MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine' source. Sun, 29 Aug 2010 10:09:23 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3710005&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D7827532 Review ArticlesDavid J. Bonda, Hyun-pil Lee, Wataru Kudo, Xiongwei Zhu, Mark A. Smith, Hyoung-gon Lee, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 12 , pp e19AbstractThe complex neurodegeneration underlying Alzheimer disease (AD), although incompletely understood, is characterised by an aberrant re-entry into the cell cycle in neurons. Pathological evidence, in the form of cell cycle markers and regulatory proteins, suggests that cell cycle re-entry is an early event in AD, which precedes the formation of amyloid- plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Although the exact mechanisms that induce and mediate these cell cycle events in AD are not clear, significant advances have been made in further understanding the pathological role of cell cycle re-entry in AD. Importantly, recent stu... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3710005 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 07:28:47 +0100 3710005 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3690402&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D7816605 Review ArticlesChristopher H. Evans, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 12 , pp e18AbstractClinical problems in bone healing include large segmental defects, spinal fusions, and the nonunion and delayed union of fractures. Gene-transfer technologies have the potential to aid healing by permitting the local delivery and sustained expression of osteogenic gene products within osseous lesions. Key questions for such an approach include the choice of transgene, vector and gene-transfer strategy. Most experimental data have been obtained using cDNAs encoding osteogenic growth factors such as bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), BMP-4 and BMP-7, in conjunction with both nonviral and viral vectors using in vivo and ex vivo delivery strategies. Proof of principle has been convincingly d... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3690402 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 07:28:44 +0100 3690402 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3602984&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D7786055 Review ArticlesWendy C. Burns, Merlin C. Thomas, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 12 , pp e17AbstractCommon to all forms of chronic kidney disease is the progressive scarring of the tubulo-interstitial space, associated with the acquisition and accumulation of activated myofibroblasts. Many of these myofibroblasts are generated when tubular epithelial cells progressively lose their epithelial characteristics (cell basal polarity) and acquire features of a mesenchymal lineage, including stress fibres, filopodia and augmented matrix synthesis. This process, known as epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), plays an important role in progressive kidney disease. For EMT to occur in tubular cells, the transcriptional activation (and derepression) of genes required to sustain mese... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3602984 Thu, 27 May 2010 15:12:59 +0100 3602984 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3602983&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D7738772 Review ArticlesDuncan M. Baird, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 12 , pp e16AbstractTelomerase and the control of telomere length are intimately linked to the process of tumourigenesis in humans. Here I review the evidence that variation at the 5p15.33 locus, which contains the TERT gene (encoding the catalytic subunit of telomerase), might play a role in the determination of cancer risk. Mutations in the coding regions of TERT can affect telomerase activity and telomere length, and create severe clinical phenotypes, including bone marrow failure syndromes and a substantive increase in cancer frequency. Variants within the TERT gene have been associated with increased risk of haematological malignancies, including myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukaemia as well as ... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3602983 Thu, 27 May 2010 15:12:59 +0100 3602983 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3573096&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D7738772 Review ArticlesDuncan M. Baird, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 12 , pp e16AbstractTelomerase and the control of telomere length are intimately linked to the process of tumourigenesis in humans. Here I review the evidence that variation at the 5p15.33 locus, which contains the TERT gene (encoding the catalytic subunit of telomerase), might play a role in the determination of cancer risk. Mutations in the coding regions of TERT can affect telomerase activity and telomere length, and create severe clinical phenotypes, including bone marrow failure syndromes and a substantive increase in cancer frequency. Variants within the TERT gene have been associated with increased risk of haematological malignancies, including myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukaemia as well as ... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3573096 Tue, 18 May 2010 15:03:46 +0100 3573096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3551721&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D7713052 Review ArticlesRoopa L. Nalam, Martin M. Matzuk, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 12 , pp e15AbstractInfertility is one of the most prevalent public health problems facing young adult males in today's society. A clear, treatable cause of infertility cannot be determined in a large number of these patients, and a growing body of evidence suggests that infertility in many of these men may be due to genetic causes. Studies using mouse knockout technology have been integral for examination of normal spermatogenesis and to identify proteins essential for this process, which in turn are candidate genes for human male infertility. Successful spermatogenesis depends on a delicate balance of local signalling factors, and this review focuses on the genes that encode these factors. Normal... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3551721 Tue, 11 May 2010 15:27:23 +0100 3551721 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3514854&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D7638344 Review ArticlesNeetu Singh, Aseem Pandey, Suresh K. Mittal, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 12 , pp e14AbstractThe unprecedented global spread of highly pathogenic avian H5N1 influenza viruses within the past ten years and their extreme lethality to poultry and humans has underscored their potential to cause an influenza pandemic. Combating the threat of an impending H5N1 influenza pandemic will require a combination of pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical intervention strategies. The emergence of the H1N1 pandemic in 2009 emphasised the unpredictable nature of a pandemic influenza. Undoubtedly, vaccines offer the most viable means to combat a pandemic threat. Current egg-based influenza vaccine manufacturing strategies are unlikely to be able to cater to the huge, rapid globa... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3514854 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:24:02 +0100 3514854 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3498542&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D7604724 Review ArticlesVsevolod V. Gurevich, Eugenia V. Gurevich, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 12 , pp e13AbstractMultiple genetic disorders can be associated with excessive signalling by mutant G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are either constitutively active or have lost sites where phosphorylation by GPCR kinases is necessary for desensitisation by cognate arrestins. Phosphorylation-independent arrestin1 can compensate for defects in phosphorylation of the GPCR rhodopsin in retinal rod cells, facilitating recovery, improving light responsiveness, and promoting photoreceptor survival. These proof-of-principle experiments show that, based on mechanistic understanding of the inner workings of a protein, one can modify its functional characteristics to generate custom-design... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3498542 Fri, 23 Apr 2010 15:36:44 +0100 3498542 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3482511&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D7572096 Review ArticlesInês Pimenta de Castro, L. Miguel Martins, Roberta Tufi, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 12 , pp e12AbstractThe human brain is a highly complex organ with remarkable energy demands. Although it represents only 2% of the total body weight, it accounts for 20% of all oxygen consumption, reflecting its high rate of metabolic activity. Mitochondria have a crucial role in the supply of energy to the brain. Consequently, their deterioration can have important detrimental consequences on the function and plasticity of neurons, and is thought to have a pivotal role in ageing and in the pathogenesis of several neurological disorders. Owing to their inherent physiological functions, mitochondria are subjected to particularly high levels of stress and have evolved specifi... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3482511 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:28:31 +0100 3482511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3482510&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D7468280 Review ArticlesThomas Bjarnsholt, Tim Tolker-Nielsen, Niels Høiby, Michael Givskov, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 12 , pp e11AbstractPseudomonas aeruginosa is the best described bacterium with regards to quorum sensing (QS), in vitro biofilm formation and the development of antibiotic tolerance. Biofilms composed of P. aeruginosa are thought to be the underlying cause of many chronic infections, including those in wounds and in the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis. In this review, we provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms involved in QS, QS-enabled virulence, biofilm formation and biofilm-enabled antibiotic tolerance. We now have substantial knowledge of the multicellular behaviour of P. aeruginosa in vitro. A major task for the future is to investigate how s... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3482510 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:28:31 +0100 3482510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3428452&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D7415612 Review ArticlesCourtney Pollard, Steven C. Smith, Dan Theodorescu, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 12 , pp e10AbstractUrothelial carcinoma (UC) is the most common type of bladder cancer in Western nations. Most patients present with the non-muscle-invasive (NMIUC) form of the disease, while up to a third harbour the invasive form (MIUC). Specifically, the aetiology of NMIUC appears to be multifactorial and very different from that of MIUC. Loss of specific tumour suppressor genes as well as gain-of-function mutations in proteins within defined cellular signalling pathways have been implicated in NMIUC aetiology. The regions of chromosome 9 that harbour CDKN2A, CDKN2B, TSC1, PTCH1 and DBC1 are frequently mutated in NMIUC, resulting in functional loss; in addition, HRAS and FGFR... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3428452 Thu, 01 Apr 2010 15:20:53 +0100 3428452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3377751&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D7406964 We describe the mechanisms involved in the development of adaptive immunity relating to DNA repair, and the clinical consequences and treatment of the primary immunodeficiency resulting from such defects. (Source: Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine) Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3377751 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:25:46 +0100 3377751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3345982&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D7335028 Review ArticlesCharles Lee, Stephen W. Scherer, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 12 , pp e8AbstractDuring the past five years, copy number variation (CNV) has emerged as a highly prevalent form of genomic variation, bridging the interval between long-recognised microscopic chromosomal alterations and single-nucleotide changes. These genomic segmental differences among humans reflect the dynamic nature of genomes, and account for both normal variations among us and variations that predispose to conditions of medical consequence. Here, we place CNVs into their historical and medical contexts, focusing on how these variations can be recognised, documented, characterised and interpreted in clinical diagnostics. We also discuss how they can cause disease or influence adaptation to a... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3345982 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:02:37 +0100 3345982 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3310954&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D7293768 Review ArticlesKarani S. Vimaleswaran, Ruth J.F. Loos, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 12 , pp e7AbstractThe prevalence of obesity and diabetes, which are heritable traits that arise from the interactions of multiple genes and lifestyle factors, continues to rise worldwide, causing serious health problems and imposing a substantial economic burden on societies. For the past 15 years, candidate gene and genome-wide linkage studies have been the main genetic epidemiological approaches to identify genetic loci for obesity and diabetes, yet progress has been slow and success limited. The genome-wide association approach, which has become available in recent years, has dramatically changed the pace of gene discoveries. Genome-wide association is a hypothesis-generating approach tha... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3310954 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:29:11 +0100 3310954 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3272560&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D7267208 Review ArticlesConstanze Bonifer, David T. Bowen, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 12 , pp e6AbstractIt is now well established that epigenetic phenomena and aberrant gene regulation play a major role in carcinogenesis. These include aberrant gene silencing by imposing inactive histone marks on promoters, aberrant methylation of DNA at CpG islands, and the active repression of promoters by oncoproteins. In addition, many malignant cells also show aberrant gene activation due to constitutively active signalling. The next frontier in cancer research will be to examine how, at the molecular level, small mutations that alter the regulatory phenotype of a cell give rise after a number of cell divisions to the vast deregulation phenomena seen in malignant cells. This review outlines ... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3272560 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:01:18 +0100 3272560 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3272559&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D7179632 Review ArticlesAllison H. Bartlett, Pyong Woo Park, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 12 , pp e5AbstractMany microbial pathogens subvert proteoglycans for their adhesion to host tissues, invasion of host cells, infection of neighbouring cells, dissemination into the systemic circulation, and evasion of host defence mechanisms. Where studied, specific virulence factors mediate these proteoglycan pathogen interactions in infectious diseases. (Source: Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine) Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3272559 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:01:18 +0100 3272559 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3197211&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D7103604 Review ArticlesJohn S. Albin, Reuben S. Harris, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 12 , pp e4AbstractRestriction factors are natural cellular proteins that defend individual cells from viral infection. These factors include the APOBEC3 family of DNA cytidine deaminases, which restrict the infectivity of HIV-1 by hypermutating viral cDNA and inhibiting reverse transcription and integration. HIV-1 thwarts this restriction activity through its accessory protein virion infectivity factor (Vif), which uses multiple mechanisms to prevent APOBEC3 proteins such as APOBEC3G and APOBEC3F from entering viral particles. Here, we review the basic biology of the interactions between human APOBEC3 proteins and HIV-1 Vif. We also summarise, for the first time, current clinical data on the in viv... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3197211 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:21:46 +0100 3197211 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3181834&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D7088924 Review ArticlesChristopher S. Stipp, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 12 , pp e3AbstractWithin the integrin family of cell adhesion receptors, integrins 1, 1, 4 and 1 make up a laminin-binding subfamily. The literature is divided on the role of these laminin-binding integrins in metastasis, with different studies indicating either pro- or antimetastatic functions. The opposing roles of the laminin-binding integrins in different settings might derive in part from their unusually robust associations with tetraspanin proteins. Tetraspanins organise integrins into multiprotein complexes within discrete plasma membrane domains termed tetraspanin-enriched microdomains (TEMs). TEM association is crucial to the strikingly rapid cell migration mediated by some of the laminin-binding int... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3181834 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:05:44 +0100 3181834 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3163276&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D7010084 Review ArticlesSteve H. Thorne, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 12 , pp e2AbstractThe ability to externally regulate the expression or function of a gene product has proven to be a powerful tool in the study of proteins and disease in vitro, and more recently in transgenic animal models. The transfer of these technologies to regulate a therapeutic, adoptively transferred gene product in a clinical setting may provide a means to exert additional control over a large variety of therapies for many diseases, leading to increased safety and effectiveness. This could be applied to any biological therapy, including gene therapy, viral therapies, cellular therapies (such as immune cell therapies, stem cell therapies and bone marrow transplant), some vaccines and even organ transplant.... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3163276 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:30:50 +0100 3163276 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3141979&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D7007788 Review ArticlesHelen E. Parker, Frank Reimann, Fiona M. Gribble, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 12 , pp e1AbstractThe incretin hormones glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are released from enteroendocrine cells in the intestinal epithelium in response to nutrient ingestion. The actions of GLP-1 and GIP have made these hormones an attractive area for drug discovery programmes. The potential range of strategies to target the secretion of these hormones therapeutically has been limited by an incomplete understanding of the mechanisms underlying their release. The use of organ and whole-animal perfusion techniques, cell line models and primary L- and K-cells has led to the identification of a variety of pathways involved in the... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3141979 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:58:30 +0100 3141979 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3141978&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayIssue%3Fjid%3DERM%26volumeId%3D12%26issueId%3D-1 Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 12 Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine is an exciting online journal featuring authoritative, interesting and timely reviews of the latest developments in this fast-growing field. Coverage includes gene therapy, immunotherapeutics, drug design, vaccines, genetic testing, pathogenesis, microbiology, epidemiology, genomics, diagnostics and techniques. The reviews are written by experts, peer-reviewed and carefully edited. High-quality illustrations that summarise, explain and enhance the text are a key feature of the articles. The online platform of the journal provides a range of functionalities for readers and authors, such as linked-out reference lists and citation tracking, and is regularly updated. Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine will b... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3141978 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3141978 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3092285&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D6807384 Review ArticlesRuobing Wang, Joseph D. Smith, Stefan H.I. Kappe, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e39AbstractMalaria remains one of the most devastating infectious diseases that threaten humankind. Human malaria is caused by five different species of Plasmodium parasites, each transmitted by the bite of female Anopheles mosquitoes. Plasmodia are eukaryotic protozoans with more than 5000 genes and a complex life cycle that takes place in the mosquito vector and the human host. The life cycle can be divided into pre-erythrocytic stages, erythrocytic stages and mosquito stages. Malaria vaccine research and development faces formidable obstacles because many vaccine candidates will probably only be effective in a specific species at a specific stage. In addition, Plasmodium... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3092285 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:53:05 +0100 3092285 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3084434&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D6807372 Review ArticlesEmőke Rácz, Errol P. Prens, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e38AbstractPsoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterised by elevated red scaly plaques on specific body sites. Histologically, the plaques are defined by epidermal hyperplasia, epidermal and dermal infiltration by leukocytes, and changes in the dermal microvasculature. Differentiation and activation are disturbed in lesional psoriatic keratinocytes, and the pool of proliferating keratinocytes is increased, which is accompanied by enhanced production of proinflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules and antimicrobial peptides. These changes in psoriatic keratinocytes are caused by altered expression of genes associated with epidermal differentiation, and by activation of signall... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3084434 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:56:50 +0100 3084434 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3066477&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D6807360 Review ArticlesFardad T. Afshari, Sunil Kappagantula, James W. Fawcett, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e37AbstractSpinal cord injury is one of the most devastating conditions that affects the central nervous system. It can lead to permanent disability and there are around two million people affected worldwide. After injury, accumulation of myelin debris and formation of an inhibitory glial scar at the site of injury leads to a physical and chemical barrier that blocks axonal growth and regeneration. The mammalian central nervous system thus has a limited intrinsic ability to repair itself after injury. To improve axonal outgrowth and promote functional recovery, it is essential to identify the various intrinsic and extrinsic factors controlling regeneration and naviga... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3066477 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:53:20 +0100 3066477 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3047701&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D6786772 Review ArticlesMathias T. Rosenfeldt, Kevin M. Ryan, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e36AbstractAutophagy is a catabolic membrane-trafficking process that leads to sequestration and degradation of intracellular material within lysosomes. It is executed at basal levels in every cell and promotes cellular homeostasis by regulating organelle and protein turnover. In response to various forms of cellular stress, however, the levels and cargoes of autophagy can be modulated. In nutrient-deprived states, for example, autophagy can be activated to degrade cargoes for cell-autonomous energy production to promote cell survival. In other contexts, in contrast, autophagy has been shown to contribute to cell death. Given these dual effects in regulating cell viability, it is no su... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3047701 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:04:22 +0100 3047701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3047700&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D6634544 Review ArticlesJack R. Lee, Thomas W. White, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e35AbstractGap junctions allow the exchange of ions and small molecules between adjacent cells through intercellular channels formed by connexin proteins, which can also form functional hemichannels in nonjunctional membranes. Mutations in connexin genes cause a variety of human diseases. For example, mutations in GJB2, the gene encoding connexin-26 (Cx26), are not only a major cause of nonsyndromic deafness, but also cause syndromic deafness associated with skin disorders such as palmoplantar keratoderma, keratitis ichthyosis deafness syndrome and Bart G, a frameshift mutation leading to an early stop codon. The large number of deaf individuals homozygous for 35 G do not develop skin disease.... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3047700 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:04:22 +0100 3047700 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3003240&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D6633608 Review ArticlesSreenivasa Chandana, Daruka Mahadevan, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e34AbstractBiological complexity, inaccessible anatomical location, nonspecific symptoms, lack of a screening biomarker, advanced disease at presentation and drug resistance epitomise pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) as a poor-prognosis, lethal disease. Twenty-five years of research (basic, translational and clinical) have barely made strides to improve survival, mainly because of a fundamental lack of knowledge of the biological processes initiating and propagating PDA. However, isolation of pancreas cancer stem cells or progenitors, whole-genome sequencing for driver mutations, advances in functional imaging, mechanistic dissection of the desmoplastic reaction and novel target... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3003240 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:16:31 +0100 3003240 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2999044&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D6603204 Review ArticlesDavid M. Lissauer, Karen P. Piper, Paul A.H. Moss, Mark D. Kilby, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e33AbstractDuring pregnancy there is transplacental traffic of fetal cells into the maternal circulation. Remarkably, cells of fetal origin can then persist for decades in the mother and are detectable in the circulation and in a wide range of tissues. Maternal CD8 T cell responses directed against fetal antigens can also be detected following pregnancy. However, the impact that the persistence of allogenic cells of fetal origin and the maternal immune response towards them has on the mother's health remains unclear and is the subject of considerable investigation. The potentially harmful effects of fetal microchimerism include an association with autoimmune... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2999044 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:15:21 +0100 2999044 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2984391&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D6485292 Review ArticlesGary L. Firestone, Shyam N. Sundar, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e32AbstractArtemisinin, a sesquiterpene lactone derived from the sweet wormwood plant Artemisia annua, and its bioactive derivatives exhibit potent anticancer effects in a variety of human cancer cell model systems. The pleiotropic response in cancer cells includes growth inhibition by cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, disruption of cell migration, and modulation of nuclear receptor responsiveness. These effects of artemisinin and its derivatives result from perturbations of many cellular signalling pathways. This review provides a comprehensive discussion of these cellular responses, and considers the ramifications for the potential development of artemisinin-bas... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2984391 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:09:54 +0100 2984391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2943123&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D6474208 Review ArticlesShane R. Wilkinson, John M. Kelly, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e31AbstractThe protozoan parasites Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma cruzi are the causative agents of African trypanosomiasis and Chagas disease, respectively. These are debilitating infections that exert a considerable health burden on some of the poorest people on the planet. Treatment of trypanosome infections is dependent on a small number of drugs that have limited efficacy and can cause severe side effects. Here, we review the properties of these drugs and describe new findings on their modes of action and the mechanisms by which resistance can arise. We further outline how a greater understanding of parasite biology is being exploited in the search for novel chemotherapeutic agen... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2943123 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:56:33 +0100 2943123 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2938697&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D6381908 Review ArticlesDaniela Katz, Alexander Lazar, Dina Lev, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e30AbstractMalignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPNST) is a rare malignancy accounting for 3 13% of NF1 patients develop MPNSTs, which are the leading cause of NF1-related mortality. Surgical resection is the mainstay of MPNST clinical management. However, because of invasive growth, propensity to metastasise, and limited sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiation, MPNST has a guarded to poor prognosis. Five-year survival rates of only 20 50% indicate an urgent need for improved therapeutic approaches. Recent work in this field has identified several altered intracellular signal transduction cascades and deregulated tyrosine kinase receptors, posing the possibility of personalis... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2938697 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:57:05 +0100 2938697 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2845872&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D6230784 Review ArticlesJohn C. Morris, Thomas A. Waldmann, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e29AbstractOver the past decade, monoclonal antibodies have dramatically impacted the treatment of haematological malignancies, as evidenced by the effect of rituximab on the response rate and survival of patients with follicular and diffuse large B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Currently, only two monoclonal antibodies are approved for treatment of relapsed acute myeloid leukaemia in older patients and B cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, respectively. Although not approved for such treatment, alemtuzumab is also active against T cell prolymphocytic leukaemia, cutaneous T cell lymphoma and S zary syndrome, and adult T cell leukaemia and lymphoma. In addition, rituximab has demonstrated... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2845872 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:21:02 +0100 2845872 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2845871&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D6230772 Review ArticlesDorianna Sandonà, Romeo Betto, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e28AbstractSarcoglycanopathies are a group of autosomal recessive muscle-wasting disorders caused by genetic defects in one of four cell membrane glycoproteins, -, -sarcoglycan. These four sarcoglycans form a subcomplex that is closely linked to the major dystrophin-associated protein complex, which is essential for membrane integrity during muscle contraction and provides a scaffold for important signalling molecules. Proper assembly, trafficking and targeting of the sarcoglycan complex is of vital importance, and mutations that severely perturb tetramer formation and localisation result in sarcoglycanopathy. Gene defects in one sarcoglycan cause the absence or reduced concentration of the ... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2845871 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:21:02 +0100 2845871 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2831566&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D6156620 Review ArticlesRichard G.A. Faragher, Angela N. Sheerin, Elizabeth L. Ostler, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e27AbstractAgeing is a progressive failure of defence and repair processes that produces physiological frailty (the loss of organ reserve with age), loss of homeostasis and eventual death. Over the past ten years exceptional progress has been made in understanding both why the ageing process happens and the mechanisms that are responsible for it. The study of natural mutants that accelerate some, but not all, of the features of the human ageing process has now progressed to a degree that drug trials are either taking place or can be envisaged. Simultaneously, a series of mutations have been identified in different species that confer extended healthy life, indi... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2831566 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:53:08 +0100 2831566 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2743610&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D6080588 Review ArticlesEvon Poon, Adrian L. Harris, Margaret Ashcroft, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e26AbstractThe central component of hypoxia sensing in the cell is the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) transcriptional complex. HIF activity is deregulated in many human cancers, especially those that are highly hypoxic. Hypoxic tumour cells are usually resistant to radiotherapy and most conventional chemotherapeutic agents, rendering them highly aggressive and metastatic. Overexpression of HIF- , the regulatory subunit of HIF, is associated with increased vascular density, severity of tumour grade, treatment failure and a poor prognostic outcome with conventional therapies. Therefore HIF is an attractive, although challenging, therapeutic target, and several different strateg... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2743610 Sat, 29 Aug 2009 13:15:47 +0100 2743610 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2737237&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D6080576 Review ArticlesJames A. Deane, Michael J. Hickey, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e25AbstractInfiltration of T cells is a key step in the pathogenesis of the inflammatory skin diseases atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis and psoriasis. Understanding the mechanisms of T cell recruitment to the skin is therefore of fundamental importance for the discovery and application of novel therapies for these conditions. Studies of both clinical samples and experimental models of skin inflammation have implicated specific adhesion molecules and chemokines in lymphocyte recruitment. In particular, recent studies using advanced in vivo imaging techniques have greatly increased our understanding of the kinetics and molecular basis of this process. In this review, we summar... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2737237 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:22:37 +0100 2737237 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2715530&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D6051836 Review ArticlesLisa C. Willcocks, Kenneth G.C. Smith, Menna R. Clatworthy, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e24AbstractLow-affinity Fc Rs) mediate the effects of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies on leukocytes, including recruitment to inflammatory lesions, phagocytosis, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, release of inflammatory mediators and regulation of B cell activation. These functions are an important part of the mammalian response to infection, but if deployed inappropriately can cause autoimmune disease. Although most Fc R that, when bound to IgG immune complexes, is able to downregulate the effects of both the activatory Fc Rs in a balanced immune response and how perturbations in Fc R function result in susceptibility to infection or autoimmunity. (Sour... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2715530 Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:36:47 +0100 2715530 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2694654&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D5988276 Review ArticlesManuela Neumann, Markus Tolnay, Ian R.A. Mackenzie, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e23AbstractFrontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a clinical syndrome with a heterogeneous molecular basis. Familial FTD has been linked to mutations in several genes, including those encoding the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT), progranulin (GRN), valosin-containing protein (VCP) and charged multivescicular body protein 2B (CHMP2B). The associated neuropathology is characterised by selective degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes (frontotemporal lobar degeneration, FTLD), usually with the presence of abnormal intracellular protein accumulations. The current classification of FTLD neuropathology is based on the identity of the predominant protein abnormality, ... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2694654 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:20:57 +0100 2694654 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2648584&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D5982024 Review ArticlesThomas Gasser, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e22AbstractOver the past few years, genetic findings have changed our views on the molecular pathogenesis of Parkinson disease (PD), as mutations in a growing number of genes have been found to cause monogenic forms of the disorder. These mutations cause neuronal dysfunction and neurodegeneration either by a toxic gain of function, as in the case of the dominant forms of monogenic PD caused by mutations in the genes for -synuclein or LRRK2, or by a loss of an intrinsic protective function, as is likely for the recessive PD genes parkin (PRKN), PINK1 and DJ-1. Evidence is emerging that at least some of the pathways uncovered in the rare monogenic forms of PD may play a direct role in the aetiology of the comm... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2648584 Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:15:16 +0100 2648584 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2641185&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D5895376 This article reviews the properties and potential of the various stem cell populations for cardiac repair and regeneration as well as the barriers that might lie ahead. (Source: Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine) Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2641185 Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:13:15 +0100 2641185 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2583627&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D5884164 Review ArticlesPuneet Kumar, Qiang Shen, Christopher D. Pivetti, Eugene S. Lee, Mack H. Wu, Sarah Y. Yuan, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e19AbstractEndothelial hyperpermeability is a significant problem in vascular inflammation associated with trauma, ischaemia cell junctions between endothelial cells as well as cytoskeleton contraction, leading to a widened intercellular space that facilitates transendothelial flux. Such structural changes initiate with agonist cell adhesion, resulting in paracellular hypermeability. Targeting key signalling molecules that mediate endothelial-junction cytoskeleton dissociation demonstrates a therapeutic potential to improve vascular barrier function during inflammatory injury. (Source: Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine) Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2583627 Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:06:06 +0100 2583627 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2555545&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D5881904 Review ArticlesLindsey A. Muir, Jeffrey S. Chamberlain, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e18AbstractThe muscular dystrophies are a heterogeneous group of over 40 disorders that are characterised by muscle weakness and wasting. The most common are Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Becker muscular dystrophy, which result from mutations within the gene encoding dystrophin; myotonic dystrophy type 1, which results from an expanded trinucleotide repeat in the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase gene; and facioscapulohumeral dystrophy, which is associated with contractions in the subtelomeric region of human chromosome 1. Currently the only treatments involve clinical management of symptoms, although several promising experimental strategies are emerging. These include gene thera... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2555545 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:32:09 +0100 2555545 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2456077&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D5651300 Review ArticlesMarcelo R. Vargas, Jeffrey A. Johnson, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e17AbstractThe expression of phase-II detoxification and antioxidant enzymes is governed by a cis-acting regulatory element named the antioxidant response element (ARE). ARE-containing genes are regulated by the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a member of the Cap'n'Collar basic-leucine-zipper family of transcription factors. ARE-regulated genes are preferentially activated in astrocytes, which consequently have more efficient detoxification and antioxidant defences than neurons. Astrocytes closely interact with neurons to provide structural, metabolic and trophic support, as well as actively participating in the modulation of neuronal excitability and neurotransmis... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2456077 Sat, 06 Jun 2009 00:44:38 +0100 2456077 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2456076&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D5598364 Review ArticlesJ. Alexandra Rowe, Antoine Claessens, Ruth A. Corrigan, Mònica Arman, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e16AbstractSevere malaria has a high mortality rate (15 20%) despite treatment with effective antimalarial drugs. Adjunctive therapies for severe malaria that target the underlying disease process are therefore urgently required. Adhesion of erythrocytes infected with Plasmodium falciparum to human cells has a key role in the pathogenesis of life-threatening malaria and could be targeted with antiadhesion therapy. Parasite adhesion interactions include binding to endothelial cells (cytoadherence), rosetting with uninfected erythrocytes and platelet-mediated clumping of infected erythrocytes. Recent research has started to define the molecular mechanisms... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2456076 Sat, 06 Jun 2009 00:44:38 +0100 2456076 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2436246&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D5596432 Review ArticlesAlvin J.X. Lee, Richard Kolesnick, Charles Swanton, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e15AbstractAcquired drug resistance limits the efficacy of cytotoxics used in the management of haematological and solid tumours and is responsible for the declining clinical benefit following successive treatment regimens in metastatic cancers. Treatment failure has a major impact on quality of life and survival in advanced disease. Defining pathways of intrinsic and acquired drug resistance may provide new targets to prolong drug efficacy and time to disease progression. Predicting the intrinsic drug sensitivity of human tumours in advance of cytotoxic therapy is of paramount importance in order to limit unnecessary toxicity and optimise treatment outcome. RNA interfere... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2436246 Wed, 27 May 2009 07:06:34 +0100 2436246 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2427041&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D5570464 Review ArticlesSigrid E.M. Heinsbroek, Siamon Gordon, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e14AbstractThe small and large intestine contain the largest number of macrophages in the body and these cells are strategically located directly underneath the epithelial layer, enabling them to sample the lumen. Such intestinal macrophages have a different phenotype from other tissue macrophages in that they ingest and may kill microbes but they do not mediate strong pro-inflammatory responses upon microbial recognition. These properties are essential for maintaining a healthy intestine. It is generally accepted that tolerance to the intestinal flora is lost in inflammatory bowel diseases, and genes involved in microbial recognition, killing and macrophage activation have already be... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2427041 Thu, 21 May 2009 16:32:56 +0100 2427041 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2386553&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D5489524 Review ArticlesAmber Paratore Sanchez, Kumar Sharma, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e13AbstractApproximately a third of patients with diabetes develop diabetic kidney disease, and diabetes is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease in most developed countries. Hyperglycaemia is known to activate genes that ultimately lead to extracellular matrix accumulation, the hallmark of diabetic nephropathy. Several transcription factors have been implicated in glucose-mediated expression of genes involved in diabetic nephropathy. This review focuses on the transcription factors upstream stimulatory factors 1 and 2 (USF1 and 2), activator protein 1 (AP-1), nuclear factor (NF)- , as well as genes for a range of other proteins implicated in inflammation and extracellular matri... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2386553 Mon, 04 May 2009 08:31:27 +0100 2386553 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2363801&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D5448084 Review ArticlesCynthia A. Zahnow, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e12AbstractThe CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBPs) are a family of leucine-zipper transcription factors that regulate gene expression to control cellular proliferation, differentiation, inflammation and metabolism. Encoded by an intronless gene, C/EBP activity by post-translational modification, the individual actions of LAP1, LAP2 and LIP, and the functions and downstream targets that are unique to each isoform. The role of the C/EBP isoforms in breast cancer is discussed and emphasis is placed on their interactions with receptor tyrosine kinases. (Source: Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine) Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2363801 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:57:50 +0100 2363801 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2340204&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D5237264 Review ArticlesPeter Sutovsky, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e11AbstractFertilisation is an orchestrated, stepwise process during which the participating male and female gametes undergo irreversible changes, losing some of their structural components while contributing others to the resultant zygote. Following sperm penetration through the egg coat, the sperm plasma membrane fuses with its oocyte counterpart, the oolemma. At least two plasma membrane proteins essential for sperm IZUMO and CD9 on the male and female gametes, respectively oolemma adhesion and fusion include oolemma-anchored integrins and oocyte-expressed retroviral envelope proteins, sperm disintegrins, and sperm-borne proteins of epididymal origin such as CRISP1 and CRISP2. This review discusses these... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2340204 Sat, 18 Apr 2009 18:43:05 +0100 2340204 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2295531&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D4911712 Review ArticlesPaul J. White, Frank Anastasopoulos, Colin W. Pouton, Ben J. Boyd, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e10AbstractAntisense oligonucleotides as a therapeutic platform have been slow to progress since the approval of the first antisense drug in 1998. Recently, there have been several examples of convincing antisense interventions in animal models and promising clinical trial data. This review considers the factors determining the success of antisense oligonucleotides as therapeutic agents. In order to produce target knockdown after systemic delivery, antisense oligonucleotides must avoid nuclease degradation, reticuloendothelial-system uptake and rapid renal excretion, and extravasate to the target cell type outside the vasculature. They then must enter the t... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2295531 Sun, 29 Mar 2009 02:09:55 +0100 2295531 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2283537&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D4769600 Review ArticlesShi Fang Yan, Ravichandran Ramasamy, Ann Marie Schmidt, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e9AbstractRecent and compelling investigation has expanded our view of the biological settings in which the products of nonenzymatic glycation and oxidation of proteins and lipids form and accumulate. Beyond diabetes, natural ageing and renal failure, AGEs form in inflammation, oxidative stress and in ischaemia the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) -amyloid peptide and reperfusion injury in the heart and great vessels. Experimental evidence is accruing that RAGE ligand generation and release during ischaemia perhaps through RAGE and/or distinct receptors. In this review, we focus on RAGE and the consequences of its activation in the cardiovasculature. (Source: Expert Reviews ... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2283537 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 02:14:32 +0100 2283537 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2258290&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D4479244 Review ArticlesHarikrishna Nakshatri, Sunil Badve, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e8AbstractBreast cancer is a heterogeneous disease and classification is important for clinical management. At least five subtypes can be identified based on unique gene expression patterns; this subtype classification is distinct from the histopathological classification. The transcription factor network(s) required for the specific gene expression signature in each of these subtypes is currently being elucidated. The transcription factor network composed of the oestrogen (estrogen) receptor ), FOXA1 and GATA3 may control the gene expression pattern in luminal subtype A breast cancers. Breast cancers that are dependent on this network correspond to well-differentiated and hormone-therap... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2258290 Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:23:12 +0100 2258290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2234754&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D4187152 Review ArticlesShannon S. Glaser, Eugenio Gaudio, Tim Miller, Domenico Alvaro, Gianfranco Alpini, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e7AbstractCholangiocyte proliferation is triggered during extrahepatic bile duct obstruction induced by bile duct ligation, which is a common in vivo model used for the study of cholangiocyte proliferation and liver fibrosis. The proliferative response of cholangiocytes during cholestasis is regulated by the complex interaction of several factors, including gastrointestinal hormones, neuroendocrine hormones and autocrine or paracrine signalling mechanisms. Activation of biliary proliferation (ductular reaction) is thought to have a key role in the initiation and progression of liver fibrosis. The first part of this review provides an overvie... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2234754 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 09:59:41 +0100 2234754 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2207064&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D3754988 Review ArticlesMary-Catherine Bowman, Nancie M. Archin, David M. Margolis, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e6AbstractHighly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has markedly decreased morbidity and mortality in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected individuals in the developed world. Successful therapy often results in stable plasma levels of HIV-1 RNA below the limits of detection of commercial assays. Nonetheless, HIV-1 has not been cured by HAART. The causes of persistence of HIV infection in the face of current therapy appear to be multifactorial: latent but replication-competent provirus in resting CD4+ T cells, cryptic viral expression below the limits of detection of clinical assays, and viral sanctuary sites might all contribute to persistence. ... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2207064 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 21:03:22 +0100 2207064 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2174085&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D3754536 Review ArticlesStephen G. Grant, Melissa A. Melan, Jean J. Latimer, Paula A. Witt-Enderby, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e5AbstractRecent studies have suggested that the pineal hormone melatonin may protect against breast cancer, and the mechanisms underlying its actions are becoming clearer. Melatonin works through receptors and distinct second messenger pathways to reduce cellular proliferation and to induce cellular differentiation. In addition, independently of receptors melatonin can modulate oestrogen-dependent pathways and reduce free-radical formation, thus preventing mutation and cellular toxicity. The fact that melatonin works through a myriad of signalling cascades that are protective to cells makes this hormone a good candidate for use in the clinic for t... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2174085 Wed, 11 Feb 2009 01:12:48 +0100 2174085 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2157417&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D3582116 Review ArticlesRongbao Zhao, Larry H. Matherly, I. David Goldman, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e4AbstractMembers of the family of B9 vitamins are commonly known as folates. They are derived entirely from dietary sources and are key one-carbon donors required for de novo nucleotide and methionine synthesis. These highly hydrophilic molecules use several genetically distinct and functionally diverse transport systems to enter cells: the reduced folate carrier, the proton-coupled folate transporter and the folate receptors. Each plays a unique role in mediating folate transport across epithelia and into systemic tissues. The mechanism of intestinal folate absorption was recently uncovered, revealing the genetic basis for the autosomal recessive disorder hereditary fola... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2157417 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 13:44:32 +0100 2157417 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2129740&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D3462136 Review ArticlesGuy A. Cabral, LaToya Griffin-Thomas, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e3AbstractThere is now a large body of data indicating that the cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) is linked to a variety of immune events. This functional relevance appears to be most salient in the course of inflammation, a process during which there is an increased number of receptors that are available for activation. Studies aimed at elucidating signal transduction events resulting from CB2 interaction with its native ligands, and of the role of exogenous cannabinoids in modulating this process, are providing novel insights into the role of CB2 in maintaining a homeostatic immune balance within the host. Furthermore, these studies suggest that the CB2 may serve as a selective molec... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2129740 Sat, 24 Jan 2009 13:25:35 +0100 2129740 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2116755&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D3062832 Review ArticlesLeena Pradhan, Christoph Nabzdyk, Nicholas D. Andersen, Frank W. LoGerfo, Aristidis Veves, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e2AbstractAbnormal wound healing is a major complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, with nonhealing foot ulcerations leading in the worst cases to lower-limb amputation. Wound healing requires the integration of complex cellular and molecular events in successive phases of inflammation, cell proliferation, cell migration, angiogenesis and re-epithelialisation. A link between wound healing and the nervous system is clinically apparent as peripheral neuropathy is reported in 30 50% of diabetic patients and is the most common and sensitive predictor of foot ulceration. Indeed, a bidirectional connection between the nervous and ... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2116755 Wed, 21 Jan 2009 07:05:35 +0100 2116755 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2093352&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D3062812 Review ArticlesRichard Horuk, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 , pp e1AbstractChemokine receptor antagonists that held much promise for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases have recently performed poorly in clinical trials, resulting in disappointment for both pharmaceutical companies and patients. This review focuses on the redundancy of the molecular target as one potential reason for the failure of some of these antagonists to fulfil their initial promise, and discusses the use of drugs that are capable of interacting with more than one drug target as possible approaches to overcome this difficulty. Several clinically approved promiscuous drugs, such as aspirin and olanzapine, are already used successfully. This review discusses examples of promiscuous d... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2093352 Sat, 10 Jan 2009 12:01:12 +0100 2093352 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2093351&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayIssue%3Fjid%3DERM%26volumeId%3D11%26issueId%3D-1 Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 11 Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine is an exciting online journal featuring high-quality reviews of the latest developments in this fast-growing field. Coverage includes gene therapy, immunotherapeutics, drug design, vaccines, genetic testing, pathogenesis, epidemiology, genomics, diagnostics and techniques. Reviews are published continually on the website. The journal's innovative functionality allows viewers to access not only the review articles, but also fully abstracted references, figures, photographs, tables, animations and molecular models. Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine will be of interest to biomedical researchers, clinicians and students, as well as researchers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Access to ar... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2093351 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2093351 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2028739&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D2839972 Review ArticlesWilliam E. Tidyman, Katherine A. Rauen, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e37AbstractA class of developmental disorders caused by dysregulation of the Ras-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade (the Ras Noonan, Costello and cardio cutaneous syndromes MAPK pathway. In vitro studies have determined that the overwhelming majority of these mutations result in increased signal transduction down the pathway, but usually to a lesser degree than somatic mutations in the same genes that are associated with cancer. The Ras facio cutaneous syndrome, and explore possible therapeutic modalities for treatment. (Source: Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine) Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2028739 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 14:49:57 +0100 2028739 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2014121&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D2751304 Review ArticlesConstance Tom Noguchi, Li Wang, Heather M. Rogers, Ruifeng Teng, Yi Jia, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e36AbstractSince the isolation and purification of erythropoietin (EPO) in 1977, the essential role of EPO for mature red blood cell production has been well established. The cloning of the EPO gene and production of recombinant human EPO led to the widespread use of EPO in treating patients with anaemia. However, the biological activity of EPO is not restricted to regulation of erythropoiesis. EPO receptor (EPOR) expression is also found in endothelial, brain, cardiovascular and other tissues, although at levels considerably lower than that of erythroid progenitor cells. This review discusses the survival and proliferative activity of EPO that extend... