Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Emilie Gachon, Patrick Mesquida
Summary: Collagen fibrils exhibit a surface charge dependency on longitudinal strain, becoming more positive within 10% strain and more negative between 10% to 17% strain. This change is correlated with fibril stiffness and may be influenced by structural rearrangements. Kelvin-probe force microscopy testing on fibrils attached to an extensible, thin polymer film allows for the determination of electrical surface potential.
Review
Cell Biology
Yuan Qiu, Chen-Chi Chien, Basile Maroulis, Jiani Bei, Angelo Gaitas, Bin Gong
Summary: This article presents a review of the applications of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and fluidic atomic force microscopy (fluidFM) in single-cell studies. It discusses the use of AFM in studying single cells, extracellular vesicles, colloidal force spectroscopy, and single-cell adhesion measurements. FluidFM, a combination of microfluidics and AFM, allows for biological, pathological, and pharmacological studies on single cells in a liquid environment. The review focuses on the capabilities of fluidFM in measuring adhesion, binding forces, and manipulating single cells, as well as its applications in patch clamping and mass measurements.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
A. Binrayes, C. Ge, F. F. Mohamed, R. T. Franceschi
Summary: Bone loss caused by various factors significantly impacts human disability and suffering. The collagen receptor DDR2 plays a crucial role in skeletal development and regeneration, with deficiency leading to impaired bone healing. DDR2 deficiency may affect osteoprogenitor cell proliferation and differentiation, highlighting its potential as a novel therapeutic target.
JOURNAL OF DENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biology
Kieop Park, Ranjay Jayadev, Sara G. Payne, Isabel W. Kenny-Ganzert, Qiuyi Chi, Daniel S. Costa, William Ramos-Lewis, Siddharthan B. Thendral, David R. Sherwood
Summary: Separate tissues are connected through adjoining basement membranes to fulfill their barrier, exchange, and support functions. The robust and balanced cell adhesion at these connections is essential for withstanding tissue movement. However, the mechanism by which cells achieve synchronized adhesion to connect tissues remains unclear. This study reveals that type IV collagen both fastens the linkage and activates the collagen receptor DDR-2 in the utse and seam tissues, coordinating the strengthening of integrin adhesion through the LET-60/Ras signaling pathway.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Constanca Junior, Maria Narciso, Esther Marhuenda, Isaac Almendros, Ramon Farre, Daniel Navajas, Jorge Otero, Nuria Gavara
Summary: The study characterized the macro- and micromechanical properties of lung ECM in pulmonary fibrosis using an in vivo model. It found that fibrotic ECM exhibited strain-hardening at the macroscale and strain-softening at the microscale under stretch conditions. The results suggest a potential mechanotransduction mechanism in fibrotic ECM that could slow down the progression of PF by steering resident fibroblasts away from a pro-fibrotic profile.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Arwa Bazaid, Fengyuan Zhang, Qiancheng Zhang, Sabine Neumayer, Denise Denning, Stefan Habelitz, Ana Marina Ferreira, Brian J. Rodriguez
Summary: Since the discovery of piezoelectricity in bone in 1957, there has been a debate about the functional role of collagen piezoelectricity. The investigation of piezoelectricity in collagen has generated interest in bone remodeling, but there are conflicting reports about its presence in a humid environment. This study used lateral piezoresponse force microscopy to investigate the electromechanical properties of type I collagen from a rat tail tendon at the nanoscale, and found that collagen retains its piezoelectric behavior even in a biologically relevant humidity range.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jonathan Roth, Cody L. Hoop, Jonathan K. Williams, Robert Hayes, Jean Baum
Summary: Fibrillar collagen-integrin interactions in the extracellular matrix (ECM) play a significant role in regulating cellular processes. The depletion of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the ECM influences the interaction between collagen I fibrils and integrin alpha 2I domain, resulting in reduced stiffness of individual fibrils.
Review
Oncology
V. Mehta, H. Chander, A. Munshi
Summary: Discoidin domain receptors (DDRs) play a critical role in cancer development, where they can promote tumor progression and metastasis, but also have potential as a therapeutic target due to their ability to induce apoptosis and suppress tumor growth in various human cancers.
CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Rui Ma, Xudong Xie, Lei Zhao, Yafei Wu, Jun Wang
Summary: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease with high prevalence and economic burden, and discoidin domain receptors (DDRs) play potential roles in the pathogenesis of periodontitis by controlling cell migration, adhesion, and extracellular matrix remodeling in periodontal tissues rich in collagen.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yunfei Wan, Yongfang Gao, Jianhang Shao, Aidana Tumarbekova, Dequan Zhang, Jie Zhu
Summary: This study investigated the ultrastructure and mechanical characteristics of collagen fibers in tendons, revealing that collagen fibers extracted from acetic acid are more unstable compared to homogenized collagen fibers. Acetic acid was found to disassemble salt bonds and Schiff-base in collagen, resulting in looser collagen fibers while maintaining the integrity of the triple helix structure.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Aleksandra Anna Bonini, Stefano Maggi, Giulia Mori, Dario Carnuccio, Danila Delfino, Davide Cavazzini, Alberto Ferrari, Alessia Levante, Yoshihiro Yamaguchi, Claudio Rivetti, Claudia Folli
Summary: This study investigated the functional characteristics of DinJ-YafQ system in Lacticaseibacillus paracasei. The results showed that both YafQ orthologs can digest ribosomal RNA with different efficiencies, and their activity is neutralized by DinJ. Moreover, DinJ and DinJ-YafQ can cooperatively bind to the promoter of the TA operon, preventing RNA polymerase from binding. It was also found that a single amino acid substitution in DinJ abolishes its DNA binding ability.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Chunxi Ge, Yiming Li, Fashuai Wu, Peter Ma, Renny T. Franceschi
Summary: Skeletal progenitor cells rely on collagen-binding integrins and discoidin domain receptors (DDR1 and DDR2) as collagen receptors for bone development and regeneration. This study evaluated specific triple helical peptides containing GFOGER and GVMGFO binding domains to stimulate DDR2 and integrin signaling, as well as osteoblast differentiation. The combination of these peptides cooperatively enhanced both DDR2 and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling, leading to increased osteoblast differentiation. This finding suggests that scaffolds containing DDR and integrin-activating peptides could be a new approach for promoting bone regeneration.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pauline Cornette, Ilhem Lilia Jaabar, Vincent Dupres, Jean-David Werthel, Francis Berenbaum, Xavier Houard, Jessem Landoulsi, Geoffroy Nourissat
Summary: The study investigated the effect of crosslinking treatment on the structure and mechanical properties of diseased human shoulder capsules. The results showed that the crosslinking procedure changed the biomechanics of the capsules while keeping their structural organization unchanged at the single fibril level. This procedure may be a promising way to preserve the functions of collagen-based tissues and tune their elasticity for clinically relevant treatments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Andreas Stylianou, Chrysovalantis Voutouri, Fotios Mpekris, Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
Summary: Cancer progression is closely associated with changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) structure and mechanical properties. Desmoplasia, mainly caused by collagen overproduction, leads to tumor stiffness and hinders drug delivery. Understanding the mechanisms involved in desmoplasia and identifying nanomechanical and collagen-based properties can lead to the development of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. In this study, in vitro experiments using pancreatic cell lines and orthotopic tumor models demonstrated that invasive cells are softer with elongated shapes and aligned stress fibers. The study also found distinct nanomechanical and collagen-based optical properties in pancreatic cancer, which can be potential biomarkers for monitoring tumor progression and treatment outcomes.
