Background: Staphylococcus aureus is an important trigger of flares in atopic dermatitis. The exact mechanisms by which S. aureus induces inflammatory responses and cell death in the skin epithelium is unclear. The aim of this thesis was to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which S. aureus induces it's pathogenic effects on keratinocyte and fibroblast cell lines. Methods: Human keratinocytes (HEKa), and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) from the NC/Nga dermatitis prone mouse strain were used to investigate the induction of Th2-promoting cytokines (IL-33 and TSLP) and cell death by S. aureus. Cytokine levels were measured by ELISA and cytotoxicity by flow cytometry. Results: Live, but not killed S. aureus or other staphylococcal species, induced release of Th2-promoting cytokines (IL-33 and TSLP) and necrosis in both human and mouse cell lines. Cytokines were not induced by TLR2 ligands, and anti-TLR2 antibodies did not inhibit release, suggesting that the TLR2 pathway was not involved. By contrast, the release of cytokines was induced by a secreted, heat-labile factor/s and could be blocked by protease and PAR2 inhibitors, suggesting that the protease-PAR2 pathway was critical. NC/Nga mouse fibroblasts that lacked soluble IL-33 (sST2) receptor were more sensitive to the effects of S. aureus than control MEF. Conclusions: S. aureus is unique amongst staphylococcal species in it's ability to induce an inflammatory response and cytotoxicity in human keratinocytes and mouse fibroblasts. The protease-PAR2 pathway is critical to this bioactivity. Development of specific inhibitors of this pathway may provide novel therapies for treating S. aureus -induced eczema flares.

by Pau Hon-Man. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 146-179). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / ACKNOWLEDGEMENT --- p.i / ABBREVIATIONS --- p.iii / ABSTRACT (English) --- p.v / ABSTRACT (Chinese) --- p.ix / FLOW CHART --- p.xi / INDEX OF FIGURES --- p.xxi / INDEX OF TABLES --- p.xxiv / PUBLICATION LIST --- p.xxv / Chapter CHAPTER 1 --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Basic Structure of Tendons --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2 --- Anatomy of Patellar Tendon --- p.9 / Chapter 1.3 --- Cellular Characteristics of Fibroblasts --- p.11 / Chapter 1.4 --- Healing Process in Tendons --- p.13 / Chapter 1.5 --- Chronic Tendon Disorder --- p.19 / Chapter 1.6 --- Aims and Objectives --- p.25 / Chapter 1.7 --- Study Plan --- p.26 / Chapter CHAPRER 2 --- MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY --- p.35 / Chapter 2.1 --- Collection of human Tissues Samples --- p.38 / Chapter 2.2 --- Tissue Culture --- p.40 / Chapter 2.3 --- Preparation of Conditioned Medium --- p.46 / Chapter 2.4 --- Proliferation Response of Tendon Fibroblasts --- p.48 / Chapter 2.5 --- Invasion Assay --- p.53 / Chapter 2.6 --- Chick Chorioallantonic Membrane Model --- p.56 / Chapter 2.7 --- SDS-PAGE --- p.58 / Chapter 2.8 --- Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay --- p.63 / Chapter 2.9 --- Immunocytochemical Staining --- p.68 / Chapter 2.10 --- Statistical Analysis --- p.69 / Chapter CHAPTER 3 --- RESULTS --- p.74 / Chapter 3.1 --- Patient's Information --- p.76 / Chapter 3.2 --- Primary Explant Cell Culture --- p.77 / Chapter 3.3 --- Proliferation Response of Tendon Fibroblasts --- p.79 / Chapter 3.4 --- Invasion Assay --- p.82 / Chapter 3.5 --- Chick Chorioallantonic Membrane Model --- p.83 / Chapter 3.6 --- SDS-PAGE --- p.85 / Chapter 3.7 --- Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay --- p.86 / Chapter 3.8 --- Immunocytochemical