Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Chiara Capitani, Ginevra Chioccioli Altadonna, Michele Santillo, Elena Lastraioli
Summary: Despite improvements in treatment, lung cancer continues to be a major global health problem. Adenocarcinoma is the most common subtype, while Small Cell Lung Cancer is the most challenging and difficult to treat. The standard care for these patients involves surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The search for novel biomarkers that can aid in diagnosis and therapy is crucial.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Karolina Nowicka-Bauer, Monika Szymczak-Cendlak
Summary: Sperm motility is closely linked to the sensitivity and specificity of ion channels, with different ion channels interacting to ensure timely and efficient fertilization. The activation and modulation of these channels play key roles in regulating sperm motility in animals.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biophysics
Ildiko Szabo, Adam Szewczyk
Summary: Mitochondria play a crucial role in various cellular functions, and their proper functioning relies on ion homeostasis. Mitochondrial ion channels control the inner mitochondrial membrane potential, which is essential for mitochondrial function. The discovery of mitochondrial ion channels has provided new insights into the role of ion channels in cell life and death. This review summarizes the biophysical properties, molecular identity, regulation, and therapeutic potential of animal mitochondrial ion channels.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF BIOPHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Robert T. Graham, R. Ryley Parrish, Laura Alberio, Emily L. Johnson, Laura Owens, Andrew J. Trevelyan
Summary: Brain-state transitions, such as the onset of seizures, are difficult to predict but may be detected through changes in brain rhythms. This study demonstrates the potential benefits of an 'active probing' approach using optogenetics for epilepsy management, including the ability to predict seizure-like activity and provide a warning before onset.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Manzoor Ahmad, Sandip Chattopadhayay, Debashis Mondal, Thangavel Vijayakanth, Pinaki Talukdar
Summary: Photoswitchable acylhydrazone-based synthetic anionophores were reported, showing the attenuation of ion transport activity through a phototriggered E to Z photoisomerization process, with resulting high kinetic stability in the photoisomerized deactivated state due to an intramolecular hydrogen bond. Switchable OFF-ON transport activity was achieved through the application of light and an acid-catalyzed reactivation process.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Peihui Yang, Jingwei Feng, Yeyan Zhu, Yan Hao
Summary: Potassium channels are vital for cell volume regulation. A cell volume sensor was developed using a quartz-crystal microbalance (QCM) and regulatory volume decrease (RVD) to investigate potassium channels and their expression. The sensor effectively monitored the activity of K+ channels during RVD, showing that Ca2+ activates the K+ channel (K-Ca) and enhances RVD. Blocking K+ channels resulted in a noticeable difference in RVD levels between normal and cancerous nasopharyngeal cells, indicating the dominant role of K-Ca channels in RVD and providing a method to identify the activation of different K+ channels.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jie Yang, Guocan Yu, Jonathan L. Sessler, Injae Shin, Philip A. Gale, Feihe Huang
Summary: Artificial transmembrane transporters have been developed over the past decade, with progress made in selective recognition and transmembrane transport of key ions through structural manipulation and the use of chemical entities or nanostructures. These ion transporters have potential as therapies in cancer treatments and antibiotic applications by perturbing intracellular pH or disrupting intracellular ion homeostasis. The review highlights recent progress in this field and serves as an entry point for further advancements.
Article
Cell Biology
Nicholas L. Weilinger, Leigh E. Wicki-Stordeur, Christopher J. Groten, Jeffrey M. LeDue, Kristopher T. Kahle, Brian A. MacVicar
Summary: Intracellular chloride ion concentration plays a critical role in neuronal functions. The study reveals that NMDA-induced high chloride ion subdomains contribute to dendritic swelling in stroke-like conditions. This process relies on calcium influx and the activation of SK channels. These findings provide insights into the development of neurological disorders.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Konrad Urbanek, Donato Cappetta, Gabriella Bellocchio, Maria Antonietta Coppola, Paola Imbrici, Marialucia Telesca, Maria Donniacuo, Maria Antonietta Riemma, Elena Mele, Eleonora Cianflone, Silvio Naviglio, Elena Conte, Giulia Maria Camerino, Marco Mele, Mariarosaria Bucci, Giuseppe Castaldo, Annamaria De Luca, Francesco Rossi, Liberato Berrino, Antonella Liantonio, Antonella De Angelis
Summary: Cardiorenal syndrome is a range of disorders involving heart and kidney dysfunction, with common risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes. Dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, has been shown to reduce the risk of heart failure and improve renal endpoints in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. In a non-diabetic model of cardiorenal syndrome, dapagliflozin provides renal protection by modulating inflammatory response, endothelial activation, fibrosis, oxidative stress, local RAAS, and ion channels.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Laura E. Bickerton, Toby G. Johnson, Aidan Kerckhoffs, Matthew J. Langton
Summary: Lipid bilayer membranes are essential compartments for life, and their function can be controlled by interfacing with supramolecular systems. This rapidly expanding field holds great prospects for applications in biology and medicine in the future.
