Article
Cell Biology
Chung-Huang Chen, Hua-Hui Ho, Wei-Cheng Jiang, Wai-Sam Ao-Ieong, Jane Wang, Alexander N. Orekhov, Igor A. Sobenin, Matthew D. Layne, Shaw-Fang Yet
Summary: This study found that the lack of Cysteine-rich protein 2 (CRP2) can alleviate the occurrence and severity of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) induced by angiotensin II (Ang II), by maintaining the density of aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), extracellular matrix protein homeostasis, and structural integrity of the aorta. In addition, CRP2 deficiency can also reduce elastin degradation, collagen deposition, and abnormal blood pressure, and exert its effects through the Erk1/2-Col III and MMP2 signaling pathways.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gabriel Hoi-Huen Chan, Enoch Chan, Carsten Tsun-Ka Kwok, George Pak-Heng Leung, Simon Ming-Yuen Lee, Sai-Wang Seto
Summary: Ageing is a risk factor for degenerative diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. The tumor suppressor gene p53 may play a regulatory role in vascular remodeling, atherosclerosis, and pulmonary hypertension. Further studies are needed to fully understand the effects of p53 in cardiovascular function and its therapeutic potential.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ningning Sun, Beyongsam Chu, Dong-Hyun Choi, Leejin Lim, Heesang Song
Summary: Abnormal communication between endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) promotes vascular diseases. ETS variant transcription factor 2 (ETV2) plays a role in pathological angiogenesis, but its role in the communication between ECs and VSMCs is unknown. CXCL5 induced by ETV2 in ECs promotes VSMC migration through MMP upregulation and the activation of Akt and p38/c-Jun.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Jingying Liu, Xingbo Long, Hexin Li, Qiuxia Yan, Lu Wang, Ziyu Qin, Hong Zhang
Summary: This study reveals that C1QTNF4 is involved in the migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. It inhibits abnormal neointimal formation by downregulating the FAK/PI3K/AKT pathway, thus protecting blood vessels. These findings provide new insights and potential treatments for vascular stenosis diseases.
CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Fen Zheng, Chao Ye, Rui Ge, Yu Wang, Xiao-Lei Tian, Qi Chen, Yue-Hua Li, Guo-Qing Zhu, Bing Zhou
Summary: This study demonstrates the important roles of EVs-mediated miR21-3p transfer in promoting VSMC proliferation and migration in SHR and identifies SORBS2 as a target of miR-21-3p in this process.
Review
Developmental Biology
Arndt F. Siekmann
Summary: This review discusses the functions of vascular mural cells in blood vessel formation and diameter regulation, as well as their interactions with endothelial cells. It also introduces the signaling pathways controlling mural cell development and highlights distinguishing features of mural cells located on different types of blood vessels. Therapeutic strategies involving mural cells to improve tissue ischemia and vascular efficiency in various diseases are explored.
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Mandy O. J. Grootaert, Martin R. Bennett
Summary: Vascular smooth muscle cells play a key role in atherosclerosis by forming a protective fibrous cap and exhibiting various phenotypes that can affect plaque formation and stability. They are a larger proportion of atherosclerotic plaques than previously thought and their plasticity is regulated by various mechanisms.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Guanghong Chen, Honglin Xu, Yuting Wu, Xin Han, Lingpeng Xie, Guoyong Zhang, Bin Liu, YingChun Zhou
Summary: Myricetin inhibits neointimal hyperplasia and VSMC proliferation and migration by suppressing TGFBR1 signaling pathway. This study demonstrates the potential therapeutic value of myricetin for atherosclerosis and vascular restenosis.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Y. Peng, P. Cai, S. F. Zou, M. Jia, W. T. Zhong, Y. Wang, X. K. Wang
Summary: The study revealed that high doses of insulin promoted VSMCs proliferation by downregulating AP-1, leading to an increase in cells in the S phase. AP-1 was found to bind to the SM-alpha gene promoter to upregulate SM-alpha gene expression. Overexpression of SM-alpha suppressed VSMCs proliferation, while knockdown of SM-alpha promoted it.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL REGULATORS AND HOMEOSTATIC AGENTS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Yuhan Chen, Yuanyuan Chen, Xueze Jiang, Mengkun Shi, Zhenwei Yang, Zhiyong Chen, Xuesheng Hua, Jie Chen, Yuepeng Wang
Summary: This study demonstrated that FGF10 derived from VAFs promoted the proliferation, migration, and neointima formation of VSMCs, while the FGF10-FGFR2 signaling pathway triggered the activation of the MAPK/PI3K-AKT pathways in VSMCs. Additionally, PDGF synergistically amplified the FGF10 signaling.