Staining --- p.88 / Chapter CHAPTER 4 --- DISCUSSION --- p.116 / Chapter 4.1 --- Higher Proliferation Capacity of Tendinosis Fibroblasts --- p.118 / Chapter 4.2 --- Tendinosis Fibroblasts Secrete Angiogenesis Factors to Enhance Angiogenesis --- p.123 / Chapter 4.3 --- Tendinosis Fibroblasts Secrete More Proteolytic Enzyme --- p.126 / Chapter 4.4 --- Proinflammatory Characteristics in Tendinosis Fibroblasts --- p.129 / Chapter 4.5 --- Comparison of in vitro and Histological Study --- p.132 / Chapter 4.6 --- Tendinosis Fibroblasts Seems to be Transformed --- p.134 / Chapter 4.7 --- Limitation of Study --- p.136 / Chapter CHAPTER 5 --- FUTURE RESEARCH DIRECTION --- p.140 / Chapter 5.1 --- Further Exploration of the Factors Secreted in Tendinosis Fibroblasts --- p.141 / Chapter 5.2 --- Proteoglycan Synthesis in Tendinosis Fibroblasts --- p.142 / Chapter 5.3 --- Tendinosis Animal Model and Clinical Study --- p.143 / Chapter CHAPTER 6 --- CONCLUSION --- p.144 / BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.146 / APPENDIX --- p.180

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system, manifesting with both motor and non-motor symptoms. Autosomal recessive mutations in the FBXO7 gene have been identified to cause a rapidly progressing early-onset form of PD. Canonically, FBXO7 functions as a substrate-recruiting subunit of the SCF-type E3 ubiquitin ligase. However, it also has a variety of other atypical functions, such as cell cycle regulation, proteasome regulation, and mitophagy. The overall aim of this research was to characterise the functional role of FBXO7 in various in vitro and in vivo PD models. The models examined included FBXO7 shRNA knockdown SH-SY5Y cell lines, FBXO7 CRISPR knockout SH-SY5Y cell lines, primary patient fibroblasts with a FBXO7 mutation, and MEFs and tissues from a Fbxo7 KO mouse. My analysis of fibroblasts from a patient without FBXO7 expression revealed several interesting phenotypes. Briefly, the patient fibroblasts proliferated slower due to increased apoptosis and lower CDK6 and cyclin D1 expression, which led to fewer cells progressing through the G1 phase of the cell cycle. My experiments showed that these cells also had mitochondrial respiration defects, exhibiting lower basal respiration, ATP production, maximal respiration and spare capacity, in addition to complex I, III and IV deficiencies. Patient fibroblasts also had significantly lower levels of 12S and 16S ribosomal mRNA transcripts, which are necessary for the translation of mitochondrially encoded subunits of complexes I, III, and IV. Similar phenotypes were also observed in MEFs from a Fbxo7 KO mouse model, indicating conservation between human and mouse FBXO7 in regulating mitochondria, cell death and proliferation. In a tissue-specific KO mouse model of PD, where FBXO7 expression was ablated in the dopaminergic neurons, I analysed proteins regulated by FBXO7 which might be responsible for cell loss in the substantia nigra. I discovered that RPL23, a regulator of MDM2, was ubiquitinated by SCFFbxo7 using K48 chain linkages, promoting its degradation by the proteasome. This suggests that misregulation of the MDM2:p53 axis may underlie the cell loss observed in this conditional Fbxo7 KO mouse model. In conclusion, these results elaborate on the role of FBXO7 in mitochondrial biology, and identify a new ubiquitination substrate of FBXO7 in a mouse model of PD. It is hoped that by elucidating the potential pathogenic mechanisms of FBXO7 in rare familial forms of the disease, it will be possible to translate findings to the more prevalent sporadic forms of Parkinson's disease as well.

