Review
Oncology
Madison Pereira, Kathy Matuszewska, Alice Glogova, Jim Petrik
Summary: This review discusses the relationship between mutant p53 gene and the mevalonate pathway in tumorigenesis and the tumor microenvironment, as well as the potential of statin drugs as a cancer therapy and the issues associated with their efficacy in clinical trials.
Review
Oncology
Wen Jiang, Jin-Wei Hu, Xu-Ran He, Wei-Lin Jin, Xin-Yang He
Summary: Statins, as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, not only lower cholesterol and improve cardiovascular risk, but also show potential as anti-cancer drugs. However, evidence on their anti-cancer efficacy is inconsistent, with further research needed to determine if they are more effective against certain molecular subtypes of cancer.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Dawei Rong, Yuliang Wang, Li Liu, Hengsong Cao, Tian Huang, Hanyuan Liu, Xiaopei Hao, Guangshun Sun, Guoqiang Sun, Zhiying Zheng, Junwei Kang, Yongxiang Xia, Ziyi Chen, Weiwei Tang, Xuehao Wang
Summary: This study found that GLIS1 is upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma and promotes CD8(+) T cell exhaustion by transcriptionally regulating the SGK1-STAT3-PD1 pathway. Downregulating GLIS1 expression in CD8(+) T cells can inhibit cancer development, increase the infiltrating ability of CD8(+) T cells, alleviate CD8(+) T cell exhaustion, and improve the anti-PD1 response of CD8(+) T cells.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2023)
Article
Virology
Juan Luis Gomez Marti, Alan Wells, Adam M. Brufsky
Summary: The study suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may impact the mevalonate pathway (MVP), leading to dysregulated inflammatory responses. In addition, further exploration of candidate genes possibly associated with the pathobiology of COVID-19 and MVP signaling is warranted.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Borja Guerra, Carlota Recio, Haidee Aranda-Tavio, Miguel Guerra-Rodriguez, Jose M. Garcia-Castellano, Leandro Fernandez-Perez
Summary: Cancer cells exhibit metabolic reprogramming for energy and signaling, with lipid metabolism playing a key role in cancer progression and drug resistance. Targeting the mevalonate (MVA) biosynthetic pathway may offer a potential strategy to improve therapeutic window in cancer treatment.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
D. G. Roy, K. Geoffroy, M. Marguerie, S. T. Khan, N. T. Martin, J. Kmiecik, D. Bobbala, A. S. Aitken, C. T. de Souza, K. B. Stephenson, B. D. Lichty, R. C. Auer, D. F. Stojdl, J. C. Bell, M-C Bourgeois-Daigneault
Summary: Vaccination with oncolytic viruses co-administered with tumour antigenic peptides is as efficient as antigen-engineered oncolytic viruses, providing a potential alternative for personalized anti-cancer vaccines targeting patient-specific mutations.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Ryungsa Kim, Takanori Kin
Summary: The development of adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies, along with breast cancer surgery, has significantly improved survival rates of breast cancer patients over the past 50 years. However, distant metastasis recurrence remains a challenge, despite advancements in treatment. Further research in antitumor immunity, drug resistance, and targeted therapy based on genomic analysis is needed to achieve complete cure for primary breast cancer.
Article
Oncology
Adele Mangelinck, Nadia Habel, Audrey Mohr, Nathalie Gaspar, Bojana Stefanovska, Olivia Fromigue
Summary: Osteosarcoma is a common primary solid bone malignancy with significant chemoresistance and metastatic spread issues. This study investigated the potential benefit of simvastatin as adjuvant therapy in chemotherapy, showing promising synergistic effects in preclinical murine models.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yue Lou, Shengguo Jia, Ping Liu, Lisa X. Xu
Summary: The combination of cryo-thermal therapy and CCL5 blockade can improve the survival rates of breast cancer patients. CCL5(-/-) has a certain inhibitory effect on tumor development by decreasing the percentage of MDSCs, increasing DC maturation and macrophage's inflammatory function, and regulating the levels of Th1 and Tregs.
