Taken together, our data reveal a new insight into the mechanisms by which tetraspanins are involved in the regulation of MHC II-dependent T-cell stimulation.”
“Recently, we found that mutation of the C-terminus of transcription factor hexamethylene bisacetamide-inducible protein 1 (HEXIM1) in mice leads to abnormalities in cardiovascular development because of aberrant vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF) expression. HEXIM1 regulation of some genes has also been shown to be positive transcription elongation factor b ( P-TEFb) dependent. However,

it is not known whether HEXIM1 regulates VEGF in the mammary gland. We demonstrate that HEXIM1 regulates estrogen-induced VEGF transcription through inhibition of estrogen receptor-alpha recruitment to the VEGF promoter Selleckchem Epigenetics Compound Library in a P-TEFb-independent manner in MCF-7 cells. Under hypoxic conditions, HEXIM1 inhibits estrogen-induced hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha) protein expression and recruitment of HIF-1 alpha to the hypoxia-response element in the VEGF promoter.

In the mouse mammary gland, increased HEXIM1 expression decreased estrogen-driven VEGF and HIF-1 alpha expression. Conversely, a mutation in the C-terminus of HEXIM1 ( HEXIM1(1- 312)) led find more to increased VEGF and HIF-1 alpha expression and vascularization in mammary glands of heterozygous HEXIM1(1-312) mice when compared with their wild-type littermates.

In addition, HEXIM1(1-312) mice have a higher incidence of carcinogen-induced mammary tumors GDC-0994 with increased vascularization, suggesting an inhibitory role for HEXIM1 during angiogenesis. Taken together, our data provide evidence to suggest a novel role for HEXIM1 in cancer progression. Oncogene ( 2010) 29, 3639-3649; doi: 10.1038/onc.2010.110; published online 10 May 2010″
“Objective: In this article, we describe one approach for evaluating the value of developing quality indicators (QIs).\n\nStudy Design and Setting: We focus on describing how to develop a conceptual measurement framework and how to evaluate the need to develop QIs. A recent process to develop QIs for injury care is used for illustration.\n\nResults: Key steps to perform before developing QIs include creating a conceptual measurement framework, determining stakeholder perspectives, and performing a QI needs assessment. QI development is likely to be most beneficial for medical problems for which quality measures have not been previously developed or are inadequate and that have a large burden of illness to justify quality measurement and improvement efforts, are characterized by variable or substandard care such that opportunities for improvement exist, and have evidence that improving quality of care will improve patient health.