Article
Cell Biology
Saeid Mohammad Parast, Deli Yu, Chunxu Chen, Amanda J. Dickinson, Chenbei Chang, Hengbin Wang
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated the role of RSF1 in early embryonic development using Xenopus laevis as a model organism. They found that knockdown of RSF1 resulted in defects in gastrulation as well as neural and neural crest development. Furthermore, they demonstrated that the recognition of the H2AK119ub mark by RSF1 is important for its function during embryonic development.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Hannah Flach, Alexander Lenz, Sarah Pfeffer, Michael Kuhl, Susanne J. Kuhl
Summary: This study demonstrates that the herbicide glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) negatively affects the embryonic development of the South African clawed frog. GBH treatment leads to reduced body length and mobility, smaller eyes, brains and cranial cartilages, and abnormalities in cardiac development. GBH also affects the expression of marker genes in different tissues and developmental stages.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yang Xu, Ji Hyun Jang, Myung Chan Gye
Summary: The developmental toxicity of 4-octylphenol (OP) as an estrogenic endocrine disruptor was confirmed in frog embryos, leading to inhibition of head cartilage development and melanocyte generation. OP-induced dysplasia may be attributed to deregulation of neural crest cells in embryos.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Satomi Nadanaka, Yaqiang Bai, Hiroshi Kitagawa
Summary: C4ST-1 controls the proliferation of BT-549 cells via MMP-dependent cleavage of syndecan-1, which is associated with aggressive phenotype in breast cancer. Knockout of C4ST-1 suppressed the proliferation of BT-549 cells by inhibiting the cleavage of syndecan-1 and altering phosphorylation levels of key kinases involved in cancer pathways. Syndecan-1 cleavage by MMPs plays a role in the SUMO modification of AKT, suggesting potential therapeutic implications for basal-like breast cancer progression.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kai Kudo, Takashi Kobayashi, Kosuke Kasai, Hiroyuki Nozaka, Toshiya Nakamura
Summary: Salmon nasal cartilage proteoglycan (PG) was orally administered to mice, and its effects on the small intestine were examined. The PG digest recovered from the intestine showed consistent properties with the actinase-digested PG prior to administration. Chondroitin sulfate, a sugar chain of PG, was found to be resistant to digestion in the mouse small intestine, and chondroitin sulfates showed a suppressive effect on colon cancer cells.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Shuji Mizumoto, Shuhei Yamada
Summary: CS/DS and HS are formed through stepwise addition of respective monosaccharides by glycosyltransferases, and their structural diversities are essential for various biological activities. Knockout mice deficient in enzymes responsible for their biosynthesis provide valuable models for studying genetic disorders related to chondroitin and dermatan sulfate.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Hideto Watanabe
Summary: This article describes the structural domains, expression patterns, functions, and regulation of expression of Acan and Vcan, which are important proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix. They play crucial physiological roles, including regulating signal transduction and cell-cell interactions.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-CELL PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Developmental Biology
Takayoshi Yamamoto, Toki Kaneshima, Kohei Tsukano, Tatsuo Michiue
Summary: The nervous system is derived from three neuroectodermal regions and their differentiation is regulated by morphogens. The role of the extracellular component heparan sulfate (HS) in regulating morphogen gradients in neural patterning is still debated. This study focused on Hs6st1, an HS modification enzyme, and found that it selectively regulates morphogen distribution in neuroectodermal patterning. The results suggest that cell-autonomous 6-O sulfation of HS affects neuroectodermal patterning through both morphogen accumulation and dispersal.
DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Haruna Nagase, Sayuri L. Higashi, Chinyere A. Iweka, Craig S. Pearson, Yoko Hirata, Herbert M. Geller, Yasuhiro Katagiri
Summary: The research team developed a novel strategy to improve the speed and quality of glycan-based immunoblots, resolving common challenges in glycobiology studies. They found that preincubation of antibodies with their antigens can distinguish true-positive signals from false-positive ones, leading to clear and convincing data with highly replicable results.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Shoichiro Maeda, Jun Yamada, Kyoko M. Iinuma, Satomi Nadanaka, Hiroshi Kitagawa, Shozo Jinno
Summary: The study found that memantine can improve cognitive function by regulating adult hippocampal neurogenesis and the biosynthesis and degradation of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG), making it a potential candidate for the treatment of ageing-related cognitive decline.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anastasia V. Strokotova, Elvira V. Grigorieva
Summary: Glucocorticoids are commonly used to treat various diseases but can cause side effects. Recent studies suggest that the toxic effects of glucocorticoids on key extracellular components in the brain may be an underlying mechanism for these side effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Liming Li, Heping Zheng, Xuepei Ma, Jie Bai, Shumin Ma, Zhuoyue Li, Chong Qin
Summary: Nerve tissue regeneration faces obstacles due to inhibitory glycosaminoglycan chains in the microenvironment. This study identifies Chst15 as a therapeutic target for spinal cord injury (SCI). Inhibition of Chst15 significantly reduces deposition of inhibitory CSPGs and astrocyte migration, promoting motor functional restoration and nerve tissue regeneration in rats with transected spinal cords. This study highlights Chst15 as a potential target for neuroregenerative therapy.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Arun Devotta, Hugo Juraver-Geslin, Casey Griffin, Jean-Pierre Saint-Jeannet, Carole LaBonne
Summary: In this study, we described a novel role for natriuretic peptide signaling in the formation of neural crest and cranial placode progenitors. We showed that natriuretic peptide receptor 3 (Npr3) plays a pivotal role by regulating two developmental programs through its dual function as clearance and signaling receptor.
Article
Biology
Matthew R. Blake, Diana C. Parrish, Melanie A. Staffenson, Shanice Sueda, William R. Woodward, Beth A. Habecker
Summary: Sympathetic denervation of the heart following ischemia/reperfusion induced myocardial infarction is sustained by chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) in the cardiac scar. The sulfation status of CS-GAGs can inhibit axon outgrowth, and reducing CSPG sulfation enhances sympathetic nerve regeneration in the cardiac scar, reducing post-MI cardiac arrhythmias.
Review
Cell Biology
Anthony J. Hayes, James Melrose
Summary: Chondroitin sulfate plays crucial roles in cell regulation and structural support in the central and peripheral nervous systems, controlling tissue function and homeostasis, and playing key roles in tissue recovery following neural injuries.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Diana Corallo, Michael Donadon, Marcella Pantile, Viktoryia Sidarovich, Simona Cocchi, Michela Ori, Miriam De Sarlo, Simona Candiani, Chiara Frasson, Martin Distel, Alessandro Quattrone, Carlo Zanon, Giuseppe Basso, Gian Paolo Tonini, Sanja Aveic
CELL DEATH AND DIFFERENTIATION
(2020)
Correction
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Diana Corallo, Michael Donadon, Marcella Pantile, Viktoryia Sidarovich, Simona Cocchi, Michela Ori, Miriam De Sarlo, Simona Candiani, Chiara Frasson, Martin Distel, Alessandro Quattrone, Carlo Zanon, Giuseppe Basso, Gian Paolo Tonini, Sanja Aveic
CELL DEATH AND DIFFERENTIATION
(2020)
Article
Oncology
Natasha Irrera, Angela D'Ascola, Giovanni Pallio, Alessandra Bitto, Federica Mannino, Vincenzo Arcoraci, Michelangelo Rottura, Antonio Ieni, Letteria Minutoli, Daniela Metro, Mario Vaccaro, Domenica Altavilla, Francesco Squadrito
Article
Cell Biology
Valentina Naef, Miriam De Sarlo, Giovanna Testa, Debora Corsinovi, Roberta Azzarelli, Ugo Borello, Michela Ori
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Simona Candiani, Silvia Carestiato, Andreas F. Mack, Daniele Bani, Matteo Bozzo, Valentina Obino, Michela Ori, Francesca Rosamilia, Miriam De Sarlo, Mario Pestarino, Isabella Ceccherini, Tiziana Bachetti
Article
Biology
Roberta Azzarelli, Michela Ori, Anna Philpott, Benjamin D. Simons
Summary: The emerging 3D cultures of glioblastoma are powerful models for studying cell behavior and interactions. GSCs can efficiently integrate into brain organoids in co-culture conditions, paving the way for analyzing fate behavior and lineage progression. This establishes the 3D culture system as a viable and versatile GBM model for investigating tumor cell biology and GSC heterogeneity.
