Article
Dermatology
Xuefen Wu, Bingxia Ming, Tong Wu, Rongfen Gao, Peng Hu, Jungen Tang, Jixin Zhong, Fang Zheng, Lingli Dong
Summary: IL-33/ST2 axis plays a crucial role in the fibrotic disorder of SSc by promoting fibroblast activation, and IL-33/ST2 blockade could be a potential novel strategy to inhibit fibrosis progression in SSc patients.
JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Rheumatology
Maya Malaab, Ludivine Renaud, Naoko Takamura, Kip D. Zimmerman, Willian A. da Silveira, Paula S. Ramos, Sandra Haddad, Marc Peters-Golden, Loka R. Penke, Bethany Wolf, Gary Hardiman, Carl D. Langefeld, Thomas A. Medsger, Carol A. Feghali-Bostwick
Summary: Our study identified distinct molecular features in dermal fibroblasts of systemic sclerosis patients, including dysregulated transcription factors and microRNAs, suggesting a role for epigenetic dysregulation in disease susceptibility. This highlights the potential for using epigenetic modifiers as future therapies in systemic sclerosis.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Monica L. Brown Lobbins, Andrzej T. Slominski, Karen A. Hasty, Sicheng Zhang, Duane D. Miller, Wei Li, Tae-Kang Kim, Zorica Janjetovic, Robert C. Tuckey, Imara-Safi O. Scott, Linda K. Myers, Arnold E. Postlethwaite
Summary: This study demonstrates that 17,20S(OH)(2)pD can suppress type I collagen synthesis and decrease the expression of fibrosis-related mediators, offering a potential noncalcemic secosteroidal therapeutic approach for treating systemic sclerosis and fibrosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yang Xiao, Yanfei Wang, Jiyoon Ryu, Wei Liu, Hailan Zou, Rong Zhang, Yin Yan, Zhe Dai, Deling Zhang, Lu-Zhe Sun, Feng Liu, Zhiguang Zhou, Lily Q. Q. Dong
Summary: The elevated levels of TGF-beta 1 in type 2 diabetes contribute to increased hepatic gluconeogenesis by sensitizing the effect of glucagon/PKA signaling. Lowering TGF-beta 1 levels or preventing its hyperactivation could be a novel therapeutic approach for alleviating hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ronghui Yang, Lingkun Zuo, Hui Ma, Ying Zhou, Ping Zhou, Liyong Wang, Miao Wang, Mahrukh Latif, Lu Kong
Summary: In this study, the researchers discovered the importance of nc886 gene in prostate cancer, which affects tumor progression and metastasis by changing cellular morphology and promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). They found that nc886 promotes MET by facilitating the degradation of SNAIL protein through ubiquitination. Additionally, they revealed that TGF-beta 1 regulates the transcription of nc886 and its neighboring genes through multiple mechanisms, thus further influencing the EMT process.
Article
Cell Biology
Iyori Nojima, Ryusuke Hosoda, Yuki Toda, Yoshiki Saito, Naohiro Ueda, Kouhei Horimoto, Naotoshi Iwahara, Yoshiyuki Horio, Atsushi Kuno
Summary: Downregulation of IGFBP5 through activation of the ERK2 pathway is involved in replicative senescence in embryonic mouse fibroblasts.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
M. Y. Cynthia Stafford, Declan J. McKenna
Summary: This paper investigates the expression and role of miR-182 in prostate cancer. The study finds that miR-182 is over-expressed in prostate cancer cells and is associated with clinical markers of disease progression. It also identifies MITF as a novel target of miR-182 in prostate cancer. The findings suggest that miR-182 could be a useful biomarker for diagnosing and predicting the prognosis of prostate cancer.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Hye-Ram Jo, Jae-Hoon Jeong
Summary: This study reveals the crucial regulatory role of high mobility group box 2 (HMGB2) in cellular senescence. HMGB2 expression decreases with age, and its downregulation inhibits cell proliferation and accelerates cellular senescence, while overexpression delays senescence and maintains normal cellular function.
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Wenchuan Qi, Xiang Li, Yanrong Ren, Xueying Liu, Hongjuan Fu, Xiao Wang, Xiao Li, Jian Xiong, Qianhua Zheng, Dingjun Cai, Fanrong Liang
Summary: The study revealed that electroacupuncture at the PC6 point can inhibit the process of myocardial fibrosis by reducing the expression of IncRNA Miat, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic method for myocardial fibrosis.
Article
Oncology
Miroslaw Kucharski, Patrycja Mrowiec, Szymon Bialka, Hanna Misiolek, Maciej Misiolek, Andrzej Sechman, Dorota Zieba-Przybylska, Ewa Oclon
Summary: This study aimed to establish an effective method of transient miRNA mimic transfection into human dermal fibroblasts. Comparing three different methods, it was found that nucleofection had the most significant decrease in RNA expression levels, while lipid-based transfection maintained longer-lasting effects.
