated primarily at the islet periphery. Double immunohistochemical staining revealed co‐localization with glucagon‐expressing cells. Moderate to strong NP‐2 staining was present in 27 of 30 EPTs. Serial staining of the pancreatic tumours with insulin, gastrin, glucagon, pancreatic polypeptide (PP) or somatostatin did not reveal a distinct pattern of co‐localization. NP‐2 expression was not detected in neuroendocrine cells outside the gastroenteropancreatic system, or in their corresponding neoplasms, except for focal staining in one bronchial carcinoid tumour. In conclusion, the vast majority of EPTs examined expressed NP‐2, suggesting its utility as a diagnostic marker for these tumours. The function of NP‐2 in islet cell biology or tumourigenesis remains to be elucidated. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The effect of phensuccinal, a low-toxic succinic acid derivative, on the function of pancreatic β-cells in the evolution of absolute insulin insufficiency was studied in rats with neonatally induced streptozotocin diabetes mellitus. Phensuccinal (25 mg/kg body weight) prevented disorders in the secretory response of β-cells to glucose load at all stages of the study (2, 5, and 14 days after diabetes induction). This effect was realized via stimulation of the regenerative processes in the insulin-producing system of the pancreas and activation of the antioxidant system in diabetic animals.

Neuropilin-2 (np-2) is a receptor for semaphorin-3F (sema-3F) and semaphorin-3C (sema-3C). These semaphorins repel tips of growing axons that express np-2. In addition, np-2 functions as a receptor for heparin binding forms of the angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) such as VEGF145 and VEGF165. We report that np-2 is strongly expressed in neuroendocrine cells located all along the human digestive tract. Confocal fluorescent microscopy revealed that np-2 is concentrated in vesicle-like structures located near the nucleus at the basolateral side of these cells. In the colon, the np-2-expressing subpopulation of neuroendocrine cell is almost identical with the serotonin-producing subpopulation of neuroendocrine cells. Gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors are digestive tract tumors that develop from neuroendocrine cells. Interestingly, most of the carcinoid tumors derived from the colon and the appendix did not contain np-2-producing cells. However, some carcinoid tumors derived from the small intestine and stomach did express low levels of np-2 in isolated foci of cells. By contrast, strong serotonin and chromogranin-A expression was observed in all of the carcinoid tumors that were examined. These results suggest that loss of np-2 expression may accompany tumor progression in carcinoid tumors.

The products of the neuropilin-1 (Np-1) and neuropilin-2 (Np-2) genes are receptors for factors belonging to the class 3 semaphorin family and participate in the guidance of growing axons to their targets. In the presence of heparin-like molecules, both receptors also function as receptors for the heparin-binding 165-amino acid isoform of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF165). Both receptors are unable to bind to the 121-amino acid isoform of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF121), which lacks a heparin-binding domain. Interestingly, complexes corresponding in size to125I-VEGF121·neuropilin complexes are formed when 125I-VEGF121is bound and cross-linked to porcine aortic endothelial cells co-expressing VEGFR-1 and either Np-1 or Np-2. These complexes do not seem to represent complexes of 125I-VEGF121with a truncated form of VEGFR-1, presumably formed as a result of the presence of Np-1 or Np-2 in the cells, because such truncated forms could not be detected with anti-VEGFR-1 antibodies. Antibodies directed against VEGFR-1 co-immunoprecipitated the125I-VEGF121·Np-2 sized cross-linked complex along with 125I-VEGF121·VEGFR-1 complexes from cells expressing both VEGFR-1 and Np-2 but not from control cells, indicating that VEGFR-1 and Np-2 associate with each other. To perform the reciprocal experiment we have expressed in porcine aortic endothelial cells a Np-2 receptor containing an in-framemycepitope at the C terminus. Surprisingly, themyc-tagged Np-2 receptor lost most of its VEGF165binding capacity but not its semaphorin-3F binding ability. Nevertheless, when Np-2mycwas co-expressed in cells with VEGFR-1, it partially regained its VEGF165binding ability. Antibodies directed against the mycepitope co-immunoprecipitated125I-VEGF165·Np-2mycand125I- VEGF165·VEGFR-1 complexes from cells co-expressing VEGFR-1 and Np-2myc, indicating again that VEGFR-1 associates with Np-2. Our experiments therefore indicate that Np-2, and possibly also Np-1, associate with VEGFR-1 and that such complexes may be part of a cell membrane-associated signaling complex.