JOURNAL OF INFLAMMATION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Ruyi Zhang, Fan Bu, Yubing Wang, Mei Huang, Xiaomin Lin, Changmeng Wu, Juanjiang Chen, Yiyi Huang, Haifang Wang, Shu Ye, Xiumei Hu, Qian Wang, Lei Zheng
Summary: The study found that long noncoding RNA RP4-639F20.1 is downregulated in atherosclerosis. RP4-639F20.1 interacts with THRAP3 and downregulates c-FOS expression, thereby inhibiting the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells. In vivo experiments also revealed that RP4-639F20.1 can deter the development of atherosclerosis. Therefore, RP4-639F20.1 and c-FOS could serve as potential therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis-related diseases.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Xi Fu, Tiesheng Niu, Tiangui Yang, Xiaodong Li
Summary: This study investigated the role of circRNAs in atherosclerosis using a mouse model and high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that circMAPK1 promotes the proliferation and migration of VSMCs through the miR-22-3p/MECP2 axis. Inhibition of miR-22-3p rescued the effects of circMAPK1 silencing on VSMCs proliferation and migration.
NUTRITION METABOLISM AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
YongPeng Fang, JinShuang Li, XuDong Niu, NingShun Ma, Jia Zhao
Summary: This study found that hypomethylation of the promoter of Rnase6 led to upregulated Rnase6 expression in AS patients, affecting cell proliferation, migration, ROS content, and inflammatory factor secretion, and activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Ning Yang, Bo Dong, Yanqiu Song, Yang Li, Lu Kou, Qin Qin
Summary: This research investigated the role of CLU in regulating VSMC proliferation and migration in vascular restenosis. The findings showed that CLU was highly expressed in vascular restenosis and over-expression of CLU promoted VSMC autophagy, thus attenuating intimal hyperplasia and vascular restenosis.
JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fabienne Burger, Daniela Baptista, Aline Roth, Rafaela Fernandes da Silva, Fabrizio Montecucco, Francois Mach, Karim J. Brandt, Kapka Miteva
Summary: The study demonstrated that oxLDL-activated monocytes can directly affect VSMCs in a co-culture system, leading to reduced expression of certain markers and upregulation of others, as well as activation of caspase 1, secretion of IL-1 beta, and pyroptosis in VSMCs. The activation of VSMC NLRP3 inflammasome by monocytes may play a detrimental role in atherosclerotic plaque stability in human atherosclerosis, as evidenced by findings in both mice and human atherosclerotic plaques.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Yi-Hsuan Hung, Yu-Chuan Lin, Yu-Ting Lin, Guan-Wen Shih, Jiunn-Wang Liao, Kuan-Sheng Chen, Hong-Ming Liu, Yi-Wei Chen, Yung-Jen Chuang, Chia-Min Yang, Jinn-Jer Peir, Chin-Hua Yang, Fong-In Chou
APPLIED RADIATION AND ISOTOPES
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chen-Mei Chen, Meng-Ling Wu, Yen-Chun Ho, Pei-Yu Gung, Ming-Hsien Tsai, Alexander N. Orekhov, Igor A. Sobenin, Pinpin Lin, Shaw-Fang Yet
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2020)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Xin Geng, Keisuke Yanagida, Racheal G. Akwii, Dongwon Choi, Lijuan Chen, YenChun Ho, Boksik Cha, Md. Riaj Mahamud, Karen Berman de Ruiz, Hirotake Ichise, Hong Chen, Joshua Wythe, Constantinos M. Mikelis, Timothy Hla, R. Sathish Srinivasan
Article
Developmental Biology
Boksik Cha, Yen-Chun Ho, Xin Geng, Md Riaj Mahamud, Lijuan Chen, Yeunhee Kim, Dongwon Choi, Tae Hoon Kim, Gwendalyn J. Randolph, Xinwei Cao, Hong Chen, R. Sathish Srinivasan
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shen Chang, Jian-You Chen, Yung-Jen Chuang, Bor-Sen Chen
Summary: This study proposed a systems biology approach to investigate the pathogenic mechanism for type 2 diabetes and developed a systematic drug discovery strategy for designing a potential multiple-molecule targeting drug. By integrating databases, constructing genome-wide networks, and identifying core signaling pathways, significant biomarkers were identified as drug targets, and potential drugs suitable for T2D were sieved out based on design specifications and a deep neural network model predicting drug-target interactions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yueh-Ming Shyu, Lawrence Yu-Min Liu, Yung-Jen Chuang
Summary: Sequential administration and effective dosing of VPA-ETO combination therapy induced different cellular responses in melanoma cells, with simultaneous combined treatment showing synergistic inhibitory effects through enhanced DNA double-strand breaks and compromised homologous recombination, and sequential combined treatment with ETO pretreatment leading to enhanced apoptosis. Surprisingly, pretreated sequential combined treatment with VPA resulted in an antagonistic effect due to enhanced homologous recombination activity and G2/M phase arrest.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yu-Chieh Chen, Yi-Hong Chen, Han Chiu, Yi-Hsuan Ko, Ruei-Ting Wang, Wei-Ping Wang, Yung-Jen Chuang, Chieh-Cheng Huang, Tsai-Te Lu
