Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qin Zhang, Yulai Fang, Changjun Lv, Yanrong Zhu, Yufeng Xia, Zhifeng Wei, Yue Dai
Summary: This study found that Norisoboldine (NOR) induces the development of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) by promoting fatty acid oxidation (FAO). Specifically, NOR preferentially alters the FAO pathway, increases the content of related metabolites, and promotes FAO in the early stage of Treg cell differentiation. It was also shown that NOR enhances acetylation modification of histone 3 at lysine 27 (H3K27) at the Foxp3 promoter via acetyl-CoA derived from FAO. Inhibition of FAO diminishes the induction of NOR on Treg cell differentiation, suggesting that FAO may serve as a novel target to induce Treg cell development.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Li Lin, Yongmin Liu, Li Chen, Yue Dai, Yufeng Xia
Summary: Researchers designed and synthesized a compound III11 that can activate AhR, which showed good bioavailability and remarkable therapeutic effects in treating inflammatory diseases.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Claudia Rejano-Gordillo, Ana Ordiales-Talavero, Ana Nacarino-Palma, Jaime M. Merino, Francisco J. Gonzalez-Rico, Pedro M. Fernandez-Salguero
Summary: The transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a key regulator involved in cell functions and tumor progression. It can act as either an oncogene or a tumor suppressor, depending on the specific organ, tissue and cell type. In addition to its role in cell adhesion and migration, AHR has potential as a therapeutic tool, diagnosis and prognosis marker.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Bettina Sehnert, Veronica Valero-Esquitino, Georg Schett, Thomas Unger, Ulrike Muscha Steckelings, Reinhard Edmund Voll
Summary: The selective non-peptide AT(2)R agonist Compound 21 (C21) has therapeutic potential in collagen-induced arthritis by promoting the expansion of CD4(+) regulatory T cells and suppressing IL-17A production.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yulai Fang, Cong Duan, Jing Zhang, Yue Dai, Yufeng Xia
Summary: Norisoboldine (NOR) alleviated collagen-induced arthritis by modulating lipid metabolism and other pathways, showing a strong association between rheumatoid arthritis and metabolic disorders. The differential metabolites and related pathways may serve as novel therapeutic targets for RA treatment.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Xiaoyu Xi, Qinbin Ye, Danping Fan, Xiaoxue Cao, Qiong Wang, Xing Wang, Mengxiao Zhang, Yuan Xu, Cheng Xiao
Summary: Several factors, including genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors, play important roles in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) being a recently highlighted environmental factor. This review summarizes the recent progress in understanding the mechanisms of PAHs and aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AHRs) in RA, and discusses the development of therapeutic drugs targeting AHRs. Challenges and prospects of AHR application in the future are also discussed.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Meei-Ling Sheu, Liang-Yi Pan, Cheng-Ning Yang, Jason Sheehan, Liang-Yu Pan, Weir-Chiang You, Chien-Chia Wang, Hung-Chuan Pan
Summary: Thrombin is closely related to neurodegenerative disorders, and AhR is well expressed in microglia cells involved in inflammatory disorders of the brain. This study found that deleting AhR aggravated the inflammatory response and neurodegenerative processes induced by thrombin in microglia cells, while an AhR agonist could inhibit these responses.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Konstantin Kotschenreuther, Shuaifeng Yan, David M. Kofler
Summary: Regulatory T (T-reg) cells are crucial in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), contributing to immune homeostasis and tissue migration.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Aiqun Liu, Qi Cui, Sujuan Yang
Summary: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammatory synovitis and hyperproliferation of destructive synovial fibroblasts (SFs). Abnormalities in regulatory T cells (Tregs) are believed to play a role in the progression of RA. This study showed that induced Tregs (iTregs) had a suppressive effect on both effector T cells (Teffs) and inflamed SFs in a CIA model, suggesting that iTregs could be a potential treatment for RA.
IMMUNOLOGIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Santosh K. Panda, Vincent Peng, Raki Sudan, Susan Gilfillan, Marina Cella, Alina Ulezko, Blanda Di Luccia, Takahiro E. Ohara, Jose Luis Fachi, Gary E. Grajales-Reyes, Alina Natalia, Tihana Trsan, Susan Gilfilan, Marina Cella, Marco Colonna
Summary: This study demonstrates the vital role of AHRR in sustaining intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs). AHRR deficiency leads to oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and ferroptosis in Ahrr-/- IELs, which can be rescued by dietary supplementation with selenium or vitamin E. Reduced expression of AHRR in inflammatory bowel disease patients may contribute to disease progression.
