Cellular signaling is in part regulated by the composition and subcellular localization of a series of protein interactions that collectively form a signaling complex. Using the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) as a proof-of-concept target, we developed a platform to identify functional modulators (or auxiliary proteins) of α7nAChR signaling. The Broad cDNA library was transiently cotransfected with α7nAChR cDNA in HEK293T cells in a high-throughput fashion. Using this approach in combination with a functional assay, we identified positive modulators of α7nAChR activity. We identified known positive modulators/auxiliary proteins present in the cDNA library that regulate α7nAChR signaling, in addition to identifying novel modulators of α7nAChR signaling. These included NACHO, SPDYE11, TCF4, and ZC3H12A, all of which increased PNU-120596-mediated nicotine-dependent calcium flux. Importantly, these auxiliary proteins did not modulate GluR1(o)-mediated Ca flux. To elucidate a possible mechanism of action, we employed an α7nAChR-HA surface staining assay. NACHO enhanced α7nAChR surface expression; however, the mechanism responsible for the SPDYE11-, TCF4-, and ZC3H12A-dependent modulation of α7nAChR has yet to be defined. This report describes the development and validation of a high-throughput, genome-wide cDNA screening platform coupled to FLIPR functional assays in order to identify functional modulators of α7nAChR signaling.
Brain metastasis (BM) are the most common type of brain tumor with an estimated incidence of 200,000-400,000/yr. in the US alone. BM are also the most common indication for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). However, while SRS is highly effective in achieving local control, the incidence of both local recurrence and radiation necrosis (RN) is increasing as treatment for primary systemic cancers improves. Among the challenges at the time of apparent imaging recurrence is differentiating "true" recurrence of BM from RN. Since conventional imaging is not always reliable for this, many patients must undergo surgical biopsy or resection due to this uncertainty. Here, we demonstrate the utility of the novel biomarker Vanin-2 (VNN2) combined with expression of MHC Class II molecule HLA-DR on CD14+ cells in order to differentiate recurrent BM from RN. Our preliminary data indicate that presence of Mo-MDSC is significantly increased in BM compared to RN (49% vs 4%, p=0.005). In contrast, VNN2 expression on CD14+ in BM is decreased compared to RN (4.3% vs 36%, p=0.02). In order to further decrease overlap between outliers in each group of patients, we define the ratio of HLA-DR expression to VNN2 expression on CD14+ cells from as the DR-VNN Index or DVI. While a DVI >1 is considered BM (average= 15.5), a DVI<1 is considered RN (Average 0.07). This increases the receiver operator curve (ROC) and thus the reliability of the biomarker. These results suggest that the novel biomarker VNN2 in conjunction with HLA-DRneg/low on CD14+cells, could be useful to differentiate BM from RN using a minimally invasive blood sample. Thus, the DVI has the potential to serve as an inexpensive and non-invasive biomarker in helping to manage clinical care. Further studies are indicated.
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