Article
Biology
William Conway, Robert Kiewisz, Gunar Fabig, Colm P. Kelleher, Hai-Yin Wu, Maya Anjur-Dietrich, Thomas Mueller-Reichert, Daniel J. Needleman
Summary: During eukaryotic cell division, the distribution of kinetochore microtubules (KMTs) in the mitotic spindle is crucial for accurate chromosome segregation. This study investigates the processes that give rise to the observed distribution of KMTs in human cells. The results suggest that KMTs grow away from kinetochores along defined trajectories, with longer KMTs growing more slowly than shorter ones, leading to a mathematical model of kinetochore-fiber self-organization in human mitotic spindles.
Article
Biology
Miriam Buehler, Jeanine Fahrlaender, Alexander Sauter, Markus Becker, Elisa Wistorf, Matthias Steinfath, Ailine Stolz
Summary: This study reveals the significant role of environment estrogen-activated GPER1 in colorectal cancer development by inducing centrosome amplification and consequent chromosomal instability, promoting the transformation of normal cells into cancer cells.
LIFE SCIENCE ALLIANCE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Rui Lyu, Xuemei Wu, Nan Ma, Difei Wang, Shuang Sun, Youguang Luo, Jun Zhou, Xinyi Lu, Min Liu, Dengwen Li
Summary: Human embryonic stem cells exhibit specialized mitotic behavior characterized by unique spindle morphology, increased astral microtubules, stable spindle microtubules, and faster chromosome alignment compared to somatic cells. The spindle assembly checkpoint is functional in hESCs, highlighting potential implications for their proliferation and differentiation processes.
CELL AND TISSUE RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuri Prozzillo, Maria Virginia Santopietro, Giovanni Messina, Patrizio Dimitri
Summary: This review article focuses on the unconventional roles of epigenetic players, including chromatin remodelers and long non-coding RNAs, in cell division. The study highlights their impact on differentiation, development, and diseases.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Grace Y. Liu, Shiau-Chi Chen, Gang-Hui Lee, Kritika Shaiv, Pin-Yu Chen, Hsuan Cheng, Shi-Rong Hong, Wen-Ting Yang, Shih-Han Huang, Ya-Chu Chang, Hsien-Chu Wang, Ching-Lin Kao, Pin-Chiao Sun, Ming-Hong Chao, Yian-Ying Lee, Ming-Jer Tang, Yu-Chun Lin
Summary: Microtubules, a crucial cellular structure, have been studied using chemo and optogenetics methods to disassemble specific types of microtubules. The results provide insights into their roles in cellular trafficking, organelle reorganization, and cell stiffness.
Article
Biology
Manuel Lera-Ramirez, Francois J. Nedelec, Phong T. Tran
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated the coordination of microtubule growth and sliding during anaphase B. They found that promoting rescues at the midzone edges facilitates the coordination, making microtubules stable from pole to midzone. This constant length of the midzone enables sustained sliding without the need for precise regulation of microtubule growth speed.
Article
Cell Biology
Paulius Gibieza, Eric Peterman, Huxley K. Hoffman, Schuyler Van Engeleburg, Vytenis Arvydas Skeberdis, Rytis Prekeris
Summary: The study identified Rab14 as a novel regulator of cytokinesis that contributes to the efficiency of recruiting Rab11-endosomes to the thin intracellular bridge (ICB) microtubules and affects actin clearance at the abscission site. Furthermore, Rab14 was found to bind to microtubule minus-end interacting MACF2/CAMSAP3 complex, influencing the targeting of endosomes to the ICB microtubules during cytokinesis.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF THE CELL
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Zhenzhen Chu, Oliver J. Gruss
Summary: Centrosomes play a crucial role in animal cell division. In this study, the researchers investigated the roles of centriolar satellite proteins SSX2IP and WDR8, as well as centriolar protein CEP135, in centrosome assembly and function. They found that the loss of SSX2IP and WDR8 could be compensated for, but the loss of CEP135 resulted in compromised centrosome function.
Article
Developmental Biology
Sreelaja Nair, Elaine L. Welch, Cara E. Moravec, Ryan L. Trevena, Christina L. Hansen, Francisco Pelegri
Summary: We demonstrate that the zebrafish maternal-effect mutation too much information (tmi) corresponds to zebrafish prc1-like (prc1l), which encodes a member of the microtubule-associated proteins. Maternal Prc1l plays a crucial role in midbody formation and vegetal pole microtubule reorganization during cell division at the egg-to-embryo transition. These findings highlight the importance of maternal Prc1l for embryonic pattern formation and cell division.
Article
Cell Biology
Danilo Lopes, Alexandre L. Seabra, Bernardo Orr, Helder Maiato
Summary: This study identifies high alpha-tubulin acetylation as a potential biomarker for cancer cell response to taxol and uncovers a mechanistic link between alpha-tubulin detyrosination and the suppression of MCAK activity in taxol-induced cytotoxicity.
