Review
Cell Biology
Elizabeth T. Evans, Ben Horst, Rebecca C. Arend, Karthikeyan Mythreye
Summary: Activins and inhibins are members of the TGF8 family of growth factors, with diverse effects in various physiological and pathological processes. They play important roles in angiogenesis, immunity, and potentially tumorigenesis. This review focuses on the biological role, signaling mechanisms, and implications of activins and inhibins in ovarian cancers.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-CELL PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gusty Rizky Teguh Ryanto, Ahmad Musthafa, Tetsuya Hara, Noriaki Emoto
Summary: Advances in technology and biomedical knowledge have improved the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This article explores the role of activins and inhibins in PAH development and their connection to signaling pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of PAH. It also discusses the potential therapeutic benefits of activin/inhibin-targeting drugs, such as sotatercep, in improving patient outcomes. Overall, this article highlights the importance of activin/inhibin signaling as a critical mediator in PAH development and its potential as a target for future treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Adam Hagg, Eliza O'Shea, Craig A. Harrison, Kelly L. Walton
Summary: Although originally characterised as proteins involved in reproductive function, activins and inhibins also regulate homeostasis in extragonadal tissues. Disrupted inhibin/activin expression can affect fertility, muscle, fat, and bone mass regulation. Understanding their activity has led to targeted therapies for reproductive and extra-gonadal tissues, which have shown promise in enhancing fertility and reducing disease severity, particularly in cancer cachexia.
JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Athanasios D. Anastasilakis, Stergios A. Polyzos, Nikolaos E. Rodopaios, Polyzois Makras, Ajay Kumar, Bhanu Kalra, Christos S. Mantzoros
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the activins-follistatins-inhibins (AFI) hormonal system on bone metabolism. The results showed that lower inhibin B concentrations and higher ratios of activins A, B, and AB to follistatin were independently associated with lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) and the presence of osteoporosis.
METABOLISM-CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lizhong Liu, Anastasiia Nemashkalo, Luisa Rezende, Ji Yoon Jung, Sapna Chhabra, M. Cecilia Guerra, Idse Heemskerk, Aryeh Warmflash
Summary: This study visualizes the activity of endogenous Nodal protein in living cells using a human gastruloid model and reveals that Nodal activity spreads through a relay mechanism, with timing controlled by the Nodal inhibitor Lefty. This study provides insights into how morphogen gradients are formed and interpreted during mammalian embryogenesis.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Chengcheng Guan, Fei Zhao, Zhencui Yang, Qian Tang, Ling Wang, Xueli Li, Lixia Zhang, Ziwen Deng, Huabin Hou, Jingli Wang, Yinglei Xu, Ru Zhang, Yan Lin, Ping Tan, Yan Zhang, Shiguo Liu, Lu Zhang
Summary: Despite various theories proposed for the etiopathology of pre-eclampsia (PE), including oxidative stress, abnormal maternal-fetal interface, and genetic and environmental factors, the exact mechanisms remain unclear. Maternal immune tolerance and cytokines have been increasingly recognized as playing critical roles in the pathogenesis of PE. The assessment of candidate genetic polymorphisms could help elucidate susceptibility mechanisms and contribute to new diagnosis and treatment methods for PE, which can lead to severe complications and even maternal and fetal death, possibly linked to inflammatory factors.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tamara T. Haque, Pamela A. Frischmeyer-Guerrerio
Summary: This article discusses cytokines that regulate mast cell-mediated allergic immune responses. Understanding the mechanisms of these cytokines is important for the development of effective treatment methods.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Alex Boye
Summary: Early detection of cancer is crucial for cancer management and limited survival. Understanding cancer biology and key factors in cancer progression plays a significant role in cancer treatment.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Anupreet Kharbanda, Lingtian Zhang, Debasmita Saha, Phuc Tran, Ke Xu, Ming O. Li, Yuet-Kin Leung, Brendan Frett, Hong-yu Li
Summary: TGF beta plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of epithelial and neural tissues, wound repair, and immune responses. Dysregulation of TGF beta is associated with various diseases, with modifying the tumor microenvironment being of significant clinical interest. Despite efforts, there is currently no FDA-approved therapy to inhibit the TGF beta pathway, but targeting TGF beta RI kinase remains a major approach.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Malia S. Q. Murphy, Samantha J. Benton, Brian Cox, Kara Nerenberg, Scott McComb, Lakshmi Krishnan, Risini D. Weeratna, Jean-Francois Pare, Alysha L. J. Dingwall-Harvey, Shannon A. Bainbridge, Andree Gruslin, Laura M. Gaudet
Summary: Women who develop preeclampsia are at high risk for cardiovascular disease. This study investigates the potential of cytokine and immune cell profiles in distinguishing low and high cardiovascular disease risk in the early postpartum period.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Roberto Rodrigues Ferreira, Mariana Caldas Waghabi, Sabine Bailly, Jean-Jacques Feige, Alejandro M. Hasslocher-Moreno, Roberto M. Saraiva, Tania C. Araujo-Jorge
