Chemokine CXCL12 Activates CXC Receptor 4 Metastasis Signaling Through the Upregulation of a CXCL12/CXCR4/MDMX (MDM4) Axis.

Background: The metastasis-promoting G-protein-coupled receptor CXC Receptor 4 (CXCR4) is activated by the chemokine CXCL12, also known as stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1). The CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway in cancer promotes metastasis but the molecular details of how this pathway cross-talks with oncogenes are understudied. An oncogene pathway known to promote breast cancer metastasis in MDA-MB-231 xenografts is that of Mouse Double Minute 2 and 4 (MDM2 and MDM4, also known as MDMX).

Microvascular blood flow resistance: Role of red blood cell migration and dispersion.

Microvascular blood flow resistance has a strong impact on cardiovascular function and tissue perfusion. The flow resistance in microcirculation is governed by flow behavior of blood through a complex network of vessels, where the distribution of red blood cells across vessel cross-sections may be significantly distorted at vessel bifurcations and junctions. In this paper, the development of blood flow and its resistance starting from a dispersed configuration of red blood cells is investigated in simulations for different hematocrit levels, flow rates, vessel diameters, and aggregation interactions between red blood cells.