Review
Cell Biology
Joseph H. Garcia, Saket Jain, Manish K. Aghi
Summary: Glioblastoma is a deadly brain tumor with poor prognosis largely due to cellular invasion and metabolic adaptations. Recent studies have shown that metabolic reprogramming plays a role in GBM invasion and may offer novel therapeutic targets.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Andreas Bikfalvi, Joris Guyon, Thomas Daubon
Summary: Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive and vascularized malignancy. Recent studies have shown the important role of thrombospondin-1 in the development of glioblastoma.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Surgery
Yuling Gan, Yuan Yang, Yajiao Wu, Tingdong Li, Libing Liu, Fudong Liang, Jianghua Qi, Peng Liang, Dongsheng Pan
Summary: In this study, ireRNAs associated with the overall survival of melanoma patients were identified using TCGA data, and a prognostic signature was established. This signature can predict the overall survival of melanoma patients and is associated with the unique tumor microenvironment in melanoma. Several potential anti-cancer drugs for melanoma were also discovered.
FRONTIERS IN SURGERY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Weicheng Lu, Hong Chen, Bo Liang, Chaopeng Ou, Mingwei Zhang, Qiuyuan Yue, Jingdun Xie
Summary: The study identified the prognostic role of RCN1 for overall survival in patients with Glioblastoma multiforme, and indicated its promotion of cell invasion. A predictive prognostic model was constructed using RCN1 and clinical parameters, and pathways analyses revealed RCN1's involvement in KEAS and MYC pathways as well as apoptosis. In vitro experiments confirmed RCN1's role in promoting cell invasion, suggesting its potential as a targeted molecule for Glioblastoma multiforme treatment.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Jing Yan, Qiuchang Sun, Xiangliang Tan, Chaofeng Liang, Hongmin Bai, Wenchao Duan, Tianhao Mu, Yang Guo, Yuning Qiu, Weiwei Wang, Qiaoli Yao, Dongling Pei, Yuanshen Zhao, Danni Liu, Jingxian Duan, Shifu Chen, Chen Sun, Wenqing Wang, Zhen Liu, Xuanke Hong, Xiangxiang Wang, Yu Guo, Yikai Xu, Xianzhi Liu, Jingliang Cheng, Zhi-Cheng Li, Zhenyu Zhang
Summary: This study developed a deep learning imaging signature (DLIS) for risk stratification in patients with multiforme (GBM) and investigated the biological pathways and genetic alterations underlying DLIS. DLIS was associated with survival and an independent predictor. The integrated nomogram incorporating DLIS achieved improved prediction performance compared to the clinicomolecular nomogram. DLIS was correlated with core pathways of GBM and key genetic alterations.
EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Maxime Durand, Alicia Chateau, Justine Jubreaux, Jerome Devy, Hena Paquot, Gautier Laurent, Rana Bazzi, Stephane Roux, Nicolas Richet, Aurelie Reinhard-Ruch, Pascal Chastagner, Sophie Pinel
Summary: This study evaluated the radiosensitizing potential of Au@DTDTPA(Gd) nanoparticles combined with conventional external X-ray irradiation (RT) for treating GBM. Various biological models were used to investigate the impact of RT combined with Au@DTDTPA(Gd) nanoparticles on tumor progression. Results showed that the combination therapy reduced tumor invasion and decreased the number, viability, and aggressiveness of escaped tumor cells, thus reducing the risk of recurrence.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Cristina Cudalbu, Pierre Bady, Marta Lai, Lijing Xin, Olga Gusyatiner, Marie-France Hamou, Mario Lepore, Jean-Philippe Brouland, Roy T. Daniel, Andreas F. Hottinger, Monika E. Hegi
Summary: The study reveals the biological features of invasive growth in glioblastoma, emphasizing the importance of metabolic and transcriptomic changes observed in patient derived orthotopic xenografts. By tracking metabolic changes using ultra-high field H-1 Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, researchers were able to identify similarities in metabolite signatures between PDOX and patients' tumors, indicating potential for monitoring tumor progression and invasion. Additionally, transcriptome pathway analyses suggest molecular signatures of invasion, such as extracellular matrix degradation and reorganization, essential for understanding the mechanisms of extracellular matrix remodeling and cell-cell communication in highly invasive tumors like glioblastoma.
ACTA NEUROPATHOLOGICA COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Suqin Li, Shihuan Li, Qingjie Li, Fei Liu, Wenli Liao, Liangzhu Yu, Changhan Ouyang, Hongli Xia, Chao Liu, Mincai Li
Summary: This study found that neuromedin B (NMB) is overexpressed in glioblastoma (GBM) and is associated with patient prognosis. The results suggest that high expression of NMB is associated with extended survival in GBM patients, indicating that NMB may serve as a prognostic biomarker and immunotherapy target in GBM.
