Analysis of the interplay between all-trans retinoic acid and histone deacetylase inhibitors in leukemic cells.

The treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) induces granulocytic differentiation. This process renders APL cells resistant to cytotoxic chemotherapies. Epigenetic regulators of the histone deacetylases (HDACs) family, which comprise four classes (I-IV), critically control the development and progression of APL.

Analyzing the Impact of Pan- and Class-Specific HDACi on Differentiation-Associated Factors.

The differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells into mature blood cells is a highly ordered process and dysregulation of this process can lead to leukemogenesis. Agents that are used to cure acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) can induce differentiation and/or apoptosis. Here, we describe how effects of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) on APL cell differentiation can be evaluated by immunoblotting and by flow cytometry.

Pasteurella multocida toxin- induced osteoclastogenesis requires mTOR activation.

Background: Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) is a potent inducer of osteoclast formation. Pigs suffering from an infection with toxigenic Pasteurella multocida strains develop atrophic rhinitis characterised by a loss of turbinate bones and conchae. However, on the molecular level the process of bone loss remains largely uncharacterised.

Caspase-3 and caspase-6 cleave STAT1 in leukemic cells.

Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-1 (STAT1) is phosphorylated upon interferon (IFN) stimulation, which can restrict cell proliferation and survival. Nevertheless, in some cancers STAT1 can act in an anti-apoptotic manner. Moreover, certain malignancies are characterized by the overexpression and constitutive activation of STAT1.