Fluoxetine-induced regulation of heat shock protein 90 and 14-3-3ε in human embryonic carcinoma cells. Neuroreport. 2014;25:1399-1404. [PMID: 25353280 DOI: 10.1097/WNR.0000000000000284]

14-3-3ε: a protein with complex physiology function but promising therapeutic potential in cancer

Over the past decade, the role of the 14-3-3 protein has received increasing interest. Seven subtypes of 14-3-3 proteins exhibit high homology; however, each subtype maintains its specificity. The 14-3-3ε protein is involved in various physiological processes, including signal transduction, cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle regulation, repolarization of cardiac action, cardiac development, intracellular electrolyte homeostasis, neurodevelopment, and innate immunity. It also plays a significant role in the development and progression of various diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. These immense and various involvements of 14-3-3ε in diverse processes makes it a promising target for drug development. Although extensive research has been conducted on 14-3-3 dimers, studies on 14-3-3 monomers are limited. This review aimed to provide an overview of recent reports on the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of binding partners by 14-3-3ε, focusing on issues that could help advance the frontiers of this field. Video Abstract.

RNA interference based silencing of YWHAE suppresses proliferation of colon cancer cells

AIM: To investigate the correlation between YWHAE overexpression and colon cancer proliferation.

METHODS: We conducted immunohistochemical analysis of YWHAE overexpression in 87 colon carcinoma specimens and analyzed its relationship with clinical and pathological parameters. YWHAE expression was then silenced by RNA interference in colon cancer cell line HT-29, and the expression levels of YWHAE protein and mRNA were assayed by Western blot and reverse transcription-PCR, respectively. Cell proliferation was evaluated using the MTT method, and cell cycle and apoptosis were examined by flow cytometry. Colony formation assay was used to determine the growth properties of transfected cells.

RESULTS: YWHAE was highly expressed in colon carcinoma, and negative or low expression was observed in colon mucosal epithelial cells (P < 0.001). The expression intensity of YWHAE was significantly higher in colon cancer with metastasis than in colon cancer without metastasis (P < 0.05). The proliferation and colony formation ability of colon cancer cells were significantly reduced after silencing of YWHAE expression. Additional results showed that reduced YWHAE expression in colon cells led to an increased cell apoptosis rate and cell cycle G₁ arrest.

CONCLUSION: YWHAE is overexpressed in colon cancer, which may be related to metastasis in colon carcinoma. Silencing of YWHAE inhibited the proliferation ability of colon cancer cells, which may be associated with cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.

Stress signaling: serotonin spreads systemic stress

Cells respond to elevated temperatures through a well-characterized heat-shock response that enables short-term survival, long-term adaptation and mitigation of macromolecular damage. New work reveals a cell non-autonomous layer of stress-response regulation between neurons and the gonad involving serotonin.