Review
Immunology
Ryley D. McClelland, Tyce N. Culp, David J. Marchant
Summary: Viruses use host factors to enter cells and cause disease, and imaging techniques are crucial for studying virus entry and replication processes, providing insights into viral infection mechanisms. Quantifying viral images and using cryo-electron microscopy to gather structural information of viruses can help identify novel targets for antiviral therapeutics and vaccines.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Raffaella Morini, Matteo Bizzotto, Fabio Perrucci, Fabia Filipello, Michela Matteoli
Summary: The role of microglia in controlling synapse homeostasis is increasingly recognized by the scientific community, with potential therapeutic implications in conditions like schizophrenia and Alzheimer's Disease. Methodological approaches to investigate microglial synaptic engulfment include various in vitro assays and co-cultures of microglia and neurons, requiring further validation in mice brain for representative in vivo results. This review aims to analyze the technical approaches to studying microglia-mediated phagocytosis of neuronal and synaptic substrates in critical developmental time windows.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Sarah M. Yannarell, Eric S. Beaudoin, Hunter S. Talley, Alexi A. Schoenborn, Galya Orr, Christopher R. Anderton, William B. Chrisler, Elizabeth A. Shank
Summary: This study investigated the spatial organization and gene expression relationships for important genes in B. subtilis biofilms, expanding the description of cell populations. The results revealed that only a few subpopulations of cells have specific gene expression, while others exhibit simultaneous expression of multiple genes. These findings provide a framework for further studying and predicting the roles of diverse cellular phenotypes in B. subtilis biofilms.
Article
Biophysics
Xiaocui Zhao, Renkang Zhu, Max Anikovskiy, Qingxi Wu, Zhifeng Ding
Summary: This study utilized scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) to quantitatively determine the extracellular H2O2 released from single COS-7 cells with high spatial resolution. The SECM mode allowed for efficient recording of probe approach curves (PACs) and visualization of cell topography simultaneously. The H2O2 concentration at the membrane surface of intact COS-7 cells was determined to be 0.020 mM using experimental PACs and a simulated PAC with a known H2O2 release value. Additionally, confocal microscopy was used to demonstrate the intracellular H2O2 profile, showing that H2O2 generation is centered at the endoplasmic reticula.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ana Maria Porras Hernandez, Laurent Barbe, Hannah Pohlit, Maria Tenje, Maria Antfolk
Summary: Confocal microscopy dataset provided in the study allows visualization of spatially confined endothelial cells and can be used for data extraction and tool development after image quality validation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nida Asif, Samreen Fatima, Tabassum Siddiqui, Tasneem Fatma
Summary: ZnO NPs synthesized using cyanobacteria Gleocapsa gelatinosa cell extract showed high antibiofilm activity against B. cereus and E. coli. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy analysis revealed a strong interaction of ZnO NPs with intracellular components leading to biofilm destruction.
JOURNAL OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Simone Pelicci, Laura Furia, Pier Giuseppe Pelicci, Mario Faretta
Summary: The modern fluorescence microscope combines different technologies with varying performance levels. However, the best results are achieved by maximizing one parameter while compromising others, which limits the adoption of new optical microscopy tools in research labs.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Istvan Csomos, Peter Nagy, Csenge Filep, Istvan Rebenku, Eniko Nizsaloczki, Tamas Kovacs, Gyoergy Vamosi, Laszlo Matyus, Andrea Bodnar
Summary: STAT3 is a crucial transcription factor involved in cancer development, with its activation playing a key role. Interleukin-6 is a major activator of STAT3, while chelidonine exerts regulatory effects on STAT3 signaling in treating uveal melanoma cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Svetlana Yefimova, Anatolii Onishchenko, Vladimir Klochkov, Valeriy Myasoedov, Yurii Kot, Liliya Tryfonyuk, Oleksandr Knigavko, Pavel Maksimchuk, Umut Kokbas, Yuliia Kalashnyk-Vakulenko, Andrii Arkatov, Vladyslav Khanzhyn, Volodymyr Prokopyuk, Iryna Vyshnytska, Anton Tkachenko
Summary: Rare-earth orthovanadate nanoparticles (ReVO4:Eu3+, Re = Gd, Y or La) have potential as agents for photodynamic therapy of cancer due to their modifiable redox properties. However, their toxicity limits their application. This research aimed to study the pro-eryptotic effects of GdVO4:Eu3+ and LaVO4:Eu3+ nanoparticles and identify the mechanisms of eryptosis induction.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mariele Montanari, Sabrina Burattini, Caterina Ciacci, Patrizia Ambrogini, Silvia Carloni, Walter Balduini, Daniele Lopez, Giovanna Panza, Stefano Papa, Barbara Canonico
Summary: This study compared the automated-mechanical and enzymatic disaggregation methods for obtaining cell suspensions from various rat tissues. The results showed that these methods worked similarly in some tissues, but the enzyme-free Medimachine II protocol preserved lysosome and mitochondria labeling better, while the enzymatic gentle dissociation consistently induced a lower amount of intracellular ROS.