Review
Immunology
Shumin Tan
Summary: Host colonization by a pathogen requires proper sensing and response to environmental cues, with the ionic milieu playing a critical role. The abundant ions, such as chloride and potassium, have been identified as important environmental cues in host-pathogen interactions, with studies focusing on how they are exploited and manipulated during infection and colonization. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of these abundant ions and their impact on pathogen response to cues in host-pathogen interactions.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jie Liu, Xuewei Li, Ning Xu, Huirong Han, Xiangling Li
Summary: Proteinuria is a common manifestation of kidney diseases and is associated with renal dysfunction, disease progression, and increased mortality. Ion channels play a significant role in the mechanisms underlying proteinuria and offer potential therapeutic targets for treating and delaying the progression of kidney diseases.
EXPERIMENTAL AND THERAPEUTIC MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sonja Rutz, Dawid Deneka, Antje Dittmann, Marta Sawicka, Raimund Dutzler
Summary: Volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs) play a role in cellular response to osmotic swelling. These membrane proteins are composed of heteromeric assemblies of LRRC8 subunits, with compositions affecting permeation properties. In this study, the structure of murine LRRC8A/C channels was characterized. The assembly showed a predominant organization with an A:C ratio of two, with LRRC8A subunits stabilizing a closed state of the channel while LRRC8C subunits enhancing the activation properties.
NATURE STRUCTURAL & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Valentina E. Yurinskaya, Alexey A. Vereninov
Summary: This study demonstrates a new approach to predict cell ionic homeostasis dynamics when stopping the sodium pump in human lymphoid cells. The results show the reliability of the method in describing cell ion flux and provide a quantitative analysis of the interplay between various ion channels and transporters in cells.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Valentina E. Yurinskaya, Alexey A. Vereninov
Summary: This paper presents a computational analysis of the transport of monovalent ions across the cell membrane in living cells. The study shows that cell volume restoration does not necessarily require the activation of specific ion channels and transporters, but depends on the types of chloride cotransporters in the membrane. The findings have implications for understanding the true changes in membrane channels and transporters responsible for cell volume regulation. The developed software allows researchers to calculate ion fluxes in living cells and study the functional expression of channels and transporters.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessia Remigante, Rossana Morabito, Angela Marino
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rossana Morabito, Alessia Remigante, Sara Spinelli, Giulia Vitale, Vincenzo Trichilo, Saverio Loddo, Angela Marino
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessia Remigante, Rossana Morabito, Sara Spinelli, Vincenzo Trichilo, Saverio Loddo, Antonio Sarikas, Silvia Dossena, Angela Marino
Review
Cell Biology
Alessia Remigante, Rossana Morabito, Angela Marino
Summary: Band 3 protein (B3p) is an anion transporter that plays a crucial role in erythrocyte homeostasis and cell shape, particularly under oxidative stress conditions. Investigating the functions and anion exchange capability of B3p is significant for understanding related diseases.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tiziana Genovese, Rosalba Siracusa, Roberta Fusco, Ramona D'Amico, Daniela Impellizzeri, Alessio Filippo Peritore, Rosalia Crupi, Enrico Gugliandolo, Rossana Morabito, Salvatore Cuzzocrea, Angela Trovato Salinaro, Marika Cordaro, Rosanna Di Paola
Summary: This study found that aged mice were more susceptible to the effects of Atrazine (ATR) compared to young mice, exhibiting more pronounced behavioral alterations and memory impairment. ATR induced oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokine release, and apoptosis, with the older group showing greater sensitivity to ATR.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Alessia Remigante, Sara Spinelli, Vincenzo Trichilo, Saverio Loddo, Antonio Sarikas, Michael Pusch, Silvia Dossena, Angela Marino, Rossana Morabito
Summary: The study found that utilizing D-Gal can mimic early aging in human erythrocytes, assessing B3p ion transport function is a sensitive tool to monitor aging development, and D-Gal leads to Hb glycation and substantial changes in the endogenous antioxidant system. Aging impacts B3p function through stages involving Hb glycation first and then oxidative events at the membrane level.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Alessia Remigante, Paolo Zuccolini, Raffaella Barbieri, Loretta Ferrera, Rossana Morabito, Paola Gavazzo, Michael Pusch, Cristiana Picco
