Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guoliang Chen, Xianlong Li, Hongzhang Zhu, Huachuan Wu, Dacheng He, Liangyu Shi, Fuxin Wei, Xizhe Liu, Ningning Chen, Shaoyu Liu
Summary: The knockout of NF-1 improves the survival and efficiency of stem cell transplants for spinal cord injury. It enhances the neuronal differentiation and tissue repair, leading to functional recovery in rat models. This findings highlight the valuable role of NF-1 in neural stem cell biology and provide a promising strategy for spinal cord injury treatment.
EXPERIMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biology
Mariangela Scalise, Fabiola Marino, Luca Salerno, Teresa Mancuso, Donato Cappetta, Antonella Barone, Elvira Immacolata Parrotta, Annalaura Torella, Domenico Palumbo, Pierangelo Veltri, Antonella De Angelis, Liberato Berrino, Francesco Rossi, Alessandro Weisz, Marcello Rota, Konrad Urbanek, Bernardo Nadal-Ginard, Daniele Torella, Eleonora Cianflone
Summary: The study found that murine adult cardiac stem cells differentiated into contracting cardiomyocytes in vitro, showing miRNA/mRNA expression patterns similar to that of adult cardiomyocytes. miRNAs regulate cardiomyocyte differentiation by targeting cell cycle and DNA replication mRNAs and promoting myogenic commitment. The networks of miRNA/mRNAs in differentiated cardiomyocytes closely resemble those of adult cardiomyocytes.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Jiajing Wang, Na Sun, Yahan Ju, Ni Ni, Zhimin Tang, Dandan Zhang, Xiaochan Dai, Moxin Chen, Yiqi Wang, Ping Gu, Jing Ji
Summary: In this study, it was shown that miR-381-3p regulates the proliferation and differentiation of RPCs by targeting Hes1, providing an experimental basis for the potential therapeutic use of RPCs transplantation in treating retinal degeneration.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Michelle Vanessa Kamga Kapchoup, Juergen Hescheler, Filomain Nguemo
Summary: Hydroxychloroquine (HDQ) has been widely studied for its potential use in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19. This antimalarial drug has shown beneficial effects on stem cell proliferation and cardiomyocyte activity, but it can also be toxic at high concentrations. Identifying risk factors and understanding the cardiotoxic profile of HDQ is challenging.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaokun Zhou, Danping Lu, Wenxiang Yi, Dan Xu
Summary: The study investigated the role of CDC25C in neural progenitor cell division and differentiation by knocking down the gene in developing rat brains. The results showed that CDC25C is essential for maintaining the proliferative state of neural progenitor cells during cortical development. Knockdown of CDC25C resulted in early cell cycle exit and premature differentiation of neural progenitor cells, revealing a novel role for CDC25C in NPC division and cell fate determination.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Bingqiao Shen, Huiqin Gao, Dandan Zhang, Huan Yu, Junjue Chen, Shouyue Huang, Ping Gu, Yisheng Zhong
Summary: This study shows that miR-124-3p regulates the proliferation and differentiation of retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) by targeting SEPT10, which has implications for the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases.
