Article
Immunology
Karmele Valencia, Mirari Echepare, Alvaro Teijeira, Andrea Pasquier, Cristina Bertolo, Cristina Sainz, Ibon Tamayo, Benat Picabea, Graziella Bosco, Roman Thomas, Jackeline Agorreta, Jose Maria Lopez-Picazo, Joan Frigola, Ramon Amat, Alfonso Calvo, Enriqueta Felip, Ignacio Melero, Luis M. Montuenga
Summary: Valencia et al. have identified DSTYK as a novel therapeutic target in lung cancer. Inhibition of DSTYK sensitizes lung cancer cells to T cell-mediated killing and impairs mitochondrial fitness and cytoprotective autophagy. DSTYK copy number gain predicts lack of response to immunotherapy in lung cancer patients.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Madhuree Kumari, Siya Kamat, Sandeep Kumar Singh, Ajay Kumar, C. Jayabaskaran
Summary: The cytotoxic potential of lichens from the Western Ghats in India was evaluated in this study. It was found that the acetone extract of Usnea cornuta (UC2A) showed significant cytotoxicity against multiple human cancer cell lines. Furthermore, the dominant cytotoxic compounds in the UC2A extract were identified as usnic acid (UA), atraric acid, and barbatic acid. Inhibition of autophagy was found to enhance the cytotoxicity of UA.
Article
Cell Biology
Vrushank Bhatt, Taijin Lan, Wenping Wang, Jerry Kong, Eduardo Cararo Lopes, Jianming Wang, Khoosheh Khayati, Akash Raju, Michael Rangel, Enrique Lopez, Zhixian Sherrie Hu, Xuefei Luo, Xiaoyang Su, Jyoti Malhotra, Wenwei Hu, Sharon R. Pine, Eileen White, Jessie Yanxiang Guo
Summary: LKB1 and KRAS co-mutations in NSCLC lead to aggressive tumor growth. Inhibition of autophagy and MEK pathway may be a potential therapeutic strategy for NSCLC with LKB1 and KRAS co-mutations.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Bohao Liu, Zhong Wang, Ruyuan He, Rui Xiong, Guorui Li, Lin Zhang, Tinglv Fu, Chenyuan Li, Ning Li, Qing Geng
Summary: This study confirmed that buformin (BF) can inhibit NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) by up-regulating autophagy and Nrf2 protein level through an AMPK-dependent pathway. BF showed therapeutic effects in reducing inflammation and injury related to pyroptosis.
Article
Oncology
Shunsuke Kitajima, Tetsuo Tani, Benjamin F. Springer, Marco Campisi, Tatsuya Osaki, Koji Haratani, Minyue Chen, Erik H. Knelson, Navin R. Mahadevan, Jessica Ritter, Ryohei Yoshida, Jens Kohler, Atsuko Ogino, Ryu-Suke Nozawa, Shriram K. Sundararaman, Tran C. Thai, Mizuki Homme, Brandon Piel, Sophie Kivlehan, Bonje N. Obua, Connor Purcell, Mamiko Yajima, Thanh U. Barbie, Patrick H. Lizotte, Pasi A. Janne, Cloud P. Paweletz, Prafulla C. Gokhale, David A. Barbie
Summary: KRAS-LKB1 mutant lung cancers silence the STING pathway and minimize intracellular accumulation of 2'3'-cGAMP to avoid T cell infiltration and decrease response to PD-1 blockade. However, transient MPS1 inhibition can re-activate the STING pathway in KL cells and restore T cell infiltration, enhancing the efficacy of anti-PD-1 treatment.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yan-Yang Lu, Heyang Li, Hongyun Ren, Xu Zhang, Fuyi Huang, Dandan Zhang, Qiansheng Huang, Xian Zhang
Summary: The study found that both sizes of PS-NPs interacted with treated HUVECs in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, with 500 nm PS-NPs only binding to cell membranes and 100 nm PS-NPs being taken up and aggregated in the cytoplasm. Exposure to 25 μg/mL of 500 nm PS-NPs for 48 hours led to increased lactate dehydrogenase release from HUVECs, while internalized 100 nm PS-NPs caused membrane damage and induced autophagy. The research also showed that autophagic flux level was impaired in response to 100 nm PS-NPs.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Chu-Che Lee, Jen-Pi Tsai, Hsiang-Lin Lee, Yung-Jen Chen, Yong-Syuan Chen, Yi-Hsien Hsieh, Jin-Cherng Chen
Summary: In this study, Timosaponin AIII (TSAIII) was found to inhibit the growth of glioma cells by inducing cell death, mitochondrial dysfunction, and autophagy activation. The results suggest that TSAIII exhibits antitumor effects and may have potential as a therapy for glioma.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiang Zuo, Hongqiang Yin, Xinyu Li, Zhenzhen Jia, Yanlei Wang, Zhuo Yang, Xizeng Feng
