Accumulation Of Keratin Research Articles

Antibacterial toner exhibits bactericidal effect against Cutibacterium acnes via keratin and sebum plug penetration.

Cutibacterium acnes is an opportunistic pathogen recognized as a contributing factor to acne vulgaris. The accumulation of keratin and sebum plugs in hair follicles facilitates C. acnes proliferation, leading to inflammatory acne. Although numerous antimicrobial cosmetic products for acne-prone skin are available, their efficacy is commonly evaluated against planktonic cells of C. acnes. Limited research has assessed the antimicrobial effects on microorganisms within keratin and sebum plugs. This study investigates whether an antibacterial toner can penetrate keratin and sebum plugs, exhibiting bactericidal effects against C. acnes. Scanning electron microscopy and next-generation sequencing analysis of the keratin and sebum plug suggest that C. acnes proliferate within the plug, predominantly in a biofilm-like morphology. To clarify the potential bactericidal effect of the antibacterial toner against C. acnes inside keratin and sebum plugs, we immersed the plugs in the toner, stained them with LIVE/DEAD BacLight Bacterial Viability Kit to visualize microorganism viability, and observed them using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results indicate that most microorganisms in the plugs were killed by the antibacterial toner. To quantitatively evaluate the bactericidal efficacy of the toner against C. acnes within keratin and sebum, we immersed an artificial plug with inoculated C. acnes type strain and an isolate collected from acne-prone skin into the toner and obtained viable cell counts. The number of the type strain and the isolate inside the artificial plug decreased by over 2.2 log and 1.2 log, respectively, showing that the antibacterial toner exhibits bactericidal effects against C. acnes via keratin and sebum plug penetration.

Structure prediction, docking studies and molecular cloning of novel Pichia kudriavzevii YK46 metalloprotease (MetPr) for improvement of feather waste biodegradation

This study addresses the environmental risks associated with the accumulation of keratin waste from poultry, which is resistant to conventional protein degradation methods. To tackle this issue, microbial keratinases have emerged as promising tools for transforming resilient keratin materials into valuable products. We focus on the Metalloprotease (MetPr) gene isolated from novel Pichia kudriavzevii YK46, sequenced, and deposited in the NCBI GenBank database with the accession number OQ511281. The MetPr gene encodes a protein consisting of 557 amino acids and demonstrates a keratinase activity of 164.04 U/ml. The 3D structure of the protein was validated using Ramachandran's plot, revealing that 93% and 97.26% of the 557 residues were situated within the most favoured region for the MetPr proteins of template Pichia kudriavzevii strain 129 and Pichia kudriavzevii YK46, respectively. Computational analyses were employed to determine the binding affinities between the deduced protein and beta keratin. Molecular docking studies elucidated the optimal binding affinities between the metalloprotease (MetPr) and beta-keratin, yielding values of − 260.75 kcal/mol and − 257.02 kcal/mol for the template strains Pichia kudriavzevii strain 129 and Pichia kudriavzevii YK46, respectively. Subsequent molecular cloning and expression of the MetPr gene in E. coli DH5α led to a significantly higher keratinase activity of 281 ± 12.34 U/ml. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential of the MetPr gene and its encoded protein for keratin waste biotransformation, with implications for addressing environmental concerns related to keratinous waste accumulation.

External auditory canal cholesteatoma: classification and management

Background: External auditory canal cholesteatoma (EACC) is a disease characterized by the accumulation of keratin in the ear canal and erosion of the bony wall. Etiologically, it may be primary or secondary. It presents with ear discharge and pain. Distinction from similar conditions is crucial for appropriate treatment. This study evaluates the EACC. Its purpose is to suggest categories based on disease extent. This study aimed to evaluate the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of EACC. The goal was to classify EACC based on disease severity and propose treatment approaches. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records for patients diagnosed with EACC over ten years. Clinical data were examined for the presentation, clinical findings, etiology, and treatment. We simplified the approach by dividing the disease into three categories: Category 1, confined to the ear canal; Category 2, eroded the canal wall; Category 3, extended to adjacent structures. Results: 18 patients were included in the study. Ear discharge and otalgia were the most common symptoms. Etiological classification of the disease identified most as secondary EACC. Two cases were assigned to Category 1, six to Category 2, and ten to Category 3. Conclusions: Common symptoms of EACC are ear discharge, pain, and hearing loss. Our study categorizes the condition into three categories based on severity, extension, and treatment strategies. Most cases were assigned to category 3 and extended into adjacent structures.