Article
Biophysics
Martin Frank, Julia-Theresa Fischer, Philipp J. Thurner
Summary: Microdamage accumulation due to repetitive loading can lead to fatigue failure of bones, with studies focusing on understanding its formation through in vivo and in vitro experiments. A fatigue test protocol was established to induce microdamage on individual trabeculae, showing a slow increase up to 2100 cycles and a rapid increase at 3000 cycles. Analysis of microdamage in 2D and 3D images revealed mainly diffuse damage with some linear microcracks visible, offering insights into how material properties influence microdamage in aged and diseased bone.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Abass Toba Anifowoshe, Debasish Roy, Somit Dutta, Upendra Nongthomba
Summary: The Cauvery River is contaminated with microorganisms and microplastics, and treating water samples from it leads to cytogenotoxic effects on zebrafish, causing skeletal deformities and increased mortality. These findings provide valuable insights for health hazards evaluation and future river water treatment strategies.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Seth Winfree, Andrew T. McNutt, Suraj Khochare, Tyler J. Borgard, Daria Barwinska, Angela R. Sabo, Michael J. Ferkowicz, James C. Williams Jr, James E. Lingeman, Connor J. Gulbronson, Katherine J. Kelly, Timothy A. Sutton, Pierre C. Dagher, Michael T. Eadon, Kenneth W. Dunn, Tarek M. El-Achkar
Summary: The human kidney is a complex organ with various cell types. This study introduces new imaging modalities for studying the cellular makeup and spatial organization of the kidney. The VTEA software tool is developed for analyzing these complex imaging data sets and decoding the cellular and spatial complexity of the human kidney.
LABORATORY INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Kristine M. Fischenich, Stephanie E. Schneider, Corey P. Neu, Karin A. Payne, Virginia L. Ferguson
Summary: The study evaluated the bulk material properties and depth-dependent strain distribution of bovine growth plate cartilage. The findings suggest that moduli and strain distribution are highly dependent on depth, orientation, and location. Heterogeneity in cellular organization may serve as a biological toughening mechanism.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Hao Wu, Tingzi Hu, Linfang Zhang, Xiujuan Xia, Xuanyou Liu, Qiang Zhu, Meifang Wang, Zhe Sun, Hong Hao, Yuqi Cui, Alan R. Parrish, De-Pei Li, Michael A. Hill, Canxia Xu, Zhenguo Liu
Summary: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) impairs aortic endothelial function, especially in female mice, without ROS formation, and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) plays an important role in preserving endothelial function in female mice with chronic colitis.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Daniela De Vita, Antonella Messore, Chiara Toniolo, Claudio Frezza, Luigi Scipione, Cinzia Margherita Bertea, Marco Micera, Veronica Di Sarno, Valentina Noemi Madia, Ivano Pindinello, Patrizia Roscilli, Alfonso Botto, Giovanna Simonetti, Anastasia Orekhova, Stefano Manfredini, Roberta Costi, Roberto Di Santo
Summary: Amaranth, a popular health food, has been shown to have synergistic fungistatic and fungicidal activity when combined with terbinafine, suggesting potential application in formulations for topical use.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Federica Geddo, Susanna Antoniotti, Giulia Querio, Iris Chiara Salaroglio, Costanzo Costamagna, Chiara Riganti, Maria Pia Gallo
Summary: Skeletal muscle is crucial for whole-body glucose metabolism, and strategies targeting skeletal muscle biochemical pathways can improve metabolic health. The natural sesquiterpene and CB2 receptor agonist Trans-beta-caryophyllene enhances glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle cells through a CB2-dependent mechanism, showing potential for improving skeletal muscle glucose metabolism.
Review
Physiology
Giulia Querio, Federica Geddo, Susanna Antoniotti, Maria Pia Gallo, Claudia Penna
Summary: Ischemic heart disease is a multifactorial condition with genetic, dietary, and lifestyle factors involved, its prevention through cardioprotective maneuvers is crucial. Studies have shown that sex-dependent responses play a crucial role in the outcomes of cardioprotective procedures, with female sexual hormones playing an important role in protecting against cardiac insults.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giuseppe Mannino, Giorgia Chinigo, Graziella Serio, Tullio Genova, Carla Gentile, Luca Munaron, Cinzia Margherita Bertea
Summary: Proanthocyanidins (PACs) are a class of polyphenolic compounds that have attracted considerable interest in the field of nutraceuticals for their potential health benefits. This review summarizes the main chemical characteristics, biosynthetic pathways, and analytical methods of PACs, as well as their potential impact on human health. Meta-analytic approaches have identified the main plant sources of PACs and their effects on both local and systemic health, focusing on hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering, and anti-inflammatory actions.
