Article
Cell Biology
Zhou Fang, Haekyung Lee, Junying Liu, Karen A. Wong, Lewis M. Brown, Xiang Li, Alus M. Xiaoli, Fajun Yang, Ming Zhang
Summary: This study found that C3 can reduce myocardial apoptosis by interacting with the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in cardiomyocytes.
Article
Oncology
Hussain Mubarak Al-Aamri, Helen R. Irving, Christopher Bradley, Terri Meehan-Andrews
Summary: Daunorubicin induces apoptosis in leukemic cells through both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, with variations in sensitivities and timing of apoptotic responses observed among different cell lines. The lack of functional p53 may contribute to these differences and necessitates further exploration of alternative signaling mechanisms involved in apoptosis induction.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xihui Chen, Shiwen Wang, Li Zhang, Shuying Yuan, Tong Xu, Feng Zhu, Yanmei Zhang, Lijun Jia
Summary: This study demonstrated for the first time that celastrol inhibits tumor growth of ESCC by inducing apoptosis through both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. The mechanism involves the transcriptional activation of ATF4 and the involvement of the FoxO3a-Bim pathway. This highlights celastrol as a promising therapeutic strategy for ESCC.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Ryan R. Kowash, Esra A. Akbay
Summary: The adenosine pathway, particularly CD73, is a promising target for cancer immunotherapy, especially in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) where CD73 expression is high. Combining immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies with adenosine pathway inhibitors shows potential for the treatment of lung cancer. Clinical trials exploring the activation of both T and NK cells are in early stages. Understanding the role of CD73 in immune modulation and its intrinsic properties in tumor cells is important for future therapies.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalia Nosalova, Alexandra Keselakova, Martin Kello, Miroslava Martinkova, Dominika Fabianova, Martina Bago Pilatova
Summary: Despite the decreasing trend in mortality from colorectal cancer, this study focused on the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of a compound on colon cancer cells. The compound was found to have concentration-dependent cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects, inducing both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways and inhibiting cell migration. These findings suggest the potential of this compound as a future treatment for colon cancer.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Hematology
Yaqi Zhao, Ibrahim Aldoss, Chunxu Qu, Jeremy Chase Crawford, Zhaohui Gu, Emma K. Allen, Anthony E. Zamora, Thomas B. Alexander, Jeremy Wang, Hiroaki Goto, Toshihiko Imamura, Koshi Akahane, Guido Marcucci, Anthony S. Stein, Ravi Bhatia, Paul G. Thomas, Stephen J. Forman, Charles G. Mullighan, Kathryn G. Roberts
Summary: This study investigated the efficacy of blinatumomab in patients with B-progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and found that both tumor-intrinsic and -extrinsic factors influence blinatumomab response. CD19 mutations were commonly detected in CD19(-) relapse during blinatumomab treatment, and the identification of the CD19 ex2part splice variant represents a new biomarker predictive of blinatumomab therapy failure.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ali Rafat, Khadijeh Dizaji Asl, Zeinab Mazloumi, Ali Akbar Movassaghpour, Mehdi Talebi, Dariush Shanehbandi, Raheleh Farahzadi, Babak Nejati, Hojjatollah Nozad Charoudeh
Summary: The study revealed that Telomerase Inhibition (TI) induced apoptosis through intrinsic, extrinsic, and p53 pathways and increased the expression of DNMT3a and TET2 epigenetic markers.
