Semantic domains and supersens tagging for domain-specific ontology learning

In this paper we propose a novel unsupervised approach to learning domain-specific ontologies from large open-domain text collections. The method is based on the joint exploitation of Semantic Domains and Super Sense Tagging for Information Retrieval tasks. Our approach is able to retrieve domain specific terms and concepts while associating them with a set of high level ontological types, named supersenses, providing flat ontologies characterized by very high accuracy and pertinence to the domain.

Lats2, a novel regulator of Elongin BC ubiquitin ligase

Résumé : Le Large tumor suppressor, Lats2, est une protéine humaine homologue au suppresseur de tumeur Warts (Lats) de Drosophila melanogaster, qui réprime la prolifération des cellules en altérant leur cycle au niveau des transitions Gl/S et G2/M, et en induisant l'apoptose. Pourtant, la voie moléculaire par laquelle Lats2, une sériase-thréonine kinase, déclenche l'arrêt du cycle cellulaire, est toujours inconnue. Notre équipe a d'abord déterminé que Lats2 était un gène de réponse à la protéine p53 (Kostic et al., 2000). Par la suite, nous avons identifié des protéines interagissant avec Lats2, notamment les modules de reconnaissance du substrat des ligases Colline E3 (des protéines contenant Socs box ou F box) ainsi que deux Bous-unités du Signalosome CSN: CSN4 et CSNS. En outre, Lats2 est connue pour s'associer au Super-complexe composé de CSN et des ligases Colline E3 (Rongere, thesis, 2004; Rongere, unpublished results, 2005). Le travail présenté ici sur Lats2 a confirmé que cette protéine est une kinase associée à CSN. Nous avons caractérisé les interactions spécifiques de domaines de Lats2 avec hSocs3, hWsb 1 (des protéines Socs box) et hFBX-7 (une protéine F box), ainsi que les conséquences physiologiques des interactions avec hSocs3, hWsb1 et hSocs1. Des expériences de GST pull-down ont montré que les deux domaines, N-terminal et kinase, de Lats2 interagissent avec hSocs3, hWsb1 et hFBX-7, ce qui suggère aussi que l'ensemble de la protéine Lats2 est impliqué dans ces interactions. Une étude approfondie des interactions entre Lats2 et hSocs3 indique que le domaine kinase de Lats2 interagit avec la région de hSocs3 contenant un domaine SH2, situé en amont du domaine Socs box de hSocs3. Par ailleurs, Lats2 phosphoryle des régions spécifiques entre les domaines N-terminal et SH2 (Sl), et, entre les domaines SH2 et Socs box (S3) de la protéine hSocs3. Ces résultats révèlent que hSocs3 est un.nouveau substrat de Lats2. Des modifications de l'activité kinase ont aussi révélé que la protéine sauvage Lats2 (wt Lats2) était capable de phosphoryler hSocs3, alors qu'un mutant dead du domaine kinase Lats (poche ATP délétée, Lats2OATP) non. L'analyse des mutations a permis d'identifier deux résidus sériase situés aux positions 1441145 (S3), spécifiquement phosphorylés par wt Lats2. La phosphorylation des protéines représentant un signal de dégradation protéolytique, nous avons envisagé que Lats2 pouvait cibler hSocs3 pour une dégradation protéasomale. Lorsque wt Lats2 est surexprimée dans des cellules HEK293T et COS7, la demi-vie de hSocs3, un élément de la ligase Elongine BC-Colline É3 (ligase EBC), diminue significativement, effet que n'a pas la surexpression de Lats2OATP. De plus, la stabilité de hSocs3 dépend de la phosphorylation des résidus sériase aux positions 144/145 par wt Lats2. Bien que les sites de phosphorylation ne soient pas définis pour les deux autres modules de reconnaissance du substrat de la ligase EBC: hWsb 1 et hSocsl, leurs demi-vies diminuent également quand wt Lats2 est surexprimée. Pour les tests in vivo, nous avons synthétisé des esiRNA pour diminuer l'expression du gène endogène lats2, ce qui a entraîné une augmentation d'un facteur 2 de la demi-vie de hSocs3 et de hWsbl dans les cellules HEK293T. En conclusion, nos résultats suggérent que Lats2, une kinase associée au CSN, est un nouveau régulateur de la fonction des ligases EBC, agissant sur le renouvellement des protéines hSocs3, hSocs1 et hWsb1. Ainsi, Lats2 altère la spécificité et la capacité des ligases EBC, régulant par là même la stabilité de nombreuses