Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jing Mao, Zhuchi Zhang, Yongde Chen, Tao Wu, Viktor Fersht, Yan Jin, Jing Meng, Min Zhang
Summary: Sea cucumber peptide (SCP) has shown inhibitory effects on proliferation and invasion of lung cancer cells, as well as reducing tumor growth and increasing survival time in mice. The mechanism of action may involve the regulation of miR-378a-5p and TUSC2 to suppress tumor growth. This study provides a basis for further development of SCP as an anti-tumor nutritional supplement and explores the molecular mechanism of food-derived active peptides in anti-tumor applications.
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Pengyu Jia, Nan Wu, Huimin Yang, Yuxuan Guo, Xiaofan Guo, Yingxian Sun
Summary: BAG3 protein is highly expressed in the heart and plays a significant role in both physiological hypertrophy and pathological remodeling. Knockout of BAG3 inhibits physiological hypertrophy while exacerbating pathological remodeling, whereas overexpression of BAG3 promotes physiological hypertrophy and inhibits pathological remodeling.
TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Jufang Wang, Dhadendra Tomar, Thomas G. Martin, Shubham Dubey, Praveen K. Dubey, Jianliang Song, Gavin Landesberg, Michael G. Mccormick, Valerie D. Myers, Salim Merali, Carmen Merali, Bonnie Lemster, Charles F. Mctiernan, Kamel Khalili, Muniswamy Madesh, Joseph Y. Cheung, Jonathan A. Kirk, Arhtur M. Feldman
Summary: Bag3 is widely expressed in various animal species, with higher levels observed in the heart, skeletal muscle, central nervous system, and many cancers. Studies show that hearts carrying alleles with one knockout of BAGS exhibit significant changes in multiple cellular pathways, such as apoptosis, autophagy, mitochondrial homeostasis, and the inflammasome, even before clinical signs of dilatation and heart failure occur.
JACC-BASIC TO TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Jiao Zeng, Xinjing Ding, Jianghua Ding, Xin Wang
Summary: Histological transformation can occur in advanced non-small cell lung cancer, both with EGFR mutations following EGFR-TKI treatment and without driver gene mutations after developing resistance to immunotherapy. It is commonly observed as a conversion from lung squamous cell carcinoma to lung adenocarcinoma, with rare cases of conversion into small cell lung cancer.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ling-Ling Zhao, Jiao-Na Gu, Xiao-Fang Zhu, Yin Hu, Hong Cao, Na Yao, Hua Sang, Bei-Bei Guo, Yu-Hang Wang, Hong-Yan Qian, Wei-Zhong Zhu
Summary: Despite previous studies confirming the anti-apoptotic effect of Bcl-2 associated athanogene3 (BAG3) in myocardium, the specific structural domains PXXP and BAG responsible for this protection have not been fully understood. Over-expression of BAG3 has been shown to reduce injury induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation in both neonatal and adult rat cardiomyocytes, with PXXP and BAG domains playing a critical role in cellular protection under H/R stress. The results suggest that BAG3's protective effect on apoptosis induced by H/R stress is closely linked to its structural domains PXXP and BAG, pointing towards a potential new therapeutic strategy for ischemic cardiomyopathy.
FRONTIERS IN BIOSCIENCE-LANDMARK
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qinghan Liu, Jinde Liu, Xinyue Huang
Summary: BAG3, a multifunctional protein, participates in major cellular pathways and plays a crucial role in hematological malignancies. Modulation of BAG3 and its corresponding proteins could be a potential target for therapy and experiments. This review provides a reference for further investigations on the characteristics of BAG3 in hematological malignancies.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-REVIEWS ON CANCER
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Xia Liu, Qinlian Ye, Zhengzheng Huang, Xiuping Li, Liping Zhang, Xuan Liu, Yun-Cheng Wu, Ulf Brockmeier, Dirk M. Hermann, Ya-Chao Wang, Lijie Ren
Summary: In this study, a switch from UPS to autophagy due to changes in BAG3 expression was observed in cerebral ischemia. BAG3 overexpression activated autophagy and inhibited apoptosis, leading to improved neurological function and reduced ischemic injury.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Madhu Singh, Karthik Dhanabalan, Joseph Verry, Ayotunde O. Dokun
Summary: B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) protein, a member of the BAG family, plays a crucial role in cellular adaptive responses to stress stimuli. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate the expression of BAG3 and are involved in the regulation of various biological processes. Dysregulation of miRNA expression is associated with the pathogenesis of diseases, including peripheral artery disease (PAD). BAG3 is critical in regulating the response of skeletal muscle cells to ischemia through its regulation of autophagy. This review highlights the important role of miRNAs in regulating BAG3 expression under normal and pathological conditions.
EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Xinlin Liang, Anqi Lin, Qiongyao Wang, Jian Zhang, Peng Luo
Summary: The study summarizes the clinical understanding and genome status of transformed small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and discusses current clinical trials related to this transformation. The aim is to identify key molecular markers for predicting the occurrence of the transformation and improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Caitlin B. Conboy, Jennifer A. Yonkus, Eee L. N. H. Buckarma, Dong-Gi Mun, Nathan W. Werneburg, Ryan D. Watkins, Roberto Alva-Ruiz, Jennifer L. Tomlinson, Yi Guo, Juan Wang, Daniel O'Brien, Chantal E. McCabe, Erik Jessen, Rondell P. Graham, Rogier C. Buijsman, Diep Vu, Jos de Man, Sumera I. Ilyas, Mark J. Truty, Mitesh Borad, Akhilesh Pandey, Gregory J. Gores, Rory L. Smoot
Summary: A novel LCK inhibitor, NTRC 0652-0, was found to inhibit YAP signaling in CCA cells. It decreased tyrosine phosphorylation, nuclear localization, and co-transcriptional activity of YAP, leading to apoptotic cell death in CCA cell lines. FGFR2 fusion-positive CCA was identified as a susceptible subset, and NTRC 0652-0 showed preclinical efficacy in patient-derived organoid and xenograft models.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Dan Wang, Jianfei Chen, Bohan Li, Qingling Jiang, Ling Liu, Ziyi Xia, Qiusheng Zheng, Minjing Li, Defang Li
Summary: Emerging evidence suggests that lncRNA-Gm31932 is significantly decreased in ATRA and PB-4-induced mouse melanoma B16 cells. Silencing lncRNA-Gm31932 inhibits cell proliferation, induces cell cycle arrest and differentiation, and affects the expression of cell cycle-related proteins through the miR-344d-3-5p/Prc1 (and Nuf2) axis.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Margot De Marco, Antonia Falco, Roberta Laccarino, Antonio Raffone, Antonio Mono, Maurizio Guida, Alessandra Rosati, Massimiliano Chetta, Giovanni Genovese, Francesco De Caro, Mario Capunzo, Maria Caterina Turco, Vladimir N. Uversky, Liberato Marzullo
Summary: BAG3, a multidomain protein, plays a role in cellular processes such as apoptosis, autophagy, and cytoskeletal dynamics. It has been reported to promote cell survival and resistance to therapy in certain tumors, and its expression is associated with ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers. Additionally, the interaction of BAG3 with human papillomavirus proteins may contribute to our understanding of virus-induced oncogenesis.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Paula Llabata, Manuel Torres-Diz, Antonio Gomez, Laureano Tomas-Daza, Octavio A. Romero, Joaquim Grego-Bessa, Pere Llinas-Arias, Alfonso Valencia, Manel Esteller, Biola M. Javierre, Xiaoyang Zhang, Montse Sanchez-Cespedes
Summary: MAX mutant SCLCs have either ASCL1 or NEUROD1 or combined characteristics, are MYC independent, and show deficient ncPRC1.6-mediated gene repression.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Zhi Wang, Lingling Zhang, Wenwen Xu, Jie Li, Yi Liu, Xiaozhu Zeng, Maoxi Zhong, Yuxi Zhu
Summary: In this study, we identified potential genes associated with EGFR-TKI resistance in lung cancer and found that SPP1 may play a crucial role in resistance to EGFR-TKIs. Furthermore, high expression of SPP1 was also associated with tumor immune infiltration and poor prognosis.
