A DNA aptamer was identified against the shared tumor-specific MAGE-A3 111-125 peptide antigen. The dissociation constant between the aptamer and the peptide was measured at 57 nM. Binding of the aptamer to seven types of cancer cells, melanoma, breast, colorectal, liver, lung, pancreas and oral cancer, was confirmed with flow cytometry and fluorescence imaging. Cy3-conjugated aptamers signals were specifically localized to the surface of those cancer cells. The results indicate that the DNA aptamer against the shared tumor-specific MAGE-A3 peptide can be used in cancer cell targeting and has the potential for developing into new modalities for the diagnosis of multiple cancers.

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Diurnal phototropism has not been reported in ferns. In this study we found that the four leaflets of the amphibious fern Marsilea quadrifolia are capable of adjusting their leaflet angle and leaflet azimuth in response to changes in the position of the sun's direct beam, exhibiting more diaphototropic movements (orienting the plane of the lamina perpendicular to incident light) in the morning and late afternoon, and more paraphototropic movements (orienting the plane of the lamina parallel to incident light) at noon. In addition, by cutting off the leaflet lamina and covering portions of leaflets with black tape, the junction between the leaflet and petiole was found to be responsible for light reception. Among the light spectrum investigated, blue light was the most effective at inducing diaphototropism. The role of diurnal phototropism in enhancing carbon return and ameliorating photoinhibition was also evaluated. It was concluded that diurnal phototropic leaf movement represents one of the plastic responses enabling this amphibious fern to grow under terrestrial conditions.

No abstract