Article
Biology
Michael A. Q. Martinez, Angelina A. Mullarkey, Callista Yee, Chris Z. Zhao, Wan Zhang, Kang Shen, David Q. Matus
Summary: Development of the Caenorhabditis elegans reproductive tract is regulated by the anchor cell (AC). Transcription factors EGL-43, HLH-2, and NHR-67 play crucial roles in the regulation of AC invasion. Recent research has shown a mechanistic connection between EGL-43 loss and AC cell-cycle entry, suggesting that Notch signaling has mitogenic effects in the invasive AC. Using a novel co-expression system called AIDHB, researchers discovered that LIN-12 is not required for AC proliferation following loss of EGL-43.
Article
Cell Biology
Liu Yang, Xing Du, Siqi Wang, Chenggang Lin, Qiqi Li, Qifa Li
Summary: miR-187 maintains TGFBR2 mRNA stability in sow GCs by activating the TGF-beta signaling pathway and inhibiting GC apoptosis. NORHA inhibits the activation of TGF-beta signaling pathway by sponging miR-187. NORFA enhances miR-187 and TGFBR2 expression by inhibiting NORHA and activating NFIX.
CELL DEATH DISCOVERY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Zhuo Bao, Ang Li, Xuebo Lu, Zitong Wang, Yin Yu, Wenjie Wu, Lili Zhao, Bo Li, Xiangyu Wu, Kyle Vaughn Laster, Chengjuan Zhang, Yanan Jiang, Zigang Dong, Kangdong Liu
Summary: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a highly prevalent malignant tumor, and current treatment strategies have limited efficacy. This study found that oxethazaine can inhibit ESCC proliferation and metastasis by targeting AURKA.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daoyu Zhang, Xinglan An, Hao Yu, Ziyi Li
Summary: Breast cancer, especially triple-negative breast cancer, is challenging to treat due to the lack of therapeutic targets. The drug thioguanine has shown antitumor effects and may potentially affect tumor pathways by down-regulating key genes. Competitive endogenous ribonucleic acids may play a role in the regulation of these pathways and could serve as potential targets for alternative breast cancer treatments.
BIOSCIENCE REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Miriam Pagin, Mattias Pernebrink, Simone Giubbolini, Cristiana Barone, Gaia Sambruni, Yanfen Zhu, Matteo Chiara, Sergio Ottolenghi, Giulio Pavesi, Chia-Lin Wei, Claudio Cantu, Silvia K. Nicolis
Summary: The Sox2 transcription factor is crucial for the long-term self-renewal of neural stem cells. The downstream molecule Fos plays a key role in maintaining cell proliferation, possibly through regulating the expression of Socs3. The findings suggest a network of interactions involving Sox2, Fos, and Socs3 in regulating NSC proliferation and maintenance.
Article
Oncology
Peng Li, Yang Li, Chao Zhang, Yi-Hong Ling, Jie-Tian Jin, Jing-Ping Yun, Mu-Yan Cai, Rong-Zhen Luo
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the clinicopathologic manifestations and postoperative prognostic factors of esophageal spindle cell squamous cell carcinoma (ESCSCC). The results showed that tumor size, perineural invasion, macroscopic type, and preoperative blood indicators were significantly correlated with the survival of ESCSCC patients. Two new prognostic models were proposed to aid in risk stratification and personalized management for patients with ESCSCC who received radical surgery.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hao Zhang, ShuTao Yang, Tao Lin
Summary: Bergamottin has shown potential as an anticancer agent against colon cancer cells by suppressing proliferation, inducing apoptosis, inducing cell cycle arrest, inhibiting invasion, and blocking the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway.
