Publications by authors named "Zhijun Pang"

The development of an effective pharmacological countermeasure is needed to reduce the morbidity and mortality in high-dose ionizing radiation-induced acute damage. Genistein has shown bioactivity in alleviating radiation damage and is currently synthesized by chemosynthetic methods. Due to concerns about chemical residues and high costs, the clinical application of genistein is still a major challenge.

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Tumor targeting agents are being developed for early tumor detection and therapeutics. We previously identified the peptide SNFYMPL (SNF*) and demonstrated its specific binding to human esophageal specimens of high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and adenocarcinoma with imaging ex vivo. Here, we aim to identify the target for this peptide and investigate its potential applications in imaging and drug delivery.

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N-Acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) is a critical negative regulator of fibrosis development in the liver. However, its extremely short half-life in vivo greatly compromises its potential applications. Here, we report an Ac-SDKP analog peptide with d-amino acid replacement (Ac-SD K P).

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Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant tumor of the central nervous system, and chemoresistance blunts the effect of temozolomide (TMZ) in the treatment of GBM. Clarifying the underlying mechanism of chemoresistance might yield novel strategies to improve the patients' response to chemotherapeutics. Mounting evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in chemoresistance and tumorigenesis.

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The recently reported inhibitory effects of angiotensin 1-7 (Ang-(1-7)) on various cancers indicate its potential use as a therapeutic agent for primary and metastatic cancers. However, its extremely short half-life in the circulation greatly compromises its potential applications. Here, we reported an Ang-(1-7) analogue peptide with the amino and carboxy termini protected by acetylation and amination.

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Background: Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) is a 43-amino-acid peptide with protective properties in myocardium injury. Previously, we produced a recombinant human dimeric Tβ4 (DTβ4). Here, the cardioprotective effects of DTβ4 and the molecular mechanisms underlying its enhanced activity were investigated.

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The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is rising rapidly, and early detection within the precursor state of Barrett's esophagus (BE) is challenged by flat premalignant lesions that are difficult detect with conventional endoscopic surveillance. Overexpression of cell surface fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) is an early event in progression of BE to EAC, and is a promising imaging target. We used phage display to identify the peptide SRRPASFRTARE that binds specifically to the extracellular domain of FGFR2.

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Article Synopsis
  • Cancer cells adapt their metabolism for energy and growth during tumor progression, particularly in conditions of low oxygen and glucose, although the specific mechanisms remain unclear.
  • The study shows that carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1C (Cpt1c) is upregulated in papillary thyroid carcinoma tissues compared to normal tissues, promoting cancer cell survival and metastasis under metabolic stress.
  • Cpt1c expression is influenced by AMPK activity, with higher levels observed in hypoxic and glucose-deprived environments, indicating its role in the cancer cells' ability to thrive despite severe metabolic challenges.
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Functional significance of co-expressed erythropoietin (EPO) and its receptor (EPOR) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) had been under debate. In this study, co-overexpression of EPO/EPOR was confirmed to be positively associated with poor survival in NSCLC. The serum EPO in 14 of 35 enrolled NSCLC patients were found elevated significantly and decreased to normal level after tumor resection.

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Objective: To observe the expression and distribution of substance P (SP), neurofilament-H (NFH) in glomus tumors with chronic pain, and to discuss the process of chronic pain and the relationship with pain degree.

Methods: Twenty-seven patients diagnosed as glomus tumor with chronic pain were enrolled as case group, and divided into light pain symptomatic group (LPSG) (n = 12) and severe pain symptomatic group (SPSG) (n = 15) according to clinical manifestations. Control group (CG) were enrolled by 30 patients with amputated extremities or hands after trauma.

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