Review
Immunology
Farooq Riaz, Fan Pan, Ping Wei
Summary: The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a widely studied ligand-activated transcription factor that is associated with various diseases. It regulates toxicological, biological, and cellular responses by responding to environmental toxins, dietary ligands, and allergens. Recent findings suggest that AhR also interacts with non-canonical factors to affect gene expression. AhR signaling has also been shown to have significant effects on immune cells and play a role in allergens-induced diseases.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
So-Yeon Kim, Younseo Oh, Sungsin Jo, Jong-Dae Ji, Tae-Hwan Kim
Summary: AhR plays a role in human osteoclast differentiation, with high expression in early stages and decreased levels in mature osteoclasts. AhR agonists can inhibit osteoclast formation, with Kyn specifically suppressing differentiation at an early stage. Blockade of AhR signaling can reverse the inhibitory effects of Kyn on osteoclast differentiation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Atsuhito Kubota, Masaru Terasaki, Yuuta Sakuragi, Ryuta Muromoto, Atsuko Ikeda-Araki, Hideshige Takada, Hiroyuki Kojima
Summary: This study found that some benzotriazole UV stabilizers (BUVSs) induce the differentiation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) through the activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), functioning as immunosuppressive modulators.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Yuying Liu, Nannan Zhou, Li Zhou, Jing Wang, Yabo Zhou, Tianzhen Zhang, Yi Fang, Jinwei Deng, Yunfeng Gao, Xiaoyu Liang, Jiadi Lv, Zhenfeng Wang, Jing Xie, Yuanbo Xue, Huafeng Zhang, Jingwei Ma, Ke Tang, Yiliang Fang, Feiran Cheng, Chengjuan Zhang, Bing Dong, Yuzhou Zhao, Peng Yuan, Quanli Gao, Haizeng Zhang, F. Xiao-Feng Qin, Bo Huang
Summary: IL-2 acts as an environmental cue to induce CD8(+) T cell exhaustion within tumor microenvironments by activating STAT5, inducing tryptophan hydroxylase 1, and subsequently causing T cell dysfunction.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ziyue Kou, Wei Dai
Summary: Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a cellular protein involved in detoxification of xenobiotic compounds. Research has shown that AHR plays important roles in normal development and homeostasis, and its deficiency can lead to various developmental abnormalities.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Xiu-Qin Zheng, Lei-Xin Song, Zhu-Zhen Han, Ying-Bo Yang, Yi Zhang, Li-Hua Gu, Li Yang, Gui-Xin Chou, Zheng-Tao Wang
Summary: In this study, five new triterpenoids were isolated from the fruit spikes of Prunella vulgaris L., along with 15 known triterpenoids. Their structures were elucidated, and their anti-thyroid cancer activities were evaluated. Three of the compounds showed apparent inhibitory activity against thyroid cancer.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Hao Qiu, Lei-Xin Song, Ying-Bo Yang, Si-Yu Zhang, Zhu-Zhen Han, Zheng-Tao Wang, Li Yang
Summary: Two undescribed stilbenoid diglycosides, dendrosonside A and dendrosonside B, were isolated from the stems of Dendrobium 'Sonia'. Their structures were elucidated and they showed inhibition of nitric oxide production.
JOURNAL OF ASIAN NATURAL PRODUCTS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yuangui Yang, Lvye Liu, Zhengtao Wang, Yan Jin, Yanhai Zhang
Summary: An automated on-line solid-phase extraction (SPE) high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed for the determination of six protoberberine alkaloids in compound Chinese medicines containing Coptidis Rhizoma and Phellodendri Cortex. The method effectively removed interferences from samples and successfully quantified the target alkaloids using ion pair reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography.
ANALYTICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jia-Ying Zhao, Qi Liao, Jian-Wei Zhang, Guo-Qiang Lin, Zhengtao Wang, Dingding Gao, Qing-Hua Li, Ping Tian
Summary: In this study, a metal-free cascade dihalogenation-cyclization reaction was reported for the convenient preparation of dibrominated cis-tetrahydrobenzofuran-5(4H)-ones and cis-dihydrobenzopyran-6(5H)-ones. These products bear 1,4-dibromobut-1-enyl subunit in trans-trans and trans-cis form. The anticancer activity against MDA-MB-468 cells was also observed for the corresponding products.
ADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Longchan Liu, Ziying Wang, Qian Zhang, Yuqi Mei, Linnan Li, Huwei Liu, Zhengtao Wang, Li Yang
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Maoqi Hou, Feng Nie, Jianing Zhao, Zhengcai Ju, Li Yang, Qingzhong Wang, Shujuan Zhao, Zhengtao Wang
Summary: In this study, six UGTs were characterized, two of which were novel. PnUGT71A3 catalyzes the glycosylation of protopanaxatriol (PPT) and F1 to form Rh1 and Rg1, respectively, and also the glycosylation of protopanaxadiol (PPD)-type Rg3 to generate Rd. PnUGT94M1 regioselectively catalyzes the rhamnosylation of the C6 glucose of PPT-type ginsenosides Rg1 and Rh1, generating ginsenosides Re and Rg2, respectively, and is UDP-beta-L-rhamnose (UDP-Rha)-dependent.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yuqi Mei, Linnan Li, Linghong Fan, Wenxiang Fan, Longchan Liu, Fangli Zhang, Zhizhi Hu, Kang Wang, Li Yang, Zhengtao Wang
Summary: This article systematically summarizes the history, stereochemistry, ethnopharmacology, and quality assessment of borneol, providing valuable information and strategies for its rational application and development.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yin Cao, Mingrui Li, Lihua Gu, Xin Zhao, An Zhou, Yuping Miao, Yi Wu, Zunji Ke, Rongfeng Hu, Zhengtao Wang, Xiaojun Wu
Summary: The study investigated the effects of Kaixin San (KXS) on hippocampal neurons and cardiac ferroptosis in mice with rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep deprivation. The results showed that KXS improved learning and memory, prevented mitochondrial damage, alleviated myocardial injury, and reversed the expression of proteins involved in ferroptosis in the hippocampus and heart tissues.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rui Tian, Yufan Guo, Fazhen Luo, Tianshu Yang, Zhenhua Zhou, Zhengtao Wang, Yan Xie
Summary: This paper reports the synthesis of multifunctional carbon dots (CFCDs) using herbal medicine as a precursor, and investigates their fluorescent properties and biological activities. The obtained CFCDs have a graphitic structure, abundant functional groups, high aqueous solubility, and excellent stability. CFCDs exhibit pH-dependent fluorescence properties and low cytotoxicity, making them suitable for cell imaging. Moreover, CFCDs have good hemostatic effects and can promote platelet aggregation. CFCDs have potential for wide application in the medical domain.
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY A-CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Lihua Gu, Yue Jiang, Yuanyuan Han, Li Yang, Zhengtao Wang
Summary: A practical TLC-direct bioassay method was established for screening and evaluating antioxidant activity. The method involved a series of reactions, including the production of lipid peroxides by UV irradiation of linoleic acid and the conversion of peroxides into malondialdehyde. A dot blot test using TLC separation showed that substances with anti-lipid peroxidation activity appeared as white spots/zones on a red background. The method was validated for selectivity, sensitivity, linearity, precision, and recovery, and was successfully used to identify active antioxidant constituents from Perilla fruits.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Deqing Ruan, Jingyi Yang, Qianfei Luo, Yanhong Shi, Lili Ding, Zhengtao Wang, Rui Wang, Li Yang
Summary: In this study, we found that goitrin, an alkaloid from Radix Isatidis, showed protective effects in LPS-induced septic shock by inhibiting caspase-11 non-canonical inflammasome pathway. This finding provides a new therapeutic strategy for the clinical treatment of septic shock.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yan Chen, Yingying Tang, Pei Liu, Jinyuan Wang, Weiqian Wang, Changhong Wang, Lili Ding, Aizhen Xiong, Li Yang, Zhengtao Wang
Summary: This study investigates the toxicity and toxicokinetic characteristics of a toxic PA N-oxide, senecionine N-oxide, using a UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A4 humanized mouse model (hUGT1A4 mouse model) and wild-type mice. Results show that senecionine N-oxide exposure caused less toxicity in hUGT1A4 mice, and N-glucuronidation occurred exclusively in hUGT1A4 mice. There were also differences in toxicokinetic characteristics between hUGT1A4 mice and wild-type mice, with enhanced clearance of senecionine N-oxide and senecionine in hUGT1A4 mice, leading to detoxification.
