Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kwang-Hoon Chun
Summary: This review summarizes the signaling pathways and molecular targets of miR-122 in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and discusses the importance of miR-122 in therapy.
Article
Oncology
Yuli Jian, Lin Zhang, Li Gong, Mengting Ding, Xiaoxin Sun, Xiao Yu, Shaohui Lv, Jinjing Li, Deyong Yang, Shujing Wang
Summary: CD56 and polysialylated CD56 play important roles in clear cell renal cell carcinoma, with the knockout of CD56 inhibiting the proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities of ccRCC cells, and overexpression of PSA-CD56 promoting these capacities.
CANCER CELL INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Ya-Sian Chang, Yu-Pao Chou, Chin-Chun Chung, Ya-Ting Lee, Ju-Chen Yen, Long-Bin Jeng, Jan-Gowth Chang
Summary: This study characterized the molecular features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Taiwan using a newly developed classification system based on the expression of Wnt-Hippo signaling pathway-related genes. The study identified four subclasses of HCC and analyzed their characteristics in terms of gene expression, clinical features, and prognosis. The study also identified signaling pathway-related genes that may influence immune cell infiltration. This novel molecular classification system may provide new insights for the treatment of HCC.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Chuanrui Xu, Zhong Xu, Yi Zhang, Matthias Evert, Diego F. Calvisi, Xin Chen
Summary: Deregulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling is a major genetic alteration in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and its activation plays an oncogenic role in hepatocarcinogenesis. The activated pathway is associated with specific gene expression patterns and pathological features, and it synergizes with other signaling cascades to promote HCC formation. Therefore, understanding and targeting this pathway has important implications for the diagnosis, classification, and personalized treatment of HCC.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luca Di Bartolomeo, Federico Vaccaro, Natasha Irrera, Francesco Borgia, Federica Li Pomi, Francesco Squadrito, Mario Vaccaro
Summary: Canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways play a significant role in cutaneous carcinogenesis, including modulating the tumor microenvironment, synergizing with the Sonic Hedgehog pathway, and promoting tumor progression and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Targeting Wnt pathways could be a promising approach for managing non-melanoma skin cancer patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Florian Hermans, Lara Hemeryck, Ivo Lambrichts, Annelies Bronckaers, Hugo Vankelecom
Summary: Tooth development relies on interactions between dental epithelium and mesenchyme, regulated by molecular pathways including Wnt, BMP, FGF, and Shh. These signaling modules intertwine during tooth development, outlining specific cell populations' development pathways.Recent studies have uncovered crucial Wnt-Shh interactions during odontogenesis, showing conservation in developing ectodermal appendages.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Mia C. Borlongan, Hongbin Wang
Summary: Tumorigenic cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subset of cells within tumors that have distinct genetic and phenotypic profiles and signaling pathways compared to other tumor cells. Targeting the unique self-renewal and differentiation properties of CSCs could revolutionize cancer therapy. Understanding the signaling mechanisms of CSCs will improve our knowledge of cancer pathology and treatment.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Physiology
Liyuan Li, Xiaojin Shi, Yun Shi, Zhao Wang
Summary: This review discusses the follicular development process, focusing on the three cell types and regulatory signals involved. It highlights the roles of various classical signaling pathways and their underlying mechanisms in regulating follicle development.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Vivek Kumar, Mohit Vashishta, Lin Kong, Xiaodong Wu, Jiade J. Lu, Chandan Guha, B. S. Dwarakanath
Summary: Resistance to therapy is a major challenge in cancer management, with cancer cells rewiring their cellular processes to resist the deleterious effects of various therapeutic approaches. Understanding the role of developmental pathways in cancer and their contribution to resistance can lead to insights for developing novel therapeutic approaches. Recognizing the importance of molecular networks in overcoming drug resistance can provide a rational basis for improving cancer treatment with safer and more effective combined therapeutic strategies.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Giulia Vallini, Laura Calabrese, Costanza Canino, Emanuele Trovato, Stefano Gentileschi, Pietro Rubegni, Linda Tognetti
Summary: Non-melanoma skin cancers, particularly basal cell carcinoma (BCC), are common neoplasms worldwide. The majority of sporadic BCC cases have mutations in Hedgehog pathway genes, leading to abnormal activation of GLI transcription factors. The management of advanced BCCs, including metastatic and locally advanced cases, that are not eligible for surgery or radiotherapy is challenging. The discovery of mutations in the Hh signaling pathway has led to the development of Hh pathway inhibiting agents, but their use is limited due to adverse events and drug resistance.
