Article
Oncology
Ji-Hak Jeong, Uttam Ojha, Hyeonha Jang, Soohyun Kang, Sunhee Lee, You Mie Lee
Summary: The study showed that Avastin, a protease inhibitor, suppresses tumor growth and metastasis, as well as inhibits tumor dissemination by regulating angiogenesis and normalizing tumor vasculature. Additionally, Avastin was found to have inhibitory effects on the VEGFR2/PI3K/AKT pathway in endothelial cells of tumor vasculature, and on the I kappa B alpha/NF Kappa B(p65)/MMP-9 pathway in cancer cells, thereby suppressing their migration ability. Moreover, Avastin was found to enhance the integrity of tumor vasculature, improving the drug delivery efficacy of cisplatin and synergistically increasing its anti-tumor activity.
Article
Fisheries
Yilong Wang, Hang Xu, Boguang Sun
Summary: In this study, a lysosomal cysteine protease CsCatH was identified from half-smooth tongue sole. CsCatH and CsCatB were upregulated upon infection by E. tarda, a severe fish pathogen. Knockdown of CsCatH and CsCatB increased the replication of E. tarda and mitigated E. tarda-induced apoptosis in tongue sole tissues. These findings reveal the importance of CsCatH and CsCatB in the anti-bacterial immunity of tongue sole.
FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
J. G. Santos, H. Lopes, H. Moreno, M. A. Ramirez, F. G. Garcia, A. Z. Simoes
Summary: In this study, NiFe2O4 nanoparticles were prepared using the polymeric precursor method with or without CTAB as a surfactant. The addition of CTAB significantly enhanced the magnetic properties of the nanoparticles and demonstrated anti-angiogenic activity in the study.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tamim Kawakibi, Niharika Bala, Lauren P. Liu, Louis A. Searcy, Nancy D. Denslow, Abdel A. Alli
Summary: We hypothesized that actin cytoskeleton proteins, various lipids regulated by cathepsin B, and kinases regulated by lipids would be down-regulated in the kidney of cathepsin B knockout mice. Our results showed that the expression and proteolysis of actin cytoskeleton proteins and specific lipids were significantly reduced in the kidney cortex membrane fractions of cathepsin B knockout mice. In addition, protein kinase C activity was lower in the kidney cortex of cathepsin B knockout mice compared to wild-type mice.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhen-Ling Liu, Huan-Huan Chen, Li-Li Zheng, Li-Ping Sun, Lei Shi
Summary: Angiogenesis is a complex process regulated by various molecules and plays a crucial role in tumor growth and metastasis. Targeted therapeutic research based on these molecules has led to the emergence of promising anti-angiogenic strategies in cancer therapy.
SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION AND TARGETED THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yogesh M. Scindia, Mohammed F. Gholam, Alina Waleed, Lauren P. Liu, Kevin M. Chacko, Dhruv Desai, Juliana Pena Lopez, Zeeshan Malik, Whitney C. Schramm, Angelica G. Morales, Morgan Carson-Marino, Abdel A. Alli
Summary: Diabetic nephropathy is a primary cause of morbidity in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, and recent studies have shown that hypertension can worsen the outcomes of diabetic nephropathy. This study aimed to investigate the blood pressure regulating ability of metformin in hypertensive diabetic mice. The results showed that metformin can normalize blood pressure in these mice.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ashif Bhuiyan, Pratikkumar Rathod, Sarbani Ghoshal, Dibyendu Dana, Tuhin Das, Guoshen Li, Anna A. Dickson, Faiza Rafi, Gopal S. Subramaniam, Karl R. Fath, Suneeta Paroly, Emmanuel J. Chang, Sanjai K. Pathak
Summary: In this study, a novel human cathepsin B probe KDA-1 was developed and characterized for detecting active cellular cathepsin B. This probe is expected to have significant applications in functional proteomics involving human cathepsin B enzyme.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Ilaria Saltarella, Concetta Altamura, Carmen Campanale, Paola Laghetti, Angelo Vacca, Maria Antonia Frassanito, Jean-Francois Desaphy
Summary: Angiogenesis is a critical factor in multiple myeloma, affecting patients' prognosis, survival, and drug resistance. Various anti-angiogenic drugs targeting angiogenic cytokines and their receptors have been developed, along with standard antimyeloma drugs that also exhibit anti-angiogenic effects. This review examines the pharmacological profile and in vitro and in vivo anti-angiogenic effects of these therapies. Although direct targeting of angiogenic cytokines/receptors has shown limited efficacy, there is a need for a deeper understanding of the bone marrow angiogenic niche to develop novel multi-targeting anti-angiogenic therapies.
