Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Kai-nan Ni, Lin Ye, Ye-jin Zhang, Jia-wei Fang, Tao Yang, Wen-zheng Pan, Xing-yu Hu, He-huan Lai, Bin Pan, Chao Lou, Deng-wei He
Summary: Formononetin (FMN), a phytoestrogen in the isoflavone family, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as various biological activities. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of FMN against knee injury and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Results showed that FMN inhibited osteoclast formation and suppressed the inflammatory response by targeting the NF-kappa B and MAPK signaling pathways. In vivo experiments also demonstrated the protective effect of FMN in a knee injury model.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Elsa Bourayou, Rachel Golub
Summary: Immune cells, including the innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), are important in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). ILCs are a family of lymphocytes, including Natural Killer (NK) cells, ILC1s, ILC2s, ILC3s and lymphocytes tissue-inducer cells (LTi), that play significant roles in HCC. This overview highlights the importance of diverse signaling pathways in the regulation of ILCs' response to HCC.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Pengda Li, Li Luo
Summary: This study identified potential hub genes and candidate signaling pathways associated with the effects of high-intensity exercise on human monocytes through bioinformatics analysis. It demonstrated that high-intensity exercise may improve the immune function of monocytes by regulating the expression of key genes, particularly TNF, DUSP1, CXCR4, NR4A1, and the FoxO signaling pathway.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Qiuyan Qin, Pengfei Zheng, Ronghui Tu, Jiegang Huang, Xiaoli Cao
Summary: In this study, a circANRIL overexpression cell line was constructed and bioinformatics analysis was used to explore the important differential mechanisms between the circANRIL-overexpressing cell line and control cells. The results showed that the circANRIL-overexpressing cell line was mainly associated with RNA biosynthesis, transcription regulation, and signal transduction. Changes in the expression of several target genes, including COL5A2 and WDR3, were observed in circANRIL-overexpressing cells.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Zhenhua Lu, Lingbing Meng, Zhen Sun, Xiaolei Shi, Weiwei Shao, Yangyang Zheng, Xinglei Yao, Jinghai Song
Summary: The study analyzed gene expression profiles of adipose tissues from obese patients and non-obese controls, revealing that inflammation in adipose tissues may be primarily caused by an increase in macrophages and a decrease in gamma delta T cells, leading to the occurrence of obesity-related complications. By constructing a protein-protein interaction network, central genes related to obesity were identified, along with chemicals that may contribute to obesity.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Biology
Manoj Arra, Gaurav Swarnkar, Naga Suresh Adapala, Syeda Kanwal Naqvi, Lei Cai, Muhammad Farooq Rai, Srikanth Singamaneni, Gabriel Mbalaviele, Robert Brophy, Yousef Abu-Amer
Summary: Osteoarthritis is a common joint disease with a prominent inflammatory component, while the role of glutamine metabolism in chondrocytes, especially in the context of inflammation, remains poorly understood. Studies show that mouse chondrocytes utilize glutamine for energy production and anabolic processes, and glutamine deprivation can lead to metabolic reprogramming and decreased inflammatory response.
Article
Immunology
Shi-Yuan Gu, Xun-Jie Cao, Yi Feng, Qing-Qian Wei, Jia-Qi Liang, Li-Min Xie, Ye-Ling Liu, Hui-Yin Feng, Xu-Guang Guo
Summary: "In this study, using bioinformatics analysis of the GSE60427 and GSE74492 datasets, 115 differentially expressed genes related to H. pylori infection were identified, and seven hub genes were found to be key regulators in signaling pathways of gastropathy caused by H. pylori."
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Xinyan Li, Yuanyuan Han, Guimiao Li, Yingze Zhang, Juan Wang, Chen Feng
Summary: This review summarizes the role of Wnt signaling pathways in joint development and cartilage maintenance, with a focus on aberrant mechanical loading and inflammation as major contributors to osteoarthritis progression. Additionally, emerging Wnt-related modulators and treatments targeting Wnt signaling are discussed, providing valuable insights for diagnosing and treating osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint diseases.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Meng-ling Peng, Yu Fu, Chu-wen Wu, Ying Zhang, Hang Ren, Shan-shan Zhou
Summary: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a complication of diabetes that leads to high mortality. The exact cause of DCM is unclear, but it is believed to be related to metabolic dysfunction or diabetic microangiopathy. Oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathogenesis of DCM, affecting various signaling pathways.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ruijun Shi, Shuwei Li, Penggang Liu, Shuhui Zhang, Zhenhui Wu, Tinghui Wu, Shujuan Gong, Yu Wan
Summary: This study analyzed Hetian sheep with different wool densities to assess their wool traits and hair follicle parameters. Transcriptome sequencing analysis was performed on the skins, revealing differentially expressed genes related to hair growth. The study provides valuable resources for enhancing the quality and production of wool in Hetian sheep.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hardeep Singh Tuli, Sonam Mittal, Mariam Loka, Vaishali Aggarwal, Diwakar Aggarwal, Akshara Masurkar, Ginpreet Kaur, Mehmet Varol, Katrin Sak, Manoj Kumar, Gautam Sethi, Anupam Bishayee
Summary: Deguelin, a natural rotenoid from plants, has shown promising antineoplastic effects in different cancer subtypes by inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis through various signaling pathways. Initial scientific findings suggest deguelin as a potential anticancer agent for monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Hongbiao Huang, Lei Xu, Yueyue Ding, Jie Qin, Chengcheng Huang, Xuan Li, Yunjia Tang, Guanghui Qian, Haitao Lv
Summary: The study revealed that IVIG treatment affects myeloid cells and neutrophils in patients with Kawasaki disease, and pathway analysis indicated that hematopoietic cell lineages and osteoclast differentiation may play important roles in the mechanism of action of IVIG treatment. Furthermore, immune cell analysis showed significant changes in levels of monocytes, M1 macrophages, neutrophils, and platelets in patients with Kawasaki disease following IVIG treatment, suggesting the involvement of these cells in the treatment mechanism.
