Alpha-2-macroglobulin as a novel diagnostic biomarker for human bladder cancer in urinary extracellular vesicles.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from urine are promising tools for the diagnosis of urogenital cancers. Urinary EVs (uEVs) are considered potential biomarkers for bladder cancer (BC) because urine is in direct contact with the BC tumor microenvironment and thus reflects the current state of the disease. However, challenges associated with the effective isolation and analysis of uEVs complicate the clinical detection of uEV-associated protein biomarkers.

In vivo Preclinical Tumor-Specific Imaging of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Using Magnetic Particle Imaging for Cancer Diagnosis.

Purpose: Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is an emerging radiation-free, non-invasive three-dimensional tomographic technology that can visualize the concentrations of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs). To verify the applicability of the previously proposed point-of-care testing MPI (PoCT-MPI) in medical diagnosis and therapeutics, we imaged SPIONs in animal tumor models.

Methods: CT26 or MC38 mouse colon carcinoma cells (2 × 10 cells) were subcutaneously injected into the right flank of BALB/c mice.

Biphasic Regulation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Phosphatase 3 in Hypoxic Colon Cancer Cells.

Hypoxia, or low oxygen tension, is a hallmark of the tumor microenvironment. The hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) subunit plays a critical role in the adaptive cellular response of hypoxic tumor cells to low oxygen tension by activating gene-expression programs that control cancer cell metabolism, angiogenesis, and therapy resistance. Phosphorylation is involved in the stabilization and regulation of HIF-1α transcriptional activity.

Knockout Decreases Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Virion Production in iSLK BAC16 Cells by Attenuating Viral Gene Expression.

Multiple host proteins affect the gene expression of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) during latent and lytic replication. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) serves as a highly conserved chromosomal protein inside the cell and a prototypical damage-associated molecular pattern molecule outside the cell. HMGB1 has been shown to play a pathogenic role in viral infectious diseases and to regulate the lytic replication of KSHV.

Rab27b regulates extracellular vesicle production in cells infected with Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus to promote cell survival and persistent infection.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a crucial role in cell-to-cell communication. EVs and viruses share several properties related to their structure and the biogenesis machinery in cells. EVs from virus-infected cells play a key role in virus spread and suppression using various loading molecules, such as viral proteins, host proteins, and microRNAs.

Modulation of Nogo receptor 1 expression orchestrates myelin-associated infiltration of glioblastoma.

As the clinical failure of glioblastoma treatment is attributed by multiple components, including myelin-associated infiltration, assessment of the molecular mechanisms underlying such process and identification of the infiltrating cells have been the primary objectives in glioblastoma research. Here, we adopted radiogenomic analysis to screen for functionally relevant genes that orchestrate the process of glioma cell infiltration through myelin and promote glioblastoma aggressiveness. The receptor of the Nogo ligand (NgR1) was selected as the top candidate through Differentially Expressed Genes (DEG) and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis.

Differential Expression of miRNAs and Behavioral Change in the Cuprizone-Induced Demyelination Mouse Model.

The demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system involve myelin abnormalities, oligodendrocyte damage, and consequent glia activation. Neurotoxicant cuprizone (CPZ) was used to establish a mouse model of demyelination. However, the effects of CPZ on microRNA (miRNA) expression and behavior have not been clearly reported.

Diverse Gene Expressions in the Prediction of Cuprizone-Induced Demyelination.

Myelin abnormalities, oligodendrocyte damage, and concomitant glia activation are common characteristics of demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system. Administration of the neurotoxicant cuprizone (CPZ) has been extensively used to establish a reproducible mouse model of demyelination. However, its effects on myelin-related gene expression have not been sufficiently explored.

Composition and structure of the marine benthic community in Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica: Responses of the benthic assemblage to disturbances.

The community structure and assemblages of marine benthic organisms were investigated in coastal areas near the Jang Bogo Antarctic Research Station in Terra Nova Bay during the 2012-2018 summer seasons. We also examined the recovery pattern of marine benthic organisms following disturbance due to the construction of the Jang Bogo Station. A total of 26 taxa were identified in the study area during the experimental period.

Nogo receptor-vimentin interaction: a novel mechanism for the invasive activity of glioblastoma multiforme.

Nogo receptor (NgR) has been shown to inhibit the migration and invasion of human glioma cells. However, little is known regarding the regulatory mechanisms of NgR in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). In this study, we propose a novel mechanism that regulates the maturation process of NgR through an interaction with vimentin.

Species composition, diversity, and distribution of the genus Ulva along the coast of Jeju Island, Korea based on molecular phylogenetic analysis.

Species diversity in the genus Ulva remains understudied worldwide. Using molecular analyses we investigated the species composition, diversity, distribution, and relative frequencies of the genus Ulva along the entire coast of Jeju Island, off the southern tip of Korea. Species identification was performed for 215 samples collected from 23 sites, based on comprehensive phylogenetic and model-based species delimitation analyses using the sequences of two molecular markers, chloroplast elongation factor Tu (tufA) and nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS).

Differential expression of tescalcin by modification of promoter methylation controls cell survival in gastric cancer cells.

The EF‑hand calcium binding protein tescalcin (TESC) is highly expressed in various human and mouse cancer tissues and is therefore considered a potential oncogene. However, the underlying mechanism that governs TESC expression remains unclear. Emerging evidence suggests that TESC expression is under epigenetic regulation.