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Girish Rajendraprasad, Susana Eibes, Claudia Guasch Boldu, Marin Barisic
Summary: TH588 has been identified as a promising anti-cancer compound that stabilizes microtubules in mitotic cells, leading to mitotic arrest or cell death. Its anticancer properties largely depend on its ability to target microtubules.
Article
Cell Biology
Patricia Wadsworth
Summary: During anaphase, the midzone, composed of a microtubule array and associated proteins, plays a crucial role in specifying the location of contractile ring assembly, impacting chromosome segregation and spindle elongation. Recent experiments have shed light on the importance of the midzone, often overlooked in cell biology research.
JOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aurelien Courtois, Shuhei Yoshida, Osamu Takenouchi, Kohei Asai, Tomoya S. Kitajima
Summary: This study demonstrates the importance of stable kinetochore-microtubule attachments in confining MTOC positions at spindle poles and limiting spindle elongation in acentriolar spindles. The gradual MTOC sorting process in the metaphase spindle is crucial for maintaining spindle integrity. Disruption of stable kinetochore-microtubule attachments leads to failure in MTOC confinement and spindle elongation termination.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shu-Er Chow, Chia-Chi Hsu, Cheng-Ta Yang, Yaa-Jyuhn J. Meir
Summary: In this study, it was found that YAP functions as a microtubular scaffold protein, interacting with α-tubulin to maintain the stability of the mitotic spindle and midbody. Depletion of YAP leads to reduced levels of ECT2, MKLP-1, and Aurora B, consistent with its role in midbody formation during cytokinesis. The decrease in α-tubulin and increase in acetyl-α-tubulin during YAP depletion suggests its involvement in maintaining the microtubule structure and ensuring proper chromosome segregation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Endri Karaj, Samkeliso Dlamini, Radhika Koranne, Shaimaa H. Sindi, Lalith Perera, William R. Taylor, L. M. Viranga Tillekeratne
Summary: This study reports a new class of imidazole-based chalcones as potential antimitotic agents and investigates their structure-activity relationship. The second-generation analogs in this class show superior bioactivity and exhibit a privileged pharmacological pharmacophore of chalcones. These compounds have unique mechanisms of cytotoxic activity.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Nerea Iturrioz-Rodriguez, Miguel Angel Correa-Duarte, Rafael Valiente, Monica L. Fanarraga
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nerea Iturrioz-Rodriguez, Rosa Martin-Rodriguez, Carlos Renero-Lecuna, Fernando Aguado, Lorena Gonzalez-Legarreta, Jesus Gonzalez, Monica L. Fanarraga, Ana C. Perdigon
Summary: This study presents a new Raman imaging methodology to track the uptake and internalization of Laponite nanoparticles into J774 macrophages line cells, providing direct information about the localization of the nanoparticle into the cell through its unique vibrational fingerprint without labelling or adding dyes.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lourdes Valdivia, Lorena Garcia-Hevia, Manuel Banobre-Lopez, Juan Gallo, Rafael Valiente, Monica Lopez Fanarraga
Summary: Solid lipid particles (SLPs) can effectively encapsulate and release therapeutic agents over long periods, reducing the number of metastatic foci in the lung. In vitro kinetic studies show two distinctive drug release profiles, providing the possibility for further clinical applications.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lorena Garcia-Hevia, Mahsa Saramiforoshani, Jorge Monge, Nerea Iturrioz-Rodriguez, Esperanza Padin-Gonzalez, Fernando Gonzalez, Lorena Gonzalez-Legarreta, Jesus Gonzalez, Monica L. Fanarraga
Summary: CNTs possess unique physicochemical properties that make them valuable tools in nanotechnology and biotechnology. The adsorbed proteins on CNTs create a biological coating that can interact with cells, but the unpredictable immune response triggered by some proteins may alter the biological activity of CNTs. By controlling the protein composition of the biocoating, the use of CNTs in biomedical applications can be improved.