Vascular endothelial growth factor is a major inducer of angiogenesis and a vascular permeability inducing factor. Its expression is upregulated in many types of tumors and it is thought to be a ma¬jor inducer of tumor angiogenesis. This article focuses on the role of vascular endothelial growth factor in tumor progression and on current efforts aimed at the inhibition of tumor progression through the inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor activity.

Tlr4 has emerged as a specific conduit for the bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) response. The fact that such a protein exists, and furthermore, the fact that it is one member of a family of proteins expressed by mononuclear cells, yields considerable insight into the mechanism by which phagocytes "see" the microbial universe. It cannot yet be assumed that all the Tlrs have specificity comparable to that of Tlr4, but it is probable that they do, given the molecular constraints to which all proteins are subject. Indeed, it is remarkable that Tlr4 is able to sense so diverse an array of LPS molecules as it does. The total number of Tlr proteins is not yet known. Although approximately 30 leucine-rich proteins bearing Toll-like cytoplasmic domains might be anticipated based on a survey of the genes in Drosophila, far fewer Toll-like genes have been found in mammals to date, although approximately 2 million expressed sequence tag sequences are now archived, and much of the genome has been covered. Some of the Toll-like proteins are, in fact, cytokine receptors. Ten leucine-rich Tlrs have been reported so far. Even a small number of receptors might be sufficient to confer recognition of most pathogens, be they fungi, bacteria, or protozoa. Some such receptors may also play developmental roles. The mutational deletion of Tlr genes alone and in combination with one another may help to establish the functions of each member of this newly emergent family of proteins.

For the sake of coherence, this account is written chiefly in the person of the first author, though it represents the joint recollection of both authors, who were party to the cloning of Lps.Numerous dates and events were reconstructed based upon meticulous records kept by Betsy Layton, Administrative Assistant to the first author, who also participated in the cloning effort. Scientific citations are indicated in superscript and are to be found under References; comments are indicated as {n} and are to be found under Notes (section before References).

Neuropilin-1 (np-1) and neuropilin-2 (np-2) are receptors for axon guidance factors belonging to the class 3 semaphorins. np-1 also binds to the 165-amino acid heparin-binding form of VEGF (VEGF165) but not to the shorter VEGF121form, which lacks a heparin binding ability. We report that human umbilical vein-derived endothelial cells express the a17 and a22 splice forms of the np-2 receptor. Both np-2 forms bind VEGF165with high affinity in the presence of heparin (KD1.3 × 10−10m) but not VEGF121. np-2 also binds the heparin-binding form of placenta growth factor. These binding characteristics resemble those of np-1. VEGF145is a secreted heparin binding VEGF form that contains the peptide encoded by exon 6 of VEGF but not the peptide encoded by exon 7, which is present in VEGF165. VEGF145binds to np-2 with high affinity (KD7 × 10−10m). Surprisingly, VEGF145did not bind to np-1. Indeed, VEGF145does not bind to MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, which predominantly express np-1. By contrast, VEGF145binds to human umbilical vein-derived endothelial cells, which express both np-1 and np-2. The binding of VEGF165to porcine aortic endothelial cells expressing recombinant np-2 did not affect the proliferation or migration of the cells. Nevertheless, it is possible that VEGF-induced np-2-mediated signaling will take place only in the presence of other VEGF receptors such as VEGF receptor-1 or VEGF receptor-2.

