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Abstract Background Cell transdifferentiation is characterized by loss of some phenotypes along with acquisition of new phenotypes in differentiated cells. The differentiated state of a given cell is not irreversible. It depends on the up- and downregulation exerted by specific molecules. Results We report here that HCCR-1, previously shown to play an oncogenic role in human cancers, induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) in human and mouse, respectively. The stem cell factor receptor CD117/c-Kit was induced in this transdifferentiated (EMT) sarcoma tissues. This MET occurring in HCCR-1 transfected cells is reminiscent of the transdifferentiation process during nephrogenesis. Indeed, expression of HCCR-1 was observed during the embryonic development of the kidney. This suggests that HCCR-1 might be involved in the transdifferentiation process of cancer stem cell. Conclusions Therefore, we propose that HCCR-1 may be a regulatory factor that stimulates morphogenesis of epithelia or mesenchyme during neoplastic transformation.

Background: Cell transdifferentiation is characterized by loss of some phenotypes along with acquisition of new phenotypes in differentiated cells. The differentiated state of a given cell is not irreversible. It depends on the up- and downregulation exerted by specific molecules. Results: We report here that HCCR-1, previously shown to play an oncogenic role in human cancers, induces epithelialto- mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) in human and mouse, respectively. The stem cell factor receptor CD117/c-Kit was induced in this transdifferentiated (EMT) sarcoma tissues. This MET occurring in HCCR-1 transfected cells is reminiscent of the transdifferentiation process during nephrogenesis. Indeed, expression of HCCR-1 was observed during the embryonic development of the kidney. This suggests that HCCR-1 might be involved in the transdifferentiation process of cancer stem cell. Conclusions: Therefore, we propose that HCCR-1 may be a regulatory factor that stimulates morphogenesis of epithelia or mesenchyme during neoplastic transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the outcome of reoperation for persistent or recurrent hemifacial spasm (HFS) after microvascular decompression (MVD)., Methods: Repeat MVD was performed on 13 patients with an HFS between June 1994 and May 2004. Patients who had compressing offending vessels identified on postoperative (prerevision) three-dimensional short-range magnetic resonance angiography were selected for repeat MVD., Results: Six patients were found to have no improvement in HFS with the first MVD. All of these patients exhibited excellent improvement after the second MVD. In one patient who had mild improvement with the first MVD, but with more than 50% of remaining spasm, complete abolition of spasm occurred immediately after the second MVD. Six patients showed initial relief and subsequent aggravation of HFS after the first MVD. Of these patients, four had excellent results with the second MVD, one had a good result, and one had a fair outcome. Adverse effects after the second MVD were found in two patients (one patient with permanent mild facial weakness and one patient with hearing impairment). There was no serious morbidity associated with the second MVD., Conclusion: Our data suggest that repeat MVD of the facial nerve may be sufficient to resolve symptoms in selected patients with persistent or recurrent HFS. Additionally, three-dimensional short-range magnetic resonance angiography may help to identify the offending vessels and to select the patients with persistent or recurrent HFS.