Article
Critical Care Medicine
Sigal Liraz-Zaltsman, Yael Friedman-Levi, Dalia Shabashov-Stone, Galit Gincberg, Dana Atrakcy-Baranes, Mary Teena Joy, S. Thomas Carmichael, Alcino J. Silva, Esther Shohami
Summary: Inhibition of CCR5 signaling has been shown to have neuroprotective effects after traumatic brain injury, reducing lesion size, inflammation, and increasing ERK phosphorylation. Increased expression of both CCR5 and CXCR4 was observed in cortical cells 3 to 11 days post-injury, suggesting a potential therapeutic window for intervention.
JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA
(2021)
Article
Biology
Pandian Sokkar, Mirja Harms, Christina Stuerzel, Andrea Gilg, Goenuel Kizilsavas, Martina Raasholm, Nico Preising, Manfred Wagner, Frank Kirchhoff, Ludger Staendker, Gilbert Weidinger, Benjamin Mayer, Jan Muench, Elsa Sanchez-Garcia
Summary: The research identified the key interaction motifs of EPI-X4 with CXCR4, explaining its receptor antagonization. Subsequently, shortened derivatives of EPI-X4 with optimized receptor antagonizing properties were developed as new leads for CXCR4 inhibitors.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Beatrice Paola Festa, Farah H. Siddiqi, Maria Jimenez-Sanchez, Hyeran Won, Matea Rob, Alvin Djajadikerta, Eleanna Stamatakou, David C. Rubinsztein
Summary: In neurodegenerative diseases, activated microglia secrete pro-inflammatory factors, disrupting neuronal autophagy and protein clearance. The microglia-derived CCL-3/-4/-5 activate neuronal CCR5, leading to mTORC1 activation and autophagy dysfunction. Upregulation of CCR5 and its chemokines in mouse models suggests their role in the early phases of Huntington's disease (HD) and tauopathy. Inhibiting CCR5 can rescue autophagy dysfunction and improve HD and tau pathologies in mouse models.
Article
Cell Biology
Rawad Hodeify, Sawsan Kreydiyyeh, Leen Mohammad Jamal Zaid
Summary: The sodium-potassium pump (NKA) consumes a significant amount of energy in animal cells for creating electrochemical gradients of sodium and potassium ions. The regulation of its activity, including its expression, localization, enzymatic activity, and interactions with other proteins, is crucial. However, the mechanisms controlling the trafficking of NKA between the cell membrane and intracellular compartments are poorly understood. This review summarizes previous studies on the regulation of NKA trafficking and its potential endocytic signals, as well as highlights recent research on NKA trafficking and modulation in various cells.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Louise E. van Eekeren, Vasiliki Matzaraki, Zhenhua Zhang, Lisa van de Wijer, Marc J. T. Blaauw, Marien I. de Jonge, Linos Vandekerckhove, Wim Trypsteen, Leo A. B. Joosten, Mihai G. Netea, Quirijn de Mast, Hans J. P. M. Koenen, Yang Li, Andre J. A. M. van der Ven
Summary: This study found different expression of CCR5 on various immune cells in HIV-infected individuals, which may affect the cell trafficking ability of CD8+ T cells and regulatory T cells. Additionally, the study found an association between the percentage of CCR5+ CD8+ T cells and energy metabolism pathways in HIV-infected individuals, suggesting a higher energy demand for these cells in HIV infection.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Edgars Jecs, Yesim A. Tahirovic, Robert J. Wilson, Eric J. Miller, Michelle Kim, Valarie Truax, Huy H. Nguyen, Nicholas S. Akins, Manohar Saindane, Tao Wang, Chi S. Sum, Mary E. Cvijic, Gretchen M. Schroeder, Samantha L. Burton, Cynthia A. Derdeyn, Lingjie Xu, Yi Jiang, Lawrence J. Wilson, Dennis C. Liotta
Summary: Compound 30, a rationally modified CXCR4 antagonist, showed improved drug-like properties with reduced CYP 2D6 inhibition, improved permeability, and potent inhibition of HIV entry.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Liam A. Ridge, Dania Kewbank, Dagmar Schuetz, Ralf Stumm, Peter J. Scambler, Sarah Ivins
Summary: The study shows that CXCL12 signaling through its receptor CXCR4 plays distinct roles in different stages of SLV development, guiding cellular distribution and regulating cell proliferation. The atypical chemokine receptor CXCR7 may have a role in regulating ligand bioavailability during SLV morphogenesis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martyna Parol-Kulczyk, Arkadiusz Gzil, Joanna Ligmanowska, Dariusz Grzanka
