Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Kathryn Ufford, Sabrina Friedline, Zhaowen Tong, Vi T. Tang, Amani S. Dobbs, Yao-Chang Tsan, Stephanie L. Bielas, Allen P. Liu, Adam S. Helms
Summary: This study aims to investigate the impact of myofibrillar structure on contractile function in iPSC-CMs. The results show that myofibrillar abundance is widely variable among iPSC-CMs and strongly correlates with contractile function. Controlling for myofibrillar structure can reduce false-positive findings, improve sensitivity for pharmacologic testing and disease modeling.
Article
Biology
Paulin Brosinsky, Julia Bornbaum, Bjorn Warga, Lisa Schulz, Klaus-Dieter Schluter, Alessandra Ghigo, Emilio Hirsch, Rainer Schulz, Gerhild Euler, Jacqueline Heger
Summary: The study demonstrates the involvement of PI3K and ALK5/SMAD pathways in TGF beta(1)-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and impaired function, with a partial dependence on PI3K gamma.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chintan N. Koyani, Susanne Scheruebel, Ge Jin, Ewald Kolesnik, Klaus Zorn-Pauly, Heinrich Maechler, Gerald Hoefler, Dirk von Lewinski, Frank R. Heinzel, Brigitte Pelzmann, Ernst Malle
Summary: Neutrophil-derived myeloperoxidase (MPO) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl) play important roles in cardiac damage and dysfunction. The presence of proatherogenic HOCl-LDL in infarcted human myocardium adversely affects electrophysiology and contractility of cardiomyocytes, leading to altered action potential characteristics and arrhythmic events. HOCl-LDL also affects the expression and function of key proteins in calcium handling, resulting in impaired contractility and calcium homeostasis.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Tim Stuedemann, Judith Roessinger, Christoph Manthey, Birgit Geertz, Rajiven Srikantharajah, Constantin von Bibra, Aya Shibamiya, Maria Koehne, Antonius Wiehler, J. Simon Wiegert, Thomas Eschenhagen, Florian Weinberger
Summary: This study reveals the mechanism of how transplanted cardiomyocytes actively contribute to heart function, supporting the hypothesis that the delivery of new force-generating myocardium can serve as a regenerative therapeutic strategy.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chih-Hsuan Chou, Elisabeth R. Barton
Summary: Glucose is a vital energy source for active skeletal muscles, and AMPK plays a crucial role in glucose uptake during muscle contraction. The study aimed to investigate the impact of increased muscle IGF-I on AMPK α phosphorylation and activity. The results demonstrated that high muscle IGF-I enhances glucose uptake under resting conditions but does not inhibit AMPK activity during muscle contraction.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shohei Yashirogi, Takemasa Nagao, Yuya Nishida, Yusuke Takahashi, Tasneem Qaqorh, Issei Yazawa, Toru Katayama, Hidetaka Kioka, Tsubasa S. Matsui, Shigeyoshi Saito, Yuki Masumura, Osamu Tsukamoto, Hisakazu Kato, Hiromichi Ueda, Osamu Yamaguchi, Kenta Yashiro, Satoru Yamazaki, Seiji Takashima, Yasunori Shintani
Summary: AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates microtubule (MT) accumulation through CLIP-170 phosphorylation at intercalated disks in cardiomyocytes, impacting cell shape and aspect ratio.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wanqiu Zhang, Jinghua Lu, Yangyang Wang, Pengbo Sun, Tong Gao, Naihan Xu, Yaou Zhang, Weidong Xie
Summary: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a myocardial disease independent of other cardiovascular diseases, and lipotoxicity is closely related to DCM. This study investigated the mechanism of lipid metabolism disturbance in DCM using HL-1 cells. Canagliflozin (CAN) was found to inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors and regulate ferroptosis through the AMPK pathway. The study provides new insights into myocardial lipotoxicity and potential treatment of DCM.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Liang Ye, Xinyuan Zhang, Qin Zhou, Bin Tan, Hao Xu, Qin Yi, Liang Yan, Min Xie, Yin Zhang, Jie Tian, Jing Zhu
Summary: Activation of AMPK improves the maturation of hiPSC-CMs by increasing the expression of CM-specific markers, improving myocardial structure, enhancing mitochondrial function, and promoting mitochondrial fusion.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Oleg Lookin, Anastasia Khokhlova, Tatiana Myachina, Xenia Butova, Olivier Cazorla, Pieter de Tombe
