rLj-RGD4, the shortened peptide of rLj-RGD3 from Lampetra japonica , protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury via the PI3K/Akt pathway
PEPTIDES
Authors: Jia, Qilan; Zhang, Xin; Zhang, Ailin; Wu, Rui; Liu, Zhien; Chen, Yiheng; Wang, Jihong; Lv, Li
Abstract
The toxic RGD peptide, rLj-RGD4, characterized by 4 (Arg-Gly-Asp) (RGD) motifs, is a novel mutant of rLj-RGD3 from the salivary gland of Lampetra japonica. Our previous study showd that rLj-RGD3 exerts a protective effect against cerebral ischemia injury in rats. Through the induction of middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO) injuries in rats, the present study investigated the effects and the mechanism through which rLj-RGD4 protects against ischemic stroke. In rats, treatment with rLj-RGD4 2 h after MCAO enhanced survival rate, improved movement and ameliorated the severity of brain infarction and apoptosis by diminishing pathological changes. This study demonstrated that rLj-RGD4 can reverse the downregulation of Bcl2, and the upregulation of Caspase-3. Mechanistic studies showed that rLj-RGD4 upregulated the expression levels of FAK, p-FAK, PI3K and p-Akt. In contrast, caspase-3 expression was inhibited. These results showed that rLj-RGD4 may reduce cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Molecular Classification of Large B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
CANCER JOURNAL
Authors: Bojarczuk, Kamil; Wienand, Kirsty; Chapuy, Bjoern
Abstract
Large B-cell lymphomas (LBCLs) represent a frequent but clinically and morphologically heterogeneous group of tumors. Technological advances over the last 2 decades prompted the development of new classification schemas to sharpen diagnoses, dissect molecular heterogeneity, and identify rational treatment targets. Despite increased molecular understanding of these lymphomas, the clinical perspectives of patients largely remain unchanged. Recently finished comprehensive genomic studies discovered genetically defined LBCL subtypes that predict outcome, provide insight into lymphomagenesis, and suggest rational therapies with the hope of generating patient-tailored treatments with increased perspective for patients in greatest need. Here, we summarize notable examples of how high-throughput technologies aided in better molecular understanding of LBCLs and provided examples of rationally designed targeted treatments.