Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Srinivas Akula, Zhirong Fu, Sara Wernersson, Lars Hellman
Summary: The chymase locus in mammals encodes multiple protease genes and has undergone expansions during evolution, with different species showing variations in gene numbers and specificities which may affect immune functions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Xiang Yang, Zhongming Zhang, Weibing Zhang, Haijun Qiao, Pengcheng Wen, Yan Zhang
Summary: Researchers have discovered a new milk-clotting protease with high activity from the midgut of Tenebrio molitor larvae, which could serve as a potential milk coagulant and provide a theoretical basis for the development of insect chymosin.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Xiao Wang, Tao Dong, Qiao Zhou, Lige Tong, Jie Zheng, Xing Qin, Xiaolu Wang, Yaru Wang, Bin Yao, Huiying Luo, Huoqing Huang
Summary: In this study, the serine protease ThAPT3 from Torrubiella hemipterigena was successfully expressed in Komagataella phaffii. The self-degradation mechanism of ThAPT3 was investigated and a rational strategy to alleviate self-cleavage was presented. A triple-superposition mutant, ThAPT3-M9, was obtained, which showed significant advantages in shrimp shell deproteinization.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yang Li, Liang Guo
Summary: Murine Serpina3c, a member of the Serpins family, has been shown to play roles in insulin secretion, adipogenesis, and the regulation of metabolic disorders such as NAFLD, insulin resistance, and obesity. Furthermore, Serpina3c has been found to have potential implications in atherosclerosis and cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction. Its functions are largely mediated by the inhibition of serine protease activity. This article aims to summarize recent studies on Serpina3c to provide a comprehensive understanding of its biological roles and underlying mechanisms.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Gleave, David J. J. Granville
Summary: Autoimmune diseases often manifest as skin symptoms with significant impact on function, appearance, and quality of life. Current treatment options for autoimmune skin diseases are limited and associated with adverse effects. This review focuses on the role of Granzyme B (GzmB) in autoimmune skin diseases and suggests GzmB as a promising target for therapeutics due to its involvement in immune response, blistering, apoptosis, and barrier dysfunction.
Article
Cell Biology
Sabrina Sofia Burgener, Melanie Brugger, Nathan Georges Francois Leborgne, Sophia Sollberger, Paola Basilico, Thomas Kaufmann, Phillip Ian Bird, Charaf Benarafa
Summary: Mast cells are immune cells that release serine proteases which modulate physiological functions and induce mast cell death. The pathways involved in granule-mediated mast cell apoptosis are regulated by a balance of serpin protease inhibitors, with granzyme B playing a critical role in mast cell survival.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Zhirong Fu, Srinivas Akula, Anna-Karin Olsson, Lars Hellman
Summary: In this study, we characterized the extended cleavage specificity and hematopoietic expression pattern of the chicken serine protease cathepsin G-like. Using substrate phage display and a panel of recombinant substrates, we identified a consensus sequence for this protease and found a preference for specific amino acids in the substrate. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the presence of cathepsin G-like in thrombocytes of chicken white blood cells.
DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Manon Laporte, Valerie Raeymaekers, Ria Van Berwaer, Julie Vandeput, Isabel Marchand-Casas, Hendrik-Jan Thibaut, Dominique Van Looveren, Katleen Martens, Markus Hoffmann, Piet Maes, Stefan Poehlmann, Lieve Naesens, Annelies Stevaert
Summary: The high transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 is related to the virus's abundant replication in the upper airways, which differs from other highly pathogenic coronaviruses. The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 exhibits intrinsic temperature preference, optimizing the virus for the human respiratory tract and enhancing its transmission. Additionally, certain proteases in the human airways play a key role in activating the spike protein for virus entry, further increasing SARS-CoV-2's ability to spread.
