Polymorphism +17 C/G in Matrix Metalloprotease MMP8 decreases lung cancer risk Dec 19, 2008
Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) constitute a family of enzymes capable of degrading different components of the extracellular matrix and are implicated in the invasion of tumor cells through the basement membrane. Polymorphisms in MMP genes may result in changes in the expression of MMPs being associated with the development and progression of cancer. (BioMed Central)
Bone Marrow-derived Stem Cells May Offer Novel Therapeutic Option For Skin Disorder Dec 9, 2008
These results provide proof of principle of bone marrow transfer to repair the basement membrane defect in RDEB, and they warrant a clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of treatment of human RDEB by means of hematopoietic cell transplantation, said Dr. Tolar. Research suggests that the systemic infusion of wild-type bone marrow cells could provide benefit to other human disorders of the extracellular matrix. (Science Daily)
Compassion Overcomes Cruelty Oct 21, 2008
There is nothing left to attach to, said Hickman, explaining that with no bone or basement membrane a graft or flap of skin may not have an adequate blood supply. Hickman contacted Georgia Veterinary Specialists in Sandy Springs, Ga. (Dublin Courier Herald, GA)
Anti–Glomerular Basement Membrane Disease after Alemtuzumab Aug 14, 2008
NEJM -- Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Disease after Alemtuzumab ... Anti Glomerular Basement Membrane Disease after Alemtuzumab ... We describe two patients in whom anti glomerular basement membrane disease developed after treatment with alemtuzumab. (New England Journal of Medicine)
VEGF Inhibition and Renal Thrombotic Microangiopathy Jul 13, 2008
The authors propose that VEGF might be transported across the glomerular basement membrane simply by diffusion. However, their proposal is contrary to the general concept that it is unlikely for any molecules to move against the flow of glomerular filtration. (New England Journal of Medicine)
How Tumor Cells Break Free And Metastasize Jul 5, 2008
The basement membrane around the mammary gland is a barrier to the spread of cancer cells ... The mammary gland is separated from the neighboring tissue by the basement membrane, which the tumor cells will have to cross before continuing on their way ... The cell first forms protrusions called invadopodia and anchors them in the basement membrane. (Science Daily)
Old antibiotic may find new life as a stroke treatment May 20, 2008
Minocycline also blocks matrix metallo-proteinases, also released during stroke, which destroy the basement membrane of blood vessels. The presence of these enzymes also is a mixed bag. (EurekAlert!)
YKL-40 Levels and Asthma Apr 17, 2008
We recently showed that serum YKL-40 levels were elevated in patients with asthma and were correlated with severity, thickening of the subepithelial basement membrane, and pulmonary function. We hypothesized that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that affect YKL-40 levels also influence asthma status and lung function. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Blocking The Effect Of Inflammation-causing Cells Lowered Prostate Cancer Cells Invasion Apr 12, 2008
The treatments that block NF-kappaB activity reduced the cancer cell movement and invasion through the basement membrane (a thin, delicate layer of connective tissue underlying the epithelium of many organs). The researchers now plan to study the effects of macrophages and inflammation and NF-kappaB inhibiting treatments in vivo, in a specially designed mouse model of invasive prostate cancer. (Science Daily)
Breakdown Of Kidney's Ability To Clean Its Own Filters Likely Causes Disease Feb 4, 2008
After passing through a structure known as the glomerular basement membrane (GBM), fluid and serum proteins must finally pass through the most selective filter of the kidney, which is comprised of specialized epithelial cells called podocytes ... Journal reference: Akilesh S, Huber TB, Wu H, Wang G, Hartleben B, Kopp JB, Miner JH, Roopenian DC, Unanue ER, Shaw AS. Podocytes use FcRn to clear IgG from the glomerular basement membrane. (Science Daily)
Breast cancer cells have to learn to walk before they can run Jan 1, 2008
While dangerously invasive cells can squeeze through the basement membrane and make a run for the surrounding tissue, motile cells still could not escape the confines of the ERK-activated acini. But the acquisition of motility prior to invasion presumably lowers the barrier for future invasive growth, explains Pearson. (EurekAlert!)
A Chitinase-like Protein in Patients with Severe Asthma Nov 15, 2007
001) and with airway remodeling (measured as the thickness of the subepithelial basement membrane) (r=0. 51, P=0. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Impact Of Elevated Homocysteine Levels On Vision Under Study Oct 18, 2007
Without the conversion, rising homocysteine levels interfere with the folding and structure of collagen, a component of bone, tissue and the basement membrane of blood vessel walls. When pregnant women don t get enough folate, the result can be devastating neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, in their babies. (Science Daily)
Model to study age-related macular degeneration could pave way for better treatment Oct 10, 2007
AMD is caused by the development of deposits between the retinal pigment epithelium and its basement membrane, called Bruchs membrane. The material starts as basal deposits and becomes drusen, extracellular deposits of protein and lipids that accumulate and can cause blindness. (EurekAlert!)
Lubricant reduces virus risk Jul 2, 2007
The crucial step for infection seems to be the virus binding to the basement membrane that underlies these cells, he adds. Visit our to read and post comments about this story. (Nature News Service)
Dietary Supplementation With Enzyme Reverses Some Kidney Disease Jun 4, 2007
The authors show that these effects were caused by a reduction in the number of sialic acid residues on critical glomerular proteins such as podocalyxin, which was associated with a breakdown of the glomerular basement membrane and surrounding structures. This breakdown allows red blood cells and proteins that are normally retained in the glomerulus, to pass into the urine. (Science Daily)
Breast Cancer Summary Feb 14, 2007
Breast cancer can be divided into the following types depending on the presence of cancer cells within the ducts or lobules and whether there is invasion beyond the basement membrane or not. Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) Cancer confined to the ducts. (Suite101.com)
