Review
Oncology
Jun Han, Jing Zhang, Chengliang Zhang
Summary: The hepatotoxicity of irinotecan is a major concern due to its use in treating solid tumors, particularly metastatic colorectal cancer. It mainly presents as transaminase increase and steatosis, increasing the morbidity and mortality risk in patients with colorectal cancer liver metastasis. The development of effective preventive or therapeutic treatments remains a challenge.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Congjian Shi, Zhenghong Zhang, Renfeng Xu, Yan Zhang, Zhengchao Wang
Summary: This study found that irinotecan induces liver injury through the HIF-1α/BNIP3 pathway, which regulates autophagy, and that inhibition of HIF-1α can alleviate irinotecan-induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 and L-02 cells. This finding provides a new clue and direction for the prevention of side effects of clinical chemotherapy drugs.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lick Pui Lai, Nicole Fer, William Burgan, Vanessa E. Wall, Bingfang Xu, Daniel Soppet, Dominic Esposito, Dwight Nissley, Frank McCormick
Summary: RAF inhibitors unexpectedly activate ERK signaling in both normal and tumor cells with elevated RAS activity. This study demonstrates that RAF inhibitors can cause paradoxical ERK activation in KRAS(G12C)-dependent lung cancer cell lines. It also reveals that classical RAS proteins are not essential for this process, and the MRAS/SHOC2 complex plays a vital role.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Julio C. Padovan, Thales M. H. Dourado, Gustavo F. Pimenta, Thiago Bruder-Nascimento, Carlos R. Tirapelli
Summary: High consumption of ethanol increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, particularly arterial hypertension. Ethanol-induced hypertension is a complex event involving oxidative stress as a hallmark of vascular dysfunction. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in triggering various pathological processes, including intracellular calcium accumulation, reduced bioavailability of nitric oxide, activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, endothelial dysfunction, and loss of the anticontractile effect of perivascular adipose tissue.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jiaji Hu, Hanglu Ying, Jie Yao, Longhe Yang, Wenhui Jin, Huabin Ma, Long Li, Yufen Zhao
Summary: PEA treatment significantly improved liver function, alleviated hepatic pathological changes, and attenuated lipid accumulation and hepatic fibrosis in MCD-induced NASH mice.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Alin Garcia-Miranda, Karen Aylin Solano-Alcala, Jose Benito Montes-Alvarado, Arely Rosas-Cruz, Julio Reyes-Leyva, Napoleon Navarro-Tito, Paola Maycotte, Eduardo Castaneda-Saucedo
Summary: Autophagy is an intracellular recycling process that can be induced by leptin, a pro-tumorigenic protein, in cancer cell lines. Inhibition of autophagy reduces leptin-induced cell proliferation, migration, and ERK activation. This suggests a potential use for autophagy inhibition in breast cancer associated with obesity.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Lingling Xiao, Liang Li, Jingcong Huang, Yuting Luan, Jiaying Pan, Yun Gai, Zhenyu Xu
Summary: Salidroside (SAL) has been shown to have protective effects against neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in a septic encephalopathy mice model (SEMM) through promoting autophagy.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Zhengting Jiang, Wenjie Zhang, Gengyu Sha, Daorong Wang, Dong Tang
Summary: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly immune-tolerant cancer. Galectins, particularly Galectin-1, play a crucial role in promoting PDAC progression by coordinating the function and number of immune cells. They induce abnormal functions and reduce numbers of tumor-associated macrophages, natural killer cells, T cells, and B cells. Galectins also promote fibrosis and enhance local cellular metabolism, ultimately constructing immune privileged areas for tumor cells. This review summarizes the mechanisms of different galectins, focusing on Galectin-1, in the immune escape of PDAC. The imbalance between tumor immunity and anti-tumor immunity caused by galectins leads to the development and progression of PDAC.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xiao Cui, Fangyan Chen, Jingya Zhao, Dingchen Li, Mandong Hu, Xue Chen, Yulin Zhang, Li Han
