Extracellular vesicles and their associated miRNAs as potential prognostic biomarkers in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Purpose Of Review: Many prognostic and predictive biomarkers have been proposed for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Here, we aim to discuss the evidence showing a prognostic potential for extracellular vesicles (EV) and their associated microRNAs (miRNAs).

Recent Findings: EV are produced by several cells in the body as a physiological event; however, there is evidence suggesting that an elevated EV concentration is present in the circulation of CLL patients.

Analysis of RNA yield in extracellular vesicles isolated by membrane affinity column and differential ultracentrifugation.

Extracellular vesicles (EV) have attracted much attention as potential biomarkers due to their protein, RNA and other nucleic acid content. The most common method used for EV isolation is differential ultracentrifugation (DU), however given the DU technical difficulties, other more practical methods have surged, such as membrane-affinity column commercial kits. Here, we assessed one commercial kit in terms of EV recovery and EV-derived RNA yield and compared it with a DU protocol.

Effectiveness of L-asparaginase-based regimens compared to anthracycline-based regimens in newly diagnosed extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type: a single Mexican center experience.

Background: Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTCL) has a high prevalence in Asia and Latin American countries, such as Mexico, where it encompasses 40% of all T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Historically, responses to anthracycline-based therapies have been disappointing. Since data about the effectiveness of L-asparaginase-based regimens in Mexico are limited, we compared both therapies in our center.

IL-4 enhances expression and function of surface IgM in CLL cells.

Kinase inhibitors targeting the B-cell receptor (BCR) are now prominent in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We have focused here on interleukin 4 (IL-4), a cytokine that protects normal and malignant B cells from apoptosis and increases surface immunoglobulin M (sIgM) expression on murine splenic B cells. First, we have demonstrated that IL-4 treatment increased sIgM expression in vitro on peripheral blood B cells obtained from healthy individuals.

Cellular signalling of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE).

The receptor for advanced glycation end-product (RAGE) is the signal transduction receptor which senses a variety of signalling molecules including advanced glycation end products (AGEs), HMGB1, S100/calgranulins, β-amyloid, phosphatidylserine, C3a and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs). It is usually abnormally up-regulated and plays crucial roles during the development of many human diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, osteoarthritis and cancer. RAGE regulates a number of cell processes of pivotal importance like inflammation, apoptosis, proliferation and autophagy.

Regulation of MEK/ERK pathway output by subcellular localization of B-Raf.

The strength and duration of intracellular signalling pathway activation is a key determinant of the biological outcome of cells in response to extracellular cues. This has been particularly elucidated for the Ras/Raf/MEK [mitogen-activated growth factor/ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) kinase]/ERK signalling pathway with a number of studies in fibroblasts showing that sustained ERK signalling is a requirement for S-phase entry, whereas transient ERK signalling does not have this capability. A major unanswered question, however, is how a cell can sustain ERK activation, particularly when ERK-specific phosphatases are transcriptionally up-regulated by the pathway itself.

Vascular endothelial growth factor activates the Tie family of receptor tyrosine kinases.

The ability of cells to respond appropriately to changes in their environment requires integration and cross-talk between relevant signalling pathways. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin families of ligands are key regulators of blood vessel formation. VEGF binds to receptor tyrosine kinases of the VEGF-receptor family to activate signalling pathways leading to endothelial migration, proliferation and survival whereas the angiopoietins interact with the Tie receptor tyrosine kinases to control vessel stability, survival and maturation.