Article
Oncology
Xu Wang, Tao Zhou, Xingyi Chen, Yu Wang, Yushi Ding, Haoyang Tu, Shengyang Gao, Haoyu Wang, Xinying Tang, Yong Yang
Summary: Our study identifies ZNF207 as an immunosuppressive target in HCC, promoting HCC progression by regulating CD8(+) T cell infiltration and exhaustion. Mechanistically, ZNF207 is involved in the MAPK-chemokine C-X3-C-motif ligand axis and the regulation of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 levels, leading to CD8(+) T cell exhaustion. Silencing ZNF207 could be beneficial for anti-PD1 combination therapy.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Ruirui Guo, Bin Wang, Dong Liu, Yanjie Huang, Yuan Lu
Summary: The nanorobots (Cu@MPS-GOD) prepared in this study possess magnetic responsiveness and enzyme-like activity, enabling them to enrich and move to tumor sites under a 3D magnetic field. They induce tumor cell immunogenic death through cascade catalytic Fenton reactions and activate immune cells or induce cancer cells to expose surface antigens, triggering systemic anti-cancer immunity. These nanorobots show a significant inhibitory effect on a breast tumor model in mice, with an inhibition rate of 59.3%.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Haoyue Hu, Yue Chen, Songtao Tan, Silin Wu, Yan Huang, Shengya Fu, Feng Luo, Jun He
Summary: Combining anti-angiogenesis therapy with immunotherapy has shown promising results in treating solid tumors, but has been less effective in certain types of cancers. The resistance to anti-angiogenesis agents and lack of biomarkers remain challenging obstacles in achieving optimal therapeutic outcomes.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Seol Hwa Jo, Woo Hang Heo, Hye-Youn Son, Mingji Quan, Bok Sil Hong, Ju Hee Kim, Han-Byoel Lee, Wonshik Han, Yeonju Park, Dong-Sup Lee, Nam Hoon Kwon, Min Chul Park, Jeesoo Chae, Jong-Il Kim, Dong-Young Noh, Hyeong-Gon Moon
Summary: The direct co-culture of breast cancer cells with non-tumorigenic mammary epithelial cells leads to substantial changes in the molecular and functional characteristics of the mammary epithelial cells, with enhanced proliferation, migration, colony formation, and sphere formation capabilities. Dysregulation of cancer-related pathways is observed, along with upregulation of S100A8 and S100A9, suggesting a potential transition program mediated by these proteins in non-tumorigenic epithelial cells.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shuya Liang, Chao Wang, Yingchun Shao, Yanhong Wang, Dongming Xing, Zhongmin Geng
Summary: Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and conventional therapies often fail to completely eliminate cancer cells due to the unique characteristics of the tumor microenvironment. Bacteria have emerged as a promising platform for cancer therapy, offering specific tumor-targeting ability and serving as carriers for genes or drugs. Engineered bacteria and the use of nanomaterials have shown potential in improving the efficacy of cancer treatments.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Dongqiang Zeng, Jiani Wu, Huiyan Luo, Yong Li, Jian Xiao, Jianjun Peng, Zilan Ye, Rui Zhou, Yunfang Yu, Gaofeng Wang, Na Huang, Jianhua Wu, Xiaoxiang Rong, Li Sun, Huiying Sun, Wenjun Qiu, Yichen Xue, Jianping Bin, Yulin Liao, Nailin Li, Min Shi, Kyoung-Mee Kim, Wangjun Liao
Summary: This study established the predictive value of TMEscore in patients with mGC and identified associations between TMEscore and mutations, metabolic pathways, and epigenetic features through multi-omics data analysis. These findings suggest that exploration of TME in gastric cancer data could be beneficial for precision immunotherapy.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Hanwen Wang, Huilin Ma, Richard J. Sove, Leisha A. Emens, Aleksander S. Popel
Summary: This study introduces a modular quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) platform for predicting immunotherapy efficacy and identifying predictive biomarkers. Virtual clinical trials were conducted using a virtual patient cohort generated by the model, with retrospective analysis and model validation based on clinical trial data.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Jenny Sprooten, Ann Vankerckhoven, Isaure Vanmeerbeek, Daniel M. Borras, Yani Berckmans, Roxanne Wouters, Raquel S. Laureano, Thais Baert, Louis Boon, Chiara Landolfo, Antonia Carla Testa, Daniela Fischerova, Caroline Van Holsbeke, Tom Bourne, Valentina Chiappa, Wouter Froyman, Dominique Schols, Patrizia Agostinis, Dirk Timmerman, Sabine Tejpar, Ignace Vergote, An Coosemans, Abhishek D. Garg