ANNALS OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Carolina Paba, Virginia Dorigo, Beatrice Senigagliesi, Nicola Tormena, Pietro Parisse, Kislon Voitchovsky, Loredana Casalis
Summary: This study investigates the interaction between small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) released from triple-negative breast cancer cells and synthetic model membranes. The results show that the fluidity of the membranes plays a crucial role in the uptake of sEVs, with stronger interaction and fusion occurring in less fluid regions.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bogdan Caba, Ioannis Gardikiotis, Ionut Topala, Ilarion Mihaila, Cosmin Teodor Mihai, Catalina Luca, Sorin Pasca, Ioana Cezara Caba, Gabriel Dimitriu, Bogdan Huzum, Ionela Lacramioara Serban
Summary: This study investigated the effects of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), L-NAME, and PRP injectable solutions on flap survival. The results showed that the necrosis area of the flaps was significantly lower in the CAP, L-NAME, and PRP groups compared to the control group. Thermography exploration also revealed less ischemia in the treated groups. Additionally, anatomopathological data indicated that the CAP group had the best degree of angiogenesis. Overall, the CAP activated solution had a similar (or even better) impact on flap necrosis rate and offered fast, unlimited, non-invasive, and standardized treatment.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Bogdan Caba, Mona Elisabeta Dobrin, Ioana Cezara Caba, Ioannis Gardikiotis, Cosmin Teodor Mihai, Bogdan Cioroiu, Lacramioara Ionela Serban
Summary: The study compared the effects of PRP and CAP on different rat dorsal skin flap models. Results showed that CAP had better effects on cutaneous vascularization and lower necrosis rates compared with PRP.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gianina Dodi, Diana Popescu, Florina Daniela Cojocaru, Mihaela Aradoaei, Romeo Cristian Ciobanu, Cosmin Teodor Mihai
Summary: Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is widely used in plastic pollution research due to its simplicity, rapidity, and low cost. This study evaluated attenuated total reflection (ATR)-FTIR spectroscopy as a sensitive and effective assay for the identification of DNA in experimental animals.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ioannis Gardikiotis, Florina-Daniela Cojocaru, Cosmin-Teodor Mihai, Vera Balan, Gianina Dodi
Summary: Wound dressing design is a rapidly growing field in the medical wound-care market worldwide. It uses biopolymers and other materials to manage wounds by targeting the four phases of healing. However, there are still issues with current biopolymer materials, and combining them with molecular biology approaches represents the future of wound healing.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fatima Zahra Kamal, Radu Lefter, Cosmin-Teodor Mihai, Hanane Farah, Alin Ciobica, Ahmad Ali, Iulian Radu, Ioannis Mavroudis, Abdellah Ech-Chahad
Summary: Taraxacum officinale (TO) essential oil has significant antioxidant and antiproliferative effects. In vivo, it can protect the liver and kidneys from oxidative stress. In vitro, it exhibits low scavenging activity against free radicals and moderate reducing power. It also inhibits the growth of HeLa cells.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Thomas Gabriel Schreiner, Bogdan Ionel Tamba, Cosmin Teodor Mihai, Adam Lorinczi, Mihaela Baibarac, Romeo Cristian Ciobanu, Bogdan Ovidiu Popescu
Summary: Alzheimer's disease has significant epidemiological and socioeconomic impacts. Recent advancements in nanoporous alumina membranes have potential applications in medical use, including the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. This article presents the synthesis and biocompatibility testing of a special nano-membrane for Alzheimer's disease treatment.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Mihai Stefan Cristian Haba, Ionut Tudorancea, Cosmin Teodor Mihai, Viviana Onofrei, Irina Iuliana Costache, Antoniu Octavian Petris, Laurentiu Sorodoc
Summary: This study found that plasma levels of BDNF were significantly lower in patients with PE compared to the general population, and low BDNF levels correlated with prognostic markers of PE. Therefore, BDNF may serve as a promising biomarker to complement current diagnostic tools and predict a poor outcome in patients with PE.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ovidiu-Dumitru Ilie, Raluca Duta, Ioana-Miruna Balmus, Alexandra Savuca, Adriana Petrovici, Ilinca-Bianca Nita, Lucian-Mihai Antoci, Roxana Jijie, Cosmin-Teodor Mihai, Alin Ciobica, Mircea Nicoara, Roxana Popescu, Romeo Dobrin, Carmen Solcan, Anca Trifan, Carol Stanciu, Bogdan Doroftei
Summary: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is currently being extensively researched. This study aimed to understand the effects of rotenone (ROT) on homeostasis and the potential neuroprotective role of valproic acid (VPA), antiparkinsonian agents (levodopa and carbidopa - LEV+CARB), and a mixture of lactobacillus and bifidobacterium species (PROBIO). The results showed that VPA, LEV/CARB, and PROBIO can alleviate the neurotoxicity caused by ROT and restore optimal internal parameters in zebrafish.
