Article
Cell Biology
Jing-Ting Chiou, Liang-Jun Wang, Yuan-Chin Lee, Long-Sen Chang
Summary: This study investigated the mechanism of Naja atra CTX1-induced cell death in leukemia cell lines. Results showed that CTX1 increased Ca2+ and ROS levels, leading to cell death through activation of the NOX4/ROS/p38 MAPK axis and subsequent activation of c-Jun-mediated Fas and ATF-2-mediated FasL transcription. The study also found that only CTX1 induced Fas/FasL expression and the intact Met residues were essential for its activity.
Article
Oncology
April C. Watt, Paloma Cejas, Molly J. DeCristo, Otto Metzger-Filho, Enid Y. N. Lam, Xintao Qiu, Haley BrinJones, Nikolas Kesten, Rhiannon Coulson, Alba Font-Tello, Klothilda Lim, Raga Vadhi, Veerle W. Daniels, Joan Montero, Len Taing, Clifford A. Meyer, Omer Gilan, Charles C. Bell, Keegan D. Korthauer, Claudia Giambartolomei, Bogdan Pasaniuc, Ji-Heui Seo, Matthew L. Freedman, Cynthia Ma, Matthew J. Ellis, Ian Krop, Eric Winer, Anthony Letai, Myles Brown, Mark A. Dawson, Henry W. Long, Jean J. Zhao, Shom Goel
Summary: Goel and colleagues demonstrate that CDK4/6 inhibitors induce global chromatin changes in breast cancer cells by activating a wide range of enhancers, leading to biological effects such as cell differentiation and apoptotic evasion. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of CDK4/6 inhibition and highlights the potential for further development of CDK4/6 inhibitors.
Article
Oncology
Jin-Young Kim, Garam Kim, Sung-Chul Lim, Hong-Seok Choi
Summary: LPIN1 is a protein with dual functions in the regulation of triglyceride and glycerophospholipid metabolism and as a transcriptional coregulator. Recent studies have shown that IL-33 can regulate LPIN1 expression through the COT-JNK1/2 pathway, promoting epithelial transformation and breast tumorigenesis. These findings provide insight into the mechanism of LPIN1 upregulation in cancer and its potential therapeutic implications.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Caiyun Lai, Fan Wu, Yan Wang, Wei Wang, Yueqi Li, Gaoqiang Zhang, Jianji Gao, Zhiliang Zhu, Jianhui Yuan, Jianping Yang, Wenjuan Zhang
Summary: TCE exposure can cause DNA hypomethylation and histone hyperacetylation in cells, leading to increased protein levels of tumor-related genes and inhibiting cell growth. These changes could serve as early biomarkers for TCE-associated diseases.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Renske L. R. E. Taggenbrock, Klaas P. J. M. van Gisbergen
Summary: This review discusses the recent advances in the development, differentiation, and effector maturation of ILC1s, as well as the observed heterogeneity in ILC1 populations within different tissues. The study of transcriptional programs reveals the shared characteristics between ILC1s and other tissue-resident lymphocytes, aiding in the effective response of ILC1s to tissue-invading pathogens.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Siling Fu, Yanxiao Wang, Ennan Bin, Huanwei Huang, Fengchao Wang, Nan Tang
Summary: We used single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the molecular features of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) in embryonic and postnatal day (P) 0 lungs. We found that c-JUN expression is transiently upregulated in P0 LECs. Conditional knockout of Jun in LECs impairs the opening of lung lymphatic vessels at birth, leading to fluid retention in the lungs and neonatal death. Mechanical pressure induces the expression of c-JUN in LECs, and c-JUN regulates the opening of lymphatic vessels by modulating the remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton in LECs.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emily J. Collins, Mariana P. Cervantes-Silva, George A. Timmons, James R. O'Siorain, Annie M. Curtis, Jennifer M. Hurley
Summary: The circadian clock plays a crucial role in immunity, with post-transcriptional regulation influencing macrophage clock regulatory output significantly, particularly in metabolic pathways. Daily variations in metabolic pathways, ATP production, mitochondrial morphology, and phagocytosis correspond to post-transcriptional temporal-gating and are essential for determining the response of macrophages to immune stimuli.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Audrey Vingadassalon, Florence Lorieux, Maud Juguet, Alba Noel, Luisa D. F. Santos, Laura Marin Fernandez, Jean-Luc Pernodet, Stephanie Bury-Mone, Sylvie Lautru
Summary: The production of specialized metabolites by Streptomyces bacteria is typically regulated temporally and involves global and pathway-specific mechanisms. The biosynthesis of congocidine, a pyrrolamide metabolite, in Streptomyces ambofaciens ATCC23877 is controlled by the transcriptional regulator Cgc1. This study reveals a new feed-forward induction mechanism in which congocidine induces its own biosynthesis by activating the transcription of cgc1.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Paolo Miotto, Rita Sorrentino, Stefano De Giorgi, Roberta Provvedi, Daniela Maria Cirillo, Riccardo Manganelli