Review
Plant Sciences
Adele M. Castiglione, Giuseppe Mannino, Valeria Contartese, Cinzia M. Bertea, Andrea Ertani
Summary: This paper discusses the importance of microbial biostimulants in agricultural production, as well as their role in increasing crop yield and quality, and soil protection. Accurate selection of beneficial microorganisms and preparation for future agricultural challenges are necessary with the increased use of these products.
Article
Agronomy
Cristina Campobenedetto, Chiara Agliassa, Giuseppe Mannino, Ivano Vigliante, Valeria Contartese, Francesca Secchi, Cinzia M. Bertea
Summary: The use of the biostimulant ERANTHIS, based on seaweed and yeast extracts, was tested on tomato plants grown under mild water-stress conditions, showing lower stress-related substances and ROS scavenger enzyme activity, as well as higher stem water potential and photosynthetic pigment levels compared to untreated plants. These results suggest that ERANTHIS may mitigate water stress effects on tomato plants.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gabriele Magara, Marino Prearo, Cristina Vercelli, Raffaella Barbero, Marco Micera, Alfonso Botto, Christian Caimi, Barbara Caldaroni, Cinzia Margherita Bertea, Giuseppe Mannino, Damia Barcelo, Monia Renzi, Laura Gasco, Giovanni Re, Alessandro Dondo, Antonia Concetta Elia, Paolo Pastorino
Summary: Phytotherapy involves using plants to prevent or treat diseases in humans and animals. Increasingly, essential oils and polyphenol-enriched extracts are being used in aquaculture for sustainability. A study on rainbow trout showed that supplementation with basil supercritical extract improved antioxidant pathways at 0.5% but led to enzyme activity failure at higher levels.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giulia Querio, Susanna Antoniotti, Federica Geddo, Renzo Levi, Maria Pia Gallo
Summary: TMAO may be involved in impairing the endothelial-dependent vasodilatory mechanism.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giuseppe Mannino, Graziella Serio, Alberto Asteggiano, Noemi Gatti, Cinzia M. Bertea, Claudio Medana, Carla Gentile
Summary: This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and antioxidative properties of Eugenia involucrata fruits. The results showed that these berries are a rich source of polyphenols with high radical-scavenging and metal-reducing activities. Cell-based experiments demonstrated that the fruit extract at low concentration can prevent oxidative damage and improve enzymatic antioxidant defenses. These findings suggest that Eugenia involucrata fruits could be a potential source of natural antioxidants with nutraceutical applications.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giuseppe Mannino, Maddalena Ricciardi, Noemi Gatti, Graziella Serio, Ivano Vigliante, Valeria Contartese, Carla Gentile, Cinzia M. Bertea
Summary: The application of a biostimulant based on algae and yeast extracts showed significant effects on the peach trees, reducing ripening time, increasing fruit size, and boosting the content of bioactive compounds. This study highlights the importance of plant biostimulants in sustainable agriculture.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giulia Querio, Susanna Antoniotti, Federica Geddo, Renzo Levi, Maria Pia Gallo
Summary: Endothelial function is crucial for systemic homeostasis and depends on the activity of tissue-specific angiocrine factors. Recent evidence highlights the relationship between endothelial factors and gut microbiota-derived molecules, particularly trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), which is involved in the development of endothelial dysfunction and its associated pathologies. TMAO modulates factors related to endothelial dysfunction, such as nitric oxide, adhesion molecules, and IL-6. This review presents the latest studies on the direct role of TMAO in modulating angiocrine factors involved in vascular pathologies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Federica Geddo, Giulia Querio, Alberto Asteggiano, Susanna Antoniotti, Alessandra Porcu, Andrea Occhipinti, Claudio Medana, Maria Pia Gallo
Summary: A healthy endothelium is important for regulating vascular tone through the production and release of vasoactive factors like NO. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) leads to the inability to properly regulate vascular tone, resulting in hypertension and other cardiovascular risks. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), along with NO, plays a key role in vasodilation and antioxidant activities. The study focused on S-allyl cysteine (SAC), a sulfur-containing amino acid found in black garlic, which has antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-hypertensive properties. The study showed that SAC could protect against ED by increasing H2S release, reducing ROS production, and enhancing eNOS phosphorylation and NO release in endothelial cells.