Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tian Wei, Xiaowen Ji, Yan Gao, Xiaomei Zhu, Guiran Xiao
Summary: The disruption of zinc homeostasis in secretory compartments, particularly the Golgi apparatus, has been found to enhance tumor growth, invasion, and migration in a Drosophila model of malignant tumors. This zinc deficiency-induced ER stress activates the JNK signaling pathway mediated by Atg9, ultimately promoting tumor exacerbation through JNK signaling-dependent autophagy. These results suggest a potential new therapeutic target for tumor treatment.
Review
Biology
Sydney Silver, Andrew Donini
Summary: Salinization of freshwater affects freshwater insects' osmoregulatory physiology, causing stress and impaired development even though they can tolerate it to a certain extent. Further research is needed to understand the physiological mechanisms for controlling salt and water balance in freshwater insects in order to predict the consequences of salinization for freshwater ecosystems.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Physiology
Marius Takvam, Chris M. Wood, Harald Kryvi, Tom O. Nilsen
Summary: Euryhaline teleosts undergo significant renal function changes when transitioning between freshwater and seawater environments, adapting to fluctuations in salinity. Studies have described basic patterns at the organismal level, but recent research has focused on regulation at the cell and molecular level, with a particular emphasis on renal transporters. Future research should aim to integrate changes in renal reabsorption and ion secretion with transporter function at the cellular and molecular level in different regions of the nephrons.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tian Wei, Xiaowen Ji, Yan Gao, Xiaomei Zhu, Guiran Xiao
Summary: The disruption of zinc homeostasis has been observed in cancer patients, but the causative relationship remains unclear. Using a Drosophila model, researchers found that silencing dZnT7, a zinc transporter on the Golgi apparatus, enhanced tumor growth, invasion, and migration by inducing ER stress and activating JNK signaling through Atg9-mediated mechanisms. Additionally, the exacerbation of tumor growth by dZnT7 silencing was shown to be promoted by JNK signaling-dependent autophagy, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Jiun-lin Horng, Ya-Shan Lee, Li-Yih Lin
Summary: The widespread use of silver in nanomaterials leads to increased environmental contamination, posing a threat to aquatic animals. This study examines how silver affects the osmoregulatory abilities of euryhaline fish, using medaka embryos as a model. The results show that silver has higher toxicity in freshwater, impairing ionocytes and elevating heart rates.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Kunhuang Han, Li Zhou, Xianyuan Zeng, Ziping Zhang, Pengfei Zou, Weiqing Huang, Yilei Wang
Summary: In this study, the osmoregulatory response of large yellow croaker to low water salinity was investigated. The survival rate of large yellow croaker was stable within a specific salinity range, and the NKA activity in the kidney and gill was regulated by salinity variations. Furthermore, the expression of PRLR, NHE beta, and NCC genes were also associated with salinity changes.
AQUACULTURE REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Teresa de los Reyes Corrales, Maria Losada-Perez, Sergio Casas-Tinto
Summary: The JNK signaling pathway is crucial in the central nervous system, playing a central role in combating pathophysiological insults during development and adulthood. It is involved in various diseases such as glioblastoma, regeneration/repair after injury, neurodegeneration, and neuronal cell death.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Keng Po Lai, Peng Zhu, Delbert Almerick T. Boncan, Lu Yang, Cherry Chi Tim Leung, Jeff Cheuk Hin Ho, Xiao Lin, Ting Fung Chan, Richard Yuen Chong Kong, William Ka Fai Tse
Summary: This study is the first to report the hypotonic responsive genes in gill cells and the compositions of gill microbiota in marine medaka using transcriptome and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The overlapping glycosaminoglycan- and chitin-related pathways suggest host-bacterium interaction in fish gill during osmotic stress.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Pingping Liang, Hafiz Sohaib Ahmed Saqib, Zeyang Lin, Ruping Zheng, Yuting Qiu, Yuting Xie, Dongna Ma, Yingjia Shen
Summary: The study found that marine medaka's growth and tissue responses in different salinity environments are affected by salinity changes. The gills are more sensitive to extreme hypotonic environments, while the liver is more susceptible to hypertonic environments. Functional analysis of differentially expressed genes showed that gills mainly regulate ion balance and signal transduction, while the liver is involved in protein synthesis and processing.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Noah Limbaugh, Nicholas Romano, Nathan Egnew, Jyotsna Shrivastava, West M. Bishop, Amit Kumar Sinha
Summary: The research revealed that elevated water hardness can affect fish physiological processes and tissue structures, thereby impacting their survival and growth.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY A-MOLECULAR & INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shogo Hori, Naoki Sakamoto, Osamu Saitoh
Summary: The olTRPV4 in medaka fish functions as an osmosensor and plays important roles in the adaption mechanism to changes in salinity environment. It can be activated by cold, hot, and hypotonic solution, with differential expression in gills and brains of sea water-acclimated medaka.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY A-MOLECULAR & INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zeynep Itah, Shanzah Chaudhry, Sithara Raju Ponny, Ozkan Aydemir, Alexandra Lee, Julie Cavanagh-Kyros, Cathy Tournier, William J. Muller, Roger J. Davis
Summary: The HER2(+) subtype of human breast cancer is associated with the malignant transformation of luminal ductal cells of the mammary epithelium. Loss of function mutations and deletions of the MAP2K4 and MAP2K7genes that encode direct activators of the JUN NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) were found in tumor DNA sequence analysis. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that JNK pathway deficiency promotes HER2(+)-driven breast cancer.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bao-ming Wu, Jaree Bargaineer, Ling Zhang, Tao Yang, Zhi-gang Xiong, Tian-dong Leng
Summary: Oxidative stress is closely related to neurodegenerative diseases and acute injuries. The study found that hydrogen peroxide can increase ASIC1a expression and activation through the JNK signaling pathway, shedding light on the pathogenesis of neurological disorders involving ROS and ASIC1a activation.