Article
Biology
Nicole Aaron, Michael J. Kraakman, Qiuzhong Zhou, Qiongming Liu, Samantha Costa, Jing Yang, Longhua Liu, Lexiang Yu, Liheng Wang, Ying He, Lihong Fan, Hiroyuki Hirakawa, Lei Ding, James Lo, Weidong Wang, Baohong Zhao, Edward Guo, Lei Sun, Cliff J. Rosen, Li Qiang
Summary: Adipsin is the most upregulated adipokine during MAT expansion in mice and humans in a PPAR gamma acetylation-dependent manner. Genetic ablation of Adipsin in mice specifically inhibited MAT expansion but not peripheral adipose depots, and improved bone mass during calorie restriction, thiazolidinedione treatment, and aging. The effects were mediated through its downstream effector, complement component C3, to prime common progenitor cells toward adipogenesis rather than osteoblastogenesis through inhibiting Wnt/beta-catenin signaling.
Article
Microbiology
Tianze Zhang, Chenyang Li, Mengji Cao, Dan Wang, Qi Wang, Yi Xie, Shibo Gao, Shuai Fu, Xueping Zhou, Jianxiang Wu
Summary: A novel picornavirus, RCDaV, with an 8,987 nt positive-stranded RNA genome encoding two large polyproteins, was identified in rice plants. Additionally, seven unclassified picornaviruses were found to encode a 3Cpro similar to RCDaV, with highly conserved cleavage sites, and cluster with RCDaV into a distinct clade. This study provides valuable insights into picornaviral 3C proteases and the genome organization of relatively obscure picornaviruses.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Atsuko Kataoka, Kazuhiko Yamada, Teruki Hagiwara, Masayoshi Terayama, Takayuki Sugimoto, Kyoko Nohara, Toru Igari, Chizu Yokoi, Yuki Kawamura
Summary: The study validated the prognostic significance of PRSS27 expression in resected ESCC tissue samples in patients receiving preoperative treatment, and conversion of PRSS27 expression from positive in biopsy samples to negative in resected tumor samples predicted a good prognosis.
ANNALS OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Malcolm A. Leissring
Summary: There are still many important unresolved questions in the field of IDE, such as how IDE interacts with extracellular substrates, its localization and functional roles within the cell, and how it avoids getting clogged and losing activity. The author provides personal insights and experimental strategies to address these challenges, aiming to advance the research on the physiology and pathophysiology of IDE with the development of new technologies and specific reagents.
Article
Immunology
Meghna Thakur, Sandhya Bista, Shelby D. Foor, Shraboni Dutta, Xiuli Yang, Michael Ronzetti, Vipin S. Rana, Chrysoula Kitsou, Sara B. Linden, Amanda S. Altieri, Bolormaa Baljinnyam, Daniel C. Nelson, Anton Simeonov, Utpal Pal
Summary: The protein BB0323 of Borrelia burgdorferi undergoes a proteolytic maturation event mediated by the protease BbHtrA, which cleaves BB0323 between specific amino acids. Mutations at these cleavage sites affect the interaction between BB0323 and BbHtrA, leading to impaired infection ability of Borrelia burgdorferi.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Emir Muzurovic, Zoja Stankovic, Zlata Kovacevic, Benida Sahmanovic Skrijelj, Dimitri P. Mikhailidis
Summary: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that is also a significant cause of cardiovascular diseases. Inflammatory markers are associated with the risk of developing diabetes and its complications, but their practical use is limited by the intertwining of physiological processes and lack of specificity. Future research should focus on the specificity, non-invasiveness, and cost-effectiveness of biomarkers.
CURRENT PHARMACEUTICAL DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Kelvin Pengyuan Zhang, Miatta Buxton, Yanelli Rodriguez-Carmona, Karen E. Peterson, Yun Liu, Helen J. Burgess, Alejandra Cantoral, Martha Maria Tellez-Rojo, Libni A. Torres-Olascoaga, Laura Arboleda-Merino, Erica C. Jansen
Summary: This study evaluated the association between sleep duration, timing, and variability, and inflammatory cytokines in Mexico City adolescents. The results showed that later timing, shorter duration, and inconsistency of sleep were related to higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers.
