The zebrafish as model system for bone physiology in space.

Poster (2010, March 20)

16K human prolactin is an anti-lymphangiogenic factor in vitro and in vivo

Poster (2010, March)

Study of the role of miR-21 in the regulation of angiogenesis

Poster (2010, March)

Inorganic Binding Peptides and quality control methods using them

Patent (2010)

Inorganic-binding peptides as tools for surface quality control

in Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry (2010)

This paper highlights an innovative application of inorganic-binding peptides as quality control tools for detecting defects on inorganic surfaces of any shape. The approach involves attaching a ... [more ▼]

This paper highlights an innovative application of inorganic-binding peptides as quality control tools for detecting defects on inorganic surfaces of any shape. The approach involves attaching a fluorescent label to an inorganic-binding peptide and exploiting the peptide's high binding specificity to detect, by simple fluorescence microscopy, chemical composition defects of microm size and crystallographic state defects. Proof of concept was demonstrated by monitoring binding of a previously isolated ZnO-binding peptide to galvanized steel substrates. The approach was further validated for TiO(2) coatings and stainless steel, with two new, specific inorganic-binding peptides isolated by phage display. [less ▲]

Sprouty1, a new target of the angiostatic agent 16K prolactin, negatively regulates angiogenesis

in Molecular Cancer (2010), 9(1), 231

BACKGROUND:Disorganized angiogenesis is associated with several pathologies, including cancer. The identification of new genes that control tumor neovascularization can provide novel insights for future ... [more ▼]

BACKGROUND:Disorganized angiogenesis is associated with several pathologies, including cancer. The identification of new genes that control tumor neovascularization can provide novel insights for future anti-cancer therapies. Sprouty1 (SPRY1), an inhibitor of the MAPK pathway, might be one of these new genes. We identified SPRY1 by comparing the transcriptomes of untreated endothelial cells with those of endothelial cells treated by the angiostatic agent 16K prolactin (16K hPRL). In the present study, we aimed to explore the potential function of SPRY1 in angiogenesis.RESULTS:We confirmed 16K hPRL induced up-regulation of SPRY1 in primary endothelial cells. In addition, we demonstrated the positive SPRY1 regulation in a chimeric mouse model of human colon carcinoma in which 16K hPRL treatment was shown to delay tumor growth. Expression profiling by qRT-PCR with species-specific primers revealed that induction of SPRY1 expression by 16K hPRL occurs only in the (murine) endothelial compartment and not in the (human) tumor compartment. The regulation of SPRY1 expression was NF-kappaB dependent. Partial SPRY1 knockdown by RNA interference protected endothelial cells from apoptosis as well as increased endothelial cell proliferation, migration, capillary network formation, and adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins. SPRY1 knockdown was also shown to affect the expression of cyclinD1 and p21 both involved in cell-cycle regulation. These findings are discussed in relation to the role of SPRY1 as an inhibitor of ERK/MAPK signaling and to a possible explanation of its effect on cell proliferation.CONCLUSIONS:Taken together, these results suggest that SPRY1 is an endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor. [less ▲]

Prevention of bacterial biofilms by covalent immobilization of peptides onto plasma polymer functionalized substrates

in Journal of Materials Chemistry (2010), 20

In this study, robust antibacterial coatings were created on stainless steel through the covalent grafting of antibacterial peptides onto an organic-polymeric interlayer deposited by RF-glow discharge ... [more ▼]

In this study, robust antibacterial coatings were created on stainless steel through the covalent grafting of antibacterial peptides onto an organic-polymeric interlayer deposited by RF-glow discharge plasma. X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to characterize and optimize the two steps of the coating process. The biocidal activity of these surfaces was demonstrated against both Gram+ and Gram- bacteria using ISO tests. 3 to 6 log10 reductions of both Gram+ and Gram- bacterial strains were obtained compared to uncoated stainless steel and depending on the particular antibacterial peptide immobilized. Importantly the antibacterial surfaces were resistant to several cleaning conditions. The latter is significant as the stability of such antibacterial surfaces in close to real life conditions is a major concern and leaching, de-lamination, rearrangement and ageing of the coating can lead to insufficient long term biofilm resistance of the surface. [less ▲]

All-in-one strategy for the fabrication of antimicrobial biomimetic films on stainless steel

in Journal of Materials Chemistry (2009), 19

Here we report on an all-in-one approach to prepare robust antimicrobial films on stainless steel. The strategy is based on the layer-by-layer deposition of polyelectrolytes. A polycationic copolymer ... [more ▼]

Here we report on an all-in-one approach to prepare robust antimicrobial films on stainless steel. The strategy is based on the layer-by-layer deposition of polyelectrolytes. A polycationic copolymer bearing 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine units (DOPA, a major component of natural adhesives) was synthesized and co-deposited with precursors of silver nanoparticles as the first layer. The presence of DOPA units ensures a strong anchoring on the stainless steel substrate, and the silver nanoparticles are sources of biocidal Ag+, providing stainless steel with antimicrobial activity. We show that multilayered films, obtained by alternating this nanoparticle-loaded polycationic copolymer with polystyrene sulfonate, a commercial polyanion, results in stainless steel with high antibacterial activity against Gram-negative E. coli bacteria. The polycationic layers are a reservoir of Ag+ that can be reactivated after depletion. The whole process of film formation, including the synthesis of the copolymer, is conducted in aqueous media under very mild conditions, which makes it very attractive for industrial scale-up and sustainable applications. [less ▲]

Finding Mir able to regulate angiogenesis

Poster (2009, May 29)

Study of the potential regulation of Sprouty1, an angiogenesis inhibitor, by miR-21

Poster (2009, May 29)