CELL AND TISSUE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Motomichi Fujita, Manabu Sasada, Mayu Eguchi, Takuya Iyoda, Shin Okuyama, Takuro Osawa, Kenta Tsuzuranuki, Mamoru Sakamoto, Yu Hagihara, Masaki Matsumura, Satoshi Osada, Hiroaki Kodama, Yoshikazu Higami, Fumio Fukai
Summary: Tenascin-C-derived peptide TNIIIA2 induces cellular senescence in fibroblasts through the activation of beta 1-integrin, leading to cancer progression by promoting the secretion of humoral factors such as HB-EGF.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Changsong Wang, Xiaozhong Jiang, Bin Huang, Wenhao Zhou, Xiao Cui, Chenghong Zheng, Fenghao Liu, Jieling Bi, Yi Zhang, Hong Luo, Lin Yuan, Jianyong Yang, Yu Yu
Summary: The study revealed that liver tumor tissues from metastatic patients had higher matrix stiffness, promoting tumor growth and metastatic potential. Culturing liver cancer cells on high stiffness matrix activated integrin signaling pathways, and inhibiting these pathways weakened the pro-tumor effects induced by matrix stiffness. Blocking integrin signals improved chemotherapy outcomes and provided an innovative approach for liver cancer treatment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Neda Abedpour, Hamed Shoorei, Farzad Rajaei
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of vitrification on fertilization rate and expression of integrin genes in mice oocytes. The results showed that vitrified oocytes had a lower fertilization rate and altered expression of integrin genes compared to non-vitrified oocytes.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Jung Hwa Lim, Dae Hun Kim, Kyung Hee Noh, Cho-Rok Jung, Hyun Mi Kang
Summary: This study identified epidermal progenitor cells that possess unlimited proliferation and multipotent differentiation capacity. These cells can form organotypic skin models and mimic the morphologic and biochemical processes of human epidermis. The proliferation and differentiation of these cells rely on the expression of Integrin beta 1 (ITGB1). Furthermore, the in vitro and in vivo wound healing capacity of these cells was examined.
CELL PROLIFERATION
(2022)
Article
Pathology
Ryota Masuzaki, Kevin C. Ray, Joseph Roland, Roy Zent, Youngmin A. Lee, Seth J. Karp
Summary: The liver's diverse functions rely on a unique and complex microstructure, which is disrupted in fibrosis and cirrhosis. Integrin beta 1 plays a crucial role in maintaining liver architecture and regulating TGF-beta 1 secretion. Disrupting the interaction between hepatocytes and their extracellular matrix is sufficient to drive fibrosis.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qian-Zhi Ni, Bing Zhu, Yan Ji, Qian-Wen Zheng, Xin Liang, Ning Ma, Hao Jiang, Feng-Kun Zhang, Yu-Rong Shang, Yi-Kang Wang, Sheng Xu, Er-Bin Zhang, Yan-Mei Yuan, Tian-Wei Chen, Fen-Fen Yin, Hui-Jun Cao, Jing-Yi Huang, Ji Xia, Xu-Fen Ding, Xiao-Song Qiu, Kai Ding, Chao Song, Wen-Tao Zhou, Meng Wu, Kang Wang, Rui Lui, Qiu Lin, Wei Chen, Zhi-Gang Li, Shu-Qun Cheng, Xiao-Fan Wang, Dong Xie, Jing-Jing Li
Summary: This study reveals that PPDPF functions as an important regulator of SOS1 and promotes tumor development in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) through the PPDPF-SOS1 axis. This finding provides a potential therapeutic target for PDAC.
Article
Cell Biology
Jose Manuel Inacio, Joao von Gilsa Lopes, Ana Mafalda Silva, Fernando Cristo, Sara Marques, Matthias E. Futschik, Jose Antonio Belo
Summary: Deciphering the clues of a regenerative mechanism for the mammalian adult heart, particularly focusing on the role of DAND5, could potentially lead to the development of more effective treatment options for heart failure. Further research on the transcriptional profiling sequencing and quantitative RT-PCR assays of DAND5 may provide insights into the generation and expansion of pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes systems for clinical applications.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Limei Yan, Zeping He, Wei Li, Ning Liu, Song Gao
Summary: ACSM3, as a tumor suppressor gene, is down-regulated in ovarian cancer tissues and its overexpression can inhibit cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of ovarian cancer cells by negatively regulating the Integrin beta 1/AKT signaling pathway. These findings suggest that ACSM3 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Faye L. Robertson, Eoghan O'Duibhir, Ester Gangoso, Raul Bardini Bressan, Harry Bulstrode, Maria-Angeles Marques-Torrejon, Kirsty M. Ferguson, Carla Blin, Vivien Grant, Neza Alfazema, Gillian M. Morrison, Steven M. Pollard
Summary: This study identifies a synergistic interaction between FOXG1 and Wnt/(3-catenin signaling in glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs), promoting the transition from quiescence to proliferation. The findings suggest that FOXG1 and Wnt signaling cooperate to support the cell cycle re-entry process in GSCs.