Summary: The study investigated the effects of different BK channel activators in melanoma and pancreatic duct carcinoma cell lines, finding that only one activator had significant effects on cancer-associated processes, while also increasing intracellular Ca2+ concentration independently of BK channel activation. The activation of the BK channel alone was not sufficient to produce beneficial anti-cancer effects, and the use of specific BK channel openers as anti-cancer agents may have complications.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessia Remigante, Rossana Morabito
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessia Remigante, Sara Spinelli, Nancy Basile, Daniele Caruso, Giuseppe Falliti, Silvia Dossena, Angela Marino, Rossana Morabito
Summary: This study aimed to verify the protective role of Quercetin in a d-Galactose-induced model of aging in human erythrocytes. It was found that Quercetin preferentially improved lipid peroxidation rather than protein oxidation and prevented glycated hemoglobin formation. These findings suggest that the Band 3 protein could be a potential target for antioxidant treatments against aging-related disturbances.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rossana Morabito, Marika Cordaro
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Alessia Remigante, Sara Spinelli, Elisabetta Straface, Lucrezia Gambardella, Daniele Caruso, Giuseppe Falliti, Silvia Dossena, Angela Marino, Rossana Morabito
Summary: Aging is a decline in physiological functions, closely related to oxidative stress (OS). Functional foods rich in flavonoids are effective in counteracting age-related changes. This study confirmed the protective role of Aca extract in a model of aging in human erythrocytes, reducing OS damage and restoring protein distribution alterations.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessia Remigante, Sara Spinelli, Elisabetta Straface, Lucrezia Gambardella, Daniele Caruso, Giuseppe Falliti, Silvia Dossena, Angela Marino, Rossana Morabito
Summary: This study aims to investigate the response of red blood cells to oxidative stress and evaluate the potential beneficial effects of the natural antioxidant quercetin. The results indicate that pre-treatment with quercetin is more effective in protecting red blood cells against oxidative stress and preventing damage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessia Remigante, Sara Spinelli, Angela Marino, Michael Pusch, Rossana Morabito, Silvia Dossena
Summary: Oxidative stress and immune response are important factors in the development of cancers, including melanoma. Ion channels, which are aberrantly expressed in tumor cells, play a role in neoplastic transformation, malignant progression, and resistance to therapy. These ion channels, located in cellular membranes, are targets of oxidative stress, which is particularly elevated in melanoma. They also represent promising targets for therapeutic intervention in melanoma.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Pasquale Perrone, Sara Spinelli, Gianluca Mantegna, Rosaria Notariale, Elisabetta Straface, Daniele Caruso, Giuseppe Falliti, Angela Marino, Caterina Manna, Alessia Remigante, Rossana Morabito
Summary: Mercury exposure induces oxidative stress in red blood cells (RBCs), but natural antioxidants like hydroxytyrosol (HT) and homovanillyl alcohol (HVA) from extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) have shown potential protective effects. In this study, RBCs treated with HgCl2 were examined, and it was found that HT and/or HVA pre-treatment impaired acanthocytes formation and oxidative stress injury induced by mercury, while restoring the endogenous antioxidant system. These findings suggest that dietary supplementation with polyphenols could be beneficial for populations exposed to mercury poisoning.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sara Spinelli, Elisabetta Straface, Lucrezia Gambardella, Daniele Caruso, Giuseppe Falliti, Alessia Remigante, Angela Marino, Rossana Morabito
Summary: The study aims to investigate the effects of Acai extract in a model of aging in human red blood cells. The results show that Acai extract can restore the phosphorylation of membrane proteins and partially reverse the structural changes in cytoskeletal proteins. Additionally, Acai extract can improve the deformability of red blood cell membranes. These findings are important for understanding the mechanisms of aging in human red blood cells and suggest that flavonoid substances can be used as natural antioxidants for the treatment and prevention of oxidative-stress-related diseases.