A novel synthetic human insulin super promoter for targeting PDX-1-expressing pancreatic cancer.

Our previous studies have shown that a rat insulin promoter II fragment (RIP) was used to effectively target pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and insulinoma that over-express pancreatic and duodenal homeobox-1 (PDX-1). To enhance the activity and specificity of the human insulin promoter, we engineered a synthetic human insulin super-promoter (SHIP). Reporter assay demonstrated that SHIP1 was the most powerful promoter among all of the SHIPs and had far greater activity than the endogenous human insulin promoters and RIP in PDAC expressing PDX-1.

Introduction to the 2017 Founders' Lecture of the Association for Academic Surgery.

This year's Founders' Lecture will focus on the founding and history of the Association for Academic Surgery (AAS), as presented by five past presidents. The lecture will give the readers a unique and condensed perspective on the remarkable history of the AAS. The AAS was founded in 1967 by Dr George Zuidema with the mission to offer young academic surgeons an inclusive forum for discussion about surgical research and the opportunity for professional growth.

Phase 1 Trial of Bi-shRNA STMN1 BIV in Refractory Cancer.

Stathmin1 (STMN1) is a microtubule modulator that is expressed in multiple cancers and correlates with poor survival. We previously demonstrated in vivo safety of bifunctional (bi) shRNA STMN1 bilamellar invaginated vesicle (BIV) and that systemic delivery correlated with antitumor activity. Patients with superficial advanced refractory cancer with no other standard options were entered into trial.

In vivo safety and antitumor efficacy of bifunctional small hairpin RNAs specific for the human Stathmin 1 oncoprotein.

Bifunctional small hairpin RNAs (bi-shRNAs) are functional miRNA/siRNA composites that are optimized for posttranscriptional gene silencing through concurrent mRNA cleavage-dependent and -independent mechanisms (Rao et al., 2010 ). We have generated a novel bi-shRNA using the miR30 scaffold that is highly effective for knockdown of human stathmin (STMN1) mRNA.

Transcription factor PDX-1 in human colorectal adenocarcinoma: a potential tumor marker?

Aim: To examine the expression of pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1 (PDX-1) transcription factor in human colorectal cancer.

Methods: RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immuno-histochemistry were performed to determine the expression pattern of transcription factor PDX-1 in primary colorectal tumor, hepatic metastasis, and benign colon tissue from a single patient.

Results: The highest PDX-1 transcription levels were detected in the metastasis material.