Article
Oncology
Hansol Lee, Angela L. Ferguson, Camelia Quek, Ismael A. Vergara, Ines Pires daSilva, Ruth Allen, Tuba Nur Gide, Jordan W. Conway, Lambros T. Koufariotis, Nicholas K. Hayward, Nicola Waddell, Matteo S. Carlino, Alexander M. Menzies, Robyn P. M. Saw, Elena Shklovskaya, Helen Rizos, Serigne Lo, Richard A. Scolyer, Georgina V. Long, Umaimaintha Palendira, James S. Wilmott
Summary: This study characterized intratumoral macrophage populations in melanoma biopsies and investigated the association between CD16-expressing macrophage densities and treatment outcomes for patients receiving anti-PD-1 monotherapy or a combination with anti-CTLA-4. The results showed that patients who responded to combination therapy had higher CD16 macrophage densities compared to those who did not respond. Additionally, patients with high intratumoral densities of CD16 macrophages had a significantly longer progression-free survival. These findings suggest that CD16 macrophages may serve as a potential biomarker for response to combination immunotherapies in metastatic melanoma patients.
CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Su Jung Hwang, Yeonghun Jung, Ye-Seul Song, Suryeon Park, Yohan Park, Hyo-Jong Lee
Summary: A novel melatonin derivative, N-butyryl-5-methoxytryptamine (NB-5-MT), showed potent targeting activity against HIF-1 alpha, leading to decreased angiogenesis, reactive oxygen species generation, and tumor growth, with enhanced anti-angiogenic effects compared to melatonin. NB-5-MT represents a promising lead for the development of anticancer compounds targeting HIF-1 alpha, offering potential as a novel therapeutic agent for cancer with overexpressed HIF-1 alpha.
JOURNAL OF PINEAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Abel Vieira de Melo Bisneto, Amanda Silva Fernandes, Vivianne de Souza Velozo Sa, Jefferson Hollanda Veras, Estefane Thaine Sodre Soares, Aline Ferreira da Silva Santos, Clever Gomes Cardoso, Elisangela de Paula Silveira-Lacerda, Cristiene Costa Carneiro, Lee Chen-Chen
Summary: This study found that azathioprine (AZA) exhibits potent antiangiogenic activity at higher concentrations in the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay, leading to a significant decrease in evaluated parameters and reduced levels of important cytokines TGF-beta and VEGF. These results provide new information for the potential application of AZA in anticancer treatment.
MICROVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lianqi Liu, Xingquan Pan, Fei Xie, Xin Xu, Dian Xiao, Junhai Xiao, Xinbo Zhou
Summary: A novel strategy of preparing CDDO-Me prodrugs with CTSB linkers and PEG moieties was reported, aiming to shield the CUK part for improved water solubility and safety. Some prodrugs exhibited promising activities and showed lower potential safety risks compared to CDDO-Me.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Xiang Ma, Younan Wang, Hao Fan, Chuming Zhu, Wangwang Chen, Zengliang Li, Jian Xiao, Peidong Ni, Zekuan Xu, Li Yang
Summary: This study investigated the correlation of CTSB-related polymorphisms with gastric cancer (GC) risk and prognosis, finding that certain variants were associated with decreased risks of GC, earlier T stage, and better overall prognosis. The results suggest the importance of CTSB-related polymorphisms in predicting GC risk and prognosis.
Article
Immunology
Dandan Chen, Li Zhao, Yingxin Dai, Fang Du, Enling Li, Xiangyu Niu, Zhiqing Wang, Bing Zheng, Liangjing Lu
Summary: Anti-DFS70 antibodies are not associated with the development of LN in SLE patients, but they are associated with anti-dsDNA antibodies, proliferative LN, and renal activity index.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Sara Novi, Vincenzo Vestuto, Pietro Campiglia, Nicola Tecce, Alessia Bertamino, Mario Felice Tecce
Summary: Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are major causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. Both conditions lead to liver damage, inflammation, and a vicious cycle of ongoing damage and progression. Anti-angiogenic therapy has shown potential in treating these liver disorders and preventing their exacerbation. This review focuses on the role of natural anti-angiogenic compounds in steatohepatitis and their therapeutic benefits in diet-induced liver inflammation.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Roxana Roshankhah, Guoqiang Chen, Yating Xu, Nikhila Butani, Yves Durocher, Robert Pelton, Raja Ghosh
Summary: This study examines the purification of Trastuzumab using cation-exchange z(2) laterally-fed membrane chromatography (z(2)LFMC). The results show that the z(2)LFMC process is comparable to protein A affinity chromatography in terms of purity and recovery, but it is faster and does not require acidic conditions. The productivity of Trastuzumab with the z(2)LFMC process is more than 3 times higher than with column-based purification. Therefore, z(2)LFMC could be a cheaper and more efficient alternative to protein A affinity chromatography.
BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sebastian Juan Reyes, Yves Durocher, Phuong Lan Pham, Olivier Henry
Summary: The growing biopharmaceutical industry has enabled the monitoring of key variables for process characterization and outcome predictions. Technological innovation in sensing technologies allows for continuous online monitoring of quality attributes, leading to improved process control and outcome prediction. This paper reviews state-of-the-art sensing technologies and their applications in cell culture monitoring, emphasizing the push towards industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing in the biopharmaceutical sector.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Simon Joubert, Julie Guimond, Sylvie Perret, Felix Malenfant, S. Mehdy Elahi, Anne Marcil, Marie Parat, Michel Gilbert, Anne E. G. Lenferink, Jason Baardsnes, Yves Durocher
Summary: A method to enhance the effector function of antibodies and increase their antitumor activity by inhibiting core fucosylation is discussed. The expression of a membrane-associated anti-FUT8 intrabody in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus reduces FUT8 enzyme activity and core fucosylation of antibody N-glycans, resulting in antibodies with enhanced ADCC effector function.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Izel Koyuturk, Surbhi Kedia, Anna Robotham, Alexandra Star, Denis Brochu, Janelle Sauvageau, John Kelly, Michel Gilbert, Yves Durocher
Summary: Alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) is a protease inhibitor that protects the lungs from damage. A1AT deficiency increases the risk of lung diseases. Currently, the only treatment is weekly injection of plasma-purified A1AT. This study aimed to produce recombinant A1AT with N-glycans similar to plasma-derived A1AT. By disrupting glycosyltransferase genes and overexpressing sialyltransferase, high levels of recombinant A1AT with desired glycosylation were obtained.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Raja Ghosh, Geoff Hale, Yves Durocher, Paul Gatt
Summary: This study describes a simple dry-compression technique for preparing a flat cuboid chromatography device and discusses its application in fast protein separation. The device allows the separation of binary protein mixtures in a short amount of time, while simultaneously increasing productivity and purity. The suitability of the device for preparative protein separations is demonstrated through the purification of a monoclonal antibody from cell culture supernatant.
JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY A
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Traian Sulea, Jason Baardsnes, Matthew Stuible, Nazanin Rohani, Anh Tran, Marie Parat, Yuneivy Cepero Donates, Melanie Duchesne, Pierre Plante, Guneet Kour, Yves Durocher
Summary: Researchers have developed improved antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 by enhancing the binding affinity of VHH-72 through structure-based approaches. These mutants have shown increased neutralizing capabilities and are predicted to be valuable in the treatment of COVID-19.
Article
Hematology
Florian Puhm, Isabelle Allaeys, Emile Lacasse, Isabelle Dubuc, Yannick Galipeau, Younes Zaid, Loubna Khalki, Clemence Belleannee, Yves Durocher, Alain R. Brisson, Alisa S. Wolberg, Marc-Andre Langlois, Louis Flamand, Eric Boilard
Summary: Platelets are hyperactivated in COVID-19, but the mechanisms behind platelet activation by SARS-CoV-2 are not well understood. This study found that tissue factor (TF) produced by infected cells can activate platelets. Virions and extracellular vesicles (EVs) were also identified, and TF activity was associated with either the virus or the EVs. Blocking this pathway may interfere with platelet activation and the coagulation characteristics of COVID-19.
Article
Immunology
Bassel Akache, Tyler M. Renner, Matthew Stuible, Nazanin Rohani, Yuneivy Cepero-Donates, Lise Deschatelets, Renu Dudani, Blair A. Harrison, Christian Gervais, Jennifer J. Hill, Usha D. Hemraz, Edmond Lam, Sophie Regnier, Anne E. G. Lenferink, Yves Durocher, Michael J. McCluskie
Summary: Using the SmT1 SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen platform, we developed antigens targeting the Beta and Delta variants. These antigens showed higher neutralizing antibody activity and a multivalent vaccine demonstrated cross-neutralizing activity against all three variants. This suggests that variant-specific antigens may be necessary for optimal immune response and reduction of infection against emerging variants.