Summary: The study found that the release of IL-27, MCP-1 and TNF-alpha from BEAS-2B cells was increased upon stimulation by A. fumigatus conidia, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway was activated. Furthermore, inhibition of JNK could suppress the release of inflammatory factors and LC3II formation in BEAS-2B cells induced by A. fumigatus conidia. Additionally, the autophagy inhibitor bafilomycin A1 significantly reduced the release of inflammatory factors, while rapamycin could reverse the effect of JNK inhibitor on IL-27 and TNF-alpha release. Overall, these findings suggest that JNK signaling may play an important role in autophagy-regulated inflammatory factor release in bronchial epithelial cells during A. fumigatus infection.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jing Chen, Yaxia Yao, Yijia Wang, Xiaotong Wang, Xia Peng, Tianli Li, Ying Liu, Juan Du
Summary: Maternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy is a high-risk factor for cleft lip and/or palate in infants. Nicotine induces autophagy in mouse embryonic palatal cells (MEPCs) through the ROS/ERK1/2 signaling pathway, which may protect the cells from nicotine-induced damage.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Linqing Wu, Zengbin Wang, Xiaoli He, Yayuan Jiang, Ruizhu Pan, Shi Chen, Yizhong Chen, Yanfei Han, Huahui Yu, Tao Zhang
Summary: Arsenic is a known carcinogen, and GJA1, a multifunctional protein, plays an important role in cancer recurrence and metastasis. This study demonstrated that chronic exposure to sodium arsenite promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and reduces GJA1 expression. Forced expression of GJA1 inhibits EMT induced by sodium arsenite by suppressing the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. In addition, chronic exposure to sodium arsenite increases autophagy flux, which decreases GJA1 expression. These findings suggest that GJA1 restrains the carcinogenic effect of sodium arsenite by limiting MAPK/ERK signaling, and interventions targeting GJA1 may have preventive and therapeutic potential for cancer treatment.
TOXICOLOGY AND APPLIED PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Yueyang Liu, Xiaohang Che, Haotian Zhang, Xiaoxiao Fu, Yang Yao, Jun Luo, Yu Yang, Ruiping Cai, Xiangnan Yu, Jingyu Yang, Ming-Sheng Zhou
Summary: The study demonstrates that CAPN1 activation impairs lysosomal function and suppresses autophagosome formation, leading to accumulation of substrates and aggravating neuronal cell damage in cerebral ischemia. The findings highlight the crucial role of CAPN1 in regulating autophagy-lysosomal pathway defects and neuronal damage in the context of cerebral ischemia.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jacob L. Brown, Fredrick F. Peelor, Constantin Georgescu, Jonathan D. Wren, Michael Kinter, Victoria J. Tyrrell, Valerie B. O'Donnell, Benjamin F. Miller, Holly Van Remmen
Summary: Loss of innervation is a major factor contributing to muscle atrophy and weakness. Lipid hydroperoxides and oxylipins play a crucial role in denervation-induced atrophy by regulating mitochondrial hydroperoxide generation and fatty acid metabolism, leading to increased protein breakdown and muscle loss. Treatment with a lipid hydroperoxide scavenger can reduce the generation of mitochondrial hydroperoxides and oxylipins, protecting muscle mass and fiber cross sectional area.
Article
Cell Biology
Jianhui Deng, Yanling Liao, Jianghu Chen, Andi Chen, Shuyan Wu, Yongxin Huang, Haitao Qian, Fei Gao, Guixi Wu, Yisheng Chen, Xiaohui Chen, Xiaochun Zheng
Summary: Hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) can have deadly consequences for neonates or leave them with permanent neurological disabilities. This study found that HIBD increases m6A methylation of RNA in the brain and identified FTO demethylase as a key player in this abnormal modification. Additionally, transcripts with m6A modifications were found to be more highly expressed overall and overexpression of FTO led to hyperactivation of the Akt/mTOR pathway and inhibition of autophagy. Furthermore, overexpression of FTO in the hippocampus effectively reversed synaptic and neurocognitive disorders caused by HIBD.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Bohao Liu, Cong Ding, Wenbin Tang, Chen Zhang, Yiying Gu, Zhiqiang Wang, Tingzi Yu, Zhuan Li