Cytoskeletal Keratins Are Overexpressed in a Zebrafish Model of Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is a three-dimensional rotation of the spine >10 degrees with an unknown etiology. Our laboratory established a late-onset IS model in zebrafish (Danio rerio) containing a deletion in kif7. A total of 25% of kif7co63/co63 zebrafish develop spinal curvatures and are otherwise developmentally normal, although the molecular mechanisms underlying the scoliosis are unknown. To define transcripts associated with scoliosis in this model, we performed bulk mRNA sequencing on 6 weeks past fertilization (wpf) kif7co63/co63 zebrafish with and without scoliosis. Additionally, we sequenced kif7co63/co63, kif7co63/+, and AB zebrafish (n = 3 per genotype). Sequencing reads were aligned to the GRCz11 genome and FPKM values were calculated. Differences between groups were calculated for each transcript by the t-test. Principal component analysis showed that transcriptomes clustered by sample age and genotype. kif7 mRNA was mildly reduced in both homozygous and heterozygous zebrafish compared to AB. Sonic hedgehog target genes were upregulated in kif7co63/co63 zebrafish over AB, but no difference was detected between scoliotic and non-scoliotic mutants. The top upregulated genes in scoliotic zebrafish were cytoskeletal keratins. Pankeratin staining of 6 wpf scoliotic and non-scoliotic kif7co63/co63 zebrafish showed increased keratin levels within the zebrafish musculature and intervertebral disc (IVD). Keratins are major components of the embryonic notochord, and aberrant keratin expression has been associated with intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) in both zebrafish and humans. The role of increased keratin accumulation as a molecular mechanism associated with the onset of scoliosis warrants further study.

The Relationship between Cholesteatoma Stage and Hearing Bone Erosion Degree in Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media Patients with Cholesteatoma at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital, Padang, Indonesia

Introduction: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a chronic inflammation of the middle ear mucosa and mastoid space. Cholesteatoma is an ectopic keratinized epithelial tissue that develops through the mucosa of the middle ear cavity and desquamates, resulting in the accumulation of keratin and epithelial debris. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the stage of cholesteatoma and the degree of erosion of the ossicles in patients CSOM with cholesteatoma at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital, Padang, Indonesia.
 Methods: This study was an observational case series study. A total of 70 research subjects were included in this study, and the research subjects met the inclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria in this study were patients with a diagnosis of CSOM with cholesteatoma at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital, Padang, Indonesia and have complete medical record data. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS software version 25. Correlation analysis between cholesteatoma stage and degree of osseous erosion was performed using the Spearman correlation test, p<0.05.
 Results: The majority of research subjects were aged 21-30 years (28.6%) and were male (51.4%). Based on clinical symptoms, the majority of patients experience otorrhoea for 5 to 10 years (47.1%), perforated type membrane total tympani (54.3%), degree of erosion of the ossicles type D (48.6%), stage 4 cholesteatoma (61.4%) and granulation tissue (81.4%).
 Conclusion: There is a relationship between the stage of cholesteatoma and the degree of erosion of the ossicles in patients with CSOM (chronic suppurative otitis media) with cholesteatoma at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital, Padang, Indonesia.

Keratosis pilaris.

Keratosis pilaris, or 'plucked chicken skin', is a very common condition. It is caused by keratin accumulation in the hair follicles. Although mild cases of the condition can be considered to be a normal variant, it can lead to multiple appointments with general practitioners and dermatologists. In rare cases, keratosis pilaris can form part of specific syndromes or be associated with other diseases. The aim of this article is to give an overview of the different variants of keratosis pilaris and discuss the pathogenesis and treatment options.

Cutaneus Horn pada Aurikula

A cutaneous horn is a hard cone-shaped protrusion consisting of dense keratin resembling animal horns, which occurs due to abnormalities in the spinous layer of the epidermis, causing excess keratin accumulation. This disease can be found in any body part, especially in regions exposed to a lot of sunlight, such as the ears. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice for this disease. One case was reported in a male patient aged 75 years with a bulge on the left auricle. The patient underwent surgical excision as management and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of the cutaneous horn with mild-moderate squamous epithelial cell dysplasia. Because of the high association with premalignant and malignant conditions, patients should be followed up regularly to prevent a recurrence.

