Faculty Bibliography

PEGylation is a biochemical modification process of bioactive molecules with polyethylene glycol (PEG), which lends several desirable properties to proteins/peptides, antibodies, and vesicles considered to be used for therapy or genetic modification of cells. However, PEGylation of proteins is a complex process and can be carried out using more than one strategy that depends on the nature of the protein and the desired application. Proteins of interest are covalently conjugated or non-covalently complexed with inert PEG strings. Purification of PEGylated protein is another critical step, which is mainly carried out based on electrostatic interactions or molecular sizes using chromatography. Several PEGylated drugs are being used for diseases like anemia, kidney disease, multiple sclerosis, hemophilia and cancers. With the advancement and increased specificity of the PEGylation process, the world of drug therapy, and specifically cancer therapy could benefit by utilizing this technique to create more stable and non-immunogenic therapies. In this article we describe the structure and functions of PEGylation and how this chemistry helps in drug discovery. Moreover, special emphasis has been given to CCN-family proteins that can be targeted or used as therapy to prevent or block cancer progression through PEGylation technology.

We report the case of an adult who developed severe post-streptococcal reactive arthritis (PSRA) and poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) after a subclinical streptococcal infection. Antistreptococcal antibody titres, renal biopsy and the clinical course confirmed the diagnosis. Coincidence of PSRA and PSGN is rare in the adult population and the potential for misdiagnosis exists, particularly when prior streptococcal infection is not apparent. The clinical manifestations of poststreptococcal syndromes are highly variable, and the diagnosis of concomitant PSRA and PSGN should be considered when patients present with glomerulonephritis and inflammatory arthritis. Factors from both the host and the pathogen are probably important in determining disease expression in poststreptococcal syndromes.