Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Janin Henkel, Julia Klauder, Meike Statz, Anne-Sophie Wohlenberg, Sonja Kuipers, Madita Vahrenbrink, Gerhard Paul Pueschel
Summary: The study found that a mix of palmitate, insulin, and PGE(2) in dysfunctional adipose tissue can induce the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8. Insulin and PGE(2) amplify the effect of palmitate on IL-8 induction, exacerbating inflammation and insulin resistance.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Bin Zou, Shuang Zhang, Jing Zhao, Guochao Song, Fengyi Weng, Xiaoqing Xu, Fengling Li, Jingyi Jin, Dongming Yan, Kai Huang, Chenghai Liu, Yue Li, Furong Qiu
Summary: The study found that glycyrrhetinic acid can inhibit cell apoptosis in cholestatic liver injury and block the related pathways of endoplasmic reticulum stress.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Biao Hu, Tianju Liu, Zhe Wu, Sem H. Phan, Karen Blyth
Summary: P53 can suppress the transcription and translation of C/EBP beta gene, and regulate the translation of LAP and LIP isoforms of C/EBP beta through the expression of eIF4E and eIF4E-BP1; furthermore, the 5'UTR region plays an important role in the differential control of LAP and LIP translation of C/EBP beta.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
JanWillem Duitman, Leonie Hartl, Joris J. T. H. Roelofs, Maarten F. Bijlsma, C. Arnold Spek
Summary: C/EBP delta is downregulated in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells and associated with decreased patient survival and pro-tumorigenic properties. Systemic C/EBP delta facilitates pancreatic cancer metastasis, potentially through C/EBP delta-PAFR-dependent tumor cell extravasation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
HaiXu Song, Jiahao Liu, Xiaoxiang Tian, Dan Liu, Jiayin Li, Xiaojie Zhao, Zhu Mei, Chenghui Yan, Yaling Han
Summary: The transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein ? (C/EBP?) plays a crucial role in the differentiation and cell cycle control of megakaryocytes (MKs), potentially aiding in the treatment of thrombocytopenia and other platelet-related disorders.
ARCHIVES OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anders Blomqvist
Summary: We have recently shown that prostaglandin production in brain endothelial cells is essential for fever generation during systemic immune challenge. In this discussion, I examine the implications of this finding in relation to previous studies and highlight unresolved issues.
DNA AND CELL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaoyan Jing, Wei Sun, Xiaoyu Yang, Hui Huang, Ping Wang, Qun Luo, Shu Xia, Chuling Fang, Qian Zhang, Jian Guo, Zuojun Xu
Summary: This study found that in patients with pulmonary fibrosis, there is overexpression of CHOP, which is accompanied by alveolar epithelial cell senescence. The activation of CHOP pathway accelerates oxidative stress and the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway, leading to alveolar epithelial cell senescence and the development of pulmonary fibrosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY & CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Geetika Kaur, Deepti Sharma, Shivantika Bisen, Chandra Sekhar Mukhopadhyay, Katherine Gurdziel, Nikhlesh K. K. Singh
Summary: Vascular adhesion molecules, specifically VCAM-1, have been found to play a crucial role in retinal neovascularization and can be regulated by IL-33. The study also highlights the regulatory role of VCAM-1-JunB-IL-8 signaling in retinal endothelial cell sprouting and angiogenesis.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Naoto Ohkura, Kunihiko Yoshiba, Nagako Yoshiba, Yohei Oda, Naoki Edanami, Hayato Ohshima, Shoji Takenaka, Takashi Okiji, Yuichiro Noiri
Summary: This study investigated the localization of components of the PGE2-transporting pathway in human dental pulp and their relevance to angiogenesis and dentinogenesis. The results showed that EP2/EP4 agonists promoted the generation of endothelial cell filopodia and upregulated the expression of angiogenesis and odontoblast differentiation-related genes.
