Search

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a protein embedded in the outer membrane of epithelial and mesenchymal cells, bone cells, blood and immune cells, heart cells, glia and stem neural cells. It belongs to the ErbB family, which includes three other related proteins: HER2/ErbB2/c-neu, HER3/ErbB3, and HER4/ErbB4. EGFR binds to seven known signaling molecules, including epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-α). This binding triggers the formation of receptor pairs (dimers), self-phosphorylation of EGFR, and the activation of several signaling pathways within the cell. These pathways influence various cellular processes like proliferation, differentiation, migration, and survival. EGFR plays a critical role in both development and tissue homeostasis, including tissue repair and adult organ regeneration. Altered expression of EGFR is linked to disruption of tissue homeostasis and various diseases, among which cancer. This review focuses on how EGFR contributes to the development of different organs like the placenta, gut, liver, bone, skin, brain, T cell regulation, pancreas, kidneys, mammary glands and lungs along with their associated pathologies. The involvement of EGFR in organ-specific branching morphogenesis process is also discussed. The level of EGFR activity and its impact vary across different organs. Factors as the affinity of its ligands, recycling or degradation processes, and transactivation by other proteins or environmental factors (such as heat stress and smoking) play a role in regulating EGFR activity. Understanding EGFR's role and regulatory mechanisms holds promise for developing targeted therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis lacks effective predictive indices. This article retrospectively explored predictive values of DNA ploidy, stroma, and nucleotyping in gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis. Methods: A comprehensive analysis was conducted on specimens obtained from 80 gastric cancer patients who underwent gastric resection at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery of Wuhan University Renmin Hospital. Tumor tissues were sectioned and stained. DNA ploidy, stroma, and nucleotyping were quantified using microscopy and digital analysis software. Data analysis was employed by Pearson Chi-square, continuous correction Chi-square, and binary logistic regression. Results: Using both univariate and multivariate analysis, pathological T stage and nucleotyping exhibited a positive correlation with peritoneal metastasis. DNA ploidy and stroma showed a positive correlation in univariate analysis. Chi-square tests demonstrated a positive correlation of DNA ploidy, stroma, and nucleotyping with peritoneal metastasis. The combined application of these three indicators displayed heightened predictive value for peritoneal metastasis. Non-diploid status, high stroma, and chromosomal heterogeneity emerged as positive factors for peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer. Conclusions: DNA ploidy, stroma, and nucleotyping prove to be predictive factors for peritoneal metastasis, with enhanced predictive efficacy when combined in pairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The epithelial and mesenchymal features of colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRAC) cell lines were compared in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cultures. In 2D cultures, the three CRAC cell lines exhibited epithelial characteristics with high E-cadherin and low vimentin levels, whereas two exhibited mesenchymal traits with opposite expression patterns. In 3D cultures using low-attachment plates, mesenchymal cells from 2D cultures showed reduced vimentin mRNA levels. Morphologically, the five CRAC cell lines appeared similarly shaped in 2D culture but formed different structures in 3D culture. Epithelial DLD-1 and mesenchymal COLO-320 cells produced large granular spheres, whereas epithelial HCT-15 cells formed small solid spheres. Tubular structures were observed in epithelial CACO-2 and mesenchymal SW480 spheres. Desmosome-like structures developed in epithelial CRAC cells, whereas entosis was observed in CACO-2, HCT-15, and SW480 cells. The Ki-67-positive proliferating cell count varied in 2D and 3D cultures of epithelial cells but remained high and unchanged in mesenchymal cells. These findings suggest that while CRAC cells display distinct epithelial and mesenchymal properties in 2D cultures, they form diverse 3D structures, irrespective of these traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is one of the most devastating illnesses in the world, impacting millions of individuals every year. Despite various therapies, the final effect is unsatisfactory. Chemotherapy currently dominates as the primary option of treatment. However, its severe adverse effects, limited efficacy, and resistance to drugs undermine its potential. Growing evidence suggests that ginsenoside Rg3, a natural compound obtained from the ginseng plant (Panax ginseng), holds significant promise in cancer therapy. Its proposed mechanisms primarily involve the enhancement of immunity, retardation of cancer cellular proliferation and metastasis, triggering apoptosis, angiogenesis, epigenetic modification, and Regulation of transition of epithelial mesenchyma (EMT) and miRNAs/lncRNA. Furthermore, Rg3-ginsenoside potentiates the effectiveness of conventional treatments of cancer and reduces the adverse effects through synergistic interactions. Ginsenoside Rg3's present status in cancer research is thoroughly reviewed in this article, shedding light on its intricate mechanisms and potential to revolutionize cancer therapy through combinatorial and nano-based targeted therapy., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Aggressive angiomyxoma (AAM) is a rare kind of neoplasm derived from mesenchyma, which is easily confused with other superficial masses. Here, we present a 21-year-old young female with a 2-year history of a mass in the right vulva. The patient's laboratory analysis yielded unremarkable results. Ultrasound examination revealed the presence of a heterogeneous solid mass in the right vulva with blood flow. Enhanced computed tomography imagines showed a capsular neoplasm in the posterior the perineal region without obvious enhancement. The patient received surgery. Biopsy after surgery revealed that the tumor was AAM. The patient was followed up regularly. In this article, we will describe sonographic and computed tomography imagines, histologic features of AAM, and review the related literature., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)