Kyle J. Isaacson

Matrix-metalloproteinases as targets for controlled delivery in cancer: An analysis of upregulation and expression

ABSTRACT While commonly known for degradation of the extracellular matrix, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) exhibit broad potential for use in targeting of bioactive and imaging agents in cancer treatment. MMPs are upregulated at all stages of expression in cancers. A comprehensive analysis of published literature on expression of all MMP subtypes at the genetic, protein, and activity levels in normal and diseased tissues indicate targeting applicability in a variety of cancers. This expression significantly increases at advanced cancer stages, providing an improved opportunity for controlled release in higher‐stage patients. Since MMPs are integral at every stage of metastasis, MMP roles in cancer are discussed with a focus on MMP distribution and mobility within cells and tumors for cancer targeting applications. Several strategies for MMP utilization in targeting ‐ such as matrix degradation, MMP cleavage, MMP binding, and MMP‐induced environmental changes ‐ are addressed. Graphical abstract Figure. No caption available.

Broad interests reap benefits for science

We asked young scientists this question: How do broad interests benefit your science? Scientists with a variety of hobbies responded that their extracurricular activities have enhanced a wide range of skills, from creativity to communication to resilience. Many also mentioned the value of clearing

MP09-05 SILK-ELASTINLIKE POLYMERS ENHANCE THE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANALGESIC PROPERTIES OF SEMISYNTHETIC GLYCOSAMINOGLYCANS

Semisynthetic Glycosaminoglycans M. Martin Jensen1,2, Wanjian Jia2,3, Austin J. Schults3, Kyle J. Isaacson1,2, Douglas Steinhauff1,2, Bryant Green1,2, Marcelo Correa1,2, Jeremiah A. Alt4, Joseph Cappello4, Hamid Ghandehari1,2,5, Siam Oottamasathien2,3,6,7 1Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah 2Utah Center for Nanomedicine, Nano Institute of Utah 3Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah 4Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine 5Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah 6Department of Surgery and Division of Pediatric Urology, Primary Children’s Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA 7Department of Pediatric Surgery and Division of Pediatric Urology, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

NextGen VOICES: A postdoc's purpose

We gave young scientists this challenge: What is the purpose of a postdoc? Address this question by writing a job advertisement for the perfect postdoc position. We received responses from scientists around the world representing a variety of fields. Some wrote advertisements for their ideal postdoc

Education for the future

We asked young scientists: Are our schools and universities adequately prepared to educate young people for future challenges? What is the most pressing issue in your field, and what one improvement could your country make to its current education system to prepare students to face it? The responses expressed concerns about the current state of education in countries around the world. Many students lack access to the information they need, and those with access are often constrained by curriculum that emphasizes rote learning and isolated subjects. Our respondents suggested a variety of improvements to prepare the next generation for success.

Self-Assembly of Thermoresponsive Recombinant Silk-Elastinlike Nanogels

Recombinant silk-elastinlike protein polymers (SELPs) combine the biocompatibility and thermoresponsiveness of human tropoelastin with the strength of silk. Direct control over structure of these monodisperse polymers allows for precise correlation of structure with function. This work describes the fabrication of the first SELP nanogels and evaluation of their physicochemical properties and thermoresponsiveness. Self-assembly of dilute concentrations of SELPs results in nanogels with enhanced stability over micelles due to physically crosslinked beta-sheet silk segments. The nanogels respond to thermal stimuli via size changes and aggregation. Modifying the ratio and sequence of silk to elastin in the polymer backbone results in alterations in critical gel formation concentration, stability, aggregation, size contraction temperature, and thermal reversibility. The nanogels sequester hydrophobic compounds and show promise in delivery of bioactive agents.