Real-time visualization of intratumoral necrosis using split-luciferase reconstitution by protein trans-splicing.

Necrosis, a form of cell death, occurs not only with the development of various diseases but also with a tumor tissue response to cancer treatment. Therefore, pursuing progress for cancer therapy through induction of necrosis may be one of the most effective approaches for cancer eradication. We herein describe the development of a real-time imaging system to visualize intratumoral necrosis.

Four domains of Ada1 form a heterochromatin boundary through different mechanisms.

In eukaryotic cells, there are two chromatin states, silenced and active, and the formation of a so-called boundary plays a critical role in demarcating these regions; however, the mechanisms underlying boundary formation are not well understood. In this study, we focused on S. cerevisiae ADA1, a gene previously shown to encode a protein with a robust boundary function.

Development of a real-time imaging system for hypoxic cell apoptosis.

Hypoxic regions within the tumor form due to imbalances between cell proliferation and angiogenesis; specifically, temporary closure or a reduced flow due to abnormal vasculature. They create environments where cancer cells acquire resistance to therapies. Therefore, the development of therapeutic approaches targeting the hypoxic cells is one of the most crucial challenges for cancer regression.

Simple and efficient isolation of cordycepin from culture broth of a Cordyceps militaris mutant.

Isolation of cordycepin from the culture broth of Cordyceps militaris mutant was investigated. Based on the solubility curve, three crystallizing processes, temperature shift (process I), pH shift (process II), and pH shift followed by temperature shift (process III) were carried out. Process III was the most promising method regarding both purity and yield.