Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Guodong Liu, Xiwu Ouyang, Liansheng Gong, Lei Yao, Shiqing Liu, Jiarong Li, Qi Zhang, Yao Xiao
Summary: The study reveals the crucial role of circ-PRKAR1B in liver cancer progression, promoting cancer advancement through the miR-432-5p/E2F3 pathway. Clinical data and animal experiments further confirm the significance of this newly identified signaling.
MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hongwen Cao, Dan Wang, Renjie Gao, Lei Chen, Yigeng Feng
Summary: The study investigates the role of U2AF1 in prostate cancer resistance to anti-androgen treatment, revealing a negative correlation with ARV7 and poor prognosis in patients. U2AF1 downregulation promotes prostate cancer cell proliferation and bicalutamide resistance by regulating ARV7 splicing.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Mohsen Rashid, Leila Rostami Zadeh, Behzad Baradaran, Ommoleila Molavi, Zeinab Ghesmati, Mehdi Sabzichi, Fatemeh Ramezani
Summary: Hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha) plays a crucial role in cancer progression, functioning differently in cells depending on oxygen levels. Targeting HIF-1 alpha and its downstream signaling molecules is a potential strategy for modulating cancer development and progression. Inhibitors of HIF-1 alpha and agents that suppress mTOR, PI3k/Akt, and MAPK pathways could be effective in cancer treatment.
Article
Oncology
Rongxian Cao, Zhiqiang Zhang, Chen Tian, WeiWei Sheng, Qi Dong, Ming Dong
Summary: The down-regulation of MSMO1 in pancreatic cancer is associated with advanced progression and poor prognosis. MSMO1 acts as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting invasion and migration of pancreatic cancer cells, regulating the EMT and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Article
Oncology
Giorgio Santoni, Consuelo Amantini, Massimo Nabissi, Federica Maggi, Antonietta Arcella, Oliviero Marinelli, Anna Maria Eleuteri, Matteo Santoni, Maria Beatrice Morelli
Summary: The loss of TRPML1 in glioma cells results in various detrimental effects, such as defective autophagy, increased nitric oxide production, and enhanced invasion capacity, ultimately leading to a more aggressive phenotype.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Jiawei Xiao, Lian Gong, Mengqing Xiao, Dong He, Liang Xiang, Zhanwang Wang, Yaxin Cheng, Liping Deng, Ke Cao
Summary: The study found that LINC00467 is highly expressed in bladder cancer and can promote the progression of bladder cancer by regulating the NF-kappa B signaling pathway. Targeting LINC00467 may provide a new strategy for the treatment of bladder cancer and improve patient prognosis.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Annalisa Saltari, Andreas Dzung, Marika Quadri, Natascia Tiso, Nicola Facchinello, Alberto Hernandez-Barranco, Susana Garcia-Silva, Laura Nogues, Corinne Isabelle Stoffel, Phil F. Cheng, Patrick Turko, Ossia M. Eichhoff, Francesca Truzzi, Alessandra Marconi, Carlo Pincelli, Hector Peinado, Reinhard Dummer, Mitchell P. Levesque
Summary: CD271 has been extensively studied for its role in melanoma and its potential therapeutic implications. Activation of CD271 induces apoptosis in melanoma cells, reduces metastasis, and overcomes drug resistance, highlighting it as a promising target for melanoma therapy.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bo Zhou, Jayati Basu, Hasan Raza Kazmi, Kumaraswamy Naidu Chitrala, Xuan Mo, Sarah Preston-Alp, Kathy Q. Q. Cai, Dietmar Kappes, M. Raza Zaidi
Summary: This study provides in vivo evidence that IFNG signaling may have tumor-promoting effects in melanoma by modulating the immune cell composition of the tumor microenvironment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yangzi Tian, Jingjing Ma, Hao Wang, Xiuli Yi, Huina Wang, Hengxiang Zhang, Sen Guo, Yuqi Yang, Baolu Zhang, Juan Du, Qiong Shi, Tianwen Gao, Weinan Guo, Chunying Li
Summary: This study reveals that BCAT2 plays an oncogenic role in melanoma by activating lipogenesis through the epigenetic regulation of FASN and ACLY expressions. BCAT2 deficiency impairs tumor cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and tumor growth and metastasis. BCAT2 regulates de novo lipogenesis by regulating the expressions of FASN and ACLY. The transcription factor ZEB1 is responsible for the up-regulation of BCAT2 in melanoma. Targeting BCAT2 could be a promising strategy in restraining tumor progression in melanoma.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Weiwei Yan, Qiuying Han, Lin Gong, Xiaoyan Zhan, Wanjin Li, Zenglin Guo, Jiangman Zhao, Tingting Li, Zhaofang Bai, Jin Wu, Yan Huang, Luye Lv, Haixin Zhao, Hong Cai, Shaoyi Huang, Xinwei Diao, Yuan Chen, Weili Gong, Qing Xia, Jianghong Man, Liang Chen, Guanghai Dai, Tao Zhou