protéines, ciblées par les ligases EBC pour une dégradation protéasomale. D'autres études devraient révéler si la modification observée de la fonction de la ligase EBC par Lats2, associée au Super-complexe, est également responsable du renouvellement des régulateurs du cycle cellulaire et des changements dans ce même cycle observés lors de la surexpression de Lats2. Summary : The Large tumor suppressor 2 (Lats2) is a human homologue of the Drosophila melanogaster tumor suppressor Warts (Cats) who negatively regulates cell proliferation by altering cell cycle Gl/S and G2/M transition and inducing apoptosis. However, the molecular pathway by which Lats2, a serine-threonine kinase, mediates cell cycle arrest is still unknown. Lats2 was initially identified to be a p53 response gene by our group (Kostic et al., 2000). Subsequently, our group identified interacting candidates of Lats2, including substrate recognition modules of Cullin-based E3 ligases (Socs box or F-box containing proteins) as well as two subunits of the Signalosome (CSN), CSN4 and CSNS. Additionally, Lats2 was shown to associate with a Super-complex, composed of CSN and Cullin-based E3 ligases (Rongere, thesis, 2004; Rongere, unpublished results, 2005) We hypothesized that Lats2 may perform its physiological function through interaction with CSN and Cullin-based E3 ligases. The present work on Lats2 has confirmed that Lats2 is a CSN associated kinase. We defined the domain specific interactions of Lats2 with hSocs3, hWsb1 (Sots box proteins) and hFBX-7 (F box protein), as well as the physiological consequences of interaction with hSocs3, hWsb1 and hSocs1. Both the N-terminal and the kinase domains of Lats2 interact with full-length hSocs3, hWsb1 and hFBX-7, determined in GST pull-down assays suggesting that full-length Lats2 protein is involved in interactions. Refinement of the Lats2 interaction with hSocs3 indicated that the kinase domain of Lats2 interacts with a region of hSocs3 containing a SH2 domain located upstream of the Socs box domain of the hSocs3. Moreover, Lats2 phosphorylated specific regions between the N-terminal and SH2 domain (S l) as well as between the SH2 domain and Socs box domain of hSocs3 (S3).These results indicate that hSocs3 is a novel Lats2 substrate. The kinase assay has also demonstrated that wt Lats2 was able to phosphorylate hSocs3, but not Lats2 kinase dead mutant (deleted ATP pocket, Lats20ATP). Mutational analysis identified two serine residues located at positions 144/145 (S3) to be specifically phosphorylated by wt Lats2. Phosphorylation of proteins has been shown to be a signal for proteolytic degradation of many characterized proteins. Thus we hypothesized that Lats2 could target hSocs3 for proteasomal degradation. When wt Lats2 was over-expressed in HEK293T cells and COST cells, the half-life of hSocs3, as a component of Elongin BC Cullin-based E3 ubiquitin ligase (EBC ligase), decreased significantly. In contrast, aver-expression of the Lats2OATP did not alter the half-life of hSocs3. Furthermore, the stability of hSocs3 depended on phosphorylation of serine residues at positions 144/145 by wt Lats2. Although the sites of phosphorylation were not defined for two other substrate recognition modules of EBC ligasehWsbl and hSocsl, their half-lives also decreased when wt Lats2 was over-expressed. To test in vivo, we synthesized esiRNA to knock-down endogenous Lats2 and subsequently we measured the half-lives of hSocs3 and hVVsb l . Here we demonstrated that the half-lives of hSocs3 and hWsbl were increased by the factor of two in Lats2-depleted HEK293T cells. In conclusion, our findings suggest that Lats2, a CSN associated kinase, is a novel regulator of EBC ligase function by regulating the turn-over of hSocs3, hSocs1 and hWsb1. Thus, Lats2 alters the specificity and capacity of EBC ligases regulating thereby the stability of numerous proteins which are targeted by EBC ligases for proteasomal degradation. Further studies should reveal whether the observed modulation of EBC ligase function by Lats2 associated with a Super-complex is also responsible for the turn-over of cell cycle regulators and the observed alteration in cell cycle by Lats2 over-expression.

