GRP78 secreted by colon cancer cells facilitates cell proliferation via PI3K/Akt signaling.

Glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78) is usually recognized as a chaperone in the endoplasmic reticulum. However, increasing evidence indicates that GRP78 can be translocated to the cell surface, acting as a signaling receptor for a variety of ligands. Since little is known about the secretion of GRP78 and its role in the progression of colon cancer we here focused on GRP78 from colon cancer cells, and purified GRP78 protein mimicking the secreted GRP78 was able to utilize cell surface GRP78 as its receptor, activating downstream PI3K/Akt and Wnt/β-catenin signaling and promote colon cancer cell proliferation.

[Clinical applications of dosing algorithm in the predication of warfarin maintenance dose].

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of clinical application for genetic based dosing algorithm in the predication of warfarin maintenance dose in Chinese population.

Methods: The clinical data were collected and blood samples harvested from a total of 126 patients undergoing heart valve replacement. The genotypes of VKORC1 and CYP2C9 were determined by melting curve analysis after PCR.

[Impact of five genetic polymorphisms on inter-individual variation in warfarin maintenance dose].

Objective: To investigate the effect of genetic polymorphisms in VKORC1, CYP2C9, GGCX, EPHX1, APOE genes on inter-individual variation in warfarin maintenance dose.

Methods: Two hundred and forty-nine patients with stable warfarin dose were enrolled in this study, and the clinical data and blood samples of the patients were collected. Genotypes for the 5 genes were determined by using PCR and denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) assay.