Fluorescent cascade and direct assays for characterization of RAF signaling pathway inhibitors.

RAF kinases are part of a conserved signaling pathway that impacts cell growth, differentiation, and survival, and RAF pathway dysregulation is an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. We describe two homogeneous fluorescent formats that distinguish RAF pathway inhibitors from direct RAF kinase inhibitors, using B-RAF, B-RAF V599E, and C-RAF. A Förster-resonance energy transfer (FRET) based method was used to develop RAF and MEK cascade assays as well as a direct ERK kinase assay.

Obesity and gender differences in the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Uganda.

Objective: We assessed the severity of type 2 diabetes in urban and rural communities of Uganda and characterized this disease according to sex, obesity, and hypertension.

Methods: A total of 440 subjects was tested for high blood and urine glucose levels with the respective glucometers and sample strips. Body mass index and hypertension were determined by measuring height, weight, and blood pressure.