The protective effect of carvacrol on bevacizumab-related skin injury in rats: a biochemical and histopathological evaluation

Purpose Bevacizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Cutaneous side effects of bevacizumab are seen with substantial frequency and may require the interruption of the treatment. The aim of the study was to conduct a biochemical and histopathological investigation of the effects of carvacrol against the possible oxidative skin damage caused by bevacizumab in rats. Materials and methods A total of 18 adult male Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to three groups as healthy (H group; n = 6), bevacizumab alone (B group; n = 6), and carvacrol + bevacizumab (CB group; n = 6). Carvacrol was injected intraperitoneally (IP) at a dose of 50 mg/kg in the CB group. Sterile salt solution (0.9% NaCl) was used as a solvent for the H and B groups. One hour after the administration of carvacrol and solvent, bevacizumab at a dose of 10 mg/kg IP was administered to the CB and B groups. Bevacizumab was given once daily for a total of two doses, 15 days apart. Carvacrol was administered once daily for one month. After that period, all animals were sacrificed and their skin tissues removed. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPO), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total oxidant status (TOS), and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels in rats’ skin tissues were biochemically evaluated. The parameters were measured with spectrophotometric method by using a microplate reader (BioTek, Winooski, VT, USA). The skin tissues were also examined histopathologically by the pathologist (blind) for the study groups. Results The MDA and TOS levels of the H and CB groups were significantly lower than the B group (p < 0.05). The mean scores of the other biochemical levels (GSH, GPO, CAT, SOD, TAS) in the H group were significantly higher than in the B and CB groups. Pathological examination of H group was normal. In B group epidermal atrophy, abnormal keratin accumulation, degenerated hair follicles, edoema and inflammatory cells accumulation in the dermis were observed. In the CB group, these findings were significantly improved. Conclusion The positive effect of carvacrol against possible local oxidative skin damage due to bevacizumab in rats was demonstrated. In addition, more detailed studies are required to clarify the mechanism of the protective effect of carvacrol against bevacizumab-induced skin toxicity. The effect should be evaluated through further human studies, as well as studies using different doses of carvacrol.

Bacteriological and pathological investigations on the preputial glands of one-year-old C57BL/6NCrl mice maintained in individually ventilated cages.

Spontaneous infections of the preputial glands represent overlooked health problems in mice that could raise welfare concerns and potentially confound scientific experiments. Agents involved in preputial gland infections have rarely been investigated, with opportunistic pathogens of laboratory animals usually detected in inflamed preputial glands. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of bacterial infection in the preputial glands and the relationship between haematological and pathological changes and infection status. We analysed 40 preputial glands from 20 one-year-old C57BL/6NCrl male mice by using bacteriology, haematology and pathology. Bacteria were isolated from 16/20 (80%) mice, for a total of 32/40 (80%) examined preputial glands. Enterobacter cloacae, Pasteurella spp., Klebsiella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus were identified in 35%, 17.5%, 15% and 12.5% of the examined glands, respectively. Preputial gland inflammation was identified in 29/40 (72.5%) glands and was classified as chronic interstitial adenitis in 27 cases and suppurative adenitis in the remaining two glands. No haematological changes were found in mice with infected glands. Histologically, the presence of intralesional bacteria, intraluminal necrotic material, intraluminal keratin accumulation, interstitial inflammatory cell infiltrate and granulocytes (intraluminal and/or interstitial), along with total inflammatory score and total histopathological score, were significantly increased in infected glands and correlated with the bacterial load. Most severe inflammatory changes were identified after S. aureus infection, while ductal hyperkeratosis was significantly increased in glands infected with Klebsiella spp. In conclusion, preputial gland infection was a common event in one-year-old C57BL/6NCrl mice, and bacterial load correlated with pathological findings, while systemic effects were not highlighted by haematology.

