Design of Functional Metalloproteins - Literature review Example

Critical Appraisal Critical Appraisal  Briefing In our critical appraisal, we are going to handle an article about membrane type 4 matrix Meatalloproteins (MT4-MMP) induces lung metastasis by alteration of primary breast tumor vascular architecture. By then little information was known by then. Currently, several chemotherapy dugs have yielded unsuccessful results. Therefore with the publication of this article in the year 2009, the obtained information is of late and up to date. We are going to criticize our article based on content and its formatting headings starting with the introduction and ending with references (Maher, 2013). Abstract The author was very perfect in that he gave the whole projects briefing. He gave us his objectives, methodologies and his findings. However, the part failed to give us any hypothesis that would be tested. Any scientific work should have both null and alternative hypothesis that would be statistically analyzed for their significance. Introduction The introduction is very straight to the point and giving vital information of cancer ( Jones, 2003). In fact, the section is giving as the background of the research. Setting of the context enables us to understand more ideas that we had little information about. The functions of the MMPs are clearly explained in their functionality in metastasis. The author even classifies the different forms of MMPs to give us an insight why he specifically chose the MT4-MMP ad not others (Yeung, Sieracki, and Marshall, 2009). He classifies two MMPS different claiming that they are linked to the membrane through a glycosyl-phosphtidylinositol (GPI). The two compounds are MT4 and MT6-MMPs. He further continues to notify us that our compound of interest is found in brain, colony, lung, uterus and reproductive organs. Their location was the reason the lymphatic system trace of MT4-MMP would very easy and simple within the mice. Every idea is supported by reference to validate the data. Previous studies have been incorporated and compared to enrich the context. For example, comparisons with other forms of works are in relation and agreement that MMPs are involved in metastasis of tumor cells (Piyush, 2013). However, there has been contradicting information from various science fields concerning MMPs, Extra Cellular Matrix degradation and cancer cell division. Some of the studies have associated MMPs inhibition to synthetic and natural inhibitors hence inhibition of the cell invasion. However, abnormal expressions of various forms of MMPPs have been correlated with pathological conditions in arthritis, tumor cell invasion and the general metastasis. Whenever a substance will be used to stimulate a given process, then the same substance can be used in inhibition of the process (Yeung et al., 2012). In this case, if the presence of a substance has a positive effect, then its absence will have a negative effect too. In our case, if the MMPs presence is being involved in metastasis, then its absence will mean that there is no metastasis. The fact is complementing with the statement that MMPs promote growth of cancer cells by helping in cleavage of the insulin growth factor binding protein abbreviated as (IGF-BP). Moreover, the MMPs can inhibit cancer growth by liberating growth factors such as β - (TGF- β) from the TGF- β complex (Egeblad and Werb, 2002). In addition, our research was not that entirely deep in that vital information was being left out. In our case, we are dealing with MMPs and their activity in cancer metastasis. Therefore, this being our sole area much information was required. The authors have failed to explain other factors that are required during metastasis. According to some research that had been done, the authors claimed that zinc is required as a catalytic molecule in the process. Such information is corresponding with our context. Moreover, the same literature argued that MMPs are produced and expressed during rare case when only needed by the body in remodeling processes. Such processes involve embryonic developments, wound healing, uterine and ossification among others (Piyush, 2013). If our author had such information that he did not document, his research would be very informative. Methodology The research was a form of experimental design which required actual performance of the research, a procedure that was done. Metastasis and lungs extravagation assays were carried out in detection of MMP functionality and their relationship with cancer. In the analysis of the tumor lymphatic system, an experimental error was made during autoclaving of the antigens. Practically autoclaving that is a form of wet sterilization that encompasses pressure and steam, the temperatures should be 121oc for 15 minutes at 12 atmospheres. In our case, the experiment was done at 126oc for 11 minutes that were not so. It has been proved that autoclaving at 1atmosphers for the standard time leaves traces of no microbial form even the endospores. Therefore, that error may have led to some inconsistence in our results (Hedrich, 2012). Some parts that are appearing in the results had no methodology. For example, in the results section, the researcher claims about running the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and western blot. However, the procedures used the primers, and other reagents and equipments are unknown. Absence of such information makes it hard for the analysts to trace the sources of the errors if the experiment was not fruitful. The idea that all people are conversant with methodologies is not true especially top a new leader. Imagine an individual with an idea about PCR reactions idea comes around the tem. To worsen the