University of North Texas Health Science Center

About: University of North Texas Health Science Center is a education organization based out in Fort Worth, Texas, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Receptor. The organization has 2972 authors who have published 5401 publications receiving 153180 citations. The organization is also known as: UNT Health Science Center & UNTHSC.

Heat shock protein 27 delays Ca2+-induced cell death in a caspase-dependent and -independent manner in rat retinal ganglion cells.

Abstract: Purpose Hsp27 is a well-characterized and studied antiapoptotic protein. A recent study reported that Hsp27 is upregulated in the retina after retinal ischemic preconditioning. The timing of this upregulation of Hsp27 correlates with the protective effects of the treatment. It was the goal of the current study to determine what role Hsp27 plays in this protection. Methods The rat homologue of Hsp27 (rHsp27) was overexpressed in a transformed rat retinal ganglion cell line and subjected to ischemic stress and calcium overload. Results The overexpression of rHsp27 increased cell survival and inhibited caspase-3 activation. However, the inhibition of caspase-3 alone had no effect on cell survival. Proteomic analysis after Ca(2+) overload identified four proteins that were repeatedly associated with rHsp27. These proteins include actin, Hsp70, eEF-1alpha, and SPIN-2. No association with cytochrome c or any caspase enzymes was detected. Conclusions The results indicate that Hsp27 protects the retinal cells by both caspase-dependent and -independent mechanisms.

Oncogenic activation in prostate cancer progression and metastasis: Molecular insights and future challenges.

Abstract: Prostate cancer is a leading cause of death among men in the United States, and currently early diagnosis and appropriate treatment remain key approaches for patient care. Molecularly prostate cancer cells carry multiple perturbations that generate malignant phenotype capable of uncontrolled growth, survival, and invasion-metastasis to other organs. These alterations are acquired both by genetic and epigenetic changes in tumor cells resulting in the activation of growth factor receptors, signaling proteins, kinases, transcription factors and coregulators, and multiple proteases required for the progression of the disease. Recent advances provide novel insights into the molecular functions of these oncogenic activators, implicating potential therapeutic targeting opportunities for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Improved dissection efficiency in the human gross anatomy laboratory by the integration of computers and modern technology

Abstract: The need to increase the efficiency of dissection in the gross anatomy laboratory has been the driving force behind the technologic changes we have recently implemented. With the introduction of an integrated systems-based medical curriculum and a reduction in laboratory teaching hours, anatomy faculty at the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) developed a computer-based dissection manual to adjust to these curricular changes and time constraints. At each cadaver workstation, Apple iMac computers were added and a new dissection manual, running in a browser-based format, was installed. Within the text of the manual, anatomical structures required for dissection were linked to digital images from prosected materials; in addition, for each body system, the dissection manual included images from cross sections, radiographs, CT scans, and histology. Although we have placed a high priority on computerization of the anatomy laboratory, we remain strong advocates of the importance of cadaver dissection. It is our belief that the utilization of computers for dissection is a natural evolution of technology and fosters creative teaching strategies adapted for anatomy laboratories in the 21st century. Our strategy has significantly enhanced the independence and proficiency of our students, the efficiency of their dissection time, and the quality of laboratory instruction by the faculty.