JOURNAL OF INFLAMMATION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Vito Quaranta, Amanda Linkous
Summary: Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive tumor that has a strong propensity for metastasizing to the brain. Recent studies have shown that SCLC tumors are comprised of multiple subtypes, and the interactions and transitions between these subtypes are believed to play a role in SCLC metastasis and progression. In this review, the authors discuss the advantages of using cerebral organoids as a research platform for studying SCLC brain metastasis, and how systems approaches can be used to integrate ex vivo cultures with in vivo observations. Overall, the authors propose that these approaches can help uncover general principles of brain metastasis.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pathology
Marco Montella, Stefano Luca, Andrea Ronchi, Federica Zito Marino, Alessandro Caputo, Antonello Sica, Pio Zeppa, Renato Franco, Immacolata Cozzolino
Summary: This article reports a series of 12 cases of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) diagnosed by cytology. The results show that the cytological diagnosis of ALCL can be challenging, and rapid on-site evaluation, cell block preparation, immunocytochemistry, and molecular assessment are necessary for accurate diagnosis and differential diagnosis. When samples are properly managed, cytology can provide a reliable final diagnosis of ALCL.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rafael Franco, Joan Serrano-Marin
Summary: The tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, is essential for energy production and anabolic processes in cells. While not as tightly regulated as other key metabolic pathways, it plays a crucial role in understanding and addressing diseases related to mitochondrial dysfunction. This article suggests the need for better understanding and regulation of TCA cycle enzyme activity, including the possible direct regulation by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in mitochondrial membranes.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Claudia Conte, Giuseppe Longobardi, Antonio Barbieri, Giuseppe Palma, Antonio Luciano, Giovanni Dal Poggetto, Concetta Avitabile, Annalisa Pecoraro, Annapina Russo, Giulia Russo, Paola Laurienzo, Alessandra Romanelli, Fabiana Quaglia
Summary: The surface functionalization of biodegradable nanoparticles with tumor-targeting peptides has the potential to improve the efficacy of nano-oncologicals. This study proposes a non-covalent strategy to functionalize polyester aminic nanoparticles with a peptide modified with an anchoring moiety, resulting in strong association between the peptides and nanoparticles. The functionalized nanoparticles entered cancer cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis and exhibited time- and dose-dependent cytotoxicity when loaded with an anticancer drug. In a mouse model, the functionalized nanoparticles demonstrated superior anticancer activity and survival compared to free drug and nanoparticles without peptide functionalization.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Edoardo Tacconi, Giuseppe Palma, Davide De Biase, Antonio Luciano, Massimiliano Barbieri, Filomena de Nigris, Francesca Bruzzese
Summary: TMAO is a microbial metabolite that is closely related to gut microbiota and has implications for gastrointestinal cancers, cardiovascular disease, and systemic inflammation. The composition of gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the production of pro-inflammatory TMAO, and the culprits may be certain food sources such as high fat meat, offal, egg yolk, whole dairy products, and fatty fish.
Article
Pathology
Andrea Ronchi, Marco Montella, Emma Carraturo, Eduardo Clery, Federica Zito Marino, Martina Amato, Giuseppe Argenziano, Elvira Moscarella, Gabriella Brancaccio, Teresa Troiani, Pasquale Alfano, Roberto Alfano, Renato Franco, Immacolata Cozzolino
Summary: BRAF molecular evaluation on cell suspension obtained from FNAC needle rinses is a time-saving and accurate technique for diagnostic and predictive purpose in the clinical practice.
Review
Oncology
Sabrina Bimonte, Giuseppe Palma, Marco Cascella, Arturo Cuomo
Summary: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression. Current hormonal therapies are ineffective, and chemotherapy is the main treatment option. However, TNBC has a higher risk of metastasis, recurrence, and reduced survival compared to other subtypes. Preliminary studies suggest that cannabinoids derived from Cannabis sativa and synthetic cannabinoids may have potential antitumor effects, but further clinical studies are needed to explore their efficacy and safety in TNBC patients.
ANTICANCER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Anna Basile, Carla Zannella, Margot De Marco, Giuseppina Sanna, Gianluigi Franci, Massimiliano Galdiero, Aldo Manzin, Vincenzo De Laurenzi, Massimiliano Chetta, Alessandra Rosati, Maria Caterina Turco, Liberato Marzullo
Summary: Researchers have developed a specific antibody against IFITM2 that can interfere with the invasion of SARS-CoV-2 and reduce its damage to host cells. This antibody also reduces the damage caused by other viruses such as HSV and RSV, suggesting that IFITM2 may have a similar mechanism of invasion to other viruses. These results demonstrate the specific role of IFITM2 in viral entry and its potential as a cell target for antiviral therapies.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Letter
Psychiatry
Rafael Franco, Eva Martinez-Pinilla
Summary: Theobromine consumption in cocoa/chocolate is associated with an increased risk of depression, according to a recent article in BMC Psychiatry. However, it is challenging to establish a correlation between dietary habits and depression risk, as the diagnosis of depression is complex. Additionally, assessing the amount of theobromine is not easy due to variations in chocolate brands and cocoa percentage. Alternatively, it is speculated that individuals with depression may benefit from consuming products containing theobromine. Further research could explore the correlation between theobromine intake and the type of therapy used in depressed individuals, as some antidepressant drugs affect cravings for sweet products.
