Rapamycin-Induced Hypoxia Inducible Factor 2A Is Essential for Chondrogenic Differentiation of Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells.

Unlabelled: Amniotic fluid stem (AFS) cells represent a major source of donor cells for cartilage repair. Recently, it became clear that mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibition has beneficial effects on cartilage homeostasis, but the effect of mTOR on chondrogenic differentiation is still elusive. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) modulation on the expression of SOX9 and on its downstream targets during chondrogenic differentiation of AFS cells.

The HDL receptor SR-BI is associated with human prostate cancer progression and plays a possible role in establishing androgen independence.

Background: Human prostate cancer represents one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in men worldwide. Currently, diagnostic methods are insufficient to identify patients at risk for aggressive prostate cancer, which is essential for early treatment. Recent data indicate that elevated cholesterol levels in the plasma are a prerequisite for the progression of prostate cancer.

Effects of the mTOR inhibitor everolimus and the PI3K/mTOR inhibitor NVP-BEZ235 in murine acute lung injury models.

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key signaling kinase associated with a variety of cellular functions including the regulation of immunological and inflammatory responses. Classic mTOR inhibitors such as rapamycin or everolimus are commonly used in transplant as well as cancer patients to prevent transplant rejection or cancer progression, respectively. Noninfectious drug-induced pneumonitis is a frequent side effect in mTOR-inhibitor-treated patients.

mTORC1 is essential for early steps during Schwann cell differentiation of amniotic fluid stem cells and regulates lipogenic gene expression.

Schwann cell development is hallmarked by the induction of a lipogenic profile. Here we used amniotic fluid stem (AFS) cells and focused on the mechanisms occurring during early steps of differentiation along the Schwann cell lineage. Therefore, we initiated Schwann cell differentiation in AFS cells and monitored as well as modulated the activity of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, the major regulator of anabolic processes.

Chondrogenic differentiation of amniotic fluid stem cells and their potential for regenerative therapy.

Chronic articular cartilage defects are the most common disabling conditions of humans in the western world. The incidence for cartilage defects is increasing with age and the most prominent risk factors are overweight and sports associated overloading. Damage of articular cartilage frequently leads to osteoarthritis due to the aneural and avascular nature of articular cartilage, which impairs regeneration and repair.