FRONTIERS IN BIOSCIENCE-LANDMARK
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Chuntao Li, Bo Chen, Junxia Zhang, Jingxuan Yang, Muzi Guo, Yu Ren, Zhijun Zhou, Kar-Ming Fung, Min Li, Liyang Zhang, Zhixiong Liu
Summary: SEM1 is highly expressed in gliomas and correlated with malignant features and poor prognosis. SEM1 plays a critical role in the proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration of glioma cells through regulating the PI3K-Akt pathway. The SEM1 malignant regulatory network shows significant importance for the prognosis and treatment of gliomas.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Xiaodong Chen, Fen Tian, Zeyu Wu
Summary: This study investigates the prognostic value of genomic instability-derived genes in glioblastoma (GBM) patients. They identified 154 differentially expressed genes in GBM patients with high and low tumor mutation burden, and established a risk score model using 9 genes. The risk score model reliably predicted the prognosis of GBM patients, and a nomogram combining the risk score and age showed good prognostic predictive value.
WORLD NEUROSURGERY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Saket Jain, Jonathan W. Rick, Rushikesh S. Joshi, Angad Beniwal, Jordan Spatz, Sabraj Gill, Alexander Chih-Chieh Chang, Nikita Choudhary, Alan T. Nguyen, Sweta Sudhir, Eric J. Chalif, Jia-Shu Chen, Ankush Chandra, Alexander F. Haddad, Harsh Wadhwa, Sumedh S. Shah, Serah Choi, Josie L. Hayes, Lin Wang, Garima Yagnik, Joseph F. Costello, Aaron Diaz, Dieter Henrik Heiland, Manish K. Aghi
Summary: Research has discovered the presence of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in glioblastoma, which interact with mesenchymal glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). These findings suggest that CAFs could be a potential target for the treatment of glioblastoma.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Claudia Alexandra Dumitru, Eileen Brouwer, Tamina Stelzer, Salvatore Nocerino, Sebastian Rading, Ludwig Wilkens, Ibrahim Erol Sandalcioglu, Meliha Karsak
Summary: The study identified Tctex1 as an independent prognostic marker for overall survival in GBM patients, with high expression significantly associated with short overall survival and progression-free survival. Tctex1 promotes the aggressiveness and proliferation of GBM cells, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target in GBM.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Zixuan Xiao, Wei Zhang, Guanzhang Li, Wendong Li, Lin Li, Ting Sun, Yufei He, Guang Liu, Lu Wang, Xiaohan Han, Hao Wen, Yong Liu, Yifan Chen, Haoyu Wang, Jing Li, Yubo Fan, Jing Zhang
Summary: This study provides an overview of non-malignant cells in the complex microenvironment of glioblastoma and analyzes their prognostic effects. The results show that astrocytes, macrophages, and other cell types are risk factors, while CD8 T cells and other specific cells play a protective role. The immune system and organogenesis are enriched in negative immune response clusters, while nervous system components are enriched in positive immune response clusters.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yasaman Barekatain, Jeffrey J. Ackroyd, Victoria C. Yan, Sunada Khadka, Lin Wang, Ko-Chien Chen, Anton H. Poral, Theresa Tran, Dimitra K. Georgiou, Kenisha Arthur, Yu-Hsi Lin, Nikunj Satani, Elliot S. Ballato, Eliot Behr, Ana C. deCarvalho, Roel G. W. Verhaak, John de Groot, Jason T. Huse, John M. Asara, Raghu Kalluri, Florian L. Muller
Summary: The homozygous deletion of MTAP in cancers like glioblastoma leads to elevated MTA levels, which inhibits PRMT5. However, primary glioblastoma tumors with MTAP deletion do not significantly accumulate MTA in vivo, as it is metabolized by MTAP-intact cells in the tumor microenvironment.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mai T. Ngo, Jann N. Sarkaria, Brendan A. C. Harley
Summary: This article introduces a 3D in vitro model of the perivascular niche, which helps to understand the behavior and progression of brain tumor cells around blood vessels, and reveals the role of pericytes and astrocytes in regulating tumor cell invasion, proliferation, and therapeutic response.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jiajia Xu, Wei Du, Yunhe Zhao, Kahleong Lim, Li Lu, Chengwu Zhang, Lin Li
Summary: Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, are characterized by progressive degeneration of neurons. Dysfunction of mitochondria is believed to be the underlying cause of these diseases, making mitochondria a preferred target for intervention. While some mitochondria-targeting drugs have shown promising outcomes, there are still obstacles that hinder their development.
