EGFL7 Antagonizes NOTCH Signaling and Represents a Novel Therapeutic Target in Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Purpose: EGF-like domain 7 (EGFL7) is a secreted protein and recently has been shown to play an important role in acute myeloid leukemia (AML); however, the underlying mechanism by which EGFL7 promotes leukemogenesis is largely unknown.

Experimental Design: Using an antibody interaction array, we measured the ability of EGFL7 to bind directly approximately 400 proteins expressed by primary AML blasts. Primary patient samples were stimulated with recombinant EGFL7 (rEGFL7) or anti-EGFL7 blocking antibody to assess alterations in downstream signaling and the ability to effect blast differentiation and survival.

Percutaneous treatment of ranulas: ultrasound-guided drainage with salivary gland chemical ablation.

Background: Ranulas are salivary pseudocysts in the floor of the mouth adjacent to damaged salivary glands. Current surgical management is drainage of the ranula with removal of the offending gland. An analogous percutaneous procedure could potentially offer similar treatment efficacy in a more minimally invasive way.