The extracellular matrix protein fibulin-3/EFEMP1 promotes pleural mesothelioma growth by activation of PI3K/Akt signaling.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive tumor with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. The extracellular matrix protein fibulin-3/EFEMP1 accumulates in the pleural effusions of MPM patients and has been proposed as a prognostic biomarker of these tumors. However, it is entirely unknown whether fibulin-3 plays a functional role on MPM growth and progression.

Resection of a large presacral schwannoma from an all-posterior trans-sacral approach.

Background: Presacral schwannomas vary greatly in size, and symptomatology. Resections may utilize anterior, posterior, or combined 360-degree approaches.

Case Description: A 67-year-old female presented with a progressively enlarging presacral schwannoma originating from the S1 nerve root.

Reelin Deficiency Delays Mammary Tumor Growth and Metastatic Progression.

Reelin is a regulator of cell migration in the nervous system, and has other functions in the development of a number of non-neuronal tissues. In addition, alterations in reelin expression levels have been reported in breast, pancreatic, liver, gastric, and other cancers. Reelin is normally expressed in mammary gland stromal cells, but whether stromal reelin contributes to breast cancer progression is unknown.

A Complex Interaction Between Reduced Reelin Expression and Prenatal Organophosphate Exposure Alters Neuronal Cell Morphology.

Genetic and environmental factors are both likely to contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders including schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, and major depressive disorders. Prior studies from our laboratory and others have demonstrated that the combinatorial effect of two factors-reduced expression of reelin protein and prenatal exposure to the organophosphate pesticide chlorpyrifos oxon-gives rise to acute biochemical effects and to morphological and behavioral phenotypes in adolescent and young adult mice. In the current study, we examine the consequences of these factors on reelin protein expression and neuronal cell morphology in adult mice.