ROCK2 deprivation leads to the inhibition of tumor growth and metastatic potential in osteosarcoma cells through the modulation of YAP activity.

Background: The treatment of metastatic osteosarcoma (OS) remains a challenge for oncologists, and novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. An understanding of the pathways that regulate OS dissemination is required for the design of novel treatment approaches. We recently identified Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) as a crucial driver of OS cell migration.

Targeting ROCK2 rather than ROCK1 inhibits Ewing sarcoma malignancy.

Understanding the molecular processes characterizing Ewing sarcoma (EWS) cell migration is crucial to highlight novel therapies for patients with disseminated disease. In this study we analyzed the role of ROCK kinases in the regulation of cell migration, growth and differentiation of EWS cells. Overexpression of ROCK promotes invasion and metastasis in many solid tumors.

Cytomegalovirus Scrotal Ulcer in a Renal Transplant Patient.

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a highly prevalent herpesvirus that can present with cutaneous disease in immunocompromised individuals. This may reflect systemic involvement, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Objective: To report a case of cutaneous CMV in an immunocompromised patient and to discuss the differential diagnosis of genital ulcers.

Prognostic significance of miR-34a in Ewing sarcoma is associated with cyclin D1 and ki-67 expression.

Background: At diagnosis, identification of reliable biological indicators of prognosis to allow stratification of patients according to different risks is an important but still unresolved aspect in the treatment of Ewing sarcoma (EWS) patients. This study aimed to explore the role of miR-34A expression on prognosis of EWS patients.

Patients And Methods: Specimens from 109 patients with non-metastatic EWS treated at the Rizzoli Institute with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (protocols ISG/SSGIII, EW-1, EW-2, EW-REN2, EW-REN3, EW-PILOT) and 17 metastases were studied.

CD99 suppresses osteosarcoma cell migration through inhibition of ROCK2 activity.

CD99, a transmembrane protein encoded by MIC2 gene is involved in multiple cellular events including cell adhesion and migration, apoptosis, cell differentiation and regulation of protein trafficking either in physiological or pathological conditions. In osteosarcoma, CD99 is expressed at low levels and functions as a tumour suppressor. The full-length protein (CD99wt) and the short-form harbouring a deletion in the intracytoplasmic domain (CD99sh) have been associated with distinct functional outcomes with respect to tumour malignancy.