Molecular Expression of Some Oncogenes and Predisposing Behaviors Contributing to the Aggressiveness of Prostate Cancer

Background:Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men in Iran. It can be treated in the early stages of the disease; therefore, early diagnosis can be lifesaving. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular expression of some oncogenes and predisposing behaviors contributing to the aggressiveness of prostate cancer.Methods:In this case-control study, prostate cancer specimens were collected from both patients and healthy volunteers. Several factors such as age, family history, smoking, and stage of the disease, were investigated based on the criteria of this study. Real-time PCR was used to measure the expression of four oncogenes. Statistical analysis of our data was carried out using SPSS software version 22.Results:The X² test showed that there was a difference in the incidence of prostate cancer in different age groups (X²= 9.30; p= 0.026). Although data analysis by the X² test showed that family history had a significant effect on prostate cancer (X²= 14.43; p= 0.001), smoking did not show a significant effect on the incidence of this disorder (X²= 4.67; p= 0.097). The T2N1M0 stage is the most common form of prostate cancer in patients with family history of prostate cancer and the habit of smoking. Also, the expression of KRAS1P, GLB1L2, SChLAP1 and PACSIN3 oncogenes reduced in prostate cancer samples compared to the control group.Conclusion:Overall, functional interpretation of gene expression in the prostate tissue can affect tumor progression. Yet, further practical studies are required to reveal the accurate underlying mechanisms.Key Words: Age, Family History, Oncogenes, Prostate Cancer, Smoking     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi benefit drought-stressed Salsola laricina

Plant Ecology - Due to its contribution to plant drought tolerance, arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) may play an important role in the revegetation of degraded pastures in semi-arid and arid regions....     

State of the art technologies to explore long non‐coding RNAs in cancer

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) comprise a vast repertoire of RNAs playing a wide variety of crucial roles in tissue physiology in a cell‐specific manner. Despite being engaged in myriads of regulatory mechanisms, many lncRNAs have still remained to be assigned any functions. A constellation of experimental techniques including single‐molecule RNA in situ hybridization (sm‐RNA FISH), cross‐linking and immunoprecipitation (CLIP), RNA interference (RNAi), Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and so forth has been employed to shed light on lncRNA cellular localization, structure, interaction networks and functions. Here, we review these and other experimental approaches in common use for identification and characterization of lncRNAs, particularly those involved in different types of cancer, with focus on merits and demerits of each technique.     

Electric field effect on the zigzag (6,0) single-wall BC2N nanotube for use in nano-electronic circuits

We have analyzed the effect of external electric field on the zigzag (6,0) single-wall BC₂N nanotube using density functional theory calculations. Analysis of the structural parameters indicates that the nanotube is resistant against the external electric field strengths. Analysis of the electronic structure of the nanotube indicates that the applied parallel electric field strengths have a much stronger interaction with the nanotube with respect to the transverse electric field strengths and the nanotube is easier to modulate by the applied parallel electric field. Our results show that the properties of the nanotube can be controlled by the proper external electric field for use in nano-electronic circuits.

Treatment of human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y with HSP27 siRNA tagged-exosomes decreased differentiation rate into mature neurons

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) participate in the regulation of different cell activities in response to stimuli. By applying different strategies, the modulation of heat shock proteins is at the center of attention. Conventional delivery approaches are not fully encouraged due to cytotoxicity and immunogenicity issues. Exosomes are touted as bio-shuttles for delivery of distinct biomolecules inside the cells. Here, we aimed to HSP27 small interfering RNA (siRNA)-tagged exosomes for the inhibition of Hsp27 in human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y and explored differentiation into neuron-like cells. Exosomes were isolated, characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and CD63 then enriched with siRNA against Hsp27. Neuroblastoma cells were incubated with exosomes carrying siRNA for 48 hr. Exosome uptake was monitored by immunofluorescence assay. The cell viability and proliferation were analyzed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and bromodeoxyuridine/5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine incorporation assays. The ability of cells to form colonies was evaluated by clonogenic assay. The cell potential to express NeuN, a mature neuron factor, was studied by flow cytometry analysis. SEM showed the nano-sized particles and a high level of CD63 after enrichment. Immunofluorescence imaging revealed an appropriate transfection rate in cell exposed to Hsp27 siRNA tagged exosomes. The cell viability and proliferation were reduced compared to cells received nude exosomes ( p < 0.05). Clonogenic activity of cells was diminished by the inhibition of Hsp27. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that the inhibition of Hsp27 prohibited NeuN content, showing the maturation of SH-SY5Y cells to mature cells compared to control. These data confirmed that exosomes could be used as appropriate bio-shuttles for the inhibition of Hsp27-aborted cell differentiation toward mature neuron.