Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xun Li, Sheng Gao, Yun Zhang, Mei Xin, Cheng Zuo, Naihong Yan, Qingjie Xia, Meixia Zhang
Summary: Systemic administration of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) can effectively inhibit laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) formation in mice, possibly by suppressing the classic NF-kappa B signaling pathway and downregulating VEGFR2 and VEGF expression. These results suggest that DHA could be a natural potential alternative therapeutic strategy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrew P. Voigt, Nathaniel K. Mullin, Kelly Mulfaul, Lola P. Lozano, Luke A. Wiley, Miles J. Flamme-Wiese, Erin A. Boese, Ian C. Han, Todd E. Scheetz, Edwin M. Stone, Budd A. Tucker, Robert F. Mullins
Summary: In this study, single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on the human choroid to identify gene expression signatures and characterize immune cell populations in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients. The study also investigated transcriptomic changes in choroidal vasculature and differential gene expression between control and AMD samples. The findings provide important insights into the molecular features and immunological changes associated with AMD.
HUMAN MOLECULAR GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Antonio Calcagni, Olivia Howells, Hannah Bartlett, Alastair K. O. Denniston, Jonathan M. Gibson, Christopher R. Hogg, Timothy D. Matthews, Frank Eperjesi
Summary: This study investigated the role of color vision in identifying individuals at high risk of developing neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). The results showed that color vision was frequently abnormal in the unaffected eyes of patients with unilateral nAMD. However, abnormal color contrast sensitivity (CCS) did not predict the development of nAMD within the study period, suggesting that it is not a viable screening tool for this pathology.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Manjing Li, Zhaojian Xu, Lu Zhang, Mingyue Cui, Manhui Zhu, Yang Guo, Rong Sun, Junfei Han, E. Song, Yao He, Yuanyuan Su
Summary: The development of hybrid cell-membrane-cloaked nanoparticles as an alternative antiangiogenic agent for noninvasive targeted treatment of CNV has shown significantly enhanced accumulation in CNV regions and excellent therapeutic efficacy in reducing leakage and area of CNV. This biomimetic approach provides an effective strategy for the treatment of CNV.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Lulu Chen, Mingzhen Yuan, Lu Sun, Youxin Chen
Summary: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the classification system of branching neovascular network (BNN) morphology in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) patients based on SS-OCT and SS-OCTA, and analyze the morphological features as potential prognostic features. Results showed that the current classification system based on BNN morphology on SS-OCTA was highly applicable and revealed distinct characteristics in each group. The BNN type was not correlated with BCVA at 12 months after treatment.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jluwi Almasaud, Sara A. Aledaili, Reem S. Alshammari
Summary: Ocular coloboma is a rare congenital anomaly that may result in visual impairment, but can be improved with treatment. Patients require lifelong follow-up to monitor the progression of the condition.
CUREUS JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhengyu Chen, Kang Xiao, Qin Long
Summary: Myopia, one of the most prevalent ocular diseases worldwide, is primarily caused by elongation of the eyeball. The inflammatory mediator NLRP3 plays a critical role in regulating collagen remodeling in the sclera, and the NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 can inhibit the progression of myopia.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Srinivas Dash, Chia-Chun Wu, Chih-Ching Wu, Sum-Fu Chiang, Yu-Ting Lu, Chien-Yuh Yeh, Jeng-Fu You, Lichieh Julie Chu, Ta-Sen Yeh, Jau-Song Yu
Summary: A study found that membrane proteins CD59 and TSPAN9 derived from colorectal cancer (CRC) cells are novel biomarkers for the early detection of CRC. Quantitative analysis of EV samples from 73 CRC patients and 80 healthy subjects identified CD59 and TSPAN9 as potential markers for distinguishing CRC patients from healthy individuals.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Weirong Xing, Sheila Pourteymoor, Yian Chen, Subburaman Mohan
Summary: Studies show that targeted deletion of the Cldn12 gene in mice increases articular cartilage, potentially by promoting articular chondrocyte phenotype.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Trang H. Phan, Coen Kuijl, Dung T. Huynh, Wouter S. P. Jong, Joen Luirink, Peter van Ulsen
Summary: The overproduction of the BAM complex has been found to increase the surface display of difficult-to-secrete chimeras, not only for monomeric autotransporter fusions but also for fusions to trimeric autotransporters. This beneficial effect suggests that overproduction of BAM might be an attractive strategy to improve the production of recombinant autotransporter constructs.
