Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sander Kersten
Summary: Recent literature reviews show that elevated LDL-C and triglycerides are important risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. ANGPTL3 has emerged as a new therapeutic target for lowering plasma LDL-C and triglycerides, with promising results from inactivation of ANGPTL3 through monoclonal antibodies or antisense oligonucleotides in patients with dyslipidemia. Anti-ANGPTL3 therapies offer potential for significantly reducing plasma LDL-C and triglycerides in selected patient groups.
CURRENT OPINION IN LIPIDOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yipin Wang, Nicholas Siu Kay Fung, Wai-Ching Lam, Amy Cheuk Yin Lo
Summary: Recent advances in research have highlighted the importance of the mTOR signaling pathway in the treatment of ocular degenerative diseases. This pathway is regulated by oxidative stress, and understanding the complex relationship between mTOR and oxidative stress is crucial. Additionally, the role of mTOR-mediated autophagy in ocular degenerative diseases should not be overlooked.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Abhipree Sharma, Michael Mah, Rebecca H. Ritchie, Miles J. De Blasio
Summary: Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of heart failure known as diabetic cardiomyopathy. Adiponectin, a cardioprotective adipokine, is downregulated in diabetes and obesity, leading to reduced cardioprotection. This review summarizes the evidence linking suppressed adiponectin signaling pathway to cardiac dysfunction in diabetes and discusses potential therapeutic approaches for diabetic cardiomyopathy.
PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jasmine Rowell, Ching-In Lau, Diana C. Yanez, Eden Zhang, Tessa Crompton
Summary: Allograft vasculopathy (AV) is a cause of chronic rejection in organ transplants, but its exact causes are unknown. The Jane-Wit laboratory's research demonstrates that damaged graft endothelium releases Sonic Hedge-hog (SHH) signals, which promote inflammation and activate NLRP3-inflammasome in alloreactive CD4(+)PTCH1(hi)PD-1(hi)T memory cells, suggesting potential diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
TRENDS IN PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jiaqi Liu, Qing Xiao, Jiani Xiao, Chenxi Niu, Yuanyuan Li, Xiaojun Zhang, Zhengwei Zhou, Guang Shu, Gang Yin
Summary: This article provides a comprehensive review of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, including its origin, composition, function, and clinical trials. It also discusses the challenges and opportunities for developing small-molecule compounds targeting this signaling pathway in disease treatment.
SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION AND TARGETED THERAPY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Md. Mozibullah, Md. Junaid
Summary: PAK4 is a significant protein kinase involved in various cellular processes, including cancer progression and metastasis. Inhibiting PAK4 is being explored as a potential strategy for cancer treatment.
ARABIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Pathology
Baptiste Ameline, Michal Kovac, Michaela Nathrath, Maxim Barenboim, Olaf Witt, Andreas H. Krieg, Daniel Baumhoer
Summary: Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumour in children and adolescents. While many patients do not respond to standard therapy, CN gains involving the IGF1R gene have been suggested as a potential surrogate marker for treating a subset of patients with IGF1R overexpression. This innovative treatment approach focuses on selected patients with evidence of IGF pathway activation despite discouraging results in clinical trials in other tumours.
JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY CLINICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Richard Fairless, Hilmar Bading, Ricarda Diem
Summary: Glutamate signalling plays a crucial role in neuroinflammatory diseases, influencing neurodegeneration as well as regulating blood vessels, immune cells, and glial cells. Efforts are being made to utilize the growing understanding of these processes in the development of neuroprotective strategies.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Elena Levantini, Giorgia Maroni, Marzia Del Re, Daniel G. Tenen
Summary: EGFR plays an important role in maintaining epithelial tissues, but when its signaling is altered, it becomes a major regulator of epithelial transformation and is one of the most studied tyrosine kinase receptors involved in neoplasia worldwide. EGFR-targeted therapies have revolutionized cancer treatment, but the dream of turning solid tumors into chronic diseases remains unfulfilled.
SEMINARS IN CANCER BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Marianna Rowlands, Florencia Segal, Dominik Hartl
Summary: The clinical presentations of COVID-19 are highly variable, and the pathophysiological mechanisms that govern different disease courses are still poorly understood. Severity of COVID-19 may be associated with dysregulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). MDSCs play a crucial role in COVID-19 infection by modulating T-cell responses and promoting an inflammatory state through secretion of mediators.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Richa Garg, Sanjana Kumariya, Roshan Katekar, Saurabh Verma, Umesh K. Goand, Jiaur R. Gayen
Summary: Metabolic Syndrome is a multifactorial disease associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disorders, type 2 diabetes mellitus, fatty liver disease, etc., with stress kinase activation potentially playing a crucial role in regulating whole-body metabolism.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Yi Ding, Qin Chen
Summary: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common disabling spinal injury, and the mTOR signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the pathological process. Chinese herbal medicine has been shown to promote nerve repair after SCI by inhibiting the mTOR pathway.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Yanfang Liu, Yufeng Li, Jiankun Zang, Tianyuan Zhang, Yaojie Li, Zefeng Tan, Dan Ma, Tao Zhang, Shiyong Wang, Yusheng Zhang, Lian Huang, Yousheng Wu, Xuanlin Su, Zean Weng, Die Deng, Chi Kwan Tsang, Anding Xu, Dan Lu
Summary: CircOGDH may serve as a potential biomarker for penumbra in AIS patients and play a role in ischemic neuronal damage. CircOGDH interacts with miR-5112, enhancing COL4A4 expression and exacerbating neuron damage. Knockdown of CircOGDH enhances neuronal cell viability under ischemic conditions. Additionally, CircOGDH is enriched in neuron-derived exosomes in peripheral blood.
