Article
Fisheries
Zhen Zhang, Wenwen Ye, Guanghui Han, Chenghua Li, Zhimeng Lv
Summary: Inhibition of inflammatory response is crucial in controlling inflammation development and protecting organisms from excessive damage. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) plays a role in inhibiting inflammation in vertebrates. In this study, the role of TGF-beta in regulating inflammation in invertebrates was investigated using sea cucumbers. The results showed that AjTGF-beta negatively regulated inflammation and promoted damage repair through AjSMADs and collagen expression.
FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Desh Raj, Vinesh Sharma, Ashwani Upadhyaya, Neeraj Kumar, Robin Joshi, Vishal Acharya, Dinesh Kumar, Vikram Patial
Summary: The study evaluated the efficacy of Swertia purpurascens Wall extract against CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats and found that it significantly improved biochemical parameters, histopathology, and antioxidant enzyme levels. Additionally, the extract effectively reduced fibrotic tissue deposition and inhibited TGF beta/SMAD/NF kappa B signaling in the liver tissue.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zarifeh Heidary, Shaghayegh Haghjooy Javanmard, Iman Izadi, Nasrin Zare, Jafar Ghaisari
Summary: This paper presents a multiscale model for studying the metastasis process of cancer cells in a three-dimensional space. The model combines the interactions between cancer cells and their microenvironment components, molecular dynamics, cellular and tissue levels, providing a comprehensive framework for research. The study reveals the significant role of cancer associated fibroblasts in metastasis and uncovers their mechanisms through spatial-temporal modeling of circulating signals. The model's capability is validated by comparing its outputs with experimental results. The research suggests that the proposed multiscale model can contribute to improving the efficiency of therapeutic methods in metastasis prevention.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Nian Ding, Chenghong Zheng
Summary: This study established a rat diabetes model and used Jiangtang Tongmai Prescription (JTTMP) as an intervention treatment to explore its restorative effect on diabetic lung injury. The results showed that JTTMP could activate the SnoN and TGF-beta 1/Smads signaling pathway to repair the damage caused by diabetes in the lungs.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuki Takakura, Naoto Hori, Natsumi Terada, Moeka Machida, Naoto Yamaguchi, Hiroyuki Takano, Noritaka Yamaguchi
Summary: Elevated VGLL3 expression is associated with NF-kappa B activation and IL-1 alpha secretion, potentially leading to an inflammatory response. TGF-beta signaling induces VGLL3 expression, which in turn promotes IL-1 alpha secretion and NF-kappa B activation, contributing to inflammation in diseases like highly malignant breast cancer.
Article
Oncology
Wookbong Kwon, Seong-Kyoon Choi, Daehwan Kim, Hyeon-Gyeom Kim, Jin-Kyu Park, Jee Eun Han, Gil-Jae Cho, Sungho Yun, Wookyung Yu, Se-Hyeon Han, Yun-Sok Ha, Jun Nyung Lee, Tae Gyun Kwon, Dong-Hyung Cho, Jun-Koo Yi, Myoung Ok Kim, Zae Young Ryoo, Song Park
Summary: The study identified ZNF507 as a key regulator in the progression of prostate cancer to an aggressive state by upregulating the TGF-beta signaling pathway. ZNF507 was found to promote cell growth, survival, proliferation, and metastasis properties of prostate cancer, and positively regulated the transcription of genes such as TGFBR1, MAP3K8, and FURIN. These findings suggest that ZNF507 could be a promising target for studying the development of advanced metastatic prostate cancers.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hong-Xu Yang, Fang-Yan Guo, Yong-Ce Lin, Yan-Ling Wu, Ji-Xing Nan, Cheng-Hua Jin, Li-Hua Lian
Summary: Liver fibrosis is a global health challenge, and developing effective drugs for its treatment is important. Chemically synthesized drugs, especially small molecule pyrazole derivatives as ALK5 inhibitors, have shown promising effects in treating liver fibrosis. In this study, a novel pyrazole derivative, J-1048, was synthesized and its inhibitory effects on ALK5 and p38 alpha MAP kinase were assessed. In vivo and in vitro models were established to explore the mechanisms and therapeutic potential of J-1048. The results demonstrated that J-1048 effectively inhibited TAA-induced liver fibrosis by blocking the TGF-beta/Smad signaling pathway and reducing inflammation. J-1048 has strong potential as a clinical therapeutic candidate for liver fibrosis.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jun Zhang, Tiantian Zuo, Jie Yang, Zongwei Hu, Zhihua Wang, Rui Xu, Siyu Ma, Yawen Wei, Qi Shen
Summary: This study utilized bio-responsive nanoparticles to modulate the tumor microenvironment and successfully inhibited the formation of tumor-associated fibroblasts, reduced the secretion of transforming growth factor-β and collagen I.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Caroline Gelabert, Panagiotis Papoutsoglou, Irene Golan, Eric Ahlstrom, Adam Ameur, Carl-Henrik Heldin, Laia Caja, Aristidis Moustakas
Summary: This study demonstrates that LINC00707 interacts with Smad proteins, limiting the output of TGF beta signaling and suppressing cancer cell invasion.