Article
Neurosciences
Bryony L. Winters, Benjamin K. Lau, Christopher W. Vaughan
Summary: The midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) plays a central role in pain modulation. Opioids and cannabinoids activate descending pathways by relieving GABAergic inhibition of PAG neurons and suppressing GABAergic inputs from the amygdala. Opioids inhibit both intrinsic and extrinsic GABAergic inputs onto all PAG neurons, while cannabinoids selectively inhibit the direct GABAergic input from the amygdala onto PAG projection neurons.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Priyatosh Nath, Snehashish Modak, Tamanna Aktar, Sharanya Maiti, Anisha Ghosh, Riddha Singh, Mousumi Debnath, Bhaskar Saha, Debasish Maiti
Summary: This study investigated the effects of olive leaf extract on leukemic cells and leukemic mice. The extract induced apoptosis in leukemic cells in vitro and reduced inflammation and altered apoptosis regulatory protein expression in the bone marrow of leukemic mice in vivo. These findings suggest that olive leaf extract may have potential as an anti-leukemic therapy with reduced side effects.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniel Cacic, Oddmund Nordgard, Peter Meyer, Tor Hervig
Summary: In this study, platelet microparticles (PMPs) were found to protect AML cells against apoptosis by transferring bioactive molecules to cancer cells and downregulating the pro-apoptotic PUMA protein, thereby reducing DNA damage induced by chemotherapeutic agents. These findings suggest a potential role for PMPs in modulating apoptosis in AML cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biology
Po-Fu Yueh, Yuan-Hao Lee, Chun-Yu Fu, Chun-Bin Tung, Fei-Ting Hsu, Keng-Li Lan
Summary: The study found that magnolol can inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in GBM cells, as well as suppress their invasion and migration abilities. The anti-GBM effect of magnolol may be associated with the inactivation of the PKC delta/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Article
Oncology
Yunjing Zhang, Shiwen Wang, Yukun Chen, Junqian Zhang, Jing Yang, Jingrong Xian, Lihui Li, Hu Zhao, Robert M. Hoffman, Yanmei Zhang, Lijun Jia
Summary: The study illustrated the significant growth inhibition of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) by fangchinoline (FCL) through inducing cell cycle arrest and activating apoptosis pathways. FCL demonstrated its potential as an anti-ESCC agent by elucidating its tumor-suppressive efficacy and mechanisms.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giulia Gorini, Francesca Magherini, Tania Fiaschi, Lara Massai, Matteo Becatti, Alessandra Modesti, Luigi Messori, Tania Gamberi
Summary: The study revealed that the gold(III) complexes Au(2)phen, Auoxo6, and AuL12 exhibit similar mechanisms in promoting apoptosis, including potent inhibition of thioredoxin reductase, disruption of the cell redox balance, impairment of the mitochondrial membrane potential, and associated metabolic changes. The findings also highlighted the significant contribution of ASK1 and AKT pathways to the apoptotic signaling induced by gold(III) compounds. Overall, the observed effects can be attributed to gold(III) reduction and the subsequent formation and release of gold(I) species that inhibit enzymes responsible for intracellular redox homeostasis, particularly thioredoxin reductase.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hasmah Abdullah, Ilyana Ismail, Rapeah Suppian, Nor Munirah Zakaria
Summary: The present study investigated the cell death mechanisms of gallic acid (GA) and methyl gallate (MG) from Quercus infectoria on human cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa). The results showed that GA and MG inhibited the growth of HeLa cells by inducing apoptosis through activation of apoptotic pathways.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Pei-Yu Chou, Ya-Ting Lu, Ming-Jyh Sheu
Summary: This study found that ethanol extract of Phellinus merrillii (EPM) can attenuate balloon injury-induced neointima formation by inducing apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Western blotting analysis showed that EPM can induce VSMC apoptosis through intrinsic and extrinsic pathways.
FOOD SCIENCE & NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Liam A. Wilson, Marcelo M. Pedroso, Rosely A. Peralta, Lawrence R. Gahan, Gerhard Schenk
Summary: Biomimetics have potential applications in biotechnology and medicine, and are often used as benchmarks for studying more complex biological systems. However, the catalytic efficiencies of synthetic systems are often inferior to their biological counterparts due to their smaller size and lower complexity. Nonetheless, artificial catalysts inspired by biology have been developed to mimic various chemical transformations. In this article, we discuss biomimetics of the metallohydrolase purple acid phosphatase (PAP) and the seminal contributions of Prof. Ademir Neves and his group in designing ligands that mimic the active site of PAP.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lucas B. Menezes, Bruna B. Segat, Hugo Tolentino, Daniele C. Pires, Larissa M. de M. Mattos, Hyan M. Hottum, Marcos D. Pereira, Alexandra Latini, Adolfo Horn Jr, Christiane Fernandes
Summary: The interactions between CuII, FeIII, and MnII complexes and free radicals DPPH and ROS were studied using colorimetric and EPR techniques. The results showed that all complexes enhanced the cellular protection against oxidative stress, with higher antioxidant activity observed for CuII and FeIII ions compared to MnII and [Mn(salen)Cl].
