Adaptation of a Model Spike Aptamer for Isothermal Amplification-Based Sensing.

Isothermal amplification (IA) techniques like rolling circle amplification (RCA) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) have gained significant attention in recent years due to their ability to rapidly amplify DNA or RNA targets at a constant temperature without the need for complex thermal cycling equipment. Such technologies, combined with colorimetric systems rendering visual confirmation of the amplification event, are ideal for the development of point-of-need detection methods suitable for field settings where access to specialized laboratory equipment is limited. The utility of these technologies, thus far limited to DNA and RNA targets, could be broadened to a wide range of targets by using aptamers.

Novel Strategies to Optimize the Amplification of Single-Stranded DNA.

The generation of single stranded DNA plays a key role in selection of DNA aptamers and in other molecular techniques such as DNA sequencing and microarrays. Here we describe three novel methodologies for ssDNA production and amplification. Furthermore, we describe some previously unnoticed aspects of random DNA amplification.

miR-564 acts as a dual inhibitor of PI3K and MAPK signaling networks and inhibits proliferation and invasion in breast cancer.

Dysregulation of PI3K and MAPK pathways promotes uncontrolled cell proliferation, apoptotic inhibition and metastasis. Individual targeting of these pathways using kinase inhibitors has largely been insufficient due to the existence of cross-talks between these parallel cascades. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs targeting several genes simultaneously and controlling cancer-related processes.

The miR-644a/CTBP1/p53 axis suppresses drug resistance by simultaneous inhibition of cell survival and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer.

Tumor cells develop drug resistance which leads to recurrence and distant metastasis. MicroRNAs are key regulators of tumor pathogenesis; however, little is known whether they can sensitize cells and block metastasis simultaneously. Here, we report miR-644a as a novel inhibitor of both cell survival and EMT whereby acting as pleiotropic therapy-sensitizer in breast cancer.

miR-200c: a versatile watchdog in cancer progression, EMT, and drug resistance.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 20-22-nucleotide small endogenous non-coding RNAs which regulate gene expression at post-transcriptional level. In the last two decades, identification of almost 2600 miRNAs in human and their potential to be modulated opened a new avenue to target almost all hallmarks of cancer. miRNAs have been classified as tumor suppressors or oncogenes depending on the phenotype they induce, the targets they modulate, and the tissue where they function.