Summary: The study investigated the cellular uptake, intracellular release, and regulatory effects of a compound DNIC-2 on epidermal cells. The results showed that DNIC-2 can be taken up by human fibroblast cells, transformed into protein-bound forms, and release NO intracellularly, leading to enhanced cellular proliferation, accelerated wound healing, and increased collagen deposition. The biocompatible DNIC-2 holds potential to be a novel active ingredient for skincare products based on in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility evaluation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zih-Yin Lai, Kai-Yun Tsai, Shing-Jyh Chang, Yung-Jen Chuang
Summary: This study investigated the impact of gain-of-function p53 mutation (p53(R248Q)) overexpression on EGFR-related signaling and drug inhibition outcomes in HGSOC. Results showed that R248Q mutation caused changes in signaling protein function and trafficking, leading to differential sensitivity to EGFR/MDM2-targeted inhibition in HGSOC cells. Such findings could enhance our understanding of mutant p53's role in ovarian carcinoma and optimize the prognosis of patients receiving EGFR/MDM2-targeted therapies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Yuji Kondo, Jason L. Larabee, Liang Gao, Huiping Shi, Bojing Shao, Christopher M. Hoover, J. Michael McDaniel, Yen-Chun Ho, Robert Silasi-Mansat, Stephanie A. Archer-Hartmann, Parastoo Azadi, R. Sathish Srinivasan, Alireza R. Rezaie, Alain Borczuk, Jeffrey C. Laurence, Florea Lupu, Jasimuddin Ahamed, Rodger P. McEver, James F. Papin, Zhongxin Yu, Lijun Xia
Summary: The study found that the C-type lectin receptor L-SIGN acts as a receptor for SARS-CoV-2 infection, predominantly expressed in human liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and lymph node lymphatic endothelial cells. These endothelial cells showed increased levels of clotting factors after SARS-CoV-2 infection, potentially contributing to COVID-19-associated coagulopathy.
Article
Hematology
Md Riaj Mahamud, Xin Geng, Lijuan Chen, Zoheb Ahmed, Yenchun Ho, Rajanarayanan Sathishkumar Srinivasan
Summary: The study aims to determine whether platelets can regulate blood/lymph separation independently of LVVs. The results demonstrate that GATA2 promotes blood/lymph separation through platelets.
Article
Oncology
Chu-Yu Huang, Zih-Yin Lai, Tzu-Jung Hsu, Fong-In Chou, Hong-Ming Liu, Yung-Jen Chuang
Summary: This study demonstrates the importance of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) in eliminating radioresistant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. BNCT increases the number of DNA double-strand breaks, impeding their repair and enhancing cell killing efficiency. Additionally, BNCT delays homologous recombination and inhibits the nonhomologous end-joining pathway during DNA repair.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Chen-Mei Chen, Pei-Yu Gung, Yen-Chun Ho, Candra D. D. Hamdin, Shaw-Fang Yet
Summary: This study found that probucol can improve functional recovery and cognitive impairment after traumatic brain injury (TBI) by promoting neuroregeneration and neuronal remodeling. In addition, probucol exerts its neuroregenerative effects by increasing the expression of BDNF and activation of TrkB. Therefore, probucol may be a promising new drug for the treatment of TBI.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Chen-Fang Hsu, Hong-Ming Liu, Jinn-Jer Peir, Jiunn-Wang Liao, Kuan-Sheng Chen, Yi-Wei Chen, Yung-Jen Chuang, Fong-In Chou
Summary: In this study, boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) was used to treat osteosarcoma (OS), and it was found that boric acid (BA) is specifically retained in the tumor tissue. BNCT effectively reduced the tumor burden and osteolysis in OS-bearing rats.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Yen-Chun Ho, Xin Geng, Anna O'Donnell, Jaime Ibarrola, Amaya Fernandez-Celis, Rohan Varshney, Kumar Subramani, Zheila J. Azartash-Namin, Jang Kim, Robert Silasi, Jill Wylie-Sears, Zahra Alvandi, Lijuan Chen, Boksik Cha, Hong Chen, Lijun Xia, Bin Zhou, Florea Lupu, Harold M. Burkhart, Elena Aikawa, Lorin E. Olson, Jasimuddin Ahamed, Natalia Lopez-Andres, Joyce Bischoff, Katherine E. Yutzey, R. Sathish Srinivasan
Summary: PROX1 and FOXC2 are involved in the development and disease of cardiac valves. Deletion of PROX1 leads to thickening and myxomatous degeneration of valves, while abnormal expression of FOXC2 and PDGF-B is related to valve prolapse and valve insufficiency. Pharmacological inhibition of PDGF-B signaling can partially correct valve defects.
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Peter D. Burbelo, Stephen W. Olson, Jason M. Keller, Megha Joshi, Daniella M. Schwartz, Yung-Jen Chuang, Gerard Lambeau, Laurence H. Beck, Meryl Waldman
Summary: This study developed and validated a highly quantitative luciferase immunoprecipitation system (LIPS) assay for detecting THSD7A autoantibodies. The results showed that LIPS analysis had 100% sensitivity and specificity in detecting THSD7A autoantibodies in all known seropositive MN patients. The study also revealed associations between THSD7A autoantibodies and autoimmunity as well as cancer.