EXPERIMENTAL AND THERAPEUTIC MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Lisa Hasselbach, Johannes Weidner, Albrecht Elsaesser, Gregor Theilmeier
Summary: Cardiovascular diseases, particularly heart failure, are major health care concerns in the western world due to their chronic progression and relapsing acute decompensations. Inflammatory pathways play a crucial role in driving the progression of heart failure, influenced by acute challenging events like infections. Cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta have been found to be associated with disease severity and deterioration of left ventricular function in heart failure.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Laurent Devel, Nicolas Guedeney, Sarah Bregant, Animesh Chowdhury, Mickael Jean, Patrick Legembre
Summary: CD95L, a member of the tumor necrosis family superfamily, plays a crucial role in both apoptotic and non-apoptotic signaling. However, the different forms and functions of this ligand, as well as the metalloproteases involved, need further investigation. Understanding these aspects can contribute to the development of targeted therapies for CD95/CD95L.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xiaolu Wu, Ran Li, Qu Xu, Feng Liu, Yue Jiang, Min Zhang, Meiling Tong
Summary: This study aimed to identify potential biomarkers for severe asthma. Through the analysis of gene expression data, researchers identified a set of genes that were associated with metabolism and immune-related processes. Some of these genes were validated to have higher expression levels in severe asthma patients. Network analysis further revealed transcription factors that may be involved in the development of asthma. Additionally, certain drugs were found to interact with these genes and were negatively associated with gene expression.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Orthopedics
T. Fukui, J. H. N. Yik, B. Doyran, J. Davis, A. K. Haudenschild, I. E. Adamopoulos, L. Han, D. R. Haudenschild
Summary: The study showed that Brd4 and CDK9 inhibitors can synergistically reduce the injury response after joint trauma, suggesting that targeting Brd4 and/or CDK9 could be a viable strategy for PTOA prevention and treatment of early OA.
OSTEOARTHRITIS AND CARTILAGE
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
John P. DeLong, Maitham A. Al-Sammak, Zeina T. Al-Ameeli, David D. Dunigan, Kyle F. Edwards, Jeffry J. Fuhrmann, Jason P. Gleghorn, Hanqun Li, Kona Haramoto, Amelia O. Harrison, Marcia F. Marston, Ryan M. Moore, Shawn W. Polson, Barbra D. Ferrell, Miranda E. Salsbery, Christopher R. Schvarcz, Jasmine Shirazi, Grieg F. Steward, James L. Van Etten, K. Eric Wommack
Summary: This review discusses the traits of viral cells and viral particles, as well as how to categorize virus phenotypes; the foundational goal in biology is understanding how phenotypes emerge from genotypes; identifying the features that constitute a virus's phenotype is crucial for comprehensive interpretation of viral genome sequences and for advancing our understanding of viral evolution and ecology.
NATURE REVIEWS MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elizabeth R. Kahle, Biao Han, Prashant Chandrasekaran, Evan R. Phillips, Mary K. Mulcahey, X. Lucas Lu, Michele S. Marcolongo, Lin Han
Summary: Molecular engineering using synthetic mimics of native matrix molecules can modulate the mechanical properties of cellular microenvironment and influence cell mechanobiology. This study demonstrated the use of biomimetic proteoglycans (BPGs) to engineer the micromechanics of the pericellular matrix (PCM) in cartilage, leading to enhanced cellular mechanotransduction. The interactions between BPGs and the native PCM were facilitated by the biomimetic ultrastructure of BPGs, and showed potential for improving tissue regeneration and disease modification in various cell types.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nanqing Zhou, Jessica L. Keffer, Shawn W. Polson, Clara S. Chan
Summary: This study explored the physiology and gene expression of a facultative Fe(II)-oxidizing bacterium, revealing a direct connection between Fe(II) oxidation and carbon fixation.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Danielle Rux, Kimberly Helbig, Biao Han, Courtney Cortese, Eiki Koyama, Lin Han, Maurizio Pacifici
Summary: This study reveals the involvement of primary cilia in postnatal articular cartilage morphogenesis, including tidemark topography, zonal matrix composition, and load response.
JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Rachel A. Keown, Jacob T. Dums, Phillip J. Brumm, Joyanne MacDonald, David A. Mead, Barbra D. Ferrell, Ryan M. Moore, Amelia O. Harrison, Shawn W. Polson, K. Eric Wommack
Summary: Viruses are highly diverse and abundant biological entities that contribute significantly to Earth's genetic diversity. Viromes, obtained through sequencing of viral metagenomes, provide information on viral genetic potential and community ecology. This study explores the biochemical characteristics of novel viral DNA polymerases and their implications in understanding unknown viruses' biology and ecology. The discovery of new viral polymerases within viromes also holds promise for advancements in in vitro DNA amplification technologies.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Annie Porter, Liyun Wang, Lin Han, X. Lucas Lu
Summary: This study investigated the combined effects of traumatic overloading and IL-1 beta challenge on the metabolic activities of chondrocytes, revealing the collaborative impact of mechanical damage to cartilage and inflammatory cytokines. The new click chemistry-based methods provided convenient and sensitive assays for measuring cellular metabolic activities in native three-dimensional environments.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2022)
News Item
Biophysics
Lin Han
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Mingyue Fan, Chao Wang, Bryan Kwok, Elizabeth R. Kahle, Lan He, X. Lucas Lu, Robert L. Mauck, Lin Han
Summary: Aging is the main risk factor for osteoarthritis, but the exact cause of aging-associated cartilage degeneration is not fully understood. Recent studies have shown that cell-matrix interactions play a crucial role in cartilage homeostasis and disease.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elizabeth R. Kahle, Neil Patel, Harini B. Sreenivasappa, Michele S. Marcolongo, Lin Han
Summary: Mechanosensing at the interface of a cell and its surrounding microenvironment plays a crucial role in physiological processes. This review discusses the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) integrated with immunofluorescence imaging to probe mechanobiology at the cell-matrix interface. It highlights the investigation of pericellular matrix biomechanics, cellular biomechanics, and mechanotransduction in various tissues. The review also presents technical advances that have facilitated more in-depth studies of mechanobiology.
PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alex Kugler, Robin L. Brigmon, Abby Friedman, Fanny M. Coutelot, Shawn W. Polson, John C. Seaman, Waltena Simpson
Summary: The H-02 constructed wetland was designed to remove metals (primarily copper and zinc) from building process water and storm water runoff. However, the concentration of copper and zinc in the wetland sediments has increased over time. A newly isolated bacterium of the copper metabolizing genus Cupriavidus, Cupriavidus basilensis SRS, was investigated for its potential to bioremediate sites impacted with heavy metals, particularly copper. The research demonstrated significant decrease in copper concentrations and variability in zinc concentrations when wetland samples were inoculated with Cupriavidus basilensis SRS.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chukwuemeka W. Chikelu, Mark Berns, Dolores Conover, Raymond Habas, Lin Han, Reva M. Street, Caroline L. Schauer
Summary: In this study, continuous yarns of twisted type I collagen nanofibers, known as collagen nanoyarns (CNY), were created using a modified electrospinning setup. The CNYs showed twisted nanofiber morphology with a diameter of 213 +/- 60 nm and a yarn diameter of 372 +/- 23 mu m. Cross-linking improved the mechanical properties and stability of the CNYs, and HeLa cells were able to adhere and align along the nanofiber direction on the surface of cross-linked CNYs. The results demonstrate the promising potential of collagen nanoyarns as a shapable biomaterial scaffold and building block for generating macroscale fiber-based tissues.
Article
Microbiology
Prasanna Joglekar, Barbra D. Ferrell, Tessa Jarvis, Kona Haramoto, Nicole Place, Jacob T. Dums, Shawn W. Polson, K. Eric Wommack, Jeffry J. Fuhrmann
Summary: The interactions between soybean bradyrhizobia and phages, as well as their impact on soybean yield, have been understudied compared to the well-studied bradyrhizobium-plant interactions.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Bryan Kwok, Prashant Chandrasekaran, Chao Wang, Lan He, Robert L. Mauck, Nathaniel A. Dyment, Eiki Koyama, Lin Han
Summary: Understanding early ECM formation in articular cartilage and meniscus can guide regenerative strategies. This study revealed distinct traits of their developing ECMs, providing insights for repairing these tissues and other load-bearing cartilaginous tissues.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
E. Anders Kiledal, Mark Shaw, Shawn W. Polson, Julia A. Maresca
Summary: This article introduces an improved DNA extraction method for concrete, which can efficiently extract DNA and reduce laboratory contamination. DNA extracted by this method was sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq system, revealing a microbial community dominated by halophilic bacteria and archaea in concrete, with enriched functional pathways related to osmotic stress responses. The study demonstrates that metagenomic sequencing can be used to characterize microbial communities in concrete, and older concrete structures may host different microbes compared to recently poured concrete.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)