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IntroductionThe tumor-suppressive effects of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) are well documented; however, the mechanistic basis of these effects is not fully understood. Previously, we showed that a non-canonical member of the Wingless-related protein family, Wnt5a, is required for TGF-beta mediated effects on mammary development. Several lines of evidence support the hypothesis that Wnt5a acts as a tumor suppressor. In addition, it has been shown that Wnt5a can antagonize canonical Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in various cell types. Here we test the hypothesis that TGF-beta and Wnt5a can antagonize Wnt/beta-catenin signaling and redirect mammary tumor phenotype. The results provide a new mechanism for the tumor suppressive effects of TGF-beta.Methods:Wnt/beta-catenin signaling was measured in tumors with altered TGF-beta (dominant-negative TGF-beta type II receptor, DNIIR) or Wnt5a (Wnt5a-/-) signaling as the accumulation of nuclear beta-catenin using both confocal microsc

A recent study by Mount Sinai faculty suggests that a gene associated with onset of type-2 diabetes also decreases in Alzheimer's disease dementia cases.

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Bezafibrate, a drug widely used in the UK to treat high cholesterol, appears to also prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes, according to results of a study reported in Diabetes Care.

A recent study suggests a gene associated with onset of type 2 diabetes may also play a role in Alzheimer's disease. The research is led by Dr. Giulio Maria Pasinetti, MD, Ph.D, Professor of Psychiatry and Geriatrics and Adult Development at ... ...

Alcohol can cause severe birth defects characteristic of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder or fetal alcohol syndrome, but why these abnormalities occur is remains a mystery. Researchers have used frog embryos to show that alcohol steals away molecules needed for normal development and uses them for its own detoxification, causing cellular disorientation during a critical period of growth.

A recent study by Mount Sinai faculty suggests that a gene associated with onset of type-2 diabetes also decreases in Alzheimer's disease dementia cases. The research, led by Dr. Giulio Maria Pasinetti, MD, Ph.D.

Scientists from the University of Wisconsin, USA, report in the journal Development the successful generation from human embryonic stem cells of a type of cell that can make myelin, a finding that opens up new possibilities for both basic and clinical research. The cells the researchers made are called oligodendrocytes, which are responsible for making myelin in the central nervous system.

Background:In recent years, rotavirus genotyping by RT-PCR has provided valuable information about the diversity of rotaviruses (RV) circulating throughout the world.The purpose of the present study was to monitor the prevalence of the different G and P genotypes of rotaviruses circulating in Salento and detect any uncommon or novel types. Methods:During the period from January 2006 to December 2007, a total of 243 rotavirus positive stool samples were collected from children with diarrhoea admitted to four Hospitals in the province of Lecce (Copertino, Galatina, Gallipoli and Tricase).All the specimens were tested for RV by real time PCR and genotyped for VP7 (G-type) and VP4 (P-type) gene by reverse transcription (RT) and multiplex PCR using different type specific primers.Results:In course of this study we identified 4 common G&P combinations viz. G2P[8], G1P[8], G2P[4] and G9P[8] amongst 59.8% of the typeable rotavirus positives.Rotavirus G2P[8] was recognized as the most w

The effects of lung cancer on the patient's body can differ according to the type and stage of the disease. However, studies are now focused towards the unpleasant impact of treatments intended to cure the disease in patients. Although these have been recognized as temporary effects only, it still does produce enough good to the health of the patients.

L.A.-based research shows eating a little less sugar and a little more fiber can make a measurable difference. By slightly reducing sugar and increasing fiber, Latino teenagers may lessen risk factors linked with Type 2 diabetes.