In vitro analysis suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection differentially modulates cancer-like phenotypes and cytokine expression in colorectal and prostate cancer cells.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) reportedly exacerbates cancer outcomes. However, how COVID-19 influences cancer prognosis and development remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effect of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent of COVID-19, on cellular cancer phenotypes the expression of cancer-related markers, and various proinflammatory cytokines.

Bridging the gaps in newborn screening programmes: Challenges and opportunities to detect haemoglobinopathies in Africa.

Background: Haemoglobinopathies, including sickle cell disease and β-thalassaemia, are monogenic disorders with a relatively higher prevalence among malaria-endemic areas in Africa. Despite this prevalence, most African countries lack the necessary resources for diagnosing and managing these debilitating conditions.

Aim: This study provides a critical review of newborn screening for detecting haemoglobinopathies in Africa, highlighting challenges and proposing strategies for improved diagnosis and management.

Cryptolepine Suppresses Colorectal Cancer Cell Proliferation, Stemness, and Metastatic Processes by Inhibiting WNT/β-Catenin Signaling.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Evidence shows that over 90% of CRC cases are initiated by a deregulated Wingless Integrated Type-1 (WNT)/β-catenin signaling pathway. The WNT/β-catenin pathway also promotes CRC cell proliferation, stemness, and metastasis.

Inverse Comorbidity between Down Syndrome and Solid Tumors: Insights from In Silico Analyses of Down Syndrome Critical Region Genes.

An inverse comorbidity has been observed between Down syndrome (DS) and solid tumors such as breast and lung cancers, and it is posited that the overexpression of genes within the Down Syndrome Critical Region (DSCR) of human chromosome 21 may account for this phenomenon. By analyzing publicly available DS mouse model transcriptomics data, we aimed to identify DSCR genes that may protect against human breast and lung cancers. Gene expression analyses with GEPIA2 and UALCAN showed that DSCR genes and are significantly downregulated in breast and lung cancers, and their expression levels are higher in triple-negative compared to luminal and HER2-positive breast cancers.