Summary: The tendency for chronic inflammation to convert into malignancy is a characteristic trait of tumors that promotes their progression to the metastatic stage. Inflammatory cells within the tumor communicate with cancer cells and become cells that support tumor growth. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a program that allows malignant cells to switch into a metastatic form, enabling them to loosen cell-cell adhesion and enhance migratory and invasive features. Tumor cells that undergo EMT become more aggressive and resistant to apoptosis. Furthermore, malignant cells can stimulate the production of proinflammatory factors through the EMT program. Chronic inflammation is responsible for inducing EMT in malignancies. Developing tumors induce inflammatory responses by releasing cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, which recruit populations of infiltrating immune cells to the tumor microenvironment. This inflammatory reaction potentially exerts tumor control but can also be intercepted by the tumor to stimulate its own development towards a metastatic form. Our study confirmed that the SDF-1 chemokine and its receptors, CXCR4 and CXCR7, may contribute to the initiation of metastasis formation and the EMT process.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mel Boo, Shit F. Chew, Yuen K. Ip
Summary: In the presence of light, the ctenidium of the fluted giant clam increases the uptake and transport of exogenous Ca2+ through the collaboration of NCX1-like and NKA with VGCC, enhancing the intracellular Na+ homeostasis.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY A-MOLECULAR & INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Barkha J. Yadav-Samudrala, Sylvia Fitting
Summary: This review summarizes the structural and functional changes of the eCB system under conditions of HAND, as well as the effects of cannabis use and cannabinoids in the context of HIV-1 infection, with a focus on viral load, cognition, inflammation, and neuroprotection. The potential future directions to better understand the involvement of the eCB system and the role of cannabis use and cannabinoids in neuroHIV are also discussed.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Danfeng Lu, Hua Sun, Juehua Yu, Yi-Qun Kuang, Kun-Hua Wang
Article
Infectious Diseases
Hong-Bin Li, Na Li, Shu-Ran Wen, Ming-Yue Qiang, Zheng-Hui Yang, Tian-Xiang Dong, Yu-Ye Li, Yi-Qun Kuang
Summary: This study found that micafungin (MCF) enhances antifungal efficacy by altering the immune response of macrophages and reducing the antioxidant activity of the fungus, while itraconazole (ICZ) and amphotericin B (AmB) do not have this effect.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dania Haddad, Sumi Elsa John, Anwar Mohammad, Maha M. Hammad, Prashantha Hebbar, Arshad Channanath, Rasheeba Nizam, Sarah Al-Qabandi, Ashraf Al Madhoun, Abdullah Alshukry, Hamad Ali, Thangavel Alphonse Thanaraj, Fahd Al-Mulla
Summary: The study reveals significant differences in the spread and mutations of COVID-19 in different countries, with recombination mainly observed in North American and European sequences. Structural modeling suggests that the two most common mutations may enhance viral entry and replication capabilities.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xiao-Li Zhang, Ming-Hui Chen, Shi-Tao Geng, Juehua Yu, Yi-Qun Kuang, Hua-You Luo, Kun-Hua Wang
Summary: Probiotics can reduce the incidence of AIDS-related diarrhea in HIV/AIDS patients, with long-term use showing more significant effects than short-term use. However, probiotics have no impact on CD4 cell counts in HIV/AIDS patients. Further research is needed to explore the potential of probiotics as a preventive strategy for AIDS.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Yu-Ye Li, Sunaula Shakya, Heng Long, Lian-Fa Shen, Yi-Qun Kuang
Summary: The study compared the epidemiological trends of leprosy in China, Nepal, and other countries, finding that the prevalence of leprosy is often related to geographical location and socio-economic status, with healthcare conditions also playing a significant role in leprosy incidence.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Sina Kavalakatt, Abdelkrim Khadir, Shihab Kochumon, Dhanya Madhu, Sriraman Devarajan, Maha Hammad, Nada Alam-Eldin, Samia Warsame, Hessa Al-Kandari, Maria AlMahdi, Rasheed Ahmad, Heikki A. Koistinen, Jaakko Tuomilehto, Fahd Al-Mulla, Jehad Abubaker, Ali Tiss
Summary: The study showed that obesity in children decreased the expression levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and urocortins (UCNs), indicating their involvement in obesity-related metabolic and cellular stress responses.