Article
Cell Biology
Mahmoud A. A. Shatta, Marwa O. O. El-Derany, Abdullah A. A. Gibriel, Hala O. O. El-Mesallamy
Summary: This study established reliable in vitro NASH models using different mixtures of oleic acid and palmitic acid, and compared their differences. The PA 500 μm concentration model was found to best mimic the molecular events of steatosis-induced NAFLD, and Rhm showed therapeutic effects against NASH and HCC by regulating inflammatory and oxidative mechanisms.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Kunal Bhattacharya, Israa M. Shamkh, Mohammad Shahbaz Khan, Marwa M. Lotfy, Jean Bosco Nzeyimana, Reem Fawaz Abutayeh, Nadia M. Hamdy, Dalia Hamza, Nongmaithem Randhoni Chanu, Pukar Khanal, Atanu Bhattacharjee, Emad B. Basalious
Summary: A potential vaccine against the monkeypox virus was developed using bioinformatics and immunoinformatics. The constructed multiepitope vaccine showed good antigenicity, non-allergenicity, and non-toxicity. In silico expression studies and cloning in E. coli were successful, making the vaccine construct suitable for mass production in the pharmaceutical industry.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hind Atta, Nouran Alzahaby, Nadia M. Hamdy, Soha H. Emam, Amr Sonousi, Laila Ziko
Summary: This article discusses the degradation mechanism, localization, and diagnostic/prognostic applications of the 20S proteasome. It also summarizes the FDA-approved proteasome inhibitors and their limited efficacy in solid tumors, as well as resistance mechanisms. Furthermore, it explores the future prospects for developing new proteasome inhibitors for the treatment of solid tumors.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mona A. Eldosoky, Reham Hammad, Asmaa A. Elmadbouly, Reda Badr Aglan, Sherihan G. Abdel-Hamid, Mohamed Alboraie, Donia Ahmed Hassan, Mohamed A. Shaheen, Areej Rushdi, Reem M. Ahmed, Alzahra Abdelbadea, Neamat A. Abdelmageed, Ahmed Elshafei, Elham Ali, Omaima I. Abo-Elkheir, Samy Zaky, Nadia M. Hamdy, Claude Lambert
Summary: Early HCC diagnosis is challenging, especially for AFP-negative cases. miRNA profiles may serve as potential molecular markers for HCC. This study aimed to evaluate the expression levels of four miRNAs (hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-155-5p, hsa-miR-192-5p, and hsa-miR-199a-5p) as biomarkers for HCC in CHCV patients with liver cirrhosis, particularly AFP-negative HCC cases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Yi-Chun Chen, Yi-Fen Chiang, Ying-Jiun Lin, Ko-Chieh Huang, Hsin-Yuan Chen, Nadia M. Hamdy, Tsui-Chin Huang, Hsin-Yi Chang, Tzong-Ming Shieh, Yun-Ju Huang, Shih-Min Hsia
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on relieving the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials showed that vitamin D treatment significantly reduced the pain level in individuals with dysmenorrhea. The results indicated that vitamin D supplementation is an alternative treatment for relieving the pain symptoms of dysmenorrhea.
Editorial Material
Oncology
Nadia M. Hamdy, Lisardo Bosca, Sukh Mahendra Singh, Srinivasa Reddy Bonam, Igor Kiss, Divya P. Kumar, Aditi Banerjee
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Reham Hammad, Mona A. Eldosoky, Asmaa A. Elmadbouly, Reda Badr Aglan, Sherihan G. AbdelHamid, Samy Zaky, Elham Ali, Fatma El-Zahraa Abd El Hakam, Alshaimaa M. Mosaad, Neamat A. Abdelmageed, Fatma M. Kotb, Hend G. Kotb, Ahmed A. Hady, Omaima I. Abo-Elkheir, Sandy Kujumdshiev, Ulrich Sack, Claude Lambert, Nadia M. Hamdy
Summary: The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between altered monocyte subsets distribution in liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the expression level of plasma Homo sapiens (has)-miR-21-5p and hsa-miR-155-5p. The results showed that the expression of hsa-miR-21-5p was positively correlated with intermediate monocytes, while the expression of hsa-miR-155-5p was negatively correlated with non-classical monocytes. Combining the frequency of intermediate monocytes and hsa-miR-21 could be a sensitive indicator of LC progression to HCC.
JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH AND CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Mostafa K. Abd El-Aziz, Alyaa Dawoud, Caroline J. Kiriacos, Sherif Ashraf Fahmy, Nadia M. Hamdy, Rana A. Youness
Summary: The underlying mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are poorly understood, and the roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in HCC have been less investigated compared to coding genes and microRNAs. However, dysregulation of lncRNAs plays a significant role in HCC progression, making it an important research topic for potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as drug development.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Mona M. Elanany, Dina Mostafa, Nadia M. Hamdy
Summary: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. Traditional therapies have limitations in eliminating the risk of relapse and metastasis. Immunotherapies targeting natural killer cells have gained attention for more effective treatment. However, breast cancer cells inhibit NK cell function, leading to tumor escape and spread.
Article
Pathology
Nada M. El-Sheikh, Ahmed I. Abulsoud, Amal Fawzy, Eman F. Wasfey, Nadia M. Hamdy
Summary: This study investigated the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) Nicotinamide Nucleotide Transhydrogenase-antisense RNA1 (NNT-AS1) in colorectal cancer (CRC) in relation to the Homo sapiens (hsa)-microRNA (miR)-485-5p/ heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) axis. The expression levels of lncRNA NNT-AS1, hsa-miR-485-5p, and HSP90 were examined in the sera of 60 Egyptian CRC patients. The results showed that lncRNA NNT-AS1 and HSP90 were upregulated, while hsa-miR-485-5p was downregulated in CRC patients compared to healthy controls. The findings suggest that the lncRNA NNT-AS1/hsa-miR-485-5p/HSP90 axis may be involved in CRC development and could be used for diagnosis.
PATHOLOGY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Mostafa A. Aboouf, Thomas A. Gorr, Nadia M. Hamdy, Max Gassmann, Markus Thiersch
Summary: Myoglobin in brown adipose tissue plays a crucial role in energy homeostasis and thermogenesis by regulating lipid metabolism and mitochondrial oxidative metabolism. This review discusses the physiological roles, regulatory mechanisms, and potential approaches to enhance energy metabolism mediated by myoglobin in brown adipose tissue.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shorouk Eldash, Eman F. Sanad, Dina Nada, Nadia M. Hamdy
Summary: This article summarizes the mechanisms of action of lincRNAs in different types of cancers, with a particular focus on the promoting role of LINC00511 in multiple malignancies, providing a basis for the study of cancer prognostic molecular markers.
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Aya Anis, Ahmed M. Mostafa, Nadia M. Hamdy, Ahmed S. Sultan
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tasneem Abaza, Mostafa K. Abd El-Aziz, Kerolos Ashraf Daniel, Paraskevi Karousi, Maria Papatsirou, Sherif Ashraf Fahmy, Nadia M. Hamdy, Christos K. Kontos, Rana A. Youness
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a deadly malignancy with limited treatment options and high recurrence rates. Recently, immunotherapeutic agents such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) have shown promise in HCC treatment. CircRNAs can influence the tumor immune microenvironment and may impact the effectiveness of ICIs. Therefore, circRNAs have the potential to serve as biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapy in HCC.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yasmine K. Abd El Fattah, Ahmed I. Abulsoud, Sherihan G. AbdelHamid, Sherif AbdelHalim, Nadia M. Hamdy
Summary: This study unraveled the regulatory mechanism of lncRNA CCDC144NL-AS1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) and its interaction with hsa-miR-143-3p and HMGA2. The results showed that CCDC144NL-AS1 expression was upregulated in CRC patients, while hsa-miR-143-3p and HMGA2 expression were downregulated. There were significant correlations between CCDC144NL-AS1 and HMGA2, as well as between lncRNA CCDC144NL-AS1 and hsa-miR-143-3p. These findings suggest that the CCDC144NL-AS1/hsa-miR-143-3p/HMGA2 interaction arm may play a role in CRC progression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