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2014121 Fri, 05 Dec 2008 12:41:21 +0100 2014121 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1985655&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D2663952 Review ArticlesJohn Sinclair, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e35AbstractDendritic cells are the most potent antigen-presenting cells of the mammalian immune system and are central to the initiation and maintenance of the adaptive immune response. They are crucial for the presentation of antigen to T cells and B cells, as well as the induction of chemokines and proinflammatory cytokines, which orchestrate the balance of the cell-mediated (Th1) and antibody (Th2) response. This ability of dendritic cells to present antigen and release chemokines and cytokines also bridges the innate and adaptive immune responses by driving T cell activation. These cells thus possess key immunological functions that make them the front line of defence for the targeting and clearance of a... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1985655 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:21:48 +0100 1985655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1976551&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D2620192 Review ArticlesVered Stearns, James M. Rae, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e34AbstractThe identification of genetic polymorphisms that influence the efficacy and safety of therapies for breast cancer may allow future treatments to be individualised based not only on tumour characteristics but also on host genetics. Genetic factors that affect the metabolism, efficacy and safety of tamoxifen, one of the most common drugs used for the treatment and prevention of breast cancer, have received particular attention. Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) is crucial in the metabolism of tamoxifen to its active metabolite endoxifen. Women with genetic variants of CYP2D6 or who take drugs that inhibit the enzyme have low endoxifen plasma concentrations and may show reduced benefits to t... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1976551 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:37:15 +0100 1976551 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1976550&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D2571620 Review ArticlesGregory J. Atkins, Marina N. Fleeton, Brian J. Sheahan, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e33AbstractAlphavirus vectors are high-level, transient expression vectors for therapeutic and prophylactic use. These positive-stranded RNA vectors, derived from Semliki Forest virus, Sindbis virus and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, multiply and are expressed in the cytoplasm of most vertebrate cells, including human cells. Part of the genome encoding the structural protein genes, which is amplified during a normal infection, is replaced by a transgene. Three types of vector have been developed: virus-like particles, layered DNA RNA vectors express the Semliki Forest virus replicon from a cDNA copy via a cytomegalovirus promoter. Replication-competent vectors ... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1976550 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:37:15 +0100 1976550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1934773&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D2571524 Review ArticlesHaichao Wang, Shu Zhu, Rongrong Zhou, Wei Li, Andrew E. Sama, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e32AbstractSepsis refers to a systemic inflammatory response syndrome resulting from a microbial infection. The inflammatory response is partly mediated by innate immune cells (such as macrophages, monocytes and neutrophils), which not only ingest and eliminate invading pathogens but also initiate an inflammatory response upon recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). The prevailing theories of sepsis as a dysregulated inflammatory response, as manifested by excessive release of inflammatory mediators such as tumour necrosis factor and high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), are supported by extensive studies employing animal models of se... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1934773 Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:14:48 +0100 1934773 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1912141&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D2482708 Review ArticlesBarbara Roe, William W. Hall, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e30AbstractCoinfection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with increased HCV replication and a more rapid progression to severe liver disease, including the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the pathogenesis of HCV/HIV coinfection and the cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with the accelerated course of liver disease. The strength and breadth of HCV-specific T-cell responses are reduced in HCV/HIV-coinfected patients compared with those infected with HCV alone, suggesting that the immunosuppression induced by HIV compromises immune responses to HCV. HCV is not d... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1912141 Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:24:32 +0100 1912141 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1873526&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D2428084 Review ArticlesCristina Cunha Villar, Anna Dongari-Bagtzoglou, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e29AbstractThe prevalence of oropharyngeal candidiasis continues to be high, mainly because of an increasing population of immunocompromised patients. Traditional treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis has relied on the use of antimicrobial drugs. However, unsatisfactory results with drug monotherapy and the emergence of resistant strains have prompted investigations into the potential use of adjunctive immunoenhancing therapies for the treatment of these infections. Here we review the host-recognition systems of Candida albicans, the immune and inflammatory response to infection, and antifungal effector mechanisms. The potential of immune modulation as a therapeutic strategy... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1873526 Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:49:17 +0100 1873526 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1866147&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D2314864 Review ArticlesRhîannan H. Williams, Denis Burdakov, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e28AbstractIt was suggested half a century ago that electrical impulses from the lateral hypothalamic area stimulate breathing. It is now emerging that these effects may be mediated, at least in part, by neurons containing orexin neuropeptides (also known as hypocretins). These cells promote wakefulness and consciousness, and their loss results in narcolepsy. Recent data also show that orexin neurons directly project to respiratory centres in the brainstem, which express orexin receptors, and where injection of orexin stimulates breathing. Because orexin neurons receive inputs that signal metabolic, sleep/wake and emotional states, it is tempting to speculate that they may regulate br... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1866147 Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:28:54 +0100 1866147 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1826935&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D2202784 Review ArticlesHeather C. Maisey, Kelly S. Doran, Victor Nizet, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e27AbstractGroup B Streptococcus commonly colonises healthy adults without symptoms, yet under certain circumstances displays the ability to invade host tissues, evade immune detection and cause serious invasive disease. Consequently, Group B Streptococcus remains a leading cause of neonatal pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis. Here we review recent information on the bacterial factors and mechanisms that direct host pathogen interactions involved in the pathogenesis of Group B Streptococcus infection. New research on host signalling and inflammatory responses to Group B Streptococcus infection is summarised. An understanding of the complex interplay between Group B Streptococc... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1826935 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:13:41 +0100 1826935 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1803334&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D2166084 Review ArticlesChris D. Pacheco, Andrew P. Lieberman, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e26AbstractNiemann Pick type C disease (NPC) is a sphingolipid-storage disorder that results from inherited deficiencies of intracellular lipid-trafficking proteins, and is characterised by an accumulation of cholesterol and glycosphingolipids in late endosomes and lysosomes. Patients with this disorder develop progressive neurological impairment that often begins in childhood, is ultimately fatal and is currently untreatable. How impaired lipid trafficking leads to neurodegeneration is largely unknown. Here we review NPC clinical features and biochemical defects, and discuss model systems used to study this disorder. Recent studies have established that NPC is associated with an indu... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1803334 Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:01:27 +0100 1803334 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1803333&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D2131760 Review ArticlesErica Hennessy, Lorraine O'Driscoll, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e24AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of endogenous small noncoding RNA molecules, of 19 -cells, diabetic heart conditions and nephropathy. Further analyses of miRNAs in vitro and in vivo will, undoubtedly, enable us determine their potential to be exploited as therapeutic targets in diabetes. (Source: Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine) Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1803333 Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:01:27 +0100 1803333 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1776191&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D2133960 Review ArticlesIsidre Ferrer, Montse Olivé, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e25AbstractMyofibrillar myopathies (MFMs) are clinically and genetically heterogeneous muscle disorders that are defined morphologically by the presence of foci of myofibril dissolution, accumulation of myofibrillar degradation products, and ectopic expression of multiple proteins. MFMs are the paradigm of conformational protein diseases of the skeletal (and cardiac) muscles characterised by intracellular protein accumulation in muscle cells. Understanding of this group of disorders has advanced in recent years through the identification of causative mutations in various genes, most of which encode proteins of the sarcomeric Z-disc, including desmin, including mutant proteins, a defective ubi... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1776191 Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:38:52 +0100 1776191 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1734736&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D2131760 Review ArticlesErica Hennessy, Lorraine O'Driscoll, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e24AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of endogenous small noncoding RNA molecules, of 19 -cells, diabetic heart conditions and nephropathy. Further analyses of miRNAs in vitro and in vivo will, undoubtedly, enable us determine their potential to be exploited as therapeutic targets in diabetes. (Source: Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine) Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1734736 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:27:49 +0100 1734736 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1734735&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D2040596 Review ArticlesJoshua C. Anderson, Braden C. McFarland, Candece L. Gladson, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e23AbstractAntiangiogenesis approaches have the potential to be particularly effective in the treatment of glioblastoma tumours. These tumours exhibit extremely high levels of neovascularisation, which may contribute to their extremely aggressive behaviour, not only by providing oxygenation and nutrition, but also by establishing a leaky vasculature that lacks a blood brain barrier. This leaky vasculature enables migration of tumour cells, as well as the build up of fluid, which exacerbates tissue damage due to increased intracranial pressure. Here, we discuss the considerable progress that has been made in the identification of the pro- and antiangiogenic factor... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1734735 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:27:49 +0100 1734735 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1734734&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D1966164 Review ArticlesMartin Köbel, David Huntsman, C. Blake Gilks, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e22AbstractOvarian carcinomas show more morphological heterogeneity than adenocarcinomas of any other body site. It has recently become clear that the morphologically defined subtypes of ovarian carcinoma are distinct diseases, with different risk factors, molecular events during oncogenesis, likelihood of spread, responses to chemotherapy, and outcomes. This review focuses on molecular abnormalities (in genes expressing BRCA1/2, TP53 and RB1/CCND1/CDKN2A/E2F) found in high-grade serous carcinomas of the ovary, which account for most ovarian cancer deaths. These highly aggressive but chemosensitive tumours are associated with perturbation of molecular pathways leading to genom... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1734734 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:27:49 +0100 1734734 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1734733&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayIssue%3Fjid%3DERM%26volumeId%3D10%26issueId%3D-1 Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine is an exciting online journal featuring high-quality reviews of the latest developments in this fast-growing field. Coverage includes gene therapy, immunotherapeutics, drug design, vaccines, genetic testing, pathogenesis, epidemiology, genomics, diagnostics and techniques. Reviews are published continually on the website. The journal's innovative functionality allows viewers to access not only the review articles, but also fully abstracted references, figures, photographs, tables, animations and molecular models. Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine will be of interest to biomedical researchers, clinicians and students, as well as researchers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Access to ar... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1734733 Thu, 31 Jul 2008 23:00:00 +0100 1734733 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1618330&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D1926724 Review ArticlesCaroline Bussmann, Wen-Ming Peng, Thomas Bieber, Natalija Novak, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e21AbstractA subgroup of patients with atopic dermatitis develops one or more episodes of a severe viral skin infection caused by herpes simplex virus superimposed on eczematous skin lesions. This condition is named atopic dermatitis complicated by eczema herpeticum. Characteristic features of patients developing eczema herpeticum include an early age of onset of atopic dermatitis with a persistent and severe course into adulthood, predilection for eczematous skin lesions in the head and neck area, elevated total serum IgE levels and increased allergen sensitisation. Deficiencies at the level of both the innate and the adaptive immune system, which have been ... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1618330 Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:24:10 +0100 1618330 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1618329&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D1923284 Review ArticlesWilliam C. Florence, Rakesh K. Bhat, Sebastian Joyce, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e20AbstractInvariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are innate lymphocytes whose functions are regulated by self and foreign glycolipid antigens presented by the antigen-presenting molecule CD1d. Activation of iNKT cells in vivo results in rapid release of copious amounts of effector cytokines and chemokines with which they regulate innate and adaptive immune responses to pathogens, certain types of cancers and self-antigens. The nature of CD1d-restricted antigens, the manner in which they are recognised and the unique effector functions of iNKT cells suggest an innate immunoregulatory role for this subset of T cells. Their ability to respond fast and our ability to stee... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1618329 Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:24:10 +0100 1618329 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1575995&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D1919860 Review ArticlesAbde M. Abukhdeir, Ben Ho Park, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e19AbstractHuman cancers arise from an imbalance of cell growth and cell death. Key proteins that govern this balance are those that mediate the cell cycle. Several different molecular effectors have been identified that tightly regulate specific phases of the cell cycle, including cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and CDK inhibitors. Notably, loss of expression or function of two G1-checkpoint CDK inhibitors has been implicated in the genesis or progression of many human malignancies. Additionally, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that functional loss of p21 or p27 can mediate a drug-resistance phenotype. However, reports in the literature have also suggested p21 and p... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1575995 Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:09:25 +0100 1575995 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1575994&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D1910316 This article reviews the evidence supporting this idea with respect to helminths of the phylum Nematoda (nematodes), considering data from human studies and animal models of inflammatory disease. The nature and mode of action of nematode-derived molecules with immunomodulatory properties are considered, and their therapeutic efficacy in models of autoimmunity and allergy described. The recent and future use of nematodes and their products in treating human disease are also discussed. (Source: Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine) Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1575994 Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:09:25 +0100 1575994 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1575993&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D1905284 Review ArticlesRi-Yao Yang, Gabriel A. Rabinovich, Fu-Tong Liu, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e17AbstractGalectins are a family of animal lectins that bind protein interactions with other cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins. Current research indicates that galectins play important roles in diverse physiological and pathological processes, including immune and inflammatory responses, tumour development and progression, neural degeneration, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and wound repair. Some of these have been discovered or confirmed by using genetically engineered mice deficient in a particular galectin. Thus, galectins may be a therapeutic target or employed as therapeutic agents for inflammatory diseases, cancers and several other diseases. (Source: Expert Reviews in Mol... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1575993 Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:09:25 +0100 1575993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1575992&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D1899060 Review ArticlesImran Ahmad, Owen J. Sansom, Hing Y. Leung, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e16AbstractAdvances in science and technology have allowed us to manipulate the mouse genome and analyse the effect of specific genetic alterations on the development of prostate cancer in vivo. We can now analyse the molecular basis of initiation, invasion and progression to metastatic disease. The current mouse models utilise knockout, knock-in or conditional regulation of expression using Cre hits PTENloxP/loxP mouse is the only model that spans the entire continuum from initiation to local invasion and metastasis. Such mouse models increase our understanding of the disease process and provide targets for novel therapeutic approaches. Hopefully, the transgenic models will beco... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1575992 Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:09:25 +0100 1575992 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1485199&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D1886724 Review ArticlesBennett O.V. Shum, Michael S. Rolph, William A. Sewell, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e15AbstractAsthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, involving recurrent episodes of airway obstruction and wheezing. A common pathological feature in asthma is the presence of a characteristic allergic airway inflammatory response involving extensive leukocyte infiltration, mucus overproduction and airway hyper-reactivity. The pathogenesis of allergic airway inflammation is complex, involving multiple cell types such as T helper 2 cells, regulatory T cells, eosinophils, dendritic cells, mast cells, and parenchymal cells of the lung. The cellular response in allergic airway inflammation is controlled by a broad range of bioactive mediators, including Ig... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1485199 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 16:34:22 +0100 1485199 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1461658&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D1882972 This article reviews the genetics of PMD and summarises the current knowledge of causative molecular and cellular mechanisms. (Source: Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine) Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1461658 Thu, 22 May 2008 16:51:08 +0100 1461658 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1449865&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D1878160 Review ArticlesA. S. Verkman, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e13AbstractAquaporins have multiple distinct roles in mammalian physiology. Phenotype analysis of aquaporin-knockout mice has confirmed the predicted role of aquaporins in osmotically driven transepithelial fluid transport, as occurs in the urinary concentrating mechanism and glandular fluid secretion. Aquaporins also facilitate water movement into and out of the brain in various pathologies such as stroke, tumour, infection and hydrocephalus. A major, unexpected cellular role of aquaporins was revealed by analysis of knockout mice: aquaporins facilitate cell migration, as occurs in angiogenesis, tumour metastasis, wound healing, and glial scar formation. Another unexpected role of aquaporins is in neural fu... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1449865 Sat, 17 May 2008 16:04:14 +0100 1449865 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1437379&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D1858212 Review ArticlesMohammad R. Ebrahimkhani, Ahmed M. Elsharkawy, Derek A. Mann, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e11AbstractThe hepatic wound-healing response is a complex process involving many different cell types and factors. It leads to the formation of excessive matrix and a fibrotic scar, which ultimately disrupts proper functioning of the liver and establishes cirrhosis. Activated hepatic myofibroblasts, which are derived from cells such as hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), play a key role in this process. Upon chronic liver injury, there is an upregulation in the local neuroendocrine system and it has recently been demonstrated that activated HSCs express specific receptors and respond to different components of this system. Neuroendocrine factors and their receptors ... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1437379 Tue, 13 May 2008 01:03:41 +0100 1437379 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1437378&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D1849564 Review ArticlesTheodore C. Pierson, Michael S. Diamond, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e12AbstractFlaviviruses are a group of positive-stranded RNA viruses that cause a spectrum of severe illnesses globally in more than 50 million individuals each year. While effective vaccines exist for three members of this group (yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, and tick-borne encephalitis viruses), safe and effective vaccines for several other flaviviruses of clinical importance, including West Nile and dengue viruses, remain in development. An effective humoral immune response is critical for protection against flaviviruses and an essential goal of vaccine development. The effectiveness of virus-specific antibodie... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1437378 Tue, 13 May 2008 01:03:41 +0100 1437378 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1405584&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D1819168 Review ArticlesSara C. Dietz, Jason S. Carroll, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e10AbstractDefining transcription mediated by the oestrogen (estrogen) receptor (ER) in breast cancer cell models has been an area of interest for many years. Initial studies focused on promoter regions of putative target genes and revealed significant insight into the basis of ER binding to DNA. More recently, the complexities of ER transcription are starting to become apparent. It is now clear that ER can regulate gene targets from significant distances and that cooperating transcription factors play an integral role in ER activity. It is also clear that the sequence information defining an in vivo ER-binding site is more complicated than initially thought. However, contemporary genomic t... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1405584 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:19:38 +0100 1405584 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1405583&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D1818968 Review ArticlesMarco Arrese, Rocio I.R. Macias, Oscar Briz, Maria J. Perez, Jose J.G. Marin, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e9AbstractIntrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) occurs mainly in the third trimester and is characterised by pruritus and elevated serum bile acid levels. ICP is associated with an increased perinatal risk and higher rates of foetal morbidity and mortality. Although the pathogenesis of this disease is unknown, a genetic hypersensitivity to female hormones (oestrogen and/or progesterone) or their metabolites is thought to impair bile secretory function. Recent data suggest that mutations or polymorphisms of genes expressing hepatobiliary transport proteins or their nuclear regulators may contribute to the development and/or severity of ICP. ... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1405583 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:19:38 +0100 1405583 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1405582&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D1814168 Review ArticlesAlex W. White, Andrew D. Westwell, Ghali Brahemi, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e8AbstractSmall-molecule inhibition of the direct protein protein interface and subsequently inhibit the interaction poses several challenges, including the initial identification of suitable protein hot spots protein interactions, and then focuses on recent advances in the use of small molecules targeted against a variety of protein protein interactions that have therapeutic potential for cancer. (Source: Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine) Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1405582 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:19:38 +0100 1405582 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1405581&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D1721044 Review ArticlesAmena M. DeLuca, Archana Srinivas, Rhoda M. Alani, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e6AbstractCutaneous melanoma is increasing in incidence at one of the highest rates for any form of cancer in the USA, with a current lifetime incidence of 1 in 68. Although early-stage disease is often curable, the survival rate for advanced disease is low, with an average life expectancy of 6 10 months. Knowledge of the molecular alterations associated with melanoma development and progression is expected to lead to improved therapies and outcomes. Major progress in defining the molecular alterations associated with the evolution of melanoma came in 2002, through a systematic genome-wide assessment of cancer-associated pathways. Large-scale sequencing of growth-associate... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1405581 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:19:38 +0100 1405581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1405580&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D1689612 This article reviews the molecular mechanisms known to underlie the ovarian and metabolic abnormalities characterising PCOS. The putative interdependence between reproductive and metabolic aspects of PCOS, and therapeutic implications for the management of PCOS, are also discussed. (Source: Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine) Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1405580 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:19:38 +0100 1405580 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1405579&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D1662896 Review ArticlesMeera Ramanujam, Anne Davidson, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e2AbstractSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex immune disorder in which loss of tolerance to nucleic acid antigens and other crossreactive antigens is associated with the development of pathogenic autoantibodies that damage target organs, including the skin, joints, brain and kidney. New drugs based on modulation of the immune system are currently being developed for the treatment of SLE. Many of these new therapies do not globally suppress the immune system but target specific activation pathways relevant to SLE pathogenesis. Immune modulation in SLE is complicated by differences in the immune defects between patients and at different disease stages. Since both deficiency and hyp... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1405579 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:19:38 +0100 1405579 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1386143&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D1706448 Review ArticlesRichard L. Ward, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e5AbstractIn 2004 and 2006, two new rotavirus vaccines and RotaTeq were licensed worldwide. Both are live virus vaccines and are composed of either a monovalent attenuated human rotavirus or five bovine human reassortant rotaviruses, respectively. Studies in humans and animals have reported correlations between rotavirus antibody levels and protection, the most consistent of which has been with rotavirus IgA. Cellular immunity was also found to have a role in protection after live rotavirus immunisation, particularly in mice. However, the primary importance of CD8+ T cells may be in resolution of infection and that of CD4+ T cells may... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1386143 Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:51:21 +0100 1386143 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1386142&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D1696688 Review ArticlesElias Drakos, George Z. Rassidakis, L. Jeffrey Medeiros, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e4AbstractThe mammalian target of rapamycin mTOR is a central element in an evolutionary conserved signalling pathway that regulates cell growth, survival and proliferation, orchestrating signals originating from growth factors, nutrients or particular stress stimuli. Two important modulators of mTOR activity are the AKT and ERK/MAPK signalling pathways. Many studies have shown that mTOR plays an important role in the biology of malignant cells, including deregulation of the cell cycle, inactivation of apoptotic machinery and resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. The development of several mTOR inhibitor... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1386142 Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:51:21 +0100 1386142 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1386141&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D1689612 This article reviews the molecular mechanisms known to underlie the ovarian and metabolic abnormalities characterising PCOS. The putative interdependence between reproductive and metabolic aspects of PCOS, and therapeutic implications for the management of PCOS, are also discussed. (Source: Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine) Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1386141 Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:51:21 +0100 1386141 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1386140&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D1662896 Review ArticlesMeera Ramanujam, Anne Davidson, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e2AbstractSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex immune disorder in which loss of tolerance to nucleic acid antigens and other crossreactive antigens is associated with the development of pathogenic autoantibodies that damage target organs, including the skin, joints, brain and kidney. New drugs based on modulation of the immune system are currently being developed for the treatment of SLE. Many of these new therapies do not globally suppress the immune system but target specific activation pathways relevant to SLE pathogenesis. Immune modulation in SLE is complicated by differences in the immune defects between ... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1386140 Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:51:21 +0100 1386140 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1386139&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D1631824 Review ArticlesLorne A. Clarke, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 , pp e1AbstractThe mucopolysaccharidoses represent a devastating group of lysosomal storage diseases affecting approximately 1 in 25 000 individuals. Advances in biochemistry and genetics over the past 25 years have resulted in the identification of the key hydrolases underlying the mucopolysaccharidoses, with subsequent isolation and characterisation of the genes involved. Ultimately these advances have led to the recent development of specific treatment regimens for some of the mucopolysaccharidoses, in the form of direct enzyme replacement. Direct replacement of the defective gene product has been attempted for very few genetic disorders... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1386139 Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:51:21 +0100 1386139 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1385209&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayAbstract%3FfromPage%3Donline%26aid%3D1805052 Review ArticlesGregory A. Clines, Theresa A. Guise, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 Issue 07 , pp e7AbstractThe metastasis of cancer cells to bone alters bone architecture and mineral homeostasis. As described by the hypothesis, bone represents a fertile ground for cancer cells to flourish. A of reciprocal bone vicious cycle is dependent on a more complete understanding of bone metastases. Although bisphosphonates delay progression of skeletal metastases, it is clear that more-effective therapies are needed. Cancer-associated bone morbidity remains a major public health problem, and to improve therapy and prevention it is important to understand the pathophysiology of the effects of cancer on bone. This review details scientific advances in this area. (Source: Expert Revi... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1385209 Sat, 19 Apr 2008 09:44:11 +0100 1385209 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1385208&cid=s_36937_67_f&fid=36937&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.cambridge.org%2Faction%2FdisplayIssue%3Fjid%3DERM%26volumeId%3D10%26issueId%3D07 Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Volume 10 Issue 07 Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine is an exciting online journal featuring high-quality reviews of the latest developments in this fast-growing field. Coverage includes gene therapy, immunotherapeutics, drug design, vaccines, genetic testing, pathogenesis, epidemiology, genomics, diagnostics and techniques. Reviews are published continually on the website. The journal's innovative functionality allows viewers to access not only the review articles, but also fully abstracted references, figures, photographs, tables, animations and molecular models. Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine will be of interest to biomedical researchers, clinicians and students, as well as researchers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Acc... Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1385208 Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100 1385208