Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Giuseppe Montalbano, Maria Levanti, Kamel Mhalhel, Francesco Abbate, Rosaria Laura, Maria Cristina Guerrera, Marialuisa Aragona, Antonino Germana
Summary: Zebrafish serves as an important experimental model for studying various diseases. This review summarizes the presence and function of ASICs in zebrafish, revealing their expression and roles in sensory organs.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Isaac A. Adedara, Fabiano V. Costa, Eduarda Biasuz, Julia Canzian, Ebenezer O. Farombi, Denis B. Rosemberg
Summary: Amiloride, a nonselective ASIC blocker, was found to negatively modulate specific behavioral responses in a zebrafish model of acute visceral pain by attenuating acetic acid-induced pain and preventing aberrant behaviors associated with impaired locomotion.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nina Ruan, Jacob Tribble, Andrew M. Peterson, Qian Jiang, John Q. Wang, Xiang-Ping Chu
Summary: ASICs are proton-gated cation channels activated by pH drops and nonproton ligands, playing crucial roles in various physiological and pathological processes. They are predominantly expressed in the central nervous system and have been linked to functions such as synaptic plasticity, learning/memory, and mechanosensation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amber W. W. Sun, Michelle H. H. Wu, Madhumathi Vijayalingam, Michael J. Wacker, Xiang-Ping Chu
Summary: Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are voltage-independent sodium channels that are regulated by zinc and contribute to various neurological and psychological disorders. Understanding the structural interactions between zinc and ASICs and their therapeutic implications could provide valuable insights into these diseases.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Meredith A. Redd, Sarah E. Scheuer, Natalie J. Saez, Yusuke Yoshikawa, Han Sheng Chiu, Ling Gao, Mark Hicks, Jeanette E. Villanueva, Yashutosh Joshi, Chun Yuen Chow, Gabriel Cuellar-Partida, Jason N. Peart, Louise E. See Hoe, Xiaoli Chen, Yuliangzi Sun, Jacky Y. Suen, Robert J. Hatch, Ben Rollo, Di Xia, Mubarak A. H. Alzubaidi, Snezana Maljevic, Gregory A. Quaife-Ryan, James E. Hudson, Enzo R. Porrello, Melanie Y. White, Stuart J. Cordwell, John F. Fraser, Steven Petrou, Melissa E. Reichelt, Walter G. Thomas, Glenn F. King, Peter S. Macdonald, Nathan J. Palpant
Summary: Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a major risk factor in cardiovascular disease, and acid-sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a) is significantly associated with cardiac IRI. Genetic ablation of ASIC1a improves cardiomyocyte viability after acute IRI, and therapeutic blockade of ASIC1a shows cardioprotective effects equivalent to benchmark drugs.
Article
Anesthesiology
Florian Jacquot, Spiro Khoury, Bonnie Labrum, Kevin Delanoe, Ludivine Pidoux, Julie Barbier, Lauriane Delay, Agathe Bayle, Youssef Aissouni, David A. Barriere, Kim Kultima, Eva Freyhult, Anders Hugo, Eva Kosek, Aisha S. Ahmed, Alexandra Jurczak, Eric Lingueglia, Camilla Svensson, Veronique Breuil, Thierry Ferreira, Fabien Marchand, Emmanuel Deval
Summary: This study reveals that lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), particularly LPC16:0, is significantly elevated in the synovial fluid of patients with painful rheumatic diseases. The levels of LPC16:0 correlate with pain outcomes in osteoarthritis patients. In rodent models, intra-articular injections of LPC16:0 trigger chronic joint pain and anxiety-like behaviors, dependent on ASIC3 channels. These findings suggest a potential role for LPC16:0 via ASIC3 channels in chronic pain arising from joints in humans, with implications for pain management in osteoarthritis and other rheumatic diseases.
