Tumour cells down-regulate CCN2 gene expression in co-cultured fibroblasts in a Smad7- and ERK-dependent manner.

Background: Recent studies have revealed that interactions between tumour cells and the surrounding stroma play an important role in facilitating tumour growth and invasion. Stromal fibroblasts produce most of the extracellular matrix components found in the stroma. The aim of this study was to investigate mechanisms involved in tumour cell-mediated regulation of extracellular matrix and adhesion molecules in co-cultured fibroblasts.

The human immunodeficiency virus, (HIV-1), pandemic: cellular therapies, stem cells and biobanking.

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus, (HIV-1), has become a major global health threat with recent estimates suggesting that 68% of people living with HIV (PLWH) reside in Sub-Saharan Africa. The current strategies for containment of this disease in the absence of an effective vaccine are of concern in terms of long-term fiscal sustainability and cost effectiveness. HIV prevalence rates are set to rise, not because of increasing incidence but rather because of the effort involved in implementing the anti-retroviral (ARV) programmes, especially on the African continent.