Successful mycophenolate mofetil therapy in nine patients with idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis.

Objective: To assess the therapeutic benefit of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in retroperitoneal fibrosis (RF).

Methods: MMF 2 g/day and prednisone 1 mg/kg were initiated in nine patients with radiological (9/9) and histological verification (2/9) of idiopathic RF. Out of nine patients, seven needed bilateral ureteral stenting due to extensive hydronephrosis.

Detailed analysis of MIA protein by mutagenesis.

MIA (melanoma inhibitory activity) has been identified as a small protein secreted by malignant melanoma cells that interacts with extracellular matrix proteins including fibronectin. These findings suggest that MIA may play a role in tumor progression and the spread of malignant melanomas by mediating detachment of cells from extracellular matrix molecules. Here, we present a detailed study on functionally important MIA domains.

Expression of Dickkopf genes is strongly reduced in malignant melanoma.

The Dickkopf (DKK) genes were originally identified as factors inducing head formation in Xenopus. The genes code for inhibitors that are involved in Wnt signaling. We speculate that loss of DKK expression plays a role in development or progression of malignant melanoma.