Review
Oncology
Debora Corsinovi, Alice Usai, Miriam De Sarlo, Martina Giannaccini, Michela Ori
Summary: Zebrafish is an ideal model for studying human tumors and drug testing, especially during its embryonic stage for rapid collection of in vivo results. The use of zebrafish xenograft model allows for the study of tumor growth, angiogenesis, cell invasion, and metastatic dissemination, providing a promising platform for translational research and personalized therapies.
ANTI-CANCER AGENTS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Fabrizio Bella, Salvatore Campo
Summary: nc-RNAs, specifically lncRNAs, play a crucial role in gene regulation by exerting enhancer or silencer modulation on gene expression. They are highly tissue-specific and can accumulate in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and exosomes. Disruption of these regulatory features may be associated with various pathological conditions, including bipolar disorders.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giovanni Pallio, Angela D'Ascola, Luigi Cardia, Federica Mannino, Alessandra Bitto, Letteria Minutoli, Giacomo Picciolo, Violetta Squadrito, Natasha Irrera, Francesco Squadrito, Domenica Altavilla
Summary: Metaxalone may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, with potential for treating neurological disorders associated with neuroinflammation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michele Scuruchi, Angela D'Ascola, Angela Avenoso, Annie Zappone, Giuseppe Mandraffino, Salvatore M. Campo, Giuseppe M. Campo
Summary: This study investigated the expression of miR9 and its relationship with cytokines, proteolytic enzymes, and apoptosis in an experimental model of 6mer HA-induced inflammation in human chondrocytes. The researchers found that 6mer HA stimulation significantly increased the expression of TLR-4, CD44, IL-8, IL-18, MMP-9, ADAMTS-5, BAX, and BCL-2 mRNAs, as well as related proteins and NF-kB activation. Upregulation of miR9 was also observed in response to 6mer HA. Transfection of chondrocytes with miR-9 mimic decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokines, metalloproteases, and pro-apoptotic molecules, while transfection with miR9 inhibitor increased their expression. However, the activities of TLR-4 and CD44 were not affected by miR9 mimic/inhibitor, but NF-kB activation was significantly affected.
ARCHIVES OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Federica Aliquo, Aurelio Minuti, Angela Avenoso, Giuseppe Mandraffino, Giuseppe Maurizio Campo, Salvatore Campo, Angela D'Ascola, Michele Scuruchi
Summary: This study investigated the role of endocan in non-small-cell lung carcinoma using an in vitro model and found that knockdown of endocan can inhibit cell migration and proliferation, as well as reduce the activation of related signaling pathways. These findings suggest that endocan promotes a more aggressive cancer cell phenotype in NSCLC.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valentina Naef, Maria C. Meschini, Alessandra Tessa, Federica Morani, Debora Corsinovi, Asahi Ogi, Maria Marchese, Michela Ori, Filippo M. Santorelli, Stefano Doccini
Summary: Mutations in the REEP1 gene are associated with SPG31, which is characterized by degeneration of upper motor neuron axons. Mitochondrial dysfunctions have been observed in SPG31 patients, suggesting a role of bioenergetics in the disease. Through in vitro and zebrafish experiments, the study found that loss of REEP1 expression led to mitochondrial abnormalities, reduced ATP production, increased susceptibility to oxidative stress, motor impairment, and reactive oxygen species accumulation. Treatment with the antioxidant resveratrol showed potential in ameliorating SPG31 symptoms. These findings provide new insights for the treatment of SPG31.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michele Scuruchi, Federica Aliquo, Angela Avenoso, Giuseppe Mandraffino, Giovanna Vermiglio, Aurelio Minuti, Salvatore Campo, Giuseppe Maurizio Campo, Angela D'Ascola
Summary: Increased endocan expression was found in arthritic patients and chondrocytes stimulated with IL-1ss. The knockdown of endocan significantly reduced the expression of pro-angiogenic molecules and NF-kB activation in IL-1ss-induced inflammation, suggesting a role for endocan in the mechanisms of cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis in arthritic joints.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Fabrizio Bella, Maria Rosaria Anna Muscatello, Angela D'Ascola, Salvatore Campo
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the gene expression levels of non-coding RNAs highly expressed in the central nervous system in drug-naive/drug-free bipolar and panic patients. The results show that the expression levels of miR-221, MALAT1, and GAS5 are significantly up-regulated in bipolar patients after therapy, while all non-coding RNAs investigated are down-regulated in panic disorder patients after therapy.