Article
Oncology
Pablo Lopez-Bergami
Summary: ROR2 plays a dual role in cancer, with contradictory effects on cell proliferation and migration. In melanoma, it impairs cell proliferation while promoting migration, EMT, and chemoresistance. It is proposed to be a major driver of phenotype switching in melanoma, providing therapeutic opportunities for targeting invasive and drug-resistant phenotypes.
CANCER CELL INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Lucas Eduardo Botelho de Souza, Fernanda Ursoli Ferreira, Carolina Hassibe Thome, Heloisa Brand, Maristela Delgado Orellana, Vitor Marcel Faca, Aparecida Maria Fontes, Dimas Tadeu Covas
Summary: Melanoma cells have the capability to activate an EMT-like program and acquire metastatic traits through distinct pathways induced by MSCs' secretome, both in mouse and human cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Juliane Strietz, Stella S. Stepputtis, Marie Follo, Peter Bronsert, Elmar Stickeler, Jochen Maurer
Summary: Primary breast cancer stem cell (BCSC) cultures isolated from TNBC specimens have been established and shown to grow as tumor spheres under anchorage-independent culture conditions in vitro, while reliably forming tumors in mice when transplanted in limiting dilutions in vivo. Additionally, these BCSC xenograft tumors exhibit similar architecture and gene expression to the original patient tumor, suggesting a promising model for researching BCSC biology and testing new treatment options for TNBC.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chien-Hung Lin, Chuan Wan, Wen-Sheng Liu, Hsin-Hui Wang
Summary: Exposure to PM2.5 can induce EMT characteristics in HK-2 cells, with the IL-6/STAT3 pathway playing a key role in mediating early renal tubule cell injury.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Barbora Kvokackova, Jan Remsik, Mohit Kumar Jolly, Karel Soucek
Summary: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) play critical roles in the development of TNBC, shaping aggressive and heterogeneous biological features, but may also contribute to the progression of metastatic disease.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Yiwei Yin, Shikun Liu, Hanhan Liu, Wenyi Wu
Summary: The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of nintedanib as a therapeutic approach to PVR. By assessing the impact of nintedanib on HV-induced EMT in ARPE-19 cells, we found that nintedanib effectively suppressed the proliferation, migration, and contraction of ARPE-19 cells, and attenuated the upregulation of mesenchymal markers. These findings suggest that nintedanib exhibits protective effects against EMT in ARPE-19 cells and could be a promising therapeutic option for PVR.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rachel Vazana-Netzarim, Yishay Elmalem, Shachar Sofer, Hod Bruck, Naama Danino, Udi Sarig
Summary: By seeding hMSCs on pcECM, we observed a partial mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) and identified the crucial role of HAND2 gene in this process. HAND2 and its associated non-coding RNA are expressed at different levels in various tissues, and deviation from these basal levels is associated with various pathologies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Petra J. Pederson, Huiyun Liang, Daria Filonov, Susan L. Mooberry
Summary: The study investigated the impact of microtubule-targeting drugs eribulin and paclitaxel on the release and cargo of extracellular vesicles from breast cancer cells. While both drugs did not alter the concentration of vesicles released, eribulin reduced the levels of ILK, a key cargo promoting cancer progression. This differential effect highlights the potential clinical significance of drug-induced changes in extracellular vesicles and their cargo. Overall, the findings suggest that eribulin can specifically reduce certain cargo in extracellular vesicles, potentially contributing to its efficacy in reversing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer.
Review
Oncology
Yiming Liu, Xinyang Hu, Shiyao Liu, Sining Zhou, Zhi Chen, Hongchuan Jin
Summary: GP73, a glycosylated protein highly expressed in various cancer tissues, has been identified as a novel serum biomarker for cancer diagnosis, especially in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent studies have shown that GP73 plays multifunctional roles in cancer progression, especially in promoting EMT and cancer metastasis.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Xiao Li, Doudou Chen, Bowen Ouyang, Shengnan Wang, Yawei Li, Li Li, Siquan Zhu, Guangying Zheng
Summary: This study investigated the role of KLF5 in diabetic cataract (DC) and its underlying mechanism. The expression of KLF5 was significantly increased in DC lens, diabetic rat lens, and high glucose-stimulated human lens epithelial cells (HLECs). Knockdown of KLF5 inhibited EMT, migration, oxidative stress, and inflammation in high glucose-stimulated HLECs. KLF5 was found to bind the MDM2 promoter and enhance the transcriptional activity of MDM2. The study suggests that targeting KLF5 could be a potential therapeutic strategy for DC.
