Forced Overexpression and Knockout Analysis of SLC30A and SLC39A Family Genes Suggests Their Involvement in Establishing Resistance to Cisplatin in Human Cancer Cells.

The metabolism of zinc and manganese plays a pivotal role in cancer progression by mediating cancer cell growth and metastasis. The SLC30A family proteins and mediate the efflux of zinc, manganese, and probably other transition element ions outside the cytoplasm to the extracellular space or into intracellular membrane compartments. The SLC39A family members and are their functional antagonists that transfer these ions into the cytoplasm.

The Role of the Metabolism of Zinc and Manganese Ions in Human Cancerogenesis.

Metal ion homeostasis is fundamental for life. Specifically, transition metals iron, manganese and zinc play a pivotal role in mitochondrial metabolism and energy generation, anti-oxidation defense, transcriptional regulation and the immune response. The misregulation of expression or mutations in ion carriers and the corresponding changes in Mn and Zn levels suggest that these ions play a pivotal role in cancer progression.

The IL13α 2R paves the way for anti-glioma nanotherapy.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most aggressive (grade IV) gliomas characterized by a high rate of recurrence, resistance to therapy and a grim survival prognosis. The long-awaited improvement in GBM patients' survival rates essentially depends on advances in the development of new therapeutic approaches. Recent preclinical studies show that nanoscale materials could greatly contribute to the improvement of diagnosis and management of brain cancers.

Oncolytic Virus-Induced Autophagy in Glioblastoma.

Autophagy is a catabolic process that allows cells to scavenge damaged organelles and produces energy to maintain cellular homeostasis. It is also an effective defense method for cells, which allows them to identify an internalized pathogen and destroy it through the fusion of the autophagosome and lysosomes. Recent reports have demonstrated that various chemotherapeutic agents and viral gene therapeutic vehicles provide therapeutic advantages for patients with glioblastoma as monotherapy or in combination with standards of care.