Stiffening of the brain extracellular matrix (ECM) in glioblastoma promotes tumor progression. Previously, we discovered that protein kinase R (PKR)-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) plays a role in glioblastoma stem cell (GSC) adaptation to matrix stiffness through PERK/FLNA-dependent F-actin remodeling. Here, we examined the involvement of PERK in detecting stiffness changes via focal adhesion complex (FAC) formation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: Meningiomas are one of the most frequently occurring brain tumors and can be curatively treated with gross-total resection. A subtotal resection increases the chances of recurrence. The intraoperative identification of invisible tumor remnants by using a fluorescent tracer targeting an upregulated biomarker could help to optimize meningioma resection.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe therapeutic targeting of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) death receptors in cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is a widely studied approach for tumor selective apoptotic cell death therapy. However, apoptosis resistance is often encountered. The main aim of this study was to investigate the apoptotic mechanism underlying TRAIL sensitivity in three bortezomib (BTZ)-resistant NSCLC variants, combining induction of both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways.
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