Objective: To evaluate the effects of protocadherin-PC (PCDH-PC) gene expression on epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in prostate cancer cells. Methods: Western blot analysis, morphological analysis, and in vitro wound closure assay were used to assess the effects of inhibition of PCDH-PC expression on EMT in the androgen-independent prostate cancer cell lines DU-145 and PC-3. Results: Inhibition of PCDH-PC expression promoted mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET) of DU-145 and PC-3 cells, which changed the cytomorphology to resemble that of the androgen-dependent prostate adenocarcinoma cells LNCaP, and slowed down the growth rate. Conclusions: Inhibition of PCDH-PC expression reduced the invasiveness of androgen-independent prostate cancer cells.

Werner Syndrome (WS) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by premature aging. This disease is caused by mutations in the WRN gene. WRN gene plays a vital role in genomic stability, DNA replication and transcription. The first sign of WS is short stature. Individuals with WS have an abnormally slow growth rate, and growth stops at puberty. However, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here we report a potential downstream target gene, SHOX (short-stature homeobox), was involved in the failure of bone development in Werner Syndrome. Additionally, the wrn mutant zebrafish was generated. In vivo analysis of chondrogenesis confirmed the role of wrn was crucial on bone development. And in the wrn mutant zebrafish, the expression of shox also decreased. Together, we concluded that the depletion of WRN would be one of the causes of short stature.

Algae are a group of ubiquitous photosynthetic organisms, including eukaryotic green algae and Gram-negative prokaryotic cyanobacteria, beside macro-forms like seaweeds.

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the different application of cyanobacteria, micro- and macro-algae especially in biofertilization, bioremediation as well as their role in improving soil structure and functioning.

Both micro- and macro- algae forms have been reported to improve plant growth and development. This is due to the presence of all major and minor plant nutrients as well as different organic compounds such as auxins, gibberellins and precursors of ethylene and betaine. Moreover, recent studies have revealed that the inoculation of cyanobacteria could increase the availability of other micro- (Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu) Iron (Fe), etc.) and macronutrients (carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K)) in soil and their translocation inside plants, upto grains. 

Furthermore, algae was reported to increase of plant tolerance to toxic trace elements by improving soil proprieties and increasing plant growth, biochemical and physiological plant attributes. 

A living cell could be genetically modified to perform a function such as the production of a protein. However, these genetic modifications often conflict with normal cellular function and result in a mutation. Defects can be overcome through removing the bacterial membrane which leaves the lysate that is performing both transcription and translation. The cell free-protein synthesis is also known as in vitro protein synthesis and is the production of a protein without using a living cell. The gene is acting as instructions to make the protein. If we can isolate a gene and then apply a cell free protein synthesis system after synthesis the protein and run on gel-electrophoresis we can identify a gene on the basis of the protein. Gel electrophoresis is a laboratory technique used to contrasting proteins according to molecular size and charge.

Leishmaniasis is one of the main vector-borne diseases caused by an intracellular protozoan parasite of the genus Leishmania. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is the most common form of the disease. In the absence of an effective vaccine and a well-proven therapeutic approach to cure the disease, a deeper understanding of the immunity against leishmaniasis, especially the study of the impact of cytokines on the course and outcome of infection, is the key to optimize the management of the disease. To address this, an experimental model of CL was developed to assess the role of IL-13 in shaping the course of infection in BALB/c mice infected with low and high dose of L. major. This model offered a perfect venue to assess the effect of IL-13 on the parasite burden and on the paw thickness. Furthermore, it was possible to investigate the cytokine mode of action by monitoring its impact on the levels of key Th1 and Th2 cytokines. Our findings suggest that susceptible BALB/c mice infected with high and low dose of L. major exhibit high parasite burden and paw swelling in the presence of IL-13, which leads to a Th2 inflammatory response causing a non-healing track of the disease. Our work also highlights the ability of hypoalgesic exogenous IL-13 to induce susceptibility to L. major infection.

Short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) acetate, a byproduct of dietary fiber metabolism by gut bacteria, has multiple immunomodulatory functions. The anti-inflammatory role of acetate is well documented; however, its effect on monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) production is unknown. Similarly, the comparative effect of SCFA on MCP-1 expression in monocytes and macrophages remains unclear. We investigated whether acetate modulates TNFα-mediated MCP-1/CCL2 production in monocytes/macrophages and, if so, by which mechanism(s). Monocytic cells were exposed to acetate with/without TNFα for 24 h, and MCP-1 expression was measured. Monocytes treated with acetate in combination with TNFα resulted in significantly greater MCP-1 production compared to TNFα treatment alone, indicating a synergistic effect. On the contrary, treatment with acetate in combination with TNFα suppressed MCP-1 production in macrophages. The synergistic upregulation of MCP-1 was mediated through the activation of long-chain fatty acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1). However, the inhibition of other bioactive lipid enzymes [carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT I) or serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT)] did not affect this synergy. Moreover, MCP-1 expression was significantly reduced by the inhibition of p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, and NF-κB signaling. The inhibition of ACSL1 attenuated the acetate/TNFα-mediated phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, and NF-κB. Increased NF-κB/AP-1 activity, resulting from acetate/TNFα co-stimulation, was decreased by ACSL1 inhibition. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the proinflammatory effects of acetate on TNF-α-mediated MCP-1 production via the ACSL1/MAPK/NF-κB axis in monocytic cells, while a paradoxical effect was observed in THP-1-derived macrophages.