Summary: Corannulene is a carbon material that can bind proteins and regulate lysozyme crystallization and reactive oxygen species generation. PEG/Cor nanoparticles were prepared and found to inhibit voltage-gated sodium ion channels but not potassium ion channels. Molecular dynamic simulations revealed the blocking mechanisms of PEG/Cor nanoparticles on sodium ion channel proteins.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Juan Li, Yang Wang, Yue Luo, Yang Liu, Yong Yi, Jinsong Li, Yang Pan, Weiyuxin Li, Wanbang You, Qingyong Hu, Zhiqiang Zhao, Yujun Zhang, Yang Cao, Lingqiang Zhang, Junying Yuan, Zhi-Xiong Jim Xiao
Summary: This study reveals that oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) occurs infrequently in malignant adenocarcinomas in Kras-driven lung cancer. The activation of the USP5-Beclin 1 axis enhances MDM2-mediated p53 degradation to overcome senescence. The loss of Beclin 1 inhibits lung tumor growth in a mouse model. Moreover, KRAS activates USP5 by elevating ROS levels, leading to the stabilization and activation of Beclin 1 to suppress p53-dependent senescence.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Manuela La Montagna, Lei Shi, Peter Magee, Sudhakar Sahoo, Matteo Fassan, Michela Garofalo
Summary: AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a critical role in non-small cell lung cancer, with loss of AMPKα potentially promoting KRAS-mediated lung tumorigenesis. Additionally, AMPKα might regulate LDHB activation through modulation of lncRNA KIMAT1. These findings offer a new axis for therapeutic research.
CELL DEATH AND DIFFERENTIATION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tereza Vaclova, Atanu Chakraborty, James Sherwood, Sarah Ross, Danielle Carroll, J. Carl Barrett, Julian Downward, Elza C. de Bruin
Summary: The study investigates the co-occurrence of additional KRAS mutations with KRAS G12C in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors and its impact on cellular response to G12C-specific inhibitors. The results show that KRAS c.35G>T mutation most frequently co-occurred with KRAS G12C and led to cellular resistance to G12C inhibitors. Therefore, comprehensive genotyping of KRAS tumors is necessary for optimal patient selection for treatment with a KRAS G12C inhibitor.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jeiran Pashapour Anousheh, Abolfazl Barzegar, Mohammad Saeid Hejazi, Elnaz Mehdizadeh Aghdam
Summary: This study identified specific conformational features of active KRAS, especially in mutant forms, using molecular dynamics simulations and analytical methods. The 02-strand length of KRAS was found to be a crucial structural criterion for its activity. The distance between E37 and A59 residues also played a role in KRAS activity.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Ji Yun Her, Yunna Lee, Su Jin Kim, Gwangbeom Heo, Jieun Choo, Yuju Kim, Cody Howe, Sang Hoon Rhee, Hak Sun Yu, Hae Young Chung, Charalabos Pothoulakis, Eunok Im
Summary: Deletion or blockade of PAR2, combined with high-fat diet, worsens colitis and induces cell apoptosis. PAR2 exerts a protective role in inflammation by promoting autophagy and inhibiting apoptosis, making it a potential therapeutic target for inflammatory bowel disease co-occurring with metabolic syndrome.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-GASTROINTESTINAL AND LIVER PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ling Lin, Yexin Zheng, Chao Wang, Pei Li, Duoling Xu, Wei Zhao
Summary: As zero-dimension nanoparticles, graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) have the potential to regulate cell proliferation and differentiation. This study investigated the effect and molecular mechanism of GOQDs on the odontoblastic differentiation of dental pulp cells (DPSCs). The results showed that low concentrations of GOQDs promoted the proliferation and odontoblastic differentiation of DPSCs, possibly through the activation of the AMPK signaling pathway and inhibition of the mTOR signaling pathway.
