Tumor

Synaptophysin a Marker Protein in Neuroendocrine Cells

Synaptophysin a Marker Protein in Neuroendocrine Cells Synaptophysin is a major integral membrane glycoprotein of neuronal synaptic vesicles present in virtually all synapses and shows a high degree of evolutionary conservation across the mammals. Synaptophysin has been detected in numerous endocrine cell types and is localized in the membrane of small synaptic-like vesicles.

MYD88 Expression and Tumorigenesis

MyD88, also called myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88, encodes a cytosolic adapter protein that plays an essential role in innate and adaptive immune responses. The innate immune system recognizes the presence of bacterial pathogens through the expression of a family known as Toll-like receptors (TLRs).

Ubiquitin-Mediated Degradation of Cellular Proteins: The Kiss of Death

Ubiquitin is an abundant and essential cellular 9-kd protein that is conserved across evolution from yeast to humans. Ubiquitin is used by cells as a covalent modifier of other proteins both to activate their function and to target them for degradation, depending on the degree of ubiquitination.

Nucleolin: A Multifaceted Nucleolar Phosphoprotein

Nucleolin is a ubiquitous, nonhistone nucleolar phosphoprotein of exponentially growing eukaryotic cells and is present in abundance at the dense fibrillar and granular regions of nucleolus. Intact nucleolin is the major species and represents 5% of nucleolar protein in actively dividing cells.

MCP-1 and Lethal Attractions

The Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1) is a member of the C-C chemokine family, and a potent chemotactic factor for monocytes.

SCP1 a Potential Cancer Target for Immunotherapy

Synaptonemal Complex Protein 1 (SCP1) is a novel tumor antigen that belongs to the growing family of cancer/testis antigens (CTA). SCP-1 is known to be selectively expressed during the meiotic prophase of spermatocytes and is involved in the pairing of homologous chromosomes during meiosis I. Investigation of a broad spectrum of normal and malignant tissues revealed that expression of SCP-1 transcripts and antigen selectively in a variety of neoplastic tissues and tumor cell lines.

ABCG2: A Tumor Protector

ABCG2 is a member of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily. Among ABC transporters ABCG2 is particularly interesting for its potential role in protecting cancer stem cells and its complex oligomeric structure (1).

Luciferase: Shining a Light to See Inside Living Animal Models

The luciferase reporter is a valuable tool for research into physiology and disease. Light emitted from luciferase enables the monitoring of xenografted tumors, specific cell types, gene expression and pathogens within live animals over time using bioluminescence imaging (BLI) technology. Further detail can be revealed through the use of luciferase antibodies.

xCT: Friend or Foe?

There are two opposing sides to the controversial cysteine/glutamate antiporter. On one hand, it can be viewed a guardian of the cell, protecting it from the damaging oxidative stress that can cause cell death and even cancer. But, conversely, it has a dark side, actually facilitating cancer in a number of ways.

Somatostatin Receptor 2: Treating Patients Who Cannot Stop Growing

Acromegaly is a rare life-shortening disease caused by elevated levels of growth hormone (GH) secreted by a tumor on the pituitary gland. Treatments include somatostatin analogs, which activate somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2), reducing GH secretion and tumor size.

Pages