ACTA PHARMACOLOGICA SINICA
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Yunhe Zhao, Dezhen Peng, Yanyun Liu, Qian Zhang, Bin Liu, Yanran Deng, Wenhao Ding, Zizhang Zhou, Qingxin Liu
Summary: The Usp8-Tak1-JNK axis promotes tumor cell migration, and knocking down USP8 suppresses breast cancer cell migration, providing a potential target for cancer treatment.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fangyu Song, Wenshuo Zhang, Xiaohui Li, Xiaoqing Chen, Xuejun Yuan, Mingjin Jiang, Yunhe Zhao, Qingxin Liu, Zizhang Zhou
Summary: The main cause of high mortality in cancer patients is tumor metastasis, and exploring the underlying mechanism of tumor metastasis is important for clinical treatments. This study identifies the transcription factor Apt/FSBP as a suppressor for tumor metastasis, providing it as a potential drug target for tumor treatment.
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Zulvikar Syambani Ulhaq, Gita Vita Soraya, Lola Ayu Istifiani, Syafrizal Aji Pamungkas, William Ka Fai Tse
Summary: This article summarizes the pathogenic variants in the SF3B4 gene observed in patients with Nager syndrome and explores the possible genotype-phenotype relationship.
CLEFT PALATE CRANIOFACIAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiezhang Mo, Miles Teng Wan, Doris Wai-Ting Au, Jingchun Shi, Nathan Tam, Xian Qin, Napo K. M. Cheung, Keng Po Lai, Christoph Winkler, Richard Yuen-Chong Kong, Frauke Seemann
Summary: Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a common environmental pollutant, can induce bone toxicity in unexposed offspring. This study found that exposure of medaka to BaP resulted in reduced bone thickness in subsequent generations, and dysregulation of various molecular pathways involved in bone formation and bone resorption. Additionally, epigenetic factors were also implicated in the transgenerational effects of BaP on bone health. These findings highlight the importance of further research on the mechanisms and potential biomarkers of BaP-induced bone disease.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Zulvikar Syambani Ulhaq, Dian Kesumapramudya Nurputra, Gita Vita Soraya, Siti Kurniawati, Lola Ayu Istifiani, Syafrizal Aji Pamungkas, William Ka Fai Tse
Summary: This systematic review explored the potential genotype-phenotype correlations in Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS). The study identified that TCOF1 gene variants accounted for the majority of TCS cases, with a true hot spot detected in exon 24. Asian patients with TCOF1 variants were more likely to have a higher severity level. Additionally, common 5-bp deletions in exon 24 of TCOF1 tended to be associated with higher severity.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Jiaqi Sun, Miaomiao Teng, Fengchang Wu, Xiaoli Zhao, Yunxia Li, Lihui Zhao, Wentian Zhao, Keng Po Lai, Kenneth Mei Yee Leung, John P. Giesy
Summary: Recent epidemiological investigations have shown that environmental factors and stress related to unhealthy lifestyles can pose health risks to organisms. This comprehensive review examines the effects of paternal exposure to harmful substances and stress on physiological responses and developmental processes in descendants. Various sources of exposure, such as smoking, atmospheric fine particulate matter, alcohol, obesogenic diet, chemical toxicants, and stress related to unhealthy lifestyles, are discussed. The review also focuses on the epigenetic mechanisms mediated by germ cells that can affect reproduction, oxidative stress, nervous and immune systems in paternal lineages. It highlights the need for further studies on the effects of these exposures on later generations and explores ways to alleviate their negative effects on offspring.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Wei-Neng Liao, May-Su You, Zulvikar Syambani Ulhaq, Jui-Ping Li, Yun-Jin Jiang, Jen-Kun Chen, William Ka Fai Tse
Summary: This study used micro-CT imaging to investigate the changes in structure and bone mineral density (BMD) of the vertebrae and craniofacial skeleton in zebrafish at different ages. The results showed that the BMD in the vertebrae and specific craniofacial bones was higher in 12 and 24 mpf fish compared to 4 mpf fish. Furthermore, the age-dependent increase in BMD was not consistently observed in facial bones and was not associated with bone type.