Summary: Bacterial drug resistance poses a serious threat to human health, with tuberculosis being a high-risk infection due to limited drugs available against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Drug resistance in bacteria is often caused by point mutations in drug targets, but changes in transcriptional regulation post-drug exposure also play a significant role and should be further explored for potential new drug targets and intervention strategies.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Carolina R. Melo-Silva, Marisa I. Roman, Cory J. Knudson, Lingjuan Tang, Ren-Huan Xu, Michel Tassetto, Patrick Dolan, Raul Andino, Luis J. Sigal
Summary: The study reveals that infected and bystander inflammatory monocytes (iMOs) and B cells differentially control gene transcription important for immune cell function and cell identity. Bystander cells upregulate metabolism and interferon-stimulated genes, while infected cells downregulate cell-type-specific genes and upregulate genes typical of non-immune cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martin Direder, Matthias Wielscher, Tamara Weiss, Maria Laggner, Dragan Copic, Katharina Klas, Daniel Bormann, Vera Vorstandlechner, Erwin Tschachler, Hendrik Jan Ankersmit, Michael Mildner
Summary: A recent study reanalyzed published data on single-cell RNA sequencing of keloids, healthy skin, and normal scars to determine the gene expression profile of keloid-specific Schwann cells. The study confirmed the presence of profibrotic Schwann cells and identified a specific gene-set for these cells. Additionally, the analysis provided evidence for the involvement of transcription factors and IER genes in the dedifferentiation process of keloidal Schwann cells.
EXPERIMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Eric Y. Helm, Liang Zhou
Summary: The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that plays a role in immune cell environmental sensing. It regulates the development and function of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and their adaptive T cell counterparts. Both ILCs and T cells share some core transcription factors and effector molecules, but they have both shared and distinct mechanisms of regulation by Ahr. This review highlights the latest findings on Ahr's transcriptional regulation of ILCs and T cells, focusing on the shared and distinct mechanisms.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yingjie Wang, Ruihong Kong, Ke Xie, Cai Hu, Zongyi Zhao, Yuhui Wu, Qisheng Zuo, Bichun Li, Yani Zhang
Summary: The role of gga-miR-31 in chicken germ cell differentiation and spermatogenesis is crucial. This study identified the promoter region of gga-miR-31 and found that retinoic acid (RA) increases its promoter activity. C-jun was discovered to inhibit the activity of the gga-miR-31 promoter, and the positive regulatory effect of RA on the promoter was attenuated in the presence of high levels of C-jun. This study provides insight into the regulatory mechanisms of gga-miR-31 and offers a new approach for inducing chicken embryonic stem cells (ESC) to differentiate into spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) and sperm formation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Yumin Han, Trevor Lee, Yongfeng He, Renuka Raman, Adriana Irizarry, M. Laura Martin, Giuseppe Giaccone
Summary: CD73 is highly expressed in lung cancer, and the inhibition of EGFR, MEK, KRAS, or ALK can significantly reduce the expression of CD73 in NSCLC cancer cells and patient-derived organoids with EGFR mutation, KRAS mutation or ALK-rearrangement. C-Jun overexpression induces the expression of CD73, and ChIP assay shows that c-Jun binds to CD73 genomic regions.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dongwei Luo, Zhaoming Yang, Hengming Yang, Qingchun Chen, Yuan Wang, Nan Qiu
Summary: This paper investigates the corrosion behavior of two HEAs in simulated PWR primary water and finds that HEA alloys containing FCC structure exhibit better corrosion resistance compared to BCC and ADSS alloys. The reasons for the corrosion susceptibility of the BCC structure composed of these four elements are also revealed.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Anastasia Prodromidou, Evangelia Dimitroulia, Depy Mavrogianni, Nikolaos Kathopoulis, Kalliopi Pappa, Dimitrios Loutradis
Summary: A significant number of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHr) can modify the response to exogenous FSH administration. The Asn680Ser allelics of FSHr are related to the response to controlled ovarian stimulation (COS). However, there is currently no strong evidence supporting the use of single gene examination to improve COS, but polygenic analysis could be useful.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maria-Anna Gatou, Nefeli Lagopati, Ioanna-Aglaia Vagena, Maria Gazouli, Evangelia A. A. Pavlatou
Summary: Semiconductor photocatalysts, specifically ZnO nanoparticles, were synthesized using four different precursors and their properties were compared. The nanoparticles synthesized from zinc acetate showed the highest photocatalysis efficiency and had a cell-dependent anticancer effect. The enhanced properties were attributed to reduced crystalline size, increased surface area, and hexagonal crystalline morphology of the nanoparticles derived from zinc acetate.
