Biological characteristics of CCN proteins in tumor development.

The extracellular membrane (ECM) is no longer regarded as inert, rather it has multiple versatile physiologic functions. Its diverse composition is implicated in each step of cancer progression including inflammation, angiogenesis, tumor invasion and metastasis. In addition to structural proteins, the ECM also contains a family of non-structural proteins called matricellular proteins.

Extracellular matrix in obesity - cancer interactions.

Obesity or overweight is a risk factor for several health disorders such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers. Furthermore, obesity affects almost all body systems including the extracellular matrix (ECM) by generating a pro-inflammatory environment, which are associated with abnormal secretions of several cytokines or hormonal substances, for example, insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), leptin, and sex hormones. These chemical mediators most likely have a great impact on the ECM.

Small Circular DNAs in Human Pathology.

In general, human pathogen-related small circular deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules are bacterial plasmids and a group of viral genomes. Plasmids are extra-chromosomal small circular DNAs that are capable of replicating independently of the host, and are present throughout a variety of different microorganisms, most notably bacteria. While plasmids are not essential components of the host, they can impart an assortment of survival enhancing genes such as for fertility, drug resistance, and toxins.