Interplay between long noncoding RNA ZEB1-AS1 and miR-101/ZEB1 axis regulates proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer cells.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are dysregulated in many diseases. MicroRNA-101 (miR-101) functions as a tumor suppressor by directly targeting ZEB1 in various cancers. However, the potential mechanism of lncRNA ZEB1-AS1 and miR-101/ZEB1 axis in CRC remains unknown.

Silencing long noncoding RNA PVT1 inhibits tumorigenesis and cisplatin resistance of colorectal cancer.

Long noncoding RNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) plays pivotal roles in tumorigenesis of many cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the clinical significance and the biological functions of PVT1 in CRC remain largely unknown. In this study, we found that PVT1 was highly expressed in CRC tissues and cell lines compared with the corresponding non-cancerous samples and normal colon epithelial cells.

microRNA-9 functions as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer by targeting CXCR4.

MicroRNAs (miRs) dysregulation has been proven to play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). miR-9 functions as a tumor suppressor in many cancer types, including CRC. However, the precise role of miR-9 and the underlying molecular mechanisms that miR-9 involves in CRC progression remain largely unknown.

Design of amphiphilic PCL-PEG-PCL block copolymers as vehicles of Ginkgolide B and their brain-targeting studies.

The amphiphilic PEG-b-PCL block copolymers were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization. The specific and selective antagonists of platelet activating factor, Ginkgolide B (GB), was successfully encapsulated in the synthesized PEG-PCL nanoparticles (NPs) with high Encapsulation Efficiency and Drug Loading. The synthesis of different PEG-PCL copolymers were confirmed with FTIR and H NMR spectra.

PQ401, an IGF-1R inhibitor, induces apoptosis and inhibits growth, proliferation and migration of glioma cells.

Growth factor signalling pathways transduce extra-cellular physiological cues to guide cells to maintain critical cellular functions, including cell proliferation, survival and metabolism. Dysregulation of certain growth factor signalling pathways has been shown as a major route to promote tumourigenesis. Glioma is a type of aggressive malignant tumour with no effective systematic therapy so far.

Novel chalcone derivatives as hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 inhibitor: synthesis, anti-invasive and anti-angiogenic properties.

A novel series of chalcone derivatives were synthesized and their biological activities against HIF-1 were evaluated. Among these compounds, 5d exhibited clearly inhibitory effects on HIF-1 by downregulating the expression of HIF-1α under hypoxic conditions. Meanwhile, it also significantly suppressed VEGF-induced migration and invasion of Hep3B and HUVEC cells in nontoxic concentrations.

A novel small-molecule activator of procaspase-3 induces apoptosis in cancer cells and reduces tumor growth in human breast, liver and gallbladder cancer xenografts.

Purpose: Procaspase-3, a proenzyme of apoptotic executioner caspase-3, is overexpressed in numerous tumors. We aimed to characterize a novel procaspase-3 activator, WF-210, which may have potential as an anticancer drug.

Experimental Design: The procaspase-3 activating ability, antitumor efficacy, mechanisms of action, and toxicity profiles of WF-210 were investigated in vitro and in vivo, using normal cells, cancer cells, and mouse xenograft models.

Suppression of NF-κB signaling and P-glycoprotein function by gambogic acid synergistically potentiates adriamycin -induced apoptosis in lung cancer.

Gambogic acid (GA) has been approved by the Chinese Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of lung cancer in clinical trials. However, whether GA has chemosensitizing properties when combined with other chemotherapy agents in the treatment of lung cancer is not known. Here we investigated the effects of GA combined with adriamycin (ADM), a common chemotherapy agent, in regard to their activities and the possible mechanisms against lung cancer in vitro and in vivo.

Activated microglia are implicated in cognitive deficits, neuronal death, and successful recovery following intermittent ethanol exposure.

Microglia function as the primary immune effector cells in the brain and play a pivotal role in the neuroinflammatory processes which are critical component of neurodegenerative diseases. Alcohol abuse has been considered as one of the common reasons for neurodegeneration although the causative factors are poorly understood. Here, we investigated whether activated microglia were implicated in neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunctions in adult rats after intermittent alcohol abuse.