Both homozygous (L166P, M26I, deletion) and heterozygous mutations (D149A, A104T) in the DJ-1 gene have been identified in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. The biochemical function and subcellular localization of DJ-1 protein have not been clarified. To date the localization of DJ-1 protein has largely been described in studies over-expressing tagged DJ-1 protein in vitro. It is not known whether the subcellular localization of over-expressed DJ-1 protein is identical to that of endogenously expressed DJ-1 protein both in vitro and in vivo. To clarify the subcellular localization and function of DJ-1, we generated three highly specific antibodies to DJ-1 protein and investigated the subcellular localization of endogenous DJ-1 protein in both mouse brain tissues and human neuroblastoma cells. We have found that DJ-1 is widely distributed and is highly expressed in the brain. By cell fractionation and immunogold electron microscopy, we have identified an endogenous pool of DJ-1 in mitochondrial matrix and inter-membrane space. To further investigate whether pathogenic mutations might prevent the distribution of DJ-1 to mitochondria, we generated human neuroblastoma cells stably transfected with wild-type (WT) or mutant (M26I, L166P, A104T, D149A) DJ-1 and performed mitochondrial fractionation and confocal co-localization imaging studies. When compared with WT and other mutants, L166P mutant exhibits largely reduced protein level. However, the pathogenic mutations do not alter the distribution of DJ-1 to mitochondria. Thus, DJ-1 is an integral mitochondrial protein that may have important functions in regulating mitochondrial physiology. Our findings of DJ-1's mitochondrial localization may have important implications for understanding the pathogenesis of PD.

Better known as Taxol (Bristol-Myers Squibb), paclitaxel is the first member of the taxane family to be used in cancer chemotherapy. The taxanes exert their cytotoxic effect by arresting mitosis through microtubule stabilization, resulting in cellular apoptosis. The use of paclitaxel as a chemotherapeutic agent has become a broadly accepted option in the treatment of patients with ovarian, breast and non-small cell lung cancers, malignant brain tumors, and a variety of other solid tumors. However, significant toxicities, such as myelosuppression and peripheral neuropathy, limit the effectiveness of paclitaxel-based treatment regimens. This review addresses the toxicities associated with paclitaxel treatment and describes existing and future strategies of paclitaxel administration directed at limiting these toxicities.

Decompression of the spinal canal in pediatric patients with achondroplasia can be accomplished safely with significant clinical benefit. Patients with a history of cervicomedullary compression may be at an increased risk of developing symptomatic stenosis prior to adolescence. Fusion procedures are recommended in patients with a large decompression overlying a thoracolumbar kyphosis to avoid progressive postoperative deformity.

Endoscopic corpus callosotomy and hemispherotomy are surgically feasible procedures associated with minimal blood loss, minimal risk, and excellent visualization.