Article
Biology
Martin A. Rossotti, Henk van Faassen, Anh T. Tran, Joey Sheff, Jagdeep K. Sandhu, Diana Duque, Melissa Hewitt, Xiaoxue Wen, Jegarubee Bavananthasivam, Saina Beitari, Kevin Matte, Genevieve Laroche, Patrick M. Giguere, Christian Gervais, Matthew Stuible, Julie Guimond, Sylvie Perret, Greg Hussack, Marc-Andre Langlois, Yves Durocher, Jamshid Tanha
Summary: This study presents a diverse collection of extensively characterized nanobodies targeting the spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2. These nanobodies show broad neutralization efficacies against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro and in vivo, reducing viral burden by up to six orders of magnitude. They have high affinity, stability, and cross-reactivity, making them promising candidates for developing broad-spectrum therapeutics against current and emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Francois Cholette, Rissa Fabia, Angela Harris, Hannah Ellis, Karla Cachero, Lukas Schroeder, Christine Mesa, Philip Lacap, Corey Arnold, Yannick Galipeau, Marc-Andre Langlois, Karen Colwill, Anne-Claude Gingras, Allison McGeer, Elizabeth Giles, Jacqueline Day, Carla Osiowy, Yves Durocher, Catherine Hankins, Bruce Mazer, Michael Drebot, John Kim
Summary: The extent of the COVID-19 pandemic can be better understood through serosurveys and SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing. Dried blood spot (DBS) samples are crucial for large scale serosurveillance, especially in Canada. This study evaluated the performance of various assays for DBS-based SARS-CoV-2 serosurveillance and found that several assays are suitable with high sensitivity and specificity.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Nikhila Butani, Yating Xu, Si Pan, Yves Durocher, Raja Ghosh
Summary: Recombinant SARS-CoV-2 trimeric spike protein, a potential COVID-19 vaccine candidate, is challenging to manufacture on a large scale due to its size. A membrane chromatography-based purification method is proposed in this paper, which provides a fast and scalable approach for manufacturing the spike protein.
JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY B-ANALYTICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN THE BIOMEDICAL AND LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Maria L. Jaramillo, Traian Sulea, Yves Durocher, Mauro Acchione, Melissa J. Schur, Anna Robotham, John F. Kelly, Marie-France Goneau, Alma Robert, Yuneivy Cepero-Donates, Michel Gilbert
Summary: Effective processes for synthesizing antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) require site-specific incorporation of the payload, optimal drug/antibody ratio, and a homogeneous product. Conventional ADCs often face issues like interference with epitope binding and product heterogeneity. This study presents a more controlled process where the drug is specifically conjugated to Fab N-linked glycans, resulting in ADCs with desired drug/antibody ratio and efficient targeting.
Article
Immunology
Mariam Maltseva, Yannick Galipeau, Tyler M. Renner, Lise Deschatelets, Yves Durocher, Bassel Akache, Marc-Andre Langlois
Summary: Continuous viral evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has led to variants capable of immune evasion, vaccine breakthrough infections, and increased transmissibility. Intranasal administration of adjuvanted protein subunit vaccines can induce robust immune responses in mice, producing antibodies against the virus.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Seyed Farzad Baniahmad, Romane Oliverio, Ines Obregon-Gomez, Alma Robert, Anne E. G. Lenferink, Elena Pazos, Nick Virgilio, Xavier Banquy, Gregory De Crescenzo, Yves Durocher
Summary: Long-term delivery is a successful strategy to reduce adverse effects of mAb-based treatments. Macroporous hydrogels and affinity-based strategies are effective in sustained and localized delivery of mAbs. The Ecoil and Kcoil peptides have high-affinity binding and can be used for controlled release of Ecoil-tagged trastuzumab from macroporous hydrogels.
Article
Immunology
Karen Colwill, Yannick Galipeau, Matthew Stuible, Christian Gervais, Corey Arnold, Bhavisha Rathod, Kento T. Abe, Jenny H. Wang, Adrian Pasculescu, Mariam Maltseva, Lynda Rocheleau, Martin Pelchat, Mahya Fazel-Zarandi, Mariam Iskilova, Miriam Barrios-Rodiles, Linda Bennett, Kevin Yau, Francois Cholette, Christine Mesa, Angel X. Li, Aimee Paterson, Michelle A. Hladunewich, Pamela J. Goodwin, Jeffrey L. Wrana, Steven J. Drews, Samira Mubareka, Allison J. McGeer, John Kim, Marc-Andre Langlois, Anne-Claude Gingras, Yves Durocher
Summary: This study describes a scalable solution to detect and quantify SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, discriminate between natural infection and vaccination-induced responses, and assess the inhibitory effect of antibodies on ACE2-spike interaction. They developed methods and reagents for antibody detection using ELISA and snELISA, enabling large-scale analysis. In addition, they provided detailed protocols for the experiments.
CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)