Article
Hematology
Mitica Ciorpac, Cezar-Catalin Caratasu, Andrei Szilagyi, Cosmin-Teodor Mihai, Ionut Nistor, Radu Iliescu, Bogdan Ionel Tamba
Summary: In this study, a continuous plasma exchange unit for small rodent models was developed, which achieved a 95% plasma exchange rate without affecting cardiovascular parameters. The unit enabled monitoring of cardiac parameters for up to 35 days in non-anesthetized animals, allowing for the translation of human plasma exchange technique into animal models and more accurate preclinical evaluations.
THERAPEUTIC APHERESIS AND DIALYSIS
(2023)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Eva-Cristiana Gavril, Irina Nuca, Monica-Cristina Panzaru, Anca Viorica Ivanov, Cosmin-Teodor Mihai, Lucian-Mihai Antoci, Cristian-Gabriel Ciobanu, Cristina Rusu, Roxana Popescu
Summary: 2q37DS is a common subtelomeric deletion disorder with variable clinical manifestations, including facial dysmorphism, developmental delay/intellectual disability, brachydactyly type E, short stature, obesity, hypotonia, and abnormal behavior with autism spectrum disorder. The exact relationship between genotype and phenotype is still unclear.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristian-Gabriel Ciobanu, Irina Nuca, Roxana Popescu, Lucian-Mihai Antoci, Lavinia Caba, Anca Viorica Ivanov, Karina-Alexandra Cojocaru, Cristina Rusu, Cosmin-Teodor Mihai, Monica-Cristina Panzaru
Summary: The diagnosis and management of fragile X syndrome (FXS) have significantly improved in the last three decades, although the current diagnostic techniques have limitations in accurately identifying various molecular characteristics. New technologies, such as optical genome mapping and long-range sequencing, have the potential to replace the current diagnostic methods and offer a comprehensive molecular profiling in a single test. However, these technologies are still far from being routinely used in clinical practice.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alexandru Bogdan Stache, Ilarion Mihaila, Ioana Cristina Gerber, Loredana Mihaiela Dragos, Cosmin Teodor Mihai, Iuliu Cristian Ivanov, Ionut Topala, Dragos-Lucian Gorgan
Summary: Over the past decade, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has been extensively researched as a potential therapeutic approach in oncology. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of plasma-activated medium (PAM) generated by a custom-made CAP source and establish the optimal exposure and treatment parameters. The study found that indirect treatment with CAP showed dose-dependent cytotoxic effects on human osteosarcoma cells (HOS cell line) and human osteoblasts (HOB cell line), and the decrease in cell viability was not correlated with PAM acidification due to CAP exposure. The study also revealed high and long-term stable concentrations of NO2- in PAM through the Griess assay.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Simon Vlad Luca, Krystyna Skalicka-Wozniak, Cosmin-Teodor Mihai, Adina Catinca Gradinaru, Alexandru Mandici, Nina Ciocarlan, Anca Miron, Ana Clara Aprotosoaie
Summary: This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and potential antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities of ten Salvia species from Eastern Europe. The results showed that S. officinalis exhibited the highest antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, but no significant cytotoxic effect on human breast carcinoma cells.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Cristina Gavrilovici, Cristian Petru Dusa, Cosmin Teodor Mihai, Elena-Lia Spoiala, Iuliana Magdalena Starcea, Codruta Olimpiada Iliescu-Halitchi, Irina Nicoleta Zetu, Lavinia Bodescu-Amancei Ionescu, Roxana Alexandra Bogos, Elena Hanganu, Vasile Lucian Boiculese
Summary: Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs frequently in critically ill children and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) has been validated in relation to cardiopulmonary bypass in children, but its utility in the management of critically ill children is still questionable.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cosmin-Teodor Mihai, Ilarion Mihaila, Maria Antoanela Pasare, Robert Mihai Pintilie, Mitica Ciorpac, Ionut Topala
Summary: This study evaluated the cytotoxicity of plasma-activated media (PAM) and its potential to enhance the anti-cancer effect of paclitaxel (PTX) in human breast cancer cell lines. The experimental data showed that PAM was able to amplify the cytotoxicity of PTX, leading to a higher frequency of apoptotic and dead cells.
CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
