Search

Therapeutic strategies targeting both cancer cells and associated cells in the tumor microenvironment offer significant promise in cancer therapy. We previously reported that generation 5 (G5) dendrimers conjugated with cyclic-RGD peptides target cells expressing integrin alpha V beta 3. In this study, we report a novel dendrimer conjugate modified to deliver the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, rapamycin. In vitro analyses demonstrated that this drug conjugate, G5-FI-RGD-rapamycin, binds to prostate cancer (PCa) cells and fibroblasts to inhibit mTOR signaling and VEGF expression. In addition, G5-FI-RGD-rapamycin inhibits mTOR signaling in cancer cells more efficiently under proinflammatory conditions compared to free rapamycin. In vivo studies established that G5-FI-RGD-rapamycin significantly inhibits fibroblast-mediated PCa progression and metastasis. Thus, our results suggest the potential of new rapamycin-conjugated multifunctional nanoparticles for PCa therapy.

Objective  Sinonasal teratocarcinosarcomas are rare, aggressive tumors of the skull base. Treatment options are limited and outcomes are poor. Little is known in regard to the genetic factors regulating these tumors. Characterization of actionable molecular alterations in these tumors could provide potentially successful therapeutic options. Methods  We performed targeted exome sequencing on an index sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma specimen to identify potential driver mutations. We performed immunohistochemical stains for β-catenin on paraffin-embedded tissue on the index tumor and a subsequent teratocarcinosarcoma. Online databases of cancer mutations (Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer and The Cancer Genome Atlas) were accessed. Results  We identified an activating p.S45F mutation in β-catenin in our index sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma. This mutation results in constitutive signaling in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. We confirmed β-catenin overexpression and nuclear localization via immunohistochemistry in the index tumor and a second patient. The p.S45F activating mutation was found in a variety of solid tumors, and accounts for 3.3 to 10.4% of all known β-catenin mutations. Conclusion  We identified a potential driver mutation in β-catenin in a sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma, resulting in β-catenin overexpression. These findings suggest a role for the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma tumorigenesis and a role for anti-β-catenin targeted therapy.

ObjectiveMucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common malignant tumor of the salivary glands. Tumor stage and grade have historically been important predictors of survival. An oncogenic CRTC1- or CRTC3-MAML2 gene fusion has been identified in a number of MECs. Historically, these gene fusions have been associated with lower grade tumors and better survival. However, reported gene fusion rates and prognosis varies widely across studies, and have not controlled for tumor grade. We sought to identify gene fusion rates and outcomes in our cohort of MEC patients.Materials and methodsAn IRB-approved retrospective cohort of patients with MEC was identified at the University of Michigan. Clinical, histologic, and outcome data was collected from medical records. RNA was isolated from formalin fixed paraffin-embedded tumor sections, and qRT-PCR was performed to identify CRTC1/3-MAML2 gene fusions. Sanger sequencing of qRT-PCR products was used to confirm gene fusions.ResultsOverall, 90 patient MEC tumors were collected (58 low-grade, 25 intermediate-grade, and 7 high-grade). Gene fusions were identified in 59% (53/90) of tumors. On univariate and bivariate analysis, fusion status did not significantly associate with grade or survival.ConclusionWe have identified a high rate of CRTC1/3-MAML2 gene fusions in a large cohort of MEC. We do not identify any correlation between fusion status with tumor grade or survival. These findings suggest further characterization of MECs is needed before considering the CRTC1/3-MAML2 gene fusion as a prognostic biomarker. Additional genetic drivers may account for survival and grade in MECs.

Comprehensive studies of the volume (structural, optical, electrophysical) and surface (acid-base, adsorption) properties of solid solutions and binary components of the CdS-CdTe and CdSe-CdTe systems are carried out. The regularities in the changes of these properties with a variation in the composition and the parallels between the patterns within each system and under their comparison are established. The leading influence of the common binary component, cadmium telluride, on the properties of solid solutions of both systems is revealed. The possibility of predicting the surface activity of these new materials with respect to gases of different electronic natures is shown on the basis of the results of less labor-intensive studies of the bulk physical and chemical properties (in comparison with direct studies of the surface characteristics, i.e., acid-base and adsorption characteristics). Practical recommendations on using the obtained materials in corresponding sensors are made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Signaling pathways responsible for dentin regeneration in a dental pulp are not fully understood. In this study, we determined the effects of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTor) on the differentiation and mineralization of dental pulp stem cells. We hypothesized that the two known mTor complexes Torc1 and Torc 2 play pivotal roles in the differentiation of odontoblasts and that they modulate deposition of a mineralized extracellular matrix. Therefore, we investigated the effects of Torc1 and Torc 2 signaling on the differentiation and mineralization of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED). Methods: We used Western blot analysis to examine the expression of markers of dental differentiation in SHED (+/−) inhibition of either Torc1 or Torc 2 complex proteins raptor or rictor, respectively. In addition, the deposition of a mineralized matrix was determined under these conditions via alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red staining. Results: Results show that the inhibition of Torc 1, via reduced expression of either raptor or mTor, severely restricts the synthesis of dentin sialoprotein and inhibits deposition of a mineralized matrix. Inhibition of Torc 2, via reduction of rictor, has the opposite effect, enhancing mineralization. This latter effect disappears when both rictor and mTor are inhibited, showing that the Torc 2 effect is Torc 1 dependent. Conclusions: These results strongly suggest an important role for mTor in dental pulp stem cell differentiation and provide evidence that the mechanisms involved in protein synthesis could prove an interesting target for dental pulp tissue engineering. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]