LABORATORY INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Bo Xiao, Liyan Liu, Zhuoyuan Chen, Aoyu Li, Pingxiao Wang, Cheng Xiang, Yi Zeng, Hui Li, Tao Xiao
Summary: This study constructed an EMT-related lncRNA signature for melanoma patients by analyzing RNA expression data and clinical features, indicating that these lncRNAs can function as potential independent prognostic biomarkers for melanoma survival.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cristina Penas, Yoana Arroyo-Berdugo, Aintzane Apraiz, Javier Rasero, Iraia Munoa-Hoyos, Noelia Andollo, Goikoane Cancho-Galan, Rosa Izu, Jesus Gardeazabal, Pilar A. Ezkurra, Nerea Subiran, Carmen Alvarez-Dominguez, Santos Alonso, Anja K. Bosserhoff, Aintzane Asumendi, Maria D. Boyano
Summary: Pirin has been found to play a significant role in tumorigenesis and malignant progression, and it has diagnostic and prognostic value in early stage melanoma. Pirin expression was correlated with metastasis development in melanoma patients. Functional analysis revealed that Pirin downregulation suppresses G1/S transition, cell proliferation, and migration, and identifies JARID1B as a downstream modulated gene.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Respiratory System
Zhenzhen Ma, Chunyan Ma, Qingfeng Zhang, Yang Bai, Kun Mu, Xiangyuan Liu, Qingrui Yang
Summary: In this study, we found that CXCL16 plays a key role in promoting EMT in alveolar epithelial cells, and regulates EMT via the TGF-beta 1/Smad3 signaling pathway. These results suggest that CXCL16 may promote pulmonary fibrosis by enhancing the process of EMT.
RESPIRATORY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
An-nan Zhang, Nan Li, Zhuo-chang Chen, Ya-li Guo, Cui-jie Tian, Dong-jun Cheng, Xue-yi Tang, Xiao-yu Zhang
Summary: Objective of this study was to investigate the effect of amygdalin, an active ingredient in bitter almonds, on TGF-beta-induced EMT in bronchial epithelial cells and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that amygdalin treatment relieved airway wall remodeling and decreased the expressions of EMT markers. Furthermore, amygdalin inhibited TGF-beta-induced EMT through regulating the expression of HPSE.
CHEMICO-BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gustavo Untiveros, Lindsay Dezi, Megan Gillette, Julia Sidor, Luigi Strizzi
Summary: The research investigates how the interaction between poorly aggressive melanoma cells and normal skin cells may regulate the transition from localized, poorly aggressive melanoma to invasive, metastatic disease.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Vincenzo De Giorgi, Andrea Gemignani, Federica Scarfi, Luciana Trane, Flavia Silvestri, Federico Venturi, Biancamaria Zuccaro, Carmelo Urso
Summary: The translation provides a definition, clinical features, and possible causes of eruptive melanocytic nevi (EMN), and reports a case of EMN associated with melanoma metastasis. The case suggests the importance of being alert to the possibility of EMN in patients being followed for melanoma or other malignancies.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mattia Dimitri, Claudia Duranti, Sara Aquino, Lucrezia Mazzantini, Jessica Iorio, Matteo Lulli, Martina Ricci, Lorenzo Capineri, Annarosa Arcangeli, Andrea Corvi
Summary: Current advancements in medical technology focus on targeted therapies that minimize side effects on healthy tissues. In cancer research, ultrasound has shown potential in inhibiting cancer cell proliferation while preserving healthy cells. However, there are still unknown aspects of low intensity ultrasound treatment that need further exploration.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lorenzo Calugi, Elena Lenci, Francesca Bianchini, Alessandro Contini, Andrea Trabocchi
Summary: Asparagine endopeptidase, also known as legumain, is a pH-dependent cysteine protease that cleaves substrates after asparagine residues. Recent studies have found its involvement in neurological diseases like Alzheimer's disease. Researchers synthesized compounds with different substituents and discovered one with nanomolar-range inhibition potency.
BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kelly Bugatti, Elena Andreucci, Noemi Monaco, Lucia Battistini, Silvia Peppicelli, Jessica Ruzzolini, Claudio Curti, Franca Zanardi, Francesca Bianchini, Andrea Sartori
Summary: This study reports the synthesis and in vitro biological evaluation of three new covalent conjugates, consisting of an alpha(V)beta(6) integrin-recognizing small cyclopeptide and nintedanib, for the treatment of fibrotic diseases. One of these conjugates demonstrates optimal antifibrotic properties in vitro. The integrin ligand within the conjugate plays a role in inhibiting fibrotic stimuli and enhancing the effect of nintedanib, while selectively targeting cells overexpressing alpha(V)beta(6) integrin.