Summary: Irinotecan, a chemotherapy drug used for metastatic colorectal cancer treatment, can cause liver damage including steatosis and steatohepatitis. In this study, it was found that irinotecan treatment elevated ALT levels, inflammation, and fat accumulation in the liver, which were associated with macrophage activation. Depletion of macrophages improved irinotecan-induced liver injury and inflammatory response. In vitro experiments showed that irinotecan induced ROS production in hepatocytes and upregulated toll-like receptor (TLRs) expression in macrophages. Supernatant from irinotecan-treated hepatocytes triggered macrophage activation and upregulation of TLRs, which were abolished by N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Co-culture experiments revealed that irinotecan-activated macrophages impaired lipid metabolism and induced hepatocyte apoptosis, which were partially prevented by NAC. Using a liver injury model, the combination of NAC and irinotecan prevented macrophage activation, TLR upregulation, liver injury, and triglyceride accumulation.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Florian P. Reiter, Liangtao Ye, Andrea Ofner, Tobias S. Schiergens, Andreas Ziesch, Lydia Brandl, Najib Ben Khaled, Simon Hohenester, Ralf Wimmer, Renate Artmann, Yulong He, Serene M. L. Lee, Doris Mayr, Changhua Zhang, Alexander L. Gerbes, Julia Mayerle, Gerald Denk, Enrico N. De Toni
Summary: The study identified p70S6K as a checkpoint of fibrogenesis in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that it could be a potential target for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Furthermore, the pharmacological inhibition of p70S6K by CEP-1347 showed promising results in reducing fibrosis development in mice models.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Tom Zimmermann, Michaela Pommer, Viola Kluge, Chafia Chiheb, Susanne Muehlich, Anja-Katrin Bosserhoff
Summary: Detection and quantification of senescent cells is challenging. It is accepted to use a combination of markers and cellular characteristics to define senescent cells in vitro. This study provides a comprehensive comparison of biomarkers and cellular characteristics used to detect senescence in melanocytic systems, aiming to support the development of standardized senescence detection and quantification.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lisa Linck-Paulus, Tina Meissgeier, Katharina Pieger, Anselm H. C. Horn, Alexander Matthies, Stefan Fischer, Gunter Meister, Heinrich Sticht, Melanie Kappelmann-Fenzl, Anja K. Bosserhoff
Summary: A novel splice variant of Argonaut 2, AGO2-ex1/3, is found to play an important role in melanoma cells. Expression of AGO2-ex1/3 provides a survival advantage for melanoma cells, while knockdown leads to reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis, affecting miRNA function.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Isabel Stufchen, Ruth Beckervordersandforth, Stefan Fischer, Melanie Kappelmann-Fenzl, Anja Katrin Bosserhoff, Felix Beyer
Summary: The skin of adult mammals protects against various damages, with dysfunction of melanocytes and melanocyte-producing stem cells potentially leading to melanoma. The inducible Cre-loxP-system is a promising tool for studying melanocytic cells in vivo. Genes associated with neural cells are also expressed in melanocytic cells, suggesting potential for modulating melanocytic cells using specific promoters. New mouse models were presented to study and potentially modify adult melanocytic cells in vivo.
PIGMENT CELL & MELANOMA RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Lisa Laemmerhirt, Melanie Kappelmann-Fenzl, Stefan Fischer, Michaela Pommer, Tom Zimmermann, Viola Kluge, Alexander Matthies, Silke Kuphal, Anja Katrin Bosserhoff
Summary: Modifications in nuclear structures of cells play a role in diseases, including cancer. The role of nuclear lamina and related proteins in malignant melanoma is unclear. This study investigates the functional effects of dysregulated nuclear lamin B1 (LMNB1) and its nuclear receptor (LBR). It reveals their involvement in nuclear processes and their impact on senescence and chromatin state in melanoma cells. These findings suggest that LMNB1 and LBR are functionally relevant for melanoma progression.
Article
Cell Biology
Nicole Rachinger, Nora Mittag, Ines Boehme-Schaefer, Wei Xiang, Silke Kuphal, Anja K. Bosserhoff
Summary: This study reveals a novel physiological role of alpha-Synuclein (aSyn) in melanocytic morphology and its unknown function in pigment secretion in melanocytes.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Christian Weisenstein, Merle Richter, Anna Katharina Wigger, Anja K. Bosserhoff, Peter Haring Bolivar
Summary: THz frequency range is considered suitable for developing new bio-analytical methods due to the presence of THz-excited vibrational modes in biomacromolecules. In this study, a scalable THz metamaterial-based biosensor was used to investigate DNA samples at multiple frequencies. The results showed that the resonance frequency shift of the metamaterial depended on the presence of DNA and varied with frequency. The experiments demonstrated a significant difference in the power function between dsDNA and ssDNA, indicating an advantage for dsDNA detection and increased sensitivity at higher frequencies.
