Article
Respiratory System
Mingxia Du, Haibin Jiang, Hongxian Liu, Xin Zhao, Yu Zhou, Fang Zhou, Chunmei Piao, Guoqiang Xu, Feng Ma, Jianan Wang, Frederic Perros, Nicholas W. Morrell, Hong Gu, Jun Yang
Summary: The study indicates that BMPR2 regulates cardiac differentiation through IDs and USP9X, with the loss of ID1 and ID3 expression contributing to cardiomyocyte dysfunction in CHD-PAH patients with BMPR2 mutations.
EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dounia Ben Amar, Karine Thoinet, Benjamin Villalard, Olivier Imbaud, Clelia Costechareyre, Loraine Jarrosson, Florie Reynaud, Julia Novion Ducassou, Yohann Coute, Jean-Francois Brunet, Valerie Combaret, Nadege Corradini, Celine Delloye-Bourgeois, Valerie Castellani
Summary: Using experimental models mimicking the embryonic context and proteomic/transcriptomic analyses, this study demonstrates that signals released by embryonic sympathetic ganglia can induce the transformation of neuroblastoma cells and activate gene programs promoting metastasis.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Sung-Min Hwang, Sin-Hyeog Im, Dipayan Rudra
Summary: E and ID proteins play crucial roles in T cell development and function, influencing the differentiation and fate of T cells in multiple immune compartments. Understanding the endogenous proteins and signaling pathways that affect the dynamics of the E-ID axis is essential for a comprehensive understanding of T cell biology.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria A. Gomez-Munoz, Diana Aguilar-Morante, Ana Colmenero-Repiso, Aida Amador-Alvarez, Monica Ojeda-Puertas, Juan Antonio Cordero Varela, Ismael Rodriguez-Prieto, Ricardo Pardal, Francisco M. Vega
Summary: Neuroblastoma is a pediatric tumor with high heterogeneity and poor outcome. Patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) have been found to be useful models for studying neuroblastoma biology. In this study, we analyzed consecutive PDX passages to identify potential changes and correlations with neuroblastoma aggressiveness. We observed changes in gene expression and identified new genes and miRNAs that could be used for patient stratification and understanding tumor aggressiveness.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Ellen M. Westerhout, Mohamed Hamdi, Peter Stroeken, Natalia E. Nowakowska, Arjan Lakeman, Jennemiek van Arkel, Nancy E. Hasselt, Boris Bleijlevens, Nurdan Akogul, Franciska Haneveld, Alvin Chan, Peter van Sluis, Danny Zwijnenburg, Richard Volckmann, Carel J. M. van Noesel, Igor Adameyko, Tim van Groningen, Jan Koster, Linda J. Valentijn, Johan van Nes, Rogier Versteeg
Summary: Neuroblastoma cells can adopt different states, and immature MES cells have shown resistance to chemotherapy. However, dual treatment with ALK inhibitors and MES cell-targeting TRAIL can delay tumor relapse.
Review
Pediatrics
Shinsaku Imashuku, Akira Morimoto, Eiichi Ishii
Summary: HLH can be categorized as primary and secondary, with viral HLH being the major type across all age groups. Different types of HLH require specific treatment strategies, such as using immunomodulatory agents for EBV-HLH and more aggressive therapies for refractory cases.
Article
Oncology
Dongyang Zhang, Baocheng Gong, Qiang Zhao, Zhijie Li, Xiaolin Tan, Zhongyan Hua
Summary: Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial malignant solid tumor in children, caused by differentiation failure of neural crest cells. SOX4 has been identified as a potential target to induce NB cell differentiation, as it affects cell proliferation, neurites, and cell cycle.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hyemin Seo, Krishna Mohan Sepuru, Aarthi Putarjunan, Lyndsey Aguirre, Benjamin A. Burrows, Keiko U. Torii
Summary: Multicellular organisms develop specialized cell types to achieve complex functions of tissues and organs. Plant stomata differentiation is governed by sequential actions of specific bHLH proteins (SPCH, MUTE, and FAMA). The study reveals the important role of the SCRM C-terminal ACTL domain in heterodimerization selectivity.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ling Tao, Myrthala Moreno-Smith, Rodrigo Ibarra-Garcia-Padilla, Giorgio Milazzo, Nathan A. Drolet, Blanca E. Hernandez, Young S. Oh, Ivanshi Patel, Jean J. Kim, Barry Zorman, Tajhal Patel, Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal, Yanling Zhao, John Hicks, Sanjeev A. Vasudevan, Nagireddy Putluri, Cristian Coarfa, Pavel Sumazin, Giovanni Perini, Ronald J. Parchem, Rosa A. Uribe, Eveline Barbieri
Summary: This study shows that CHAF1A gain-of-function supports cell malignancy, blocks neuronal differentiation, and promotes NB oncogenesis. Mechanistically, CHAF1A upregulates polyamine metabolism, which blocks neuronal differentiation and promotes cell cycle progression.