Review
Immunology
Zhuoying Tian, Yue Zeng, Yurong Peng, Junqi Liu, Fang Wu
Summary: Activation of the cGAS-STING pathway by cytoplasmic DNA leads to the production of Type-1 interferons, which play a critical role in cancer-immunity cycle. Research has shown that combination therapy of STING agonists has made progress in preclinical and clinical trials, but selecting appropriate combination therapy regimens remains a challenge.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Nicole L. Wittwer, Alexander H. Staudacher, Vasilios Liapis, Pina Cardarelli, Harriet Warren, Michael P. Brown
Summary: This study demonstrates that a mesothelin-targeting antibody drug conjugate (ADC) can control tumor growth and stimulate anticancer immune responses in mouse models of breast and colon cancer. The mechanism of action involves the induction of pyroptotic cell death through the cleavage of GSDME by a cytotoxic payload. Combination therapy with Flt3L can overcome the loss of GSDME and restore the effectiveness of the ADC.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mingze Lu, Haoan Wu, Di Liu, Fei Wang, Yan Wang, Mengjun Wang, Qiannan Cui, He Zhang, Fengchao Zang, Ming Ma, Jun Ma, Fangfang Shi, Yu Zhang
Summary: This study designs a camouflaged nano-reactor that combines chemodynamic therapy and radiotherapy, effectively inhibiting malignant tumors. Experimental results demonstrate that the nano-reactor damages tumor cells through multiple mechanisms and addresses the limitations of chemodynamic therapy and radiotherapy.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nanami Irie, Katsuhiko Warita, Jiro Tashiro, Yaxuan Zhou, Takuro Ishikawa, Zoltan N. Oltval, Tomoko Warita
Summary: Statins have anticancer effects and may affect the expression of internal reference genes used in gene expression analyses, which could lead to misleading assessment of obtained data. Therefore, caution should be exercised when comparing target gene expression between cells.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Qi Sun, Jiyuan Li, Zexuan Ding, Zhibo Liu
Summary: Radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) is an effective cancer treatment with minimal toxicity, and its potential for immune activation is being recognized. This review evaluates the potential of RPT in promoting immune responses, including the release of danger-associated molecular pattern molecules and activation of antigen-presenting cells and cytotoxic T cells. The progress of combining RPT with immunotherapy to enhance efficacy is also discussed.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Naihan Huang, Along Qian, Yiming Zou, Miaoli Lin, Weilun Pan, Ming Chen, Wei Meng, Wenhua Zhang, Jinxiang Chen
Summary: Research aims to improve the immune response of radiation therapy (RT) by reshaping the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. A nanocomposite called UMP, constructed with core-shell UiO@Mn3O4, is used to reshape the TME and enhance immunogenic RT, inducing strong immunogenic cell death. This study is significant for TME reshaping and the development of cancer nanomedicine.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Sara Bruzzaniti, Erica Piemonte, Enza Mozzillo, Dario Bruzzese, Maria Teresa Lepore, Fortunata Carbone, Paola de Candia, Rocky Strollo, Antonio Porcellini, Marco Marigliano, Claudio Maffeis, Maurizio Bifulco, Johnny Ludvigsson, Adriana Franzese, Giuseppe Matarese, Mario Galgani
Summary: The levels of immune checkpoint molecules in the blood at the time of type 1 diabetes diagnosis were assessed, and their association with the risk of developing additional autoimmune disorders over time was determined.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristina Pagano, Giovanna Navarra, Laura Coppola, Giorgio Avilia, Maurizio Bifulco, Chiara Laezza
Summary: Medical case reports suggest that cannabinoids extracted from Cannabis sativa have therapeutic effects, but their use is limited due to the psychotropic effect of its major component THC. New scientific discoveries have led to the development of new therapeutic targets to minimize the undesirable effects of certain constituents. FDA-approved drugs have shown efficacy in treating multiple sclerosis, cancer, and AIDS-related anorexia. This review highlights the potential therapeutic efficacy of cannabinoids in various diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Maurizio Bifulco, Erika Di Zazzo, Simona Pisanti, Mariano Martini, Davide Orsini
Summary: The current COVID-19 pandemic shares similarities with past epidemics, and learning from historical experiences can help us combat the current health emergency. Italy's successful mass vaccination campaign against smallpox in the 19th century utilized communication strategies to overcome vaccine hesitancy and opposition. However, mandatory vaccination remains a topic of debate in Italy.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Maria Chiara Proto, Donatella Fiore, Chiara Piscopo, Chiara Laezza, Maurizio Bifulco, Patrizia Gazzerro
Summary: GBM is the most common and lethal primary malignant brain tumor, and its management is challenging. IPA and N6-BA affect GBM cell proliferation by modulating FBXW7 expression and enhancing TMZ killing effect by downregulating MGMT expression.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Cristina Pagano, Giovanna Navarra, Laura Coppola, Giorgio Avilia, Olga Pastorino, Rosa Della Monica, Michela Buonaiuto, Giovanni Torelli, Pasquale Caiazzo, Maurizio Bifulco, Chiara Laezza
Summary: This study demonstrates that N6-isopentenyladenosine (iPA) induces caspase-independent necroptosis in glioblastoma cells, bypassing the apoptosis resistance mechanism and potentially offering a more effective therapeutic strategy.