Article
Neurosciences
Matthew L. Rook, Anna Ananchenko, Maria Musgaard, David M. MacLean
Summary: The trimeric acid-sensing ion channel structures in resting, toxin-bound open, and desensitized states show little difference between the toxin-bound open state and the desensitized state, except for a loop reorientation in the extracellular domain. Specific interactions within the surrounding area impact linker stability in the flipped desensitized state. The stability of the ASIC desensitized state is strongly conserved under selective pressure, highlighting the physiological importance of desensitization.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andy Sivils, Felix Yang, John Q. Wang, Xiang-Ping Chu
Summary: Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs), including ASIC1a and ASIC2 subunits, play important roles in human physiology and pathology. While ASIC1a has been extensively studied, the understanding of ASIC2 is relatively limited. ASIC2 is involved in modulating ASIC function, synaptic targeting, cardiovascular responses, and pharmacology. It also influences pathologies such as ischemic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, migraines, and drug addiction. Thus, ASIC2 protein holds potential as a therapeutic target for various neurological, psychological, and cerebrovascular diseases.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Vahagn Ohanyan, Sean M. Raph, Marc M. Dwenger, Xuemei Hu, Thomas Pucci, Gregory Mack, Joseph B. Moore, William M. Chilian, Aruni Bhatnagar, Matthew A. Nystoriak
Summary: The Kv beta proteins play a crucial role in regulating vascular tone and blood flow in the heart. Kv beta 2 promotes oxygen sensitivity, while Kv beta 1.1 inhibits oxygen-dependent vasodilation.
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Victoria Cegielski, Rohan Chakrabarty, Shinghua Ding, Michael J. Wacker, Paula Monaghan-Nichols, Xiang-Ping Chu
Summary: This article explores the unique ASIC components in glial cells and integrates them with physiological and pathological conditions, providing promising evidence for targeting ASICs in individual glial cells as a therapeutic strategy.
Review
Physiology
Gordon L. Fain, Alapakkam P. Sampath
Summary: Cone photoreceptors are crucial for human visual experience, but their physiology is still not well understood due to their smaller size and fewer numbers compared to rods. Current research focuses on issues such as the kinetics of cone response, the role of channels, mechanisms for responsiveness in bright light, visual pigment regeneration, and energy consumption in comparison to rods.
PFLUGERS ARCHIV-EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Matthew L. Rook, Maria Musgaard, David M. MacLean
Summary: ASICs are ion channels activated by changes in pH, playing important roles in the nervous system in various physiological and pathophysiological processes. Protons act as neurotransmitters to drive the activation and desensitization of ASICs.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Ashley A. Farre, Chi Sun, Margaret R. Starostik, Samuel S. Hunter, Milton A. English, Audrey Duncan, Abirami Santhanam, Eyad Shihabeddin, John O'Brien, Anand Swaroop, Deborah L. Stenkamp
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the transcriptional heterogeneity and regulation of differentially expressed tandemly-replicated opsins using zebrafish as a model. The results showed additional transcriptional differences beyond opsin expression between LWS1 and LWS2 cones, which are likely controlled by multiple signals.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Yulan Sheng, Baoming Wu, Tiandong Leng, Li Zhu, Zhigang Xiong
Summary: Glioblastoma, the most aggressive tumor in the central nervous system, commonly exhibits an acidic microenvironment, and ASIC1 mediates weak acid-induced migration of human malignant glioma cells.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alba Nin-Hill, Nicolas Pierre Friedrich Mueller, Carla Molteni, Carme Rovira, Mercedes Alfonso-Prieto
Summary: The optical control and investigation of neuronal activity can be achieved with photoswitchable ligands, designed using a modular fashion and optimized through structural data. Computational methods can provide insights to guide photoswitch design and understand light-regulated effects, facilitating photoswitchable ligand design and optimization. Integration of computational modeling with experimental data can greatly enhance rational photopharmacology and further strengthen this approach in the future.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Letter
Pediatrics
Carolina Navarro-Blanco, Natalia Pastora-Salvador, Celia Sanchez-Ramos, Jesus Peralta-Calvo
ANALES DE PEDIATRIA
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Maria Pilar Solis-Hernandez, Carla Martin, Beatriz Garcia, Natalia Perez-Lopez, Yolanda Garcia-Mesa, Sara Gonzalez-Fernandez, Olivia Garcia-Suarez, Jesus Merayo, Ivan Fernandez-Vega, Luis M. Quiros
Summary: The study found that SLRPs exhibit different transcription and protein expression changes in CCs, which are related to patient survival data. There are distinct patterns of SLRP alterations in right- and left-sided colon tumors, with more deregulations observed in LSCCs. The research suggests that SLRPs may impact cell proliferation and serve as new differential markers for RS and LSCCs.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Francesco Abbate, Maria Cristina Guerrera, Maria Levanti, Rosaria Laura, Marialuisa Aragona, Kamel Mhalhel, Giuseppe Montalbano, Antonino Germana
Summary: This study described the morphological characteristics of the tongue in the blackspot seabream, revealing structures such as teeth, taste pores, papillae, and mesenchymal stem cells. The results suggest the potential for wider use of blackspot seabream in aquaculture, as well as providing a basis for future feeding strategies and clinical trials.
