Article
Oncology
Georgina E. Riddiough, Theodora Fifis, Katrina A. Walsh, Vijayaragavan Muralidharan, Christopher Christophi, Bang M. Tran, Elizabeth Vincan, Marcos V. Perini
Summary: This study investigates the effects of RAS inhibitor captopril on the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway and phenotypic changes associated with tumor progression in the regenerating liver. The results show that RASi induces increased Wnt signaling while downregulating features of EMT, and significantly reduces the expression of Wnt target genes c-myc and cyclin D1.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jung-Ha Park, In Kyo Jung, Yongjun Lee, Soojung Jin, Hee Jung Yun, Byung Woo Kim, Hyun Ju Kwon
Summary: Drinking alcohol can stimulate the proliferation of small intestinal epithelial cells, potentially through activating the Wnt signaling pathway. This study's findings demonstrate the effects of alcohol consumption on small intestinal epithelial cells.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oriane Guillermin, Nikolaos Angelis, Clara M. Sidor, Rachel Ridgway, Anna Baulies, Anna Kucharska, Pedro Antas, Melissa R. Rose, Julia Cordero, Owen Sansom, Vivian S. W. Li, Barry J. Thompson
Summary: Wnt signaling induces gradient proliferation of stem/progenitor cells along the intestinal axis, with YAP-TEAD acting as a key downstream effector. YAP regulates the sensitivity of crypt stem cells to apoptosis and cell proliferation during regeneration, and its nuclear localization is influenced by Src family kinase. The interaction between Wnt and Src-YAP signals plays a crucial role in driving intestinal regeneration.
Article
Cell Biology
Zheng Zhang, Feng Zhang, Ashley Kuenzi Davis, Mei Xin, Gerd Walz, Weidong Tian, Yi Zheng
Summary: Epithelial polarity is controlled by CDC42 and Scribble/PAR. Loss of CDC42 leads to hyperproliferation of transit amplifying cells and disruption of epithelial polarity. Activation of YAP/TAZ and mTOR signaling pathways is associated with CDC42 loss.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kento Takaya, Ayano Sunohara, Noriko Aramaki-Hattori, Shigeki Sakai, Keisuke Okabe, Hideko Kanazawa, Toru Asou, Kazuo Kishi
Summary: This study analyzed the expression and localization of Wnt proteins in a mouse fetal-wound-healing model and found their association with scar formation. The results indicated that Wnt signaling may be involved in wound healing and scar formation. Regulation of Wnt signaling could be a possible mechanism to control scar formation.
Article
Fisheries
Shouwen Chen, Yuxin Gong, Shuxin Li, Dahai Yang, Yuanxing Zhang, Qin Liu
Summary: Pyroptosis, an inflammatory form of programmed cell death, plays a critical role in Hydra tissue regeneration by activating the Wnt signaling pathway. This discovery provides new insights into the functional diversification of the gasdermin family.
DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Ning Ma, Xiyue Chen, Chunchen Liu, Yiwei Sun, Lee J. Johnston, Xi Ma
Summary: This article reviews the critical role of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) in governing the proliferation and differentiation of the intestinal epithelium, as well as the regulation of ISCs by dietary factors. Through pathways such as mTORC1, PPAR/CPT1 alpha, PPAR gamma/beta-catenin, and Wnt/GSK-3 beta, factors such as caloric restriction, fasting, fat, glucose, and trace elements in the diet affect the function and self-renewal of ISCs, and may serve as potential targets for cancer prevention. However, a lack of precise definitions of nutrition intervention hinders our understanding of the biological response of ISCs to nutrients.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hui Zhen, Mujie Huang, Mingyue Zheng, Lili Gao, Zepeng Guo, Qiuxiang Pang, Guoxiang Jin, Zhongjun Zhou
Summary: In this study, we investigated the expression pattern and functions of the conserved WTAP gene in planarians. Knocking down WTAP resulted in severe morphological defects and lethality within 20 days. Silencing WTAP promoted the proliferation of PiwiA+ cells but impaired the differentiation of various cell types. RNA-seq analysis revealed upregulation of H4, Histone-lysine N-methyltransferase-SETMAR like, and TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) upon WTAP knockdown. Knocking down TRAF6 partially rescued the tissue homeostasis and regeneration defects, suggesting that WTAP maintains planarian regeneration and homeostasis via TRAF6.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Dermatology
Julien Coutier, Frederic Auvre, Gilles Lemaitre, Jean-Jacques Lataillade, Jean-Francois Deleuze, Paul-Henri Romeo, Michele T. Martin, Nicolas O. Fortunel
Summary: Characterizing the pathways that regulate human epidermal precursor cell fate is crucial for advancements in skin repair and graft bioengineering. This study reveals that the transcription factor MXD4/MAD4 plays a role in maintaining the stemness of keratinocyte (KC) precursor cells in the human epidermis. Decreased expression of MXD4/MAD4 increases MYC expression, leading to enhanced proliferation and clonogenic potential of KC precursors, and preserving their functionality in generating three-dimensional epidermis organoids.
JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Yosuke Shimodaira, Shyam K. More, Hussein Hamade, Anna Y. Blackwood, Jay P. Abraham, Lisa S. Thomas, Jordan H. Miller, Dalton T. Stamps, Sofi L. Castanon, Noam Jacob, Connie W. Y. Ha, Suzanne Devkota, David Q. Shih, Stephan R. Targan, Kathrin S. Michelsen
Summary: The expression of death receptor 3 in intestinal epithelial cells regulates intestinal permeability and cellular localization of tight junction proteins during homeostasis. Consequently, Dr3DIEC mice are more susceptible to acute colitis and show severely impaired epithelial barrier regeneration.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qinghua Wang, Xinxin Sun, Jing Xiao, Zhihong Kong, Lina Pang, Zimei Dong, Guangwen Chen, Dezeng Liu
Summary: This study identified the important role of Djptpn11 gene in planarian regeneration, showing that its inhibition leads to impaired regeneration and disrupted homeostasis. Djptpn11 also affects stem cells proliferation and differentiation, as well as the expression of early wound response genes and the Wnt signaling pathway in planarian regeneration.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jinpeng Yao, Yuanhua Cai, Zhixiang Chen, Xuechun Wang, Xiaolin Lai, Lili Pan, Yang Li, Shaoyuan Wang
Summary: This study revealed a new role for DHX15 in zebrafish intestinal development. We found intestinal defects, decreased proliferation, and increased apoptosis in dhx15 knockout zebrafish. RNA genome wide analysis and qRT-PCR analysis showed down-regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway in dhx15 knockout zebrafish. Therefore, we concluded that dhx15 regulates zebrafish intestinal development through the Wnt signaling pathway. This study provides new insights into the role of dhx15 in intestinal development beyond its well-characterized role in intestinal immunity.
Article
Immunology
Xianzhi Gao, Xin Shen, Kuai Liu, Chenyu Lu, Ying Fan, Qianying Xu, Xiaoyu Meng, Shenghui Hong, Zhengwei Huang, Xia Liu, Linrong Lu, Lie Wang
Summary: This study revealed the critical role of ThPOK in regulating the homeostasis and functions of ILC3 subsets.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Huiling Hu, Nannan Sun, Haiyan Du, Yuqing He, Kunyi Pan, Xiuli Liu, Xiaoxia Lu, Jie Wei, Mianmian Liao, Chaohui Duan
Summary: Previous studies have shown that PLZF plays a role in promoting gluconeogenic gene expression, hepatic glucose output, and consequent hyperglycemia. However, its role in regulating lipid metabolism was unknown. This study revealed that PLZF is an essential regulator of hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism. Overexpression of PLZF in the liver led to fatty liver, inflammation, impaired glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity. Knockdown of PLZF in obese mice alleviated hepatic steatosis. The underlying mechanism involved PLZF activating SREBP-1c gene transcription by binding to its promoter fragment, which depended on its interaction with SIRT1 to induce a repressor-to-activator conversion. These findings suggest that modulating PLZF expression in the liver could be a potential therapeutic approach for treating NAFLD.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Niki Chalkidi, Christina Paraskeva, Vasiliki Koliaraki
Summary: The mammalian intestine is a self-renewing tissue that relies on various cell types such as intestinal epithelial cells, stem cells, immune cells, and stromal cells to maintain its homeostasis. When the mucosal homeostasis is disrupted due to injury or inflammation, a series of events are triggered, leading to tissue repair and restoration of organ function. Fibroblasts play significant roles in maintaining epithelial and immune homeostasis, as well as responding to tissue damage in the intestine through secretion of soluble mediators and remodeling of extracellular matrix. The heterogeneity of fibroblasts in both normal and inflammatory conditions suggests diverse functions, but there is still limited understanding on the number, terminology, and functional properties of these subsets.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Kaleb Bogale, Kent Vrana, Wesley Raup-Konsavage, Vonn Walter, August Stuart, Shannon Dalessio, Walter Koltun, Nana Bernasko, Andrew Tinsley, Emmanuelle Williams, Kofi Clarke, Matthew D. Coates
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the incidence, predisposing factors, and impacts of polysubstance use (PSU) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The results showed that PSU was associated with an increased rate of IBD-associated imaging studies.
JOURNAL OF DIGESTIVE DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Christopher A. Legare, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Kent E. Vrana
Summary: This review summarizes the therapeutic uses of cannabis and CBD oil. The data support the role of cannabis/cannabinoids in pain relief, seizure disorders, appetite stimulation, muscle spasticity, and treatment of nausea/vomiting, but the data for central nervous system disorders and cancer treatment are less compelling.