JOURNAL OF ANATOMY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xian Qin, Huiju Lin, Yaru Cao, Rudolf Shiu Sun Wu, Keng Po Lai, Richard Yuen Chong Kong
Summary: Exposure to 17 alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE2) in fish can result in developmental toxicity, including growth retardation, decreased heart rate, delayed eye pigmentation, reduced hatching rate, and impaired larval locomotion. Transcriptional analysis revealed that these impairments are controlled by estrogen receptor and related to eye structure, neuronal and synaptic structure, and behavior. Key factors identified, such as PRKAA2, APOB, EPHB2, OXTR, NR2E3, and POU4F2, could serve as biomarkers for assessing EE2-induced embryo developmental toxicity.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Chi Tim Leung, Yi Yang, Ting Fung Chan, Xiao Lin, Alice Sze Tsai Wong, Wing Yee Lui, Karen Wing Yee Yuen, Richard Yuen Chong Kong, Keng Po Lai, Rudolf Shiu Sun Wu
Summary: A wide range of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are commonly found in the environment today, and limited studies on mammals have shown that some EDCs can affect the chromosomes and epigenome of the germline, leading to adverse effects in subsequent generations. However, the mechanisms underlying chromosomal changes caused by these pollutants are still poorly understood. Using a human ovarian granulosa tumor cell line as a model, this study investigated and compared the effects of nine EDCs with different chemical structures on gene expression, specifically focusing on epigenetic modifications related to reproductive functions. The results revealed that certain EDCs altered the expression of genes related to DNA damage response, cell cycle, proliferation, and chromatin remodeling, indicating potential epigenetic modifications and transgenerational inheritance. Dysregulation of similar gene clusters was also observed in certain EDC treatments. Bioinformatics analysis further revealed specific signaling pathways affected by these chemicals. Overall, this study highlights the chromatin modifications caused by a class of chemicals that may potentially lead to epigenetic changes and transgenerational reproductive impairments.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zulvikar Syambani Ulhaq, Yukiko Ogino, William Ka Fai Tse
Summary: Using zebrafish as a model, this study demonstrates that the absence of functional trappc11 leads to limb-girdle muscular dystrophy R18, characterized by compromised skeletal muscle function, muscle disorganization, and myofibrosis.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hoi Shing Lo, Leung Chun Wong, Keng Po Lai, Siu Gin Cheung
Summary: This study investigated the presence and abundance of microplastics (MP) in marine fish from both the western and eastern waters of Hong Kong during the wet and dry seasons. More than half (57.1%) of the fish had MP in their gastrointestinal tracts, with MP abundance ranging from not detected to 44.0 items per individual. Significant spatial and temporal differences in MP occurrence were found, with fish from more polluted areas and during the wet season having a higher likelihood of MP ingestion. Factors such as feeding mode and range also influenced MP counts in fish. The study provides insights for future research on the factors governing MP ingestion by fish in different ecosystems and species.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Zhuoqing Liu, Ping Wang, Yin Zhao, Keng Po Lai, Rong Li
Summary: The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is a crucial pathway for protein degradation in cells, with functions in various biological processes. Research suggests that the UPS also plays a key role in pancreatic β-cell transdifferentiation, offering potential in the treatment of diabetes. This review summarizes the mechanistic roles of the UPS in pancreatic β-cells, including insulin synthesis, secretion, and cell degradation. Additionally, it discusses how the UPS mediates the transdifferentiation of pancreatic duct epithelial cells into β-cells, providing a basis for regenerative medicine approaches in diabetes treatment.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Litao Nie, Zhiwen Yang, Xian Qin, Keng Po Lai, Jingru Qin, Bin Yang, Min Su
Summary: PFOA is associated with fatty liver disease and its harmful effects on the spleen have not been well understood. This study used a PFOA-exposed mouse model and transcriptomic analysis to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying PFOA-induced immunotoxicity. Vitamin C supplementation was also examined for its potential to reverse the harmful effects. The results showed that PFOA exposure reduced spleen weight and plasma lymphocytes, and altered cell proliferation, metabolism, and immune response. Vitamin C supplementation alleviated these effects and improved spleen functions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nathan Tam, Richard Yuen Chong Kong, Keng Po Lai
Summary: Previous studies have shown that exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in fish can lead to alterations in reproductive functions and behavior. However, the effects of embryonic exposure to PCBs or their metabolites on long-term reproductive function in fish have not been studied. In this study, the marine medaka fish was used to assess the reproductive endpoints after embryonic exposure to either PCB 28 or 4'-OH-PCB 65. The results showed that exposure to 4'-OH-PCB 65 feminized the sex ratio and decreased fecundity in the medaka. Additionally, embryonic exposure to 4'-OH-PCB 65 resulted in reduced fertilization, hatching success rate, and sperm motility. To explain these effects, transcriptomic analysis of the gonads was performed, revealing differential expression of genes involved in reproductive functions. Therefore, the long-term reproductive toxicity of PCBs and their metabolites should be considered in environmental risk assessment.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Drew R. Peterson, Frauke Seemann, Miles T. Wan, Roy R. Ye, Lianguo Chen, Keng P. Lai, Peter Yu, Richard Y. C. Kong, Doris W. T. Au
