Curcumin induces apoptosis and inhibits growth of human Burkitt's lymphoma in xenograft mouse model.

Curcumin, a natural compound extracted from rhizomes of curcuma Curcuma species, has been shown to possess potent anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-oxidative properties. However, the mechanism of action of the compound remains poorly understood. In this report, we have analyzed the effects of curcumin on the cell proliferation of Burkitt's lymphoma Raji cells.

Expression and purification of a mutant of human interleukin-2 in Pichia pastoris.

Interleukin (IL)-2 is a pharmacologically important cytokine secreted by T-lymphocytes. Recombinant IL-2 (rIL-2) has been modified and produced in many systems. Mass production of rIL-2 is the prerequisite for its wide application.

Identification of human dopamine D1-like receptor agonist using a cell-based functional assay.

Aim: To establish a cell-based assay to screen human dopamine D1 and D5 receptor agonists against compounds from a natural product compound library.

Methods: Synthetic responsive elements 6 cAMP response elements (CRE) and a mini promoter containing a TATA box were inserted into the pGL3 basic vector to generate the reporter gene construct pCRE/TA/Luci. CHO cells were co-transfected with the reporter gene construct and human D1 or D5 receptor cDNA in mammalian expression vectors.

[Studies on fermentation conditions and purification of mutant human interleukin-2 expressed in Pichia pastoris].

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) was initially isolated as a T cell growth factor and had been shown to direct the expansion and differentiation of several hematopoietic cell types. Clinical studies using IL-2 in the treatment of AIDS have been encouraging, due to its critical role as a proliferative signal for activated T-lymphocytes. IL-2 has also undergone trials in the treatment of several types of cancer, based on its stimulation of cytotoxic, antitumor cells.

Establishment of a cell-based assay to screen regulators for Klotho gene promoter.

Aim: To discover compounds which can regulate Klotho promoter activity. Klotho is an aging suppressor gene. A defect in Klotho gene expression in the mouse results in the phenotype similar to human aging.