Camilo Jose Martinez

Hostile aortic neck anatomy challenges the outcomes of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). Besides reverting to open surgical repair (OSR), thoughtful endograft selection and a number of advanced endovascular techniques have been suggested as potential solutions for preventing proximal seal zone complications, improving EVAR durability, and preventing aneurysm-related death. Each technique is associated with advantages and limitations and there has not been a credible direct comparison amongst them in the form of a well-designed prospective trial. The not infrequent presence of multiple hostile anatomic characteristics further complicates decision making and challenges the surgeon’s skills. This paper serves as an overview of hostile neck anatomy and its implications on EVAR. We provide a concise literature review with the purpose of outlining the treatment modalities and outcomes in this patient population.

AML1-ETO (AE) is a fusion transcription factor, generated by the t(8;21) translocation, that functions as a leukemia promoting oncogene. Here, we demonstrate that TATA-Box Binding Protein Associated Factor 1 (TAF1) associates with K43 acetylated AE and this association plays a pivotal role in the proliferation of AE-expressing acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. ChIP-sequencing indicates significant overlap of the TAF1 and AE binding sites. Knockdown of TAF1 alters the association of AE with chromatin, affecting of the expression of genes that are activated or repressed by AE. Furthermore, TAF1 is required for leukemic cell self-renewal and its reduction promotes the differentiation and apoptosis of AE+ AML cells, thereby impairing AE driven leukemogenesis. Together, our findings reveal a role of TAF1 in leukemogenesis and identify TAF1 as a potential therapeutic target for AE-expressing leukemia.