Article
Oncology
Sama Rezasoltani, Hamid Asadzadeh Aghdaei, Seyedesomaye Jasemi, Maria Gazouli, Nikolas Dovrolis, Amir Sadeghi, Hartmut Schlueter, Mohammad Reza Zali, Leonardo Antonio Sechi, Mohammad Mehdi Feizabadi
Summary: This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the microbiome in saliva and stool samples of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients in Iran, comparing them with healthy controls. The results showed distinct clustering of microbial genera in CRC patients and healthy controls, indicating unique microbial signatures in both conditions. However, further investigation is needed to understand the roles of microbiota in CRC and healthy individuals.
Article
Cell Biology
Savvia Pittokopitou, Despina Mavrogianni, Vasilios Pergialiotis, Kalliopi I. Pappa, Panagiotis Antsaklis, Marianna Theodora, Michail Sindos, Angeliki Papapanagiotou, Aikaterini Domali, Sofoklis Stavros, Peter Drakakis, George Daskalakis
Summary: This study aimed to determine the expression of stemness markers in cytological specimens collected from women with cervical insufficiency during the second trimester of pregnancy and women with normal cervical length. The results showed higher expression of OCT-4 and NANOG in the cervical insufficiency group compared to the control group, while the difference in the DAZL gene was not significant. Additionally, a moderate correlation was found between OCT-4 and Nanog with cervical length. These findings suggest that enhanced activity of stemness biomarkers among pregnant women diagnosed with cervical insufficiency may predispose them to cervical insufficiency, but further validation in larger populations is needed.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Dimitrios Selianitis, Hector Katifelis, Maria Gazouli, Stergios Pispas
Summary: We synthesized hyperbranched polyelectrolyte copolymers, P(OEGMA-co-DIPAEMA), by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, and studied their complexation behavior with short-linear DNA molecules. The hyperbranched copolymers formed polyplexes with DNA, with nanoscale dimensions. The properties of the polyplexes were explored using various physicochemical methods, and the stability of polyplexes in the presence of serum proteins was found to be excellent. The cytotoxicity of the copolymers was evaluated and found to be sufficiently non-toxic. Based on our results, these copolymers could be useful candidates for gene delivery and related biomedical applications.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Nefeli Lagopati, Theodoros-Filippos Valamvanos, Vaia Proutsou, Konstantinos Karachalios, Natassa Pippa, Maria-Anna Gatou, Ioanna-Aglaia Vagena, Smaragda Cela, Evangelia A. Pavlatou, Maria Gazouli, Efstathios Efstathopoulos
Summary: Nanomedicine can contribute to early and accurate disease diagnosis through exhaled breath analysis (EBA), which is a non-invasive and cost-effective method. EBA has the potential to serve as a commercial tool for disease self-testing, leading to earlier diagnosis, treatment, and improved quality of life.
Review
Pediatrics
George Daskalakis, Alexandros Psarris, Antonios Koutras, Zacharias Fasoulakis, Ioannis Prokopakis, Antonia Varthaliti, Christina Karasmani, Thomas Ntounis, Ekaterini Domali, Marianna Theodora, Panos Antsaklis, Kalliopi I. Pappa, Angeliki Papapanagiotou
Summary: Preterm birth, a major public health concern worldwide, is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. This review analyzes the association between infections and premature birth. Intrauterine infection/inflammation is commonly associated with spontaneous preterm birth. Inflammation-induced overproduction of prostaglandins can lead to uterine contractions and contribute to preterm delivery. Various pathogens, including Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Gardnerella vaginalis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, Actinomyces, Candida spp., and Streptococcus spp., have been implicated in premature delivery, chorioamnionitis, and neonatal sepsis. Further research is needed to develop effective preventive methods and reduce neonatal morbidity.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ana Salome Pires, Sveva Bollini, Maria Filomena Botelho, Ingrid Lang-Olip, Peter Ponsaerts, Carolina Balbi, Anna Lange-Consiglio, Mathilde Fenelon, Slavko Mojsilovic, Ekaterine Berishvili, Fausto Cremonesi, Maria Gazouli, Diana Bugarski, Alexandra Gellhaus, Halima Kerdjoudj, Andreina Schoeberlein
Summary: Over the past 18 years, there has been a growing interest in the therapeutic use of perinatal derivatives (PnD). The COST SPRINT Action (CA17116) aims to provide systematic reviews of preclinical studies to understand the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of PnD in diseases and injuries. They describe strategies used to collect and analyze published data for meta-analyses and reviews of PnD therapies, with the goal of establishing standards for assessing safety and clinical benefit.