CHEMICO-BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ruiyang Gao, Zhilun Yu, Cheng Lv, Xiaolong Geng, Yijing Ren, Junyu Ren, Hao Wang, Fangbin Ai, Beibei Zhang, Bei Yue, Zhengtao Wang, Wei Dou
Summary: This study found that a plant called Allium macrostemon Bunge (AMB) promotes hair regrowth in AGA mice and identifies the underlying molecular mechanisms. AMB stimulates proliferation and migration of human hair dermal papilla cells (HDPC) and enhances growth factors expression through the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Treatment with AMB extract promotes hair regeneration in AGA mice. These findings contribute to the potential use of AMB in alopecia treatment.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Wei Li, Tongxi Zhuang, Zixuan Wang, Xunjiang Wang, Longchan Liu, Yixuan Luo, Rufeng Wang, Linnan Li, Wendong Huang, Zhengtao Wang, Li Yang, Lili Ding
Summary: Red ginseng extracts (RGS) show potential in treating obesity and insulin resistance by improving glucose and lipid metabolism. This study demonstrated that RGS activates intestinal TGR5 to promote lipolysis and energy consumption by increasing circulating bile acid levels, and facilitates the transport of bile acids by promoting ASBT translocation.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhonglian Yu, Mengqin Xia, Jiping Lan, Li Yang, Zhengtao Wang, Rui Wang, Hongxun Tao, Yanhong Shi
Summary: The Lycium genus, including Lycium barbarum L., Lycium chinense Mill., and Lycium ruthenicum Murr., has been used as a source of medicines and nutrient supplements in China for thousands of years. These fruits have been extensively studied and commercialized for their health-related properties, including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-tumor, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective effects. However, there is limited systematic and comprehensive information available on the Lycium genus.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kun He, Mengyi Xie, Weifeng Hong, Yonghe Li, Yaolin Yin, Xiaojin Gao, Yi He, Yu Chen, Chuan You, Jingdong Li
Summary: Centromere protein L (CENPL) is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is associated with poor patient prognosis. Upregulation of CENPL promotes tumor proliferation and glycolysis in HCC cells by activating the MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY & CELL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yingzi Wang, Haozhong Huang, Huimin Weng, Chunsen Jia, Bin Liao, Yang Long, Fengxu Yu, Yongmei Nie
Summary: Talin protein plays a crucial role in transmitting mechanical forces by connecting the extracellular matrix to the cytoskeleton. It converts mechanical signals into biochemical signals and serves as diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic indicators in diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY & CELL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hema Saranya Ilamathi, Marc Germain
Summary: Mitochondria are the central metabolic hubs in cells, relying on proteins encoded by nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) for their function. The maintenance and distribution of mtDNA are crucial for proper mitochondrial function and are associated with mitochondrial diseases. mtDNA is organized into nucleoids that dynamically move and interact with each other. The replication and distribution of mtDNA nucleoids are regulated by the complex interplay of mitochondrial dynamics, ER-mitochondria contact sites, and cytoskeletal networks.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY & CELL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
K. K. Sruthi, Sirisha Natani, Ramesh Ummanni
Summary: The overexpression of TPD52 is associated with the emergence of neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). TPD52 activates the NF-kappa B - STAT3 axis to induce neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) of prostate cancer cells. Therapeutic targeting of TPD52 is important for the treatment of prostate cancer.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY & CELL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cui Li, Feifan Xiang, Yuqi Gong, Yi Fu, Ge Chen, Zhi Wang, Zhong Li, Daiqing Wei
Summary: Our study demonstrates the significant role of tumor-derived microparticles (T-MPs) in osteosarcoma metastasis and immune response. T-MPs promote macrophage polarization and stimulate migration and chemoresistance of osteosarcoma cells, thereby affecting the progression of osteosarcoma.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY & CELL BIOLOGY
(2024)