The role of Grafting in Canal Wall down Mastoidectomy Comparative Study

Background: Radical mastoidectomy is the outstanding standard technique for management of cholesteatoma. Long term studies showed increasing incidence of discharging cavities . Modified radical mastoidectomy was described to prevent recurrent cholesteatoma along with reconstruction of the ossicular hearing mechanismre. Exteriorization of the disease bearing areas is essential for effective follow up. However, there are many recesses which cannot be exteriorized regarding its anatomical location such as the mesotympanum. It will be a source of discharge or accumulation of keratin. Covering these recesses by grafting is an essential rather than optional step in all radical mastoidectomies to prevent problematic cavities. Aim of work: Demonstrate the necessity of grafting in radical mastoidectomy for obtaining dry cavity. Patients and methods: A prospective, comparative study conducted from March 2016 to October 2019 on 60 cholesteatoma patients. Patients were randomized into 2 equal groups of 30 patients each. In group A, patients undergone modified radical mastoidectomy with grafting, while patients in group B have undergone radical mastoidectomy without grafting. Regular follow up was done monthly for 1 year for both groups.Results: In group A, 22 patients have intact grafts, and dry well epithelialized cavities, 2 patients had perforated grafts, 5 patients had small discharging granulations and 1 patient had a keratin pearl under the graft. In group B, 19 patients suffered persistent discharging cavity , 8 patients had less discharge with keratin debris and granulations and 3 patients had dry cavities. Conclusion: Grafting is an essential step in radical mastoidectomy to prevent cavity problems.

The Effect of Allantoin on Chronic Perforation of Rat Tympanic Membrane.

Objectives:This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of topical allantoin application on wound healing in a rat chronic tympanic membrane perforation (TMP) model.Methods: A chronic TMP model was established with 25 healthy, female, 6-month-old, Sprague Dawley rats with chemical damage (trichloroacetic acid 50%). The rats were randomly assigned into 3 groups as follows: Group 1 (10 rats, 20 ears) was administered intratympanic (IT) 20 μL/day 0.57% allantoin solution 7 times, every other day; Group 2 (5 rats, 10 ears) received no substance; Group 3 (10 rats, 20 ears) received IT 20 μl/day distilled water 7 times, every other day. After tympanic membrane (TM) examination with an otoendoscope, histopathological examination of the TM was performed to evaluate neutrophil activity, chronicity, histiocytes, keratin accumulation, subepithelial edema, congestion, fibroblast proliferation, neovascularization, and tympanic membrane thickness.Results:Two TM perforations, 1 in Group 1 and 1 in Group 3, were not healed whereas TM perforations in 48 ears demonstrated closure at the end of the study. According to the histopathological examination, neutrophil activity and fibroblast proliferation were significantly higher in Group 1. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of other histopathological parameters.Conclusion:To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the effect of allantoin in an experimental chronic TMP model. According to the histopathological findings, allantoin may have positive effects on the wound healing process of chronic TMP.

The Obsidian Impediment - Comedones

Comedones appear as blackheads and whiteheads and implicate cutaneous zones with dense sebaceous follicles, particularly the face, upper chest or dorsal torso. Acne vulgaris is frequently enunciated with comedones. Hyper-proliferation and aberrant desquamation of ductal keratinocytes is enunciated which impedes sebum exudation within a pilo-sebaceous duct, thus engendering comedones. Also, a prototypicpilo-sebaceous duct unit metamorphoses into a comedone when progenitor component of the sebaceous glands differentiate into epithelial-like cells.“Micro-comedone theory” cogitates acne configuration as “comedogenesis” which is contingent to androgen secretion, hyper-proliferating keratinocytes with accumulation of keratin and sebum within the pilo-sebaceous unit. Hyperkeratinisation is also due to secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin -1 alpha (IL-1α) produced as a result of cutaneous colonization of Propionibacterium acnes.

Secuelas oftalmológicas secundarias a Síndrome de Stevens - Johnson

Figura A. Simblefaron, es decir adherencia de los bordes de los dos párpados (flecha blanca) y queratinización del limbo esclero-corneal (flecha amarilla) en el ojo derecho. Figura B. Ojo derecho: irregularidad del borde del párpado inferior con obstrucción completa y queratinización de los puntos de drenaje de las Glándulas de Meibomio, como consecuencia de la inflamación crónica secundaria al Síndrome de Stevens - Johnson. Figura C. Ojo derecho: conjuntivalización completa por falla del limbo y pérdida del epitelio corneal en el ojo derecho de la paciente, llevando a una córnea totalmente opaca como secuela del ojo seco severo crónico secundario al síndrome de Stevens - Johnson. Figura D. Ojo izquierdo: queratoprótesis de Boston Tipo I in situ. Se aprecia el cilindro central que permite el paso de la luz al interior del ojo. Los agujeros que translucen a través del tejido se encuentran en la placa de titanio que sostiene fijo el cilindro óptico al tejido corneal de un donante, que se suturó a la córnea periférica de la paciente. Ese tejido corneal donante se encuentra completamente conjuntivalizado y opaco, pero el extremo del cilindro óptico, al ser de material sintético, mantiene la transparencia. Se evidencia queratinización de la superficie con acúmulo de queratina en la interfase entre el material sintético del cilindro y el tejido corneal.