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar in vitro a influência do tratamento de superfícies radiculares na adesão e proliferação de fibroblastos gengivais e de ligamento periodontal humano em fragmentos radiculares de dentes humanos extraídos por razões periodontais. Todos os fragmentos receberam raspagem e alisamento radicular (RAR), e em seguida aleatoriamente divididos em grupos, de acordo com a substância utilizada no tratamento de superfície (n= 15/grupo): ácido fosfórico 37% aplicado por 90s (AF90) ou 180s (AF180) (RAR); EDTA 24% aplicado por 90s (EDTA90) ou 180s (EDTA180); ácido cítrico pH 1.0 a 10% aplicado por 90s (AC90) ou 180s (AC180); ácido cítrico pH 1.0 a 10% associado à tetraciclina 50% por 90s (ACTC90) ou 180s (ACTC180); tetraciclina hidroclorídrica (50mg/ml) aplicada por 90s (TC90) ou 180s (TC180). O grupo controle foi composto por fragmentos tratados por meio de RAR seguido de lavagem em soro fisiológico. Após a realização dos tratamentos, os espécimes (n=3/grupo) foram preparados para análise em MEV com o objetivo de avaliar a descontaminação das superfícies radiculares por meio dos índices de rugosidade superficial (IRS), cálculo residual (ICR), perda de substância dentária (IPSD), presença de restos teciduais (IPRT), remoção de smear layer (IRSL), abertura dos túbulos dentinário (ATD) e smear layer remanescente (SLR) em fotomicrografias em aumentos de 500x e 1000x. Em 6 espécimes de cada grupo, foram plaqueados 104 fibroblastos gengivais (FGH-1), e em outros 6, 104 fibroblastos de ligamento periodontal humano (FLP-1). Após 24h foram fixados 6 espécimes por grupo (n=3/grupo) e após 48h os outros 6 espécimes (n=3/grupo), para análise em microscópio eletrônico de varredura. Para determinar a adesão e proliferação celular, o número de células aderidas à superfície nos dois períodos de avaliação foi determinado em triplicatas por um examinador independente A comparação entre os grupos foi realizada pelo método Kruskal-Wallis complementado pelo teste de Dunn para variáveis não lineares, e por meio de análise de variância múltipla (ANOVA) complementado pelo teste de Tukey para as variáveis lineares. A comparação entre os pares nos períodos de 24 e 48 horas foi realizada por meio do método ANOVA pósteste Sidak para variáveis lineares, e Kruskal Wallis pós-teste Dunn para variáveis não lineares. Foi adotado nível de significância de 5% em todos os testes. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante para IRS, IPSD, IPRT, IRSL, ATD e SLR. Houve maior quantidade de cálculo residual nos grupos TC90 (3,66 ± 0,57; mediana = 4) e AF180 (3,66 ± 0,57; mediana = 4), enquanto que o grupo AC90 (1,33 ± 0,57; mediana = 1) mostrou quantidade significativamente menor de cálculo residual. Encontrou-se uma adesão significativamente maior de células FGH-1, no grupo EDTA180 (170 ± 77,99) no período de 24 horas, e maior efeito proliferativo (48 horas) no grupo TC90 (172,90 ± 65,38). Para células FLP-1, observou-se uma adesão significativamente maior no grupo ACTC90 (74,67 ± 98,84) no período de 24 horas e maior efeito proliferativo (48 horas) no grupo AC90 (173,8 ± 139,6). A partir dos resultados obtidos, sugere-se que a substância a ser utilizada para o condicionamento das superfícies radiculares seja escolhida de acordo com os objetivos do tratamento periodontal: quando se objetiva a formação de nova inserção conjuntiva o uso do EDTA ou AF por 180s ou da tetraciclina por 90s; para regeneração dos tecidos periodontais, sugere-se o uso de AC por 90s. / The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the influence of root surface conditioning on adhesion and proliferation of gingival and periodontal ligament fibroblasts on human root fragments of teeth extracted for periodontal reasons. Fragments received scaling and root planning (SRP), and were then randomly allocated into groups according to the substance used for root surface treatment (n= 15/grupo): phosphoric acid 37% applied for 90s (PA90) or 180s (PA180); EDTA 24% applied for 90s (EDTA90) or 180s (EDTA180); 10% citric acid pH 1.0 applied for 90s (CA90) or 180s (CA180); 10% citric acid pH 1.0 associated to tetracycline HCL 50% applied for 90s (CATC90) or 180s (CATC180); tetracycline hydrocloride (50mg/ml) applied for 90s (TC90) or 180s (TC180). Control group was composed by SRP treated root fragments, followed by saline solution washing. After treatment completion, specimens (n=3/grupo) were prepared for scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM) analysis, aiming at evaluation of its surfaces according to the following indexes: superficial roughness (SR); residual calculus (RC); loss of tooth substance (LT); tissue residual (TS), smear layer removal (SLR), dentin tubules opening (DTO) and