An integrative bioinformatics investigation and experimental validation of critically involved genes in high-grade gliomas.

BACKGROUND: Lack of knowledge around underlying mechanisms of gliomas mandates intense research efforts to improve the disease outcomes. Identification of high-grade gliomas pathogenesis which is known for poor prognosis and low survival is of particular importance. Distinguishing the differentially expressed genes is one of the core approaches to clarify the causative factors. METHODS: Microarray datasets of the treatment-naïve gliomas were provided from the Gene Expression Omnibus considering the similar platform and batch effect removal. Interacting recovery of the top differentially expressed genes was performed on the STRING and Cytoscape platforms. Kaplan-Meier analysis was piloted using RNA sequencing data and the survival rate of glioma patients was checked considering selected genes. To validate the bioinformatics results, the gene expression was elucidated by real-time RT-qPCR in a series of low and high-grade fresh tumor samples. RESULTS: We identified 323 up-regulated and 253 down-regulated genes. The top 20 network analysis indicated that PTX3, TIMP1, CHI3L1, LTF and IGFBP3 comprise a crucial role in gliomas progression. The survival was inversely linked to the levels of all selected genes. Further analysis of RNA sequencing data indicated a significant increase in all five genes in high-grade tumors. Among them, PTX3, TIMP1 and LTF did not show any change in low-grade versus controls. Real-time RT-qPCR confirmed the in-silico results and revealed significantly higher expression of selected genes in high-grade samples compared to low-grade. CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlighted the role of PTX3 and TIMP1 which were previously considered in glioma tumorigenesis as well as LTF as a new potential biomarker.

Decreased Sox2 Messenger RNA Expression in Basal Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Sox2, zeb1, and p21 have been implicated in aggressive behavior of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma. However, their expression level in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has not been elucidated. We hypothesized BCC, contrary to SCC, and melanoma, could be a suitable model to study mechanisms which attenuate tumor metastasis. The aim of this study was to examine the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of sox2, zeb1, and p21 in BCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven nonmetastatic BCC and twelve normal skin samples were evaluated using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The stemness marker sox2 demonstrated marked down-regulation, but zeb1 and p21 showed no significant change. CONCLUSIONS: Here, we report a negative association between sox2 mRNA expression level and nonmetastatic BCC, thus, providing a likely explanation for the fact that normal skin is more reliant on sox2 than BCC. BCC may be using decreased sox2 mRNA to remain incognito from metastatic potential.

Role of dimethyl fumarate in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme: A review article.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most frequent malignant and aggressive primary brain tumor, is characterized by genetically unstable heterogeneous cells, diffused growth pattern, microvascular proliferation, and resistance to chemotherapy. Extensive investigations are being carried out to identify the molecular origin of resistance to chemo- and radio-therapy in GBM and find novel targets for therapy to improve overall survival rate. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) has been shown to be a safe drug with limited short and long-term side effects, and fumaric acid esters (FAEs), including DMF, present both anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activity in different cell types and tissues. DMF has also anti-tumoral and neuroprotective effects and so it could be repurposed in the treatment of this invasive tumor in the future. Here, we have reviewed DMF pharmacokinetics and different mechanisms by which DMF could have therapeutic effects on GBM.

Molecular investigation of mutations in androgen receptor and 5-alpha-reductase-2 genes in 46,XY Disorders of Sex Development with normal testicular development.

In this study, we aimed to determine androgen receptor (AR) and SRD5A2 gene mutations in 45 patients characterised by 46,XY Disorders of Sex Differentiation (DSD) signs with normal testicular development referred to the Children's Medical Center from February 2015 to September 2017. Karyotype and sex hormone analyses were performed. Cytogenetic investigation showed that seven patients were 46,XX DSD, six patients were chromosomal DSD and 32 patients were 46,XY DSD. Eight exons of the AR gene and five exons of the SRD5A2 gene were amplified. Two cases were affected with androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) (missense mutation on exon 7, position c.3637 G>A: p.R841H and position c.3610 G>A: p.R832Q), one case was affected with 5-alpha-reductase deficiency type 2 (missense mutation at c.578A>G: p.N193S on exon 4), and 22 cases (88%) did not demonstrate AIS or 5α-RD2 gene abnormality. Due to the great impact of these disorders on human lifestyle, evaluation of genes involved can improve genetic counselling and therapeutic management. We focused on the AR and SRD5A2 genes in patients with 46,XY DSDs with normal testicular development referred to the Children's Medical Center from all over the country to eventually culminate in a reliable prenatal diagnosis protocol at this major referral centre giving service to a great number of families with consanguineous marriages.