A further examination of the distinction between dependency-oriented and achievement-oriented parental psychological control: Psychometric properties of the DAPCS with French-speaking late adolescents

Psychological control refers to parental behaviors that intrude on the psychological and emotional development of the child. In 2010, Soenens and colleagues proposed a distinction between two domain-specific expressions of psychological control, that is, Dependency-oriented Psychological Control (DPC) and Achievement-oriented Psychological Control (APC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the factor structure, reliability, and convergent validity of the French form of the Dependency-oriented and Achievement-oriented Psychological Control Scale (DAPCS; Soenens, Vansteenkiste, and Luyten, 2010) in a sample of late adolescents (N = 291, mean age = 21.65). Confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the hypothesized two-factor solution of the DAPCS for paternal as well as for maternal ratings. Moreover, high indices of internal consistency indicated that both subscales produced reliable scores. Further, convergent validity was confirmed by theoretically consistent associations between the DAPCS' subscales and well-established assessments of general parenting style dimensions. Finally, results evidenced gender specific patterns supporting the relevance of domain differentiation in the assessment of psychological control. Overall, the results of this study indicated that the French form of the DAPCS might be a useful instrument to assess two domainspecific types of parental psychological control among French-speaking adolescents.

Distribution of monocarboxylate transporters in the peripheral nervous system suggests putative roles in lactate shuttling and myelination.

Lactate, a product of glycolysis, has been shown to play a key role in the metabolic support of neurons/axons in the CNS by both astrocytes and oligodendrocytes through monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). Despite such importance in the CNS, little is known about MCT expression and lactate function in the PNS. Here we show that mouse MCT1, MCT2, and MCT4 are expressed in the PNS. While DRG neurons express MCT1, myelinating Schwann cells (SCs) coexpress MCT1 and MCT4 in a domain-specific fashion, mainly in regions of noncompact myelin. Interestingly, SC-specific downregulation of MCT1 expression in rat neuron/SC cocultures led to increased myelination, while its downregulation in neurons resulted in a decreased amount of neurofilament. Finally, pure rat SCs grown in the presence of lactate exhibited an increase in the level of expression of the main myelin regulator gene Krox20/Egr2 and the myelin gene P0. These data indicate that lactate homeostasis participates in the regulation of the SC myelination program and reveal that similar to CNS, PNS axon-glial metabolic interactions are most likely mediated by MCTs.

Intervals between response choices on a single-item measure of quality of life.