ANATOMIA HISTOLOGIA EMBRYOLOGIA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marialuisa Aragona, Caterina Porcino, Maria Cristina Guerrera, Giuseppe Montalbano, Maria Levanti, Francesco Abbate, Rosaria Laura, Antonino Germana
Summary: The study revealed that neurotrophins and their specific receptors play a crucial role in the sensory cells of the inner ear and lateral line system of Nothobranchius guentheri, potentially involved in hair cells regeneration process.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Giacomo Zaccone, Gioele Capillo, Jorge Manuel Oliveira Fernandes, Viswanath Kiron, Eugenia Rita Lauriano, Alessio Alesci, Patrizia Lo Cascio, Maria Cristina Guerrera, Michal Kuciel, Krystyna Zuwala, Jose Manuel Icardo, Atsushi Ishimatsu, Ryosuke Murata, Takafumi Amagai, Antonino Germana, Marialuisa Aragona
Summary: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are multifunctional peptides with antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities. This review focuses on the molecular characterization of the fish-specific AMP piscidin1 and its role in the immune response against pathogens. The discovery of piscidins in the gill and skin and their potential as drug targets for antimicrobial barrier function and aquaculture therapy is important for future research.
Article
Ophthalmology
Alberto Barros, Queiruga-Pineiro Juan, Lozano-Sanroma Javier, Ignacio Alcalde, Juana Gallar, Luis Fernandez-Vega Cueto, Jose F. Alfonso, Luis M. Quiros, Jesus Merayo-Lloves
Summary: This study showed a high prevalence of small fiber neuropathy in the cornea of COVID-19 recovered patients, exhibiting neuroma-like structures and axonal beadings. Patients after infection were more likely to experience symptoms of ocular dryness.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marialuisa Aragona, Caterina Porcino, Maria Cristina Guerrera, Giuseppe Montalbano, Rosaria Laura, Marzio Cometa, Maria Levanti, Francesco Abbate, Teresa Cobo, Gabriel Capitelli, Jose A. Vega, Antonino Germana
Summary: This review provides an update on the distribution and functions of the BDNF-TrkB system in the sensory organs of zebrafish, highlighting its significance in fish.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sara Gonzalez-Fernandez, Victor Lozano-Iturbe, Ma Fe Menendez, Helena Ordiales, Ivan Fernandez-Vega, Jesus Merayo, Fernando Vazquez, Luis M. Quiros, Carla Martin
Summary: Silver nanoparticles have potent antimicrobial activity and are investigated as an alternative to antimicrobial drugs. This study analyzed the antifungal and antiamoebic effects of a new type of silver nanoparticles called silver nanorings (AgNRs), and compared them with other types of silver nanoparticles. The results showed that silver nanoparticles have high biocidal effect, with antifungal activity depending on the fungal species involved, and AgNRs and silver nanowires (AgNWs) having an inhibitory effect on the growth of Acanthamoeba castellanii.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Victor Lozano, Carla Martin, Noelia Blanco, Ignacio Alcalde, Luis Fernandez-Vega Cueto, Jesus Merayo-Lloves, Luis M. Quiros
Summary: This article examines the abnormalities of exosomes in keratoconus and suggests their influence on the development of the pathology. It also highlights the therapeutic potential of using exosomes from healthy individuals.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Caterina Porcino, Marilena Briglia, Marialuisa Aragona, Kamel Mhalhel, Rosaria Laura, Maria Levanti, Francesco Abbate, Giuseppe Montalbano, Germana Germana, Eugenia Rita Lauriano, Alessandro Meduri, Jose Antonio Vega, Antonino Germana, Maria Cristina Guerrera