ARCHIVES OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Chuanhong Zhong, Bei Tao, Xianglong Li, Wei Xiang, Lilei Peng, Tangming Peng, Ligang Chen, Xiangguo Xia, Jian You, Xiaobo Yang
Summary: This study identified the expression pattern of lncRNA HOXA-AS2 in glioma and revealed its role in immune tolerance and glioma progression. The results showed that lncRNA HOXA-AS2 upregulated KDM2A expression by preventing miR-302a from binding to its 3 ' untranslated region. This led to the promotion of regulatory T (T-reg) cell proliferation and immune tolerance, potentially through the activation of the KDM2A/JAG1 axis.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Ke-Fan Pan, Yu-Cheng Liu, Michael Hsiao, Tsu-Yao Cheng, Kuo-Tai Hua
Summary: Naa10p plays an oncogenic role in promoting esophageal cancer metastasis, with higher expression correlating with poorer patient survival. Transcription of NAA10 is regulated by the critical oncogene c-Myc. The enzymatic activity of Naa10p, along with Naa15p, inhibits the secretion of the protease inhibitor PAI1. These findings establish the significance of Naa10p in driving metastasis in esophageal cancer, suggesting its potential use as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Shuang Sui, Yanmei Zhang, Ying Huang
Summary: This study found that the expression of miR-378a-3p was down-regulated while CMTM3 was up-regulated in the placental tissues and trophoblast cells of preeclampsia (PE) patients. Overexpression of miR-378a-3p promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LPS-treated trophoblast cells, while suppressing apoptosis and increasing the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9, while inhibiting the expression of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. miR-378a-3p regulated trophoblast cell function and the expression of migration-associated proteins by modulating the expression level of CMTM3. This study provides a theoretical basis for miRNA-targeted therapy for preeclampsia.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Ayse Nihan Kilinc, Siyang Han, Lena A. Barrett, Niroshan Anandasivam, Celeste M. Nelson
Summary: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an essential process for cancer cells invasion and dissemination, which is influenced by signals from the tumor microenvironment. This study revealed a critical role of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) in controlling cell phenotype by regulating adhesive connections to the local microenvironment in response to TGF beta 1.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF THE CELL
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Paranita Ferronika, Safira Alya Dhiyani, Tri Budiarti, Irianiwati Widodo, Hanggoro Tri Rinonce, Sumadi Lukman Anwar
Summary: This study analyzed the infiltrative characteristics of TILs and Treg cells in BCC. The results showed that BCC is a cold tumor, with a high proportion of Treg cells and a low number of TILs. There was a positive correlation between Treg cells and TILs, and an inverse correlation between Treg cells and tumor invasion depth, indicating the anti-tumor capacity of Treg cells in BCC.
Article
Oncology
Tong Zhou, Chunhua Li
Summary: This study uses bioinformatics methods to uncover the pathway of transformation from cancer stem cells to invasive cells in colorectal cancer. A multilayer regulatory network is constructed, and a novel combinatorial biomarker for prognosis assessment is identified.
JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH AND CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Qingchao Sun, Haiping Zhang, Liang Zong, Ainiwaer Julaiti, Xiaoliang Jing, Liwei Zhang
Summary: Dysregulated expression of USP43 is associated with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). USP43 promotes LUSC growth and invasion. It could be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for LUSC.
TOHOKU JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Qian Liu, Jinli Ding, Qingzhen Xie
Summary: This study reveals the expression of Fyn in trophoblast cells and its significant roles in trophoblast cell behaviors and functions. Fyn overexpression promotes trophoblast cell proliferation and migration while inhibiting apoptosis. Fyn also regulates the production of inflammatory cytokines, the expression of HLA-G, and the activation of ERK1/2 and STAT3 in trophoblast cells.
BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Jayson J. Smith, Yutong Q. Xiao, Nithin Parsan, Taylor C. Medwig-Kinney, Michael A. Q. Martinez, Frances E. Q. A. Moore, Nicholas Palmisano, Abraham Kohrman, Mana Chandhok Delos Reyes, Rebecca Q. Adikes, Simeiyun P. Liu, Sydney Bracht, Wan P. Zhang, Kailong Wen, Paschalis P. Kratsios, David Matus
Summary: The SWI/SNF complex plays a critical role in regulating cellular invasion, with BAF and PBAF assemblies contributing to invasion via different mechanisms. Research demonstrates that the SWI/SNF complex functions in a dose-dependent manner to control invasion, and provides insights into how it can regulate switching from invasive to proliferative fates. This study highlights the importance of appropriate regulation of the SWI/SNF complex in combating inappropriate cellular invasion.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Kelly Hills-Muckey, Michael A. Q. Martinez, Natalia Stec, Shilpa Hebbar, Joanne Saldanha, Taylor N. Medwig-Kinney, Frances E. Q. Moore, Maria Ivanova, Ana Morao, J. D. Ward, Eric G. Moss, Sevinc Ercan, Anna Y. Zinovyeva, David Q. Matus, Christopher M. Hammell
Summary: The auxin-inducible degradation system in C. elegans allows for spatial and temporal control of protein degradation. In this study, the authors developed a mutant (At)TIR1(F79G) allele that reduces ligand-independent degradation of multiple AID*-tagged proteins, providing improved specificity and efficacy for the AID system.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michael A. Q. Martinez, David Q. Matus
Summary: CDK sensors are genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors that change location upon CDK activation, facilitating investigations of the cell cycle. CDK activity is regulated by its association with cyclins, which is crucial for stem cell maintenance and cancer cell dormancy. The evolutionary conservation of CDKs allows for rapid development of CDK activity sensors in various organisms. These sensors enable visualization of the moment of cell-cycle commitment, providing insights into proliferation-quiescence decision and the regulation of development, aging, and cancer.
