Potent antitumor activity of a designed interleukin-21 mimic.

Long-standing goals of cancer immunotherapy are to activate cytotoxic antitumor T cells across a broad range of affinities while dampening suppressive regulatory T (Treg) cell responses, but current approaches achieve these goals with limited success. Here, we report a IL-21 mimic, 21h10, designed to have augmented stability and high signaling potency in both humans and mice. In multiple animal models and in human melanoma patient derived organotypic tumor spheroids (PDOTS), 21h10 showed robust antitumor activity.

Synthesis and catalytic activity of single-site group V alkoxide complexes for the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone.

The synthesis, characterization, and ring-opening polymerization (ROP) activity of a family of niobium and tantalum alkoxide catalysts was studied. The final catalysts are made in a two-step synthesis, first by reacting the desired homoleptic metal ethoxide with a phenolketoimine ligand to form a series of synthetic intermediates, followed by reaction with catechol to produce a catalytic platform with a single ethoxide initiator. By using two separate ligands, the electronic properties of the catalyst can be tuned, and the molecular weight of the polymer can be increased.

Distinctive modulation of hepcidin in cancer and its therapeutic relevance.

Hepcidin, a short peptide synthesized primarily by hepatocytes in response to increased body iron and inflammation, is a crucial iron-regulating factor. Hepcidin regulates intestinal iron absorption and releases iron from macrophages into plasma through a negative iron feedback mechanism. The discovery of hepcidin inspired a torrent of research into iron metabolism and related problems, which have radically altered our understanding of human diseases caused by an excess of iron, an iron deficiency, or an iron disparity.

Role of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) in cancer metastasis to bone: Identifying a potential therapeutic target.

Cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide due to its ability to evade immune surveillance and metastasize from its origin to a secondary point of contact. Though several treatment techniques have been developed to suppress or manage cancer spread, a strategy for total control over the disease continues to evade researchers. In considering ways to control or prevent cancer from metastasizing to the bone, we analyze the impact of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), whose primary role is to maintain calcium (Ca) homeostasis in cellular and systemic physiological processes.

Dietary cadmium exposure causes elevation of blood ApoE with triglyceride level in mice.

Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread toxic occupational and environmental pollutant, and its effect on lipid metabolism dysregulation has been observed. In this study, we utilized two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometry (MS) technologies to explore changes in the blood plasma proteins of mice exposed to Cd. From the 2-DE, 8 protein spots were screened in response to Cd exposure, and the identities of these proteins were revealed by MALDI-TOF MS.

Calcimimetic compound NPS R-467 protects against chronic cadmium-induced mouse kidney injury by restoring autophagy process.

In the kidney, disturbance of calcium homeostasis can cause renal hemodynamic changes, leading to glomerulonephritis, tubular damage and renal vascular disease, and thus promotes the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metals proved to induce disturbances of calcium homeostasis and nephrotoxicity. Calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) is abundantly expressed in the kidney and plays an important role in maintaining body calcium homeostasis.

Molecular cloning, expression and characterization of secreted ferritin in the silkworm, Bombyx mori.

Ferritin is a ubiquitous iron storage protein which plays key role in regulating iron homeostasis and metabolism. In this paper, the ferritin heavy chain homologs (HCH) and light chain homologs (LCH) from Bombyx mori (BmFerHCH and BmFerLCH) were amplified through PCR and cloned into the expression vector pET-30a(+). The recombinant BmFerHCH and BmFerLCH expressed in Escherichia coli were in the form of insoluble inclusion bodies, indicating that the two proteins were not in their natural structural conformation.

Silver nanoparticle toxicity in silkworms: Omics technologies for a mechanistic understanding.

The widespread use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has raised public concern due to their potential toxic effects on humans and the environment. Although some studies have evaluated the toxicity of nanomaterials in vertebrates, studies on their hazardous effects on insects are limited. Here we focused on different concentrations of AgNPs to silkworms, a promising model organism, to evaluate their toxic effects by omics analysis.

Applying microarray-based technique to study and analyze silkworm (Bombyx mori) transcriptomic response to long-term high iron diet.

To investigate the biological processes affected by long-term iron supplementation, newly hatched silkworms were exposed to high iron mulberry diet (10 and 100 ppm) and its effect on silkworm transcriptom was determined. The results showed that the silkworm was responsive to iron by increasing iron concentration and ferritin levels in the hemolymph and by regulating the expression of many other genes. A total of 523 and 326 differentially expressed genes were identified in 10 and 100 ppm Fe group compared to the control, respectively.