Msx2 Prevents Stratified Squamous Epithelium Formation in the Enamel Organ

Tooth enamel is manufactured by the inner enamel epithelium of the multilayered enamel organ. Msx2 loss-of-function mutation in a mouse model causes an abnormal accumulation of epithelial cells in the enamel organ, but the underlying mechanism by which Msx2 regulates amelogenesis is poorly understood. We therefore performed detailed histological and molecular analyses of Msx2 null mice. Msx2 null ameloblasts and stratum intermedium (SI) cells differentiated normally in the early stages of amelogenesis. However, during subsequent developmental stages, the outer enamel epithelium (OEE) became highly proliferative and transformed into a keratinized stratified squamous epithelium that ectopically expressed stratified squamous epithelium markers, including Heat shock protein 25, Loricrin, and Keratin 10. Moreover, expression of hair follicle–specific keratin genes such as Keratin 26 and Keratin 73 was upregulated in the enamel organ of Msx2 mutants. With the accumulation of keratin in the stellate reticulum (SR) region and subsequent odontogenic cyst formation, SI cells gradually lost the ability to differentiate, and the expression of Sox2 and Notch1 was downregulated, leading to ameloblast depolarization. As a consequence, the organization of the Msx2 mutant enamel organ became disturbed and enamel failed to form in the normal location. Instead, there was ectopic mineralization that likely occurred within the SR. In summary, we show that during amelogenesis, Msx2 executes a bipartite function, repressing the transformation of OEE into a keratinized stratified squamous epithelium while simultaneously promoting the development of a properly differentiated enamel organ competent for enamel formation.

Establishment of the Diagnosis of Follicular Occlusion Tetrad

Background: Follicular occlusion tetrad (FOT) is a clinical syndrome consisting of suppurative hidradenitis, acne conglobata, dissecting cellulitis of the scalp, and pilonidal sinus. FOT is a rare case that is mostly found in severe conditions resulting in resistance to therapy. Diagnostic accuracy and therapy for all components of FOT is extremely important. Case: A 43-year old male presented with small, painful blisters and bumps filled with pus that had been ongoing for five years. We found pustules and erythematous nodules and multiple abscess with atrophic scars on the scalp, anterior and posterior trunks, abdomen, groin and gluteal regions on the facial region, we found multiple atrophic scars. The pus culture showed the presence of Escherichia coli, and fistulography examination revealed multiple cutaneous fistules and enterocutaneous sinus. The histopathological examination indicated rupture of hair follicles, follicular plugs, and infiltration of heavy-mixed infiltrate cells. Discussion: The FOT diagnosis was established through medical history recording, physical and histopathological examinations, and fistulography. Upon medical history recording and physical examination, we found pustules and nodules in several hairy areas. The fistulographic examination showed some fistules and sinus tracts, and the histopathological examination showed adnexal tissue damage caused by occlusion of hair follicles and inflammation due to accumulation of keratin and debris. All these findings led to the FOT diagnosis.

Vitamin Fortification of Fluid Milk.

Vitamin concentrates with vitamins A and D are used for fortification of fluid milk. Although many of the degradation components of vitamins A and D have an important role in flavor/fragrance applications, they may also be source(s) of off-flavor(s) in vitamin fortified milk due to their heat, oxygen, and the light sensitivity. It is very important for the dairy industry to understand how vitamin concentrates can impact flavor and flavor stability of fluid milk. Currently, little research on vitamin degradation products can be found with respect to flavor contributions. In this review, the history, regulations, processing, and storage stability of vitamins in fluid milk are addressed along with some hypotheses for the role of vitamin A and D fortification on flavor and stability of fluid milk.

Иммуноморфологические аспекты строения тимуса у детей первого года жизни при врожденных пороках сердца

Thymuses investigated biopsies from children 1 year of age (n = 77) in patients with congenital heart defects of varying difficulty. Immunohistochemistry verified the accumulation of keratin in epitelioretkulotsitah (PanCK), thymopoiesis assessed by expression of CD3 + . Serum levels thymuline investigated. The degree of complexity of heart disease determines the morphological changes in the body, under which a large complex tissue reactions. During the first year of life (1, 6, 11 months.) In the thymus was observed decrease in the expression of keratins, accompanied by a breach of the architectonics of epithelial stroma, which affect the level of thymopoiesis, lowering it. Studies have shown that immunomorfologicheskie features correlated with the degree of complexity of a heart defect and the level of hormones in the peripheral blood, which was significantly lower than in healthy children.