JOURNAL OF ENDODONTICS
(2023)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Neena Lala-Tabbert, Hamood AlSudais, Francois Marchildon, Dechen Fu, Nadine Wiper-Bergeron
Summary: The study shows that the transcription factor C/EBP beta is necessary to maintain quiescence of satellite cells in uninjured muscle. Loss of C/EBP beta in satellite cells promotes premature exit from quiescence, while forced expression of C/EBP beta inhibits proliferation by upregulating quiescence-associated genes. Additionally, caveolin-1 is identified as a direct transcriptional target of C/EBP beta required for cell cycle exit in muscle satellite cells expressing C/EBP beta.
Article
Immunology
Ward Vleeshouwers, Koen van den Dries, Sandra de Keijzer, Ben Joosten, Diane S. Lidke, Alessandra Cambi
Summary: This study highlights the modulation of myeloid immune cell function by Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) through the activation of EP2 and EP4 receptors. EP4 plays a key role in podosome loss in DCs, while both EP2 and EP4 signaling lead to different cAMP production profiles and reciprocal control of signaling pathways. Efficient signaling of both EP2 and EP4 relies on an intact microtubule network, enhancing our understanding of early signaling events in myeloid cells.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Pengyuan Chen, Wanzi Hong, Ziying Chen, Flora Gordillo-Martinez, Siying Wang, Hualin Fan, Yuanhui Liu, Yining Dai, Bo Wang, Lei Jiang, Hongjiao Yu, PengCheng He
Summary: The transcription factor C/EBP alpha plays a crucial role in the osteochondrogenic transdifferentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and vascular calcification. C/EBP alpha regulates the expression of the osteochondrogenic gene SOX9, and its overexpression or knockdown affects VSMC calcification. Silencing SOX9 expression significantly inhibits phosphate- and calcium-induced VSMC calcification.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lexun Wang, Jiaojiao Feng, Yanyue Deng, Qianqian Yang, Quxing Wei, Dewei Ye, Xianglu Rong, Jiao Guo
Summary: CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBPs) are transcription factors that interact with DNA to regulate gene expression. They play critical roles in fibrosis, and studying C/EBPs could lead to new approaches for treating fibrosis.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jessica A. Osterhout, Vikrant Kapoor, Stephen W. Eichhorn, Eric Vaughn, Jeffrey D. Moore, Ding Liu, Dean Lee, Laura A. DeNardo, Liqun Luo, Xiaowei Zhuang, Catherine Dulac
Summary: This study identifies a previously uncharacterized population of neurons in the brain that are activated after infection, playing a crucial role in generating fever response and other sickness symptoms. By examining gene expression and electrophysiological measurements, the researchers uncover a mechanism where these neurons are influenced by immune signals released by non-neuronal cells during infection and are functionally connected to brain areas controlling body temperature and appetite.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bing Huang, Weihao Zhao, Xue Cai, Yumin Zhu, Yingxian Lu, Junli Zhao, Nan Xiang, Xiaofei Wang, Hu Deng, Xiaping Tang, Lingyu Liu, Yanyu Zhao, Yigong Shi
Summary: The harmful effects of leaked electromagnetic radiation (EMR) on human health, particularly on oligodendrocytes, have raised concerns due to the rapid growth of wireless electronic devices. Through experiments, it was found that pulse-modulated EMR significantly increased the mRNA level of C/EBP beta in oligodendrocytes and altered the expression and functions of its related genes and proteins.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rossana Morabito, Alessia Remigante, Marika Cordaro, Vincenzo Trichilo, Saverio Loddo, Silvia Dossena, Angela Marino
Summary: This study found that acute inflammation affects the function of erythrocytes, leading to increased anion exchange capability of the Band 3 protein, increased lipid peroxidation, and decreased -SH groups and GSH content. Serum CRP level recovery is associated with the recovery of -SH groups and GSH, but not with the restoration of anion exchange capability. After 2 months, all parameters were completely recovered.