METHODS AND PROTOCOLS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maria-Anna Gatou, Ioanna-Aglaia Vagena, Nefeli Lagopati, Natassa Pippa, Maria Gazouli, Evangelia A. Pavlatou
Summary: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained increasing interest in the past decade due to their unique combination of organic and inorganic components, as well as their favorable characteristics and versatile applications. This article focuses on the advancements in utilizing MOFs for environmental remediation and as potential tools for disease diagnosis and drug delivery. It provides an overview of MOF evolution and synthetic techniques, addresses challenges and potential avenues for future advancements, and conducts a comprehensive comparison of materials used in these applications.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nefeli Lagopati, Natassa Pippa, Maria-Anna Gatou, Nefeli Papadopoulou-Fermeli, Vassilis G. Gorgoulis, Maria Gazouli, Evangelia A. Pavlatou
Summary: Aquatic habitats contain diverse species contributing to marine biodiversity, providing a rich source of chemical compounds for biomedical applications. The structural characteristics of marine and aquatic organisms make them promising candidates for tissue engineering in regenerative medicine. This article discusses the biomedical applications of biomaterials derived from seaweeds, marine sponges, arthropods, cnidaria, mollusks, etc., highlighting their sustainability and potential antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and anticancer effects.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Crystallography
Maria-Anna Gatou, Ioanna-Aglaia Vagena, Natassa Pippa, Maria Gazouli, Evangelia A. Pavlatou, Nefeli Lagopati
Summary: This review study presents the significance of crystalline carbon-based nanomaterials in biomedical applications. These nanomaterials, including graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, and graphene quantum dots, have emerged as promising materials for medical device development in various biomedical applications. Their unique properties allow for efficient interaction with biomolecules and enhanced light responses, offering promising opportunities for advancements in biomedicine.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Aikaterini Tsantikidi, Eirini Papadopoulou, Vasiliki Metaxa-Mariatou, George Kapetsis, Georgios Tsaousis, Angeliki Meintani, Chrysiida Florou-Chatzigiannidou, Maria Gazouli, Christos Papadimitriou, Eleni Timotheadou, Athanasios Kotsakis, Anastasios Boutis, Ioannis Boukovinas, Eleftherios Kampletsas, Loukas Kontovinis, Elena Fountzilas, Charalampos Andreadis, Charisios Karanikiotis, Dimitrios Filippou, Georgios Theodoropoulos, Mustafa Ozdogan, George Nasioulas
Summary: This study investigated the association between gLOH and gene alterations, and explored its role in assisting PARPi treatment. The results showed that HR variations and BRCA1/2 gene alterations were common in malignancies, highly correlated with %LOH. Furthermore, LOH status was associated with TP53 and KRAS status, but not with TMB value.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nikolas Dovrolis, Anastasia Moschoviti, Smaragdi Fessatou, George Karamanolis, George Kolios, Maria Gazouli
Summary: This study examines the role of the microbiome in the onset of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Through analyzing the microbiota of nine IBD families, specific patterns of microbial taxa were identified among patients and their families. The results suggest a potential role of maternal factors in the establishment and modulation of the early life microbiome.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Ioakeim Sapantzoglou, Angeliki Rouvali, Antonios Koutras, Maria Ioanna Chatziioannou, Ioannis Prokopakis, Zacharias Fasoulakis, Eleftherios Zachariou, Athanasios Douligeris, Anastasia Mortaki, Paraskevas Perros, Thomas Ntounis, Vasilios Pergialiotis, Ekaterini Domali, Stavros Athanasiou, George Daskalakis, Alexandros Rodolakis, Periklis Panagopoulos, Kalliopi I. I. Pappa
Summary: Twin pregnancies have a higher risk of developing PE compared to singletons, and the sFLT1/PIGF ratio is strongly associated with PE, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and timing of delivery. This systematic review aimed to summarize the data on sFLT1, PlGF, and their ratios in twin pregnancies and investigate their association with PE development, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and timing of delivery. The review found that sFLT1 levels and the sFLT1/PIGF ratio were higher in twins, especially in the third trimester, while PlGF levels were higher before the third trimester and then showed no difference or were even lower than in singletons. The sFLT1/PIGF ratio is an independent marker of adverse outcomes and is inversely associated with the mean time until delivery. Further research is needed to establish optimal sFLT1/PIGF cut-off values and stratify the risk in twin pregnancies.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Nikolas Dovrolis, Hector Katifelis, Stamatiki Grammatikaki, Roubini Zakopoulou, Aristotelis Bamias, Michalis V. Karamouzis, Kyriakos Souliotis, Maria Gazouli
Summary: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common form of renal cancer. The treatment of metastatic ccRCC (mccRCC) remains challenging despite the use of modern immunotherapy options. This study aims to explore changes in mRNA expression levels of inflammation and immunity-related genes in patient blood as potential biomarkers for predicting therapeutic efficacy. The results show that gene expression can accurately classify samples with high accuracy and specificity.
