Peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerases in GtoPdb v.2023.1

Peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerases (PPIases) are an enzyme family which catalyse the cis/trans isomerisation of proline peptide bonds to promote the folding and re-folding of peptides and proteins. Three subfamilies have been identified: cyclophilins, FK506-binding proteins and parvulins. Individual PPIases are overexpressed in a number of cancers [62], and family members have been targetted for immunosuppressant effects

Peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerases in GtoPdb v.2021.2

Peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerases (PPIases) are an enzyme family which catalyse the cis/trans isomerisation of proline peptide bonds to promote the folding and re-folding of peptides and proteins. Three subfamilies have been identified: cyclophilins, FK506-binding proteins and parvulins. Individual PPIases are overexpressed in a number of cancers [59], and family members have been targetted for immunosuppressant effects

Transcriptional Targeting in Cancer Gene Therapy

Cancer gene therapy has been one of the most exciting areas of therapeutic research in the past decade. In this review, we discuss strategies to restrict transcription of transgenes to tumour cells. A range of promoters which are tissue-specific, tumour-specific, or inducible by exogenous agents are presented. Transcriptional targeting should prevent normal tissue toxicities associated with other cancer treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy. In addition, the specificity of these strategies should provide improved targeting of metastatic tumours following systemic gene delivery. Rapid progress in the ability to specifically control transgenes will allow systemic gene delivery for cancer therapy to become a real possibility in the near future

Enhancing Instruction in Inquiry-Based Early Literacy Classrooms

Ontario’s Kindergarten Program document (Ontario Ministry of Education, 2016) advocates for student-directed and inquiry- and play-based pedagogies to support four- and five-year-old children’s learning. In practice, educators’ understanding and implementation of inquiry-based pedagogies varies considerably. Our study sought to bridge theory and practice through collaboration between a faculty of education and a local school board to support pre- and in-service educators’ understanding of inquiry-based pedagogy. It also sought to help these teachers integrate opportunities for embedded literacy instruction. We used classroom observations, pre- and post-surveys and workshops to determine educator and teacher candidates’ understanding of inquiry and early literacy. Overall, educators expressed a positive inclination towards inquiry-based pedagogy and early literacy instruction; however, their implementation of these varied. Through concrete learning experiences, reflection and facilitation, educators’ understanding improved and they began to implement ideas from the workshops into their practice. Our results highlight the need to improve training and support for kindergarten educators to enable them to implement inquiry-based pedagogies effectively and build vital literacy skills through embedded learning. This has direct implications for local and provincial policy and for children’s ability to learn, build skills and become successful readers

Gene Therapy With RALA/iNOS Composite Nanoparticles Significantly Enhances Survival In A Model Of Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Abstract Background Recent approvals of gene therapies by the FDA and the EMA for treatment of inherited disorders have further opened the door for assessment of nucleic acid pharmaceuticals for clinical usage. Arising from the presence of damaged or inappropriate DNA, cancer is a condition particularly suitable for genetic intervention. The RALA peptide has been shown to be a potent non-viral delivery platform for nucleic acids. This study examines the use of RALA to deliver a plasmid encoding inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) as an anti-cancer treatment. Methods The physiochemical properties of the RALA/DNA nanoparticles were characterized via dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The nanoparticles were labelled with fluorophores and tracked over time using confocal microscopy with orthogonal sections to determine cellular location. In vitro studies were employed to determine functionality of the nanoparticles both for pEGFP-N1 and CMV-iNOS. Nanoparticles were injected intravenously into C57/BL6 mice with blood and serum samples analysed for immune response. PC3-luc2M cells were injected into the left ventricle of SCID mice followed by treatment with RALA/CMV-iNOS nanoparticles to evaluate the tumour response in a metastatic model of prostate cancer. Results Functional cationic nanoparticles were produced with gene expression in PC-3 prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, repeated administrations of RALA/DNA nanoparticles into immunocompetent mice did not produce any immunological response: neutralization of the vector or release of inflammatory mediators. RALA/CMV-iNOS reduced the clonogenicity of PC-3 cells in vitro, and in an in vivo model of prostate cancer metastasis, systemically delivered RALA/CMV-iNOS significantly improved the survival of mice. Conclusion These studies further validate RALA as a genetic cargo delivery vehicle and iNOS as a potent therapy for the treatment of cancer

PII: S0306-4565(01)00084-5

Abstract Eastern fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus) exhibit a distinct thermal preference that might be related to the thermal optimum for physiological performance. Sprint speed and treadmill endurance of S. undulatus were insensitive to body temperature in the ranges of 28-381C and 25-361C, respectively. Both locomotor and digestive performances are optimized at the preferred body temperature of S. undulatus, but thermoregulatory behavior is more closely related to the thermal sensitivity of digestive performance than that of locomotor performance.

Precision Oncology, Artificial Intelligence, and Novel Therapeutic Advancements in the Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment of Cancer: Highlights from the 59th Irish Association for Cancer Research (IACR) Annual Conference

Advancements in oncology, especially with the era of precision oncology, is resulting in a paradigm shift in cancer care. Indeed, innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence, are paving the way towards enhanced diagnosis, prevention, and personalised treatments as well as novel drug discoveries. Despite excellent progress, the emergence of resistant cancers has curtailed both the pace and extent to which we can advance. By combining both their understanding of the fundamental biological mechanisms and technological advancements such as artificial intelligence and data science, cancer researchers are now beginning to address this. Together, this will revolutionise cancer care, by enhancing molecular interventions that may aid cancer prevention, inform clinical decision making, and accelerate the development of novel therapeutic drugs. Here, we will discuss the advances and approaches in both artificial intelligence and precision oncology, presented at the 59th Irish Association for Cancer Research annual conference

Systemic RALA/iNOS nanoparticles; a potent gene therapy for metastatic breast cancer coupled as a biomarker of treatment

This study aimed to determine the therapeutic benefit of a nanoparticular formulation for the delivery of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene therapy in a model of breast cancer metastasis. Nanoparticles comprising a cationic peptide vector, RALA, and plasmid DNA were formulated and characterized using a range of physiochemical analyses. Nanoparticles complexed using iNOS plasmids and RALA approximated 60 nm in diameter with a charge of 25 mV. A vector neutralization assay, performed to determine the immunogenicity of nanoparticles in immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice, revealed that no vector neutralization was evident. Nanoparticles harboring iNOS plasmids (constitutively active cytomegalovirus [CMV]-driven or transcriptionally regulated human osteocalcin [hOC]-driven) evoked iNOS protein expression and nitrite accumulation and impaired clonogenicity in the highly aggressive MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer model. Micrometastases of MDA-MB-231-luc-D3H1 cells were established in female BALB/c SCID mice by intracardiac delivery. Nanoparticulate RALA/CMV-iNOS or RALA/hOC-iNOS increased median survival in mice bearing micrometastases by 27% compared with controls and also provoked elevated blood nitrite levels. Additionally, iNOS gene therapy sensitized MDA-MB-231-luc-D3H1 tumors to docetaxel treatment. Studies demonstrated that systemically delivered RALA-iNOS nanoparticles have therapeutic potential for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Furthermore, detection of nitrite levels in the blood serves as a reliable biomarker of treatment. Keywords: nonviral gene therapy, nitric oxide, nanoparticle, breast cancer, metastasi