Smoothened (SMO) regulates insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) levels and protein kinase B (AKT) localization and signaling.

The oncoprotein Smoothened (SMO), a Frizzled-class-G-protein-coupled receptor, is the central transducer of hedgehog (Hh) signaling. While canonical SMO signaling is best understood in the context of cilia, evidence suggests that SMO has other functions in cancer biology that are unrelated to canonical Hh signaling. Herein, we provided evidence that elevated levels of human SMO show a strong correlation with elevated levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) and reduced survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Smoothened stabilizes and protects TRAF6 from degradation: A novel non-canonical role of smoothened with implications in lymphoma biology.

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), an (K63) E3-ligase, plays a role in many biological processes and its activity is relevant in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) biology. Although molecules that trigger TRAF6 activation have been defined, those that stabilize TRAF6 and/or enhance TRAF6 function remain largely unclear. We found that TRAF6 amplifies pAKT signaling in DLBCL.

Integrating genomic alterations in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma identifies new relevant pathways and potential therapeutic targets.

Genome studies of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) have revealed a large number of somatic mutations and structural alterations. However, the clinical significance of these alterations is still not well defined. In this study, we have integrated the analysis of targeted next-generation sequencing of 106 genes and genomic copy number alterations (CNA) in 150 DLBCL.

The effect of long-term near normal glycemic control on mild diabetic retinopathy.

Thirty-three type l diabetics who used continuous subcutaneous infusion of insulin (CSll) and 24 diabetics on conventional treatment (maximum of two injections per day) were studied prospectively with ophthalmologic examinations, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1) determinations. Both groups were similar with respect to age, duration of diabetes, and length of follow-up. At entry almost all patients had only mild forms of diabetic retinopathy although three CSll patients had early proliferative retinopathy.