The protein product of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 gene has been implicated in the signal transduction events induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In mice, destructive mutations ofTlr4impede the normal response to LPS and cause a high susceptibility to Gram-negative infection. Expression of TLR4 mRNA in humans is restricted to a small number of cell types, including LPS-responsive myeloid cells, B-cells, and endothelial cells. To investigate the molecular basis for TLR4 expression in cells of myeloid origin, we cloned the human TLR4 gene and analyzed its putative 5′-proximal promoter. In transient transfections a region of only 75 base pairs upstream of the major transcription initiation site was sufficient to induce maximal luciferase activity in THP-1 cells. The sequence of this region is similar in human and mouse TLR4 genes and lacks a TATA box, typical Sp1-sites or CCAAT box sequences. Instead, it contains consensus-binding sites for Ets family transcription factors, octamer-binding factors, and a composite interferon response factor/Ets motif. The activity of the promoter in macrophages was strictly dependent on the integrity of both half sites of the composite interferon response factor/Ets motif, which was constitutively bound by the myeloid and B-cell-specific transcription factor PU.1 and interferon consensus sequence-binding protein. These results indicate that the two tissue-restricted transcription factors PU.1 and interferon consensus sequence-binding protein participate in the basal regulation of human TLR4 in myeloid cells. Cloning of the human TLR4 gene provides a basis for further investigation of the possible impact of genetic variations on the susceptibility to infection and sepsis.

The protein product of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 gene has been implicated in the signal transduction events induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In mice, destructive mutations of Tlr4 impede the normal response to LPS and cause a high susceptibility to Gram-negative infection. Expression of TLR4 mRNA in humans is restricted to a small number of cell types, including LPS-responsive myeloid cells, B-cells, and endothelial cells. To investigate the molecular basis for TLR4 expression in cells of myeloid origin, we cloned the human TLR4 gene and analyzed its putative 5'-proximal promoter. In transient transfections a region of only 75 base pairs upstream of the major transcription initiation site was sufficient to induce maximal luciferase activity in THP-1 cells. The sequence of this region is similar in human and mouse TLR4 genes and lacks a TATA box, typical Sp1-sites or CCAAT box sequences. Instead, it contains consensus-binding sites for Ets family transcription factors, octamer-binding factors, and a composite interferon response factor/Ets motif. The activity of the promoter in macrophages was strictly dependent on the integrity of both half sites of the composite interferon response factor/Ets motif, which was constitutively bound by the myeloid and B-cell-specific transcription factor PU.1 and interferon consensus sequence-binding protein. These results indicate that the two tissue-restricted transcription factors PU.1 and interferon consensus sequence-binding protein participate in the basal regulation of human TLR4 in myeloid cells. Cloning of the human TLR4 gene provides a basis for further investigation of the possible impact of genetic variations on the susceptibility to infection and sepsis.

Proceeding from our observation that LPS-unresponsive mice of the strain C57BL/10ScCr mice fail to express the Tlr4gene [Poltorak A, He X. Smirnova I et al. Defective LPS signaling in C3H/HeJ and C57BL/10ScCr mice: mutations in Tlr4gene. Science1998; 282: 2085], we have defined the exact limits of a deletion encompassing Tlr4in the C57BL/10ScCr genome. The deletion removes 74723 bp of DNA, with reference to the control strain 129/J (from which the complete sequence of the Tlr4locus was obtained). There is no inserted element, and no re-arrangement of the chromosome (e.g. inversion or translocation) in the immediate region of Tlr4; the deletion removes only one recognizable gene. Hence, other immunological anomalies that have been identified in C57BL/10ScCr mice (a non-healing phenotype in Leishmaniainoculation and failure to produce interferon-γ in response to numerous microbial infections) must be ascribed to one of two causes. Mutation(s) at other loci may be responsible for these defects. Alternatively, Tlr4locus deletion may have phenotypic consequences that exceed the well known blockade of LPS signal transduction.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a highly specific mitogen for vascular endothelial cells. Five VEGF isoforms are generated as a result of alternative splicing from a single VEGF gene. These isoforms differ in their molecular mass and in biological properties such as their ability to bind to cell‐surface heparan‐sulfate proteoglycans. The expression of VEGF is potentiated in response to hypoxia, by activated oncogenes, and by a variety of cytokines. VEGF induces endothelial cell proliferation, promotes cell migration, and inhibits apoptosis. In vivoVEGF induces angiogenesis as well as permeabilization of blood vessels, and plays a central role in the regulation of vasculogenesis. Deregulated VEGF expression contributes to the development of solid tumors by promoting tumor angiogenesis and to the etiology of several additional diseases that are characterized by abnormal angiogenesis. Consequently, inhibition of VEGF signaling abrogates the development of a wide variety of tumors. The various VEGF forms bind to two tyrosine‐kinase receptors, VEGFR‐1 (flt‐1) and VEGFR‐2 (KDR/flk‐1), which are expressed almost exclusively in endothelial cells. Endothelial cells express in addition the neuropilin‐1 and neuropilin‐2 coreceptors, which bind selectively to the 165 amino acid form of VEGF (VEGF165). This review focuses on recent developments that have widened considerably our understanding of the mechanisms that control VEGF production and VEGF signal transduction and on recent studies that have shed light on the mechanisms by which VEGF regulates angiogenesis.—Neufeld, G., Cohen, T., Gengrinovitch, S., Poltorak, Z. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors. FASEB J.13, 9–22 (1999)