BIOCHEMICAL SOCIETY TRANSACTIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Weidong Feng, Honorine Destain, Jayson J. Smith, Paschalis Kratsios
Summary: To maintain neuronal function, neuronal cells need to synthesize and release specific neurotransmitters. In this study, the authors found that Hox proteins are crucial for this ability. They discovered that LIN-39, MAB-5, and UNC-3 work together to ensure continuous and robust expression of genes related to cholinergic identity in motor neurons. This study reveals a noncanonical role for Hox proteins in controlling neurotransmitter identity during post-embryonic life.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Chandrani Mondal, Majo J. Gacha-Garay, Kathryn A. Larkin, Rebecca C. Adikes, Julie S. Di Martino, Chen-Chi Chien, Madison Fraser, Ireti Eni-aganga, Esperanza Agullo-Pascual, Katarzyna Cialowicz, Umut Ozbek, Alexandra Naba, Angelo Gaitas, Tian-Ming Fu, Srigokul Upadhyayula, Eric Betzig, David Q. Matus, Benjamin L. Martin, Jose Javier Bravo-Cordero
Summary: In this study, srGAP1 is identified as a regulator of the proliferative-to-invasive switch in breast cancer cells. srGAP1low cells display a motile and invasive phenotype, facilitating the extravasation of cancer cells from blood vessels and attenuating tumor growth. Interestingly, a population of srGAP1low cells remain as solitary disseminated tumor cells in the lungs.
Article
Cell Biology
Jayson J. Smith, Isabel W. Kenny, Carsten Wolff, Rachel Cray, Abhishek Kumar, David R. Sherwood, David Q. Matus
Summary: Light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) has advantages of fast acquisition and reduced photobleaching and phototoxicity, making it a preferred method for live imaging. However, there is currently no generalized LSFM mounting protocol for live imaging of post-embryonic stages of C. elegans. In this study, a simple mounting and immobilization protocol using a refractive-index matched UV-curable hydrogel within FEP tubes was developed for efficient and reliable imaging of larval and adult C. elegans stages.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Richa Maheshwari, Mohammad M. Rahman, Seth Drey, Megan Onyundo, Gunar Fabig, Michael A. Q. Martinez, David Q. Matus, Thomas Mueller-Reichert, Orna Cohen-Fix
Summary: In this study, using volume electron microscopy, researchers discovered that centrosomes in the Caenorhabditis elegans early embryo are surrounded by a three-dimensional membrane reticulum called the centriculum. The formation of the centriculum depends on the presence of centrosomes and microtubules. Moreover, the centriculum affects the function of centrosomes.
Article
Biology
Michael A. Q. Martinez, Angelina A. Mullarkey, Callista Yee, Chris Z. Zhao, Wan Zhang, Kang Shen, David Q. Matus
Summary: Development of the Caenorhabditis elegans reproductive tract is regulated by the anchor cell (AC). Transcription factors EGL-43, HLH-2, and NHR-67 play crucial roles in the regulation of AC invasion. Recent research has shown a mechanistic connection between EGL-43 loss and AC cell-cycle entry, suggesting that Notch signaling has mitogenic effects in the invasive AC. Using a novel co-expression system called AIDHB, researchers discovered that LIN-12 is not required for AC proliferation following loss of EGL-43.
Article
Developmental Biology
Daniel S. Costa, Isabel W. Kenny-Ganzert, Qiuyi Chi, Kieop Park, Laura C. Kelley, Aastha Garde, David Q. Matus, Junhyun Park, Shaul Yogev, Bob Goldstein, Theresa V. Gibney, Ariel M. Pani, David R. Sherwood
Summary: Cell invasion through basement membrane (BM) barriers is crucial in development, immune function, and cancer progression. The AC transcriptome of Caenorhabditis elegans anchor cell invasion provides insights into the mechanisms underlying BM transmigration, revealing the roles of ribosome biogenesis and endomembrane expansion. The identification of new invasion regulators, such as TCTP, and the enrichment of ribosomal proteins contribute to our understanding of the invasion process.
Article
Cell Biology
Pu Zhang, Taylor N. Medwig-Kinney, Bob Goldstein
Summary: Zhang, Medwig-Kinney, and Goldstein show that the medioapical actomyosin network driving apical constriction in C. elegans gastrulation has a diffuse organization with a mixed-polarity actin filament network. This differs from the sarcomere-like architecture observed in the Drosophila ventral furrow. They further demonstrate that C. elegans endodermal precursor cells apically constrict using a mixed-polarity actin filament network and with myosin and myosin activator distributed throughout the network. These results suggest that diverse actomyosin architectures are used in animal cells to accomplish apical constriction.
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lisa Lampersberger, Francesca Conte, Subhanita Ghosh, Yutong Xiao, Jonathan Price, David Jordan, David Q. Matus, Peter Sarkies, Petra Beli, Eric A. Miska, Nicholas O. Burton
Summary: SWI/SNF complexes are important regulators of gene expression and development. This study identifies a specific mutation in the SWI/SNF subunit snfc-5 that prevents embryonic lethality in nematodes with a loss-of-function mutation in the subunit swsn-1. The study also reveals a potential therapeutic target for developmental disorders caused by mutations in SWI/SNF subunits.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)