Summary: The study established a novel biomarker resource for serum screening in patients with ovarian cancer to evaluate peripheral immunodynamics, patient survival trends, malignancy risk, and preclinical chemo-immunotherapy strategies. The in silico data-driven framework predicted that analysis of myeloid NF kappa B signaling and interferon-stimulated genes' responses could capture patients' peripheral immunodynamics effectively. Multiparametric serum profiling of patients with ovarian cancer showed that the sFIS assay can decode peripheral immunology, estimate survival trends, and co-estimate malignancy risk.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Lilan Chen, Chunyan Zhu, Fan Pan, Ying Chen, Lei Xiong, Yan Li, Xiaoyuan Chu, Guichun Huang
Summary: The interplay between platelets and tumors has been extensively studied, with the understanding that platelets can promote tumor metastasis. However, the precise interactions between platelets and tumor cells have not been fully explored. Recent research has focused on platelets in both the circulation and primary tumor microenvironment, revealing their complex roles in tumor development. This review summarizes the biological effects of platelets on tumors, including regulating tumor growth, promoting metastasis, influencing vasculature, evading immune responses, and mediating tumor metabolism and inflammation.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Yi Chen, Shuwen You, Jie Li, Yifan Zhang, Georgia Kokaraki, Elisabeth Epstein, Joseph Carlson, Wen-Kuan Huang, Felix Haglund
Summary: Through studying the transcriptome features of endometrial cancer patients, we identified T follicular helper-like cells (Tfh) as an important factor with potential clinical application in anti-PD-1 treatment. We constructed a Tfh Infiltration Risk Model (TIRM) and found that it outperformed existing models in predicting the prognosis of EC patients.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Khetam Sounbuli, Nadezhda Mironova, Ludmila Alekseeva
Summary: Neutrophils, the most abundant leukocytes in human blood, have been recognized as important players in the innate immune system and the first line of defense against invading pathogens. Recent studies have revealed their active involvement in the immune response during cancer development. They exhibit both pro-oncogenic and anti-tumor activities under the influence of various mediators in the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, the existence of different subpopulations of neutrophils challenges the traditional concept of their homogeneity and opens new possibilities for cancer therapy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Teresa Gonzalez Munoz, Ana Teresa Amaral, Pilar Puerto-Camacho, Hector Peinado, Enrique de Alava
Summary: Endoglin has been identified as a potential disease biomarker and therapeutic target, playing various roles in physiological and pathological processes. It acts as a co-receptor in the TGF beta pathway and can also be released in soluble form to affect cell signaling. In cancer, endoglin may contribute to both oncogenic and non-oncogenic phenotypes, opening up possibilities for targeted therapies within the tumor microenvironment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Hans Raskov, Adile Orhan, Shruti Gaggar, Ismail Gogenur
Summary: Understanding the tumor microenvironment is crucial for innovating new therapeutic approaches in cancer treatment, especially the cell-cell communication within the TME. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) are major cell populations in solid tumors with potential as therapeutic targets. Further research and innovation are needed to fully comprehend the roles of CAF and TAM in cancer and improve targeted treatment strategies.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yi Xiao, Dihua Yu
Summary: This article summarizes the current progress in targeting the tumor microenvironment in both drug development and clinical trials, emphasizing the challenges in intervening in the tumor microenvironment and discussing strategies to maximize therapeutic benefits. New technologies and approaches to better understand the tumor microenvironment are explored in this context.
PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Gaizhen Kuang, Qingfei Zhang, Yunru Yu, Xiaoya Ding, Weijian Sun, Xian Shen, Yuanjin Zhao
Summary: Immunotherapy is important for treating malignant tumors. A sponge-nanofiber Janus scaffold has been developed for tumor postoperative immuno-chemotherapy, containing lyophilization-inactivated cancer cells, immune adjuvant imiquimod, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The scaffold exhibits excellent anti-recurrence and anti-metastasis efficiency in a mouse breast tumor model, making it a promising option for combination therapy after tumor surgery.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Naeimah S. Sulayman Aboulqassim, Wamidh H. H. Talib
Summary: The combination therapy of thymoquinone (TQ) and metformin (MT) shows synergistic anticancer effects in breast cancer. It significantly reduces tumor size, regulates blood glucose levels, inhibits angiogenesis, and induces apoptosis. This combination therapy has low toxicity and does not affect liver and kidney functions.
NATURAL PRODUCTS JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Katia Aquilano, Beiyan Zhou, Jonathan R. Brestoff, Daniele Lettieri-Barbato
TRENDS IN CELL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Riccardo Turchi, Flavia Tortolici, Monica Benvenuto, Carolina Punziano, Anastasia De Luca, Stefano Rufini, Raffaella Faraonio, Roberto Bei, Daniele Lettieri-Barbato, Katia Aquilano
Summary: Cancer cells can resist stress signals and change their metabolism to support their rapid growth. Targeting their nutrient dependencies may be an effective anti-cancer strategy. We investigated the effect of modifying nutrient availability on breast cancer cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Nilushni Sivapragasam, Nilanivetha Neelakandan, H. P. Vasantha Rupasinghe
Summary: Fermented food has gained popularity as a value-added category, and blueberries are considered superfoods. However, the bioavailability of bioactives in blueberries is low. This review focuses on the fermentation processes of blueberry, and how it enhances the bioavailability of nutrients and bioactive compounds, leading to potential health benefits when consumed as fermented blueberry products.
TRENDS IN FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Physiology
Daniele Lettieri-Barbato, Natascia Ventura, Raffaella Faraonio, Katia Aquilano
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oladapo F. Fagbohun, Caroline R. Gillies, Kieran P. J. Murphy, H. P. Vasantha Rupasinghe
Summary: Cancer is a global issue with millions of new cases and deaths each year. Diet and nutrients have a significant impact on cancer risk, and recent advancements in research have focused on the effects of dietary components on cancer prevention through nutrigenomics. This review highlights the importance and benefits of nutrigenomics in developing approaches for cancer prevention and treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tharindu L. Suraweera, J. P. Jose Merlin, Graham Dellaire, Zhaolin Xu, H. P. Vasantha Rupasinghe
Summary: Cancer is a leading cause of death globally, but current treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy have significant side effects. Therefore, the prevention of cancer through dietary modifications has gained interest. This study examined the potential of selected flavonoids in reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damage induced by carcinogens through the activation of the Nrf2/ARE pathway. The results showed that genistein and PCB2 could effectively reduce ROS and DNA damage, and further research is needed to understand the role of dietary flavonoids in regulating the Nrf2/ARE pathway in carcinogenesis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Oladapo F. Fagbohun, Jitcy S. Joseph, Olumayowa V. Oriyomi, H. P. Vasantha Rupasinghe
Summary: Frondosides are the major saponins of the North Atlantic sea cucumber. They possess amphiphilic characteristics and have been widely studied for their potential therapeutic activities. Recent studies have shown that frondoside-containing extracts from C. frondosa exhibit various biological activities, but the exact mechanism(s) of action are not clearly understood. This review discusses the different frondosides of C. frondosa, their potential therapeutic activities, and recent advances in extraction techniques.
