Impact of sex hormones on pheochromocytomas, paragangliomas, and gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Objective: The effects of sex hormones remain largely unexplored in pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) and gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs).

Methods: We evaluated the effects of estradiol, progesterone, Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and testosterone on human patient-derived PPGL/GEP-NET primary culture cell viability (n = 38/n = 12), performed next-generation sequencing and immunohistochemical hormone receptor analysis in patient-derived PPGL tumor tissues (n = 36).

Results: In PPGLs, estradiol and progesterone (1 µm) demonstrated overall significant antitumor effects with the strongest efficacy in PPGLs with NF1 (cluster 2) pathogenic variants.

Identification of a Chemical Probe for BLT2 Activation by Scaffold Hopping.

The leukotriene B4 receptor 2 (BLT2) is a G-protein coupled receptor, which is endogenously activated by 12()-hydroxyheptadeca-5Z,8E,10E-trienoic acid (12-HHT). BLT2 is gaining attention as a potential therapeutic target involved in various pathologies including diabetic wound healing, ophthalmic diseases, and colitis. However, validation of BLT2 as drug target requires chemical probes and pharmacological tools which will allow for application in vivo.

Design and Evaluation of a Low-Cost Mount for Attaching a Laser Tracker's SMR to a Robot Flange.

Robot calibration and modelling measurements are commonly performed using a laser tracker. To capture three-dimensional positions, a SMR is attached to the robot. While some researchers employ adhesive bonds for this purpose, such methods often result in inaccurate, unstable and non-repeatable SMR positioning, adversely affecting measurement precision and the traceability of research outcomes.