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Xiao-Yan Zhou, Yi-Qun Kuang, Jian-Bo Zhang, Yu-Ye Li
Summary: The HLA-B*38:97 allele differs from HLA-B*38:02:01:01 by a single nucleotide substitution.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yue Li, Guo-Fen Re, Yu Zhao, Xiao-Cong Wu, Rui-Yi Zhou, Yi-Qun Kuang, Kun-Hua Wang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of low- and medium-intensity treadmill exercise on methamphetamine reward in male mice. The results showed that long-term medium-intensity exercise reduced the effects of methamphetamine on inflammation markers in the brain and conditioned place preference scores. Low-intensity exercise was less effective. The study suggests that exercise intensity is an important factor affecting dependence level and inflammatory responses in the brain.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rashed Alhammad, Mohamed Abu-Farha, Maha M. Hammad, Thangavel Alphonse Thanaraj, Arshad Channanath, Nada Alam-Eldin, Reem Al-Sabah, Lemia Shaban, Abdulrahman Alduraywish, Fahd Al-Mulla, Abdur Rahman, Jehad Abubaker
Summary: This study found that elevated levels of LRG1 are associated with obesity and increased levels of adipogenic markers in adolescents. This suggests the potential of LRG1 as an early biomarker for obesity and its related pathologies in adolescents.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jie Jia, Yu Zhao, Ji-Qun Yang, Dan-Feng Lu, Xiu-Ling Zhang, Jun-Hong Mao, Kun-Hua Wang, Jian-Hua Wang, Yi-Qun Kuang
Summary: Incomplete immune reconstitution can occur in HIV-infected patients despite achieving viral suppression with antiretroviral therapy (ART). A study found that immune non-responders had decreased diversity in B cell receptor repertoire and disrupted cell cycle of B cells. These findings provide important insights into the role of B cell-mediated immune response in immune reconstitution following HIV infection.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amnah Al-Sayyar, Maha M. Hammad, Michayla R. Williams, Mohammed Al-Onaizi, Jehad Abubaker, Fawaz Alzaid
Summary: Efficient signal transduction is crucial for maintaining the function of the nervous system. This review highlights the role of neurotransmitters in regulating energy balance and its link to the development of type 2 diabetes and obesity. It also discusses the perspectives in neuroscience and metabolism research.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jie Jia, Yu Zhao, Jian-Hua Wang, Yi-Qun Kuang
Summary: This study uses single-cell RNA sequencing technology to dissect the transcriptional changes in immune cells with HIV infection. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from HIV-infected individuals were isolated and subjected to scRNA-seq on the 103 Genomics protocol and Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencing platform. The function and cellular trajectories of B cell subsets and B cell receptor (BCR) repertoire were analyzed after filtering raw sequences data and normalizing gene expression.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Andrea M. Tomko, Erin G. Whynot, Denis J. Dupre
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a little-studied compound in cannabis, cannflavin A, on bladder cancer cell lines and its potential synergistic effects with chemotherapeutic agents and other cannabinoids. The results showed that cannflavin A exhibited cytotoxic effects on bladder cancer cells and displayed synergistic properties with other cannabinoids.
JOURNAL OF CANNABIS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Jie Jia, Ji-Qun Yang, Ying-Rong Du, Yu Xu, Deshenyue Kong, Xiu-Ling Zhang, Jun-Hong Mao, Gui-Fang Hu, Kun-Hua Wang, Yi-Qun Kuang
Summary: This study reveals the potential role of immunoregulation mechanisms in resistant hypertension among injection drug users.
JOURNAL OF INFLAMMATION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Andrea M. Tomko, Erin G. Whynot, Lauren F. O'Leary, Denis J. Dupre
Summary: This study evaluated the anti-cancer effects of terpenes found in cannabis on chemotherapy-resistant breast cancer models, demonstrating that certain terpenes showed significant cytotoxic effects, which could be potentiated when combined with cannabinoids and flavonoids.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)