Summary: This study reveals that Methyl-CpG binding domain protein 3 (MBD3) is significantly overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is associated with advanced tumor stage and poor prognosis. MBD3 promotes the growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis of HCC cells by inhibiting the tumor suppressor tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 (TFPI2). Mechanistically, MBD3 can inhibit the transcription of TFPI2 via the Nucleosome Remodeling and Deacetylase (NuRD) complex-mediated deacetylation, leading to the reactivation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thus contributing to the progression and metastasis of HCC.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Zekun Wang, Yaming Li, Jingwen Yang, Yiran Liang, Xiaolong Wang, Ning Zhang, Xiaoli Kong, Bing Chen, Lijuan Wang, Wenjing Zhao, Qifeng Yang
Summary: This study reveals that circ-TRIO plays a crucial role in TNBC and is associated with the recurrence and prognosis of TNBC patients. The findings demonstrate that knockdown of circ-TRIO inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of TNBC cells, while overexpression of circ-TRIO has the opposite effects. Mechanistically, circ-TRIO interacts with miR-432-5p to regulate the expression of CCDC58.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Xiaosheng Wu, Hao Wang, Danping Zhu, Yixia Chai, Jing Wang, Weiyu Dai, Yizhi Xiao, Weimei Tang, Jiaying Li, Linjie Hong, Miaomiao Pei, Jieming Zhang, Zhizhao Lin, Jide Wang, Aimin Li, Side Liu
Summary: This study reveals the mechanism of how deubiquitinating enzyme USP3 promotes tumor progression and metastasis in gastric cancer. The downstream targets of USP3, COL9A3 and COL6A5, are identified using isobaric tags technique. The results show that USP3 interacts with and stabilizes COL9A3 and COL6A5 through deubiquitination, playing a crucial role in the oncogenic activity of USP3 both in vitro and in vivo.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Shuangjie Liu, Lei Dou, Miao Miao, Xiaojun Man, Baojun Wei, Zhaowei Jiang, Yongze Ouyang, Toshinori Ozaki, Meng Yu, Yuyan Zhu
Summary: miR-138-2 functions as a novel epigenetic regulator of pro-oncogenic NOTCH1 pathway in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). It directly targets APH1A, MAML1, and NOTCH1 for the synergistic inhibition of NOTCH1 signaling. The feedback regulatory loop composed of HES1, miR-138-2, and NOTCH1 contributes to the malignant development of RCC.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Min Chao, Nan Liu, Zhichuan Sun, Yongli Jiang, Tongtong Jiang, Meng Xv, Lintao Jia, Yanyang Tu, Liang Wang
Summary: Sox9, an upregulated transcription factor in clinical gliomas associated with poor prognosis, promotes migration and invasion of glioma cells and in vivo tumor development. It functions downstream of the TGF-beta pathway, where TGF-beta signaling prevents proteasomal degradation of Sox9 protein in glioma cells. These findings provide new insights into the interaction between TGF-beta signaling and oncogenic transcription factors, with implications for targeted therapy and prognostic assessment of gliomas.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marta Arumi-Planas, Francisco Javier Rodriguez-Baena, Francisco Cabello-Torres, Francisco Gracia, Cristina Lopez-Blau, M. Angela Nieto, Berta Sanchez-Laorden
Summary: Melanoma is a highly metastatic and therapy-resistant form of skin cancer. The tumour microenvironment, particularly fibroblasts, plays a crucial role in melanoma progression. This study reveals that Snail1, a transcription factor involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, is activated in the melanoma microenvironment. Targeting Snail1 in the tumour microenvironment decreases melanoma growth and lung metastatic burden, extending survival. Snail1 promotes melanoma growth by inducing an immunosuppressive microenvironment and reducing anti-tumour immunity.
