The EEF1A2 gene expression as risk predictor in localized prostate cancer.

Background: Besides clinical stage and Gleason score, risk-stratification of prostate cancer in the pretherapeutic setting mainly relies on the serum PSA level. Yet, this is associated with many uncertainties. With regard to therapy decision-making, additional markers are needed to allow an exact risk prediction.

RAB27A, RAB27B and VPS36 are downregulated in advanced prostate cancer and show functional relevance in prostate cancer cells.

Paracrine and long-range signaling via extracellular vesicles, such as exosomes and microvesicles, is deemed crucial for tumorigenesis, invasion and spread of solid tumors. The ESCRT machinery (endosomal sorting complexes required for transport) and Rab-proteins act as key players in vesicular trafficking and secretion. Yet, their role in prostate cancer (PCa) is unknown.

Expression and regulation of antimicrobial peptide psoriasin (S100A7) at the ocular surface and in the lacrimal apparatus.

Purpose: Psoriasin, originally isolated from psoriasis as an overexpressed molecule of unknown function, has recently been identified as a principal Escherichia coli-killing antimicrobial peptide of healthy skin. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression and antimicrobial role of psoriasin at the ocular surface and in the lacrimal apparatus.

Methods: Different tissues of the lacrimal apparatus and ocular surface were systematically analyzed by means of RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry for their ability to express and produce psoriasin.

Antimicrobial peptides as a major part of the innate immune defense at the ocular surface.

The ocular surface is in constant contact with the environment (e.g. when using one's fingers to insert a contact lens) and thus also with diverse bacteria, bacterial components and their pathogen associated molecules.