Article
Oncology
Stefano Luca, Renato Franco, Antonella Napolitano, Valeria Soria, Andrea Ronchi, Federica Zito Marino, Carminia Maria Della Corte, Floriana Morgillo, Alfonso Fiorelli, Antonio Luciano, Giuseppe Palma, Claudio Arra, Sabrina Battista, Laura Cerchia, Monica Fedele
Summary: Lung cancer, especially non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), has a high mortality rate and lacks effective therapies. Immunotherapy shows promise, but predicting success is challenging. This study investigated the relationship between PATZ1 and PD-L1 expression in NSCLC and found that they are negatively associated. PATZ1 overexpression downregulates PD-L1 expression and inhibits NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, suggesting it may act as a tumor suppressor in NSCLC.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Claudia Llinas del Torrent, Iu Raich, Angel Gonzalez, Nil Casajuana-Martin, Jaume Lillo, Joan Biel Rebassa, Carlos Ferreiro-Vera, Veronica Saanchez de Medina, Rafael Franco, Gemma Navarro, Leonardo Pardo
Summary: The amino acid at position 6.51 plays a key role in the initial mechanism of activation of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) that recognize signaling molecules derived from lipid species. This study provides insights into the binding and activation abilities of THC and the agonist JWH-133 on CB1 and CB2 receptors.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL INFORMATION AND MODELING
(2023)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Alessandra Rosati, Liberato Marzullo, Margot De Marco, Vincenzo De Laurenzi, Maria Francesca D'Amico, Maria Caterina Turco
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Anna Lisa Cammarota, Antonia Falco, Anna Basile, Carlo Molino, Massimiliano Chetta, Gianni D'Angelo, Liberato Marzullo, Margot De Marco, Maria Caterina Turco, Alessandra Rosati
Summary: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with a poor prognosis, and a more detailed understanding of its biology is needed to develop effective therapies. This article discusses the role of cancer-secreted proteins in the complex tumor microenvironment and tumor-stroma crosstalk, highlighting potential molecular targets for the development of innovative, safer, and more efficient therapeutic strategies.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Bruno Charlier, Albino Coglianese, Federica De Rosa, Armando Cozzolino, Giovanni Boccia, Anna Borrelli, Mario Capunzo, Giovanni Genovese, Francesco De Caro, Amelia Filippelli, Fabrizio Dal Piaz, Viviana Izzo
Summary: The exposure of healthcare workers to antineoplastic drugs can lead to adverse health events due to chemical contamination of work surfaces. A UHPLC-MS/MS based protocol was developed and applied for the environmental monitoring of hospital working areas contaminated with various chemotherapeutics. The study uncovered critical aspects in the working protocols and workspace organization, leading to improved safety for healthcare workers.
JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Niklas Rosier, Denise Moennich, Martin Nagl, Hannes Schihada, Alexei Sirbu, Nergis Konar, Irene Reyes-Resina, Gemma Navarro, Rafael Franco, Peter Kolb, Paolo Annibale, Steffen Pockes
Summary: Dopamine D-1-like receptors are the most abundant type of dopamine receptors in the central nervous system. The synthesis of new fluorescent ligands derived from D1R antagonist SCH-23390 was described, which can be used as tools for the visualization of D-1-like receptors. The high-affinity ligand UR-NR435 (25) showed excellent selectivity towards D-1-like receptors and proved to be a neutral antagonist in binding studies. This fluorescent ligand is a useful tool for studying native D-1 receptors in various experimental setups.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martin Nagl, Denise Moennich, Niklas Rosier, Hannes Schihada, Alexei Sirbu, Nergis Konar, Irene Reyes-Resina, Gemma Navarro, Rafael Franco, Peter Kolb, Paolo Annibale, Steffen Pockes
Summary: This study describes the synthesis of a set of new fluorescent ligands for visualization of dopamine D-2-like receptors. The ligand UR-MN212 (20) showed high affinity for D-2-like receptors and moderate selectivity towards D-1-like receptors. It displayed rapid association with D2longR and can be used for fluorescence microscopy studies. The ligand's binding affinity was determined in a single-digit nanomolar range, consistent with radioligand binding data.
