Chromatin damage generated by DNA intercalators leads to degradation of RNA Polymerase II.

In cancer therapy, DNA intercalators are mainly known for their capacity to kill cells by inducing DNA damage. Recently, several DNA intercalators have attracted much interest given their ability to inhibit RNA Polymerase I transcription (BMH-21), evict histones (Aclarubicin) or induce chromatin trapping of FACT (Curaxin CBL0137). Interestingly, these DNA intercalators lack the capacity to induce DNA damage while still retaining cytotoxic effects and stabilize p53.

Downregulated eosinophil activity in ulcerative colitis with concomitant primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic bile duct inflammation strongly connected to ulcerative colitis (UC). PSC is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer, but the link between the intestinal and the bile duct inflammation is still unknown. Also, the involvement of intestinal immune cells in the pathogenesis of PSC remains to be determined.