BACKGROUND: A single overall rating of quality of life (QoL) is a sensitive method that is often used in population surveys. However, the exact meaning of response choices is unclear. In particular, uneven spacing may affect the way QoL ratings should be analyzed and interpreted. This study aimed to determine the intervals between response choices to a single-item QoL assessment. METHODS: A secondary analysis was conducted on data from the Lc65+ cohort study and two additional, population-based, stratified random samples of older people (N = 5,300). Overall QoL was rated as excellent, very good, good, fair or poor. A QoL score (range 0-100) was derived from participants' answers to a 28-item QoL assessment tool. A transformed QoL score ranging from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) was calculated. The same procedure was repeated to compute seven domain-specific QoL subscores (Feeling of safety; Health and mobility; Autonomy; Close entourage; Material resources; Esteem and recognition; Social and cultural life). RESULTS: Mean (95 % confidence intervals) QoL scores were 96.23 (95.81-96.65) for excellent, 93.09 (92.74-93.45) for very good, 81.45 (80.63-82.27) for good, 65.44 (62.67-68.20) for fair and 54.52 (45.31-63.73) for poor overall QoL, corresponding to transformed QoL scores of respectively 5.00, 4.70, 3.58, 2.05, and 1.00. Ordinality of the categories excellent to poor was preserved in all seven QoL subscores. CONCLUSIONS: The excellent-to-poor rating scale provides an ordinal measure of overall QoL. The intervals between response choices are unequal, but an interval scale can be obtained after adequate recoding of excellent, very good, good, fair and poor.

PDZ domain-binding motif regulates cardiomyocyte compartment-specific NaV1.5 channel expression and function.

BACKGROUND: Sodium channel NaV1.5 underlies cardiac excitability and conduction. The last 3 residues of NaV1.5 (Ser-Ile-Val) constitute a PDZ domain-binding motif that interacts with PDZ proteins such as syntrophins and SAP97 at different locations within the cardiomyocyte, thus defining distinct pools of NaV1.5 multiprotein complexes. Here, we explored the in vivo and clinical impact of this motif through characterization of mutant mice and genetic screening of patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: To investigate in vivo the regulatory role of this motif, we generated knock-in mice lacking the SIV domain (ΔSIV). ΔSIV mice displayed reduced NaV1.5 expression and sodium current (INa), specifically at the lateral myocyte membrane, whereas NaV1.5 expression and INa at the intercalated disks were unaffected. Optical mapping of ΔSIV hearts revealed that ventricular conduction velocity was preferentially decreased in the transversal direction to myocardial fiber orientation, leading to increased anisotropy of ventricular conduction. Internalization of wild-type and ΔSIV channels was unchanged in HEK293 cells. However, the proteasome inhibitor MG132 rescued ΔSIV INa, suggesting that the SIV motif is important for regulation of NaV1.5 degradation. A missense mutation within the SIV motif (p.V2016M) was identified in a patient with Brugada syndrome. The mutation decreased NaV1.5 cell surface expression and INa when expressed in HEK293 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate the in vivo significance of the PDZ domain-binding motif in the correct expression of NaV1.5 at the lateral cardiomyocyte membrane and underline the functional role of lateral NaV1.5 in ventricular conduction. Furthermore, we reveal a clinical relevance of the SIV motif in cardiac disease.

T Cells Bearing a Chimeric Antigen Receptor against Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Mediate Vascular Disruption and Result in Tumor Regression.

Aberrant blood vessels enable tumor growth, provide a barrier to immune infiltration, and serve as a source of protumorigenic signals. Targeting tumor blood vessels for destruction, or tumor vascular disruption therapy, can therefore provide significant therapeutic benefit. Here, we describe the ability of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-bearing T cells to recognize human prostate-specific membrane antigen (hPSMA) on endothelial targets in vitro as well as in vivo. CAR T cells were generated using the anti-PSMA scFv, J591, and the intracellular signaling domains: CD3ζ, CD28, and/or CD137/4-1BB. We found that all anti-hPSMA CAR T cells recognized and eliminated PSMA(+) endothelial targets in vitro, regardless of the signaling domain. T cells bearing the third-generation anti-hPSMA CAR, P28BBζ, were able to recognize and kill primary human endothelial cells isolated from gynecologic cancers. In addition, the P28BBζ CAR T cells mediated regression of hPSMA-expressing vascular neoplasms in mice. Finally, in murine models of ovarian cancers populated by murine vessels expressing hPSMA, the P28BBζ CAR T cells were able to ablate PSMA(+) vessels, cause secondary depletion of tumor cells, and reduce tumor burden. Taken together, these results provide a strong rationale for the use of CAR T cells as agents of tumor vascular disruption, specifically those targeting PSMA. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(1); 68-84. ©2014 AACR.

Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 2: epitope mapping and biological activity analysis of specific antibodies

Background: Plasmodium falciparum(P. falciparum) merozoite surfaceprotein 2 (MSP-2) is one of bloodstage proteins that are associated withprotection from malaria. MSP-2 consistsof a highly polymorphic centralrepeat region flanked by a dimorphicregion that defines the two allelicfamilies, 3D7 and FC27; N- and Cterminalregions are conserved domains.Long synthetic peptides (LSP)representing the two allelic familiesof MSP-2 and constant regions arerecognized by sera from donors livingin endemic areas; and specific antibodies(Abs) are associated with protectionand active in antibody dependentcellular inhibition (ADCI) in vitro.However, the fine specificity ofAb response to the two allelic familiesof MSP-2 is unknown. Methods: Peptidesrepresenting dimorphic regionof 3D7 and FC27 families and theirC-terminal (common fragment to thetwo families) termed 3D7-D (88 aa),FC27-D (48 aa) and C (40 aa) respectivelywere synthesized. Overlapping20 mer peptides covering dimorphicand constant regions of two familieswere also synthesized for epitopemapping. Human sera were obtainedfrom donors living in malaria endemicareas. SpecificDand CregionsAbs were purified from single or poolhuman sera. Sera from mice were obtainedafter immunization with thetwo families LSP mixture in three differentadjuvants: alhydrogel (Alum),Glucopyranosyl Lipid Adjuvant-Stableoil-in-water Emulsion (GLA-SE)and Virosome. For ADCI, P. falciparum(strain 3D7) parasite wasmaintained in culture at 0.5% parasitemiaand 4% hematocrit in air tightbox at love oxygen (2%) and 37 ºC.Results: We identified several epitopesfrom the dimorphic and constantregions of both families of MSP-2, inmice and humans (adults and children).In human, most recognizedepitopes were the same in differentendemic regions for each domain ofthe two families of MSP-2. In mice,the differential recognition of epitopewas depending on the strain of mouseand interestingly on the adjuvantused. GLA-SE and alum as adjuvantswere more often associated with therecognition of multiple epitopes thanvirosomes. Epitope-specific Abs recognizednative merozoites of P.falciparum and were active in ADCIto block development of parasite.Conclusion: The delineation of a limitednumber of epitopes could be exploitedto develop MSP-2 vaccinesactive on both allelic families ofMSP-2.

Sumoylated PPARalpha mediates sex-specific gene repression and protects the liver from estrogen-induced toxicity in mice.

As most metabolic studies are conducted in male animals, understanding the sex specificity of the underlying molecular pathways has been broadly neglected; for example, whether PPARs elicit sex-dependent responses has not been determined. Here we show that in mice, PPARalpha has broad female-dependent repressive actions on hepatic genes involved in steroid metabolism and immunity. In male mice, this effect was reproduced by the administration of a synthetic PPARalpha ligand. Using the steroid oxysterol 7alpha-hydroxylase cytochrome P4507b1 (Cyp7b1) gene as a model, we elucidated the molecular mechanism of this sex-specific PPARalpha-dependent repression. Initial sumoylation of the ligand-binding domain of PPARalpha triggered the interaction of PPARalpha with GA-binding protein alpha (GABPalpha) bound to the target Cyp7b1 promoter. Histone deacetylase and DNA and histone methylases were then recruited, and the adjacent Sp1-binding site and histones were methylated. These events resulted in loss of Sp1-stimulated expression and thus downregulation of Cyp7b1. Physiologically, this repression conferred on female mice protection against estrogen-induced intrahepatic cholestasis, the most common hepatic disease during pregnancy, suggesting a therapeutic target for prevention of this disease.

