CEACAM19 (carcinoembryonic antigen related cell adhesion molecule 19)

CEACAM19 is a member of the CEACAM subfamily of genes, described for the first time by Scorilas et al. (2003). Very few studies have been conducted so far concerning the CEACAM19 gene. Consequently, very little is known about it, and its function in either physiological or pathological cellular processes remains poorly elucidated. Here, we present a review on the DNA, mRNA and protein level of the gene and on its implication in various types of human malignancies

Prognostic and predictive biomarkers in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the leading causes of cancer death among males, especially in more developed countries. Diagnosis is often achieved at an early stage of the disease with prostate biopsy, following a screening test showing elevated serum levels of prostate-specific antigen or a positive digital rectal examination. Early detection of PCa has led to a substantial decline in the number of metastatic patients. However, the prostate-specific antigen screening test has proved to be a double-edged sword so far, as it also accounts for PCa overdiagnosis. Due to the variability of PCa features, accurate prognosis of PCa patients is very important for determining treatment options. Therefore, this review focuses on the most promising prognostic and predictive biomarkers in PCa, which are likely to play a pivotal role, alone or in panels, in the personalized medicine era that has recently emerged

KLK6 (kallikrein-related peptidase 6)

Review on KLK6, with data on DNA, protein, and where the gene is involved

Blood-based analysis of type-2 diabetes mellitus susceptibility genes identifies specific transcript variants with deregulated expression and association with disease risk

Despite significant progress by genome-wide association studies, the ability of genetic variants to conduce to the prediction or prognosis of type-2 diabetes (T2D) is weak. Expression analysis of the corresponding genes may suggest possible links between single-nucleotide polymorphisms and T2D phenotype and/or risk. Herein, we investigated the expression patterns of 24 T2D-susceptibility genes, and their individual transcript variants (tv), in peripheral blood of T2D patients and controls (CTs), applying RNA-seq and real-time qPCR methodologies, and explore possible associations with disease features. Our data revealed the deregulation of certain transcripts in T2D patients. Among them, the down-regulation of CAPN10 tv3 was confirmed as an independent predictor for T2D. In patients, increased expression of CDK5 tv2, CDKN2A tv3 or THADA tv5 correlated positively with serum insulin levels, of CDK5 tv1 positively with % HbA1c levels, while in controls, elevated levels of TSPAN8 were associated positively with the presence of T2D family history. Herein, a T2D-specific expression profile of specific transcripts of disease-susceptibility genes is for the first time described in human peripheral blood. Large-scale studies are needed to evaluate the potential of these molecules to serve as disease biomarkers

Increased expression of phosphorrylated NBS1, a key molecule of the DNA damage response machinery, is an adverse prognostic factor in patients with de novo myelodysplastic syndromes

The expression of activated forms of key proteins of the DNA damage response machinery (pNBS1, pATM and γH2AX) was assessed by means of immunohistochemistry in bone marrow biopsies of 74 patients with de novo myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and compared with 15 cases of de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and 20 with reactive bone marrow histology. Expression levels were significantly increased in both MDS and AML, compared to controls, being higher in high-risk than in low-risk MDS. Increased pNBS1 and γH2AX expression possessed a significant negative prognostic impact for overall survival in MDS patients, whereas pNBS1 was an independent marker of poor prognosis

KLK12 (kallikrein-related peptidase 12)

Review on KLK12, with data on DNA, on the protein encoded, and where the gene is implicated

KLK14 (kallikrein-related peptidase 14)

Review on KLK14, with data on DNA, on the protein encoded, and where the gene is implicated

Circular RNAs: A New Piece in the Colorectal Cancer Puzzle

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most fatal type of malignancy, worldwide. Despite the advances accomplished in the elucidation of its molecular base and the existing CRC biomarkers introduced in the clinical practice, additional research is required. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) constitute a new RNA type, formed by back-splicing of primary transcripts. They have been discovered during the 1970s but were characterized as by-products of aberrant splicing. However, the modern high-throughput approaches uncovered their widespread expression; therefore, several questions were raised regarding their potential biological roles. During the last years, great progress has been achieved in the elucidation of their functions: circRNAs can act as microRNA sponges, transcription regulators, and interfere with splicing, as well. Furthermore, they are heavily involved in various human pathological states, including cancer, and could serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in several diseases. Particularly in CRC, aberrant expression of circRNAs has been observed. More specifically, these molecules either inhibit or promote colorectal carcinogenesis by regulating different molecules and signaling pathways. The present review discusses the characteristics and functions of circRNA, prior to analyzing the multifaceted role of these molecules in CRC and their potential value as biomarkers and therapeutic targets