Review
Pathology
Leonard Naymagon
Summary: Originally designed for pediatric HLH, the HLH-2004 criteria have been used to diagnose adult secondary HLH, raising questions about their applicability. Current evidence is lacking on the use of these criteria in adult secondary HLH cases.
PATHOLOGY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Xin Huang, Bingxuan Wu, Di Wu, Xiaoming Huang, Min Shen
Summary: Haploinsufficiency of GATA2, also known as GATA2 deficiency, can result in a wide range of clinical manifestations. In this study, we presented a case of a 28-year-old male with a GATA2 variant who also suffered from hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), ultimately diagnosed as HLH triggered by Mycobacterium avium bloodstream infection due to primary immunodeficiency. We also reviewed GATA2 deficiency patients with HLH and found that GATA2 variants causing loss of zinc finger domains were associated with HLH, with erythema nodosum possibly being an accompanying symptom.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Shaowei Bing, Senfeng Xiang, Zhimei Xia, Yilong Wang, Zhonghai Guan, Jinxin Che, Aixiao Xu, Xiaowu Dong, Ji Cao, Bo Yang, Jinhu Wang, Qiaojun He, Meidan Ying
Summary: Neuroblastoma, accounting for 15% of childhood tumor-related deaths, lacks effective treatments. Through compound library screening, AKT inhibitor Hu7691 was found to have potential differentiation-inducing effect on neuroblastoma. This study not only defines the key role of AKT in neuroblastoma differentiation but also provides potential drugs and targets for differentiation therapies.
ACTA PHARMACEUTICA SINICA B
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Megan Aubrey, Zachary J. Warburg, Cornelis Murre
Summary: The E/ID protein axis plays a crucial role in defining the development and functions of hematopoietic cells. It regulates gene expression and chromatin organization changes. By modulating the relative levels of E/Id proteins, hematopoietic stem cells can differentiate into various adaptive and innate immune cells, including natural killer cells, B cells, and T cells. At different stages of development, the E/Id protein axis orchestrates lineage-specific gene expression programs and VDJ recombination to promote T and B cell differentiation. It also affects class switch recombination and somatic hypermutation in B cells, as well as the differentiation and maturation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Chiara Benevenuta, Ilaria Mussinatto, Cecilia Orsi, Fabio S. S. Timeus
Summary: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and life-threatening condition characterized by uncontrolled and ineffective immune response, leading to hyperinflammation. This review focuses on secondary HLH in pediatric patients, discussing its epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, as well as subtypes and new insights in diagnosis and treatment.
EXPERIMENTAL AND THERAPEUTIC MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Rui Lu, Yang Li, Jiao Zhang, Yao Wang, Jie Zhang, Yu Li, Yong Zheng, Xue-Bao Li
Summary: In this study, we discovered that two bHLH/HLH transcription factors, GhFP2 and GhACE1, have antagonistic roles in regulating fiber elongation in cotton. GhFP2 inhibits fiber elongation by interacting with GhACE1 and suppressing its transcriptional activation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Silvia Pomella, Prethish Sreenivas, Berkley E. Gryder, Long Wang, David Milewski, Matteo Cassandri, Kunal Baxi, Nicole R. Hensch, Elena Carcarino, Young Song, Hsien-Chao Chou, Marielle E. Yohe, Benjamin Z. Stanton, Bruno Amadio, Ignazio Caruana, Cristiano De Stefanis, Rita De Vito, Franco Locatelli, Yidong Chen, Eleanor Y. Chen, Peter Houghton, Javed Khan, Rossella Rota, Myron S. Ignatius
Summary: SNAI2 is highly expressed in FN-RMS, activated by MYOD through super enhancers, competes with MYOD at certain myogenic enhancers, and blocks differentiation.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Wout De Wispelaere, Daniela Annibali, Sandra Tuyaerts, Diether Lambrechts, Frederic Amant
Summary: Immune checkpoint blockade therapy has shown significant breakthroughs in the field of cancer treatment, but resistance mechanisms exist in certain types of cancer. The resistance mechanisms of uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) to ICB have not been fully explored, but by understanding and targeting these mechanisms, treatment effectiveness can be improved.
