Toll Like Receptors Signaling Pathways as a Target for Therapeutic Interventions.

This review summarizes the key role of Toll-Like Receptor (TLRs) molecules for igniting the immune system. Activated by a broad spectrum of pathogens, cytokines or other specific molecules, TLRs trigger innate immune responses. Published data demonstrate that the targeting and suppression of TLRs and TLR-related proteins with particular inhibitors may provide pivotal treatments for patients with cancer, asthma, sepsis, Crohn's disease and thrombosis.

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 involvement in breast cancer progression: a mini-review.

Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is an enzyme that degrades components of the extracellular matrix and thus plays a pivotal role in cell migration during physiological and pathological processes (e.g. gastric, pancrcreatic, prostate, and breast cancer).

ALCAM/CD166 protects breast cancer cells against apoptosis and autophagy.

Background: Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM/CD166) is a 105-kDa transmembrane glycoprotein linked with cell migration and development and with cancer progression (malignant melanoma, prostate cancer and, very recently, breast cancer). This report is the first evaluation of ALCAM/CD166 in an estrogen-dependent (MCF-7) and a metastatic (MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cell line and a reference breast cell line (HBL-100). The effects of estrogen and anti-estrogen treatment, bcl-2 overexpression, and ALCAM gene silencing on ALCAM/CD166 protein concentration and cell survival were investigated.

Activated Leukocyte Cell Adhesion Molecule (ALCAM) is associated with suppression of breast cancer cells invasion.

Background: Activated Leukocyte Cell Adhesion Molecule (ALCAM) is expressed in different kinds of normal and neoplastic tissues. Data on the tissue distribution of ALCAM suggest that this protein is involved in tumor progression and metastasis. The lack of available data on ALCAM protein expression in breast cancer prompted us to undertake a study on the involvement of this adhesion molecule in tumor development.