Summary: There are transmural differences in sarcomere length distribution between subepi- and subendocardial cardiomyocytes, and the intracellular variability in sarcomere length is affected by the state of contraction.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daria A. Adasheva, Olga S. Lebedeva, Daria V. Goliusova, Alexander B. Postnikov, Maria V. Teriakova, Irina V. Kopylova, Maria A. Lagarkova, Alexey G. Katrukha, Daria V. Serebryanaya
Summary: Insulin-like growth factors IGF-I and IGF-II, as well as their binding proteins IGFBPs, play important roles in cardiac tissue in various physiological and pathological processes. Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) is a metalloprotease that specifically cleaves IGFBP-4, releasing IGF and activating its biological activity. This study shows that PAPP-A-specific IGFBP-4 proteolysis occurs in human normal cardiomyocytes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Nadeera M. Wickramasinghe, David Sachs, Bhavana Shewale, David M. Gonzalez, Priyanka Dhanan-Krishnan, Denis Torre, Elizabeth LaMarca, Serena Raimo, Rafael Dariolli, Madhavika N. Serasinghe, Joshua Mayourian, Robert Sebra, Kristin Beaumont, Srinivas Iyengar, Deborah L. French, Arne Hansen, Thomas Eschenhagen, Jerry E. Chipuk, Eric A. Sobie, Adam Jacobs, Schahram Akbarian, Harry Ischiropoulos, Avi Ma'ayan, Sander M. Houten, Kevin Costa, Nicole C. Dubois
Summary: By modulating metabolic pathways, we have successfully facilitated the maturation of human pluripotent stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Activation of PPARd signaling enhances fatty acid oxidation and improves mitochondrial cristae formation and myofibril organization, ultimately enhancing the function of cardiomyocytes.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jacqueline Bliley, Joshua Tashman, Maria Stang, Brian Coffin, Daniel Shiwarski, Andrew Lee, Thomas Hinton, Adam Feinberg
Summary: This study demonstrates the 3D bioprinting of a simplified heart model resembling embryonic development. The engineered heart tubes were cellularized and showed synchronous contractions similar to natural heart beats. These findings establish the feasibility of creating 3D bioprinted human heart tubes and open the door for engineering more complex heart muscle structures.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Esther Tanumihardja, Douwe S. de Bruijn, Rolf H. Slaats, Wouter Olthuis, Albert van den Berg
Summary: A ruthenium oxide (RuOx) electrode was utilized to monitor contractile events of human pluripotent stem cells-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) through electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), showing comparable signal and periodicity to standard thin film Pt electrodes. The RuOx electrodes can also function as electrochemical sensors for pH, O-2, and nitric oxide, enhancing their versatility in in vitro studies. Frequency analyses revealed almost identical frequency components between EIS and visual data, indicating their capability to capture similar events of the beating of hPSC-CMs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Luming Zhao, Zhongbao Gao, Wei Liu, Chunlan Wang, Dan Luo, Shengyu Chao, Siwei Li, Zhou Li, Changyong Wang, Jin Zhou
Summary: This study proposes a self-powered implantable electrical stimulator based on TENG to induce the maturation of cardiomyocytes. The results show that the stimulator significantly promotes cardiomyocyte maturation and improves sarcomere organization and Ca2+ levels.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Gecai Chen, Aihuan Yue, Meixiang Wang, Zhongbao Ruan, Li Zhu
Summary: The study demonstrated that exosomes derived from H/R-treated H9c2 cells induced MSCs to secrete IGF-1 to inhibit myocardial cell injury. Moreover, the exosomal lncRNA KLF3-AS1 was found to promote the secretion of IGF-1 from MSCs and increase cell viability. Additionally, the lncRNA KLF3-AS1 upregulated STAT5B expression to rescue myocardial cell injury in vivo and in vitro, suggesting a potential new direction for the treatment of myocardial I/R injury.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Lin Wu, James R. Sowers, Yingmei Zhang, Jun Ren