MICROBIAL CELL FACTORIES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Xu Wang, Janine H. Peterson, Harris D. Bernstein
Summary: This study identified two parallel mechanisms for the assembly of outer membrane proteins in Gram-negative bacteria, involving the beta signal and SurA. It challenges the view that periplasmic chaperones are redundant, suggesting they have specialized roles in OMP targeting and quality control.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Pei-Rong Gan, Rong-Hui Wang, Ran Deng, Hong Wu, Yan-Hong Bu, Fang-Yuan Chen, Xin-Tong Dong, Jiang-Tao Ke
Summary: This study demonstrated that GE could restore the imbalance of macrophage polarization in CIA mice by inhibiting SphK1 membrane targeting, thereby promoting a balanced polarization of macrophages.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jianguo Tao, Venkat Srinivasan, Xiangjiao Yi, Yingchun Zhao, Hengwei Zhang, Xi Lin, Xichao Zhou, Brendan F. Boyce, Peter W. Villalta, Frank H. Ebetino, Koc Kan Ho, Robert K. Boeckman, Lianping Xing
Summary: Limited treatment options exist for cancer within the bone, and new alternative treatments are needed to overcome drug resistance and minimize off-target effects. Bone-targeted conjugates can provide spatiotemporally controlled delivery of drugs, leading to more effective treatment of multiple myeloma. The study demonstrated that the bone-targeted conjugate had better efficacy in overcoming drug resistance and reducing tumor burden and bone destruction.
JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Kai Xu, Sen Chen, Le Xie, Yue Qiu, Xiao-zhou Liu, Xue Bai, Yuan Jin, Xiao-hui Wang, Yu Sun
Summary: This study reveals that dexamethasone has a protective effect on cochlear sensory epithelial damage and partially restores auditory function in Cx26-deficiency mouse models. The mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of inner ear immune response.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Feng Wang, Meng Huang, Yican Wang, Yiting Hong, Dandan Zang, Chunjun Yang, Changhao Wu, Qixing Zhu
Summary: This study found that C5b-9 plays a crucial role in TCE-induced immune kidney damage, and its mechanism involves NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis (or inflammatory cell death).
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Robert A. J. Byrne, Megan Torvell, Nikoleta Daskoulidou, Dina Fathalla, Eirini Kokkali, Sarah M. Carpanini, B. Paul Morgan
Summary: Recent studies have shown that complement plays important roles in synaptic pruning, with C1q initiating complement activation on synapses and C3 fragments tagging them for removal. The development of sensitive assays for quantification of C1q in rodent models of AD is crucial for further understanding the role of C1q in disease pathogenesis and as a potential biomarker.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Biographical-Item
Virology
Richard A. Harrison, B. Paul Morgan
Article
Oncology
Julie A. Webster, Alain Wuethrich, Karthik B. Shanmugasundaram, Renee S. Richards, Wioleta M. Zelek, Alok K. Shah, Louisa G. Gordon, Bradley J. Kendall, Gunter Hartel, B. Paul Morgan, Matt Trau, Michelle M. Hill
Summary: This study developed the technology of the microfluidic EndoScreen chip and validated the blood biomarker JAC-C9 for early detection of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). The use of blood biomarkers JAC-C9 and total C9 in addition to clinical risk factors improved EAC prediction in a test cohort, suggesting the potential for a simple blood test to help prioritize patients for endoscopic evaluation. Future work will expand the panel of markers on the EndoScreen chip to enable population screening and early diagnosis of EAC.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Megan Torvell, Sarah M. Carpanini, Nikoleta Daskoulidou, Robert A. J. Byrne, Rebecca Sims, B. Paul Morgan
Summary: The pivotal role of complement activation in AD has been well studied, with genetic variations contributing significant effects on the disease. While several complement genes have been identified in association with AD, the complexity of the complement pathway poses challenges in attributing their role in disease mechanisms.
Article
Immunology
Nirmal K. Banda, Kevin D. Deane, Elizabeth A. Bemis, Colin Strickland, Jennifer Seifert, Kimberly Jordan, Katriona Goldman, B. Paul Morgan, Larry W. Moreland, Myles J. Lewis, Costantino Pitzalis, V. Michael Holers
Summary: This study explored the correlation between complement system gene expression and clinical disease severity in rheumatoid arthritis, as well as the distribution of complement activation proteins and inhibitors in the synovium. The results showed significant correlations between complement gene expression and disease severity, with regional alterations of activation and inhibitory factors in the synovium.