Novel testis germ cell-specific transcript of the CREB gene contains an alternatively spliced exon with multiple in-frame stop codons.

The gene encoding the cAMP-responsive transcription factor CREB consists of multiple small exons some of which undergo alternative RNA splicing. We describe the finding of a novel transcript of the CREB gene expressed at high levels in the germ cells of the rat testis. The transcript contains an alternatively spliced exon inserted within the sequence encoding the transcriptional transactivation domain of CREB and this exon contains multiple in-frame stop codons. Furthermore, the exon is conserved in both rat and human genes (75% nucleotide identity). Although the function(s) of this RNA or the truncated CREB protein predicted to result from the translation of this unusual transcript is unknown, the high level of expression in the testicular germ cells and remarkable conservation of sequences in rat and human suggests that it may have a unique biological function in these cells.

Preferential binding of the methyl-CpG binding domain protein 2 at methylated transcriptional start site regions.

Methyl-CpG Binding Domain (MBD) proteins are thought to be key molecules in the interpretation of DNA methylation signals leading to gene silencing through recruitment of chromatin remodeling complexes. In cancer, the MBD-family member, MBD2, may be primarily involved in the repression of genes exhibiting methylated CpG at their 5' end. Here we ask whether MBD2 randomly associates methylated sequences, producing chance effects on transcription, or exhibits a more specific recognition of some methylated regions. Using chromatin and DNA immunoprecipitation, we analyzed MBD2 and RNA polymerase II deposition and DNA methylation in HeLa cells on arrays representing 25,500 promoter regions. This first whole-genome mapping revealed the preferential localization of MBD2 near transcription start sites (TSSs), within the region analyzed, 7.5 kb upstream through 2.45 kb downstream of 5' transcription start sites. Probe by probe analysis correlated MBD2 deposition and DNA methylation. Motif analysis did not reveal specific sequence motifs; however, CCG and CGC sequences seem to be overrepresented. Nonrandom association (multiple correspondence analysis, p < 0.0001) between silent genes, DNA methylation and MBD2 binding was observed. The association between MBD2 binding and transcriptional repression weakened as the distance between binding site and TSS increased, suggesting that MBD2 represses transcriptional initiation. This hypothesis may represent a functional explanation for the preferential binding of MBD2 at methyl-CpG in TSS regions.

Differential roles of T cell receptor alpha and beta chains in ligand binding among H-2Kd-restricted cytolytic T lymphocyte clones specific for a photoreactive Plasmodium berghei circumsporozoite peptide derivative.

To study the interaction of T cell receptor with its ligand, a complex of a major histocompatibility complex molecule and a peptide, we derived H-2Kd-restricted cytolytic T lymphocyte clones from mice immunized with a Plasmodium berghei circumsporozoite peptide (PbCS) 252-260 (SYIPSAEKI) derivative containing photoreactive Nepsilon-[4-azidobenzoyl] lysine in place of Pro-255. This residue and Lys-259 were essential parts of the epitope recognized by these clones. Most of the clones expressed BV1S1A1 encoded beta chains along with specific complementary determining region (CDR) 3beta regions but diverse alpha chain sequences. Surprisingly, all T cell receptors were preferentially photoaffinity labeled on the alpha chain. For a representative T cell receptor, the photoaffinity labeled site was located in the Valpha C-strand. Computer modeling suggested the presence of a hydrophobic pocket, which is formed by parts of the Valpha/Jalpha C-, F-, and G-strands and adjacent CDR3alpha residues and structured to be able to avidly bind the photoreactive ligand side chain. We previously found that a T cell receptor specific for a PbCS peptide derivative containing this photoreactive side chain in position 259 similarly used a hydrophobic pocket located between the junctional CDR3 loops. We propose that this nonpolar domain in these locations allow T cell receptors to avidly and specifically bind epitopes containing non-peptidic side chains.

