We have recently reported isolation of the gene responsible for X-linked Opitz G/BBB syndrome, a defect of midline development. MID1 is located on the distal short arm of the human X chromosome (Xp22. 3) and encodes a novel member of the B box family of zinc finger proteins. We have now cloned the murine homolog of MID1 and performed preliminary expression studies during development. Mid1 expression in undifferentiated cells in the central nervous, gastrointestinal and urogenital systems suggests that abnormal cell proliferation may underlie the defect in midline development characteristic of Opitz syndrome. We have also found that Mid1 is located within the mouse pseudoautosomal region (PAR) in Mus musculus , while it seems to be X-specific in Mus spretus. Therefore, Mid1 is likely to be a recent acquisition of the M. musculus PAR. Genetic and FISH analyses also demonstrated a high frequency of unequal crossovers in the murine PAR, creating spontaneous deletion/duplication events involving Mid1. These data provide evidence for the first time that genetic instability of the PAR may affect functionally important genes. In addition, we show that MID1 is the first example of a gene subject to X-inactivation in man while escaping it in mouse. These data contribute to a better understanding of the molecular content and evolution of the rodent PAR.

This is the first report of a pan-deacetylase inhibitor inducing tumor shrinkage and sustained stable disease in SCLC. We believe that although the trial was prematurely discontinued, modest clinical activity of LBH589 combined with a favorable safety profile in pretreated SCLC patients was observed, which warrants further exploration of the potential contribution of LBH589 in other trials.

Background. Molecular alterations of the PI3K and Ras pathways often occur in human cancer. In this trial, the pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and activity of two drugs inhibiting these pathways-everolimus and sorafenib-were investigated.

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Background: The broad spectrum of antitumor activity of the oral platinum satraplatin (S) and vinorelbine (V) were the rationale for performing a phase I trial to define the maximum tolerated (MTD) and the recommended (RD) dose in adult patients with advanced solid tumors. Patients and Methods: 4 dose levels (DLs) of S (mg/m²/day, days 1–5) and V (mg/m²/day, days 1, 8, 15, and 22) every 28 days were explored: S60/V60 on days 1, 8 and 15 only; S60/V60; S70/V60; and S80/V60. Subsequently, 3 further DLs were evaluated with V omitted on day 22: S70/V60, S80/V60, and S80/V80. Results: Treating 27 patients, the MTD was S80/V80 on days 1, 8, and 15, with 2 dose-limiting toxicities in 2 patients (nausea and vomiting grade (G) 3 with skipping of V on day 15, and neutropenia G4 with infection). The RD was S80/V60 on days 1, 8, and 15. The most frequent toxicities (any G) were nausea (70%), diarrhea (59%), anorexia (37%), vomiting (33%), asthenia (26%), constipation (26%), and paresthesia (18%). Partial responses were observed in 2 platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer patients and in 1 prostate cancer patient. Conclusion: The combination of S and V is tolerable at a DL of S80/V60 on days 1, 8, and 15; further evaluations in platinum- and V-sensitive tumor types would be of interest.