Article
Neurosciences
Jinxing Hou, Huiru Bi, Zhuoyang Ye, Wenhui Huang, Gang Zou, Xiaochuan Zou, Yun Stone Shi, Ying Shen, Quanhong Ma, Frank Kirchhoff, Yimin Hu, Guiquan Chen
Summary: Mutations on gamma-secretase subunits are linked to neurological diseases. While the role of gamma-secretase in neurogenesis is well-studied, its involvement in astrogliogenesis remains unclear. Recent evidence suggests that astrocytes can be derived from oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), but the mechanism controlling this differentiation is not fully understood.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Zhen-Yu Li, Li-Hua Chen, Xiu-Yun Zhao, Hong Chen, Yan-Yun Sun, Mei-Hong Lu, Zhao-Tao Wang, Mei Chen, Li Lu, Wenhui Huang, Rui Chen, De-En Xu, Ru-Xiang Xu, Quan-Hong Ma
Summary: The study demonstrates that clemastine can alleviate Alzheimer's disease pathology in APP/PS1 transgenic mice, including reducing amyloid-beta load, neuroinflammation, and cognitive deficits. Clemastine reduces Aβ generation by decreasing levels of BACE1, APP CTFs, while enhancing autophagy and suppressing the mTOR signaling pathway.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Xiaoying Qin, Jianing Wang, Shujian Chen, Gang Liu, Chaoran Wu, Qunyu Lv, Xinran He, Xianshu Bai, Wenhui Huang, Hong Liao
Summary: The role and mechanism of p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75(NTR)) in blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption after acute cerebral ischemia were investigated in this study. Genetic knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of p75(NTR) attenuated brain damage and BBB leakage in a mouse model of ischemic stroke. Astrocyte-specific knockdown of p75(NTR) significantly improved BBB disruption, brain tissue damage, and neurological functions. Activation of NF-kappa B and HIF-1 alpha signals by astrocytic p75(NTR) upregulated MMP-9 and VEGF expression, leading to tight junction degradation. The findings suggest that p75(NTR) could be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Li-Pao Fang, Na Zhao, Laura C. Caudal, Hsin-Fang Chang, Renping Zhao, Ching-Hsin Lin, Nadine Hainz, Carola Meier, Bernhard Bettler, Wenhui Huang, Anja Scheller, Frank Kirchhoff, Xianshu Bai
Summary: Early disruption of GABA/TNFSF12 signaling between interneurons and oligodendrocyte precursor cells impairs prefrontal cortical network activity and social cognitive behavior later in life. The study identifies a bidirectional communication pathway between fast spiking interneurons and oligodendrocyte precursor cells that determines the density and function of interneurons in the developing prefrontal cortex. Interruption of this signaling results in reduced myelination, hypoactivity of interneurons, changes in cortical network activities, and impaired social cognitive behavior. Glial transmitter receptors play a crucial role in fine-tuning distinct brain functions.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Li-Pao Fang, Qing Liu, Erika Meyer, Anna Welle, Wenhui Huang, Anja Scheller, Frank Kirchhoff, Xianshu Bai
Summary: Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) are uniformly distributed in the mammalian brain, but their function varies depending on their origin, location, receptor/channel expression, and age. A subset of OPCs lacking Olig2 was identified in various brain regions, most commonly in the juvenile brain and rarely in the adult brain. These cells do not proliferate and have a less complex morphology compared to OPCs that express Olig2. They prefer to remain in a precursor stage and do not differentiate into highly branched oligodendrocytes. Changes in the brain activity can stimulate the transition of OPCs with Olig2 expression to OPCs without Olig2.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qing Liu, Qilin Guo, Li-Pao Fang, Honghong Yao, Anja Scheller, Frank Kirchhoff, Wenhui Huang
Summary: This study identified a specific antibody and established an immunohistochemical protocol to investigate the expression pattern of the chaperone protein sigma-1 receptor (S1R) in the mouse brain. The results showed widespread expression of S1R in different cell types, including neurons, interneurons, and glial cells. The findings also raised concerns over previously reported properties of S1R.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Xianshu Bai, Na Zhao, Christina Koupourtidou, Li-Pao Fang, Veronika Schwarz, Laura C. Caudal, Renping Zhao, Johannes Hirrlinger, Wolfgang Walz, Shan Bian, Wenhui Huang, Jovica Ninkovic, Frank Kirchhoff, Anja Scheller
Summary: Acute brain injuries can reprogram oligodendrocytes to activate astroglial genes, leading to their conversion into astrocytes. This conversion is promoted by IL-6 derived from microglia and can be visualized in transgenic mice using imaging techniques. The plastic potential of oligodendrocytes in acute brain trauma highlights the complexity of glial scar formation.