Article
Physiology
Victoria L. Vernail, Sarah S. Bingaman, Yuval Silberman, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Kent E. Vrana, Amy C. Arnold
Summary: Cannabigerol, a compound synthesized by Cannabis sativa, has been found to lower blood pressure by activating alpha 2-adrenoreceptors and inhibiting norepinephrine release. These findings suggest that cannabigerol could be potentially used as a therapeutic for hypertension.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Anesthesiology
Diana E. Sepulveda, Daniel P. Morris, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Dongxiao Sun, Kent E. Vrana, Nicholas M. Graziane
Summary: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of CBG in relieving mechanical hypersensitivity caused by cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy, but its effects may be limited to specific types of pain.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PAIN
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Diana E. Sepulveda, Kent E. Vrana, Nicholas M. Graziane, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage
Summary: Neuropathic pain, a common and difficult-to-treat condition, has limited response to current therapies. This study found that THC and CBD have different effects on mechanical hypersensitivity in a mouse model of neuropathic pain. High THC extract or pure THC showed the most effective treatment for reducing pain, while high CBD extract had some alleviating effect on mechanical hypersensitivity, but not as potent as high THC extract.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Diana E. Sepulveda, Daniel P. Morris, Shantu Amin, Kent E. Vrana, Nicholas M. Graziane, Dhimant Desai
Summary: This study developed a novel synthesis method for producing side chain variants of CBG, which showed potential in reducing neuropathic pain and decreasing colorectal cancer cell viability. This research is significant for studying side chain derivatives of other cannabinoids.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francisco T. Chacon, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Kent E. Vrana, Joshua J. Kellogg
Summary: This review discusses the diversity and bioactivities of terpenes in cannabis, as well as their potential in modulating the activity of cannabinoids. It also explores the concept of the entourage effect in cannabis and the future of synergy experimentation to understand the interaction between phytochemicals within Cannabis sativa L.
Article
Substance Abuse
Rahul Nachnani, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Kent E. Vrana
Summary: The purpose of this review is to differentiate the effects of delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9) on human health and disease. Recent findings show that delta-8 is a novel cannabinoid that is increasingly used, but there are concerns about heavy metal contamination and inconsistent compositions in retail products. The effects of delta-8 on the human body and its pharmacokinetic differences from delta-9 remain largely unexplored.
CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Nicole A. Lookfong, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Yuval Silberman
Summary: This article discusses the impact of trauma and significant stressors on the endocannabinoid (eCB) system, as well as the potential benefits of using CBD in treating stress-related disorders. Pre-clinical evidence supports CBD as a potential treatment for reducing fearful behavior and promoting extinction of contextual fear memories in PTSD, but further clinical research is needed.
CANNABIS AND CANNABINOID RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Vengadeshprabhu Karuppagounder, Juliet Chung, Ahmed Abdeen, Amy Thompson, Andreas Bouboukas, William J. Pinamont, Natalie K. Yoshioka, Diana E. Sepulveda, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Nicholas M. Graziane, Kent E. Vrana, Reyad A. Elbarbary, Fadia Kamal
Summary: This study found that CBD oil and CBG oil have therapeutic effects in relieving pain and inflammation, improving gait and locomotor activity in OA mice. Additionally, CBG oil has chondroprotective properties.
CANNABIS AND CANNABINOID RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jeremy A. Hengst, Asvelt J. Nduwumwami, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Kent E. Vrana, Jong K. Yun
Summary: This study demonstrates for the first time that cannabinoids can induce immunogenic cell death (ICD), and inhibition of sphingosine kinases (SphKs) can enhance this effect. In addition, targeting SphKs may have the potential to reverse chemotherapy resistance and enhance the antitumor immune response through enhanced ICD induction.
CANNABIS AND CANNABINOID RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Diana E. Sepulveda, Daniel P. Morris, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Dongxiao Sun, Kent E. Vrana, Nicholas M. Graziane
Summary: The study found that CBD treatment showed antinociceptive effects in male mice during the first phase of the formalin test, but not in female mice. Additionally, the combination of CBD and morphine did not produce a synergistic antinociceptive response in both male and female mice. Overall, CBD treatment may be more beneficial for males during the acute phase of persistent pain.
CANNABIS AND CANNABINOID RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Shanna Babalonis, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Peter D. Akpunonu, Agnes Balla, Kent E. Vrana
Summary: The availability of Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol products in the United States has raised legal concerns, as they are currently unregulated despite being classified as a Schedule I drug. The lack of regulation has led to potential health risks, with some individuals misinterpreting the legal status and associated risks.
CANNABIS AND CANNABINOID RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rahul Nachnani, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage, Kent E. Vrana
Summary: Cannabigerol (CBG) is a unique phytocannabinoid with potential therapeutic properties in neurological, inflammatory bowel disease, and antibacterial activities. Despite its commercialization, limited research has been conducted on CBG, necessitating further exploration of its therapeutic uses and potential hazards.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY AND EXPERIMENTAL THERAPEUTICS
(2021)