Nature view
Research highlights from the NPG family of journals.
Role of PARP in CML cell death
Although its precise mechanism of action is unclear, imatinib mesylate (Gleevec) is successfully used to treat Bcr-Abl-positive chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). The role of the caspase-dependent pathway in imatinib-induced cell death is well established but is unlikely to be the only factor. In a recent study in Cell Death & Differentiation, Moehring and colleagues suggest that poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) could also be an essential mediator of imatinib-induced cell death. They found a rapid increase in poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PAR) in imatinib-treated cells prior to cell death, whereas inhibition of PAR prevented cell death. The authors propose that manipulation of PARP could be used to improve the efficacy of imatinib, and augment chemotherapeutic or radiotherapy treatments.
original paper
Role of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity in imatinib mesylate-induced cell death
A. MOEHRING, L. WOHLBOLD, W. E. AULITZKY & H. VAN DER KUIP
Cell Death & Differentiation 12, 627-636;
2005
doi: 10.1038/sj.cdd.4401608
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COX-2's role in gastrointestinal defence
The
selective COX-2 inhibitor was developed as a treatment to prevent inflammation,
while not modulating the gastrointestinal (GI) tract's ability to prevent
and repair injury. However, studies in the last few years have shown that
selective COX-2 inhibition when in conjunction with other factors such
as aspirin or COX-1 inhibition, does modulate the protection from injury
in the GI tract. A review by Wallace and Devchand in BJP this
month, looks at the development of COX-2 inhibitors and the role of COX-2
in GI mucosal defence. It discusses recent findings, including that COX-2
is important in regulating the response to GI injury, the repair of ulcers
and has a possible role in the chemoprevention of colon cancer.
review
Emerging roles for cyclooxygenase-2 in gastrointestinal mucosal defense
J.L. WALLACE & P.R. DEVCHAND
BJP 145, 275; 2005
doi: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0706201
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Family Trees by Blood or Tongue?
Whether
the genetic relationships between African populations are better predicted
by geographical or linguistic distances has not been clarified by research
so far. A new study in the current issue of European Journal of Human
Genetics, however, throws light on the historic patterns to the genetic
make-up of Africa. E.T. Wood and colleagues tested 40 populations across
the continent for associations between genetic, linguistic and geographical
distances. Examining Y chromosomes and mtDNA revealed that gene flow patterns
have been different for men and women historically: language appears to
be passed from father to child, and women may have mixed between populations
more than men. Linguistically, the Bantu-speaking farmers have made a
stronger genetic contribution across the continent than any other language
group.
article
Contrasting patterns of Y chromosome and mtDNA variation in Africa: evidence for sex-biased demographic processes
E. T. WOOD et al.
European Journal of Human Genetics, advance
online publication 5 April 2005
doi:10.1038/sj.ejhg.5201408
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