Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Linh Pham, Leonardo Baiocchi, Lindsey Kennedy, Keisaku Sato, Vik Meadows, Fanyin Meng, Chiung-Kuei Huang, Debjyoti Kundu, Tianhao Zhou, Lixian Chen, Gianfranco Alpini, Heather Francis
Summary: The daily rhythmicity in our body is controlled by a circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus. Mast cells play a protective role against pathogens and inflammation and are associated with the circadian rhythm. Melatonin and histamine modulate circadian rhythms by regulating NF-kappa B, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for MC-mediated inflammatory diseases.
JOURNAL OF PINEAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Samantha Minh Thy Nguyen, Chase Preston Rupprecht, Aaisha Haque, Debendra Pattanaik, Joseph Yusin, Guha Krishnaswamy
Summary: Anaphylaxis is a severe, acute, life-threatening allergic reaction that can be triggered by medications, foods, latex, etc., causing respiratory, cardiovascular, and skin symptoms. The condition is characterized by a variety of symptoms and can have diverse causes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Animamalar Mayavannan, Emily Shantz, Ian D. Haidl, Jun Wang, Jean S. Marshall
Summary: This study found that human mast cells react to Chlamydia spp. infection through multiple mechanisms, including TLR2-dependent pathways. Additionally, mast cells play an important role in shaping in vivo immune responses in Chlamydia reproductive tract infection by promoting effector cell recruitment and modifying the chemokine microenvironment.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Xiaobin Fang, Jingyi Li, Xuechao Hao, Weiyi Zhang, Jie Zhong, Tao Zhu, Ren Liao
Summary: Most blood transfusion-related adverse reactions involve the immunologic responses of recipients to exogenous blood components. Extracellular vesicles derived from packed red cells can activate mast cells and induce the production of multiple inflammatory mediators, partly via the TLR-3 and MAPK pathways.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Emin Istif, Hadi Mirzajani, Cagdas Dag, Fariborz Mirlou, Elif Yaren Ozuaciksoz, Cengiz Cakir, Hatice Ceylan Koydemir, Iskender Yilgor, Emel Yilgor, Levent Beker
Summary: Food spoilage leads to waste and diseases. A miniature sensor based on poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) was developed for on-demand spoilage analysis via mobile phones. The sensor was embedded in packaged chicken and beef to monitor spoilage. This low-cost, miniature wireless sensor can help consumers and suppliers detect spoilage of protein-rich foods and prevent food waste and food-borne diseases.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Lina Sun, Wenrui Guo, Yujia Zhai, Lihua Zhao, Ting Liu, Le Yang, Ye Jin, Yan Duan
Summary: This study screened three strains from different regions of Inner Mongolia that have the ability to degrade biogenic amines (BAs) in meat products. These strains can degrade various BAs, especially tryptamine and phenethylamine. They can be used as starter cultures in meat products due to their good fermentation capacity and strong ability to reduce BAs.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shiqi Zhang, Li Li, Yang Lu, Junyao Zhang, Dapeng Liu, Dandan Hao, Xuan Zhang, Li Tian, Lize Xiong, Jia Huang
Summary: Sensing materials based on ionically conductive metal-organic frameworks (IC-MOFs) with metal ions as charge carriers were developed for detecting cadaverine vapor, an important chemical marker of food spoilage. Among different types of IC-MOFs, IC-CuTHPP-MOFs showed the greatest response to cadaverine, with a detection limit of 4.9 nL. These sensors demonstrated high sensitivity, selectivity, and stability, with a fast and real-time response to rotting meat.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jing He, Wei Mao, Wenhui Chen, Wei Shen, Qiaolian Duan, Hai-Wei Shi, Li Tan, Jingyu Kuang, Hian Kee Lee, Sheng Tang
Summary: In this study, a 3D-printed microdevice was designed to fix the extractant for the sensitive detection of histamine using a fluorescence sensing method. This method solves the issue of unstable drop volumes and can be successfully applied to detect histamine in milk.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Gwangbeom Heo, Yunna Lee, Eunok Im
Summary: Inflammatory mediators play a crucial role in the development of colorectal cancer, influencing carcinogenesis, progression, and metastasis. The gut microbiota, particularly in the colon, are closely associated with CRC through inflammatory mediators and can be targeted for therapeutic interventions such as fecal microbiota transplantation and probiotics.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Sehar Sajid, Mohammed Gulrez Zariwala, Richard Mackenzie, Mark Turner, Theo Nell, Srikanth Bellary, Derek Renshaw
Summary: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome and comorbidities. The dysregulated expansion of adipose tissue during obesity leads to the development of low-grade chronic inflammation. Annexin A1 may play a protective role in obesity and inflammation, but its effect may be overshadowed by the systemic inflammation caused by obesity.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Olga Savinova, Mira Yerzhanova
Summary: The study focuses on the amount of heterocyclic aromatic amines in meat products during heat treatment, identifying potential mutagens. Results show that meat products sold in supermarkets contain significantly higher levels of mutagens compared to those grilled in laboratory conditions. Future research will focus on improving analysis methods and developing purification techniques to reduce human consumption of mutagens.
JOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION
(2021)
Review
Dermatology
Victoire Gouirand, Ireneusz Habrylo, Michael D. Rosenblum
Summary: Regulatory T cells play a critical role in regulating tissue inflammation, and loss of their suppressive capacity may contribute to autoimmune disease. Under specific conditions, these cells can lose their ability to suppress and release proinflammatory cytokines, promoting inflammation. The impact of cytokines on Treg function may have implications for autoimmune disease.
JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dorina Lauritano, Filiberto Mastrangelo, Cristian D'Ovidio, Gianpaolo Ronconi, Alessandro Caraffa, Carla E. Gallenga, Ilias Frydas, Spyros K. Kritas, Matteo Trimarchi, Francesco Carinci, Pio Conti
Summary: Mast cells (MCs) are tissue cells derived from bone marrow stem cells and play a role in various diseases and disorders. They communicate with microglia in the brain through the production of mediators and can have pathological effects. MCs release preformed chemical mediators and cytokines, and can interact with neuropeptides, leading to inflammation in the central nervous system. This article explores the activation of MCs by neuropeptides and the therapeutic potential of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hidenori Moriyama, Jin Endo
Summary: Mast cells play a role in allergic responses and are involved in cardiovascular diseases like pulmonary hypertension. Lipid mediators, including prostaglandin I2, have been identified as important targets for treatment. Mast cells also produce n-3 epoxides which regulate pulmonary fibroblasts and suppress the progression of pulmonary vascular remodeling. This article reviews the role of mast cells and bioactive lipids in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension and discusses the potential therapeutic use of n-3 epoxides.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Wojciech Wojcik, Monika Lukasiewicz, Kamila Puppel
Summary: Biogenic amines are organic compounds commonly found in food, plants, animals, and microorganisms. They are formed through the decarboxylation of amino acids. While crucial for cell viability and metabolic processes, excessive biogenic amines can be toxic and even accelerate carcinogenesis.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Veronica Davalos, Manel Esteller
Summary: Cancer development is caused by changes in the structure and function of the genome. Epigenetic alterations regulate gene expression programs that promote tumorigenesis and can be used as useful tools in clinical decision making. Unlike genetic changes, epigenetic modifications can be reversed, making them an attractive target for drug development.
CA-A CANCER JOURNAL FOR CLINICIANS
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Iris van der Strate, Fatemeh Kazemzadeh, Iris D. Nagtegaal, Debbie Robbrecht, Agnes van de Wouw, Catarina S. Padilla, Saskia Duijts, Manel Esteller, F. Anthony Greco, Nicholas Pavlidis, Amir Qaseem, Petur Snaebjornsson, Sophie Veldhuijzen van Zanten, Caroline Loef
Summary: The study proposes a multi-layer classification for the diagnostic workup of CUP using the Delphi method. The recommended initial diagnostic includes history and physical examination, full blood count, serum marker analysis, biopsy of accessible lesion, CT scan, and immunohistochemical testing. Consensus was also reached on the need for an ideal diagnostic lead time for CUP patients.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ONCOLOGY HEMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Juan Jose Alba-Linares, Raul F. Perez, Juan Ramon Tejedor, David Bastante-Rodriguez, Francisco Ponce, Nuria Garcia Carbonell, Rafael Gomez Zafra, Agustin F. Fernandez, Mario F. Fraga, Empar Lurbe
Summary: Maternal obesity or gestational diabetes mellitus are significant risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases in children. A study on the DNA methylation landscape of children born to mothers with obesity and gestational diabetes found abundant methylation changes during the first 6 months of life, associated with genes and pathways involved in fatty acid metabolism, developmental processes, and mitochondrial bioenergetics. The study also revealed an interaction between developmental methylation changes and maternal metabolic alterations.