Review
Oncology
Wenxing Hu, Serene M. L. Lee, Alexandr Bazhin, Markus Guba, Jens Werner, Hanno Niess
Summary: This review summarizes the cellular mechanisms by which neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) promote tumor progression and discusses the potential clinical applications of targeting NETs. Various primary tumors and metastatic sites have been found to have presence of NETs. Inhibition of NET formation has shown anti-cancer effects in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The biosafety and efficacy of NET inhibitors have also been demonstrated in early phase clinical trials. However, more clinical studies are needed to validate the clinical significance of NETs in oncology.
JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH AND CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Sebastian Staebler, Adrian Lichtblau, Slavyana Gurbiel, Thomas Schubert, Alexander Riechers, Ulrike Rottensteiner-Brandl, Anja Bosserhoff
Summary: MIA/CD-RAP is a protein secreted by chondrocytes and cartilaginous tissues. MIA/CD-RAP-deficient mice develop milder osteoarthritis. This study demonstrates that MIA/CD-RAP regulates MMP13 expression and activity, suggesting its potential as a new target for osteoarthritis therapy.
Article
Oncology
Tom Zimmermann, Sebastian Staebler, R. Verena Taudte, Sumeyya Uenuevar, Sabine Groesch, Stephanie Arndt, Sigrid Karrer, Martin F. Fromm, Anja-Katrin Bosserhoff
Summary: The exact mechanisms of action of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) treatment for cancer are still unclear. This study found that CAP treatment caused a reduction in intracellular ceramide levels and a strong activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in melanoma cells. Additionally, pharmacological reduction in ceramides enhanced the effects of CAP treatment.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Isabel Stuefchen, Felix Beyer, Sebastian Staebler, Stefan Fischer, Melanie Kappelmann, Ruth Beckervordersandforth, Anja K. Bosserhoff
Summary: This study investigates the role of Sox9 in the melanocytic differentiation of adult Nestin* stem cells and finds that Sox9 is crucial for determining the fate of these cells. It reveals that Sox9 acts as a fate determinant that determines whether the cells differentiate into melanocytes or glial cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vanessa Kersten, Tatjana Seitz, Judith Sommer, Wolfgang E. E. Thasler, Anja Bosserhoff, Claus Hellerbrand
Summary: Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are involved in hepatic fibrosis and hepatocarcinogenesis. This study shows that BMP13, expressed by HSCs, promotes the progression and growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). BMP13 acts through BMP type I receptors on HCC cells and targeting this growth factor could be a potential therapeutic strategy for HCC.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rand Sayed Issa, Gohar Mushtaq, Aziz Unnisa, Abdo Mahli
Summary: This study discusses a case of concomitant leukemoid reaction and mucormycosis in a patient with severe COVID-19 infection. The patient's blood tests revealed the presence of leukemoid reaction, and skin biopsy showed characteristics of mucormycosis infection. The study suggests that severe COVID-19 infection may be associated with severe infections (bacterial or fungal) and other pathophysiological changes in the body.
TURKISH JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY-TURK BIYOKIMYA DERGISI
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Judith Sommer, Hanna Ehnis, Tatjana Seitz, Julia Schneider, Andreas B. Wild, Sandra Moceri, Christa Buechler, Aline Bozec, Georg F. Weber, Susanne Merkel, Ruth Beckervordersandforth, Alexander Steinkasserer, Roland Schuele, Jonel Trebicka, Arndt Hartmann, Anja Bosserhoff, Stephan von Hoersten, Peter Dietrich, Claus Hellerbrand
Summary: This study finds that obesity leads to inflammation in visceral adipose tissue, with macrophages playing a significant role. FHL2 expression is enhanced in VAT of obese individuals, and it is involved in the interaction between macrophages and adipocytes, contributing to the development of obesity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Education, Scientific Disciplines
Mara Taverna, Julian Nicolaus Bucher, Maximilian Weniger, Roswitha Gropp, Serene M. L. Lee, Barbara Mayer, Jens Werner, Alexandr Bazhin
Summary: The participants perceived the journal club seminars positively, with most finding the topics and working atmosphere constructive. While only a minority found the topics relevant to their own research, the sessions were found to enhance critical thinking and soft skills development.
GMS JOURNAL FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION
(2022)