Article
Immunology
Shao-Hua Dai, Lu-Jie Chen, Wang-Hong Qi, Chun-Lin Ye, Guo-Wen Zou, Wei-Cheng Liu, Ben-Tong Yu, Jian Tang
Summary: The study demonstrates that miR-145 is upregulated in lung ischemia/reperfusion injury, enhancing autophagy processes and exacerbating the severity of lung damage.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yuan-Yuan Yu, Zhong-Qiu Liu, Guo-Qiang Zhang, Yu-Jing Liu, An-Guo Ying
Summary: This study successfully synthesized hydrophobic mesoporous poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) with strong Bronsted-Lewis acid sites and demonstrated their efficiency as catalysts for the selective valorization of lignite into monocyclic aromatic compounds (MCACs) with a yield of 23.5 wt.%. The synergistic catalysis mechanisms include the hydrophobic micro-environment created by the PILs, the mesoporous confinement that enhances substrate concentration, and the active hydrogen transfer of the Bronsted-Lewis acid sites.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yuan Zheng, Sixuan Chen, Ying Yang, Xuping Li, Junxuan Wu, Jiaming Liu, Yuanping Wang, Xiaoxiao Qi, Ying Wang, Zhongqiu Liu, Peng Wu, Yuanyuan Cheng
Summary: This study revealed that the active compounds of Ilex pubescens have a protective effect on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MI/RI), mainly by regulating HSP90AA1 and ESRα in the estrogen signaling pathway. This provides new insights into the mechanisms of I. pubescens in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jingjing Yao, Qinghong Shen, Min Huang, Ming Ding, Yajuan Guo, Wenbo Chen, Yuefang Lin, Yaqiu Zheng, Shaofang Yu, Wenxin Yan, Tao Su, Zhongqiu Liu, Linlin Lu
Summary: This study aimed to explore the dominant tumor model and specific target of CM by integrative pharmacology and biological experiments. The most predominant and specific cancer types that are sensitive to CM were screened and identified based on a combination network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis. The priority target responsible for CM-related anti-tumor efficacy was further validated by molecular docking and in vitro experiments.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yu-Feng Huang, Fan He, Hao Cui, Yan-Yu Zhang, Hua-Yi Yang, Zong-Suo Liang, Wei Dai, Chun-Song Cheng, Ying Xie, Liang Liu, Zhong-Qiu Liu, Hua Zhou
Summary: This study focused on four hidden toxic Aconitum alkaloids in Aconitum herbs and developed a new detection method. The research found that these toxic alkaloids are distributed differently in various Aconitum roots and showed varying toxicity levels in mice.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL ANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ying Yang, Ting Chen, Jiaming Liu, Sixuan Chen, Rongqing Cai, Liqiong Wu, Jiexiong Hu, Qiongying Lin, Xiaoxiao Qi, Zhongqiu Liu, Yuanyuan Cheng
Summary: This study reveals that Xinbao pill (XBW) has therapeutic effects against myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury (MI/RI) by attenuating apoptosis, suppressing excessive autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress.
PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sha-Sha Cheng, Yuan-Qing Qu, Jia Wu, Guan-Jun Yang, Hao Liu, Wanhe Wang, Qi Huang, Feng Chen, Guodong Li, Chun-Yuen Wong, Vincent Kam Wai Wong, Dik-Lung Ma, Chung-Hang Leung
Summary: CDK9 inhibition is a potential therapeutic strategy for TNBC, and compound 1 demonstrates promising anti-metastatic activity.
ACTA PHARMACEUTICA SINICA B
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ren Fang, Tan Ming, Jerome P. L. Ng, Wu An Guo, Yuan Si Yu, Zhang Hui, Ren Ji Hua, Cheng Sheng Tao, Zhang Juan, Lo Hang Hong, Vincent Kam Wai Wong, Betty Yuen Kwan Law, Chen Juan
Summary: A compound called Ciliatoside A, extracted from the plant Peristrophe japonica, has been identified as a potential antiviral agent against hepatitis B. It functions by inducing autophagy to degrade viral proteins and inhibit HBV replication. This study provides important insights for the development of hepatitis B cure drugs.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giovanni Ribaudo, Xiaoyun Yun, Alberto Ongaro, Erika Oselladore, Jerome P. L. Ng, Richard K. Haynes, Betty Yuen Kwan Law, Maurizio Memo, Vincent Kam Wai Wong, Paolo Coghi, Alessandra Gianoncelli
Summary: By utilizing computational tools, this study identified two potential antimalarial drugs, amodiaquine and methylene blue, as possible PLpro inhibitors. These findings provide a starting point for the development of new PLpro inhibitors.