Summary: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are caused by abnormalities in the genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic aspects. Recent evidence has confirmed the presence of DNA damage in various CVDs. DNA damage triggers a cellular response called DNA damage response (DDR), which can be beneficial for cardiovascular function temporarily, but persistent activation of DDR promotes the onset and development of CVDs. Therefore, targeting DNA damage and DDR could potentially improve cardiovascular dysfunction and disease outcome.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Amir Ajoolabady, Neil Kaplowitz, Cynthia Lebeaupin, Guido Kroemer, Randal J. Kaufman, Harmeet Malhi, Jun Ren
Summary: The endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response play important roles in the pathophysiology of liver diseases. Understanding this process is crucial for developing interventions for the treatment of nonmalignant liver diseases.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hemalatha Selvaraj, Kumudha Damadarosamy, Natarajan Kiruthiga, K. Reeta Vijaya Rani, Kanagaraj Duraisamy, Muralikrishnan Dhanasekaran, Jack Deruiter, Jun Ren, Sivakumar Thangavel, Rachel Parise
Summary: This review discusses the coexistence of COVID-19 and tuberculosis, highlighting the impact on respiratory symptoms and treatment outcomes. The lack of data on COVID-19 infection in TB patients may lead to inadequate response to drug therapy, particularly when TB treatment is interrupted. Measures should be taken to minimize transmission in community and healthcare settings, and accurate diagnostic testing and well-designed therapeutic strategies are necessary for effective treatment.
CURRENT DRUG SAFETY
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Milad Ashrafizadeh, Ali Zarrabi, Hassan Karimi-Maleh, Afshin Taheriazam, Sepideh Mirzaei, Mehrdad Hashemi, Kiavash Hushmandi, Pooyan Makvandi, Ehsan Nazarzadeh Zare, Esmaeel Sharifi, Arul Goel, Lingzhi Wang, Jun Ren, Yavuz Nuri Ertas, Alan Prem Kumar, Yuzhuo Wang, Navid Rabiee, Gautam Sethi, Zhaowu Ma
Summary: Nanomedicine has great potential in the treatment of bladder cancer, including improving drug efficacy, regulating gene expression, providing photodynamic and photothermal therapy, remodeling tumor microenvironment and infiltration of immune cells, timely diagnosis, and targeted therapy for bladder cancer.
BIOENGINEERING & TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Qiong Liu, Yushu Dong, Germaine Escames, Xue Wu, Jun Ren, Wenwen Yang, Shaofei Zhang, Yanli Zhu, Ye Tian, Dario Acuna-Castroviejo, Yang Yang
Summary: This study systematically clarified the mechanisms of melatonin (MEL) in improving septic myocardial injury, and identified PIK3CG as a promising target for therapeutic intervention. The findings provide valuable information for the management of septic myocardial injury.
BIOENGINEERING & TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Huan Zhang, Zi-Yin Zhang-Sun, Cheng-Xu Xue, Xi-Yang Li, Jun Ren, Yu-Ting Jiang, Tong Liu, Hai-Rong Yao, Juan Zhang, Tian-Tian Gou, Ye Tian, Wang-Rui Lei, Yang Yang
Summary: This article introduces the characteristics and functions of the C1q/TNF-related protein family in inflammation and metabolism. It focuses on the structure, function, and relationship of the CTRP family with inflammation, metabolism, and related diseases. This information provides new therapeutic strategies for improving inflammatory and metabolic abnormalities.
ACTA PHARMACOLOGICA SINICA
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Amir Ajoolabady, Daolin Tang, Guido Kroemer, Jun Ren
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma is a prevalent form of liver cancer, with genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors influencing its development. Ferroptosis, a form of nonapoptotic cell death, has potential for suppressing hepatocellular carcinoma. However, malignant cells can develop mechanisms to resist ferroptosis.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Amir Ajoolabady, Cynthia Lebeaupin, Ne N. Wu, Randal J. Kaufman, Jun Ren
Summary: This study aims to elucidate the relationship between ER stress and inflammation in obesity, and summarize potential therapeutic strategies for managing obesity through manipulating ER stress and ER stress-associated inflammation.
