High biocompatible FITC-conjugated silica nanoparticles for cell labeling in both in vitro and in vivo models.

Fluorescence nanosilica-based cell tracker has been explored and applied in cell biological research. However, the aggregation of these nanoparticles at physiological pH is still the main limitation. In this research, we introduced a novel fluorescence nano-based cell tracker suitable for application in live cells.

Detection of sFas, sCD137, and IL-27 Cytokines as Potential Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Diagnosis.

Purpose: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a prevalent type of liver cancer, is mainly diagnosed in the advanced stage, leading to a high mortality rate. Recent advances have identified peripheral cytokines as a potential tool to predict disease outcomes and inform therapeutic decisions. Hence, in this study, we aim to build a predictive model for HCC based on serum levels of different cytokines.

High Biocompatibility, MRI Enhancement, and Dual Chemo- and Thermal-Therapy of Curcumin-Encapsulated Alginate/FeO Nanoparticles.

(1) Background: Magnetite (FeO) nanoparticles have great potential for biomedical applications, including hyperthermia and magnetic resonance imaging. In this study, we aimed to identify the biological activity of nanoconjugates composed of superparamagnetic FeO nanoparticles coated with alginate and curcumin (FeO/Cur@ALG) in cancer cells. (2) Methods: The nanoparticles were evaluated for the biocompatibility and toxicity on mice.

In vitro high throughput screening, what next? Lessons from the screening for aurora kinase inhibitors.

Based on in vitro assays, we performed a High Throughput Screening (HTS) to identify kinase inhibitors among 10,000 small chemical compounds. In this didactic paper, we describe step-by-step the approach to validate the hits as well as the major pitfalls encountered in the development of active molecules. We propose a decision tree that could be adapted to most in vitro HTS.

Benzo[e]pyridoindoles, novel inhibitors of the aurora kinases.

Aurora kinases are serine/threonine protein kinases that are involved in cancer development and are important targets for cancer therapy. By high throughput screening of a chemical library we found that benzo[e]pyridoindole derivatives inhibited Aurora kinase. The most potent compound (compound 1) was found to be an ATP competitive inhibitor, which inhibited in vitro Aurora kinases at the nanomolar range.

[Survivin, the starlet of the passenger-protein complex : check-up for its tenth anniversary].

Ten year after its discovery Survivin has gained a strategic place within the chromosomal passenger complex. Whereas INCENP, Borealin and Aurora B are fully immobile in the complex, Survivin is mobile on centromere. Its mobility is regulated both by phosphorylation and ubiquitination.

Role of survivin phosphorylation by aurora B in mitosis.

The chromosomal protein passenger complex, a key mitotic regulator, consists of at least four proteins, INCENP, Aurora B, Survivin and Borealin. Survivin, in contrast to the other members of the chromosomal protein passenger complex (CPC), is mobile at metaphase. This protein is also phosphorylated by Aurora B at Threonine 117.