Review
Oncology
Zahra Farzaneh, Massoud Vosough, Tarun Agarwal, Maryam Farzaneh
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, but current treatment options are not efficient. The liver tumor microenvironment plays a role in HCC progression, and dysregulated signaling pathways contribute to uncontrolled cell growth. Using small molecules to inhibit HCC could be a promising new approach for treatment.
CANCER CELL INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Liu-Ya Tang, Marie Spezia, Ting Chen, Jee-Hye Shin, Feng Wang, Frank Stappenbeck, Andres M. Lebensohn, Farhad Parhami, Ying E. Zhang
Summary: The study revealed that oxysterols Oxy186 and Oxy210 can inhibit proliferation of NSCLC cells, with Oxy186 exhibiting potent inhibition of tumor growth. The mechanism of action involves inhibiting the WNT/beta-catenin signaling pathway.
CELL AND BIOSCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Mahshid Deldar Abad Paskeh, Sepideh Mirzaei, Milad Ashrafizadeh, Ali Zarrabi, Gautam Sethi
Summary: This review discusses the role of Wnt signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), including its promotion of HCC progression, impact on therapy response, and regulation of drug resistance and immune resistance mechanisms. Research shows that beta-catenin signaling in HCC cells can enhance cancer stem cell features, promote growth, and inhibit apoptosis, thus accelerating cancer development.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Anjali P. Patni, M. K. Harishankar, Joel P. Joseph, Bhuvanadas Sreeshma, Rama Jayaraj, Arikketh Devi
Summary: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a malignant oral cavity neoplasm that affects many people, especially in developing countries, with high morbidity and mortality rates. Understanding the roles and interactions of the Notch, Wnt, and Hedgehog signaling pathways in OSCC could lead to potential treatment strategies. Inhibiting these pathways may be a valid approach to treat OSCC and prevent its recurrence, as shown in other types of cancer.
Article
Oncology
Shi Xiaoyun, Zi Yuyuan, Xing Jie, Nie Yingjie, Xie Qing, Deng Yuezhen, Xin Haiguang
Summary: This study reveals that the short isoform of PHF19 interacts with beta-TrCP, the E3 ligase of Gli1, promoting the growth of HCC cells. Knocking out PHF19 inhibits tumorigenesis and improves survival in a HCC mouse model, demonstrating that PHF19 activates the Hedgehog signaling pathway to promote HCC cell growth.
EXPERIMENTAL CELL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Kanishka Uthansingh, Ratna Kumari, Girish Kumar Pati, Manas Kumar Behera, Mahesh Chandra Sahu, Jimmy Narayan, Swarup Kumar Patnaik, Pradeep Mallick, Manoj Kumar Sahu
Summary: In this study, computational methods were used to screen anti-microbial drugs for H. pylori infection, with FLRQ and TET identified as potentially the most efficient. These findings were further validated with clinical survey data, emphasizing the importance of effective inter-analysis between experimental and computational approaches for developing strong inhibitors.
JOURNAL OF PURE AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Hilda Minerva Gonzalez-Sanchez, Jea-Hyun Baek, Julia Weinmann-Menke, Amrendra Kumar Ajay, Julia Forgan-Farnam Charles, Masaharu Noda, Ruth Anne Franklin, Patricia Rodriguez-Morales, Vicki Rubin Kelley
Summary: Myeloid cell mediated mechanisms regulate synovial joint inflammation. IL-34 and PTPRZ limit arthritis by reducing neutrophil recruitment and intra-synovial neutrophil extracellular traps, thereby alleviating synovial and bone erosion. IL-34 and PTPRZ levels are elevated in rheumatoid arthritis patients and correlate with disease activity.