smear layer residual (SLR) in photomicrographs on 500x and 1000x magnifications. In 6 specimens of each group 104 gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1) were plated; and over another 6 specimens, 104 periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PLF-1). After MEV evaluation, the number of cells adhered to the root surfaces over 24h and 48h were assessed by a calibrated examiner in triplicates. Groups comparison were analyzed through Kruskal-Wallis post-test Dunn for comparisons for non-linear variables, and ANOVA post-test Tuckey for linear variables. Comparison between pairs over 24 and 48 hours was accessed through Kruskal-Wallis post-test Dunn for non-linear variables, and ANOVA post-test Sidak for linear variables. Significance level of 5% was adopted in all tests. There was no statistical difference for SR, LT, TS, SLR, DTO and SLR. Although there was higher amounts of residual calculus on groups TC90 (3,66 ± 0,57; median = 4) and FA180 (3,66 ± 0,57; median = 4) while group CA90 (1,33 ± 0,57; median = 1) showed statistically less residual calculus. A singnificantlly higher HGF-1 cell count was found on EDTA180 (170 ± 77,99) on 24-hour period and a higher proliferative effect (48 hours) on group TTC90 (172,90 ± 65,38). A significantly higher cell adhesion for (PLF-1) was found on group ACTC90 (74,67 ± 98,84) at 24-hour assessment, and higher proliferative effect (48 hours) for AC90 (173,8 ± 139,6). From the data here exposed, it is suggested that the substance election for root surface conditioning should be based on the treatment primary goal: when a new connective tissue adhesion is aimed, EDTA or PA for 180s or TTC for 90s should be chosen; on the other hand, for periodontal regeneration, CA for 90s should be the best option.

A obturação do canal radicular é uma etapa fundamental para o sucesso do tratamento endodôntico. É desejável que os materiais empregados nesta fase não interferiram negativamente com o reparo tecidual, mas preferencialmente estimulem a regeneração dos tecidos periapicais. Recentemente, cones de guta-percha combinados com material biocerâmico foram desenvolvidos com esta finalidade. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o potencial citotóxico e biomodulador de cones de guta-percha convencionais, de cones de guta-percha contendo biocerâmica e de cones de polímero sobre células de ligamento periodontal in vitro. Cultura de fibroblastos de ligamento periodontal foi estabelecida a partir de terceiro molar humano. As células foram estimuladas com extratos de cones de guta-percha convencional, de cones de guta-percha contendo biocerâmica e de cones de polímero em diluição seriada para teste de viabilidade celular por meio do método MTT (Brometo de Difeniltetrazólio 3-(4,5-Dimetiltiazol-2-yl) após 72 h. Em seguida, a diluição de 1/5 foi empregada para estimulação das células por 72 h para detecção da expressão gênica de colágeno tipo I e proteína cementária 1 (CEMP-1) por RT-qPCR. Os dados foram estatisticamente analizados por meio de ANOVA sendo considerados significativos valores de p < 0,05. Os resultados observados de forma que, em extrato puro em extrato puro 1:1, houve comprometimento da viabilidade celular tanto para o extrato de cone de guta-percha quanto para o extrato do cone Cpoint podendo ser considerados citotóxicos. Nas outras diluições não houve diferença significativa neste parâmetro. Em relação à expressão gênica de colágeno, não foram observadas diferenças significativas quando da presença dos extratos. Para CEMP-1, significativa indução da expressão gênica foi observada para o cone de guta-percha. Conclui-se, através da análise dos resultados, que o cone de guta-percha e o cone de polímero são os mais citotóxicos em extrato puro, porém a guta-percha foi o único material que induziu uma expressão significativa de CEMP-1 que auxilia no reparo tecidual. O Col1 não foi induzido em nenhuma das amostras, porém também não foi inibido que indica que nenhum dos 3 tipos de cone interfere no reparo tecidual. / Root canal obturation is a fundamental step for successful endodontic treatment. It is desirable that the materials employed at this stage did not adversely interfere with tissue repair but rather stimulate the regeneration of the periapical tissues. Recently, gutta-percha points combined with bioceramic materials were developed for this purpose. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic and biomodulatory potential of conventional gutta-percha points, gutta-percha points containing bioceramics and polymer points on periodontal ligament cells in vitro. Culture of periodontal ligament fibroblasts was established from one human third molar. The cells were stimulated with extracts of cones of conventional gutta-percha points, gutta-percha containing bioceramics and polymer points in serial dilution for cell viability test using the MTT assay [Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide 3- (4,5)]. Next, the 1/5 dilution was used to stimulate the cells for 72 h to detect the gene expression of type I collagen and cement protein 1 (CEMP-1) by RT-qPCR. Data were statistically analyzed by means of ANOVA being considered significant values of p <0.05. The results observed was that in a pure 1: 1 extract, there was impairment of cell viability for both the guta-percha cone extract and the Cpoint cone extract and could be considered cytotoxic. At the other dilutions, no significant difference on this parameter was observed. Regarding the gene expression of collagen, no significant differences were observed at the presence of extracts. For CEMP-1, significant induction of gene expression was observed for gutta-percha points. In conclusion, the analysis of the results showed that the gutta-percha and polymer points are the most cytotoxic at pure extract, however gutta-percha was the only material that induced a significant expression of CEMP-1 which assists the tissue repair. Col1 was not induced in any of the samples but was also not inhibited indicating that none of the 3 cone types interfere in tissue repair.

Orientador: Sandra Helena Penha de Oliveira / Resumo: Na presença de Diabetes Mellitus, a doença periodontal (DP) pode acentuar o aparecimento de complicações e aumentar sua prevalência. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar se o Fator de Crescimento Transformador -β do tipo 1 (TGF-β1, sigla em inglês) e Metaloproteinase de matriz -9 (MMP-9, sigla em ingês) estão modulando a formação de componentes de matriz extracelular em fibroblastos gengivais (FG) de camundongos diabéticos e com DP. Os 24 animais foram separados em 4 grupos, e então foram tratados com estreptozotocina para indução de diabetes e foi realizado indução da DP através de ligadura com fio de seda. Após a eutanásia e coleta da gengiva, FG dos camundongos foram cultivados. A expressão gênica de RNAm e produção de proteína para MMP-9, TGF-β1 e colágeno tipo 1 (Col1a1) foram avaliadas. Eles também foram tratados com inibidores de MMP-9 e TGF-β1, e dexametasona (Dexa) por 24h. FG de animais normais e diabéticos com DP induzida tiveram expressão aumentada de MMP-9 e TGF-β1 em 6 e 24h, diminuindo em 48h. Expressão gênica de Col1a1 foi diminuída em FG com DP em 6, 24 e 48h. Inibidor de MMP-9 (MMP-9i) bloqueou a expressão gênica de MMP-9 e de TGF-β1 em FG normais e diabéticos em 24h. A expressão de col1a1 foi inibida pelo MMP-9i somente em FG normais, mas não em diabéticos. A expressão de receptor de TGF-β do tipo 1 (TGF-β R1) foi aumentada em FG normais e diabéticos, porém MMP-9i diminuiu esta expressão somente em FG diabéticos. Inibidor de TGF-β (SB431542) e Dexa interro... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: In presence of Diabetes Mellitus, periodontal disease (PD) can accentuate complication appearance and increase prevalence. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether Transforming Growth factor-β 1 (TGF-β1) and Matrix Metaloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) are modulating the extracellular matrix components in gingival fibroblasts (GF) from diabetic mice (D) with PD. 24 animals were divided in 4 groups then they were treated with streptozotocin to diabetes induction and DP was inducted through a ligature with silk thread. After euthanasia and gingiva harvest, mice GF were cultured. MMP-9, TGF- β1, and type 1 Collagen (col1a1) mRNA expression and protein production were evaluated. They were also treated with MMP-9 and TGF-β inhibitors, and dexamethasone (Dexa) for 24h. Normal and diabetic GF from PD-induced mice had increased MMP-9 and TGF-β1 expression at 6 and 24 h decreasing at 48 h. Col1a1 gene expression was decreased in normal GF with PD at 6, 24 and 48 h. In diabetic GF col1a1 expression was inhibited at 6, 24 and 48 h. MMP-9 inhibitor (MMP-9i) blocked the MMP-9 expression, and TGF-β1 gene expression in normal and diabetic GF at 24 h. The col1a1 gene expression was inhibited by MMP-9i only in normal GF but not in diabetic. TGF-β R1 was increased in normal and diabetic GF with PD, but MMP-9i decreased this expression only in diabetic GF. TGF-β inhibitor (SB431542) and Dexa abrogated MMP-9, TGF-β1 and col1a1 expression in normal and diabetic GF with PD at 24 h. TGF-β R1 was also inh... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Abstract not available

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2009. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on Feb. 2, 2010). Includes bibliographical references.

