Publications by authors named "Vanessa Velazquez"

Introduction: The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is an intracellular organelle responsible for targeted protein degradation, which represents a standard therapeutic target for many different human malignancies. Bortezomib, a reversible inhibitor of chymotrypsin-like proteasome activity, was first approved by the FDA in 2003 to treat multiple myeloma and is now used to treat a number of different cancers, including relapsed mantle cell lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, colorectal cancer, and thyroid carcinoma. Despite the success, bortezomib and other proteasome inhibitors are subject to severe side effects, and ultimately, drug resistance.

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Article Synopsis
  • Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have transformed chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) from a deadly condition into a manageable one, but drug-resistant leukaemia stem cells present a significant challenge for achieving a cure.
  • A new study highlights the downregulation of the G0/G1 switch gene 2 (G0S2), a key regulator of lipid metabolism, in various instances of TKI resistance, which correlates with poorer survival outcomes for patients.
  • The research indicates that the decrease in G0S2 is influenced by transcriptional repression from MYC rather than by genetic changes or BCR::ABL1 activity, suggesting that restoring G0S2 could be crucial for improving treatment responses
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26S proteasome non-ATPase subunits 1 (PSMD1) and 3 (PSMD3) were recently identified as prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and multiple solid tumors. In the present study, we analyzed the expression of 19S proteasome subunits in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with mutations in the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 () gene and assessed their impact on overall survival (OS). High levels of but not expression correlated with a worse OS in FLT3-mutated AML.

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Ever since the ubiquitin proteasome system was characterized, efforts have been made to manipulate its function to abrogate the progression of cancer. As a result, the anti-cancer drugs bortezomib, carfilzomib, and ixazomib targeting the 26S proteasome were developed to treat multiple myeloma, mantle cell lymphoma, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, among others. Despite success, adverse side effects and drug resistance are prominent, raising the need for alternative therapeutic options.

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Objective: Treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) with interferon-based therapy has been shown to be less effective in Hispanics when compared to other populations. A pilot clinic was established at the University of Puerto Rico for the treatment of HCV in the government-insured population. The aim of this study was to describe the outcomes and treatment response to pegylated interferon and ribavirin in treatment-naive patients enrolled at this government-sponsored clinic.

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Background: Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a major health problem in Puerto Rico (PR). More than 50% of the population is insured by a government-sponsored managed care system that does not cover treatment for CHC. Lack of access to treatment will result in an increase in end-stage liver disease with its high socioeconomic impact in the future.

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