25-Hydroxycholesterol promotes myelin basic protein-induced leakage of phospholipid vesicles

Molecular Oncology of Bladder Cancer from Inception to Modern Perspective

Within the last forty years, seminal contributions have been made in the areas of bladder cancer (BC) biology, driver genes, molecular profiling, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets for improving personalized patient care. This overview includes seminal discoveries and advances in the molecular oncology of BC. Starting with the concept of divergent molecular pathways for the development of low- and high-grade bladder tumors, field cancerization versus clonality of bladder tumors, cancer driver genes/mutations, genetic polymorphisms, and bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) as an early form of immunotherapy are some of the conceptual contributions towards improving patient care. Although beginning with a promise of predicting prognosis and individualizing treatments, "-omic" approaches and molecular subtypes have revealed the importance of BC stem cells, lineage plasticity, and intra-tumor heterogeneity as the next frontiers for realizing individualized patient care. Along with urine as the optimal non-invasive liquid biopsy, BC is at the forefront of the biomarker field. If the goal is to reduce the number of cystoscopies but not to replace them for monitoring recurrence and asymptomatic microscopic hematuria, a BC marker may reach clinical acceptance. As advances in the molecular oncology of BC continue, the next twenty-five years should significantly advance personalized care for BC patients.

Thermodynamic studies and binding mechanisms of cell-penetrating peptides with lipids and glycosaminoglycans

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) traverse the membrane of biological cells at low micromolar concentrations and are able to take various cargo molecules along with. Despite large differences in their chemical structure, CPPs share the structural similarity of a high cationic charge density. This property confers to them the ability to bind electrostatically membrane constituents such as anionic lipids and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Controversies exist, however, about the biological response after the interaction of CPPs with such membrane constituents. Present review compares thermodynamic binding studies with conditions of the biological CPP uptake. It becomes evident that CPPs enter biological cells by different and probably competing mechanisms. For example, some amphipathic CPPs traverse pure lipid model membranes at low micromolar concentrations--at least in the absence of cargos. In contrast, no direct translocation at these conditions is observed for non-amphipathic CPPs. Finally, CPPs bind GAGs at low micromolar concentrations with potential consequences for endocytotic pathways.

Review of progress in sterol oxidations: 1987-1995

Material dealing with the chemistry, biochemistry, and biological activities of oxysterols is reviewed for the period 1987-1995. Particular attention is paid to the presence of oxysterols in tissues and foods and to their physiological relevance.

Interaction of phospholipids with proteins, peptides and amino acids. New advances 1987-1989

1. The review deals with the recent achievements in the study of the various interactions of phospholipids with proteins, peptides and amino acids. The interactions are classified according to the hydrophobic, hydrophilic or mixed character of the interactive forces. The effect of the interaction on the structure and biological activity of the interacting biomolecules is discussed.