Metabotropic glutamate receptors are G-protein-coupled receptors normally expressed in the central nervous system where they mediate neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, and feedback inhibition of neurotransmitter release. However, recent data suggest that these receptors are also expressed and functional in some cancers, most notably melanoma. »
06/17/11

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has increased recurrence and poor survival, despite a high response rate to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to determine whether current drug treatment(s) eliminates bulk of tumor cells, but it has a minimal effect on cancer stem cells (CSCs) leading to tumor recurrence. »
06/16/11

Oxaliplatin sensitizes drug-resistant colon cancer cell lines to tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL), a death receptor ligand that is selective for cancer cells. We investigated the molecular mechanisms by which oxaliplatin sensitizes cancer cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. »
04/30/11

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an attractive, minimally invasive modality for cancer therapy that utilizes the interaction of light and photosensitizer. To improve the efficacy of PDT, development of cancer specificity of the photosensitizer is needed. Cancer cells consume more glucose than normal cells. In this study, the efficacy of PDT using a newly developed photosensitizer, glycoconjugated chlorin (H2TFPC-SGlc), was compared with Talaporfin, which is clinically used in Japan. »
03/01/11

High expression of KIAA0101 (p15(PAF)/OEATC-1) which contains a proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-binding motif, a key factor in DNA repair and/or apoptosis and cell cycle regulation, has been observed in a variety of human malignancies. The aim of this study was to observe the expression of KIAA0101 in human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), explore its clinicopathological significance and evaluate KIAA0101 expression as a potential prognostic marker. »
06/18/11

We have previously reported that histamine at micromolar concentrations reduces the proliferation of melanoma cell lines. It is also known that melanoma cells express histamine H1, H2, and H3 receptors. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of histamine H4 receptor (H4R) in human melanoma cells and its associated biological processes. To better understand the importance of histamine in tumor development, we explored the expression of H4R in human melanoma tissue biopsies. »
06/17/11

The proposed cadmium-induced oestrogen mimicking effects in reproductive tissues, suggest a role of this widespread food contaminant in the development of hormone-dependent malignancies. »
06/21/11

Emerging evidence has suggested that the capability to sustain tumor formation, growth, and chemotherapy resistance in ovarian as well as other human malignancies exclusively resides in a small proportion of tumor cells termed cancer stem cells. During the characterization of CD44(+) ovarian cancer stem cells, we found a high expression of the genes encoding for claudin-4. Because this tight junction protein is the natural high-affinity receptor for Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE), we have extensively investigated the sensitivity of ovarian cancer stem cells to CPE treatment in vitro and in vivo. »
06/20/11

Plasma-membrane carboxypeptidase-D (CPD) releases arginine from extracellular substrates. Arginine is converted intracellularly to nitric oxide (NO). This study determined the effects of testosterone (T) and prolactin (PRL) on CPD expression, and the role(s) of CPD in NO production and survival of prostate cancer (PCa) cells. »
06/17/11

Treatment for primary prostate cancer (CaP) is the withdrawal of androgens. However, CaP eventually progresses to grow in a castration-resistant state. The mechanisms involved in the development and progression of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remain unknown. We have previously generated LNCaP-IL6+ cells by treating LNCaP cells chronically with interleukin-6 (IL-6), which have acquired the ability to grow in androgen-deprived conditions. »
06/16/11