Article
Cell Biology
Chiara Galber, Simone Fabbian, Cristina Gatto, Martina Grandi, Stefania Carissimi, Manuel Jesus Acosta, Gianluca Sgarbi, Natascia Tiso, Francesco Argenton, Giancarlo Solaini, Alessandra Baracca, Massimo Bellanda, Valentina Giorgio
Summary: Mitochondrial protein IF1 binds to ATP synthase and inhibits ATP hydrolysis in ischemic tissues. It is overexpressed in tumors and acts as a pro-oncogenic protein. Study found that disruption of ATP5IF1 gene decreases colony formation and tumor mass development in HeLa cells, indicating the role of IF1 in cancer. Lack of IF1 does not affect cell proliferation or mitochondrial respiration, but sensitizes cells to opening of the permeability transition pore (PTP). IF1 binds to ATP synthase OSCP subunit in HeLa cells under oxidative phosphorylation conditions, and this interaction protects cancer cells from PTP-dependent apoptosis under normoxic conditions.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luca Mignani, Nicola Facchinello, Marco Varinelli, Elena Massardi, Natascia Tiso, Cosetta Ravelli, Stefania Mitola, Peter Schu, Eugenio Monti, Giuseppe Borsani, Dario Finazzi, Daniela Zizioli
Summary: In vertebrates, two homologous heterotetrameric AP1 complexes play vital roles in regulating intracellular protein sorting in a vesicle-dependent manner. These complexes, composed of four subunits (gamma, beta 1, mu 1, and sigma 1), are ubiquitously expressed and essential for development. The knockout of specific subunits in animal models demonstrated their importance in multicellular organism development, neuronal and epithelial cell specification. Mutations in genes encoding for these subunits have been associated with various human diseases, including adaptinopathies, which affect intracellular vesicular traffic. A zebrafish model with an ap1g1 knockout was used to study the molecular mechanisms underlying adaptinopathies, revealing dysregulated cell adhesion and providing potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Elisa Bianchi, Sebastiano Rontauroli, Lara Tavernari, Margherita Mirabile, Francesca Pedrazzi, Elena Genovese, Stefano Sartini, Massimiliano Dall'Ora, Giulia Grisendi, Luca Fabbiani, Monica Maccaferri, Chiara Carretta, Sandra Parenti, Sebastian Fantini, Niccolo Bartalucci, Laura Calabresi, Manjola Balliu, Paola Guglielmelli, Leonardo Potenza, Enrico Tagliafico, Lorena Losi, Massimo Dominici, Mario Luppi, Alessandro Maria Vannucchi, Rossella Manfredini
Summary: BM fibrosis is a major pathology in myelofibrosis and is associated with overexpression of OPN protein. ERK1/2 is a key regulator of OPN production, and inhibiting ERK1/2 activity can reduce OPN production and hinder the development of BM fibrosis. Targeting OPN and ERK1/2 could be potential therapeutic strategies for myelofibrosis.
Article
Biology
Roberta Lotti, Claudio Giacinto Atene, Emma Dorotea Zanfi, Matteo Bertesi, Carlo Pincelli, Tommaso Zanocco-Marani
Summary: Researchers have developed new active models to mimic the main forms of Pemphigus, including PV and mucocutaneous Pemphigus. Immunized animals and animals that received splenocytes from the immunized donors produced high concentrations of circulating antibodies against specific antigens, but the effectiveness of treatment with corticosteroids was limited.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexandru Ionut Gilea, Martina Magistrati, Ilenia Notaroberto, Natascia Tiso, Cristina Dallabona, Enrico Baruffini
Summary: Most eukaryotes have a mitochondrial genome called mtDNA, which is replicated by the enzyme DNA polymerase ?, or Pol ?. In animals and fungi, Pol ? consists of a catalytic subunit encoded by MIP1. In humans, Pol ? is a heterotrimer composed of the catalytic subunit homolog to Mip1, encoded by POLG, and two accessory subunits. Over the past 25 years, more than 300 pathological mutations in POLG have been identified as the cause of POLG-related disorders, characterized by mtDNA deletions and depletion. This review focuses on the biochemical properties and mutations of yeast Mip1 and their impact on enzyme activity, mtDNA stability, and mutability. The use of yeast with Mip1 mutations equivalent to human ones is discussed for confirming pathogenicity, identifying phenotypic defects, and finding rescue mechanisms and compounds. The genetic interactions of other polymerases, such as Pol ?, Rev1, and Pol ?, in maintaining mtDNA stability and preventing point mutations, are also explored.