Summary: Estrogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EEDC) can impact offspring in a transgenerational manner through modifications of the germline epigenome. Exposure to EE2 during parental gametogenesis and embryogenesis can induce transgenerational reproductive effects and phenotype persistence in unexposed offspring. EE2 exposure also leads to feminization and subsequent masculinization of directly exposed generations. While reproductive output is more sensitive in females, immune competence is not significantly affected. These findings highlight the potential transgenerational toxicity of EEDCs and the negative impact on fish population sustainability.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zulvikar Syambani Ulhaq, Yukiko Ogino, William Ka Fai Tse
Summary: Fatty acid oxidation disorders (FAODs) are rare genetic metabolic disorders caused by mutations in genes responsible for fatty acid transport and metabolism. This study used zebrafish as a model organism to investigate the impact of FAOD on the retina. Knocking down the cpt1a gene in zebrafish resulted in shortened connecting cilia and impaired photoreceptor cell development. The loss of functional cpt1a disrupted energy homeostasis in the retina, leading to lipid accumulation and promoting ferroptosis, which contributed to photoreceptor degeneration and visual impairments.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Shaolong Yang, Mengzhen Li, Richard Yuen Chong Kong, Lei Li, Rong Li, Jian Chen, Keng Po Lai
Summary: Large-scale plastic pollution in terrestrial and marine environments degrades into micro/nanoplastics (MP/NPs), which are found in the environment, marine organisms, and can enter the human body through inhalation or ingestion. These MPs/NPs can enter various organisms and affect different body systems, including reproductive, digestive, and nervous systems, through the induction of different stresses. This paper summarizes the effects of MPs/NPs on the reproductive health of different organisms, the amplification of toxic effects through the food chain, the threat to biodiversity, and the imminent challenge to human reproductive health. Strengthening international communication and cooperation is necessary to remediate plastic pollution and protect biodiversity for a sustainable association between humans and other organisms.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kun He, Mengyi Xie, Weifeng Hong, Yonghe Li, Yaolin Yin, Xiaojin Gao, Yi He, Yu Chen, Chuan You, Jingdong Li
Summary: Centromere protein L (CENPL) is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is associated with poor patient prognosis. Upregulation of CENPL promotes tumor proliferation and glycolysis in HCC cells by activating the MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY & CELL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yingzi Wang, Haozhong Huang, Huimin Weng, Chunsen Jia, Bin Liao, Yang Long, Fengxu Yu, Yongmei Nie
Summary: Talin protein plays a crucial role in transmitting mechanical forces by connecting the extracellular matrix to the cytoskeleton. It converts mechanical signals into biochemical signals and serves as diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic indicators in diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY & CELL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hema Saranya Ilamathi, Marc Germain
Summary: Mitochondria are the central metabolic hubs in cells, relying on proteins encoded by nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) for their function. The maintenance and distribution of mtDNA are crucial for proper mitochondrial function and are associated with mitochondrial diseases. mtDNA is organized into nucleoids that dynamically move and interact with each other. The replication and distribution of mtDNA nucleoids are regulated by the complex interplay of mitochondrial dynamics, ER-mitochondria contact sites, and cytoskeletal networks.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY & CELL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
K. K. Sruthi, Sirisha Natani, Ramesh Ummanni
Summary: The overexpression of TPD52 is associated with the emergence of neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). TPD52 activates the NF-kappa B - STAT3 axis to induce neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) of prostate cancer cells. Therapeutic targeting of TPD52 is important for the treatment of prostate cancer.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY & CELL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cui Li, Feifan Xiang, Yuqi Gong, Yi Fu, Ge Chen, Zhi Wang, Zhong Li, Daiqing Wei
Summary: Our study demonstrates the significant role of tumor-derived microparticles (T-MPs) in osteosarcoma metastasis and immune response. T-MPs promote macrophage polarization and stimulate migration and chemoresistance of osteosarcoma cells, thereby affecting the progression of osteosarcoma.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY & CELL BIOLOGY
(2024)