CARDIOVASCULAR DIABETOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aleix Noguera-Castells, Carlos A. Garcia-Prieto, Damiana Alvarez-Errico, Manel Esteller
Summary: DNA methylation, a well-studied epigenetic mark, plays a critical role in gene regulation and is altered in cancer and other diseases. The newly developed 900K EPIC v2 microarray provides significant improvements in coverage and includes additional probes for DNA cis-regulatory regions. Validation studies demonstrate the reproducibility and versatility of this updated tool for studying the DNA methylome.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Naroa Goikoetxea-Usandizaga, Miren Bravo, Leire Egia-Mendikute, Leticia Abecia, Marina Serrano-Macia, Rocio G. Urdinguio, Marc Clos-Garcia, Ruben Rodriguez-Agudo, Raquel Araujo-Legido, Lucia Lopez-Bermudo, Teresa C. Delgado, Sofia Lachiondo-Ortega, Irene Gonzalez-Recio, Claudia Gil-Pitarch, Ainize Pena-Cearra, Jorge Simon, Raquel Benede-Ubieto, Silvia Arino, Jose M. Herranz, Mikel Azkargorta, Julio Salazar-Bermeo, Nuria Marti, Marta Varela-Rey, Juan M. Falcon-Perez, Oscar Lorenzo, Ruben Nogueiras, Felix Elortza, Yulia A. Nevzorova, Francisco J. Cubero, Domingo Saura, Luis Alfonso Martinez-Cruz, Guadalupe Sabio, Asis Palazon, Pau Sancho-Bru, Natalia Elguezabal, Mario F. Fraga, Matias A. Avila, Ramon Bataller, Jose J. G. Marin, Franz Martin, Maria Luz Martinez-Chantar
Summary: Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), accounting for 70% of liver-related deaths in Europe, has no effective approved therapies. However, targeting methylation-controlled J protein (MCJ) may help in recovering mitochondrial fitness without collateral oxidative damage. Liver-specific MCJ silencing can prevent major ALD hallmarks, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, steatosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress, improving lipid metabolism and liver injury.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David Ortega-Alarcon, Rafael Claveria-Gimeno, Sonia Vega, Olga C. Jorge-Torres, Manel Esteller, Olga Abian, Adrian Velazquez-Campoy
Summary: Hydroxymethylated cytosine (5hmC) is a stable DNA epigenetic mark that interacts with MeCP2 in a distinct mode with a specific thermodynamic signature. Mutations associated with Rett syndrome alter the interaction between MeCP2 and dsDNA in a cytosine modification-specific manner, which may be correlated with disease onset time and clinical severity score.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miriam Gene, Miriam Cuatrecasas, Irene Amat, Jesus Alberto Veiga, Maria Jesus Fernandez Acenero, Victoria Fuste Chimisana, Jordi Tarragona, Ismael Jurado, Rebeca Fernandez-Victoria, Carolina Martinez Ciarpaglini, Cristina Alenda Gonzalez, Carlos Zac, Pilar Ortega de la Obra, Maria Teresa Fernandez-Figueras, Manel Esteller, Eva Musulen
Summary: Colitis-associated colorectal carcinoma (CAC) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is caused by p53 alterations and follows a chronic inflammation-dysplasia-cancer carcinogenesis pathway. Gastric metaplasia (GM) is described as the initial event of serrated colorectal cancer (CRC) in the colon mucosa under chronic stress. This study analyzed p53 alterations and microsatellite instability (MSI) to characterize CAC and investigate its relationship with GM. Results showed that p53 mutation pattern was present in more than half of the CAC cases, with stable (MSS) tumors being the most common and MUC5AC negative. Only six unstable (MSI-H) tumors had wild-type p53 pattern (p=0.010) and were MUC5AC positive (p=0.005). MUC5AC staining was more frequently observed in intestinal mucosa with inflammation or chronic changes than in CAC, particularly in those with wild-type p53 pattern and MSS.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lucia Morgado-Palacin, Jessie A. Brown, Thomas F. Martinez, Juana M. Garcia-Pedrero, Farhad Forouhar, S. Aidan Quinn, Clara Reglero, Joan Vaughan, Yasamin Hajy Heydary, Cynthia Donaldson, Sandra Rodriguez-Perales, Eva Allonca, Rocio Granda-Diaz, Agustin F. Fernandez, Mario F. Fraga, Arianna L. Kim, Jorge Santos-Juanes, David M. Owens, Juan P. Rodrigo, Alan Saghatelian, Adolfo A. Ferrando
Summary: The TINCR gene plays an important role in epithelium tissues, controlling human epidermal differentiation and wound healing. It has been found to have tumor suppressor properties in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), being upregulated by UV-induced DNA damage in a TP53-dependent manner. TINCR expression inhibits the growth of SCC cells in vitro and in vivo, and deletion or mutation of the TINCR gene has been observed in SCC clinical samples. These findings highlight the significance of TINCR as a protein coding tumor suppressor gene lost in squamous cell carcinomas.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Paula Morales-Sanchez, Carmen Lambert, Jessica Ares-Blanco, Lorena Suarez-Gutierrez, Elsa Villa-Fernandez, Ana Victoria Garcia, Miguel Garcia-Villarino, Juan Ramon Tejedor, Mario F. Fraga, Edelmiro Menendez Torre, Pedro Pujante, Elias Delgado
