Lamina-associated polypeptide (LAP) 2alpha is a chromatin-associated protein that binds A-type lamins. Mutations in both LAP2alpha and A-type lamins are linked to human diseases called laminopathies, but the molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. The A-type lamin-LAP2alpha complex interacts with and regulates retinoblastoma protein (pRb), but the significance of this interaction in vivo is unknown. Here we address the function of the A-type lamin-LAP2alpha complex with the use of LAP2alpha-deficient mice. We show that LAP2alpha loss causes relocalization of nucleoplasmic A-type lamins to the nuclear envelope and impairs pRb function. This causes inefficient cell-cycle arrest in dense fibroblast cultures and hyperproliferation of epidermal and erythroid progenitor cells in vivo, leading to tissue hyperplasia. Our results support a disease-relevant model in which LAP2alpha defines A-type lamin localization in the nucleoplasm, which in turn affects pRb-mediated regulation of progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation in highly regenerative tissues.

Sprouty proteins are modulators of mitogen-induced signal transduction processes and therefore can influence the process of cancerogenesis. In particular, Sprouty2 has been shown to have an important role in cancer development of many tumor entities including breast cancer. In this report, we investigated the role of Sprouty4 in breast cancer-derived cell lines. We have found that ectopic Sprouty4 expression inhibits cell proliferation of breast cancer cell lines independently of their endogenous expression levels. Corroborating Sprouty4 downregulation causes accelerated growth. Furthermore, we demonstrate that an increase in Sprouty4 content interferes with serum-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Additionally, Sprouty4 expression negatively influences cell migration. These data suggest that Sprouty4 is a possible candidate for a tumor suppressor in breast cancer.

Summary Dwindling natural resources, growing population pressure, climate change, and degraded soils threaten agricultural production. In order to feed the growing world population, we have to develop strategies to sustainably intensify current agricultural production while reducing the adverse effects of agriculture. Currently, a number of amendments have come into focus for improving structure and fertility of soils. Zeolites, biochar (BC), lime, and nitrification inhibitors (NIs) are reviewed for their properties. Zeolites and BC share many characteristics, such as a high cation exchange capacity (CEC), high specific surface area, and high porosity. Lime, on the other hand, works above all through its buffering capacity and can improve aggregate stability. Although the latter amendments change soil physicochemical characteristics, NIs do not act on soil properties but constrain a chemical/enzymatic reaction directly. These amendments are potential strategies to mitigate ongoing soil degradation and to secure soil fertility, under the global challenges. While the ecological effects of these soil amendments are studied intensively, the extent to which they can contribute to sustainable intensification is not fully explored. We want to contribute to the debate by providing an overview that seeks to integrate ecological evidence with the agronomic perspective.

Mining severely affects ecosystems and threatens local food security. Remediation practices, however, are a viable way of reducing the negative impacts on post-mining lands. In this study we aim to improve crop yields and drought resistance on a post-tin-mining site located in Bangka Island, Indonesia, with locally available resources. Plots with five different soil amendments: (1) dolomite; (2) compost; (3) charcoal; combinations of (4) charcoal + compost; and (5) charcoal + sawdust; and a control were established. An intercropping system with cassava and centrosema was employed, and yields were determined. Drought resistance was evaluated by carbon isotope discrimination (∆13C) from crop parts of cassava and centrosema’s shoot. Soil physicochemical properties were determined at harvesting time. Soil amendments significantly improved cassava and centrosema yields. In particular, the compost and combined (charcoal + compost) treatments enhanced centrosema yields (1.18 and 1.99 kg·plot−1, respectively) and were related to higher nutrient availability. Similarly, compost, charcoal, and combined treatments showed positive effects on the cassava yield (0.15–0.16 kg·plant−1) and a higher drought resistance in the charcoal treatment (∆13C= 21.48‰). Increased water-holding capacity (WHC) reduced the water deficiency and boosted yields of cassava and centrosema when the soil was treated with dual amendments (charcoal + compost). Charcoal, compost, and their combination turned out to be the most sustainable amendments in degraded post-mining tropical soils.