Article
Oncology
Danhui Ma, Sinuo Chen, Heming Wang, Jiayi Wei, Hao Wu, Hong Gao, Xinlai Cheng, Taotao Liu, Shi-Hua Luo, Yicheng Zhao, Guangqi Song
Summary: Pancreatic cancer is a common but deadly malignant tumor, and baicalein can effectively inhibit its progression by modulating the expression of miR-139-3p or miR-196b-5p.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Lingling Ye, Fen Wang, Jinyan Wang, Hao Wu, Hui Yang, Zhaohui Yang, Haiwei Huang
Summary: miR-211 shows significant expression variations in various cancers and may serve as a potential prognostic marker, regulating multiple biological processes in cancer.
Article
Cell Biology
Jian Huang, Yumei Lai, Jun Li, Lan Zhao
Summary: Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ OA) is a common disorder causing pain and dysfunction in the jaw and surrounding tissues. This study found that the loss of microRNAs miR-204 and miR-211 led to an OA-like phenotype in the TMJ, including cartilage degradation and abnormal bone remodeling. The disruption of osteogenesis and chondrogenesis balance in the TMJ may underlie TMJ OA. Additionally, the loss of miR-204/-211 led to abnormal collagen components, cartilage-degrading enzymes, and increased pain.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Salvatore Pulcrano, Roberto De Gregorio, Claudia De Sanctis, Laura Lahti, Carla Perrone-Capano, Donatella Ponti, Umberto di Porzio, Thomas Perlmann, Massimiliano Caiazzo, Floriana Volpicelli, Gian Carlo Bellenchi
Summary: The development of midbrain dopaminergic neurons requires precise regulation of a specific gene expression program, which is controlled by the Lmx1a-miR-204/211-Nurr1 axis. The miR-204/211 acts as a molecular switch to regulate the timing of Nurr1 expression, ultimately leading to the differentiation of mature midbrain dopaminergic neurons.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martina Morchio, Emanuele Sher, David A. Collier, Daniel W. Lambert, Fiona M. Boissonade
Summary: Neuropathic pain is a highly prevalent condition that affects approximately 8% of the adult population in the UK. The underlying pathophysiology is complex and involves various processes, such as altered neuronal excitability, dysregulated intracellular signaling, and activation of immune and glial cells. Over the past 15 years, miRNAs have emerged as important regulators in neuropathic pain development, acting through the modulation of mRNA translation. Animal studies have identified several miRNAs involved in different stages of nociceptive pathways, but the translation of these findings to human subjects with neuropathic pain is still limited and dependent on the specific etiology. Further research using human tissue and liquid samples may provide valuable insights into miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets for neuropathic pain.
Review
Cell Biology
Yiping Zhang, Meiwen Yang, Hongyan Xie, Fenfang Hong, Shulong Yang
Summary: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by autoimmunity and joint destruction. Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been observed in RA patients and can affect various aspects of RA pathophysiology. miRNAs show potential as biomarkers and therapeutic agents for RA management. Strategies to regulate miRNA expression levels and activity offer promising avenues for RA therapy.
Review
Pathology
Wen Bi, Jingjing Li, Mengqiu Xiong, Bei Pan, Zhongqiu Zhang, Lubanga Nasifu, Bangshun He, Ping Wang
Summary: MicroRNA-27a (miR-27a) is abnormally expressed in cancer patients and can serve as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker. It is a valuable diagnostic biomarker in serum/plasma and can predict poor prognosis in cancer patients. However, its diagnostic value is slightly reduced in tumor tissue samples.
PATHOLOGY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Xinlei Zou, Ziyue Huang, Canghai Guan, Wujiang Shi, Jianjun Gao, Jiangang Wang, Yunfu Cui, Mei Wang, Yi Xu, Xiangyu Zhong
Summary: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is highly aggressive with a poor prognosis. The tumor microenvironment (TME) of PC is complex and diverse. Various cellular components in the microenvironment secrete different substances that promote tumor development. These substances can be released via exosomes, which are abundant extracellular vesicles (EVs) capable of carrying factors and enabling intercellular communication. MiRNAs are involved in regulating pathological and physiological processes and can be transported by exosomes to regulate the TME. Exosomal miRNAs hold promise as future targets for PC diagnosis and prognosis, offering potential new treatment strategies.
CLINICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Sara Bozzini, Laura Pandolfi, Elena Rossi, Simona Inghilleri, Michele Zorzetto, Giuseppina Ferrario, Stefano Di Carlo, Gianfranco Politano, Annalisa De Silvestri, Vanessa Frangipane, Michele Porzio, Romain Kessler, Fiorella Calabrese, Federica Meloni, Patrizia Morbini
Summary: Epigenetic changes, in particular miRNA deregulation, have been shown to potentially contribute to obliterative bronchiolitis (OB) development. Specific over-expression of miR-21-5p in OB lesions and its potential regulation of STAT3 expression were identified in this study, although miR-21-5p is not the sole regulator of STAT3. This research adds to the understanding of the downstream pathways of miR-21-5p in the context of OB fibrogenesis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Assiya Kussainova, Olga Bulgakova, Akmaral Aripova, Zumama Khalid, Rakhmetkazhi Bersimbaev, Alberto Izzotti
Summary: This review discusses the role of mitochondrial miRNAs in the pathogenesis of lung cancer, with a particular focus on their association with radon exposure.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Donatella Coradduzza, Emanuela Bellu, Antonella Congiargiu, Aleksei Pashchenko, Evzen Amler, Alois Necas, Ciriaco Carru, Serenella Medici, Margherita Maioli
Summary: MicroRNAs (miRNA) play a crucial role in gene expression, regulating various biological processes. Nanotechnology offers potential for the diagnosis and treatment of miRNA-related diseases, particularly for early detection. Nanomedicine, utilizing the unique properties of nanometer-sized particles, provides targeted treatment for cancer cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jie Tang, Aimin Liu, Xiaoying Chen, Suwa Wang
Summary: This study aimed to identify new candidate biomarkers in exosomes isolated from peripheral blood and explore their function in patients with postpartum depression (PPD). The results showed that miR-211 and miR-744 were significantly upregulated in plasma exosomes from patients with PPD. MiR-211 interacted with the mRNAs of estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) and estrogen receptor 2 (ESR2), and repressed their expression. MiR-744 can inhibit ESR1 expression but not that of ESR2.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL REGULATORS AND HOMEOSTATIC AGENTS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Maria Dobre, Vlad Herlea, Catalina Vladut, Mihai Ciocirlan, Vasile Daniel Balaban, Gabriel Constantinescu, Mircea Diculescu, Elena Milanesi
Summary: The study identified a panel of downregulated miRNAs in PDAC tissue, which could serve as potential therapeutic targets for the development of new miRNA-based therapies for PDAC.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jose Maria Enguita, Ignacio Diaz, Diego Garcia, Tamara Cubiella, Maria-Dolores Chiara, Nuria Valdes
Summary: This study aims to identify reliable microRNA markers for the differential diagnosis of peripancreatic PGLs and PANNETs, addressing a significant issue in the field and improving the standard of care for these patients.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Manish Tiwari, Baljinder Singh, Manisha Yadav, Vimal Pandey, Sabhyata Bhatia
Summary: Through sequencing and analyzing multiple miRNA and PARE libraries, the regulatory mechanism of miRNAs in chickpea root nodule formation was studied, revealing both conserved and novel miRNAs. Further phylogenetic analysis unveiled the ancestral relationships of these miRNAs. Studying the targeted genes of miRNAs and the changes in nodule numbers laid the foundation for further understanding the nodulation process in chickpea and other leguminous crops.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marika Franczak, Isabel Toenshoff, Gerrit Jansen, Ryszard T. Smolenski, Elisa Giovannetti, Godefridus J. Peters
Summary: Mitochondria are crucial for cancer cells as they play a significant role in their energy requirements and chemoresistance. Differences in energy metabolism, such as higher NAD(+) levels, the Warburg effect, and increased one-carbon metabolism, have been identified between cancer and normal cells. Targeting these metabolic pathways could be a promising approach for developing new anticancer drugs. Combining novel drugs with conventional agents may provide effective treatments for cancer.
