The role of PPM1D in cancer and advances in studies of its inhibitors.

A greater understanding of factors causing cancer initiation, progression and evolution is of paramount importance. Among them, the serine/threonine phosphatase PPM1D, also referred to as wild-type p53-induced phosphatase 1 (Wip1) or protein phosphatase 2C delta (PP2Cδ), is emerging as an important oncoprotein due to its negative regulation on a number of crucial cancer suppressor pathways. Initially identified as a p53-regulated gene, PPM1D has been afterwards found amplified and more recently mutated in many human cancers such as breast cancer. The latest progress in this field further reveals that selective inhibition of PPM1D to delay tumor onset or reduce tumor burden represents a promising anti-cancer strategy. Here, we review the advances in the studies of the PPM1D activity and its relevance to various cancers, and recent progress in development of PPM1D inhibitors and discuss their potential application in cancer therapy. Consecutive research on PPM1D and its relationship with cancer is essential, as it ultimately contributes to the etiology and treatment of cancer.

Marijuana Use among African American Older Adults in Economically Challenged Areas of South Los Angeles.

Purpose: This study explored demographic, social, behavioral, and health factors associated with current marijuana use (MU) among African American older adults who were residing in economically challenged areas of south Los Angeles. Methods: This community-based study recruited a consecutive sample of African American older adults (n = 340), age ≥ 55 years, residing in economically challenged areas of South Los Angeles. Interviews were conducted to collect data. Demographics (age and gender), socioeconomic status (educational attainment, income, and financial strain), marital status, living alone, health behaviors (alcohol drinking and cigarette smoking), health status (number of chronic medical conditions, body mass index, depression, and chronic pain), and current MU were collected. Logistic regression was used to analyze the data. Results: Thirty (9.1%) participants reported current MU. Age, educational attainment, chronic medical conditions, and obesity were negatively associated with current MU. Gender, income, financial strain, living alone, marital status, smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, depression, and pain did not correlate with MU. Conclusion: Current MU is more common in younger, healthier, less obese, less educated African American older adults. It does not seem that African American older adults use marijuana for the self-medication of chronic disease, pain, or depression. For African American older adults, MU also does not co-occur with cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking. These results may help clinicians who provide services for older African Americans in economically challenged urban areas.