Review
Oncology
Regina Esi Mensimah Baiden-Amissah, Daniela Annibali, Sandra Tuyaerts, Frederic Amant
Summary: Endometrial carcinomas (EC) are traditionally classified based on histopathology into type I and type II. However, the current risk assessment approaches fail to accurately classify patients into low-and high-risk groups. Molecular characteristics may serve as a better base for patient risk stratification and treatment decisions, but they have not been systematically applied in clinics yet. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) has redefined EC into four molecular subgroups, which could potentially help in improving risk stratification and treatment strategies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Charlotte Van den Eynde, Katrien De Clercq, Rieta Van Bree, Katrien Luyten, Daniela Annibali, Frederic Amant, Sileny Han, Els Van Nieuwenhuysen, Thais Baert, Karen Peeraer, Thomas Voets, Toon Van Gorp, Joris Vriens
Summary: The study revealed a strong association between TRP channel mRNA expression and cellular phenotypes in the endometrium. Specifically, TRPV2 and TRPC1 mRNA expression correlated with the mesenchymal phenotype, while TRPM4 mRNA expression was associated with the epithelial phenotype. These findings suggest that TRP channels could serve as biomarkers for high-risk endometrial cancer and potential targets for treatment.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Silvia Pomella, Matteo Cassandri, Maria Rita Braghini, Francesco Marampon, Anna Alisi, Rossella Rota
Summary: Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a crucial player in cancer and has high therapeutic value. Recent insights into the structure and nuclear functions of FAK suggest that targeting FAK could be an effective treatment approach. This article provides an update on FAK inhibitors currently in clinical trials and discusses the challenges and future directions of drug-based anti-FAK targeted therapies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lavinia Raimondi, Alessia Gallo, Nicola Cuscino, Angela De Luca, Viviana Costa, Valeria Carina, Daniele Bellavia, Matteo Bulati, Riccardo Alessandro, Milena Fini, Pier Giulio Conaldi, Gianluca Giavaresi
Summary: This study reveals a novel role of miR-CT3 in regulating tumor angiogenesis and progression in osteosarcoma cells, as well as its association with the modulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition proteins.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Willy Antoni Abreu de Oliveira, Youssef El Laithy, Alejandra Bruna, Daniela Annibali, Frederic Lluis
Summary: This review explores the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in mammary gland development and cancer, focusing on the interplay between its molecular network defects and breast cancer.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Angela De Luca, Daniele Bellavia, Lavinia Raimondi, Valeria Carina, Viviana Costa, Milena Fini, Gianluca Giavaresi
Summary: Resveratrol (RSV) exhibits multiple tumor-suppressing activities on osteosarcoma (OS) cell lines, including inhibition of cell growth, promotion of cell differentiation, inhibition of cell migration, and enhancement of cytotoxic effect in combination with chemotherapy.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tom Van Nyen, Melanie Planque, Lilian van Wagensveld, Joao A. G. Duarte, Esther A. Zaal, Ali Talebi, Matteo Rossi, Pierre-Rene Korner, Lara Rizzotto, Stijn Moens, Wout De Wispelaere, Regina E. M. Baiden-Amissah, Gabe S. Sonke, Hugo M. Horlings, Guy Eelen, Emanuele Berardi, Johannes Swinnen, Celia R. Berkers, Peter Carmeliet, Diether Lambrechts, Ben Davidson, Reuven Agami, Sarah-Maria Fendt, Daniela Annibali, Frederic Amant