MOLECULAR MEDICINE REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Vittorio Castaldo, Michele Minopoli, Francesca Di Modugno, Andrea Sacconi, Domenico Liguoro, Rachele Frigerio, Arianna Ortolano, Marta Di Martile, Luisa Gesualdi, Gabriele Madonna, Mariaelena Capone, Roberto Cirombella, Angiolina Catizone, Donatella Del Bufalo, Andrea Vecchione, Maria Vincenza Carriero, Paolo Antonio Ascierto, Rita Mancini, Luigi Fattore, Gennaro Ciliberto
Summary: The study demonstrates that miR-4443 and miR-4488 promote enhanced migratory and invasive phenotypes in drug-resistant melanoma cells. Mechanistically, the intermediate filament nestin has been identified as a molecular target of both oncomiRs. Finally, nestin levels have been shown to predict the response to treatment in melanoma patients, suggesting potential for developing miRNA-targeted therapies and identifying novel biomarkers for guiding clinical decisions.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Junhee Park, Min-Ju Jung, Won-Yoon Chung
Summary: The study revealed that oral cancer cells modulate osteoclastogenesis by regulating IGFBP3 and MMP9, affecting bone infiltration and prognosis. These findings suggest that oral cancer cells may serve as a novel therapeutic target for osteolysis induced by oral cancer infiltrating into the bone.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Rheumatology
Joe E. Mouawad, Shailza Sharma, Ludivine Renaud, Joseph M. Pilewski, Satish N. Nadig, Carol Feghali-Bostwick
Summary: This study reveals a potential molecular cause for SSc-driven lung fibrosis, showing that reduced expression and activity of cathepsin L (CTSL) leads to lower levels of antifibrotic endostatin (ES). Strategies to boost CTSL levels could be a therapeutic strategy for SSc treatment.
Article
Rheumatology
DeAnna Baker Frost, Alisa Savchenko, Adeyemi Ogunleye, Milton Armstrong, Carol Feghali-Bostwick
Summary: Both TGF beta and estradiol play pro-fibrotic roles in the skin, and their regulation in E2-induced dermal fibrosis is not well-defined. This study identified key regulatory proteins for TGF beta and investigated ECM components directly stimulated by E2-induced TGF beta signaling. The findings suggest that E2-induced dermal fibrosis involves the induction of TGF beta 1, 2, and Col22A1, regulated through EGR1 and the MAPK pathway, providing potential therapeutic targets for fibrotic diseases.
ARTHRITIS RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Shuchang Ren, Xiaohui Tan, Melinda Z. Fu, Shuyang Ren, Xiaoling Wu, Tao Chen, Patricia S. Latham, Paul Lin, Yan-gao Man, Sidney W. Fu
Summary: In esophageal cancer, miR-375 is frequently downregulated and acts as a tumor suppressor by blocking the ERBB2/VEGFA pathway to inhibit cancer progression.
Editorial Material
Dermatology
Yuri Shimizu, Yorihisa Kotobuki, Noriko Arase, Hisashi Arase, Ichiro Katayama, Manabu Fujimoto
ANNALS OF DERMATOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Dermatology
Yudo Kusaba, Ikko Kajihara, Soichiro Sawamura, Hisashi Kanemaru, Katsunari Makino, Jun Aoi, Shinichi Masuguchi, Jun Morinaga, Satoshi Fukushima
JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Soichiro Sawamura, Katsunari Makino, Maho Ide, Shuichi Shimada, Ikko Kajihara, Takamitsu Makino, Masatoshi Jinnin, Satoshi Fukushima
Summary: In patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), the levels of alpha 2(I) collagen are higher than alpha 1(I) collagen in fibroblasts. Further investigation of the overall regulatory mechanisms of type I collagen may help to understand the aberrant collagen metabolism in SSc.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Dermatology
Kazunori Yokoi, Noriko Arase, Takashi Shimbo, Manabu Fujimoto, Atsushi Tanemura
ACTA DERMATO-VENEREOLOGICA
(2023)
Editorial Material
Dermatology
Takashi Inozume, Satoshi Fukushima
EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Dermatology
Satoshi Fukushima, Azusa Miyashita, Haruka Kuriyama, Toshihiro Kimura, Satoru Mizuhashi, Yosuke Kubo, Satoshi Nakahara, Hisashi Kanemaru, Nobuhiro Tsuchiya, Hiroaki Mashima, Rong Zhang, Yasushi Uemura
Summary: Cancer immunotherapy is the primary treatment for unresectable cancers, but it is not a complete cure for all patients. Immune cell therapy, specifically using immune cells generated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), shows promise for innovative cancer immunotherapy methods. iPSC-derived dendritic cells (iPS-DCs) can activate T cells, while iPSC-derived macrophages (iPS-MPs) attack cancer cells. iPSCs offer a source for genetic modification and addition of immune functions. Additionally, immortalized iPS-DCs and iPS-MPs could potentially reduce costs through mass production. This review summarizes the achievements and future prospects of cancer research using iPS-DCs and iPS-MPs.
EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Dermatology
Tomohiro Ishino, Tselmeg Mijiddorj Myangat, Soichiro Sawamura, Ikko Kajihara, Shuichi Shimada, Hisashi Kanemaru, Kayo Kashiwada-Nakamura, Katsunari Makino, Shinichi Masuguchi, Satoshi Fukushima
JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Dermatology
Yutaka Matsumura, Rei Watanabe, Hanako Koguchi-Yoshioka, Yuumi Nakamura, Aki Saito, Miki Kume, Shuichi Nakai, Yosuke Ishitsuka, Junichi Furuta, Manabu Fujimoto
JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Dermatology
Yasushi Kikuchi, Tomoki Tamakoshi, Ryuichi Ishida, Ryosuke Kobayashi, Shiho Mori, Akemi Ishida-Yamamoto, Manabu Fujimoto, Yasufumi Kaneda, Katsuto Tamai
Summary: In this study, researchers developed an ex vivo gene therapy for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) using autologous mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). The gene-modified MSCs were injected into mice with type VII collagen deficiency, leading to continuous and widespread expression of type VII collagen. The therapy showed successful application in both early blistering skin and advanced ulcerative lesions in the RDEB mouse model.
JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Kazunori Yokoi, Yoshiaki Yasumizu, Naganari Ohkura, Koei Shinzawa, Daisuke Okuzaki, Nene Shimoda, Hideya Ando, Nanako Yamada, Manabu Fujimoto, Atsushi Tanemura
Summary: In this study, it was found that the skin tightness of hypopigmented lesions in vitiligo patients was more evident compared to uninvolved perilesional skin. Collagen homeostasis in vitiligo lesions appeared to be maintained despite the excessive oxidative stress associated with the disease. The expression of collagen-related genes and anti-oxidative enzymes was upregulated, collagen degeneration was attenuated, and the NRF2 signaling pathway was activated in vitiligo dermis.
PIGMENT CELL & MELANOMA RESEARCH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Rheumatology
Manabu Fujimoto
ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Dermatology
Mari Wataya-Kaneda, Shinichirou Maeda, Ayumi Nakamura, Misa Hayashi, Manabu Fujimoto
Summary: A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 0.2% sirolimus gel for venous and capillary malformations, and to compare its efficacy with systemic sirolimus treatment. The results showed that the gel was as clinically effective as systemic treatment and more effective for early active lesions, even systemic venous malformations.
JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Dermatology
Chiaki Obaru, Toshihiro Kimura, Manami Yamamura, Haruka Kuriyama, Kayo Kashiwada-Nakamura, Satoru Mizuhashi, Tomoyo Matsumura, Takahiro Watanabe, Toshihiro Inoue, Satoshi Fukushima
JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chikako Senju, Yuka Nakazawa, Taichi Oso, Mayuko Shimada, Kana Kato, Michiko Matsuse, Mariko Tsujimoto, Taro Masaki, Yasushi Miyazaki, Satoshi Fukushima, Satoshi Tateishi, Atsushi Utani, Hiroyuki Murota, Katsumi Tanaka, Norisato Mitsutake, Shinichi Moriwaki, Chikako Nishigori, Tomoo Ogi
Summary: Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare genodermatosis characterized by photosensitivity and a high risk of skin tumors due to DNA repair deficiency. This study identified two deep intronic mutations in the ERCC4/XPF gene in 17 cases of XP-F, a rare subtype of XP. These mutations result in reduced gene expression and early-onset skin cancers, highlighting the need for attention to these variants. Additionally, antisense oligonucleotides designed for these mutations can restore DNA repair capacity, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for XP-F.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Yutaka Matsumura, Rei Watanabe, Manabu Fujimoto
Summary: B cells, including regulatory B cells (Bregs), regulate inflammation through an inhibitory mechanism mediated by interleukin 10 (IL-10). Bregs have been reported in various disease models and play a role in autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, cancer, and organ-transplant rejection. In addition to IL-10, other cytokines and membrane-binding molecules are also involved in the suppressive functions of Bregs. The identification and classification of Breg fractions remains challenging due to the variations in their activity and differentiation stages in different disease models.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)