Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Min Chen, Xue Yang, Haiyang Liu, Jun Wan
Summary: In this study, a functional bipartite nuclear localization signal (bNLS) in the ANKRD11 gene was identified. It was found that this bNLS is responsible for the nuclear import of ANKRD11 and certain clinical variants of this signal may be related to disease development.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nader Alerasool, He Leng, Zhen-Yuan Lin, Anne-Claude Gingras, Mikko Taipale
Summary: This study systematically uncovers human proteins that activate transcription in a natural chromatin context. The researchers identified specific co-activators preferred by these transcriptional activators and discovered potent transactivation domains. They also predicted and experimentally validated the interaction interfaces of activation domains with BRD4. Additionally, the study identified novel activators involved in fusion events in tumors and characterized the functional role of one fusion protein.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Enni-Kaisa Mustonen, Serene M. L. Lee, Hanno Niess, Matthias Schwab, Tatu Pantsar, Oliver Burk
Summary: The Farnesoid X receptor (FXR, NR1H4) is a ligand-activated nuclear receptor involved in regulating bile acid, lipid, and glucose metabolism. Through systematic analysis, new FXR isoforms were identified in human hepatocytes, showing functional deficiencies and dominant negative activity. The possible roles of these novel isoforms in human liver diseases warrant further investigation.
ARCHIVES OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tsung-Chieh Lin
Summary: SPINK1 acts as a protease inhibitor in the pancreas and also plays a crucial role in promoting cancer progression in various types of cancers. It has the potential to serve as a cancer biomarker and guide scientists in the field towards novel research directions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniela Cochicho, Alexandra Nunes, Joao Paulo Gomes, Luis Martins, Maerio Cunha, Beatriz Medeiros-Fonseca, Paula Oliveira, Margarida M. S. M. Bastos, Rui Medeiros, Joana Mendonca, Luis Vieira, Rui M. Gil da Costa, Ana Felix
Summary: The study analyzed the HPV16 variant and sublineage present in the K14HPV16 mouse model. The findings provide important information for enhancing the model and exploring the role of the A1 sublineage in HPV-driven cancer.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Hazna Noor Meidinna, Seyad Shefrin, Anissa Nofita Sari, Huayue Zhang, Jaspreet Kaur Dhanjal, Sunil C. Kaul, Durai Sundar, Renu Wadhwa
Summary: In this study, a novel compound called Mortaparib(Mild) was characterized for its ability to interact with mortalin, p53, and PARP1. The compound was found to downregulate the expression and functions of mortalin and PARP1, impeding cancer cell proliferation and migration. Mortaparib(Mild) shows potential as a candidate anticancer compound.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bok Ki Jung, Tai Suk Roh, Hyun Roh, Ju Hee Lee, Chae-Ok Yun, Won Jai Lee
Summary: In this study, the role of mortalin in scar formation and its association with interleukin-1 alpha receptor were explored. The results showed that mortalin treatment increased the expression of scar formation-related proteins in human dermal fibroblasts. In a rat incisional wound model, mortalin-specific shRNA significantly reduced scar size and the expression of related proteins. Blocking mortalin could be a potential therapeutic target for scar formation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biology
Yuqi Wen, Jingjing Zhao, Runqing Zhang, Fan Liu, Xiaoyuan Chen, Dan Wu, Mengge Wang, Cuicui Liu, Pei Su, Panpan Meng, Yiyue Zhang, Xin Gao, Lu Wang, Hongtao Wang, Jiaxi Zhou
Summary: This study integrated single-cell transcriptomic analyses of human mesoderm cells from embryonic stem cells and embryos, and discovered the role of BMP4 and its regulation by HDAC1 in human hematopoietic development. Inhibition of HDAC enhances hematopoietic lineage specification and differentiation.
SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhongxuan Feng, Lei Sun, Mingming Dong, Shanshan Fan, Kexin Shi, Yixin Qu, Liyan Zhu, Jinfeng Shi, Wujun Wang, Yihan Liu, Xiaofeng Chen, Yiqun Weng, Xingwang Liu, Huazhong Ren
Summary: Glandular trichomes (GTs) are specialized structures formed by plant epidermal cells to resist external stresses. They store and secrete secondary metabolites with agricultural and medicinal values. This study identified and analyzed 13 MYC transcription factors in the cucumber genome, and found that CsMYC2 negatively regulates GT formation, while CsMYC4, CsMYC5, CsMYC6, CsMYC7, and CsMYC8 positively regulate GT formation. CsMYC2 and CsMYC7 co-regulate the balance of GT development in an antagonistic way.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Gayeon Kim, Yeonggil Rim, Hyunwoo Cho, Tae Kyung Hyun
Summary: The flowering of Platycodon grandiflorus may negatively affect root development, and delaying flowering could be a potential approach to improve productivity. This study identified a key gene, PlgFT, in P. grandiflorus and demonstrated its functional role in flowering regulation under high temperature induction.
Article
Plant Sciences
Chong Xu, Peng Ye, Qingwen Wu, Shuangcheng Liang, Wuke Wei, Jinfen Yang, Weiwen Chen, Ruoting Zhan, Dongming Ma
Summary: The discovery and characterization of three iridoid synthases from Gardenia jasminoides provides insights into the biosynthesis of iridoid scaffold/iridoid glycoside in plants. These findings offer potential targets for metabolic engineering and breeding.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chenchen Zhang, Wanlu Ma, Minyan Xu, Tao Li, Guomin Han, Longjiang Gu, Meng Chen, Mengting Zhang, Beijiu Cheng, Xin Zhang
Summary: Phytosterols were extracted and identified from maize seed embryos, and a GWAS was used to predict candidate genes and SNPs associated with phytosterol content. ZmSCYL2 was found to be associated with phytosterol accumulation, and its overexpression significantly increased plant growth and phytosterol content.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Anissa Nofita Sari, Ahmed Elwakeel, Jaspreet Kaur Dhanjal, Vipul Kumar, Durai Sundar, Sunil C. Kaul, Renu Wadhwa
Summary: The study introduced a novel multimodal small molecule called Mortaparib(Plus) that abrogates mortalin-p53 interaction, reactivates p53's tumor suppression function, and induces growth arrest or apoptosis of cancer cells. The compound also leads to upregulation of p73, inactivation of PARP1 and CARF proteins, and shows potential as a new anticancer drug candidate.
Article
Plant Sciences
Lingling Wang, Jingyi Wang, Hui Chen, Bin Hu
Summary: This study identified and characterized lncRNAs in Hevea brasiliensis by integrating transcriptome datasets from multiple tissues. The results showed that rubber lncRNAs have distinctive features such as longer exon, lower expression levels and GC content, and more tissue specificity compared to mRNAs. Thousands of tissue-specific lncRNAs were discovered in rubber tissues, and the functional enrichment analysis indicated their potential roles in tissue-specific functions.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Eiji Yoshihara
Summary: This review highlights the progress in generating 3D-structured human islets from pluripotent stem cells and discusses the importance of adapting physiology and environmental cues for improved functional human islet organogenesis in vitro.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vidhi Malik, Vipul Kumar, Sunil C. Kaul, Renu Wadhwa, Durai Sundar
Summary: The study demonstrates that Wi-A and Wi-N have the potential to bind to multiple mutated EGFRs, while CAPE is limited to wildtype EGFR and exon 20 insertion mutants. The binding free energy of the natural compounds against EGFRs is comparable to positive controls, suggesting their potential as therapeutic agents against mutated EGFRs.