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Wioleta M. Zelek, Paul Morgan
Summary: This article summarizes the role of complement in neurodegenerative diseases and makes a case for testing anti-complement drugs. It also discusses how drugs can be modified or designed to inhibit complement in neurodegeneration.
TRENDS IN PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Matthew K. Siggins, Kate Davies, Rosie Fellows, Ryan S. Thwaites, J. Kenneth Baillie, Malcolm G. Semple, Peter J. M. Openshaw, Wioleta M. Zelek, Claire L. Harris, B. Paul Morgan
Summary: This study is the largest comprehensive study of complement in COVID-19 to date. It demonstrates the important role of complement in the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19. Early-onset, uncontrolled activation of complement is a ubiquitous feature of COVID-19, further exacerbated in severe cases. These findings provide novel insights into the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 and inform strategies for therapeutic intervention.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Florine Seidel, Robert Kleemann, Wim van Duyvenvoorde, Nikki van Trigt, Nanda Keijzer, Sandra van der Kooij, Cees van Kooten, Lars Verschuren, Aswin Menke, Amanda J. Kiliaan, Johnathan Winter, Timothy R. Hughes, B. Paul Morgan, Frank Baas, Kees Fluiter, Martine C. Morrison
Summary: Complement inhibition with an anti-C5 antibody is not effective in reducing the progression of NASH but is beneficial in established atherosclerosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Connor Logan, Valeriy Lyzogubov, Nalini Bora, Puran Bora
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of APNp1 as a therapeutic agent for wet-type AMD and explores the effectiveness of eye drops and AAV vector for its delivery. The research also investigates the mechanism of APNp1 in affecting CNV and finds increased expression of AdipoR1 and PCNA in retinal and choroidal tissue.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Laura Rossini, Dalia De Santis, Erica Cecchini, Cinzia Cagnoli, Emanuela Maderna, Daniele Cartelli, Bryan Paul Morgan, Megan Torvell, Roberto Spreafico, Roberta di Giacomo, Laura Tassi, Marco de Curtis, Rita Garbelli
Summary: Dendritic spines are crucial for excitatory glutamatergic synapses. The study explores the role of complement components C1q and C3 in synaptic pruning imbalance in Type II focal cortical dysplasia (FCD). The findings provide valuable insights into the understanding and treatment of diseases related to Type II FCD.
Article
Immunology
L. M. Goff, K. Davies, W. M. Zelek, E. Kodosaki, O. Hakim, S. Lockhart, S. O'Rahilly, B. P. Morgan
Summary: Poor metabolic health and obesity in Black African populations contribute to increased susceptibility to disease, including COVID-19. Complement dysregulation has been linked to metabolic health and implicated as a driver of pathology; however, ethnic differences in complement have not been explored.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Nikoleta Daskoulidou, Bethany Shaw, Megan Torvell, Lewis Watkins, Emma L. Cope, Sarah M. Carpanini, Nicholas D. Allen, B. Paul Morgan
Summary: Genome wide association studies have found that Complement receptor 1 (CR1) is associated with increased risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the expression and role of CR1 in the brain are poorly understood. This study used various methods to demonstrate that CR1 is indeed expressed in human microglia and astrocytes in the brain, and that its expression is significantly increased in AD. These findings support the hypothesis that CR1 variants affect AD risk through their impact on glial functions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mayank Choubey, Puran Bora
Summary: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in adults, with significant visual disability and central vision loss. Adiponectin (APN) and its receptors (AdipoRs) play a central role in metabolic disorders and ocular pathology. This review summarizes the association of APN/AdipoRs with retinal diseases, specifically AMD and diabetic retinopathy, and presents original research on the inhibition of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in a mouse model with APN-derived peptides.
Article
Immunology
Naoki Kamegai, Hangsoo Kim, Yasuhiro Suzuki, Sosuke Fukui, Hiroshi Kojima, Shoichi Maruyama, B. Paul Morgan, Wioleta Milena Zelek, Masashi Mizuno
Summary: In this study, we used a novel mAb 2H2 to investigate the role of the complement terminal pathway in peritoneal injuries associated with peritoneal dialysis. The results showed that blocking the assembly of the membrane attack complex (MAC) with mAb 2H2 reduced peritoneal thickness and inflammation in a dose-dependent manner. This indicates that targeting MAC might be an effective therapy for preventing peritoneal injuries in humans.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Puran S. S. Bora