Mitochondrial DNA Alterations in Glioblastoma (GBM).

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an extremely aggressive tumor originating from neural stem cells of the central nervous system, which has high histopathological and genomic diversity. Mitochondria are cellular organelles associated with the regulation of cellular metabolism, redox signaling, energy generation, regulation of cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Accumulation of mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) leads to mitochondrial dysfunction that plays an important role in GBM pathogenesis, favoring abnormal energy and reactive oxygen species production and resistance to apoptosis and to chemotherapeutic agents.

Expression Pattern of and Its Regulators in Canine Mammary Tumors.

Background/aim: In female dogs, mammary cancer is the most frequent cancer type, accounting for 50% of all tumors affecting these animals. Amongst the commonly altered genes in cancer is the cell-cycle regulator cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2B (Cdkn2b), whose expression is negatively regulated by protein products of BMI1 proto-oncogene (Bmi1), MYC proto-oncogene (Myc) and T-box gene transcription factor 2 (Tbx2) genes. Considering this, the aim of this study was to evaluate the expression pattern of the Cdkn2b gene and these regulators in canine mammary tumors of dogs from Northern Brazil (Belém, Pará).

COX-2 gene expression and methylation profile in Sapajus apella as an experimental model for gastric adenocarcinoma.

Gastric cancer (GC) remains one of the main causes of cancer-related death worldwide. There are two distinct histological types of GC: diffuse and intestinal. The latter is characterized by the presence of pre-neoplastic lesions.

An update on the epigenetics of glioblastomas.

Glioblastomas, also known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), are the most aggressive and malignant type of primary brain tumor in adults, exhibiting notable variability at the histopathological, genetic and epigenetic levels. Recently, epigenetic alterations have emerged as a common hallmark of many tumors, including GBM. Considering that a deeper understanding of the epigenetic modifications that occur in GBM may increase the knowledge regarding the tumorigenesis, progression and recurrence of this disease, in this review we discuss the recent major advances in GBM epigenetics research involving histone modification, glioblastoma stem cells, DNA methylation, noncoding RNAs expression, including their main alterations and the use of epigenetic therapy as a valid option for GBM treatment.

Perspectives on new biomarkers in gastric cancer: diagnostic and prognostic applications.

Gastric cancer is considered one of the most deadly tumors worldwide. Even with the decline in its incidence, the mortality rate of this disease has remained high, mainly due to its late diagnosis and to the lack of precise prognostic markers. The main purpose of this review is to present genetic, epigenetic and proteomic molecular markers that may be used in a diagnostic and prognostic manner and to discuss the pros and cons of each type of marker for improving clinical practice.