Article
Plant Sciences
Tatsunosuke Tomita, Renu Wadhwa, Sunil C. Kaul, Ryoji Kurita, Naoshi Kojima, Yoshiaki Onishi
Summary: Withanolide derivatives, particularly 3 beta mWi-A, have been shown to lengthen the circadian clock, upregulate the expression of key genes involved in circadian rhythms, and act as an inverse agonist for RORa. These findings suggest that 3 beta mWi-A may serve as a novel modulator of circadian rhythms.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2021)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Priyanshu Bhargava, Debajit Mahanta, Ashish Kaul, Yoshiyuki Ishida, Keiji Terao, Renu Wadhwa, Sunil C. Kaul
Summary: Propolis, a resinous material produced by honeybees, has been extensively studied for its therapeutic potentials such as improving cognitive functions, antioxidant properties, and anticancer potential. The New Zealand and Brazilian green propolis are the two main types that have been widely researched. Experimental evidence has shown that propolis and its active components have the potential to be candidate drugs for different ailments, enhancing the quality of life.
Article
Rheumatology
Ye Liu, Vladimir Molchanov, Tao Yang
Summary: Mechanisms that promote homeostasis of articular chondrocytes are crucial for maintaining joint integrity and preventing osteoarthritis development. Ub and evolutionarily conserved Ubl modifications play important roles in regulating cell signaling, protein stability, resolving cellular stresses and inflammation, and maintaining differentiation and survival of chondrocytes, making them potential drug targets for OA treatment.
CURRENT RHEUMATOLOGY REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ashish Kaul, Raviprasad Kuthethur, Yoshiyuki Ishida, Keiji Terao, Renu Wadhwa, Sunil C. Kaul
Summary: Propolis, also known as bee-glue, is a resinous substance produced by honeybees from materials collected from plants. It is used by bees as a building material in their hives and by humans for various purposes in traditional healthcare practices. Two types of propolis, New Zealand and Brazilian green propolis, have been studied extensively and shown to possess bioactive constituents with anticancer activities. In addition, they have shown potential for protection against oxidative stress and treatment of age-related brain pathologies.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ashish Kumar, Arpita Konar, Sukant Garg, Sunil C. Kaul, Renu Wadhwa
Summary: The brain and neuronal circuits are the most complex organ networks in the human body and are highly influenced by stress, lifestyle, and age. Nutritional remediation of brain dysfunctions primarily through nutraceuticals and specific dietary patterns can promote brain health. Herbs and their phytochemicals with neuro-nutraceutical potentials have gained remarkable attention for their wide range of biological and pharmacological activities in improving cognitive function and providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
NEUROCHEMISTRY INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vidhi Malik, Navaneethan Radhakrishnan, Sunil C. Kaul, Renu Wadhwa, Durai Sundar
Summary: The study suggests that Withaferin-A and Withanone from Ashwagandha have potential as natural drugs for the treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. These compounds interact with the protein kinase ABL, and inhibition of ABL may contribute to their anticancer activity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ji Wang, Huayue Zhang, Ashish Kaul, Kejuan Li, Didik Priyandoko, Sunil C. Kaul, Renu Wadhwa
Summary: Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha, is used in Ayurveda for its health-promoting effects. This study explored the effects of Ashwagandha extracts and their active components on muscle cell differentiation, finding that certain compounds could enhance muscle repair and activity in a Parkinson's disease model.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Navaneethan Radhakrishnan, Sunil C. Kaul, Renu Wadhwa, Durai Sundar
Summary: The development of drugs that selectively target cancer cells while being safe for normal cells is crucial in cancer treatment. This study used in silico molecular models to investigate the impact of phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure on the membrane permeation of natural compounds in cancer cells. The findings showed that PS exposure facilitated the permeation of certain compounds in cancer cell membranes, suggesting the potential of PS exposure-based models for studying drug selectivity in cancer cells.
