Autophagy interplays with apoptosis and cell cycle regulation in the growth inhibiting effect of Trisenox in HEP-2, a laryngeal squamous cancer.

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is the most common among several types of head and neck cancers. Current treatments have a poor effect on early and advanced cases, and further investigations for novel agents against LSCCs are desirable. In this study, we elucidate the cytotoxic enhancing effect of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) combined with L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) in LSCC.

Astrocytes reverted to a neural progenitor-like state with transforming growth factor alpha are sensitized to cancerous transformation.

Gliomas, the most frequent primitive central nervous system tumors, have been suggested to originate from astrocytes or from neural progenitors/stem cells. However, the precise identity of the cells at the origin of gliomas remains a matter of debate because no pre-neoplastic state has been yet identified. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha, an epidermal growth factor family member, is frequently overexpressed in the early stages of glioma progression.

DLG1/SAP97 modulates transforming growth factor alpha bioavailability.

TGFalpha and its receptor EGFR participate in the development of a wide range of tumors including gliomas, the main adult primary brain tumors. TGFalpha soluble form results from the cleavage by the metalloprotease TACE/ADAM17 of the extracellular part of its transmembrane precursor, pro-TGFalpha. To gain insights into the mechanisms underlying TGFalpha bioavailability, a yeast two-hybrid screen was performed to identify proteins interacting with pro-TGFalpha intracellular domain (ICD).

Differences in the expression pattern of P-glycoprotein and MRP1 in low-grade and high-grade gliomas.

Multidrug resistance in gliomas is the major challenges in the clinical setting. We investigated the expression of P-glycoprotein (Pgp) and multidrug resistance-related protein 1 (MRP1) in 50 gliomas using immunohistochemistry. Compared to Pgp, MRP1 positivity was observed in highest percentage of gliomas grade IV samples (p = 0.

Potentiation of anticancer-drug cytotoxicity by sea anemone pore-forming proteins in human glioblastoma cells.

The search for new drugs and treatment approaches is of particular importance for glioblastomas (GBMs), as with other types of malignant gliomas, as they are lethal without the available medical care. Current anticancer cocktails have failed to prolong survival beyond 1 year, in part owing to the natural resistance of GBM cells and to the toxic side effects of the available drugs. In many organisms, cell death can be induced by cytolysins, which are proteins that can form pores in biological membranes.

Interactive properties of human glioblastoma cells with brain neurons in culture and neuronal modulation of glial laminin organization.

The harmonious development of the central nervous system depends on the interactions of the neuronal and glial cells. Extracellular matrix elements play important roles in these interactions, especially laminin produced by astrocytes, which has been shown to be a good substrate for neuron growth and axonal guidance. Glioblastomas are the most common subtypes of primary brain tumors and may be astrocytes in origin.