Regulation of the DNA-binding and transcriptional activities of Xenopus laevis NFI-X by a novel C-terminal domain.

The nuclear factor I (NFI) family consists of sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins that activate both transcription and adenovirus DNA replication. We have characterized three new members of the NFI family that belong to the Xenopus laevis NFI-X subtype and differ in their C-termini. We show that these polypeptides can activate transcription in HeLa and Drosophila Schneider line 2 cells, using an activation domain that is subdivided into adjacent variable and subtype-specific domains each having independent activation properties in chimeric proteins. Together, these two domains constitute the full NFI-X transactivation potential. In addition, we find that the X. laevis NFI-X proteins are capable of activating adenovirus DNA replication through their conserved N-terminal DNA-binding domains. Surprisingly, their in vitro DNA-binding activities are specifically inhibited by a novel repressor domain contained within the C-terminal part, while the dimerization and replication functions per se are not affected. However, inhibition of DNA-binding activity in vitro is relieved within the cell, as transcriptional activation occurs irrespective of the presence of the repressor domain. Moreover, the region comprising the repressor domain participates in transactivation. Mechanisms that may allow the relief of DNA-binding inhibition in vivo and trigger transcriptional activation are discussed.

History of offending behavior in first episode psychosis patients: A marker of specific clinical needs and a call for early detection strategies among young offenders.

OBJECTIVES: Previous literature suggests that early psychosis (EP) patients with a history of offending behavior (HOB) have specific clinical needs. The aims of this study were to assess: (1) the prevalence of HOB in a representative sample of EP; (2) the premorbid and baseline characteristics of patients with HOB, and (3) the potential differences in short-term outcome of such patients when compared to patients without HOB. METHODS: The Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC) admitted 786 EP patients between 1998 and 2000. Data were collected from patients' files using a standardized questionnaire. Data of 647 patients could be analyzed. RESULTS: HOB patients (29% of the sample) were more likely to be male with lower level of premorbid functioning and education, have used illicit substances and have attempted suicide. They presented with a more complex clinical picture and had poorer 18-month outcome. Most importantly, they had a significantly longer duration of untreated psychosis. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the high prevalence and specific features of EP patients with HOB, our study confirms a need for additional research in this domain and for the development of specific treatment strategies. Most importantly, it suggests a need for the promotion of early detection strategies among the populations of young offenders, considering that some of them may be going through the early phases of a psychotic disorder and that reduction of treatment delay and provision of well adapted interventions may have a significant impact at numerous levels in such patients.

Tissue-specific and SRSF1-dependent splicing of fibronectin, a matrix protein that controls host cell invasion.

Cell invasion targets specific tissues in physiological placental implantation and pathological metastasis, which raises questions about how this process is controlled. We compare dermis and endometrium capacities to support trophoblast invasion, using matching sets of human primary fibroblasts in a coculture assay with human placental explants. Substituting endometrium, the natural trophoblast target, with dermis dramatically reduces trophoblast interstitial invasion. Our data reveal that endometrium expresses a higher rate of the fibronectin (FN) extra type III domain A+ (EDA+) splicing isoform, which displays stronger matrix incorporation capacity. We demonstrate that the high FN content of the endometrium matrix, and not specifically the EDA domain, supports trophoblast invasion by showing that forced incorporation of plasma FN (EDA-) promotes efficient trophoblast invasion. We further show that the serine/arginine-rich protein serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1) is more highly expressed in endometrium and, using RNA interference, that it is involved in the higher EDA exon inclusion rate in endometrium. Our data therefore show a mechanism by which tissues can be distinguished, for their capacity to support invasion, by their different rates of EDA inclusion, linked to their SRSF1 protein levels. In the broader context of cancer pathology, the results suggest that SRSF1 might play a central role not only in the tumor cells, but also in the surrounding stroma.