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bruna B. Segat, Lucas B. Menezes, Rodrigo Cervo, Roberta Cargnelutti, Hugo Tolentino, Alexandra Latini, Adolfo Horn Jr, Christiane Fernandes
Summary: This study presents the antioxidant activity of two manganese complexes [Mn(III)(bpa)2]Cl.H2O (1) and [(Cl)Mn(mu-hbpclnol)(mu-bpclnol)Mn](ClO4).3H2O (2) towards H2O2, superoxide anion radical, hydroxyl and DPPH. Both complexes demonstrated similar or better activities than the reference complex [Mn(salen)Cl] when tested against ROS (H2O2, O2•-, and •OH) by EPR in PBS, DMSO, and water. Complex (2) showed the highest scavenging activity towards hydroxyl and inhibited lipid peroxidation, as confirmed by TBARS assay. The results suggest that complexes (1) and (2) protect tissues from lipid peroxidation at the nanomolar scale, making them promising candidates for in vivo studies.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luel M. O. Costa, Iago S. Reis, Christiane Fernandes, Marcelo M. Marques, Jackson A. L. C. Resende, Elizabeth H. Krenske, Gerhard Schenk, Lawrence R. Gahan, Adolfo Horn Jr
Summary: We synthesized a new asymmetric heptadentate ligand based on the 1,3-diaminopropan-2-ol back-bone. The ligand contains two amide and two pyridine groups attached to the core. Reaction with Zn(ClO4)2.6H2O resulted in the formation of a dinuclear complex. The complex showed pH-dependent phosphatase activity with the highest activity at pH 9.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gabriela J. Pedroso, Desiree M. S. Costa, Lucas T. Felipe Kokuszi, Eduardo B. V. da Silva, Marcos F. O. Cavalcante, Eduardo Junca, Cassio A. O. Moraes, Claus T. Pich, Vania R. De Lima, Sumbal Saba, Jamal Rafique, Tiago E. A. Frizon
Summary: In this study, the effects of selenylated indoles (3a-d) on lipid membranes and their interaction with DNA were evaluated. These selenylated indoles increased the motion rate of the polar region of lipids, while compounds 3b-d ordered the non-polar region. Only 3c exhibited DNA cleavage ability.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Samuel M. Rocha, Adolfo Horn Jr., Aline R. de M. L. Terra, Lara M. Rezende, Felipe F. Moreira, Renato A. DaMatta, Fernando R. Xavier, Rodrigo Cervo, Roberta Cargnelutti, Sreerag N. Moorkkannur, Graysen Owenby, Rajeev Prabhakar, Sergio H. Seabra, Christiane Fernandes
Summary: The synthesis, physico-chemical characterization, and antiproliferative activity of two new cobalt(II) coordination compounds (1 and 2) against Leishmania amazonensis were reported. While complex 1 showed no toxicity, complex 2 exhibited toxic effects. Complex 1 was able to elevate the mitochondrial membrane potential, induce apoptotic cell death, and interact with the protein tyrosine phosphatase LmPRL-1.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vindi M. Jayasinghe-Arachchige, Leonardo F. Serafim, Qiaoyu Hu, Cihan Ozen, Sreerag N. Moorkkannur, Gerhard Schenk, Rajeev Prabhakar
Summary: The hydrolytic activities of hetero- and homobinuclear metallovariants of an asymmetric or symmetric ligand with Fe-III-Zn-II, Zn-II-Zn-II, and Cu-II-Cu-II cores are studied using DFT calculations. The effects of different nucleophiles, coordination numbers, para substituents of the linker, and an external electric field on the energetics of these reactions are computed. The study highlights the influence of critical chemical factors on phosphoester hydrolysis and provides insights for designing versatile metal complexes for various reactions and applications.
