Diindolilmethane (DIM) selectively inhibits cancer stem cells.

Epidemiologic studies repeatedly have shown chemopreventive effects of cruciferous vegetables. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and its metabolite diindolylmethane (DIM) were identified in these plants as active ingredients and theirs anti-tumor activities were confirmed in multiple in vitro and in vivo experiments. Here, we demonstrate that DIM is a selective and potent inhibitor of cancer stem cells (CSCs).

Metastasis-associated protein S100A4 induces angiogenesis through interaction with Annexin II and accelerated plasmin formation.

Many advanced tumors overexpress and secrete the S100A4 protein that is known to promote angiogenesis and metastasis development. The mechanisms of this effect and the endothelial receptor for S100A4 are both still unknown. Here we report that extracellular S100A4 interacts with annexin II, an endothelial plasminogen co-receptor.

Molecular cloning, structural analysis, and expression of a human IRLB, MYC promoter-binding protein: new DENN domain-containing protein family emerges.

IRLB was originally identified as a partial cDNA clone, encoding a 191-aa protein binding the interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE) in the P2 promoter of human MYC. Here, we cloned the full-size IRLB using different bioinformatics tools and an RT-PCR approach. The full-size gene encompasses 131 kb within chromosome 15q22 and consists of 32 exons.

Alterations in TNF- and IL-related gene expression in space-flown WI38 human fibroblasts.

Spaceflight, just like aging, causes profound changes in musculoskeletal parameters, which result in decreased bone density and muscular weakness. As these conditions decrease our ability to conduct long-term manned space missions, and increase bone frailty in the elderly, the identification of genes responsible for the apparition of these physiological changes will be of great benefit. Thus, we developed and implemented a new microarray approach to investigate the changes in normal WI38 human fibroblast gene expression that arise as a consequence of space flight.

Microarray analysis of E-box binding-related gene expression in young and replicatively senescent human fibroblasts.

An E-box (CACGTG) designer microarray was developed to monitor a group of genes whose expressions share a particular regulatory mode. Sensitivity and specificity of microarray hybridization, as well as variability of microarray data, were evaluated. This designer microarray was used to generate expression profiles of E-box binding-related genes in WI-38 fibroblast cultures at three different growth states: low-passage replicating, low-passage contact-inhibited quiescent, and replicatively senescent.