Editorial Material
Dermatology
Carmelo Urso, Vincenzo De Giorgi, Daniela Massi
Summary: This article provides a historical perspective and a summary of current knowledge and clinical approaches for Spitz neoplasms, including Spitz nevi, atypical Spitz Tumors, and Spitz melanoma.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claudia Capitini, Federica Feo, Anna Caciotti, Rodolfo Tonin, Matteo Lulli, Domenico Coviello, Renzo Guerrini, Martino Calamai, Amelia Morrone
Summary: This study established a feasible method for tracking changes in storage materials in frozen/thawed fibroblasts using fluorescent imaging and flow-cytometric methods. The results showed that our methods could effectively distinguish the levels of accumulated metabolites in fibroblasts from affected and unaffected patients for different lysosomal neurodegenerative conditions, indicating its potential application for other LSDs.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Riccardo Innocenti, Caterina Dallari, Elena Lenci, Francesco S. Pavone, Francesca Bianchini, Caterina Credi, Andrea Trabocchi
Summary: This paper reports the synthesis of a novel functionalized triazole-based RGD peptidomimetic and its covalent conjugation on pegylated gold nanostars. These highly stable nanoconstructs showed a multivalent effect in binding alpha vS3 integrin receptors and proved to inhibit M21 cell adhesion at 25 pM concentration. Targeted gold nanostars with peculiar surface plasmon resonance in the NIR transparent window may represent a promising agent for anticancer multi-modality treatments.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Elena Andreucci, Silvia Peppicelli, Jessica Ruzzolini, Francesca Bianchini, Lido Calorini
Summary: Tumour vascularisation is crucial for cancer sustainment, with vasculogenic mimicry (VM) gaining increasing interest as a potential target for cancer treatment. Unlike healthy tissue vessels, tumour vasculature is heterogeneous and tortuous, hindering efficient chemotherapy delivery and facilitating cancer cell metastasis. The disorganisation of tumour vessels contributes to a self-reinforcing vicious circle, promoting cancer malignancy and progression. Hypoxia and acidosis within tumours, which are hallmark features of cancer, induce vascularisation and create a permissive microenvironment for cancer progression and dissemination. Targeting hypoxia and acidosis may represent a potential strategy to treat VM and impede tumour perfusion and cancer cell sustainment.
CANCER AND METASTASIS REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Kelly Bugatti, Andrea Sartori, Lucia Battistini, Jessica Ruzzolini, Chiara Nediani, Claudio Curti, Francesca Bianchini, Franca Zanardi
Summary: Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is increasing in incidence. New studies have shown the potential of combining nintedanib with immuno- and/or targeted therapy drugs in melanoma treatment.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Elena Andreucci, Jessica Ruzzolini, Francesca Bianchini, Giampaolo Versienti, Alessio Biagioni, Matteo Lulli, Daniele Guasti, Patrizia Nardini, Simona Serrati, Francesca Margheri, Anna Laurenzana, Chiara Nediani, Silvia Peppicelli, Lido Calorini
Summary: Cutaneous melanoma is a highly metastatic form of skin cancer, and current treatments have limited effectiveness. This study focuses on the role of extracellular vesicles (EV) in melanoma metastasis. The researchers found that melanoma cells release more EV enriched with miR-214 in an acidic environment, which activates macrophages and promotes the trans-endothelial migration of melanoma cells. This discovery suggests that targeting miR-214 could be a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing melanoma intravasation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sara Peri, Jessica Ruzzolini, Silvia Urciuoli, Giampaolo Versienti, Alessio Biagioni, Elena Andreucci, Silvia Peppicelli, Francesca Bianchini, Andrea Bottari, Lido Calorini, Chiara Nediani, Lucia Magnelli, Laura Papucci
Summary: Oleocanthal, a compound found in extra-virgin olive oil, has been found to exhibit anticancer properties and can inhibit the growth of gastric cancer cells. In addition, an extract enriched with oleocanthal has a synergistic effect when used in combination with chemotherapy drugs, potentially overcoming drug resistance in gastric cancer cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elena Andreucci, Kelly Bugatti, Silvia Peppicelli, Jessica Ruzzolini, Matteo Lulli, Lido Calorini, Lucia Battistini, Franca Zanardi, Andrea Sartori, Francesca Bianchini
Summary: Growth factors and cytokines in the lung cancer microenvironment induce EMT and promote tumor progression. A novel conjugate targeting the α v β 6 integrin receptor, linked to the kinase inhibitor nintedanib, inhibits cancer cell adhesion and growth through selective delivery. The conjugate also suppresses clonogenic ability and other aspects associated with EMT transition, offering a precise strategy against non-small cell lung cancer.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Carolina Vieira De Almeida, Emiliano Antiga, Matteo Lulli
Summary: The skin microbiota is crucial for maintaining skin homeostasis, protecting it from harmful pathogens, and regulating the immune system. Imbalances in the skin microbiota can lead to conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Factors that disrupt the balance include changes in pH levels, exposure to toxins, and the use of certain skincare products.