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ying Zhao, Xi Chen, Yimin Lin, Zhongding Li, Xian Su, Shijie Fan, Yanghao Chen, Xu Wang, Guang Liang
Summary: Renal fibrosis is a crucial feature of hypertensive renal disease (HRD). The deubiquitinase USP25 plays an important regulatory role in HRD by inhibiting the TGF-beta pathway and suppressing SMAD2 nuclear translocation. This study provides new insights into the pathogenesis of HRD and suggests that USP25 may be a potential target for drug development.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR BASIS OF DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Xiao-Ning Yuan, Qin Liu, You-Cheng Shao, Xiao-Qing Guan, Ze-Lin Yang, Meng-Fei Chu, Jing-Wei Zhang, Yi-Hao Tian, Lei Wei
Summary: This study identified the TGF-beta/Smad2/3 axis as an important carcinogenic pathway in gastric cancer, significantly promoting its proliferation and metastasis. Furthermore, it was discovered that Smad3 mRNA could be modified by m6A and stabilized by IGF2BP2, enhancing Smad3 protein expression and activating the TGF-beta/Smad pathway. Additionally, METTL3 was found to interact with phosphorylated Smad3, regulating the transcription of downstream target genes. Therefore, this study reveals a novel mechanism by which METTL3 synergistically regulates TGF-beta/Smad2/3 signaling and provides a new potential therapeutic target for gastric cancer.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Naoto Hori, Yuki Takakura, Ayumi Sugino, Shuto Iwasawa, Kota Nomizo, Naoto Yamaguchi, Hiroyuki Takano, Noritaka Yamaguchi
Summary: In this study, the researchers found that VGLL3 promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like cell motility by inducing HMGA2 expression and accelerates cancer progression. High levels of VGLL3 expression were shown to have a positive correlation with poor prognosis in various human cancers.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Sijia Liu, Maarten van Dinther, Sophie C. Hagenaars, Yuanzhuo Gu, Thomas B. Kuipers, Hailiang Mei, Maria Catalina Gomez-Puerto, Wilma E. Mesker, Peter ten Dijke
Summary: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a challenging subtype due to its aggressive nature and low response to current therapies. Understanding TNBC metastasis may lead to better diagnosis and treatment options. In this study, OPTN was found to play a surprising role in inhibiting TNBC metastasis by suppressing the TGF beta signaling pathway. These findings suggest that OPTN may be a potential target for suppressing TNBC metastasis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Qian Huang, Rui Xiao, Jing Lu, Yao Zhang, Liang Xu, Jie Gao, Jing Sun, Haiping Wang
Summary: This study revealed that endoglin exacerbated PF by regulating the activation of TGF-beta/ALK/Smads signaling, while its knockdown could alleviate peritoneal injury, providing a novel potential therapeutic target in PF.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Medical Laboratory Technology
Fabian A. Mendoza, Sonsoles Piera-Velazquez, Sergio A. Jimenez
Summary: Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by uncontrolled fibrotic processes involving skin and internal organs. The molecular mechanisms behind the disease are not fully understood, but tyrosine protein kinases, including both receptor-activated and nonreceptor tyrosine kinases, are believed to play a role.
TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Linlin Ma, Yanni K. Y. Chin, Zoltan Dekan, Volker Herzig, Chun Yuen Chow, Jacqueline Heighway, Sau Wing Lam, Gilles J. Guillemin, Paul F. Alewood, Glenn F. King
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Chun Yuen Chow, Yanni K. Y. Chin, Linlin Ma, Eivind A. B. Undheim, Volker Herzig, Glenn F. King
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2020)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Chun Yuen Chow, Nathan Absalom, Kimberley Biggs, Glenn F. King, Linlin Ma
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Fang-Hong Shi, Long Shen, Mang-Mang Pan, Lin-Lin Ma, Chi Zhang, Zhi-Chun Gu, Jing Ma, Hao Li
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2020)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
L. Ma, M. Gholam Azad, M. Dharmasivam, V Richardson, R. J. Quinn, Y. Feng, D. L. Pountney, K. F. Tonissen, G. D. Mellick, I Yanatori, D. R. Richardson
Summary: Studies indicate dysregulation of iron metabolism in Parkinson's disease, leading to increased neuronal iron levels and iron-mediated reactive oxygen species. Therapies utilizing limited iron chelation have shown success in treating PD. Further advancements in treatment are possible once the molecular pathways of iron processing are fully understood.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Biju Balakrishnan, Qi Liang, Kevin Fenix, Bunu Tamang, Ehud Hauben, Linlin Ma, Wei Zhang
Summary: The study reviewed the anticancer and immunomodulating properties of Astragalus root and Shiitake mushrooms, and assessed the potential of developing medicinal food by transferring Astragalus polysaccharides into edible Shiitake with increased therapeutic potential through a novel manufacturing process. Further research efforts are needed to validate the therapeutic potential of this new Hengshan Astragalus Shiitake medicinal food.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matthew K. Boag, Linlin Ma, George D. Mellick, Dean L. Pountney, Yunjiang Feng, Ronald J. Quinn, Alan Wee-Chung Liew, Mahendiran Dharmasivam, Mahan Gholam Azad, Rizwana Afroz, Des R. Richardson
