Knockdown of Noxa by siRNA significantly attenuated cell death, mechanistically implicating Noxa as a key apoptotic mediator of proteasome inhibitor-induced cell death. Given the pivotal role for the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein A1 in activated HSC survival,
we determined if Noxa bound to this survival protein. Noxa was shown to physically bind the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein A1 by co-immunoprecipitation. Conclusions: Noxa contributes to proteasome inhibitor-induced apoptosis of stellate cells likely by binding A1. Strategies to therapeutically increase Noxa expression may be useful for inducing HSC apoptosis. “
“Baruch Blumberg, who received RG 7204 the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of the Australia antigen, died on April 5, 2011. Arguably, that discovery has been the most important advance in the field of Hepatology. It led to the virtual elimination of transfusion related hepatitis B in most parts of the world and was essential to the identification
of hepatitis A, C, D and E viruses. Credit for this is due Dr. Blumberg and teams in Philadelphia and Tokyo. In lieu of an Associate Editor commentary, Drs. Senior, London, and Sutnick, who were members of that remarkable team, tell us their inspiring story. (HEPATOLOGY 2011;) see more Baruch Blumberg, who received the Nobel Prize Carnitine palmitoyltransferase II for Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of the Australia antigen, died on April 5, 2011. Arguably, that discovery has been the most important advance in the field of Hepatology.
It led to the virtual elimination of transfusion related hepatitis B in most parts of the world and was essential to the identification of hepatitis A, C, D and E viruses. Credit for this is due Dr. Blumberg and teams in Philadelphia and Tokyo. In lieu of an Associate Editor commentary, Drs. Senior, London, and Sutnick, who were members of that remarkable team, tell us their inspiring story.”—Patrick S. Kamath, Associate Editor, HEPATOLOGY We are awash in a current flood of new biomarkers, but a classic example of a truly important one was the story of the discovery, investigation, and development of understanding that occurred of a “new” antigen first reported1 in 1965, called Australia antigen because it had been found in a member of the aboriginal population. In retrospect2 it clearly identified not only a correlation between a biomarker and a disease but was a product of the causative agent itself, leading to identification of the hepatitis B virus, rapid worldwide changes in blood banking procedures, vaccine development, and great reduction of a global problem. It triggered work leading to subsequent identification of hepatitis viruses A, D, C, and E; prevention and treatment; and has greatly changed the field of Hepatology.