Summary: The increasing incidence rates of light-induced retinopathies can be attributed to continuous exposure to light from various electronic devices. Studies have shown a relation between blue light exposure and the pathogenesis of these retinopathies, but the specific pathophysiological mechanisms are still unknown. This study focuses on the effects of light exposure at different wavelengths in the blue light range on the distribution of calcium-binding proteins CaB-D28K and CaR-N18 in the adult zebrafish retina, providing insights into their potential role in maintaining retinal homeostasis under different light conditions and darkness.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eugenia Rita Lauriano, Alessio Alesci, Marialuisa Aragona, Simona Pergolizzi, Anthea Miller, Kristina Zuwala, Michal Kuciel, Giacomo Zaccone, Antonino Germana, Maria Cristina Guerrera
Summary: This study characterizes the leukocytes present in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) of H. niloticus for the first time using confocal immuno-fluorescence techniques. The results show massive aggregates of immune cells in the submucosal thickness, forming oval-shaped structures similar to isolated lymphoid follicles found in birds and mammals. This expands our understanding of intestinal immunity in this fish.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Ignacio Alcalde, Cristina Sanchez-Fernandez, Susana Del Olmo-Aguado, Carla Martin, Celine Olmiere, Enol Artime, Luis M. Quiros, Jesus Merayo-Lloves
Summary: The study demonstrates the effectiveness of HSmP in promoting corneal epithelial and nerve regeneration, restoring transparency, and reducing myofibroblast scarring after laser experimental injury.
Review
Cell Biology
Kamel Mhalhel, Mirea Sicari, Lidia Pansera, Jincan Chen, Maria Levanti, Nicolas Diotel, Sepand Rastegar, Antonino Germana, Giuseppe Montalbano
Summary: In the past century, advancements in biotechnology, biochemistry, and pharmacognosy have brought attention to flavonoids, which are polyphenolic secondary metabolites capable of modulating various biological mechanisms, including those involved in neuronal plasticity, learning, and memory. Flavonoids also impact biological processes associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Therefore, certain flavonoids can be used as adjuvants to prevent and counteract disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Zebrafish, with its high genome homology to humans, similar brain organization and neurochemical processes, and maintained neurogenic activity in the adult brain, provides a valuable model for studying human neurodegenerative diseases and the effects of flavonoids on these disorders.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Juan Carlos Celis-Pinto, Adela Alonso Fernandez-Velasco, Maria Daniela Corte-Torres, Jorge Santos-Juanes, Noelia Blanco-Agudin, Kelvin Manuel Pina Batista, Jesus Merayo-Lloves, Luis M. Quiros, Ivan Fernandez-Vega
Summary: The study investigated the expression of PTEN-induced kinase-1 (PINK1) in surgical specimens from ninety patients with metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC) to the liver. The results showed that positive PINK1 expression was observed in all tumoral tissues, and there were no differences between different CRCs. However, a significant under-expression of PINK1 was found in CRLMs derived from the rectum compared to other sites. Altered PINK1 expression in CRCs was associated with worse overall survival due to abnormal mitophagy function.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Giacomo Zaccone, Alessio Alesci, Doaa M. M. Mokhtar, Marialuisa Aragona, Maria Cristina Guerrera, Gioele Capillo, Marco Albano, Jorge de Oliveira Fernandes, Viswanath Kiron, Ramy K. A. Sayed, Marwa M. M. Hussein, Patrizia Lo Cascio, Michal Kuciel, Krystyna Zuwala, Antonino Germana, Jose Manuel Icardo, Eugenia Rita Lauriano
Summary: The recognition and elimination of invading pathogens are essential for host survival. Macrophages, which function similarly to vertebrate macrophages, play a crucial role in host protection in all multicellular organisms. CD14 is a pattern responsible for bacterial recognition found on the surface of macrophages. These cells store antimicrobial molecules and display polarization states similar to mammalian macrophages. The present study reports the presence of various cell markers, including CD14, in the intestinal macrophages of catfish and bonytongue, providing insights into the in vivo function of macrophages in fish.