matter, he has an interest in that field of molecular biology. That would be very unfair. Therefore, all steps and materials used should be explained in a systematic manner to give a clear flow of research that can be traced for improvement or error analysis by professionals. Results In this section, the researchers gave their results of how successful their experiment was. They claim that they tried to confirm if MT4-MMP promotes lung metastasis from subcutaneous grafts sings the bioluminescence imaging. The results are unavailable indicating that one can not trace the results nor validate them. The results were presented on a reasonable manner owing that tumor-infected blood vessels are always leaky. Therefore, use of the Angiosense680 vascular probe of the 240KD stays for along time in the blood vessels hence can be traced in leaky cells. This is an indication that the researchers had done thorough and sufficient research of literatures in designing his project. The researcher made a mistake of discussing his results at this level. This was an error since the discussion part would lack content. In the section of results, the findings should be presented in a clear and objectively manner. Interpretation of results belongs to the discussion section. For example, in our case, the researcher discuses the role of MT4-MMP effect on blood vessel, morphology in association with increased blood vessel leakage. He continues to explain to us why he used the Angiosense680 vascular probe by stating that it has high molecular size that is why it finishes more time in the blood vessels. That bit should have been forwarded in the discussion section whereby it could have been explained further but no in this section. Similarly, not all of the results were present and available to the readers. For example, the authors state very clear that the mRNA expression of human thrombospondin-2 was three times less in xenografts when compared to the control. Absence of such data is very detrimental in that another researcher may have decided to refer to this work in betterment of his research only to find that the results are absent. Therefore, the author should ensure that every content of their project may them be calculations are present within their context. Such information is very vital in the identification of sources of errors. Moreover, a person who may perform research in the same lane may use the data to compare and validate his findings in that both of them should have some common relationships. Whenever one discovers that his variables are not consistent, then he can refer to such works that had been done before to trace the source of his errors. Discussion The experiment was successful in that the anticipated results were obtained. However, much of the discussed works had some ambiguity in that the functions of all the MMPs were not known. In fact, only very few of them are known and proven to be involved in the dissemination of cancer cells. In spite of the known, their mechanisms of action are unknown. This means that the MMPs may not have been involved in metastasis of cancer. Similarly, it may be claimed that if the MMPs were involved, then they were aided by other factors (Egeblad and Werb, 2010). Therefore, to avoid such ambiguity within the minds of the readers and other scholars, then every research should have adequate information on its mechanisms. Conclusion The conclusion section is the only part within a research that informs the reader how the project was, and kit has reached the end. In our case, the author forgot to give his conclusive remarks leaving the leader hanging. In fact, it is unrealistic to introduce an item and fail to conclude. How does one expect to inform the reader that the overall work is over? References The referencing was excellent in that most of the incorporated research was new. In fact, the oldest literature was published in 1996 duration that is not far from the projects dates. Moreover, presence of modern and up to date literatures enriched the content more hence ensuring that the new researches have been incorporated. Acknowledgement The researchers were very open in that they recognized the sponsors of the study and whoever provided with any form of assistance may it be materials, equipments or information. He acknowledged the European Union that provided with the funding otherwise it would not have been a success. In most cases, some of the authors fail to recognize important persons who funded them in running their projects besides other forms of help. Summary In summary, the author of the article was very consistent and adhered to most of the scientific rules. His research was of great importance at such timers when cancer has claimed several lives. Understanding the nature of cancer and its spread will finally lead to successful discovery of medications that are efficient faster and affordable. Therefore, more and more of such works should be done, and the relevant help needed by the researchers should be availed. References Piyush, P. (2013). About Metalloproteins. Retrieved on 2014 from http://www.juit.ac.in/attachments/Metallopred/about_metalloprotein.html Yeung, N., Sieracki, N. and Marshall, M. (2009). Design of functional metalloproteins. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2770889/ Egeblad, M. and Werb, Z. (2010). Functions of MMPs in cancer progression. Nature reviews, 2 161-1740. Retrieved on 2014 March from http://www.nature.com/nrc/journal/v2/n3/fig_tab/nrc745_F4.html  Hedrich, H. Ed. (2012). The Laboratory Mouse. New York: Academic Press.  Jones, E. (2003). Cancer: Its Cases, Symptoms and Treatment. New York: B Jain Publishers. Maher, S. (2013). Critical Evaluation Of, Literature. Hull; University of Hull. Read More