Summary: Metabolic reprogramming is associated with cancer development and therapy resistance. In this study, the downregulation of serine biosynthesis enzyme PHGDH in a subset of patients is shown to be associated with relapse in platinum-treated ovarian cancers, as well as upregulation of NAD(+) and PARP activity. These findings reveal metabolic vulnerabilities with clinical implications for a subset of platinum-resistant ovarian cancers.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Silvia Pomella, Antonella Porrazzo, Matteo Cassandri, Simona Camero, Silvia Codenotti, Luisa Milazzo, Francesca Vulcano, Giovanni Barillari, Giovanni Cenci, Cinzia Marchese, Alessandro Fanzani, Francesca Megiorni, Rossella Rota, Francesco Marampon
Summary: This review summarizes the classification and management of rhabdomyosarcoma, with a focus on radiotherapy treatment and possible radiosensitizing strategies. It is found that rhabdomyosarcoma has radioresistance, and further studies are needed to dissect the molecular mechanisms of radioresistance in order to improve the efficacy of radiotherapy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Silvia Codenotti, Daniela Zizioli, Luca Mignani, Sara Rezzola, Giovanna Tabellini, Silvia Parolini, Arianna Giacomini, Michela Asperti, Maura Poli, Delia Mandracchia, Marika Vezzoli, Simona Bernardi, Domenico Russo, Stefania Mitola, Eugenio Monti, Luca Triggiani, Davide Tomasini, Stefano Gastaldello, Matteo Cassandri, Rossella Rota, Francesco Marampon, Alessandro Fanzani
Summary: In pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma, elevated Akt signaling promotes tumor malignancy by hyperactivating the mTOR/p70S6K pathway and enhancing cell invasion and migration. Inhibiting PI3K and Akt signaling can reverse the aggressive phenotype of tumor cells, while mTOR inhibition fails to block cell dissemination. Additionally, pronounced Akt1 signaling increases the susceptibility of tumor cells to certain treatments, such as 2-DG and lovastatin.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Silvia Pomella, Matteo Cassandri, Ombretta Melaiu, Francesco Marampon, Marco Gargari, Vincenzo Campanella, Rossella Rota, Giovanni Barillari
Summary: We analyzed the genomic and transcriptomic status of DNA damage response (DDR) genes in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and identified a signature of eight DDR genes that could predict OSCC response to antitumor compounds. Our results also showed correlations between the expression of certain DDR genes and OSCC grading and human papilloma virus infection.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Silvia Pomella, Sara G. Danielli, Rita Alaggio, Willemijn B. Breunis, Ebrahem Hamed, Joanna Selfe, Marco Wachtel, Zoe S. Walters, Beat W. Schaefer, Rossella Rota, Janet M. Shipley, Simone Hettmer
Summary: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma in children and adolescents, characterized by aberrant muscle differentiation. Abnormalities in the regulatory transcription factors (MRFs) involved in skeletal muscle development contribute to tumorigenesis in RMS. Core regulatory circuitries (CRCs) and hierarchically organized subsets of cells play a role in maintaining the disease-driving fusion oncogene and promoting malignancy in RMS. Understanding the genetic and epigenetic framework of abnormal muscle differentiation in RMS provides insights into its mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies.
Article
Oncology
Hanne Lefrere, Kat Moore, Giuseppe Floris, Joyce Sanders, Iris M. Seignette, Tycho Bismeijer, Dennis Peters, Annegien Broeks, Erik Hooijberg, Kristel Van Calsteren, Patrick Neven, Ellen Warner, Fedro Alessandro Peccatori, Sibylle Loibl, Charlotte Maggen, Sileny N. Han, Katarzyna J. Jerzak, Daniela Annibali, Diether Lambrechts, Karin E. de Visser, Lodewyk Wessels, Liesbeth Lenaerts, Frederic Amant
Summary: Patients with postweaning postpartum breast cancer (PP-BCPW) have a poor prognosis compared with other types of breast cancer. This study found that PP-BCPW patients with low expression of immunoglobulin genes but high infiltration of plasma B cells have an increased risk of metastasis and death.
CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Daniela Annibali, Sarah-Maria Fendt
Summary: The study demonstrates the transition of PHGDH to the nucleus following nutrient stress, impacting the activity of c-Jun and contributing to sustained cancer cell proliferation.