ARCHIVES OF PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mariarosaria Conte, Rosanna Palumbo, Alessandra Monti, Elisabetta Fontana, Angela Nebbioso, Menotti Ruvo, Lucia Altucci, Nunzianna Doti
Summary: The AIF/CypA complex has lethal activity in rodent models of acute brain injury, but an AIF peptide has been found to restore cell survival and prevent brain injury. This study shows that the peptide can also protect against apoptosis in PD cells, suggesting the AIF/CypA complex as a potential target for developing new PD therapies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roberta Pacifico, Nunzio Del Gaudio, Guglielmo Bove, Lucia Altucci, Lydia Siragusa, Gabriele Cruciani, Menotti Ruvo, Rosa Bellavita, Paolo Grieco, Mauro F. A. Adamo
Summary: We have developed a synthetic method to produce two types of triazole compounds. Through virtual screening and experimental validation, one of the triazole compounds showed specific binding and inhibition towards KAT2A, laying the foundation for a new class of KAT2A inhibitors.
JOURNAL OF ENZYME INHIBITION AND MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Margherita Borriello, Diego Ingrosso, Alessandra Fortunata Perna, Angela Lombardi, Paolo Maggi, Lucia Altucci, Michele Caraglia
Summary: Poliomavirus BK virus (BKV) is a highly infective virus that can cause asymptomatic infections. In renal transplanted recipients, BKV can lead to severe complications. Current treatments and prophylaxis options are limited, but increasing surveillance and early diagnosis show promise in improving outcomes.
Article
Biology
Mehrad Babaei, Tom M. J. Evers, Fereshteh Shokri, Lucia Altucci, Elizabeth C. M. de Lange, Alireza Mashaghi
Summary: Drug combination therapy is a promising strategy for enhanced therapeutic effects and reduced side effects. In this study, reaction network topology-guided design of combination therapy was investigated as a predictive in silico drug-drug interaction screening approach. The results revealed that drug-drug interactions are influenced by target arrangement, drug nature, and desired change in network output.
COMPUTERS IN BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Guglielmo Bove, Sajid Amin, Mehrad Babaei, Rosaria Benedetti, Angela Nebbioso, Lucia Altucci, Nunzio Del Gaudio
Summary: Chromatin has a flexible structure that allows for precise gene expression regulation. Epigenetic modifications and modifications on RNA and histone substrates play important roles in governing cellular functions and contribute to cancer development. The interplay between genetic mutations and reversible epigenetic alterations has been of great interest. The modification of the RNA code, such as m(6)A, affects the stability, metabolism, and life cycle of various mRNAs, including those associated with cancer. Epigenetic and epitranscriptomic pathways collectively control cellular expression profile and cell fate. The crosstalk between these two pathways has recently been revealed, uncovering previously unknown interactions. Dysregulation of this network has been implicated in cancer, adding a new layer of complexity to gene expression. This article summarizes the current understanding of the interplay between m(6)A epitranscriptome and epigenome, with a focus on cancer processes. Strategies to target the m(6)A machinery for future therapeutic intervention are also discussed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Giovanna Santaniello, Angela Nebbioso, Lucia Altucci, Mariarosaria Conte
Summary: In recent years, the study of anticancer bioactive compounds from marine sources has gained significant attention. Regulatory authorities have approved marine molecules and new synthetic derivatives for cancer treatment. However, the administration of drugs in cancer patients requires careful evaluation due to their interaction with biological macromolecules. The search for personalized therapies and advancements in tumor prevention has been aided by new knowledge on cancer mechanisms, but a definitive therapy for cancer is still being sought.
Article
Oncology
Alfredo Campenni, M'hammed Aguennouz, Massimiliano Siracusa, Angela Alibrandi, Francesca Polito, Rosaria Oteri, Sergio Baldari, Rosaria Maddalena Ruggeri, Luca Giovanella
Summary: About 30% of patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) experience persistent or recurrent disease within 10 years after initial treatment. However, the measurement of serum thyroglobulin (Tg) is unreliable in the presence of anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb). This pilot study investigated the potential of circulating miRNA as valuable biomarkers for the early detection of persistent disease in TgAb-positive PTC patients. The findings indicate that serum miRNA kinetics may provide additional and independent information for the early detection of persistent disease in PTC patients with uninformative Tg results.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Federica Sarno, Desiree Goubert, Emilie Logie, Martijn G. S. Rutten, Mihaly Koncz, Christophe Deben, Anita E. Niemarkt, Lucia Altucci, Pernette J. Verschure, Antal Kiss, Wim Vanden Berghe, Marianne G. Rots
Summary: Plasminogen activator, urokinase (PLAU) plays a role in cell migration, proliferation, and tissue remodeling. Its upregulation is associated with increased aggressiveness and metastasis in various cancer types, including breast cancer. This study examined the effects of modulating PLAU expression on breast cancer cells using CRISPR-dCas9 tools, and found that it affected cell proliferation and metastatic properties.