CELL DEATH DISCOVERY
(2022)
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)
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
Nutrition & Dietetics
Silvana Mirella Aliberti, Richard H. W. Funk, Elena Ciaglia, Joseph Gonnella, Aldo Giudice, Carmine Vecchione, Annibale Alessandro Puca, Mario Capunzo
Summary: This study explored the association between tap drinking water and longevity in Cilento, Italy, and found that trace elements in tap water may have a positive influence on the lifespan and health of the local elderly population.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valentina Lopardo, Francesco Montella, Roberta Maria Esposito, Carla Zannella, Silvana Mirella Aliberti, Mario Capunzo, Gianluigi Franci, Annibale Alessandro Puca, Elena Ciaglia
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause inflammatory response and impaired platelet reactivity, which may lead to platelet disorders in COVID-19 patients. The virus can affect platelet production and activation, potentially influencing early stages of megakaryopoiesis. Through in vitro experiments, it was found that SARS-CoV-2 may enhance platelet production and activation by impairing STATs signaling and AMPK activity. These findings provide new insights into the role of SARS-CoV-2 in affecting the megakaryocyte-platelet compartment and possibly uncover another avenue by which the virus spreads.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Elisa Giuliani, Veronica Barbi, Giorgia Bigossi, Serena Marcozzi, Robertina Giacconi, Maurizio Cardelli, Francesco Piacenza, Fiorenza Orlando, Elena Ciaglia, Monica Cattaneo, Alessia Mongelli, Carlo Gaetano, Mauro Provinciali, Annibale Alessandro Puca, Marco Malavolta
Summary: This study found that the homozygous genotype of the Longevity-Associated Variant (LAV) in BPIFB4 is enriched in long-living individuals and gene transfer of LAV-BPIFB4 in aged mice showed improvements in aging biomarkers and health. These findings support the use of LAV-BPIFB4 gene therapy to induce beneficial effects on epigenetic mechanisms associated with aging and frailty in humans.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Annibale Alessandro Puca, Elena Ciaglia
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Allergy
M. R. Galdiero, E. Ciaglia, J. Dal Col
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michela Buonocore, Manuela Grimaldi, Angelo Santoro, Verdiana Covelli, Carmen Marino, Enza Napolitano, Sara Novi, Mario Felice Tecce, Elena Ciaglia, Francesco Montella, Valentina Lopardo, Valeria Perugini, Matteo Santin, Anna Maria D'Ursi
Summary: Antibodies are highly specific in recognizing biomarkers, but they are expensive to produce and have limited tissue penetration. Peptides, on the other hand, offer advantages such as ease of synthesis and modification, and can be tagged for detection. This study presents a strategy to design peptide sequences that can recognize the CD44 hyaluronic acid receptor, and identifies two peptide sequences that can bind to the receptor with sensitivity and selectivity. This peptide has the potential to be used as an alternative to antibodies in conventional immunostaining, and can be applied in regenerative medicine and biomedical applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
