Overview of role of survivin in cancer: expression, regulation, functions, and its potential as a therapeutic target.

Survivin holds significant importance as a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family due to its predominant expression in tumours rather than normal terminally differentiated adult tissues. The high expression level of survivin in tumours is closely linked to chemotherapy resistance, heightened tumour recurrence, and increased tumour aggressiveness and serves as a negative prognostic factor for cancer patients. Consequently, survivin has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. In this review, we delve into the various biological characteristics of survivin in cancers and its pivotal role in maintaining immune system homeostasis. Additionally, we explore different therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting survivin.

Double-modified oncolytic adenovirus armed with a recombinant interferon-like gene enhanced abscopal effects against malignant glioma.

Background: The development of new therapies for malignant gliomas has been stagnant for decades. Through the promising outcomes in clinical trials of oncolytic virotherapy, there is now a glimmer of hope in addressing this situation. To further enhance the antitumor immune response of oncolytic viruses, we have equipped a modified oncolytic adenovirus (oAds) with a recombinant interferon-like gene (YSCH-01) and conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the safety and efficacy of this modification compared to existing treatments. Methods: To assess the safety of YSCH-01, we administered the oAds intracranially to Syrian hamsters, which are susceptible to adenovirus. The efficacy of YSCH-01 in targeting glioma was evaluated through in vitro and in vivo experiments utilizing various human glioma cell lines. Furthermore, we employed a patient-derived xenograft model of recurrent glioblastoma to test the effectiveness of YSCH-01 against temozolomide. Results: By modifying the E1A and adding survivin promoter, the oAds have demonstrated remarkable safety and an impressive ability to selectively target tumor cells. In animal models, YSCH-01 exhibited potent therapeutic efficacy, particularly in terms of its distant effects. Additionally, YSCH-01 remains effective in inhibiting the recurrent GBM patient-derived xenograft model. Conclusions: Our initial findings confirm that a double-modified oncolytic adenovirus armed with a recombinant interferon-like gene is both safe and effective in the treatment of malignant glioma. Furthermore, when utilized in combination with a targeted therapy gene strategy, these oAds exhibit a more profound effect in tumor therapy and an enhanced ability to inhibit tumor growth at remote sites.

Mechanisms underlying the wound healing potential of propolis based on its in vitro antioxidant activity.

BACKGROUND: Propolis is a resinous substance collected by honeybees, Apis mellifera, from various plant sources. Having various pharmacological and biological activities, it has been used in folk medicine and complementary therapies since ancient times. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects and underlying mechanism of the protective effects of the ethanol extract of Chinese propolis (EECP) on L929 cells injured by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). STUDY DESIGN: The wound healing activities of EECP in L929 cells with H2O2-induced damage were investigated. METHODS: The main components of EECP were analyzed by RP-HPLC, and the free radical scavenging capacity and reducing power were also measured. The effects of EECP on the expression of antioxidant-related genes in fibroblast L929 cells were determined using qRT-PCR and western blotting. RESULTS: EECP had significant protective effects against cell death induced by H2O2 and significantly inhibited the decline of collagen mRNA expression caused by H2O2 in L929 cells. CONCLUSION: EECP induced the expression of antioxidant-related genes, such as HO-1, GCLM, and GCLC, which has great implications for the potential of propolis to alleviate oxidative stress in wound tissues. The protective effects of propolis have great implications for using propolis as a wound healing regent.

Wild peanut Arachis duranensis are nodulated by diverse and novel Bradyrhizobium species in acid soils.

Aiming at learning the microsymbionts of Arachis duranensis, a diploid ancestor of cultivated peanut, genetic and symbiotic characterization of 32 isolates from root nodules of this plant grown in its new habitat Guangzhou was performed. Based upon the phylogeny of 16S rRNA, atpD and recA genes, diverse bacteria belonging to Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense, Bradyrhizobium elkanii, Bradyrhizobium iriomotense and four new lineages of Bradyrhizobium (19 isolates), Rhizobium/Agrobacterium (9 isolates), Herbaspirillum (2 isolates) and Burkholderia (2 isolates) were defined. In the nodulation test on peanut, only the bradyrhizobial strains were able to induce effective nodules. Phylogeny of nodC divided the Bradyrhizobium isolates into four lineages corresponding to the grouping results in phylogenetic analysis of housekeeping genes, suggesting that this symbiosis gene was mainly maintained by vertical gene transfer. These results demonstrate that A. duranensis is a promiscuous host preferred the Bradyrhizobium species with different symbiotic gene background as microsymbionts, and that it might have selected some native rhizobia, especially the novel lineages Bradyrhizobium sp. I and sp. II, in its new habitat Guangzhou. These findings formed a basis for further study on adaptation and evolution of symbiosis between the introduced legumes and the indigenous rhizobia.