CHEMICAL BIOLOGY & DRUG DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jiujie Yang, Zhi Li, Linna Wang, Xiaoyun Yun, Yaling Zeng, Jerome P. L. Ng, Hanghong Lo, Yan Wang, Kaixi Zhang, Betty Yuen Kwan Law, Vincent Kam Wai Wong
Summary: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder associated with autoimmune response dysregulation. Recent advancements in early diagnosis, aggressive treatment and alternative therapeutic options have improved the management and long-term prognosis of the disease. Non-coding RNA, such as microRNA and long non-coding RNA, has been found to be deregulated in various diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, and may contribute to its pathogenesis, disease progression and treatment. This review summarizes the changes in non-coding RNAs and their underlying mechanisms in the development and progression of rheumatoid arthritis, and highlights novel therapeutic targets/strategies and biomarkers for its therapy.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Li Zhang, Yuan-Yuan Yong, Lan Deng, Jing Wang, Betty Yuen-Kwan Law, Meng-Ling Hu, Jian-Ming Wu, Lu Yu, Vincent Kam-Wai Wong, Chong-Lin Yu, Da-Lian Qin, Xiao-Gang Zhou, An-Guo Wu
Summary: Polygala genus and its major bioactive component, Polygala saponins, have shown therapeutic potential in various neurological diseases, exhibiting neuroprotective effects and modulating inflammation and oxidative stress. However, Polygala saponins can induce gastrointestinal toxicity, which can be ameliorated using specific processing methods.
Article
Plant Sciences
Chang-Long He, Yong Tang, Xue Chen, Tao Long, Yan-Ni He, Jing Wei, Jian-Ming Wu, Cai Lan, Lu Yu, Fei-Hong Huang, Cong-Wei Gu, Jian Liu, Chong-Lin Yu, Vincent Kam-Wai Wong, Betty Yuen-Kwan Law, Da-Lian Qin, An-Guo Wu, Xiao-Gang Zhou
Summary: In this study, natural autophagy enhancers were screened from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), and they showed potent neuroprotective potential in multiple neurodegenerative disease (ND) models.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yunjian Ma, Zongquan Li, Hao Zhang, Vincent Kam Wai Wong, Frank Hollmann, Yonghua Wang
Summary: This study proposes a parallel cascade using aryl alcohol oxidase (PeAAOx) from Pleurotus eryngii and unspecific peroxygenase (AaeUPO) from Agrocybe aegerita to convert aromatic primary alcohols into high-value aromatic aldehydes. Key factors such as enzyme dosage, pH, and temperature were investigated. The study evaluates the universality of PeAAOx coupled with AaeUPO cascade catalysis for the synthesis of aromatic aldehyde flavor compounds.
Article
Cell Biology
Xi Chen, Jiaqi Li, Ren Zhang, Yao Zhang, Xiaoxuan Wang, Elaine Lai-Han Leung, Lijuan Ma, Vincent Kam Wai Wong, Liang Liu, Erwin Neher, Haijie Yu
Summary: Blockade of immune checkpoints in cancer cells through the expression of PD-L1 has received significant attention. In this study, we investigate the role of Ca2+-dependent proteins in regulating release of PD-L1-containing small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) and tumor growth in mouse models. Our findings suggest that sEVs release in cancer cells is Ca2+-dependent, and knockdown of the ORAI1 gene reduces Ca2+-signals and sEVs release, reinvigorating T cell response and slowing tumor progression. Additionally, we identify ORAI1 upregulation as an unfavorable prognostic factor for non-small-cell lung cancer patients.
JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yuan-Qing Qu, Lin-Lin Song, Su-Wei Xu, Margaret Sum Yee Yu, Onat Kadioglu, Francesco Michelangeli, Betty Yuen Kwan Law, Thomas Efferth, Christopher Wai- Kei Lam, Vincent Kam Wai Wong
Summary: In this study, pomiferin, a natural product from Osage Orange, was found to activate autophagy and inhibit drug efflux to overcome innate and acquired drug resistance in cancer cells. It also exhibited tumor suppression and anti-metastatic effects in animal models. Pomiferin could serve as a novel effective agent for circumventing drug resistance in clinical applications.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shijie Fu, Yujian Lan, Guoyou Wang, Dingsu Bao, Bo Qin, Qiu Zheng, Huan Liu, Vincent Kam Wai Wong
Summary: Injuries at the tendon-bone interface are common and complex, affecting patients' quality of life. Restoring stability and promoting healing of the tendon-bone interface is essential. This review discusses the effects of extracorporeal shock waves, low-intensity pulsed ultrasound, and mechanical stress on tendon-bone healing, focusing on their possible mechanisms of action. The aim is to provide potential therapeutic approaches for clinical treatment.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)