Dihydroisoxazole inhibitors of Anopheles gambiae seminal transglutaminase AgTG3.

Background: Current vector-based malaria control strategies are threatened by the rise of biochemical and behavioural resistance in mosquitoes. Researching mosquito traits of immunity and fertility is required to find potential targets for new vector control strategies. The seminal transglutaminase AgTG3 coagulates male Anopheles gambiae seminal fluids, forming a 'mating plug' that is required for male reproductive success.

Formation and helicity control of ssDNA templated porphyrin nanoassemblies.

We report the formation of left- (M-helix) and right-handed (P-helix) nanoassemblies of a porphyrin-diaminopurine conjugate (Por-DAP) templated by a single stranded oligodeoxythymidine (dT40) via directional hydrogen bonding. The supramolecular helicity can be controlled by the ionic strength, Por-DAP : dT40 ratio, and annealing rate.

Overexpression of c-myc in pancreatic cancer caused by ectopic activation of NFATc1 and the Ca2+/calcineurin signaling pathway.

The nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT) proteins are a family of Ca2+/calcineurin-responsive transcription factors primarily recognized for their central roles in T lymphocyte activation and cardiac valve development. We demonstrate that NFATc1 is commonly overexpressed in pancreatic carcinomas and enhances the malignant potential of tumor cells through transcriptional activation of the c-myc oncogene. Activated NFATc1 directly binds to a specific element within the proximal c-myc promoter and upregulates c-myc transcription, ultimately resulting in increased cell proliferation and enhanced anchorage-independent growth.