LABORATORY INVESTIGATION
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Minghua Cao, Karol Nawalaniec, Amrendra K. Ajay, Yueming Luo, Romana Moench, Yanfei Jin, Sheng Xiao, Li-Li Hsiao, Ana Maria Waaga-Gasser
Summary: This study explores the role of PDE4 in ccRCC and its potential as a therapeutic target. The results demonstrate that PDE4 inhibition reduces cell proliferation and increases intracellular cAMP expression. PDE4D depletion and/or inhibition attenuates the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway and enhances the effectiveness of the TKI sorafenib in inhibiting cell survival.
TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Amrendra K. Ajay, Li Zhao, Shruti Vig, Mai Fujiwara, Sudhir Thakurela, Shreyas Jadhav, Andrew Cho, I-Jen Chiu, Yan Ding, Krithika Ramachandran, Arushi Mithal, Aanal Bhatt, Pratyusha Chaluvadi, Manoj K. Gupta, Sujal Shah, Venkata S. Sabbisetti, Ana Maria Waaga-Gasser, David A. Frank, Gopal Murugaiyan, Joseph Bonventre, Li-Li Hsiao
Summary: This study reveals the important role of STAT3 in kidney fibrosis, with its phosphorylation occurring in tubular epithelial cells in acute kidney injury and expanded to interstitial cells in fibrosis. By regulating inflammation and differentiation of pericytes into myofibroblasts, STAT3 promotes fibrosis progression. Additionally, STAT3 binds to the Collagen1a1 promoter, further enhancing its profibrotic effect.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ruhar Singh, Abhijeet Kumar, Jitendra Subhash Rane, Rajni Khan, Garima Tripathi, Amrendra K. Ajay, Amresh Prakash, Shashikant Ray
Summary: The vaccination drive against COVID-19 worldwide was successful, but the second wave of infections was more severe. New variants of SARS-CoV-2 emerged, which could escape antibodies in convalescent or vaccinated individuals, leading to increased reinfections and deaths. This study identified inhibitors with high binding affinity to the spike glycoprotein and ACE2 receptor of SARS-CoV-2, suggesting their potential as drugs against the virus.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Barbara Flasz, Marta Dziewiecka, Amrendra K. Ajay, Monika Tarnawska, Agnieszka Babczynska, Andrzej Kedziorski, Lukasz Napora-Rutkowski, Patrycja Zietara, Ewa Swierczek, Maria Augustyniak
Summary: The genotoxic effects of graphene oxide (GO) were examined in the species Acheta domesticus, focusing on DNA damage parameters, DNA damage response parameters, and global methylation. The study found that the sensitivity to GO varied among different life stages and strains, with larvae and young imago being more susceptible. However, the DNA damage response parameters were not significantly affected by life stage, strain, or GO exposure.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Wenhu Zhan, Daqiang Li, Priya Saha, Rong Wang, Hao Zhang, Amrendra K. Ajay, Christa Deban, George Sukenick, Jamil Azzi, Gang Lin
Summary: We report the discovery and development of potent and highly selective inhibitors of human constitutive proteasome chymotryptic activity (fi5c). In the optimization of a novel class of inhibitors, structure-activity relationship studies focused on N-cap, C-cap, and side chain of the chemophore asparagine. Compound 32 exhibits the greatest potency and selectivity among the inhibitors tested. Docking studies provide a structural explanation for their potency and selectivity. Kinetic studies reveal a reversible and noncompetitive inhibition mechanism. Compound 32 penetrates cells to engage the proteasome target, potently and selectively killing multiple myeloma cells by synergizing with a fi5i-selective inhibitor.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Genetics & Heredity