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Man Wang, Xinzhe Chen, Yuan Zhang
Summary: Pyroptosis is a form of programmed cell death triggered by inflammasomes sensing danger signals, garnering attention for its role in cancer. Gasdermins (GSDMs), as pore-forming proteins, play important roles in innate immunity and have been implicated in cancer progression.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarah Koushyar, Valerie S. Meniel, Toby J. Phesse, Helen B. Pearson
Summary: Aberrant activation of the Wnt pathway is closely related to tumor formation, progression, and therapeutic resistance in prostate cancer. Targeting the Wnt pathway for prostate cancer treatment has shown potential efficacy. However, the functional consequences of activating the Wnt pathway during different stages of prostate cancer progression are still unclear. Preclinical research on targeting Wnt signaling in the treatment of prostate cancer is crucial for identifying effective treatment strategies and improving patient care.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Chan-Juan Zhang, Neng Zhu, Yu-Xiang Wang, Le-Ping Liu, Tan-Jun Zhao, Hong-Tao Wu, Duan-Fang Liao, Li Qin
Summary: The study indicates that celastrol may be a promising active ingredient from traditional Chinese medicine for treating clear cell renal cell carcinoma by inhibiting lipid accumulation and reducing the number of caveolae to slow down tumor growth.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Tan-Jun Zhao, Neng Zhu, Ya-Ning Shi, Yu-Xiang Wang, Chan-Juan Zhang, Chang-Feng Deng, Duan-Fang Liao, Li Qin
Summary: High-density lipoprotein is closely related to the risk of various cancers and plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis and cancer development by influencing the tumor microenvironment and immune response, suggesting a potential strategy for cancer therapy.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Jia Gu, Neng Zhu, Hong-Fang Li, Tan-Jun Zhao, Chan-Juan Zhang, Duan-Fang Liao, Li Qin
Summary: The dysregulation of LDLR in cancer and its role in cholesterol homeostasis imbalance provides new therapeutic opportunities. LDLR plays a crucial role in cancer progression by modulating cholesterol balance and may serve as a novel target for anti-cancer drug development. The expression and regulation of LDLR vary in different types of cancer, suggesting the importance of personalized treatment approaches.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jia Gu, Neng Zhu, Hong-Fang Li, Chan-Juan Zhang, Yong-Zhen Gong, Duan-Fang Liao, Li Qin
Summary: High serum cholesterol levels can lead to cancer, but ezetimibe, a drug that reduces cholesterol absorption, has been shown to inhibit cancer development through various mechanisms. There has been debate, but more and more evidence suggests that ezetimibe does not increase the risk of cancer.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Jiajun Wu, Zuowei Xiao, Hongfang Li, Neng Zhu, Jia Gu, Wenmao Wang, Chao Liu, Wei Wang, Li Qin
Summary: Dihydromyricetin (DHM), a natural flavonoid compound extracted from Ampelopsis grossedentata, has attracted attention due to its multiple beneficial activities and anticancer effects. DHM inhibits the progression of various cancers through various mechanisms, such as antiangiogenesis, antiproliferation, apoptosis, and inhibition of invasion and migration. In addition, DHM can regulate multiple signaling pathways involved in cancer development, including mTOR, noncoding RNA-mediated signaling, PI3K/Akt pathway, NF-kappa B, p53, and ER stress-driven signaling. DHM also has a remarkable ability to reverse drug resistance when used in combination with other drugs. However, the low bioavailability of DHM limits its potential applications, which can be improved through structural modification and exploration of novel dosage forms.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yaning Shi, Hongfang Li, Jia Gu, Yongzhen Gong, Xuejiao Xie, Duanfang Liao, Li Qin
Summary: Wnt5a promotes the proliferation of VSMCs by activating PKC through binding with Ror2. The expression of Wnt5a protein increased significantly in VSMCs stimulated by 10% serum in a time-dependent manner. Overexpression of Wnt5a accelerated the proliferation rate of VSMCs, while knockdown of Wnt5a reversed this effect. Wnt5a up-regulated the expression of Ror2 by binding to it. Furthermore, Wnt5a induced the expression of PKC in VSMCs, and knockdown of Wnt5a or Ror2 inhibited PKC phosphorylation.
