Review
Oncology
Eiji Kobayashi, Satoru Kondo, Hirotomo Dochi, Makiko Moriyama-Kita, Nobuyuki Hirai, Takeshi Komori, Takayoshi Ueno, Yosuke Nakanishi, Miyako Hatano, Kazuhira Endo, Hisashi Sugimoto, Naohiro Wakisaka, Tomokazu Yoshizaki
Summary: This article provides an overview of the molecular pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, focusing on the potential of farnesylation as a therapeutic target.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Lihua Zhang, Yanan Wang, Le Zhang, Bingyu Liu, Chen Zhang, Daojiang Yan, Jian Bai, Youcai Hu
Summary: Three phomoidride-type dimeric anhydrides were isolated from the fungus Pleosporales sp., with structures elucidated by spectroscopic analyses. These compounds offer new insight into phomoidride biosynthesis and exhibited potent inhibitory activity against HeLa cell line.
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Sehrish Javaid, Antje Schaefer, Craig M. Goodwin, Victoria V. Nguyen, Frances L. Massey, Mariaelena Pierobon, Da'jhnae Gambrell-Sanders, Andrew M. Waters, Kathryn N. Lambert, J. Nathaniel Diehl, G. Aaron Hobbs, Kris C. Wood, Emanuel F. Petricoin, Channing J. Der, Adrienne D. Cox
Summary: HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common cancer with limited treatment options. This study investigated the potential of the farnesyltransferase inhibitor tipifarnib as a therapeutic strategy for HRAS-mutant HNSCC. The results suggest that tipifarnib shows promise in targeting HRAS and its effector signaling, and combination treatments may enhance its effectiveness.
MOLECULAR CANCER THERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Vincenzo Marotta, Maurizio Bifulco, Mario Vitale
Summary: Only about 4% of thyroid nodules are carcinomas and require surgery. Fine-needle aspiration cytology is the most accurate tool to distinguish benign from malignant thyroid nodules, however about 30% of cases yield an indeterminate result. Testing for RAS mutations has limited utility due to its poor specificity and sensitivity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jinsook Ahn, Jinwook Lee, Soyeon Jeong, Inseong Jo, So-mi Kang, Bum-Joon Park, Nam-Chul Ha
Summary: This study reveals the molecular mechanism of disulfide bond formation between the non-farnesylated C-terminus of pre-progerin and the Ig-like domain of lamin A/C in HGPS. This finding provides important molecular insights into the normal aging process and premature aging in humans.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miguel A. Zaballos, Adrian Acuna-Ruiz, Marta Morante, Garcilaso Riesco-Eizaguirre, Piero Crespo, Pilar Santisteban
Summary: The study demonstrates that BRAF- and RAS-mutant thyroid cells respond differently to DEL-22379, which cannot be explained by the previously described mechanism of action of the inhibitor. Nonetheless, DEL-22379 exhibits significant anti-tumor effects against BRAF-mutant cells in vivo, while the anti-tumor effects are mild for RAS-mutant cells.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Matthew D. Ringel
Summary: Treatment of progressive metastatic follicular cell-derived and medullary thyroid cancers is challenging, with limited complete remissions, short response durations, and common toxicities. Further research into resistance mechanisms, biomarker development, and new therapeutic strategies is needed.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2021)
Editorial Material
Oncology
Kobina Essandoh, Richard J. Auchus, Matthew J. Brody
Summary: The study demonstrates the importance of local isoprenoid synthesis in cardiac homeostasis, with FPPS deficiency leading to increased prenylation of Ras and Rheb, resulting in dilated cardiomyopathy and activation of ERK1/2 and mTOR signaling pathways. Inhibition of farnesyltransferase can ameliorate cardiomyopathy and pathway activation caused by loss of FPPS.
JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Agnes Stephanie Harahap, Imam Subekti, Sonar Soni Panigoro, Mutiah Asmarinah, Fajar Lamhot Lisnawati, Retno Asti Werdhani, Hasrayati Agustina, Dina Khoirunnisa, Mutiah Mutmainnah, Fajar Lamhot Gultom, Abdillah Hasbi Assadyk, Maria Francisca Ham
Summary: This retrospective study aimed to assess the clinicopathology and pERK1/2 expression variations between BRAF-like and RAS-like papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and establish predictive models for BRAFV600E and RAS-mutated PTCs. The results showed variations in biological behavior between BRAF-like and RAS-like PTCs, primarily determined by driver gene mutations and pERK1/2 expression levels.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Zixiang Fang, Saiful M. Chowdhury
Summary: The study introduced a dual-stage neutral loss MS3 strategy for improving the large-scale identification of protein prenylation. This strategy enhances the confidence in identifying prenylation sites without prior enrichment of samples, facilitating the study of prenylation and further development in the profiling and quantification of the prenylome.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chiara Mule, Raffaele Ciampi, Teresa Ramone, Alessandro Prete, Antonio Matrone, Virginia Cappagli, Liborio Torregrossa, Fulvio Basolo, Rossella Elisei, Cristina Romei
Summary: The study found that RET gene expression levels in MTC patients are associated with somatic mutations, but do not play a significant role in tumorigenesis, showing higher expression in mutated cases, particularly the RET51 isoform.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kiall F. Suazo, Angela Jeong, Mina Ahmadi, Caroline Brown, Wenhui Qu, Ling Li, Mark D. Distefano
Summary: Protein prenylation is crucial for signal transduction processes, and using the probe C15AlkOPP, this study explored metabolic labeling and identification of prenylated proteins in various cell lines. The research identified common prenylated proteins in three brain-related cell lines and also unique prenylated proteins in each type. Additionally, inhibition of farnesylation in primary astrocytes showed different responses of farnesylated proteins to an FTI, suggesting the potential utility of this chemical proteomic approach in studying prenylated proteins in different diseases.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Bayan Alzumaili, Peter M. Sadow
Summary: Thyroid nodules are commonly evaluated using serum testing, radiology, and pathological evaluation. Fine needle aspiration biopsy is used for nodules of concern, but in some cases, results are inconclusive and further testing is needed. Molecular testing has shown benefits for diagnosis and prognosis, and is now an integral part of thyroid cancer management.
Article
Oncology
Thaise Nayane Ribeiro Carneiro, Larissa Valdemarin Bim, Vanessa Candiotti Buzatto, Vanessa Galdeno, Paula Fontes Asprino, Eunjung Alice Lee, Pedro Alexandre Favoretto Galante, Janete Maria Cerutti
Summary: RAS mutations have been found in various types of thyroid tumors, indicating a cooperation with other driver mutations in tumorigenesis. The study identified dysregulation of the Hippo pathway in RAS-positive thyroid carcinomas, suggesting a potential crosstalk with other signaling pathways.
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Sang-Yu Lu, Ying-Chao Chen, Chen-Fang Zhu, Jing Chen, Qin-Yi Zhou, Man-Man Zhang, Qian-Yue Zhang, Meng Lu, Liu Yang, Jing Wu, Shuang-Xia Zhao, Huai-Dong Song, Xiao-Ping Ye
Summary: A five-gene panel was designed to differentiate malignant thyroid nodules, showing improved accuracy and sensitivity in fine-needle aspiration biopsy cytology. This method is cost-effective and practical for medical institutions in China.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL LABORATORY ANALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Dermatology
Simona Pisanti, Teresa Mencherini, Tiziana Esposito, Valeria D'Amato, Tania Re, Maurizio Bifulco, Rita P. Aquino
Summary: This study critically compares medieval and modern dermocosmetics through the analysis of Trotula de Ruggiero's works. The results highlight Trotula's focus on female care, beauty and well-being, as well as the extraordinary combination of tradition and modernity in her work.
JOURNAL OF COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maurizio Bifulco, Erika Di Zazzo, Fabiana Napolitano, Anna Maria Malfitano, Giuseppe Portella
Summary: Since the nineteenth century, reports have shown that cancer patients occasionally experience clinical remission called Saint Peregrine tumor as a result of natural infections. The oncolytic activity of viruses, known as oncolytic viruses (OVs), which selectively infect and kill cancer cells, has been discovered. However, early attempts to increase OVs specificity, efficacy, and safety were inconclusive/negative, leading to a decline in research in this field. The renewal of interest in virotherapy occurred in the late 1990s with the development of genetic engineering techniques and a better understanding of cancer cells, resulting in the generation of potent and safe OVs.