DEVELOPMENTAL CELL
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Aline Timmermann, Dario Tascio, Ronald Jabs, Anne Boehlen, Catia Domingos, Magdalena Skubal, Wenhui Huang, Frank Kirchhoff, Christian Henneberger, Andras Bilkei-Gorzo, Gerald Seifert, Christian Steinhaeuser
Summary: NG2 glia is a unique type of macroglial cells in the CNS that receive synaptic input from neurons. Dysfunction in NG2 glia has been found to improve spatial memory but has no effect on social memory. Loss of the K+ channel Kir4.1 in NG2 glia leads to enhanced synaptic depolarizations and expression of myelin basic protein in the hippocampus. Targeted deletion of the K+ channel in NG2 glia impairs long-term potentiation at CA3-CA1 synapses, which can be rescued by extracellular application of a TrkB receptor agonist. These findings highlight the importance of proper NG2 glia function in brain function and behavior.
Article
Neurosciences
Lisa A. Hassel, Franziska Froeb, Melanie Kuespert, Simone Hillgaertner, Philipp Arnold, Wenhui Huang, Frank Kirchhoff, Michael Wegner
Summary: The transcription factor Sox9 plays an important role in neuroepithelial precursors, conferring them with glial competence in the central nervous system. It is crucial for astroglial and oligodendroglial specification. Sox9 is expressed in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) during development, but is turned off in differentiating oligodendrocytes and adult OPCs. By studying mouse models, it has been found that Sox9 enhances oligodendrogenesis during development, but its expression in adult OPCs leads to their conversion into myelinating oligodendrocytes. This suggests that increased levels of Sox9 in adult OPCs may enhance their remyelination capacity, which is important in demyelinating diseases like Multiple Sclerosis.
Article
Physiology
Gebhard Stopper, Laura C. Caudal, Phillip Rieder, Davide Gobbo, Laura Stopper, Lisa Felix, Katharina Everaerts, Xianshu Bai, Christine R. Rose, Anja Scheller, Frank Kirchhoff
Summary: Fluorescent dyes and genetically encoded fluorescence indicators are commonly used tools for visualizing concentration changes of specific ions and messenger molecules. Two algorithms (PBasE and CoRoDe) are presented in this study to accurately estimate baseline and automate the detection and segmentation of fluorescence fluctuations.
PFLUGERS ARCHIV-EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Physiology
Li-Pao Fang, Xianshu Bai
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive understanding of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) by discussing their well-established features as progenitors and their emerging roles in modulating brain function through distinct pathways. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which OPCs influence brain function is crucial for discovering novel therapeutic targets for central nervous system diseases.
PFLUGERS ARCHIV-EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Qilin Guo, Anja Scheller, Wenhui Huang
Summary: NG2 glia primarily serve as progenitors for oligodendrocytes and a subpopulation of astrocytes, with the differentiation potential showing age- and region-dependent heterogeneity. Inconsistent findings in various transgenic mouse lines in previous studies may be attributed to putative reasons that need further discussion.
NEURAL REGENERATION RESEARCH
(2021)
