Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jialiang S. Wang, Tushar Kamath, Courtney M. Mazur, Fatemeh Mirzamohammadi, Daniel Rotter, Hironori Hojo, Christian D. Castro, Nicha Tokavanich, Rushi Patel, Nicolas Govea, Tetsuya Enishi, Yunshu Wu, Janaina da Silva Martins, Michael Bruce, Daniel J. Brooks, Mary L. Bouxsein, Danielle Tokarz, Charles P. Lin, Abdul Abdul, Evan Z. Macosko, Melissa Fiscaletti, Craig F. Munns, Pearl Ryder, Maria Kost-Alimova, Patrick Byrne, Beth Cimini, Makoto Fujiwara, Henry M. Kronenberg, Marc N. Wein
Summary: The study reveals that deletion of the Sp7 gene causes defects in osteocyte dendrites, with Sp7 and its target gene Osteocrin playing crucial roles in osteocytogenesis. Single-cell RNA-sequencing shows that Sp7 deficiency affects osteocyte maturation. Additionally, Sp7-dependent gene networks are associated with human skeletal diseases.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Chiara De Santi, Frances K. Nally, Remsha Afzal, Conor P. Duffy, Stephen Fitzsimons, Stephanie L. Annett, Tracy Robson, Jennifer K. Dowling, Sally-Ann Cryan, Claire E. McCoy
Summary: Macrophages are crucial in innate immunity, but can lead to inflammatory diseases if persistently in a pro-inflammatory state. Reprogramming macrophages towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype through targeting a mitochondrial enzyme like arginase 2 shows promise in modulating macrophage phenotype.
MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS
(2022)
Article
Biology
Xiaohong Ye, Yun Yang, Jiayue Yao, Mo Wang, Yixin Liu, Guobin Xie, Zhiping Zeng, Xiao-kun Zhang, Hu Zhou
Summary: The study reveals that RXRa directly binds to the precursor of miR-103, inhibiting its maturation process. This unexpected role of RXRa in specific miRNA maturation provides insights into its involvement in breast cancer progression.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matjaz Rokavec, Zekai Huang, Heiko Hermeking
Summary: This study conducted a comprehensive integrative meta-analysis of multiple computational and experimental miR-34 related datasets, and developed tools to identify and characterize novel miR-34 targets. The meta-analysis results were integrated into a user-friendly website, METAmiR34TARGET, which allows for the prediction of relevant miR-34 targets using expression data obtained from cell lines and tumors/tissues. The website also includes information on more than 200 experimentally validated miR-34 target mRNAs. This research is important for further understanding the role of the p53/miR-34 connection in tumor suppression and for identifying potential cancer drug targets.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Meng-Nan Liu, Gang Luo, Wan-Jiao Gao, Si-Jin Yang, Hua Zhou
Summary: miR-29 plays a crucial role in cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly in maintaining arterial integrity and regulating atherosclerosis. Studies have shown the potential of miR-29 as a potential marker for prevention, treatment, and prognostic observation in CVD.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Lijing Li, Xiongying Li, Yanfei Zhu, Lei Li, Yan Wu, Jingxia Ying, Yanyan Li, Jingjing Chen
Summary: This study elucidates the important role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from placental cells in the development of preeclampsia. It reveals the relationship between HLA-G and miR-1273d, miR-4492, and miR-4417, as well as the significance of immune and inflammation pathways.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Wen-Qing Huang, Qing Lin, Shuai Chen, Lixiang Sun, Qingjie Chen, Kehui Yi, Zhi Li, Qilin Ma, Chi-Meng Tzeng
Summary: This study identified seven significantly down-regulated microRNAs associated with leukoaraiosis, with one specific microRNA, hsa-miR-1972, confirmed to be decreased during the early onset phase. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that dysregulated miRNAs-mRNAs changes were involved in neurogenesis, neuronal development, and differentiation processes related to the onset of leukoaraiosis.
Article
Pathology
Nasrin Hadi, Faezeh Namazi, Fatemeh Ketabchi, Farinaz Khosravian, Behnaz Nateghi, Alireza Talebi, Masoud Baghi, Hamidreza Mianesaz, Fateme Zare, Mansoor Salehi
Summary: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a significant role in cancer, and this study identified 5 miRNAs associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The results showed that the expression levels of these miRNAs were significantly altered in CLL patients. Furthermore, the expression levels of TGFBR1 and TGFBR2 were also decreased. These miRNAs could potentially serve as biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis of CLL.
