The acidic leucine-rich nuclear phosphoprotein 32B (ANP32B) is reported to impact normal development, with Anp32b-knockout mice exhibiting smaller size and premature aging. However, its cellular and molecular mechanisms, especially its potential roles in tumorigenesis, remain largely unclear. Here, we utilize 'knockout' models, RNAi silencing and clinical cohorts to more closely investigate the role of this enigmatic factor in cell proliferation and cancer phenotypes. We report that, compared with Anp32b wild-type (Anp32b+/+) littermates, a broad panel of tissues in Anp32b-deficient (Anp32b−/−) mice are demonstrated hypoplasia. Anp32b−/− mouse embryo fibroblast cell has a slower proliferation, even after oncogenic immortalization. ANP32B knockdown also significantly inhibits in vitro and in vivo growth of cancer cells by inducing G1 arrest. In line with this, ANP32B protein has higher expression in malignant tissues than adjacent normal tissues from a cohort of breast cancer patients, and its expression level positively correlates with their histopathological grades. Moreover, ANP32B deficiency downregulates AKT phosphorylation, which involves its regulating effect on cell growth. Collectively, our findings suggest that ANP32B is an oncogene and a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment.

A case of keratitis ichthyosis deafness (KID) syndrome associated with Dandy-WalkerEditor A 16-year-old girl had generalized erythema and ichthyosiform scaling shortly after birth. One month later her skin became hyperkeratotic. On examination, her scalp was markedly hyperkeratosed. Scrofulosorum lesions were present over the parietal region, apex nasi, both ears, and the face ( fig. 1). Hairs on the scalp, and eyebrow, eyelash, pubic and axillary hairs were totally absent. Skin over the trunk was a very dry and leather-like keratoderma. Ophthalmological examination revealed that visual ability in the right and left eyes were 0.12 and 0.2, respectively. Bilateral blepharospasm and bulbar conjunctiva were injected. Rinne's and Weber's test revealed congenital neurosensory hearing defect. Neurological examination revealed that the auditory nerve was damaged. Nail and toenail plates were thickened. Bilateral lower legs were diffusely hyperkeratotic. She had photophobia. Brain MRI revealed a malformation of the posterior cerebral fossa -a Dandy-Walker syndrome, atrophy of bilateral cerebellar hemisphere (the left side was more prominent than the right), and dysplasia of vermis of cerebellum. Cystic signalling was a result of dilatation and broadening of the fourth ventricle of the cerebrum. Cerebellomedullary cistern was dilated. Tentorium cerebelli and sinus confluens were normal. Both internal ear canals were normal. Laboratory studies, including complete blood cell count, liver function test, renal function

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The present research lays a solid foundation for further investigation into the biological significance of natural AK autoantibodies.

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