The tumour suppressor function of the scaffolding protein spinophilin

Spinophilin is a scaffolding protein with modular domains that govern its interaction with a large number of cellular proteins. The Spinophilin gene locus is localized at chromosome 17q21, a chromosomal region frequently affected by genomic instability in different human tumours. The scaffolding protein interacts with the tumour-suppressor ARF which has suggested a role for Spinophilin in cell growth. More recently, in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that Spinophilin is a new tumour suppressor acting via the regulation of pRb. A clear downregulation of Spinophilin is found in several human cancer types. Moreover, Spinophilin loss is associated with a poor patient prognosis in carcinoma. Currently, there are controversial findings regarding a functional relationship between Spinophilin and p53 in cell cycle regulation and in carcinogenesis. Here we present the available data regarding Spinophilin function as a tumour suppressor

Computational Implementation of a Thermodynamically Based Work Potential Model For Progressive Microdamage and Transverse Cracking in Fiber-Reinforced Laminates

A continuum-level, dual internal state variable, thermodynamically based, work potential model, Schapery Theory, is used capture the effects of two matrix damage mechanisms in a fiber-reinforced laminated composite: microdamage and transverse cracking. Matrix microdamage accrues primarily in the form of shear microcracks between the fibers of the composite. Whereas, larger transverse matrix cracks typically span the thickness of a lamina and run parallel to the fibers. Schapery Theory uses the energy potential required to advance structural changes, associated with the damage mechanisms, to govern damage growth through a set of internal state variables. These state variables are used to quantify the stiffness degradation resulting from damage growth. The transverse and shear stiffness of the lamina are related to the internal state variables through a set of measurable damage functions. Additionally, the damage variables for a given strain state can be calculated from a set of evolution equations. These evolution equations and damage functions are implemented into the finite element method and used to govern the constitutive response of the material points in the model. Additionally, an axial failure criterion is included in the model. The response of a center-notched, buffer strip-stiffened panel subjected to uniaxial tension is investigated and results are compared to experiment