Der humanen dermalen Wundheilung liegt ein komplexes Zusammenspiel verschiedener Faktoren zugrunde. Die Bedeutung dieses fein regulierten Gleichgewichts wird deutlich, wenn es durch Fehlregulationen oder Störungen zu chronischen Wundheilungsstörungen oder lokaler Fibrose mit überschießender Narbenbildung kommt. Eine der möglichen Methoden zur Prävention und Behandlung ist die Deckung der Wunde mit einem Hautersatz. Dabei werden zunehmend sogenannte Biomaterialien aus natürlichen Substanzen mit hoher Biokompatibilität und der Möglichkeit zur Interaktion mit dem nativen Gewebe verwendet. In Studien wurde gezeigt, dass vor allem sulfatierte Glykosaminoglykan-Derivate durch die Interaktion ihrer negativ geladenen Sulfatgruppen mit Zytokinen, Wachstumsfaktoren und dermalen Zellen einen positiven Einfluss auf den Wundheilungsprozess haben können. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden daher kollagenbasierte artifizielle extrazelluläre Matrizes mit unsulfatierter oder sulfatierter Hyaluronsäure hinsichtlich ihres Einflusses auf humane dermale Fibroblasten als Komponenten der Wundheilung untersucht. Dermale Fibroblasten spielen im Ablauf der Wundheilung eine tragende Rolle und interagieren eng mit der umgebenden Matrix. Anhand ihrer Proteinexpression lassen sich Rückschlüsse auf wichtige Funktionen wie Adhäsion, Proliferation, Differenzierung und Matrixsynthese ziehen. In den durchgeführten Experimenten zeigte sich, dass sulfatierte Matrix in der Kultur mit dermalen Fibroblasten kein entzündliches Milieu förderte. Die Proliferation, Differenzierung und Migration der Fibroblasten schienen gesteigert, während sich die Matrix-Synthese und ihr Remodeling weder pathologisch gehemmt noch überschießend zeigten. Daher wäre die weitere Untersuchung dieses Biomaterials ein vielversprechender Ansatz, um langfristig dem Risiko von Wundheilungsstörungen wie chronischen Wunden oder fibroproliferativen Wundheilungsstörungen effektiv entgegenzuwirken.

ARID proteins are highly conserved among eukaryotes and are involved in chromatin remodeling, differentiation and development. The founding member of the ARID3 subfamily, Bright/ARID3A, is an activator of the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus. Bright has been shown to immortalize mouse embryonic fibroblasts and induce malignant transformation when co-expressed with oncogenic Ras. A genomic locus that encodes a gene paralogous to Bright has been identified as Brightlike/ARID3C. In addition to the highly conserved ARID and REKLES domains, Brightlike contains a conserved sumoylation motif. Brightlike orthologous genes have been identified in all vertebrate genomes examined. Its absence from EST databases suggested that it is a rare transcript, and accordingly, its expression in adult mice appears to be restricted to spleen, testes and thymus. Brightlike is also regulated by alternative pre-mRNA splicing, differential subcellular distribution, and post-translational modification by SUMO. The two isoforms of Brightlike appear to have differential expression in lymphocyte populations. Brightlike and Bright bind to the same DNA motif. Unexpectedly, Bright and Brightlike do not form heterocomplexes on DNA nor compete for binding, suggesting they have independent functions in vivo. Brightlike increases the proliferation potential of mouse embryonic fibroblasts and rescues cells from premature senescence, suggestive of a proto-oncogene. / text