Gleevec, an Abl family inhibitor, produces a profound change in cell shape and migration.

The issue of how contractility and adhesion are related to cell shape and migration pattern remains largely unresolved. In this paper we report that Gleevec (Imatinib), an Abl family kinase inhibitor, produces a profound change in the shape and migration of rat bladder tumor cells (NBTII) plated on collagen-coated substrates. Cells treated with Gleevec adopt a highly spread D-shape and migrate more rapidly with greater persistence.

From mechanical force to RhoA activation.

Throughout their lives, all cells constantly experience and respond to various mechanical forces. These frequently originate externally but can also arise internally as a result of the contractile actin cytoskeleton. Mechanical forces trigger multiple signaling pathways.

Characterization of antiestrogenic activity of the Chinese herb, prunella vulgaris, using in vitro and in vivo (Mouse Xenograft) models.

Prunella vulgaris (PV), a commonly used Chinese herb, also known as Self-heal, has a wide range of reported medicinal activities. By screening multiple herbs using the endometrial cancer cell line, ECC-1, and an alkaline phosphatase detection assay, we found that PV displayed significant antiestrogenic activity. We investigated the possible usefulness of antiestrogenic activity using both in vitro and in vivo models of endometrial function.

Complement and cutaneous autoimmune blistering diseases.

Cutaneous autoimmune blistering diseases are associated with tissue injury and fluid accumulation within the skin. The initial trigger for the organ-specific damage is autoantibodies targeting skin autoantigens, which are involved in cell-cell or cell-matrix adhesion in the skin. Pemphigus autoantibodies bind to desmosomal antigens and cause intraepidermal blisters, while pemphigoid autoantibodies interact with hemidesmosomal or hemidesmosome-associated antigens and lead to dermal-epidermal junction separation.