Bacterial production and structure-functional validation of a recombinant antigen-binding fragment (Fab) of an anti-cancer therapeutic antibody targeting epidermal growth factor receptor.

Fragment engineering of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has emerged as an excellent paradigm to develop highly efficient therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents. Engineered mAb fragments can be economically produced in bacterial systems using recombinant DNA technologies. In this work, we established recombinant production in Escherichia coli for monovalent antigen-binding fragment (Fab) adopted from a clinically used anticancer mAB drug cetuximab targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).

YY162 prevents ADHD-like behavioral side effects and cytotoxicity induced by Aroclor1254 via interactive signaling between antioxidant potential, BDNF/TrkB, DAT and NET.

Methylphenidate (MP) has become the primary drug of choice for treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, its psychotropic effects severely hamper long-term clinical use. We evaluated the effects of YY162, which consists of terpenoid-strengthened Ginkgo biloba and ginsenoside Rg3, on the ADHD-like condition induced by Aroclor1254, because both components have been suggested to modulate oxidative stress, dopaminergic neurotransmission, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling, which may be critical targets for understanding the pathogenesis of ADHD.

Peptidomimetic small-molecule compounds promoting cardiogenesis of stem cells.

Embryonic stem (ES) cells may be used as an alternative source of functionally intact cardiomyocytes for ischemic heart disease. Several natural and synthetic small molecules have been identified as useful tools for controlling and manipulating stem cell renewal and differentiation. Currently, there is an urgent requirement for novel small molecules that specifically induce differentiation of stem cells into cardiomyocytes.

Anti-fibrotic effects of a methylenedioxybenzene compound, CW209292 on dimethylnitrosamine-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats.

A series of methylenedioxybenzene compounds were synthesized and found to have hepatoprotective effects in chemical-induced hepatotoxicity models. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the anti-fibrotic effects of a synthetic methylenedioxybenzene compound, CW209292, using the dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced chronic liver injury model in rats. Liver injuries were induced in Sprague Dawley rats by injection of DMN (intraperitoneally, 10 microl/kg) 3 times per week for 4 weeks.

Comparison of in vivo nephrotoxicity in the rabbit by a pyrrolidinyl-thio Carbapenem CW-270031.

CW-270031 is a novel synthesized carbapenem antibiotic with a broad antimicrobial activity. Carbapenem antibiotics are well known for their nephrotoxicity. In this study, we evaluated the nephrotoxicity potential of this compound in rabbits, which are known for being more sensitive than other animals to renal insult.

Potential inhibition of PDK1/Akt signaling by phenothiazines suppresses cancer cell proliferation and survival.

3'-Phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK1) has been identified for its ability to phosphorylate and activate Akt. Accumulated studies have shown that the activation of the PDK1/Akt pathway plays a pivotal role in cell survival, proliferation, and tumorigenesis. Therefore, the PDK1/Akt pathway is believed to be a critical target for cancer intervention.

CW-270033, a novel pyrrolidinyl-thio carbapenem, has potent antimicrobial activity in vitro and in vivo.

CW-270033, an injectable carbapenem, is a novel, synthesized pyrrolidinyl-thio carbapenem. In the present study, the in-vitro and in-vivo antibacterial activities of CW-270033 against wild-type strains and clinical isolates were compared with those of imipenem and meropenem. CW-270033 was more active than imipenem against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) clinical isolates, but was slightly less active than meropenem.

A small molecule inhibitor of beta-catenin/CREB-binding protein transcription [corrected].

Inherited and somatic mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli occur in most colon cancers, leading to activation of beta-catenin-responsive genes. To identify small molecule antagonists of this pathway, we challenged transformed colorectal cells with a secondary structure-templated chemical library, looking for compounds that inhibit a beta-catenin-responsive reporter. We identified ICG-001, a small molecule that down-regulates beta-catenin/T cell factor signaling by specifically binding to cyclic AMP response element-binding protein.

Inhibition of dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis by [5-(2-pyrazinyl)-4-methyl-1,2-dithiol-3-thione] (oltipraz) in rats: suppression of transforming growth factor-beta1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression.

Oltipraz is a cancer chemopreventive agent active against a wide variety of chemical carcinogens. In spite of the intense chemoprevention and toxicology studies on oltipraz, no information is available on its antifibrotic efficacy. In the present study, the effects of oltipraz on dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver fibrogenesis were assessed in rats.