Targeting AVIL, a New Cytoskeleton Regulator in Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common adult neural malignancy and the deadliest. The standard of care is optimal, safe, cytoreductive surgery followed by combined radiation therapy and alkylating chemotherapy with temozolomide. Recurrence is common and therapeutic options in the recurrent setting are limited. The dismal prognosis of GBM has led to novel treatments being a serious roadblock in the field, with most new treatments failing to show efficacy. Targeted therapies have shown some success in many cancers, but GBM remains one of the most difficult to treat, especially in recurrence. New chemotherapeutic directions need to be explored, possibly expanding the targeted chemotherapy spectrum in previously unforeseen ways. In this perspective paper, we will explain why AVIL, an actin-binding protein recently found to be overexpressed in GBM and a driving force for GBM, could prove versatile in the fight against cancer. By looking at AVIL and its potential to regulate FOXM1 and LIN28B, we will be able to highlight a way to improve outcomes for GBM patients who normally have very little hope.

Blocking Neuropilin-1 in Drosophila melanogaster as a Possible Treatment for Pain and SARS-CoV-2

This study aims to validate a method of neuropilin-1 blocking in Drosophila melanogaster to aid the development of chronic pain treatment as well as increase scientific understanding of SARS-CoV-2 cell entry. If Drosophila melanogaster are exposed to monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) used for targeted chemotherapy against neuropilin-1, then this targeted protein blocking method may allow for the development of new pain treatment and possible SARS-CoV-2 treatment. mAbs were microinjected into mutant flies to block NRP-1 activity. Then, a thermal nociception and von frey assay were done to test drosophila nociception. Finally, an IHC assay was performed to quantify protein activity. Overall, the hypothesis was supported as both nociception assays showed significant data proving mutant flies had delayed or no reactions to stimuli. The Von Frey assay did show some varying results, but the data is still significant. However, the IHC did show that there was still some NRP-1 activity in the mutant flies. NRP-1 was able to be partially blocked by mAbs. The collected data may apply to the expansion of research in pain treatment as well as COVID-19 research. Chronic pain is a prevalent area of research that is still not completely solved today. The fight against the SARS-CoV-2 is an ongoing fight and further research is mandatory in finding treatments for this deadly virus.