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There are many data on the activity of the RBgene in neural differentiation and apoptosis, but the role of pRb2/p130 in neuronal and glial maturation has been far less investigated. To elucidate the role of pRb2/p130 in astrocyte development we overexpressed this protein in astrocytoma and normal astrocyte cultures by adenoviral-mediated gene transfer. In astrocytoma cells, p130/RB2 overexpression resulted in a significant reduction of cell growth and in an increased G0/G1cell population. We did not observe any induction of programmed cell death as determined by TUNEL reaction. Interestingly, pRb2/p130 overexpression induced astrocyte differentiation. Astrocyte cell cycle arrest and differentiation seemed to proceed through a way distinct from the p53 pathway.

Abstract: The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique offers a useful tool to detect DNA polymorphisms. It can also be used to distinguish different clones and cultivars. We have developed a comprehensive RAPD-based procedure for the routine molecular typing of various plants. Here we report the application of this technique for the correct identification of six hazelnut cultivars (Corylus avellana) widespread in the Campania region (south Italy). The analysed hazelnut cultivars were successfully distinguished by their RAPD fingerprints using the DNA primers U2, U3, U4, U11 and U14. However, in each cultivar we observed very low genetic heterogeneity among the clonal variants. Since this technique is among the simplest and easiest methods used to fingerprint DNA, it could be easily transferred to less sophisticated laboratory infrastructures (e.g. outstations of crop regulatory agencies).

aDNA extraction and amplification procedures have been optimized for Pompeian human bone remains whose diagenesis has been determined by histological analysis. Single copy genes amplification (X and Y amelogenin loci and Y specific alphoid repeat sequences) have been performed and compared with anthropometric data on sexing.

Antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides, targeted against the first codon starting region of DMPK mRNA, were successfully used in K562 and HepG2 cells to decrease DMPK expression. The most effective antisense oligo, MIO1, when added to K562 cells, shows a 75% reduction of the DMPK gene expression 6 hours after addition. The same molecule, when encapsulated in liposomes, delays myotonin mRNA decrease at 24 hours after cell treatment. This considerable success with such inhibition in vitro could be utilised to generate a cell model to study myotonic dystrophy (DM) chemio-physiological alterations.