ACTA PHARMACEUTICA SINICA B
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Kenrick Koh, Jun Kit Wang, James Xiao Yuan Chen, Shu Hui Hiew, Hong Sheng Cheng, Bartosz Gabryelczyk, Marcus Ivan Gerard Vos, Yun Sheng Yip, Liyan Chen, Radoslaw M. Sobota, Damian Kang Keat Chua, Nguan Soon Tan, Chor Yong Tay, Ali Miserez
Summary: This study developed a biocompatible fusion protein hydrogel that can encapsulate and release stem cell secretome, leading to improved healing and reduced inflammation in chronic wounds.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Dexter Kai Hao Thng, Tan Boon Toh, Paolo Pigini, Lissa Hooi, Yock Young Dan, Pierce Kah-Hoe Chow, Glenn Kunnath Bonney, Masturah Bte Mohd Abdul Rashid, Ernesto Guccione, Dave Keng Boon Wee, Edward Kai-Hua Chow
Summary: In this study, we demonstrated that using splice-switch oligonucleotide (SSO) technologies and quadratic phenotypic optimization platform (QPOP) analysis, CHK1 and BRD4 were identified as effective synthetic lethal targets in MYC-deregulated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), suppressing HCC progression.
BIOENGINEERING & TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Willcyn Tang, John Thundyil, Grace Gui Yin Lim, Teddy J. W. Tng, Sean Qing Zhang Yeow, Aditya Nair, Chou Chai, Tso-Pang Yao, Kah-Leong Lim
Summary: A novel pathway linking Parkin, SREBP2, and LPL in neuronal lipid homeostasis has been discovered, which may be relevant to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease.
HUMAN MOLECULAR GENETICS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yee Jie Yeap, Tng J. W. Teddy, Mok Jung Lee, Micaela Goh, Kah Leong Lim
Summary: Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of specific neurons in the midbrain. The etiology of PD is still unknown, and there is no cure for the disease. However, the recent development of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has allowed for the creation of PD models from patient-derived cells. These cells serve as valuable tools for understanding the mechanism underlying PD and for drug discovery. iPSC technology also provides the opportunity for autologous cell-based therapy. This review provides an update on the development and differentiation of iPSCs into midbrain neurons, as well as the use of these cells for drug discovery and regenerative medicine.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joel Yeh Siang Chen, Damien Chua, Carissa Odelia Lim, Wan Xi Ho, Nguan Soon Tan
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hong Sheng Cheng, Sin Pei Tan, David Meng Kit Wong, Wei Ling Yolanda Koo, Sunny Hei Wong, Nguan Soon Tan
Summary: Blood is no longer considered as sterile, as there is emerging evidence of genetic materials of microbes or pathogens in the blood circulation. The concept of a blood microbiome is crucial for physical well-being, but a core healthy blood microbiome has not been established. Dysbiosis of the blood microbial profile is associated with various health conditions, and specific microbial taxa have been identified in certain diseases. The presence of culturable blood microbes is still debated, but the genetic materials in the blood can potentially be used to enhance precision medicine for cancers, pregnancy-related complications, and asthma.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Dexter Kai Hao Thng, Lissa Hooi, Clarissa Chin Min Toh, Jhin Jieh Lim, Deepa Rajagopalan, Imran Qamar Charles Syariff, Zher Min Tan, Masturah Bte Mohd Abdul Rashid, Lei Zhou, Alfred Wei Chieh Kow, Glenn Kunnath Bonney, Brian Kim Poh Goh, Juinn Huar Kam, Sudhakar Jha, Yock Young Dan, Pierce Kah Hoe Chow, Tan Boon Toh, Edward Kai-Hua Chow
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly lethal cancer with high prevalence worldwide. In this study, we demonstrated the overexpression of histone methyltransferase G9a in HCC, particularly in Myc-driven liver tumors. The increased expression of G9a was associated with poor prognosis and lower survival rates in HCC patients. We also revealed the cooperative interaction between c-Myc and G9a in HCC, highlighting their role in gene repression and cancer development. Additionally, combination therapy targeting G9a and CDK9 showed promising efficacy in patient-derived models of Myc-driven HCC.
