Candida albicans is an important human pathogen that displays a remarkable ability to detect changes in its environment and to respond appropriately by changing its cell morphology and physiology. Serum-and amino acid-based media are known to induce filamentous growth in this organism. However, the mechanism by which amino acids induce filamentation is not yet known. Here, we describe the identification and characterization of the primary amino acid sensor of C. albicans, Csy1. We show that Csy1p plays an important role in amino acid sensing and filamentation. Loss of Csy1p results in a lack of amino acid-mediated activation of amino acid transport and a lack of induction of transcription of specific amino acid permease genes. Furthermore, a csy1⌬/csy1⌬ strain, lacking Csy1p, is defective in filamentation and displays altered colony morphology in serum-and amino acid-based media. These data provide the first evidence that C. albicans utilizes the amino acid sensor Csy1p to probe its environment, coordinate its nutritional requirements, and determine its morphological state.

In recent years, better understanding of the molecular biology of non-small-cell lung carcinoma (nsclc) has led to a revolution in the work-up of these neoplasms. As a pathology diagnosis, "nsclc" without further attempt at subclassification is no longer accepted as a standard of care; separating squamous cell carcinoma from adenocarcinoma and large-cell carcinoma carries implications for prognosis and treatment decisions. Currently, detection of the presence in nsclc of mutations involving the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene and fusion of the N-terminal portion of the protein encoded by EML4 (echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 gene) with the intracellular signaling portion of the receptor tyrosine kinase encoded by ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene)-that is, EML4-ALK-and variants has become routine in many centres because patients having tumours harbouring such alterations might benefit from tyrosine kinase inhibitors as part of their treatment regimen.The purpose of the present review is to highlight important aspects of the screening for molecular derangements in nsclc and to briefly discuss the emergence of possible future biomarkers.

Biomarker testing has become standard of care for patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Although, it can be successfully performed in circulating tumor cells, at present, the vast majority of investigations are carried out using direct tumor sampling, either through aspiration methods, which render most often isolated cells, or tissue sampling, that could range from minute biopsies to large resections. Consequently, pathologists play a central role in this process. Recent evidence suggests that refining NSCLC diagnosis might be clinically significant, particularly in cases of lung adenocarcinomas (ADC), which in turn, has prompted a new proposal for the histologic classification of such pulmonary neoplasms. These changes, in conjunction with the mandatory incorporation of biomarker testing in routine NSCLC tissue processing, have directly affected the pathologist’s role in lung cancer work-up. This new role pathologists must play is complex and demanding, and requires a close interaction with surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and molecular pathologists. Pathologists often find themselves as the central figure in the coordination of a process, that involves assuring that the tumor samples are properly fixed, but without disruption of the DNA structure, obtaining the proper diagnosis with a minimum of tissue waste, providing pre-analytical evaluation of tumor samples selected for biomarker testing, which includes assessment of the proportion of tumor to normal tissues, as well as cell viability, and assuring that this entire process happens in a timely fashion. Therefore, it is part of the pathologist’s responsibilities to assure that the samples received in their laboratories, be processed in a manner that allows for optimal biomarker testing. This article goal is to discuss the essential role pathologists must play in NSCLC biomarker testing, as well as to provide a summarized review of the main NSCLC biomarkers of clinical interest.

CL is shorter than recommended and varies with patient age and sex, clinical circumstances, and center experience. While pathologists render diagnoses on most cases irrespective of CL, BMB yield improvement is desirable.