JOURNAL OF NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Sofia Nolasco, Javier Bellido, Marina Serna, Bruno Carmona, Helena Soares, Juan Carlos Zabala
Summary: Colchicine is used to treat gout and prevent inflammatory diseases like pericarditis. Its anti-inflammatory action is achieved by inhibiting tubulin polymerization and affecting the activities of tubulin folding cofactors, particularly TBCA, TBCB, and TBCE. Manipulation of these activities impacts tubulin recycling and dynamics, leading to beneficial effects in treating inflammation.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Elena Navarro-Palomares, Lorena Garcia-Hevia, Esperanza Padin-Gonzalez, Manuel Banobre-Lopez, Juan C. Villegas, Rafael Valiente, Monica L. Fanarraga
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of molecular cues from the Shiga toxin to target nanomaterials into head and neck cancer cells. By coating nanoparticles with a recombinant chimera protein, specific cellular responses can be activated predictably. This functionalization strategy can transform inert nanomaterials into hybrid nanosystems capable of identifying specific receptors and triggering specific cellular responses.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Lorena Garcia-Hevia, Inigo Casafont, Jessica Oliveira, Nuria Teran, Monica L. Fanarraga, Juan Gallo, Manuel Banobre-Lopez
Summary: Currently, there are various promising strategies being developed to combine diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in clinically effective formulations. In this study, a biocompatible magnetic lipid nanocomposite vehicle was created using an efficient and environmentally-friendly method to incorporate magnetic nanoparticles and an anticancer drug. The magnetic formulation showed excellent theranostic performance in vitro and in vivo, enhancing the anti-tumoral activity through a synergistic combination of magnetic hyperthermia effects and antimitotic therapy.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Baihua Zhong, Adan Mateu-Roldan, Monica L. Fanarraga, Wei Han, Debora Munoz-Guerra, Jesus Gonzalez, Lu Tao Weng, M. Ricardo Ibarra, Clara Marquina, King Lun Yeung
Summary: The study found that iron nanoparticles encapsulated within graphene shells (Fe@C) have good biocompatibility and high drug loading capacity. Compared to other nanoparticles, Fe@C has lower cytotoxicity and can release drugs continuously.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lorena Garcia-Hevia, Debora Munoz-Guerra, Iiiigo Casafont, Carmelo Morales-Angulo, Victor J. Ovejero, David Lobo, Monica L. Fanarraga
Summary: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is a difficult-to-treat cancer with high recurrence rates. The expression of GB3 appears in neoplastic cells from the early stages of transformation, making it a reliable marker for early identification and targeted therapies for this type of cancer.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Elena Navarro-Palomares, Lorena Garcia-Hevia, Jesus Galan-Vidal, Alberto Gandarillas, Fe Garcia-Reija, Ana Sanchez-Iglesias, Luis M. Liz-Marzan, Rafael Valiente, Monica L. Fanarraga
Summary: In this study, a high-affinity protein-ligand was designed using Shiga toxin to target specific receptors in head and neck tumors. Functionalized gold nanorods were able to selectively kill targeted cancer cells after laser radiation. This research demonstrates the potential of using natural ligands to guide nanomedicines for the treatment of aggressive localized cancers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Miguel A. Ramos-Docampo, Pablo Hurtado, Ana B. Davila-Ibanez, Roberto Pineiro, Monica L. Fanarraga, Veronica Salgueirino
Summary: This study explores the magnetic actuation of magnetically propelled chained nanocomposites and demonstrates precise control of their performance in different media. The findings provide new possibilities for drug delivery, magnetic separation, and microfluidic technologies.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ana Rodriguez-Ramos, Miguel A. Ramos-Docampo, Veronica Salgueirino, Monica L. Fanarraga
Summary: One of the futuristic challenges in nanomedicine is to create self-propelled nanorobots to scan and repair living tissues. Researchers have combined nanotechnology and biotechnology to design a biocompatible propulsion system based on the molecular chaperone Hsp90. This propulsion mechanism could be used to design nanodevices capable of performing sophisticated tasks in live biological contexts.
MATERIALS TODAY ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
A. Ramos-Valle, L. Marin-Caba, L. Garcia Hevia, M. A. Correa-Duarte, M. L. Fanarraga
Summary: Repairing genetic defects using exogenous DNA is a major challenge, and the design of effective vectors for encapsulating and delivering DNA to specific cells is crucial. The silica-based particles developed in this study provide stable encapsulation and protection of DNA, even under various stress conditions. The versatility of the design allows for the sequential expression of multiple genes, mimicking viral gene expression cascades, and the method is scalable, reproducible, and cost-effective, making it valuable for the personalized therapeutics industry.
MATERIALS TODAY ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Rodriguez-Ramos, Jesus A. Gonzalez, Monica L. Fanarraga
Summary: As the population ages, the looming epidemic of neurodegenerative diseases with devastating social consequences is driving the need for novel therapeutic strategies. Nanotechnology, especially in the design of nanoscale systems, is crucial in developing methods to identify and treat neural protein-folding disorders. Recent advancements include the design of a highly versatile nanorobot with a protein coating that enables folding and restoration of heat-denatured proteins, which shows effective inhibition of amyloid formation. Intelligent biocompatible coatings present exceptional prospects for the development of advanced nanodevices in biomedicine and biotechnology.
ACS CHEMICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Marquez-Lopez, Monica L. Fanarraga
Summary: Conventional targeted therapies for cancer have limitations, but novel alternatives based on AB toxins show promise. These biotoxins, with their high affinity for target cell receptors, can be genetically engineered to develop therapeutic compounds. Many tumor cells have receptors recognized by AB toxins, making them valuable tools for targeting anticancer therapies. We describe the structure and mechanisms of action of various AB toxins and discuss their potential uses in cancer therapy, as well as recent advances and future applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)