NEFL is overexpressed and it modulates invasion and migration in neuroendocrine-like PC3-ML2 prostate cancer cells.

Prostate cancer clinical outcomes are varied, from non-aggressive asymptomatic to lethal aggressive neuroendocrine forms which represent a critical challenge in the management of the disease. The neurofilament light ( NEFL ) is proposed to be a tumor suppressor gene. Studies have shown that expression of the gene is decreased in various cancers. We have used quantitative RT-PCR, immunoblotting, methylation specific PCR, siRNA knockdown followed by migration/invasion assays to determine associations between NEFL expression and disease phenotype in a panel of prostate cells. We demonstrate that NEFL is overexpressed and it modulates invasion and migration in PC3-ML2 prostate cancers cells which have an aggressive neuroendocrine-like phenotype.

Site-Specific Intact N-Linked Glycopeptide Characterization of Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen from Metastatic Prostate Cancer Cells.

The composition of N-linked glycans that are conjugated to the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and their functional significance in prostate cancer progression have not been fully characterized. PSMA was isolated from two metastatic prostate cancer cell lines, LNCaP and MDAPCa2b, which have different tissue tropism and localization. Isolated PSMA was trypsin-digested, and intact glycopeptides were subjected to LC-HCD-EThcD-MS/MS analysis on a Tribrid Orbitrap Fusion Lumos mass spectrometer. Differential qualitative and quantitative analysis of site-specific N-glycopeptides was performed using Byonic and Byologic software. Comparative quantitative analysis demonstrates that multiple glycopeptides at asparagine residues 51, 76, 121, 195, 336, 459, 476, and 638 were in significantly different abundance in the two cell lines (p < 0.05). Biochemical analysis using endoglycosidase treatment and lectin capture confirm the MS and site occupancy data. The data demonstrate the effectiveness of the strategy for comprehensive analysis of PSMA glycopeptides. This approach will form the basis of ongoing experiments to identify site-specific glycan changes in PSMA isolated from disease-stratified clinical samples to uncover targets that may be associated with disease progression and metastatic phenotypes.

Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity.

Jojoba is a widely used medicinal plant that is cultivated worldwide. Its seeds and oil have a long history of use in folklore to treat various ailments, such as skin and scalp disorders, superficial wounds, sore throat, obesity, and cancer; for improvement of liver functions, enhancement of immunity, and promotion of hair growth. Extensive studies on Jojoba oil showed a wide range of pharmacological applications, including antioxidant, anti-acne and antipsoriasis, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antipyretic, analgesic, antimicrobial, and anti-hyperglycemia activities. In addition, Jojoba oil is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry, especially in cosmetics for topical, transdermal, and parenteral preparations. Jojoba oil also holds value in the industry as an anti-rodent, insecticides, lubricant, surfactant, and a source for the production of bioenergy. Jojoba oil is considered among the top-ranked oils due to its wax, which constitutes about 98% (mainly wax esters, few free fatty acids, alcohols, and hydrocarbons). In addition, sterols and vitamins with few triglyceride esters, flavonoids, phenolic and cyanogenic compounds are also present. The present review represents an updated literature survey about the chemical composition of jojoba oil, its physical properties, pharmacological activities, pharmaceutical and industrial applications, and toxicity.