Lithocholic Acid Induces miR21, Promoting PTEN Inhibition via STAT3 and ERK-1/2 Signaling in Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Micro-RNA-21 (miR-21) is a vital regulator of colorectal cancer (CRC) progression and has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in CRC treatment. Our study using real-time PCR assay found that a secondary bile acid, lithocholic acid (LCA), stimulated the expression of miR21 in the CRC cell lines. Promoter activity assay showed that LCA strongly stimulated miR21 promoter activity in HCT116 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner.

Intranasal immunization with a flagellin-adjuvanted peptide anticancer vaccine prevents tumor development by enhancing specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte response in a mouse model.

Purpose: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant cause of cervical cancer-related deaths worldwide. Because HPV is a sexually transmitted mucosal pathogen, enhancement of antigen-specific mucosal immune response likely serves good strategy for vaccination. However, mucosal vaccines generally do not induce strong enough immune responses.