Dimerization and lysine substitution of melittin have differing effects on bacteria.

Introduction: Melittin is a potent antimicrobial peptide from bee venom that is effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. However, it is extremely toxic to mammalian cells and, as yet, has no clinical use. Modifications to its amino acid sequence, cyclization, truncation, and dimerization have been attempted in order to reduce its toxicity whilst maintaining its antimicrobial activity.

Star-Peptide Polymers are Multi-Drug-Resistant Gram-Positive Bacteria Killers.

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria, especially Gram-positive bacteria like , is gaining considerable momentum worldwide and unless checked will pose a global health crisis. With few new antibiotics coming on the market, there is a need for novel antimicrobial materials that target and kill multi-drug-resistant (MDR) Gram-positive pathogens like methicillin-resistant (MRSA). In this study, using a novel mixed-bacteria antimicrobial assay, we show that the star-peptide polymers preferentially target and kill Gram-positive pathogens including MRSA.

Perceptions of Clinical Trial Participation in African American Cancer Survivors and Caregivers.

Purpose: To explore the perceptions of African American survivors and caregivers about participation in clinical trials.

Participants & Setting: 13 participants were enrolled and participated in one of the focus groups, and 11 participated in two focus groups.

Methodologic Approach: A qualitative descriptive study using a community-based participatory research approach.

The Potential of Modified and Multimeric Antimicrobial Peptide Materials as Superbug Killers.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are found in nearly all living organisms, show broad spectrum antibacterial activity, and can modulate the immune system. Furthermore, they have a very low level of resistance induction in bacteria, which makes them an ideal target for drug development and for targeting multi-drug resistant bacteria 'Superbugs'. Despite this promise, AMP therapeutic use is hampered as typically they are toxic to mammalian cells, less active under physiological conditions and are susceptible to proteolytic degradation.

Tumor Associated Macrophages: Origin, Recruitment, Phenotypic Diversity, and Targeting.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is known to have a strong influence on tumorigenesis, with various components being involved in tumor suppression and tumor growth. A protumorigenic TME is characterized by an increased infiltration of tumor associated macrophages (TAMs), where their presence is strongly associated with tumor progression, therapy resistance, and poor survival rates. This association between the increased TAMs and poor therapeutic outcomes are stemming an increasing interest in investigating TAMs as a potential therapeutic target in cancer treatment.