Summary: The study focuses on the role of Ca(V)1.3 channels in calcium and iron uptake, and proposes the potential of using artificial intelligence to design novel channel inhibitors to alleviate PD pathology.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matthew K. Boag, Angus Roberts, Vladimir N. Uversky, Linlin Ma, Des R. Richardson, Dean L. Pountney
Summary: A major hallmark of Parkinson's disease is the destruction of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. This destruction is preceded by the formation of Lewy bodies, composed of alpha-synuclein aggregates. The accumulation of alpha-synuclein, iron, and mitochondrial dysfunction affects the nigral neurons. The mechanisms underlying iron accumulation are not well understood. This review explores the relationship between iron regulation and alpha-synuclein and discusses the potential therapeutic targets in the context of Parkinson's disease.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Grigori Y. Rychkov, Fiona H. Zhou, Melissa K. Adams, Stuart M. Brierley, Linlin Ma, Greg J. Barritt
Summary: Three Orai proteins (Orai1, Orai2, and Orai3) and two STIM proteins (STIM1 and STIM2) are main components of the store-operated calcium entry mechanism. When co-expressed with STIM1, Orai1, Orai2, and Orai3 can form highly selective calcium channels with properties of calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels. Different Orai isoforms in CRAC channels have unique properties, especially in terms of calcium-dependent inactivation, modulation by 2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate, and sensitivity to reactive oxygen species. This study shows that the sensitivity of the CRAC current (I-CRAC) mediated by Grail, Orai2, and Orai3 to intracellular pH (pH(i)) varies, with Grail being highly pH(i)-dependent, Orai2 amplitude being pH(i)-dependent, and Orai3 showing no pH(i) dependence. The study suggests that the pH(i) dependence of Orai1 resides in both the N-terminus and intracellular loop 2, and may involve pH-dependent interactions with STIM1.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
William Gang Miao, Thanh Nguyen, Jamila Iqbal, Gregory K. Pierens, Linlin Ma, Des R. Richardson, Stephen A. Wood, George D. Mellick, Ronald J. Quinn, Yunjiang Feng
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of natural compounds from Ligusticum chuanxiong on Parkinson's Disease (PD) cells, and found that 34 compounds strongly affected the staining of multiple cellular organelles, which are closely related to the pathogenesis of PD. The results helped rationalize the traditional use of Ligusticum chuanxiong in PD treatment, and these compounds can serve as chemical probes to study the molecular pathways of PD.
ACS CHEMICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fuhang Song, Guoliang Zhang, Honghua Li, Linlin Ma, Na Yang
Summary: This study investigates the mechanism of Mn(II) removal by bacteria and identifies the upregulation of histidine biosynthesis and oxidative stress response as important features. The increased level of reactive oxygen species is found to contribute to the formation of Mn-oxides. The addition of histidine enhances Mn(II) removal. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular regulatory mechanisms associated with Mn(II) removal in bacteria.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Oncology
Wei Cheng, Linlin Ma, Zui Pan
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emmanuel Makinde, Linlin Ma, George D. Mellick, Yunjiang Feng
Summary: Mitochondria are essential for energy metabolism and play key roles in calcium homeostasis, ROS balance, cell apoptosis, and biosynthetic pathways. Disruption of mitochondrial function is associated with various diseases. This review discusses the physiological and pathological functions of mitochondria, as well as bioactive compounds that protect mitochondria and their mechanisms of action. The article provides insights into promising compounds, challenges in therapeutic use, and future research directions on mitochondrial modulators.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Fuhang Song, Wei Dai, Honghua Li, Xinwan Zhang, Xiuli Xu, Linlin Ma, Long Wang
Summary: Fuzhuan brick tea (FBT), a traditional beverage in China, is popular among frontier ethnic groups. FBT is known for its health benefits, but the mechanisms and key compounds responsible remain unclear. This study investigated the liposoluble extract of FBT and found that it alleviated symptoms related to metabolic diseases. The chemical characterization identified isodihydroauroglaucin and flavoglaucin as the bioactive ingredients contributing to the health benefits of FBT.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xiaoyi Chen, Yunjiang Feng, Ronald J. Quinn, Dean L. Pountney, Des R. Richardson, George D. Mellick, Linlin Ma
Summary: Parkinson's disease is a neurode-generative disorder caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain, leading to motor symptoms. Understanding the biological targets and pathways involved in the disease is crucial for developing effective treatments. Ion channels, particularly potassium channels, play important roles in neuronal function and neuroinflammation, making them potential therapeutic targets. This review discusses the role of specific potassium channel subfamilies in Parkinson's disease pathogenesis and their potential as targets for neuroprotective drugs.
PHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2023)
