Challenges in cancer research and multifaceted approaches for cancer biomarker quest

Recent advances in cancer biology have subsequently led to the development of new molecularly targeted anti-cancer agents that can effectively hit cancer-related proteins and pathways. Despite better insight into genomic aberrations and diversity of cancer phenotypes, it is apparent that proteomics too deserves attention in cancer research. Currently, a wide range of proteomic technologies are being used in quest for new cancer biomarkers with effective use. These, together with newer technologies such as multiplex assays could significantly contribute to the discovery and development of selective and specific cancer biomarkers with diagnostic or prognostic values for monitoring the disease state. This review attempts to illustrate recent advances in the field of cancer biomarkers and multifaceted approaches undertaken in combating cancer.     

Spatial pattern of native species Myriophyllum spicatum and invasive alien species Elodea nuttallii after introduction of the latter one into the Drava River (Slovenia)

Invasive alien species Elodea nuttallii was introduced into the Drava River (Slovenia) in 2007. The spatial distribution of native macrophyte species Myriophyllum spicatum and the invasive alien species E. nuttallii was studied in two impoundments, HPP Vuhred and HPP Mariborski otok in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011. The very heterogeneous environment of the Drava River had resulted in dynamic and non-uniform distributions of E. nuttalli and M. spicatum in both impoundments. The distribution of E. nuttalli was shown to be suppressed in river stretches exposed to great turbulence. It had, however, successfully invaded areas with gentle slope of littoral, low exposition to main water flow and muddy sediment and prevailed against the native species M. spicatum. The latter was more abundant than E. nuttallii in stretches exposed to higher flow velocity. Thus, the competitive success of M. spicatum and E. nuttallii depended on environmental conditions. Our results lead to the prediction that E. nuttallii will increase further in the river Drava, causing serious economic problems.     

Enzymes accompanying tyrosine phenol lyase and the problem of its substrate specificity

The cells ofEscherichia intermedia A-21, known as a producer of tyrosine phenol lyase, are shown to produce D-serine dehydratase, L-serine dehydratase, and alanine racemase. Since the specific activities of the latter by far exceed that of tyrosine phenol lyase, minor concentrations of these independent enzymes in purified preparations of tyrosine phenol lyase may cause the observed levels of side activities with respect to serine and alanine. In the light of the results obtained, the assumption of the polysubstrate nature of tyrosine phenol lyase seems insufficiently substantiated.