Review
Oncology
Cristina Pagano, Erika di Zazzo, Giorgio Avilia, Beatrice Savarese, Giovanna Navarra, Maria Chiara Proto, Donatella Fiore, Monica Rienzo, Patrizia Gazzerro, Chiara Laezza, Maurizio Bifulco
Summary: The epidemic spread of obesity is recognized as a global burden, and its link with cancer, known as adiponcosis, is of great interest in the scientific community. The mechanisms underlying adiponcosis, which may vary depending on cancer type, involve insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and adipose tissue-derived hormones and cytokines. This review summarizes the current evidence on pathways, hormones, and interventions for obesity-related breast and colorectal cancers. It also discusses current targets and drugs for cancer treatment and potential therapeutic mechanisms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amalia Luce, Angela Lombardi, Carmela Ferri, Silvia Zappavigna, Madhura S. Tathode, Amanda K. Miles, David J. Boocock, Jayakumar Vadakekolathu, Marco Bocchetti, Roberto Alfano, Rossella Sperlongano, Angela Ragone, Luigi Sapio, Vincenzo Desiderio, Silvio Naviglio, Tarik Regad, Michele Caraglia
Summary: Recently, we have shown that miR-423-5p influences the growth and metastasis of prostate cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of miR-423-5p on the proteomic profile to identify its targets and affected pathways. Proteomic analysis revealed differential expression of 63 proteins in miR-423-5p-transfected cells, and pathway enrichment analysis showed inhibition of glycolysis and amino acid metabolism, along with downregulation of proteins involved in transcription, hypoxia, immune response, inflammation, and ion transport. We also identified seven proteins commonly targeted by miR-423-5p and differentially expressed proteins, and analyzed their expression and impact on patient survival. Overall, miR-423-5p induces alterations in metabolism and tumor-associated processes in prostate cancer cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristina Pagano, Beatrice Savarese, Laura Coppola, Giovanna Navarra, Giorgio Avilia, Chiara Laezza, Maurizio Bifulco
Summary: Cannabis sativa-derived compounds, such as THC and CBD, and components of the endocannabinoid system, such as AEA and 2-AG, have been extensively studied for their antioxidant effects. Many diseases are characterized by imbalanced ROS production, and these compounds have shown potential in reducing ROS levels in various pathological conditions. Further research on the antioxidant properties of cannabis sativa-derived compounds could have future clinical applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Ilaria Mormile, Maria Celeste Gigliotti, Angelica Petraroli, Antonio Cocchiaro, Alessandro Furno, Francescopaolo Granata, Francesca Wanda Rossi, Giuseppe Portella, Amato de Paulis
Summary: This study investigates the benefits and potential risks of COVID-19 vaccination in hereditary angioedema (HAE) patients, focusing on the possibility of triggering attacks. The results show that although 16.1% of patients experienced attacks within 72 hours of the first dose, there was no significant change in attack frequency before and after vaccination. Furthermore, patients showed better disease control after vaccination, and all patients had a positive serological response to the vaccine without significant differences from healthy controls. Therefore, COVID-19 vaccination is safe and effective for HAE patients.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Alessandro Ottaiano, Mariachiara Santorsola, Luisa Circelli, Francesco Perri, Marco Cascella, Francesco Sabbatino, Maurizio Capuozzo, Vincenza Granata, Silvia Zappavigna, Angela Lombardi, Marianna Scrima, Nadia Petrillo, Monica Ianniello, Marika Casillo, Oreste Gualillo, Guglielmo Nasti, Michele Caraglia, Giovanni Savarese
Summary: This study examines the impact of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, weight, and p53 mutations on the prognosis of metastatic colorectal cancer patients. Patients were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes according to ADA criteria and classified hypertension based on ACC/AHA guidelines. Overall survival analysis showed that diabetic patients had lower disease control rates and that the concurrent presence of type 2 diabetes, BMI, and hypertension was an independent prognostic factor. P53 mutations were found to be associated with BMI and had a negative impact on prognosis, suggesting a complex relationship between metabolism and cancer occurrence.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sara Martino, Chiara Tammaro, Gabriella Misso, Michela Falco, Marianna Scrima, Marco Bocchetti, Ilaria Rea, Luca De Stefano, Michele Caraglia
Summary: MicroRNA (miRNA) are small nucleotides that regulate physiological functions and diseases, especially in cancer. Detection methods such as RT-qPCR, microarrays, and small RNA sequencing have been used for the past 30 years. The advent of nanotechnology has allowed the development of nanostructured biosensors, which offer advantages such as portability, large surface-volume ratio, and increased sensitivity. This review explores the role of nanostructured biosensors in miRNA detection, particularly using electrochemical and optical sensing methods, and highlights the properties and applications of different nanomaterials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Rossella Di Paola, Ananya De, Raafiah Izhar, Marianna Abate, Silvia Zappavigna, Anna Capasso, Alessandra F. Perna, Antonella La Russa, Giovambattista Capasso, Michele Caraglia, Mariadelina Simeoni
Summary: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) leads to the accumulation and production of uremic toxins, which activate harmful processes. Gut dysbiosis is common in CKD patients and promotes the growth of certain bacteria that release substances like p-Cresol, Indoxyl Sulfate, and p-Cresyl Sulfate. These substances play a role in chronic inflammation, free radical production, and immune dysfunction, potentially contributing to colon cancer development. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind this association.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Elisa Martino, Nunzia D'Onofrio, Camilla Anastasio, Marianna Abate, Silvia Zappavigna, Michele Caraglia, Maria Luisa Balestrieri
Summary: Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) play dual roles as oncogenes and tumor suppressors in carcinogenesis by controlling gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. The off-target effect of miRNAs limits their potential therapeutic use, but encapsulating them in nanostructured carriers enables targeted destruction of cancer cells without harming healthy tissues. Nanoparticles (NPs) with their small size and optimal surface/size ratio can encapsulate, protect, and release miRNAs, providing a promising strategy for cancer treatment. This review discusses the latest advances in miRNA-encapsulating NPs for cancer therapy, with a focus on colorectal cancer and its metastatic forms, which are among the most common malignancies worldwide.
MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Valentina Cossiga, Mario Capasso, Maria Guarino, Ilaria Loperto, Stefano Brusa, Francesco Maria Cutolo, Maria Rosaria Attanasio, Raffaele Lieto, Giuseppe Portella, Filomena Morisco
Summary: The low response to vaccines is a well-known problem in cirrhosis. We evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of booster doses in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD), comparing the humoral response in cirrhotic vs. non-cirrhotic patients, and the impact of different factors on immune response.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Virology
Evelina La Civita, Carla Zannella, Stefano Brusa, Paolo Romano, Elisa Schettino, Fabrizio Salemi, Rosa Carrano, Luca Gentile, Alessandra Punziano, Gianluca Lagnese, Giuseppe Spadaro, Gianluigi Franci, Massimiliano Galdiero, Daniela Terracciano, Giuseppe Portella, Stefania Loffredo
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is the standard prevention measure for COVID-19, although the evaluation of its efficacy currently focuses on measuring antibodies only and ignores cellular immunity. This study investigates the humoral and cell-mediated response to BNT162b vaccine in two groups of fragile patients, finding that Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) and Kidney Transplant Recipients (KTR) patients have lower humoral response but similar cell-mediated response compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, patients vaccinated and infected show a more efficient immune response than those who are only vaccinated, indicating the importance of both humoral and cellular immunity in preventing COVID-19.
Editorial Material
Oncology
Alessandro Ottaiano, Luisa Circelli, Mariachiara Santorsola, Michele Caraglia
Review
Biology
Alessandro Ottaiano, Monica Ianniello, Mariachiara Santorsola, Raffaella Ruggiero, Roberto Sirica, Francesco Sabbatino, Francesco Perri, Marco Cascella, Massimiliano Di Marzo, Massimiliano Berretta, Michele Caraglia, Guglielmo Nasti, Giovanni Savarese
Summary: Cancer is a complex disease characterized by aberrant cellular behaviors and genetic variances, leading to tumor heterogeneity. This heterogeneity poses challenges in cancer prognosis and treatment, and understanding and quantifying it is crucial. This review emphasizes the significance of comprehending tumor heterogeneity to raise awareness about this elusive characteristic of cancer.
Review
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Valerio Nardone, Caterina Romeo, Emma D'Ippolito, Pierpaolo Pastina, Maria D'Apolito, Luigi Pirtoli, Michele Caraglia, Luciano Mutti, Giovanna Bianco, Antonella Consuelo Falzea, Rocco Giannicola, Antonio Giordano, Pierosandro Tagliaferri, Claudia Vinciguerra, Isacco Desideri, Mauro Loi, Alfonso Reginelli, Salvatore Cappabianca, Pierfrancesco Tassone, Pierpaolo Correale
Summary: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients often experience complications from central nervous system (CNS) metastases, which greatly impact their life expectancy and quality of life. Current clinical trials involving neurosurgery, radiotherapy (RT), and systemic treatments have yielded conflicting results. CNS involvement is more frequent in NSCLC patients with EGFR activating mutations or ALK rearrangement, suggesting the potential role of targeted therapy as the initial treatment instead of local therapies such as RT or surgery. However, the use of accurate brain imaging, such as MRI, to identify patients who could benefit from local therapies has not been extensively studied in clinical research. Additionally, there are no clear guidelines on the timing of intervention with regards to innovative precision medicine approaches when concomitant RT is required. This review aims to discuss therapeutic strategies that integrate medical and radiation oncology in patients with metastatic NSCLC (mNSCLC) adenocarcinoma with CNS involvement and specific genetic mutations.