Activation of FOXO1 is critical for the anticancer effect of methylseleninic acid in prostate cancer cells.

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that physiological concentrations of methylseleninic acid (MSA) inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cells. The growth inhibitory effect could be attributed to cell cycle block and apoptosis induction. The current study was designed to investigate the involvement of forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) in the anticancer effect of MSA.

Characterization of expression and stability of recombinant cystein-rich protein human MT1A from yeast.

Metallothionein (MT) is the protein that has been shown to bind heavy metals, scavenge free radicals, protect DNA from radiation damage, and alleviate disease symptoms. However, only very limited success has been achieved in expression and production of active recombinant metallothionein. In this study, human metallothionein 1A (hMT1A) was transformed into yeast Pichia pastoris for expression with secretion of the protein into the medium.