During tumor progression, alternative splicing gives rise to different Mena protein isoforms. We analyzed how Mena11a, an isoform enriched in epithelia and epithelial-like cells, affects Mena-dependent regulation of actin dynamics and cell behavior. While other Mena isoforms promote actin polymerization and drive membrane protrusion, we find that Mena11a decreases actin polymerization and growt...

UNLABELLED Fibronectin (FN) is a major component of the tumor microenvironment, but its role in promoting metastasis is incompletely understood. Here, we show that FN gradients elicit directional movement of breast cancer cells, in vitro and in vivo Haptotaxis on FN gradients requires direct interaction between α5β1 integrin and MENA, an actin regulator, and involves increases in focal complex ...

So far, we have argued that the impact on development of the considerable education progress recorded in the region has been less than expected in terms of economic growth, the promotion of equality, and reduction of poverty. How much of this outcome is the consequence of particular characteristics of the region’s education systems and how much is due to weak linkages between education and labo...

The frequency of NIHF (Non-immunological hydrops fetalis) and congenital ascites associated with LSD (Lysosomal storage disorders) is exceptionally rare. The reported incidence worldwide is about 1% with very limited reports from the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region despite high incidence of consanguinity in the area. We report a case of NIHF with subcutaneous edema and congenital asc...

Drosophila Enabled is required for proper formation of axonal structures and is genetically implicated in signaling pathways mediated by Drosophila AbI. We have identified two murine proteins, Mena and Evl, that are highly related to Enabled as well as VASP (Vasodilator-Stimulated Phosphoprotein). A conserved domain targets Mena to localized proteins containing a specific proline-rich motif. Th...

OBJECTIVE This paper reviews the evidence related to the association of dietary pattern with coronary heart disease (CHD), strokes, and the associated risk factors among adults in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. METHODS A systematic review of published articles between January 1990 and March 2015 was conducted using Pro-Quest Public Health, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar. The ter...

Patents support technological innovations in any economy and would also a clean environment. We investigate the effects of economic growth, patents, industrialization, urbanization on CO2 emissions 17 Middle East North Africa (MENA) economies by applying spatial econometrics. substantiate Environment Kuznets Curve (EKC) domestic whole MENA region as per direct total estimates. Moreover, increas...

T his paper is to study the convergence of per capita income. Convergence clubs hypothesis is one of the forms of convergence hypotheses, implying that countries with the same initial level of economic development, technology, and government policies, tend to be similar in per capita income and thus have a tendency to cluster around a small number of poles. In order to test the hypot...

BACKGROUND It is perceived that little is known about the epidemiology of HIV infection among people who inject drugs (PWID) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The primary objective of this study was to assess the status of the HIV epidemic among PWID in MENA by describing HIV prevalence and incidence. Secondary objectives were to describe the risk behavior environment and the HIV epid...