PATHOLOGY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Omkar Suhas Vinchure, Ritu Kulshreshtha
Summary: miR-490, a well-studied miRNA, is associated with the pathogenesis of various diseases, particularly showing potential in cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Multiple epigenetic and posttranscriptional mechanisms tightly regulate the levels of miR-490, with its targets involving cancer-related genes that impact various cancer hallmarks.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ya-Lin Lu, Yangjian Liu, Matthew J. McCoy, Andrew S. Yoo
Summary: Research has shown that the synergistic role between miR-124 and RNA-binding protein ELAVL3 promotes target gene regulation and neuronal function.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Dan Hao, Xiao Wang, Yu Yang, Hong Chen, Bo Thomsen, Lars-Erik Holm
Summary: In this study, SNPs in bovine miRNAs were detected using whole-genome re-sequencing data from 1632 cattle. A total of 1109 SNPs in the precursor region, 334 SNPs in the mature region, and 130 SNPs in the seed region were identified. Most SNPs were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and SNPs in the seed region altered the repertoire of target genes, which were enriched in different pathways or functional annotations.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Maryam Daneshvar, Mansoureh Movahedin, Mohammad Salehi, Mehrdad Noruzinia
Summary: The study evaluated the impact of re-vitrification on the expression of miR-16, miR-let7a, and target genes in human blastocysts. The results showed that re-vitrification did not affect the ability of blastocysts to re-expand in culture, but led to a significant decrease in the expression of miR-16 and miR-let7a, along with a significant upregulation of the target genes ITG beta 3 and BCL-2 in re-vitrified and vitrified embryos.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sayantani Das, Soumasree De, Sumita Sengupta
Summary: The study identified miR-20a and Nucleolin as key regulators of MMP2 through post-transcriptional regulation, demonstrating their impact on the invasion potential of breast cancer cells. It was also shown for the first time that MMP2 is a direct target of miR-20a and that Nucleolin binding to MMP2 3' UTR affects MMP2 expression.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hyein Jo, Kyeonghee Shim, Dooil Jeoung
Summary: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play significant roles in cell processes and cancer development. The miR-200 family acts as tumor suppressors and can be used as diagnostic and prognostic markers. Additionally, the miR-200 family is involved in regulating anti-cancer drug resistance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Shui Qin Chai, Wen Yi Lv, Jia Hui He, Yuan Fang Li, Hong Yan Zou, Chun Mei Li, Cheng Zhi Huang
Summary: The study introduces a simple dual-amplification strategy for highly sensitive miRNA detection, utilizing CHA and multiple fluorophores on an X-shaped DNA nanostructure.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Helga Simon-Molas, Cristina Sanchez-de-Diego, Aurea Navarro-Sabate, Esther Castano, Francesc Ventura, Ramon Bartrons, Anna Manzano
Summary: Hyperactivation of the KEAP1-NRF2 axis is a common molecular trait in carcinomas from different origins. The transcriptional program induced by NRF2 involves antioxidant and metabolic genes that render cancer cells more capable of dealing with oxidative stress. This study provides the first evidence that NRF2 controls the expression of TIGAR at the transcriptional level, independently of p53.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Eva M. Perez-Villegas, Rocio Ruiz, Sara Bachiller, Francesc Ventura, Jose A. Armengol, Jose Luis Rosa
Summary: The HERC protein family plays important roles in neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative diseases. Mutations in HERC genes can lead to intellectual disability, epilepsy, dementia, and dysregulation of autophagy, resulting in cerebellar cell death and impaired motor control.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria del Sol Arenas-De Larriva, Alejandro Fernandez-Vega, Bernabe Jurado-Gamez, Ignacio Ortea
Summary: This study identified lung cancer protein biomarkers and affected pathways in sputum samples using diaPASEF mass spectrometry. The results showed activation of inflammation and alteration of pathways related to acute-phase, complement, and immune responses. The developed model could effectively discriminate lung cancer patients from controls.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joan Sala-Gaston, Leonardo Pedrazza, Juanma Ramirez, Arturo Martinez-Martinez, Lettie E. Rawlins, Emma L. Baple, Andrew H. Crosby, Ugo Mayor, Francesc Ventura, Jose Luis Rosa
Summary: Pathogenic variants in the HERC2 gene are associated with HERC2 Angelman-like syndrome. These variants affect intracellular signaling, leading to the activation of the C-RAF/MKK3/p38 pathway and an enhanced antioxidant response.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pedro Naranjo-Bonilla, Rafael Gimenez-Gomez, Maria del Carmen Munoz-Villanueva, Bernabe Jurado-Gamez
Summary: This study found that 12 months of CPAP treatment can prevent retinal thinning and normalize choroidal thickness in individuals with OSA.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Diana Sanz-Serrano, Cristina Sanchez-de-Diego, Montse Mercade, Francesc Ventura
Summary: This study aims to establish and fully characterize a new cell line derived from human stem cells of the apical papilla (SCAPs) through immortalization with an SV40 large T antigen. The new cell line named Dental Stem Cells SV40 (DSCS) retains its morphology and expression of mesenchymal surface markers, shows higher proliferative capacity even at late passages, and has the potential for trilineage differentiation.
INTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Leonardo Pedrazza, Arturo Martinez-Martinez, Cristina Sanchez-de-Diego, Jose Antonio Valer, Carolina Pimenta-Lopes, Joan Sala-Gaston, Michal Szpak, Chris Tyler-Smith, Francesc Ventura, Jose Luis Rosa
Summary: Bone remodeling is a continuous process involving osteoblasts and osteoclasts, and imbalances can cause metabolic bone diseases like osteopenia. The HERC1 gene encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase that affects cellular processes by regulating the ubiquitination of target proteins. Pathogenic variants in HERC1 have been associated with the neurodevelopmental disorder MDFPMR syndrome. This study shows that HERC1 regulates osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis, and its depletion increases gene expression of osteoblastic markers, leading to imbalanced bone homeostasis and osteopenia.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Teresa Villanueva-Carmona, Lidia Cedo, Ana Madeira, Victoria Ceperuelo-Mallafre, M. -Mar Rodriguez-Pena, Catalina Nunez-Roa, Elsa Maymo-Masip, Maria Repolles-de-Dalmau, Joan Badia, Noelia Keiran, Mercedes Mirasierra, Carolina Pimenta-Lopes, Joan Sabadell-Basallote, Ramon Bosch, Laura Caubet, Joan Carles Escola-Gil, Jose-Manuel Fernandez-Real, Nuria Vilarrasa, Francesc Ventura, Mario Vallejo, Joan Vendrell, Sonia Fernandez-Veledo
Summary: Adipose tissue secretes leptin to modulate energy homeostasis, and this process is regulated by succinate through its receptor SUCNR1. Deletion of Sucnr1 in adipocytes affects metabolic health based on nutritional status. Activation of SUCNR1 controls leptin expression via the circadian clock in an AMPK/JNK-C/EBPa-dependent manner. Succinate/SUCNR1 axis serves as a metabolite-sensing pathway mediating nutrient-related leptin dynamics to maintain whole-body homeostasis.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose Luis Rosa
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joan Sala-Gaston, Laura Costa-Sastre, Leonardo Pedrazza, Arturo Martinez-Martinez, Francesc Ventura, Jose Luis Rosa
Summary: Large HERC ubiquitin ligases, belonging to the HECT E3 protein family, play a crucial role in different pathologies, including cancer and neurological diseases. Understanding the alterations in cell signaling in these diseases is important for identifying potential therapeutic targets.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
A. Martinez Cutillas, D. Sanz-Serrano, S. Oh, F. Ventura, A. Martinez de Ilarduya
Summary: Synthetic and functional grafts, such as the RGD-PEG-PLA-PGl-PLA-PEG-RGD scaffold used in this study, are a great alternative to conventional grafts. This multifunctional polymer provides physical support and precise signaling for cells to heal damaged tissues. The presence of PGl inner block enhances the toughness of the scaffold, while PEGylation improves its hydrophilicity. The functionalized RGD peptides on the scaffold surface significantly enhance cell adhesion and proliferation. These results make it a great candidate for temporary graft preparation.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Carolina Pimenta-Lopes, Cristina Sanchez-de-Diego, Alexandre Deber, Andrea Egea-Cortes, Jose Antonio Valer, Albert Alcala, Andres Mendez-Lucas, Anna Esteve-Codina, Jose Luis Rosa, Francesc Ventura
Summary: Age-related and chemotherapy-induced bone loss is influenced by cellular senescence and the secretion of specific factors. The alternative complement system is found to play a central role in skeletal bone loss, with complement factor D being one of the most responsive factors. Osteoblasts and osteocytes activate complement, while monocytes and osteoclasts are the primary targets. Inhibition of the alternative complement pathway may have therapeutic benefits in osteopenic disorders.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joan Roig-Soriano, Cristina Sanchez-de-Diego, Jon Esandi-Jauregui, Sergi Verdes, Carmela R. Abraham, Assumpcio Bosch, Francesc Ventura, Miguel Chillon
Summary: The gene alpha-Klotho produces two main transcripts, one encoding a transmembrane protein detected in serum as processed Klotho (p-KL), and the other coding for a putatively secreted protein (s-KL). While p-KL showed negative effects on mineral homeostasis and bone microstructure, s-KL demonstrated no apparent negative effects on mineral metabolism and presented unexpected beneficial effects on bone microstructure. These findings suggest that s-KL (but not p-KL) may be a safe therapeutic strategy for exploiting KL anti-aging protective effects.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)