Clinical Etiology of Hypermetabolic Pelvic Lesions in Postoperative Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography for Patients With Rectal and Sigmoid Cancer.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to present various clinical etiologies of hypermetabolic pelvic lesions on postoperative positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) images for patients with rectal and sigmoid cancer.

Methods: Postoperative PET/CT images for patients with rectal and sigmoid cancer were retrospectively reviewed to identify hypermetabolic pelvic lesions. Positive findings were detected in 70 PET/CT images from 45 patients; 2 patients who were lost to follow-up were excluded.

Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Infection Modulates the Proliferation of Glioma Stem-Like Cells.

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most lethal malignant brain tumor. Despite many intensive studies, the prognosis of glioblastoma multiforme is currently very poor, with a median overall survival duration of 14 months and 2-year survival rates of less than 10%. Although viral infections have been emphasized as potential cofactors, their influences on pathways that support glioblastoma progression are not known.

Characteristics of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in anastomotic sinus and fistula following rectal cancer surgery.

Purpose: To assess the characteristics of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in persisting anastomotic sinus and fistula following rectal cancer surgery.

Methods: Eight patients with anastomotic sinus and fistula were retrospectively studied.

Results: A total of 13 anastomotic sinuses (n=11) and fistulas (n=2) were observed.

Cowden Syndrome Detected by FDG PET/CT in an Endometrial Cancer Patient.

Cowden syndrome (CS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by multiple hamartomas in various tissues and cancers (breast, thyroid, and endometrium). We report CS of the esophagus and gastrointestinal tract that was incidentally detected by positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) at postoperative surveillance in an endometrial cancer patient. PET/CT showed mildly increased FDG uptake along the entire esophagus and stomach.

Tescalcin expression contributes to invasive and metastatic activity in colorectal cancer.

We reported previously that tescalcin (TESC) levels were higher in tissue and serum from colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and suggested that TESC was a potential oncotarget in CRC. The aim of this study was to investigate the function of TESC in CRC invasion and metastatic potential. TESC expression was knocked down in CRC cells using small interfering RNA (siRNA).

An engagement factor for caregiver radiation dose assessment with radioiodine treatment.

This study aims to suggest ways to better manage thyroid cancer patients treated with high- and low-activity radioiodine ((131)I) by assessing external radiation doses to family members and caregivers and the level of radiation in the surrounding environment. The radiation doses to caregivers of 33 inpatients (who were quarantined in the hospital for 2-3 d after treatment) and 31 outpatients who received radioiodine treatment after thyroidectomy were measured using passive thermoluminescence dosemeters. In this study, 33 inpatients were administered high-activity (100-200 mCi) (131)I, and 31 outpatients were administered low-activity (30 mCi) (131)I.

The EF-hand calcium-binding protein tescalcin is a potential oncotarget in colorectal cancer.

Tescalcin (TESC) is an EF-hand calcium binding protein that is differentially expressed in several tissues, however it is not reported that the expression and functional roles of TESC in colorectal cancer. Levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of TESC in colorectal cancer tissues were assessed using RT-PCR, real time PCR, immunohistochemistry, and clinicopathologic analyses. Quantitative analysis of TESC levels in serum specimens was performed using sandwich ELISA.

The usefulness of F-18 FDG PET/CT-mammography for preoperative staging of breast cancer: comparison with conventional PET/CT and MR-mammography.

Background: The objective of the study was to compare the diagnostic efficacy of an integrated Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18 FDG) PET/CT-mammography (mammo-PET/CT) with conventional torso PET/CT (supine-PET/CT) and MR-mammography for initial assessment of breast cancer patients.

Patients And Methods: Forty women (52.0 ± 12.

NDRG2 and PRA1 interact and synergistically inhibit T-cell factor/β-catenin signaling.

NDRG2 is a member of the N-myc downstream regulated gene (NDRG) family, implicated in cell growth and differentiation. Investigation of NDRG2 molecular interactions by yeast two-hybrid screening identified prenylated Rab acceptor-1 (PRA1), involved in vesicle trafficking and protein transport, as binding partner. Binding of NDRG2 (and NDRG1-4) with PRA1 in vitro was confirmed by GST pull-down assay and immunoprecipitation, and colocalization was verified by confocal microscopy in HCT116 cells.

Overexpression and clinical significance of carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6 in colorectal cancer.

Background: Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6) inhibits anoikis and affects the malignant phenotype of cancer cells. In this study, we analyzed CEACAM6 as a gene that is highly upregulated in colon cancer tissues, and examined the assertion that CEACAM6 might be a suitable candidate tumor marker for the diagnosis of colon cancer.

Methods: CEACAM6 gene expression in human colon tissues was performed by tissue microarray and analyzed using RT-PCR (each of normal and tumor tissue, n=40) and immunohistochemical and clinicopathological (colon cancer patients, n=143) analyses.

ESM-1 regulates cell growth and metastatic process through activation of NF-κB in colorectal cancer.

In our previous study, we reported that endothelial cell specific molecule-1 (ESM-1) was increased in tissue and serum from colorectal cancer patients and suggested that ESM-1 can be used as a potential serum marker for early detection of colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of ESM-1 as an intracellular molecule in colorectal cancer. ESM-1 expression was knocked down by small interfering RNA (siRNA) in colorectal cancer cells.

Dysregulation of overexpressed IL-32α in hepatocellular carcinoma suppresses cell growth and induces apoptosis through inactivation of NF-κB and Bcl-2.

IL-32 is a newly discovered cytokine. Recently, various reports suggest that it plays a role as a proinflammatory mediator and may be involved in several cancer carcinogenesis. However, IL-32 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear.