A novel method for genetic transformation of yeast cells using oligoelectrolyte polymeric nanoscale carriers.

The genetic transformation of target cells is a key tool in modern biological research, as well as in many gene therapy and biotechnology applications. Here we describe a new method for delivery of DNA into several industrially important species of yeast, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Our method is based on the use of a novel nanoscale oligoelectrolyte polymer possessing a comb-like structure as a carrier molecule.

Evaluation of biotargeting and ecotoxicity of Co²⁺-containing nanoscale polymeric complex by applying multi-marker approach in bivalve mollusk Anodonta cygnea.

Cobalt (Co(2+)) is present in many nanoscaled materials created for various applications. The key goal of our study was to develop sensitive approaches for assessing the bio-risks associated with using novel Co(2+)-containing nanoscaled polymeric complex (Co-NC). Freshwater bivalve mollusk Anodonta cygnea (Unionidae) was subjected to 14 d action of the developed Co-NC, as well as of Co(2+) applied in the corresponding concentration (50 μg L(-1)) or polymeric substance (PS).

Doxorubicin inhibits TGF-beta signaling in human lung carcinoma A549 cells.

Doxorubicin is a DNA-damaging drug, commonly used for treatment of cancer patients. Doxorubicin causes not only cytotoxic and cytostatic effects, but also inhibits metastasis formation, while TGFbeta1 (Transforming Growth Factor-beta1) is a cytokine that is often up-regulated in human cancers and can promote metastasis formation. We have studied the influence of Doxorubicin on TGFbeta signaling in tumor cells.

Differential effect of sanguinarine, chelerythrine and chelidonine on DNA damage and cell viability in primary mouse spleen cells and mouse leukemic cells.

Sanguinarine, chelerythrine and chelidonine are isoquinoline alkaloids derived from the greater celandine. They possess a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. It has been shown that their anti-tumor activity is mediated via different mechanisms, which can be promising targets for anti-cancer therapy.

Transforming growth factor beta-1 enhances cytotoxic effect of doxorubicin in human lung adenocarcinoma cells of A549 line.

Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFbeta-1) is a regulator of cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Doxorubicin (adriamycin), an anthracycline drug causing double-strand DNA breaks, is widely used in anticancer chemotherapy. Here we demonstrated that TGFbeta-1 enhanced cytotoxic (proapoptotic) action of doxorubicin towards cultured human lung carcinoma A549 cells.