MOLECULAR ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jingru Xu, Mengjia Zheng, Dexter Kai Hao Thng, Tan Boon Toh, Lei Zhou, Glenn Kunnath Bonney, Yock Young Dan, Pierce Kah Hoe Chow, Chenjie Xu, Edward Kai-Hua Chow
Summary: SALL4 is an oncofetal protein that drives cancer progression and poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma and hematological malignancies. Due to the lack of well-structured binding pockets, targeted inhibitors for SALL4 are difficult to design. In this study, an AI-assisted platform utilizing molecular beacons and nanodiamonds was developed to evaluate patient-specific drug sensitivity for HCC treatment, providing efficient and rapid clinical decision support.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yufeng Shou, Zhicheng Le, Hong Sheng Cheng, Qimin Liu, Yi Zhen Ng, David Laurence Becker, Xianlei Li, Ling Liu, Chencheng Xue, Natalie Jia Ying Yeo, Runcheng Tan, Jessalyn Low, Arun R. K. Kumar, Kenny Zhuoran Wu, Hua Li, Christine Cheung, Chwee Teck Lim, Nguan Soon Tan, Yongming Chen, Zhijia Liu, Andy Tay
Summary: Chronic diabetic wounds pose a significant global healthcare challenge. This study develops a powerful platform technology that combines magneto-responsive hydrogel, cells, and wireless magneto-induced dynamic mechanical stimulation (MDMS) to accelerate diabetic wound healing. The technology activates cells and promotes angiogenesis, leading to improved wound closure, and allows on-demand insulin release.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hwee Hui Lau, Nicole A. J. Krentz, Fernando Abaitua, Marta Perez-Alcantara, Jun-Wei Chan, Jila Ajeian, Soumita Ghosh, Yunkyeong Lee, Jing Yang, Swaraj Thaman, Benoite Champon, Han Sun, Alokkumar Jha, Shawn Hoon, Nguan Soon Tan, Daphne Su-Lyn Gardner, Shih Ling Kao, E. Shyong Tai, Anna L. Gloyn, Adrian Kee Keong Teo
Summary: The coding variant of the PAX4 gene is associated with an altered risk of type 2 diabetes in East Asian populations. This study found that individuals carrying the specific allele of PAX4 exhibited decreased pancreatic beta cell function, and a newly identified allele was found in some diabetes patient pedigrees. Knockdown of the PAX4 gene resulted in impaired insulin secretion and altered hormone gene expression in a human beta cell model. In vitro differentiation experiments also showed that cells carrying specific risk alleles exhibited increased polyhormonal endocrine cell formation and decreased insulin content.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yan Zhang, Chi Yan Wong, Carine Z. J. Lim, Qingchang Chen, Zhonglang Yu, Auginia Natalia, Zhigang Wang, Qing You Pang, See Wee Lim, Tze Ping Loh, Beng Ti Ang, Carol Tang, Huilin Shao
Summary: Current technologies to subtype glioblastoma (GBM) rely on invasive brain biopsies. In this study, the authors develop a digital platform called EZ-READ to detect and characterize GBM using circulating RNAs in extracellular vesicles. The platform utilizes an RNA-responsive transducer to convert and enhance signals from rare RNA targets, allowing for programmable and reliable RNA detection directly in blood samples. When evaluated clinically, the EZ-READ platform shows promising results for accurate blood-based diagnosis and subtyping of GBM.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jeannie Xue Ting Lee, Wei Ren Tan, Zun Siong Low, Jia Qi Lee, Damien Chua, Wisely Duan Chi Yeo, Benedict See, Marcus Ivan Gerard Vos, Tomohiko Yasuda, Sachiyo Nomura, Hong Sheng Cheng, Nguan Soon Tan
Summary: Metastasis is regulated by gene networks, and disruption of these networks can yield promising outcomes. The signaling protein YWHAG is identified as a hub gene with clinical relevance in various cancers. It is shown that YWHAG plays a role in protecting cancer cells from oxidative stress and is associated with enhanced autophagy during metastasis. The expression level of YWHAG is correlated with metastasis potential and survival time in tumors.
Review
Oncology
Chin Sern Yiong, Tzu Ping Lin, Vivian Yujing Lim, Tan Boon Toh, Valerie Shiwen Yang
Summary: Sarcomas, a type of cancer of mesenchymal origin, are not well understood. Recent advancements in cancer immunotherapy have shown that immune checkpoint inhibitors may be more effective than traditional chemotherapy in some sarcomas. However, most sarcoma patients do not respond to this treatment, highlighting the need for predictive biomarkers to identify those who will benefit.
BIOMARKER RESEARCH
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Damien Chua, Hong Sheng Cheng, Nguan Soon Tan
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2023)