Black Hairy Tongue After Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation: An Unrecognized Cutaneous Presentation of Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Black hairy tongue (BHT) is an unusual condition in adults characterized by marked accumulation of keratin on the dorsum of the tongue, resulting in a hair-like appearance. Herein, we have described 15 patients developing BHT after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). BHT was generally accompanied by other cutaneous manifestations of cutaneous graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) or a precursor of GVHD. Our experience in this series emphasized that histopathologic evaluation is required for seemingly harmless eruptions like BHT in the posttransplantation period. Given the important prognostic implications of GVHD, physicians should be careful when confronted with BHT.

Ear canal cholesteatoma: meta-analysis of clinical characteristics with update on classification, staging and treatment

We present an update on clinical evaluation, staging, classification and treatment of canal cholesteatoma, including a meta-analysis of clinical data of the last 30 years. Ear canal cholesteatoma is frequently associated secondarily to other canal pathologies. The cause for the rare idiopathic form of the disease remains enigmatic. Epidemiologic and experimental studies of its pathogenesis have increased; however, the main explanatory theory of a deficient migratory capacity of the canal epithelium affected has been falsified only recently. Therefore, the debate on the pathogenesis has gained additional impetus and more data is needed. Canal cholesteatoma is a rarity in otologic pathology, often leading to misdiagnosis as external otitis or otomycosis by physicians unfamiliar with the disease. It presents typically with otorrhea, focal erosion and keratin accumulation in the osseous ear canal and has to be distinguished from keratosis obturans, which leads to otalgia and bilateral conductive hearing loss by ceruminal plugs, with circumferential distention of the ear canal. Treatment by canaloplasty is curative and highly successful. Alternative conservative treatment is feasible, however, requiring long-term follow up, with often painful cleaning of the lesion.

Highlights of This Issue

Ubiquitination significantly contributes to regulation of many cellular signaling pathways. Dirac and Bernards used a siRNA-mediated genetic screening approach to identify novel deubiquitinating enzymes in the androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway, which is implicated in prostate cancer development. They found that USP26 uses several of its nuclear receptor interaction motifs to bind the AR. USP26 regulates AR activity by counteracting hormone-induced ubiquitination of AR. Dirac and Bernards propose that USP26 is part of multi-component AR transcriptional complexes controlling AR target gene activation and speculate that altered USP26 expression levels may contribute to aberrant AR signaling and thus prostate cancer development.The receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor Sprouty-4 has previously been shown to antagonize growth factor signaling and is involved in lung development. Tennis and colleagues report that Sprouty-4 is lost in non–small cell lung cancer cell lines, suggesting that it can act as a tumor suppressor. This article shows that Sprouty-4 inhibits cell growth, migration, invasion, and EMT. Tennis and coworkers also describe regulation of Sprouty-4 by Wnt7A/Fzd9 signaling through PPARγ. A new role for Sprouty-4 is indicated by these data and presents a possible therapeutic target for non–small cell lung cancer.Drug and apoptosis resistance are two sides of the same coin. Cisplatin resistance is influenced by several factors that affect drug accumulation, levels of cellular thiols, and DNA repair activity. The role of histone acetyltransferase (HAT) gene expressions in the development of drug resistance has not been extensively studied. It has been previously shown that HAT genes such as CLOCK and TIP60 involve cisplatin resistance through glutathione biosynthesis and DNA repair. Hirano et al reported that another HAT gene, PCAF, is overexpressed in cisplatin-resistant cells and endowed an antiapoptotic phenotype through enhanced E2F1 expression.The essential autophagy regulator beclin 1 is monoallelically deleted in many breast tumors and beclin 1+/− mice exhibit mammary hyperplasias. To explore the role of autophagy in mammary gland biology and breast cancer, Kongara et al. examined how autophagy-competent and -defective mammary epithelial cells respond to metabolic stress and found that autophagy defects are associated with elevated endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative stress, and abnormal keratin accumulation. Similar findings were observed in autophagy-defective mammary glands, in allograft mammary tumors, and in human breast tumors. Furthermore, phospho(Ser73)-K8 was identified as a potential marker for autophagy functional status in breast cancer.