Distinct impact of targeted actin cytoskeleton reorganization on mechanical properties of normal and malignant cells.

The actin cytoskeleton is substantially modified in cancer cells because of changes in actin-binding protein abundance and functional activity. As a consequence, cancer cells have distinctive motility and mechanical properties, which are important for many processes, including invasion and metastasis. Here, we studied the effects of actin cytoskeleton alterations induced by specific nucleation inhibitors (SMIFH2, CK-666), cytochalasin D, Y-27632 and detachment from the surface by trypsinization on the mechanical properties of normal Vero and prostate cancer cell line DU145.

Cell Models for the Investigation of the Role of the Mucin MUC1 Extracellular Domain in Metastasizing.

The speculations on the role of MUC1, a substance which is overexpressed in glandular cancer cells, on the metastatic potential of such cells are rooted in data that seem to indicate that cell malignization correlates with a change from the apical localization of mucin MUC1 to a peripheral one. Nonetheless, the role of MUC1 in cancer metastasizing remains far from clear. The major hurdle remains the absence of adequate cell models.

The effects of confluency on cell mechanical properties.

Mechanical properties of cells depend on various external and internal factors, like substrate stiffness and surface modifications, cell ageing and disease state. Some other currently unknown factors may exist. In this study we used force spectroscopy by AFM, confocal microscopy and flow cytometry to investigate the difference between single non-confluent and confluent (in monolayer) Vero cells.

[Serum A1-antitrypsin levels in prostate pathology].

The serum alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and turbidimetry in patients with prostate cancer, patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and healthy volunteers. Both methods revealed a significant increase of serum AAT levels in patients with prostate cancer compared with patients with BPH and healthy men. ELISA, as used in study, was more sensitive to changes in the concentration of AAT, but the sensitivity of the turbidimetry allows to use this method in the early diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Studying the copy number of ribosomal protein L7/L12.

Studying the copy number of ribosomal protein L7/L12 was performed using monoclonal antibody 3G9 to the linear epitope on the C-terminal domain of this protein from Escherichia coli. Immunohistochemical study showed that Agrobacterium tumefaciens ribosomes include 6 copies of protein L7/L12. Our results suggest that the copy number of this protein has an evolutionary role.