CURRENT MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Motahareh Mortazavi, Elaheh Raufi, Tahereh Damghani, Mehdi Khoshneviszadeh, Najmeh Edraki, Masoomeh Eskandari, Elisa Giovannetti, Godefridus J. Peters, Somayeh Pirhadi, Omidreza Firuzi
Summary: c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase is an important therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer. A virtual screening and experimental testing were conducted to identify potential c-Met inhibitors from a compound library. The most active compound, PhTH, demonstrated antiproliferative effects against PDAC cells, induced apoptosis, and inhibited c-Met activity. Molecular docking and simulation analysis confirmed the strong interactions between PhTH and c-Met kinase domain. These findings suggest the potential of PhTH and other compounds as c-Met inhibitors in the treatment of PDAC.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
M. Houweling, U. K. Abdul, C. Brahm, T. Lagerweij, S. Heukelom, P. W. Koken, R. Honeywell, L. E. Wedekind, G. J. Peters, H. Verheul, P. Sminia, D. Noske, T. Wurdinger, B. A. Westerman
Summary: This study investigated the radio-sensitizing effect of MEK inhibitor PD0325901 in in vitro and in vivo models of glioblastoma (GBM). The results showed that both MEK inhibitors had an in vitro radio-sensitizing effect, but no significant interaction between PD0325901 MEK inhibition and irradiation was observed in in vivo experiments.
JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH AND CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Alessandro Gregori, Cecilia Bergonzini, Mjriam Capula, Giulia Mantini, Fatemeh Khojasteh-Leylakoohi, Annalisa Comandatore, Ghazaleh Khalili-Tanha, Alireza Khooei, Luca Morelli, Amir Avan, Erik H. Danen, Thomas Schmidt, Elisa Giovannetti
Summary: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive and chemoresistant cancer, with a stiff stroma surrounding it playing a role in chemoresistance. High expression of the mechanical sensor ITGA2 correlated with a poor prognosis in PDAC patients, and increased matrix stiffness led to the expression of ITGA2 and chemoresistance to gemcitabine. ITGA2 could be a potential therapeutic target to overcome gemcitabine resistance.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Federica Borea, Marika A. Franczak, Maria Garcia, Matteo Perrino, Nadia Cordua, Ryszard T. Smolenski, Godefridus J. Peters, Rafal Dziadziuszko, Armando Santoro, Paolo A. Zucali, Elisa Giovannetti
Summary: Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare neoplasm that is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage and requires systemic treatment due to its ineligibility for radical surgery. Chemotherapy has been the standard treatment for 20 years until immune checkpoint inhibitors were introduced. However, the prognosis remains poor, and targeted therapies for MPM have mostly failed in clinical trials. This review aims to explore the potential reasons for treatment failures and determine the need for further research in this area.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Calogera Claudia Spagnolo, Giuliana Ciappina, Elisa Giovannetti, Andrea Squeri, Barbara Granata, Chiara Lazzari, Giulia Pretelli, Giulia Pasello, Mariacarmela Santarpia
Summary: In recent years, the development of therapeutic agents targeting actionable oncogenic drivers in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has increased. Selective inhibitors, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and monoclonal antibodies, have shown promising results in patients with MET deregulation, specifically exon 14 skipping mutations or MET amplification. This review provides an overview of MET signaling pathways, oncogenic alterations, laboratory techniques for detection, clinical data and ongoing studies on MET inhibitors, resistance mechanisms, and potential strategies for improving outcomes in MET-exon 14-altered NSCLC patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marika A. Franczak, Oliwia Krol, Gabriela Harasim, Agata Jedrzejewska, Nadia Zaffaroni, Carlotta Granchi, Filippo Minutolo, Amir Avan, Elisa Giovannetti, Ryszard T. Smolenski, Godefridus J. Peters
Summary: Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a highly aggressive and resistant tumor. In this study, the cytotoxicity of new inhibitors of glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT-1) and lactate dehydrogenase-A (LDH-A) in relation to ATP/NAD+ metabolism, glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration was investigated. The inhibitors showed cytotoxicity in MM cells, associated with a decrease in ATP and NAD+, and were most effective in cells with the highest metabolic modulation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Mahrou Vahabi, Bilal Dehni, Ines Antomas, Elisa Giovannetti, Godefridus J. Peters
Summary: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive disease with limited improvement in mortality rate despite extensive research and clinical trials. There is a need for comprehensive molecular characterization to identify biomarkers for early detection and evaluation of treatment response. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) show promise as stable biomarkers that can be detected in fixed tissues and biofluids, and their deregulation plays a role in the oncogenesis and metastasis of PDAC. Several oncomiRs and TsmiRs have been identified that contribute to chemoresistance in PDAC, and miRNA-based therapy approaches have shown success in vivo. Integrating miRNAs in PDAC treatment holds potential for personalized medicine.
