Valosin-containing protein (VCP), a component of tumor-derived extracellular vesicles, impairs the barrier integrity of brain microvascular endothelial cells.

Metastases are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and their origin is not fully elucidated. Recently, studies have shown that extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly small extracellular vesicles (sEV), can disrupt the homeostasis of organs, promoting the development of a secondary tumor. However, the role of sEV in brain endothelium and their association with metastasis related to breast cancer is unknown.

Ecological study of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in soil: growth ability, conidia production and molecular detection.

Background: Paracoccidioides brasiliensis ecology is not completely understood, although several pieces of evidence point to the soil as its most probable habitat. The present study aimed to investigate the fungal growth, conidia production and molecular pathogen detection in different soil conditions.

Methods: Soils samples of clayey, sandy and medium textures were collected from ground surface and the interior of armadillo burrows in a hyperendemic area of Paracoccidioidomycosis.