SAGE analysis highlights the putative role of underexpression of ribosomal proteins in GH-secreting pituitary adenomas.

Background: Although the molecular pathogenesis of pituitary adenomas has been assessed by several different techniques, it still remains partially unclear. Ribosomal proteins (RPs) have been recently related to human tumorigenesis, but they have not yet been evaluated in pituitary tumorigenesis.

Objective: The aim of this study was to introduce serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE), a high-throughput method, in pituitary research in order to compare differential gene expression.

DNA vaccine containing the mycobacterial hsp65 gene prevented insulitis in MLD-STZ diabetes.

Background: Our group previously demonstrated that a DNA plasmid encoding the mycobacterial 65-kDa heat shock protein (DNA-HSP65) displayed prophylactic and therapeutic effect in a mice model for tuberculosis. This protection was attributed to induction of a strong cellular immunity against HSP65. As specific immunity to HSP60 family has been detected in arthritis, multiple sclerosis and diabetes, the vaccination procedure with DNA-HSP65 could induce a cross-reactive immune response that could trigger or worsen these autoimmune diseases.

Protective efficacy of different strategies employing Mycobacterium leprae heat-shock protein 65 against tuberculosis.

Background: Tuberculosis is a major threat to human health. The high disease burden remains unaffected and the appearance of extremely drug-resistant strains in different parts of the world argues in favor of the urgent need for a new effective vaccine. One of the promising candidates is heat-shock protein 65 when used as a genetic vaccine (DNAhsp65).