Heparan sulfate promotes TRAIL-induced tumor cell apoptosis.

TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) is a potent inducer of tumor cell apoptosis through TRAIL receptors. While it has been previously pursued as a potential anti-tumor therapy, the enthusiasm subsided due to unsuccessful clinical trials and the fact that many tumors are resistant to TRAIL. In this report, we identified heparan sulfate (HS) as an important regulator of TRAIL-induced apoptosis.

Heparan sulfate-dependent RAGE oligomerization is indispensable for pathophysiological functions of RAGE.

RAGE, a druggable inflammatory receptor, is known to function as an oligomer but the exact oligomerization mechanism remains poorly understood. Previously we have shown that heparan sulfate (HS) plays an active role in RAGE oligomerization. To understand the physiological significance of HS-induced RAGE oligomerization in vivo, we generated RAGE knock-in mice () by introducing point mutations to specifically disrupt HS-RAGE interaction.

Zinc Binding by Histatin 5 Promotes Fungicidal Membrane Disruption in and .

Histatin 5 (Hst 5) is an antimicrobial peptide produced in human saliva with antifungal activity for opportunistic pathogen . Hst 5 binds to multiple cations including dimerization-inducing zinc (Zn), although the function of this capability is incompletely understood. Hst 5 is taken up by and acts on intracellular targets under metal-free conditions; however, Zn is abundant in saliva and may functionally affect Hst 5.