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the circulating miRNA expression profile of patients with type 1 diabetes and no other associated pathology. The expression of hsa-miR-1-3p was found to be significantly increased in patients with type 1 diabetes and positively correlated with glycated haemoglobin levels. Changes in hsa-miR-1-3p were also found to directly affect genes involved in vascular development and cardiovascular pathologies. Circulating hsa-miR-1-3p, along with glycemic control, could be used as prognostic biomarkers in type 1 diabetes to prevent the development of vascular complications in these patients.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Annalisa Roberti, Juan Ramon Tejedor, Irene Diaz-Moreno, Virginia Lopez, Pablo Santamarina-Ojeda, Raul F. Perez, Rocio G. Urdinguio, Carmen Concellon, Maria Luz Martinez-Chantar, Juan Luis Fernandez-Morera, Antonio Diaz-Quintana, Vicente del Amo, Agustin F. Fernandez, Mario F. Fraga
Summary: Obesity is associated with dysfunction of adipose tissue, and this study identifies the role of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) in the adipogenesis process. NNMT is transactivated by CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein beta (CEBPB) during the early phase of adipocyte differentiation. Knockout and inhibition of NNMT impair terminal adipogenesis, suggesting that NNMT is a key component during the early stages of adipogenesis and could be a potential therapeutic target for obesity.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Maxime Janin, Veronica Davalos, Manel Esteller
Summary: Most cancer-related deaths and illnesses can be attributed to metastasis. The role of epigenetic and epitranscriptomic changes in the origin and progression of cancer has been extensively demonstrated. These two-layer regulatory mechanisms, driven by DNA or RNA modifiers, are finely controlled in normal tissue but dysregulated in cancer. Understanding these mechanisms could have important clinical implications for prevention and management of advanced malignancies. Reversing these epi-alterations with small molecules or inhibitors against epi-modifiers could offer novel therapeutic alternatives.
CANCER AND METASTASIS REVIEWS
(2023)
Letter
Oncology
Carlos A. Garcia-Prieto, Veronica Davalos, Manel Esteller
JNCI-JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Lucia Salz, Alexander Seitz, Daniel Schaefer, Julia Franzen, Tatjana Holzer, Carlos A. Garcia-Prieto, Iris Buerger, Olaf Hardt, Manel Esteller, Wolfgang Wagner
Summary: CAR T cell expansion during culture leads to DNA hypermethylation, which downregulates the expression of genes relevant to T cell function. This hypermethylation signature can predict cell culture time and is associated with reduced long-term survival and therapeutic outcome in CAR T cell products.
Article
Oncology
Pablo Santamarina-Ojeda, Juan Ramon Tejedor, Raul F. Perez, Virginia Lopez, Annalisa Roberti, Cristina Mangas, Agustin F. Fernandez, Mario F. F. Fraga
Summary: Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive and heterogeneous type of cancer, posing challenges in developing effective treatments. Incorporating molecular features into diagnosis has improved categorization of GBM subtypes, revealing subtype-specific vulnerabilities. By integrating gene expression and DNA methylation data, potential vulnerabilities in GBM patients were identified, implicating the AP-1, SMAD3, and RUNX1/RUNX2 pathways in tumor development. Inhibition of these pathways, with or without the chemotherapy agent temozolomide, led to impaired tumor growth, particularly in the aggressive, mesenchymal-like subtype. These findings have implications for personalized therapeutic approaches.
MOLECULAR ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Estefania Cuesta-Borras, Candida Salvans, Oriol Arques, Irene Chicote, Lorena Ramirez, Laia Cabellos, Jordi Martinez-Quintanilla, Alex Mur-Espinosa, Alejandro Garcia-Alvarez, Jorge Hernando, Juan Ramon Tejedor, Oriol Mirallas, Elena Elez, Mario F. Fraga, Josep Tabernero, Paolo Nuciforo, Jaume Capdevila, Hector G. Palmer, Isabel Puig
Summary: Tumor relapse and chemoresistance are major challenges in cancer therapy. This study reveals that DPPA3 plays a crucial role in promoting slow-cycling and chemoresistant phenotype in colorectal cancer. The study also uncovers a feedback loop between DPPA3 and HIF1a that regulates cell-cycle progression and highlights the potential of downregulating HIF1a to restore chemosensitivity. Furthermore, DPPA3 overexpression is identified as a biomarker for chemotherapeutic resistance in CRC patients.