CANCER AND METASTASIS REVIEWS
(2023)
Letter
Oncology
Lenka N. C. Boyd, Mahsoem Ali, Jisce R. Puik, Laura L. Meijer, Tessa Y. S. Le Large, Hanneke W. M. van Laarhoven, Elisa Giovannetti, Geert Kazemier
CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mahrou Vahabi, Annalisa Comandatore, Marika A. Franczak, Ryszard T. Smolenski, Godefridus J. Peters, Luca Morelli, Elisa Giovannetti
Summary: Exosomes play a crucial role in intercellular communication and can influence cancer cell behavior and response to treatment. They can transport glycolytic enzymes, leading to altered glucose metabolism and increased tumor progression, survival, immune evasion, and drug resistance. Understanding exosome-mediated cell-to-cell communication may open new therapeutic avenues and facilitate biomarker development, and combining exosome-based-targeted therapies with existing treatments holds promise in overcoming resistance and improving cancer treatment outcomes.
CYTOKINE & GROWTH FACTOR REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Daniela Carbone, Camilla Pecoraro, Giovanna Panzeca, Geng Xu, Margot S. F. Roeten, Stella Cascioferro, Elisa Giovannetti, Patrizia Diana, Barbara Parrino
Summary: A series of new nortopsentin analogs were successfully synthesized by replacing the central imidazole ring with a 1,3,4-oxadiazole or 1,3,4-thiadiazole moiety. The antiproliferative activity of these derivatives was evaluated against pancreatic cancer cell lines, showing significant reduction in cell migration. Cell cycle analysis indicated cell cycle arrest and inhibition of CDK1 activity, a crucial regulator of cell cycle progression and cancer cell proliferation.
Article
Oncology
Maryam Alaei, Seyedeh Elnaz Nazari, Ghazaleh Pourali, AliReza Asadnia, Mehrdad Moetamani-Ahmadi, Hamid Fiuji, Hamid Tanzadehpanah, Fereshteh Asgharzadeh, Fatemeh Babaei, Fatemeh Khojasteh-Leylakoohi, Ibrahim Saeed Gataa, Mohammad Ali Kiani, Gordon A. Ferns, Alfred King-yin Lam, Seyed Mahdi Hassanian, Majid Khazaei, Elisa Giovannetti, Amir Avan
Summary: In this study, the potential of targeting the enzyme cytochrome P450 (CYP450) using lopinavir/ritonavir in colorectal cancer (CRC) was explored. Experimental methods were employed to assess the effects of lopinavir/ritonavir on CRC, and it was found that inhibiting CYP450 reduced cell proliferation, induced cell death, and suppressed cell migration. Lopinavir/ritonavir also inhibited tumor growth and fibrosis. These findings suggest that targeting CYP450 with lopinavir/ritonavir has therapeutic potential in CRC and further research in this area is needed.
Article
Oncology
Alireza Asadnia, Elham Nazari, Ladan Goshayeshi, Nima Zafari, Mehrdad Moetamani-Ahmadi, Lena Goshayeshi, Haneih Azari, Ghazaleh Pourali, Ghazaleh Khalili-Tanha, Mohammad Reza Abbaszadegan, Fatemeh Khojasteh-Leylakoohi, Mohammadjavad Bazyari, Mir Salar Kahaei, Elnaz Ghorbani, Majid Khazaei, Seyed Mahdi Hassanian, Ibrahim Saeed Gataa, Mohammad Ali Kiani, Godefridus J. Peters, Gordon A. Ferns, Jyotsna Batra, Alfred King-yin Lam, Elisa Giovannetti, Amir Avan
Summary: This study identified genetic variants and differentially expressed genes in colorectal cancer patients using genome-wide DNA and RNA sequencing. ASPHD1 and ZBTB12 genes were identified as potential prognostic markers, and two novel genetic variants were found to potentially regulate gene expression. These findings provide a proof of concept for the evaluation of emerging biomarkers in colorectal cancer.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nabeel Merali, Tarak Chouari, Julien Terroire, Maria-Danae Jessel, Daniel S. K. Liu, James-Halle Smith, Tyler Wooldridge, Tony Dhillon, Jose I. Jimenez, Jonathan Krell, Keith J. Roberts, Timothy A. Rockall, Eirini Velliou, Shivan Sivakumar, Elisa Giovannetti, Ayse Demirkan, Nicola E. Annels, Adam E. Frampton
Summary: The bile microbiome plays an important role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and can distinguish malignant tumors from benign ones. It was found that the composition of the bile microbiome is altered in patients with PDAC, suggesting that these microbial changes could potentially serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for PDAC.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)