Summary: The anti-inflammatory cytokine TGF-beta plays a crucial role in Chagas disease, affecting the infection of Trypanosoma cruzi and the immune response and inflammation in the host. Inhibitors of the TGF-beta signaling pathway show promise as a potential therapeutic approach, and the level of TGF-beta in serum can serve as a biomarker of clinical relevance. Furthermore, TGF-beta polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to Chagas disease.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anissa Fries, Fanny Saidoune, Francois Kuonen, Isabelle Dupanloup, Nadine Fournier, Ana Cristina Guerra de Souza, Muzlifah Haniffa, Feiyang Ma, Johann E. Gudjonsson, Lennart Roesner, Yang Li, Thomas Werfel, Curdin Conrad, Raphael Gottardo, Robert L. Modlin, Jeremy Di Domizio, Michel Gilliet
Summary: This study establishes the role of interleukin 26 (IL-26) in the generation of IL-17A producing Th17 CD4(+) T cells, indicating its involvement in the pathogenic response of psoriasis. IL-26-producing cells infiltrate psoriatic skin and promote their own differentiation into IL17A-producing T(H)17 cells through epithelial crosstalk involving paracrine production of TGF-& beta;1.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Xiaoyi Wang, Tianran Wang, Jing Wang, Xiaying Niu, Kaiwen Wang, Ziyang Hao, Hong Gao
Summary: A meta-analysis was conducted to examine the difference in circulating TGF-beta 1 levels between women with preeclampsia and normal pregnancies. The results showed that there was no difference in circulating TGF-beta 1 levels before the time of active disease, but women with preeclampsia had higher levels during the active disease compared to normotensive controls. This was true for both early-onset/severe and late-onset/mild types of preeclampsia.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Giovanni Monteleone, Carmine Stolfi
Summary: In Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the tissue-damaging inflammatory response involves elevated levels of Smad7, an inhibitor of TGF-beta 1. Previous studies showed that knocking down Smad7 with an antisense oligonucleotide reduced inflammation, leading to the development of mongersen as a potential treatment. Initial studies demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of mongersen in inducing remission in active CD patients. However, a phase 3 trial was prematurely discontinued due to no observed effect of mongersen on CD activity. Recent data suggests that the chemical composition of mongersen batches used in the phase 3 study differed from previous trials, highlighting the need for consistent manufacturing requirements and quality control.
Review
Biology
Chio Oka, Razwa Saleh, Yasumasa Bessho, Hasan Mahmud Reza
Summary: This review provides a detailed overview of the role of high temperature requirement factor Al (HTRA1) in cellular processes and its association with various diseases, including preeclampsia, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), small vessel disease, and cancer. Additionally, possible therapeutic avenues utilizing HTRA1 are discussed.
SAUDI JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Qi Zhao, Xudong Li, Zishang Tian, Hui Ma, Xianglin Hou, Yingxiong Wang, Yuqi Wang
Summary: CF/BMI composites are widely used in aerospace due to their excellent properties, but the production of solid wastes has a serious impact on the environment. A green chemical recovery method was developed by selectively breaking imide bonds in order to recycle CF/BMI composites effectively. This strategy allows for the recovery of high value-added carbon fiber and chemicals via controlled degradation of CF/BMI composites.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hui Ma, Dan Luo, Qi Zhao, Rui Liu, Zhenzhou Zhang, Xianglin Hou, Xiaohuan Sun, Yingxiong Wang
Summary: Diffusion-ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) is an efficient technique for analyzing complex mixtures, but often struggles to separate positional isomers. The use of 18C6 and 18C6/K+ complex as matrices can effectively discriminate and identify positional isomeric mixtures, demonstrating superior performance in interacting with different components.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zishang Tian, Xiaojie Shao, Jiaojiao Zhang, Lijuan Su, Yingxiong Wang, Tiansheng Deng, Yuqi Wang, Xianglin Hou
Summary: PPTA, with its highly symmetrical structure, has amide bonds that can be selectively cleaved by strong base catalysts. The efficient catalytic system developed in this work allowed for controlled degradation of waste PPTA, resulting in high yields of TPA and PPD. The study also identified the important factors influencing the depolymerization of PPTA, such as the wettability of alcohols on PPTA monofilament.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wang Liu, Zhimin Zhou, Zhaohui Guo, Zhangqian Wei, Yanfei Zhang, Xinpeng Zhao, Gai Miao, Lijun Zhu, Hu Luo, Mengya Sun, Yingxiong Wang, Shenggang Li, Lingzhao Kong
Summary: Microwave-assisted isomerization of glucose led to efficient production of lactic acid. The altered tautomeric equilibria and controlled reverse-isomerization achieved by microwave irradiation limited side reactions and increased the yield of lactic acid.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Meiwen Cao, Zijin Zhang, Xiaoyang Zhang, Yu Wang, Jingjing Wu, Zhihong Liu, Li Sun, Dong Wang, Tongtao Yue, Yuchun Han, Yingxiong Wang, Yilin Wang, Ming Wang
