Glial cells missing a (GCMa) belongs to a new transcription factor family. Syncytin was shown to be a target gene of GCMa. Here, we demonstrate that the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway acts upstream of GCMa. After transient transfection of BeWo cells with PKA, GCMa transcriptional activity and both GCMa and syncytin transcripts were upregulated. This increase was accompanied by further cellular differentiation. Using normoxic or hypoxic conditions to mimic pathophysiological settings known to diminish trophoblast differentiation, we found that gene repressive effects of oxygen deficiency were compensated by the induction of the PKA pathway. We propose that GCMa-driven syncytin expression is the key mechanism for syncytiotrophoblast formation.

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vpx genes of human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) and immunodeficiency viruses from macaques (SIVmac), sooty mangabeys (SIVsm) and red-capped mangabeys (SIVrcm) encode a 112 aa protein that is packed into virion particles via interaction with the p6 domain of p55 gag . Vpx localizes to the nucleus when expressed in the absence of other viral proteins.Moreover, Vpx is necessary for efficient nuclear import of the pre-integration complex (PIC) and critical for virus replication in quiescent cells, such as terminally differentiated macrophages and memory T cells. Vpx does not contain sequence elements that are homologous to previously characterized nuclear localization signals (NLSs). Therefore, it is likely that Vpx-dependent import of the PIC is mediated by interaction of Vpx with cellular proteins that do not belong to the classical import pathways. By using a yeast two-hybrid screen, a-actinin 1, a cytoskeletal protein, was identified to interact with SIVmac239 Vpx. Interestingly, deletion of the proline-rich C-terminal domain (aa 101-112) of Vpx, which is important for nuclear localization, resulted in loss of interaction with a-actinin 1. These findings suggest that the interaction with a-actinin 1 may play an important role in the transport of Vpx to the nucleus and in Vpx-mediated nuclear import of the PIC.

Aim Sometimes treatment is not necessarily according to guidelines, which is partly due to attitudes rather than lack of knowledge. In Germany, regional differences concerning prevalence rates of ADHD exist without valid explanation. We contribute with our data to the question of attitudes toward ADHD among pediatricians in Germany. Method A specially designed questionnaire based on the Knowledge of Attention Deficit Disorders Scale and previous surveys was sent to pediatricians. In addition to descriptive statistics, we performed factor analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. Results The vast majority (85.5%) of 581 respondents have a positive attitude toward ADHD, i.e., ADHD exists and should be treated appropriately. Physicians with positive attitudes were older and more often had a neuropediatric specialization. Conclusion Most of the pediatricians surveyed in Germany assess ADHD and treatment in line with medical guidelines and treat as part of multimodal therapy.

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