Article
Microbiology
Karen Rodriguez, Marcelo Pedroso, Audrey Harris, Shivani Garg, Damian Hine, Michael Kopke, Gerhard Schenk, Esteban Marcellin
Summary: The challenge of limiting global warming to below 1.5°C requires immediate implementation of new technologies and practices in all industries. The aviation industry, which accounts for 2% of human-induced CO2 emissions and 12% of all transport emissions, has faced difficulties in decarbonizing due to its heavy reliance on high-density liquid fuels. The use of sustainable aviation fuels, derived from first-generation agricultural feedstocks, also creates a trade-off between biomass for food and energy generation. Developing electric aircraft has also presented challenges in decarbonizing aviation. Gas fermentation technologies, utilizing greenhouse gases from food production and waste, offer a feasible alternative for replacing fossil fuels in aviation fuel production, particularly in Australia where there are abundant feedstock resources.
MICROBIOLOGY AUSTRALIA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Eduardo S. Neves, Christiane Fernandes, Adolfo Horn Jr
Summary: A series of three manganese(III) complexes were found to be effective catalysts for the oxidation of saturated hydrocarbons, particularly in the presence of trichloroisocyanuric acid. The compound [Mn(salen)Cl] showed the highest catalytic activity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Li Chen Cheah, Lian Liu, Manuel R. Plan, Bingyin Peng, Zeyu Lu, Gerhard Schenk, Claudia E. Vickers, Frank Sainsbury
Summary: Enzyme spatial organization is evolved to facilitate biocatalysis and regulate promiscuous enzymes. Artificial spatial organization can be used to control the specificity of bioengineered metabolic pathways. Co-localization and spatial organization of a promiscuous terpene synthase with the preceding enzyme enhances product production and modulates the ratio of end products.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michael Ramek, Jasmina Sabolovic
Summary: This paper investigates the geometries, energy landscapes, and magnetic parameters of copper(II) amino acid compounds using density functional theory calculations. The results show that certain conformers with histaminate-like and glycine-like modes have low Gibbs free energies and high metal-binding affinities. The predicted conformations reproduce the experimental electron paramagnetic resonance parameters.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wei Tian, Wen Zhong, Zengyan Yang, Ling Chen, Shijie Lin, Yanping Li, Yuxing Wang, Peilin Yang, Xing Long
Summary: A series of novel dibutyltin complexes based on salen-like ligands were synthesized and characterized. Complex S03 showed excellent in vitro anticancer activity and induced cancer cell death through multiple mechanisms. This study reveals new mechanisms of organotin complexes and provides new insights into the development of organotin metal complexes as anticancer drugs.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalie C. Korkola, Martin J. Stillman
Summary: Many proteins require a metal cofactor for their function, and these metals play a role in protein folding. The study found that the metallation rates of different metal binding pathways are influenced by pH, with the less cooperative pathway being more affected by low pH conditions. Specific mixtures of structures are formed in the initial steps of metallation, and unfolding the disordered apo-MT structure hinders the formation of these preliminary structures. The compact conformation of the native apo-MT allows for rapid formation of metal-thiolate structures with high affinity, providing protection from oxidation.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Boxuan Yang, Xitong Song, Binju Wang
Summary: The diiron active site plays a crucial role in catalytic transformations in both biological and chemical systems. Recent advancements in the field include the synthesis of biomimetic diiron catalysts inspired by the active structure of soluble methane monooxygenase (sMMO), which have been successfully applied to the dehydrogenation of indolines.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christina N. Banti, Angeliki A. Piperoudi, Catherine P. Raptopoulou, Vassilis Psycharis, Constantinos M. Athanassopoulos, Sotiris K. Hadjikakou
Summary: Two copper(I) polymorphs with mitochondria-targeting properties were successfully prepared via metal ion conjugation. These compounds showed promising activities in DNA binding, enzyme inhibition, and cancer cell inhibition. The molecular mechanisms of action were investigated.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2024)