Jaspreet Kaur Dhanjal, Rajkumar Singh Kalra, Dhanendra Tomar, Amrendra K. Ajay
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Amrendra K. Ajay, Philip Chu, Poojan Patel, Christa Deban, Chitran Roychowdhury, Radhika Heda, Ahmad Halawi, Anis Saad, Nour Younis, Hao Zhang, Xiuju Jiang, Mahmoud Nasr, Li-Li Hsiao, Gang Lin, Jamil R. Azzi
Summary: Chordomas are rare bone tumors, accounting for approximately 1-4% of all malignant bone tumors and 20% of primary tumors of the spinal column. The underlying mechanism of chordoma is unknown, making it challenging to treat. In this study, a small molecule screening identified potential compounds that can inhibit chordoma cell proliferation, and proteasomal inhibitors were discovered as promising molecules for targeted therapy.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Barbara Flasz, Amrendra K. Ajay, Monika Tarnawska, Agnieszka Babczynska, Lukasz Majchrzycki, Andrzej Kedziorski, Lukasz Napora-Rutkowski, Ewa Swierczek, Maria Augustyniak
Summary: The use of nanoparticles like graphene oxide (GO) in nanocomposite industries is increasing rapidly. Concerns have been raised regarding GO entering the environment and becoming nanopollutants. Exposure to environmental pollutants at low concentrations may have long-lasting effects on subsequent generations, especially on DNA stability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Swarup K. Patnaik, Sambedana Mohanty, Debakanta Mishra, Manjit Kanungo, Srinith Patil, Ram Gopal Teja, Kanishka Uthansingh, Jimmy Narayan, Manoj K. Sahu, Girish K. Pati
Summary: This study investigated the infection of microbial agents in cirrhosis patients and the pattern of resistance, focusing on the Eastern coastal region.
CUREUS JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Immunology
Murugaiyan Gopal, Mai Fujiwara, Radhika Raheja, Lucien Garo, Amrendra Ajay, Tanuja Chitnis, Howard L. Weiner, Roopali Gandhi
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Kanishka Uthansingh, Prasanta K. Parida, Girish K. Pati, Manoj K. Sahu, Rabindra N. Padhy
Summary: This study evaluated the role of CYP2C9*3 genetic polymorphism in the development of gastric malignancy in the Eastern Indian population. The prevalence of CYP2C9*3 mutation in gastric cancer cases was found to be 12%, suggesting it may be a risk factor for gastric cancer in this population.
CUREUS JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Kanishka Uthansingh, Girish Kumar Pati, Prasanta Kumar Parida, Jimmy Narayan, Subhasis Pradhan, Manoj Kumar Sahu, Rabindra Nath Padhy
Summary: This study found no association between TNF-alpha gene polymorphisms (-308 G/A, -238 G/A, and -857 C/T) and the risk of gastric cancer (GC).
GASTROENTEROLOGY INSIGHTS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Mai Fujiwara, Radhika Raheja, Lucien P. Garo, Amrendra K. Ajay, Ryoko Kadowaki-Saga, Sukrut H. Karandikar, Galina Gabriely, Rajesh Krishnan, Vanessa Beynon, Anu Paul, Amee Patel, Shrishti Saxena, Dan Hu, Brian C. Healy, Tanuja Chitnis, Roopali Gandhi, Howard L. Weiner, Gopal Murugaiyan
Summary: This study reveals the crucial role of microRNA-92a (miR-92a) in central nervous system autoimmune diseases. Elevated miR-92a level in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) contributes to the progression of the disease, while loss of miR-92a attenuates EAE. Mechanistically, miR-92a restricts the induction and suppressive capacity of regulatory T cells (Tregs), while supporting the responses of inflammatory T cells (Th17) by targeting the transcription factor Foxo1. Additionally, miR-92a inhibitor therapy improves EAE by enhancing Treg responses and suppressing inflammatory T cell responses.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2022)