Article
Cell Biology
Huadie Liu, Ye Liu, Seung-Gi Jin, Jennifer Johnson, Hongwen Xuan, Di Lu, Jianshuang Li, Lukai Zhai, Xianfeng Li, Yaguang Zhao, Minmin Liu, Sonya E. L. Craig, Joseph S. Floramo, Vladimir Molchanov, Jie Li, Jia-Da Li, Connie Krawczyk, Xiaobing Shi, Gerd P. Pfeifer, Tao Yang
Summary: Long bones are formed through a process of chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation tightly controlled by intrinsic and microenvironment cues. Loss of TRIM28 in mesoderm-derived cells expands the skeletal progenitor/stem cell pool, weakens their osteochondrogenic potential, and gives them properties of neural crest cells, resulting in severe skeletogenesis defects. TRIM28 enhances chromatin silencing in regions more accessible in neural crest cells, and loss of this silencing upregulates neural gene expression and enhances neurogenic potential. TRIM28 loss also causes hyperexpression of GREM1, which activates AKT/mTORC1 signaling to promote skeletal progenitor/stem cell self-renewal and neurogenic potential. These findings highlight the importance of TRIM28 in maintaining the lineage trajectory and preventing a transition to ectodermal fate in skeletal progenitor/stem cells.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Huayue Zhang, Jia Wang, Jay Prakash, Zhenya Zhang, Sunil C. Kaul, Renu Wadhwa
Summary: A variety of environmental stresses are associated with negative impacts on quality of life and health, including metabolic disorders, cognitive impairment, and accelerated aging. Despite advancements in drug development, there are limited options for stress management. Cell-based screening identified several compounds, including Withaferin-A (Wi-A), methoxy Withaferin-A (mWi-A), Withanone (Wi-N), triethylene glycol (TEG), and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) leaf M2-DMSO extract (M2DM), that showed potential in protecting cells from oxidative, metal, and hypoxia stresses.
JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY SERIES A-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Letter
Chemistry, Medicinal
Vipul Kumar, Anissa Nofita Sari, Hazna Noor Meidinna, Ashish Kaul, Brohmomoy Basu, Yoshiyuki Ishida, Keiji Terao, Sunil C. C. Kaul, Sudhanshu Vrati, Durai Sundar, Renu Wadhwa
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joseph S. Floramo, Vladimir Molchanov, Huadie Liu, Ye Liu, Sonya E. L. Craig, Tao Yang
Summary: Cells in the body are exposed to various stressors that cause damage. The stress response is meant to repair or remove the damage, but it can sometimes exacerbate the problem, leading to cellular dysfunction and loss of homeostasis. Articular chondrocytes, the primary cells in joints, are particularly vulnerable to stress-induced damage, which can result in conditions like osteoarthritis. This article summarizes the effects of stress on articular chondrocytes and highlights how stress pathways contribute to joint dysfunction and OA development.
Article
Oncology
Rajkumar Singh Kalra, Anupama Chaudhary, Amr Omar, Xiaoshuai Li, Mallika Khurana, Sunil C. Kaul, Renu Wadhwa
Summary: Discovery of CARF as a protein that interacts with ARF and promotes ARF-p53p21WAF1 signaling and cellular senescence established its role in genomic stress. Further studies revealed its involvement in regulation of senescence, growth arrest, apoptosis, and malignant transformation in response to stress. This study assessed the quantitative impact of CARF expression level on these cell fates and found that CARF expression level can serve as a predictive measure of cell fates.
EXPERIMENTAL CELL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vidhi Malik, Vipul Kumar, Sunil C. Kaul, Renu Wadhwa, Durai Sundar
Summary: The natural compounds Wi-A, Wi-N and CAPE were found to stably bind at the ATP-binding site of both BRAF(WT) and BRAF(V600E) proteins. These compounds maintained the active conformation of wild-type BRAF protein, with CAPE showing better affinity toward both wild-type and V600E mutant proteins. These findings suggest that CAPE, Wi-A, and Wi-N have potential for inhibiting constitutive autophosphorylation of BRAF and warrant further experimental validation in vitro and in vivo.
CURRENT RESEARCH IN STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY
(2021)