FOLIA HISTOCHEMICA ET CYTOBIOLOGICA
(2022)
Review
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Shuo Zhang, Neng Zhu, Hong Fang Li, Jia Gu, Chan Juan Zhang, Duan Fang Liao, Li Qin
Summary: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of cancer cells with stem cell properties, and lipid rafts play a crucial role in CSCs, making them promising therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Chanjuan Zhang, Neng Zhu, Hongfang Li, Yongzhen Gong, Jia Gu, Yaning Shi, Duanfang Liao, Wei Wang, Aiguo Dai, Li Qin
Summary: This review summarizes the emerging concepts of lipid metabolic reprogramming in cancer, including pathways like lipid uptake and trafficking, de novo synthesis, esterification, fatty acid synthesis, and oxidation. Cancer cells continuously adapt their metabolism to the changing environment, with lipid metabolism interacting bidirectionally with epigenetic modifying enzymes to regulate cancer cell death. Lipids in the tumor microenvironment play unique roles beyond metabolic needs, and targeting lipid metabolism could be a potential therapeutic strategy for improving cancer patient treatment efficacy and survival.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Chanjuan Zhang, Yan Qin, Changfeng Deng, Neng Zhu, Yaning Shi, Wei Wang, Li Qin
Summary: An off-on fluorescent probe (NBD-P) has been developed for detecting and visualizing intracellular glutathione (GSH) which can distinguish cancer tissues from normal tissues. This study also establishes a rapid drug screening method using NBD-P and identifies a natural GSH inhibitor from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F. Additionally, insights into fluorescence probes for GSH inhibitors and cancer diagnosis, as well as the anti-cancer effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), are provided.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jun-Lan Tan, Jian Yi, Xian-Ya Cao, Fei-Ying Wang, Si-Lin Xie, Ling-Ling Zhou, Li Qin, Ai-Guo Dai
Summary: There is increasing evidence that abnormal vascular remodeling plays a role in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), making it a potential target for prevention and treatment. Celastrol, an active ingredient of the Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, has shown promise in improving vascular remodeling through various mechanisms. It has been proven to ameliorate inflammation, hyperproliferation, and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells, as well as other factors involved in vascular remodeling. Celastrol has also demonstrated positive effects in treating hypertension, atherosclerosis, and pulmonary artery hypertension.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Yaning Shi, Neng Zhu, Yun Qiu, Junlan Tan, Feiying Wang, Li Qin, Aiguo Dai
Summary: RELMs are highly cysteine-rich proteins, including RELM alpha, RELM beta, Resistin, and RELM gamma, which exhibit significant differences in structure, distribution, and function. The expression of RELMs is regulated by various signaling molecules, such as IL-4, IL-13, and their receptors. RELMs proteins are involved in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes, and participate in the progression of numerous diseases. Meanwhile, RELMs can serve as biomarkers, risk predictors, and therapeutic targets for these diseases, providing novel targets or strategies for their treatment and prevention.
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Li Li, Shenghui Yang, Dilu Chen, Zhihuang Wu, Meijun Zhang, Fang Yang, Li Qin, Xiaojiang Zhou
Summary: This study evaluated the anti-influenza A virus H1N1 potential of sesquiterpene-targeted fractions derived from Carpesium abrotanoides for the first time. The results indicated that SECA showed significant protective effects on MDCK cells infected with influenza A virus (H1N1).
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hongfang Li, Changfeng Deng, Neng Zhu, Chanjuan Zhang, Qing Zeng, Li Qin
Summary: In this study, a stable and highly selective fluorescent probe AR was designed and synthesized for real-time monitoring of intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels and fluorescence imaging. The probe can track changes in GSH levels and fluorescence imaging, aiding in early diagnosis of diseases and evaluating the effects of cell death-inducing drugs. Furthermore, the probe was able to observe a significant decrease in GSH levels during the treatment of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) with celastrol-induced ferroptosis. These findings provide a novel strategy for celastrol targeting ferroptosis in ccRCC treatment and the application of fluorescent probes in understanding the mechanism of CeT in ccRCC treatment.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yun Qiu, Ya-Ning Shi, Neng Zhu, Shuo Zhang, Chan-Juan Zhang, Jia Gu, Peng He, Ai-Guo Dai, Li Qin
Summary: Pyroptosis is a pro-inflammatory cell death caused by Gasdermin (GSMD) family-mediated membrane pore formation and cell lysis. It leads to the release of inflammatory factors and inflammation in multiple tissues, impacting various metabolic disorders. Lipid metabolism plays a significant role in pyroptosis, as bioactive lipid molecules act as triggers and regulators of pyroptosis. Understanding the relationship between lipid molecules, such as cholesterol and fatty acids, and pyroptosis during metabolic processes can provide insights into disease pathogenesis and aid in developing effective strategies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Shuo Zhang, Neng Zhu, Jia Gu, Hong-Fang Li, Yun Qiu, Duan-Fang Liao, Li Qin
Summary: With the global population rapidly aging, delaying aging has become a hot research topic. Lipid rafts (LRs), which are microdomains in the plasma membrane containing sphingolipids and cholesterol, have been found to have an interesting interplay with aging. The components of LRs are altered with aging, and LRs strongly influence the aging process. Therefore, targeting LRs is a promising strategy for delaying aging.
