STAT3 phosphorylation inhibitor Bt354 exhibits anti-neoplastic activity in glioblastoma multiforme cells.

The high mortality rate of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a lethal primary brain tumor, is attributable to postsurgical recurrence. STAT3, an oncogenic protein, is a signal transducer and transcription activator encourages cancer cell migration and proliferation, which results in resistance to therapy. STAT3 inhibition reduces cancer metastasis and improves patient prognosis. Bt354, a small molecule STAT inhibitor, exhibits significant cytotoxic and anti-proliferative activities against certain cancer types. Here, we demonstrated that exposure of GBM cells (U87 MG) to Bt354 had a significant, concentration-dependent growth suppression. Bt354 also induced apoptosis and downregulated the expression of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition genes. Therefore, this study suggests the potential of Bt354 for treating GBM owing to its ability to induce cytotoxicity.

The impact of index futures crash risk on bitcoin futures returns and volatility.

This study examines the relationship between E-mini S&P 500 futures' crash risk and Bitcoin futures' returns and volatility using data from 2017 to 2021. While E-mini S&P 500's crash risk doesn't significantly influence Bitcoin returns, it correlates with its volatility, especially during events like the COVID-19 pandemic and U.S. elections. Furthermore, as global and emerging market indices rise, Bitcoin futures volatility decreases, suggesting its role as a hedging tool. These findings are pivotal for investors aiming to construct informed trading strategies, leverage Bitcoin futures as a hedging asset during economic instability, and keep tabs on traditional market indicators like E-mini S&P 500 crash risk for anticipating fluctuations in Bitcoin futures.