The X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) is involved in melanoma invasion by regulating cell migration and survival.

Background: The X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) is a potent cellular inhibitor of apoptosis, based on its unique capability to bind and to inhibit caspases. However, XIAP is also involved in a number of additional cellular activities independent of its caspase inhibitory function. The aim of this study was to investigate whether modulation of XIAP expression affects apoptosis-independent functions of XIAP in melanoma cells, restores their sensitivity to apoptosis and/or affects their invasive and metastatic capacities.

Loss of epidermal MMP-14 expression interferes with angiogenesis but not with re-epithelialization.

Synthesis and activation of matrix metalloproteinases during wound healing are important for remodeling the extracellular matrix and modulating various cellular functions. The membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-14) has been shown to play a key role during these processes. To analyze the function of epidermal-derived MMP-14 during skin repair we generated mice lacking MMP-14 expression in the epidermis (MMP-14(ep-/-)).

Human leukocyte antigen class I, MHC class I chain-related molecule A, and CD8+/regulatory T-cell ratio: which variable determines survival of cervical cancer patients?

Purpose: To investigate the effect of intraepithelial tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (ieTIL) and their ligands expressed by cervical tumor cells on the outcome of cervical cancer patients.

Experimental Design: The prognostic value of ieTILs was investigated in 115 cases of cervical cancer. T-cell subsets, CD57(+) cells, and regulatory T cells (Treg) were enumerated.