Objective: To evaluate the effects of protocadherin-PC (PCDH-PC) gene expression on epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in prostate cancer cells. Methods: Western blot analysis, morphological analysis, and in vitro wound closure assay were used to assess the effects of inhibition of PCDH-PC expression on EMT in the androgen-independent prostate cancer cell lines DU-145 and PC-3. Results: Inhibition of PCDH-PC expression promoted mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET) of DU-145 and PC-3 cells, which changed the cytomorphology to resemble that of the androgen-dependent prostate adenocarcinoma cells LNCaP, and slowed down the growth rate. Conclusions: Inhibition of PCDH-PC expression reduced the invasiveness of androgen-independent prostate cancer cells..

Algae are a group of ubiquitous photosynthetic organisms, including eukaryotic green algae and Gram-negative prokaryotic cyanobacteria, beside macro-forms like seaweeds.This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the different application of cyanobacteria, micro- and macro-algae especially in biofertilization, bioremediation as well as their role in improving soil structure and functioning.Both micro- and macro- algae forms have been reported to improve plant growth and development. This is due to the presence of all major and minor plant nutrients as well as different organic compounds such as auxins, gibberellins and precursors of ethylene and betaine. Moreover, recent studies have revealed that the inoculation of cyanobacteria could increase the availability of other micro- (Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu) Iron (Fe), etc.) and macronutrients (carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K)) in soil and their translocation inside plants, upto grains. Furthermore, algae was reported to increase of plant tolerance to toxic trace elements by improving soil proprieties and increasing plant growth, biochemical and physiological plant attributes.

Werner Syndrome (WS) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by premature aging. This disease is caused by mutations in the WRN gene. WRN gene plays a vital role in genomic stability, DNA replication and transcription. The first sign of WS is short stature. Individuals with WS have an abnormally slow growth rate, and growth stops at puberty. However, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here we report a potential downstream target gene, SHOX (short-stature homeobox), was involved in the failure of bone development in Werner Syndrome. Additionally, the wrn mutant zebrafish was generated. In vivo analysis of chondrogenesis confirmed the role of wrn was crucial on bone development. And in the wrn mutant zebrafish, the expression of shox also decreased. Together, we concluded that the depletion of WRN would be one of the causes of short stature.