Summary: Smart artificial viruses have been developed through co-assembly of peptides and DNA, achieving stimuli-responsiveness and efficient gene transfection in cancer cells. These viruses protect DNA from digestion and release genes efficiently through enzyme-triggered structure disassembly. They resemble natural viruses in terms of structure and function, making them promising gene vectors.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jiancheng Zhao, Rui Liu, Zhenzhou Zhang, Qianqian Xing, Honghong Chang, Xianglin Hou, Yingxiong Wang
Summary: This study investigated the tautomer distributions of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc), a natural nitrogen-containing monosaccharide, and found that the introduction of specific catalysts or reaction solvents can promote the formation of specific tautomers.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rui Li, Qixuan Lin, Junli Ren, Zhaohui Guo, Yingxiong Wang, Xiaobao Yang, Xingjie Wang
Summary: Controlling catalysts and solvents to convert glucose into high value-added products is significant. This study shows that sodium lignosulfonate (SL) can efficiently convert glucose into pentose and formic acid (FA). The distribution of products can be regulated by varying the strength of Br??nsted acid and solvent basicity.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jingxue Li, Yingxiong Wang, Wanbin Zhu, Shanshuai Chen, Tiansheng Deng, Shuaishuai Ma, Hongliang Wang
Summary: A mild and highly efficient pretreatment strategy for lignocellulosic biomass has been developed, utilizing fluid shear force and heat generation to separate and recover cellulose. The regenerated cellulose exhibits improved properties and the separated lignin retains a native-like structure, providing guidance for large-scale applications in biorefinery processes.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhaohui Guo, Chunyan Chen, Jiancheng Zhao, Xiaoya Guo, Lingyu Jia, Pengfei Liu, Christian Marcus Pedersen, Xianglin Hou, Yan Qiao, Yingxiong Wang
Summary: This study proposed a method for the conversion of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine to 3-acetamido-5-acetylfuran using boric acid and 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride catalyst. The mechanism was investigated using primary nuclear magnetic resonance technology, and the catalytic interactions were studied through chemical shift titration and mass spectroscopy.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lin Chai, Hongliang Wang, Hongyan Li, Lijuan Su, Shiyu Jia, Xiaojie Shao, Yingxiong Wang, Yongqin Qi, Xiaojing Cui, Xianglin Hou, Tiansheng Deng
Summary: This study presents a novel edge-decoration strategy for the easy exfoliation of graphene layers from graphite. By modifying the edges of graphite, the dense graphene layers become loose, facilitating the exfoliation process and significantly increasing the graphene yield. The strategy produces graphene with 5-10 layers and few surface defects.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Huixian Han, Lan Chen, Jiancheng Zhao, Haitao Yu, Yang Wang, Helian Yan, Yingxiong Wang, Zhimin Xue, Tiancheng Mu
Summary: Lignocellulose utilization as a renewable alternative to fossil-based carbon resources is a promising strategy for achieving carbon neutrality. The design of biomass-derived acidic deep eutectic solvents (DESs) allows for the efficient dissolution of lignin, with the key factors being the hydrogen-bonding acidity and polarity matching between DESs and lignin. The viscosity of the DESs also affects lignin dissolution.
ACTA PHYSICO-CHIMICA SINICA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Minjun Ma, Yu Liu, Honghong Chang, Yingxiong Wang, Yan Qiao
Summary: This study investigates the delivery of ofloxacin using PAMAM-NH2 and reveals its interaction mechanism. The results demonstrate the potential of PAMAM-NH2 for drug molecule delivery.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qianqian Xing, Jiancheng Zhao, Yulei Zhu, Xianglin Hou, Yingxiong Wang
Summary: This study proposes a new catalytic approach using BTC as an efficient chlorine source to convert 3-acetyl-1-propanol to 5C2P. By optimizing the reaction conditions and using nuclear magnetic resonance techniques, a maximum yield of 97.93% of 5C2P was achieved. Furthermore, an intermediate product of 1-(dimethylamino)ethyl carbonochloridate was observed.
RESEARCH ON CHEMICAL INTERMEDIATES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yue Wu, Lingping Yang, Xianglu Wu, Lidan Wang, Hongbo Qi, Qian Feng, Bin Peng, Yubin Ding, Jing Tang
Summary: Revealing key genes and elucidating pathogenic mechanism of PCOS is crucial for targeted clinical therapy. Integrating PCOS-associated molecules, an integrative PPMI network identified potential PCOS-associated genes and significant differences in PCOS-specific tissue. The novel gene FXR2 was found to be significantly increased in PCOS patients' ovarian granulosa cells.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhaohui Guo, Christian Marcus Pedersen, Honghong Chang, Yingxiong Wang, Yan Qiao
Summary: Fructose is a renewable resource that is significant in biomass conversion and food industries. The combination of CaCl2 and Et3N was found to alter the thermodynamic equilibrium and promote fructose separation, resulting in a high yield of up to 78%. The formation of the α-fructofuranose complex shifted the equilibrium of glucose isomerization towards fructose formation, allowing for the production of high-purity fructose.