MEDICINAL RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Afshin Taheriazam, Ghazaleh Gholamiyan Yousef Abad, Shima Hajimazdarany, Mohammad Hassan Imani, Setayesh Ziaolhagh, Mohammad Arad Zandieh, Seyedeh Delaram Bayanzadeh, Sepideh Mirzaei, Michael R. Hamblin, Maliheh Entezari, Amir Reza Aref, Ali Zarrabi, Yavuz Nuri Ertas, Jun Ren, Romina Rajabi, Mahshid Deldar Abad Paskeh, Mehrdad Hashemi, Kiavash Hushmandi
Summary: Nanotechnology offers great potential in the field of nanomedicine for the treatment of various diseases, especially cancer. Graphene oxide nanoparticles have emerged as promising carbon-based nanocarriers for drug and gene delivery, photothermal therapy, overcoming chemotherapy resistance, and imaging. This review focuses on the biological functions of graphene oxide nanoparticles as regulators of apoptosis and autophagy, and their potential toxicity in major body organs.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jie Min, Lin Wu, Yandong Liu, Guoliang Song, Qinqin Deng, Wei Jin, Wei Yu, Miyesaier Abudureyimu, Zhaohui Pei, Jun Ren
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of SGLT2 inhibitor Empagliflozin on TZM-induced cardiotoxicity and explored the mechanism involving DNA damage and ferroptosis. The results showed that Empagliflozin markedly attenuated TZM-induced cardiac damage and may function through a DNA damage-ferroptosis-mediated mechanism.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lin Wu, Litao Wang, Yuxin Du, Yingmei Zhang, Jun Ren
Summary: Doxorubicin (DOX) is effective in treating solid tumors and hematologic malignancies but its clinical application is limited by its cardiotoxicity. Defective mitochondrial quality control has been found to play a major role in the development of DOX-induced cardiomyopathy. Targeting these quality control mechanisms has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy to attenuate DOX cardiotoxicity. However, clinical translation is challenging due to obscure mechanisms of action and potential adverse effects.
TRENDS IN PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Correction
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Shuyi Wang, Jun Tao, Huaguo Chen, Machender R. Kandadi, Mingming Sun, Haixia Xu, Gary D. Lopaschuk, Yan Lu, Junmeng Zheng, Hu Peng, Jun Ren
ACTA PHARMACEUTICA SINICA B
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yanyan Ma, Jipeng Ma, Linhe Lu, Xiang Xiong, Yalan Shao, Jun Ren, Jian Yang, Jiankang Liu
Summary: Melatonin protects the heart against doxorubicin-induced injury by restoring autophagic flux.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mehrdad Hashemi, Eisa Sabouni, Parham Rahmanian, Maliheh Entezari, Mahsa Mojtabavi, Behnaz Raei, Mohammad Arad Zandieh, Mitra Behroozaghdam, Sepideh Mirzaei, Kiavash Hushmandi, Noushin Nabavi, Shokooh Salimimoghadam, Jun Ren, Mohsen Rashidi, Rasoul Raesi, Afshin Taheriazam, Athanasios Alexiou, Marios Papadakis, Shing Cheng Tan
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common form of liver cancer and poses a great challenge to human life. Targeting the molecular signaling pathways through STAT3 may provide new and effective therapies for HCC. This review discusses the expression and phosphorylation status of STAT3 in HCC, highlighting its role as an oncogenic factor that prevents apoptosis and promotes cancer progression.
CELLULAR & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ne N. Wu, Lifeng Wang, Lu Wang, Xihui Xu, Gary D. Lopaschuk, Yingmei Zhang, Jun Ren
Summary: Researchers in China have discovered that an enzyme called Parkin can restrict the release of DNA from mitochondria, thereby preventing liver fibrosis. Enhancing the protective ability of Parkin could lead to new therapeutic approaches for liver disease.
EXPERIMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2023)