ABSTRACT: In mouse macrophages (RAW 264.7 cells), toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4) is a limiting factor in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) signal transduction. The expression of only 1–2 × 104copies of recombinant Tlr4 per cell enhances sensitivity to LPS, shifting the EC50 by 30-fold to the left. Expression of the Tlr4Lps−disoform of Tlr4 (found in C3H/HeJ mice) shifts the EC50 2600-fold to the right, essentially abolishing LPS responses. A truncated form of Tlr4, lacking a cytoplasmic domain, exerts only a weak inhibitory effect on signal transduction. Similarly, the normal or Tlr4Lps−dforms of protein lacking a cytoplasmic domain, cause modest inhibition of LPS signaling. Manipulations of Tlr4 structure and expression cause changes in LPS sensitivity that range over 3 to 4 orders of magnitude. These findings support the view that Tlr4 is an integral component of a solitary pathway for LPS signal transduction in macrophages and permit inferences related to the mechanism of signaling and its blockade.

The human neuronal cell-1 (HCN-1) line has recently been established. Under favorable conditions, these cells differentiate into mature neuronal phenotypes. Here we report on further characterization of these cells. Cultured HCN-1 cells express fibronectin immunoreactivity and grow well on fibronectin substrate but do not respond to human bFGF. In the undifferentiated state, some HCN-1 cells show MHC class I antigen expression. After differentiation, HCN-1 cells and their processes are MHC class I negative. On the other hand, interferon-γ stimulation enhances MHC class I expression but does not induce MHC class II immunoreactivity. Our in vitro data indicate that HCN-1 cells express mixed characteristics, including both neuronal and mesenchymal markers, and are consistent with the suggestion that the HCN-1 cell line resembles an immature neuroepithelial cell precursor with a complex origin.One possible application of the use of the HCN-1 cells includes intracerebral transplantation. We also examined the survival of dissociated HCN-1 cells implanted into rat brain parenchyma. The host animals were not immunosuppressed. Despite expression of MHC class I antigens, small clusters of HCN-1 cells survived in the rat brain. These xenografts did not induce distinct immunological responses within the host brain tissue. Surviving HCN-1 cells demonstrated similar features to those observed in culture.Our preliminary results suggest that the HCN-1 cell line would be suitable for intracerebral transplantation in primates or humans. However, it may be that short-term host immunosuppression or addition of HCN-1 cell differentiation factors would be beneficial for enhanced cell survival.

Recently, we have shown that intracerebral transplantation of fetal F344/N hypothalamic tissue into LEW/N rats converts the LEW/N inflammatory-susceptible phenotype into an inflammatory-resistant phenotype in LEW/N hosts. Because LEW/N rats also exhibit relatively high acoustic startle responses (ASRs) compared to F344/N rats, in the present study we examined the effects on ASR of transplantation of F344/N hypothalamic tissue into the third ventricle of LEW/N rats. Dissected neuronal tissue from F344/N rats (Day E15-16) was implanted into the third ventricle of LEW/N rats. After 4 wk of postoperative survival, the animals' responses to acoustic startle stimuli were tested. Compared to naive and sham-operated animals, LEW/N rats transplanted with hypothalamic tissue exhibited significant decreases in ASR amplitudes. A similar decrease in ASR amplitude was observed in the group of LEW/N rats transplanted with embryonic striatal tissue. Our results indicate that the third ventricular neuronal grafts may modulate behavioral responses in the LEW/N rats. Although the mechanism of this effect is unknown, these studies suggest that intracerebral neuronal transplantation is a viable method with which to explore mechanisms of behavioral, neuroendocrine, and inflammatory response associations.