Research from Washington University broadens understanding of gene therapy
2007 NOV 19 -- Current study results from the report, 'DLGH1 is a negative regulator of T-lymphocyte proliferation,' have been published. "Discs large homolog 1 (DLGH1), a founding member of the membrane-associated guanylate kinase family of proteins containing PostSynaptic Density-95/Discs large/Zona Occludens-1 domains, is an ortholog of the Drosophila tumor suppressor gene Discs large. In the mammalian embryo, DLGH1 is essential for normal urogenital morphogenesis and the development of skeletal and epithelial structures," researchers in the United States report. "Recent reports also indicate that DLGH1 may be a critical mediator of signals triggered by the antigen receptor complex in T lymphocytes by functioning as a scaffold coordinating the activities of T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling proteins at the immune synapse. However, it remains unclear if DLGH1 functions to enhance or attenuate signals emanating from the TCR. Here, we used Dlgh1 gene-targeted mice to determine the requirement for DLGH1 in T-cell development and activation. Strikingly, while all major subsets of T cells appear to undergo normal thymic development in the absence of DLGH1, peripheral lymph node Dlgh1(-/-) T cells show a hyper-proliferative response to TCR-induced stimulation," wrote L.M. Stephenson and colleagues, Washington University. The researchers concluded: "These data indicate that, consistent with the known function of Discs large proteins as tumor suppressors and attenuators of cell division, in T lymphocytes, DLGH1 functions as a negative regulator of TCR-induced proliferative responses." Stephenson and colleagues published their study in Molecular and Cellular Biology (DLGH1 is a negative regulator of T-lymphocyte proliferation. Molecular and Cellular Biology, 2007;27(21):7574-81). For additional information, contact L.M. Stephenson, Washington University School of Medicine, Dept. of Pathology and Immunology, 660 S Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA.. Publisher contact information for the journal Molecular and Cellular Biology is: American Society Microbiology, 1752 N St. NW, Washington, DC 20036-2904, USA. Keywords: United States, St. Louis, Biotechnology, Cellular, Gene Therapy, Genetics, Genomics, Oncology, Tumor Suppression. This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.
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