Article
Oncology
Mariarosaria Conte, Annabella Di Mauro, Lucia Capasso, Liliana Montella, Mariacarla De Simone, Angela Nebbioso, Lucia Altucci
Summary: This study identified simultaneous alterations in HDAC2, CIITA, and B2M genes in colorectal cancer patients and explored their potential role in immune dysfunction. HDAC2 was found to be deregulated in a subset of patients, while CIITA had specific alterations. Correlations among these genes and differential infiltration levels suggested an indirect immune-related role of HDAC2 in specific immune infiltrates. Further immunological signature studies could provide valuable clinical information for resistant forms of colorectal cancer.
Review
Cell Biology
Emanuele Fabbrizi, Francesco Fiorentino, Vincenzo Carafa, Lucia Altucci, Antonello Mai, Dante Rotili
Summary: SIRT5, a mitochondrial enzyme, regulates cellular homeostasis and the activity of proteins involved in various metabolic pathways. It plays critical roles in myocardial energy metabolism, neurodegenerative disease protection, and tumor development. SIRT5 is also implicated in SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review discusses its molecular actions, effects on metabolic targets, potential as a therapeutic target, and currently reported modulators including activators and inhibitors.
Review
Cell Biology
Vincenza Capone, Laura Della Torre, Daniela Carannante, Mehrad Babaei, Lucia Altucci, Rosaria Benedetti, Vincenzo Carafa
Summary: Histone modifications play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of diseases, including cancer, and acetylation is a reversible epigenetic process with important functions in cell life. HAT1 has been found to regulate molecular pathways, including those involved in cancer. This review summarizes the current knowledge and recent advances of HAT1 in the pathogenesis of cancer.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Deborah Giordano, Bernardina Scafuri, Luigi De Masi, Lucia Capasso, Viviana Maresca, Lucia Altucci, Angela Nebbioso, Angelo Facchiano, Paola Bontempo
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Cambinol and its underlying mechanisms on cell differentiation. The findings demonstrated that Cambinol induced differentiation in MCF-7, NB4, and 3T3-L1 cell lines by modulating the expression of cell cycle-related proteins and nuclear receptors. In addition, molecular simulations revealed that Cambinol showed inhibitory effects on human SIRT1 and SIRT2, with stronger interaction with the substrate binding site of SIRT1. Overall, Cambinol may serve as a potential alternative for epigenetic therapies targeting SIRTs.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lucia Longhitano, Alfio Distefano, Angela Maria Amorini, Laura Orlando, Sebastiano Giallongo, Daniele Tibullo, Giuseppe Lazzarino, Anna Nicolosi, Amer M. Alanazi, Concetta Saoca, Vincenzo Macaione, M'hammed Aguennouz, Federico Salomone, Emanuela Tropea, Ignazio Alberto Barbagallo, Giovanni Li Volti, Giacomo Lazzarino
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of lipoic acid on lipotoxicity and mitochondrial dynamics in an in vitro model of liver steatosis. The results showed that lipoic acid treatment reduced lipotoxicity and improved mitochondrial functions, suggesting its potential as a pharmacological tool for NAFLD treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Catarina Macedo-Silva, Vera Miranda-Goncalves, Nuno Tiago Tavares, Daniela Barros-Silva, Joana Lencart, Joao Lobo, Angelo Oliveira, Margareta P. Correia, Lucia Altucci, Carmen Jeronimo
Summary: This study found that p53 is highly expressed in radioresistant prostate cancer cells and in prostate cancer patients with recurrence or disease progression after radiation therapy. Mechanistic analysis showed that radiation therapy can promote p53 expression through epigenetic modulation. Inhibition of KDM6B decreased p53 expression and attenuated the radioresistant phenotype of prostate cancer cells.
SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION AND TARGETED THERAPY
(2023)