Review
Microbiology
Andrea Piccioni, Elena Niccolai, Gloria Rozzi, Giacomo Spaziani, Christian Zanza, Marcello Candelli, Marcello Covino, Antonio Gasbarrini, Francesco Franceschi, Amedeo Amedei
Summary: Familial hypercholesterolemia is a common genetic disorder that leads to early-onset atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The main goal of therapy is to reduce LDL cholesterol through statins, ezetimibe, and PCSK9 inhibitors. However, lowering LDL cholesterol may be challenging due to individual responses to statin therapy and the high cost of some treatments. The gut microbiota has been recently identified as a potential risk factor for CVDs, including familial hypercholesterolemia, and further research is needed to understand its role.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Shahida Anusha Siddiqui, Ali Ali Redha, Molla Salauddin, Iskandar Azmy Harahap, H. P. Vasantha Rupasinghe
Summary: Replacing conventional solvents with deep eutectic solvents (DES) has shown promising effects on the extraction yield of (poly)phenols. Combining DES with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) can further enhance the extraction efficiency. Factors such as DES composition, solvent-to-sample ratio, and UAE parameters need to be considered for optimizing the extraction process.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Paola Pontecorvi, Simona Ceccarelli, Fabrizio Cece, Simona Camero, Lavinia Vittoria Lotti, Elena Niccolai, Giulia Nannini, Giulia Gerini, Eleni Anastasiadou, Elena Sofia Scialis, Enrico Romano, Mary Anna Venneri, Amedeo Amedei, Antonio Angeloni, Francesca Megiorni, Cinzia Marchese
Summary: The global rise of single-use throw-away plastic products has led to an increase in nano/microplastics exposure burden in humans. Recently, it has been discovered that disposable period products may release nano/microplastics, which poses a potential threat to women's health. The exposure to polyethylene (PE) particles induced cell toxicity in vaginal keratinocytes, affecting gene expression, cellular structure, and potentially leading to cell ageing, inflammation, or malignant transformation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Serena Martinelli, Ingrid Lamminpaa, Eda Nur Dubus, Dilara Sarikaya, Elena Niccolai
Summary: GI cancers are highly prevalent malignant tumors affecting the gastrointestinal tract, accounting for one in four cancer cases and one in three cancer deaths globally. They can cause severe malnutrition and alter digestive functions, worsening the prognosis of patients. Therefore, nutritional intervention and monitoring are crucial for managing metabolic alterations, cancer symptoms, and minimizing side effects of chemotherapy.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Francesca Sciarretta, Veronica Ceci, Marta Tiberi, Fabio Zaccaria, Haoyun Li, Zhong-Yan Zhou, Qiyang Sun, Daniels Konja, Alessandro Matteocci, Anup Bhusal, Martina Verri, Diego Fresegna, Sara Balletta, Andrea Ninni, Claudia Di Biagio, Marco Rosina, Kyoungho Suk, Diego Centonze, Yu Wang, Valerio Chiurchiu, Katia Aquilano, Daniele Lettieri-Barbato
Summary: Accumulating evidence suggests that dysfunctional adipose tissue (AT) plays a major role in the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), the most common immune-mediated and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. This study aimed at deciphering the responses of AT in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the best characterized animal model of MS. Through an integrative and multilayered approach, we identified lipocalin2 (LCN2) as the key molecule released by dysfunctional adipocytes through redox-dependent mechanism. Adipose-derived LCN2 shapes the pro inflammatory macrophage phenotype, and the genetic deficiency of LCN2 specifically in AT reduced weight loss as well as inflammatory macrophage infiltration in spinal cord in EAE mice. Mature adipocytes downregulating LCN2 reduced lipolytic response to inflammatory stimuli (e.g. TNFa) through an ATGL-mediated mechanism.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Quinn Cavanagh, Marianne Su-Ling Brooks, H. P. Vasantha Rupasinghe
Summary: Spent coffee grounds (SCG) are a by-product of instant coffee and coffee beverage brewing, and they have the potential to be transformed into new food ingredients with various nutritional and functional benefits through innovative processing technologies. SCG contain a rich composition of nutrients and bioactive compounds, and they can be used in sustainable food production.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Cindy H. J. Yu, Zoe Migicovsky, Jun Song, H. P. Vasantha Rupasinghe
Summary: This study screened apple cultivars from Canada's Apple Biodiversity Collection to identify high (poly)phenol-containing specialty apples with antidiabetic properties, providing new insights into the prevention and management of Type 2 diabetes.
PLANTS PEOPLE PLANET
(2023)