Current Medicinal Chemistry - Volume 17, Issue 21, 2010

Processing of cancer-associated precursor proteins such as growth factors by the Proprotein Convertase furin is an important cellular process for acquisition of malignant phenotype and metastatic potential of tumor cells. Furin is inhibited by its own prodomain protein which also plays role in the folding of mature furin. Herein, the complete 83-mer furin prodomain protein was chemically synthesized for the first time by solid p Read More

Apoptosis is involved in the action of several (and perhaps all) cancer-chemotherapeutic agents. Prodiginines are a family of natural red pigmented secondary metabolites, produced by different bacteria and most of them are characterized by a common pyrrolylpyrromethene skeleton. The biosynthesis of prodigiosin and derivatives has been extensively studied in Serratia marcescens. S. marcescens is a Gramnegative bacte Read More

Receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is expressed in a range of cell types such as endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, mesangial cells, mononuclear phagocytes and certain neurons. It is a multi-ligand receptor and a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell surface molecules. Its repertoire of ligands includes advanced glycation end products (AGEs), amyloid fibrils, amphoterin and S100/calgranulins. Read More

Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC; EC 2.1.3.3) is a one-carbon-unit transferring enzyme that synthesizes citrulline using ornithine and carbamoylphosphate as substrates. It is involved in the metabolic transformation of arginine and proline, and it participates in the urea cycle in vertebrates and in the formation of putrescine in plants. Its enzymatic reaction is consistent with a ping-pong mechanism. OTC is expres Read More

Acute myocardial infarction is a frequent and disabling disease. Paradoxically, reperfusion, the most effective treatment to reduce infarct size, can both protect and kill. Although reperfusion protects by preventing lesions occurring during prolonged ischemia, it causes damage because reflow is associated with an unbalance between oxygen availability and metabolic demand, altered ionic homeostasis, and reactive oxygen speci Read More

Degenerative joint diseases caused by rheumatism, joint dysplasia or traumata are particularly widespread in countries with high life expectation. Although there is no absolutely convincing cure available so far, hyaline cartilage and bone defects resulting from joint destruction can be treated today by appropriate transplantations. Recently, procedures were developed based on autologous chondrocytes from intact joint areas. Read More

Antimicrobial resistance continues to evolve and presents serious challenges in the therapy of both nosocomial and community-acquired infections. The rise of resistant strains like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) suggests that antimicrobial resistance is an inevitable evolutionary response to antimicrobial us Read More

Ceramides are a complex group of lipids that has gained much attention as cell signaling molecules and skin barrier constituents. In the skin, these sphingolipids form a major part of the stratum corneum intercellular lipid matrix, which is the barrier for penetration of most compounds. The development of such a protective layer was a critical step in the evolution of life on a dry land. Moreover, prominent skin diseases such Read More