Influence of plasma processing on recovery and analysis of circulating nucleic acids.

Circulating nucleic acids (CNAs) are under investigation as a liquid biopsy in cancer. However there is wide variation in blood processing and methods for isolation of circulating free DNA (cfDNA) and microRNAs (miRNAs). Here we compare the extraction efficiency and reproducibility of 4 commercially available kits for cfDNA and 3 for miRNA using spike-in of reference templates.

Collagen I and thrombin activate MMP-2 by MMP-14-dependent and -independent pathways: implications for airway smooth muscle migration.

Increased proinflammatory mediators and ECM deposition are key features of the airways in asthma. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are produced by airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells and have multiple roles in inflammation and tissue remodeling. We hypothesized that components of the asthmatic airway would stimulate MMP production and activation by ASM and contribute to airway remodeling.

Matrix metalloproteinase expression and activity in human airway smooth muscle cells.

Airway remodelling is a feature of chronic asthma comprising smooth muscle hypertrophy and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) breakdown ECM, are involved in tissue remodelling and have been implicated in airway remodelling. Although mesenchymal cells are an important source of MMPs, little data are available on airway smooth muscle (ASM) derived MMPs.

Stimulation and inhibition of uveal melanoma invasion by HGF, GRO, IL-1alpha and TGF-beta.

Purpose: To investigate potential factors involved in uveal melanoma migration and invasion in vitro.

Methods: Using a microchemotaxis chamber, the effects were studied of a range of stimulators and inhibitors on a series of 10 primary uveal melanomas and 2 uveal melanoma cell lines, by assessing invasion through an 8- micro m pore membrane, precoated with an extracellular matrix solution. In addition, invasion in response to the effect of cells and conditioned media derived from the liver and other tissues was studied for one uveal melanoma culture, by using double-chambered wells, and invasion was assessed through an 8- micro m pore membrane, precoated with synthetic extracellular matrix.