Article
Oncology
Marika Quadri, Natascia Tiso, Francesco Musmeci, Maria I. I. Morasso, Stephen R. R. Brooks, Luca Reggiani Bonetti, Rossana Panini, Roberta Lotti, Alessandra Marconi, Carlo Pincelli, Elisabetta Palazzo
Summary: This study found differential expression of CD271 in low-risk and high-risk cSCC tumors, and demonstrated that CD271 activity can decrease the proliferation and invasiveness of cSCC, while promoting tumor cell differentiation. CD271 also inhibits the metastatic process of cSCC and increases sensitivity to therapy. Therefore, CD271 may be a promising target for future pharmaceutical development.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Elena Canato, Antonella Grigoletto, Ilaria Zanotto, Tommaso Tedeschini, Benedetta Campara, Giovanna Quaglio, Giuseppe Toffoli, Delia Mandracchia, Alberto Dinarello, Natascia Tiso, Francesco Argenton, Katia Sayaf, Maria Guido, Daniela Gabbia, Sara De Martin, Gianfranco Pasut
Summary: Liposomes have a significant impact on drug delivery due to their biocompatibility and versatility. The introduction of stealth liposomes, decorated with hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecules, has greatly enhanced the pharmacokinetic profile compared to unmodified liposomes. However, the development of effective targeted liposomes for cancer therapy remains challenging and has experienced clinical failures.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Alberto Dinarello, Riccardo Massimiliano Betto, Linda Diamante, Annachiara Tesoriere, Rachele Ghirardo, Chiara Cioccarelli, Giacomo Meneghetti, Margherita Peron, Claudio Laquatra, Natascia Tiso, Graziano Martello, Francesco Argenton
Summary: STAT3 and HIF1α are essential transcription factors involved in various processes, and their genetic interactions under pathological conditions have been demonstrated. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions and their relevance in physiological conditions are not well understood. In this study, we identified a specific subset of hypoxia-induced genes that require STAT3 for transcription and found that the physical interaction between STAT3 and HIF1α may contribute to the regulation of hypoxia-dependent gene expression. Using a zebrafish model, we further elucidated the physiological roles of STAT3 in hypoxia response. Our findings provide insights into the STAT3-hypoxia crosstalk and its importance in biological processes.
CELL DEATH DISCOVERY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Greta Camilla Magnano, Marika Quadri, Elisabetta Palazzo, Roberta Lotti, Francesca Loschi, Stefano Dall'Acqua, Michela Abrami, Francesca Larese Filon, Alessandra Marconi, Dritan Hasa
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the loading of sildenafil citrate in three commercial transdermal vehicles using 3D full-thickness skin equivalent and compare the results with permeability experiments using porcine skin. The results showed that the results obtained using the 3D skin equivalent were comparable to those obtained using porcine skin, suggesting that the 3D skin model can be a valid alternative for ex-vivo skin absorption experiments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2024)
Article
Cell Biology
Rudy Celeghin, Giovanni Risato, Giorgia Beffagna, Marco Cason, Maria Bueno Marinas, Mila Della Barbera, Nicola Facchinello, Alice Giuliodori, Raquel Branas Casas, Micol Caichiolo, Andrea Vettori, Enrico Grisan, Stefania Rizzo, Luisa Dalla Valle, Francesco Argenton, Gaetano Thiene, Natascia Tiso, Kalliopi Pilichou, Cristina Basso
Summary: Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is a hereditary disorder characterized by ventricular myocardium loss, and a zebrafish model can be used to study this disease and test environmental factors and candidate drugs. Our mutated zebrafish displayed cardiac alterations and signaling dysregulation, which can be worsened by intensive physical training. Treating the mutated larvae with a drug targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway rescued the cardiac abnormalities and stabilized heart rhythm.
CELL DEATH DISCOVERY
(2023)