Article
Cell Biology
Chao Hu, Cao Chen, Ying Xia, Jia Chen, Wei Yang, Lin Wang, Dong-Dong Chen, Yue-Zhang Wu, Qin Fan, Xiao-Xi Jia, Kang Xiao, Qi Shi, Zhi-Bao Chen, Xiao-Ping Dong
Summary: This study investigates the role of mGluR5 in prion diseases and its downstream signaling pathways. The results show abnormal alterations of mGluR5 and its downstream kinases during prion infection in both cell lines and animal models. Treatment with mGluR5 antagonist or removal of prion replication can partially restore the abnormal changes. Increased mGluR5 contributes to cell damage in prion-infected cells, while its levels are decreased in the brains of scrapie-infected rodents.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Dandan Ren, Tan Wang, Ganghan Zhou, Weiheng Ren, Xiaomin Duan, Lin Gao, Jiaxu Chen, Ling Xu, Pinkuan Zhu
Summary: This study reveals that ethylene promotes the development and virulence of the fungi Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and this process involves the regulation of multiple genes. GPCR and MAPK pathways play crucial roles in this process.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jeremy C. Burton, William Antoniades, Jennifer Okalova, Morgan M. Roos, Neil J. Grimsey
Summary: The MAPK p38 plays a crucial role in regulating responses to environmental stress and inflammation. A newly identified atypical p38 signaling pathway driven by direct interaction between TAB1 and p38α has been linked to various diseases including dermal and vascular inflammation, myocardial ischemia, and cancer metastasis. Further studies are needed to fully understand the implications and mechanisms of atypical p38 signaling.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Chao Lou, Chihao Lin, Weidan Wang, Hongyi Jiang, Tingwen Cai, Shida Lin, Xinghe Xue, Jian Lin, Xiaoyun Pan
Summary: This study investigated the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis effects of Oldenlandia diffusa (OD) on IL-18-induced mouse chondrocytes and in a mouse osteoarthritis model. Network pharmacology analysis and molecular docking were used to identify the key targets and potential pathways of OD. The results showed that OD inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, reversed the degradation of collagen II and aggrecan, and alleviated cartilage degradation through the inhibition of chondrocyte apoptosis and MAPK pathway.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Lei Wang, Wan-Yang Xu, Yi-Wen Tang, Feng Hu
Summary: Pulmonary fibrosis is a common complication of inflammatory lung diseases, and there is currently no effective clinical drug treatment. This study investigated the role of thioredoxin (Trx) in pulmonary fibrosis and found that nitrated Trx and the p38-MAPK apoptosis pathway are involved in the development of this condition. The results suggest that blocking Trx-1 nitration or supplementing with exogenous rhTrx-1 may be novel therapeutic strategies for attenuating pulmonary fibrosis.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cui-Ping Yu, Yu-Lin Pan, Xiao-Li Wang, Rui Xin, Hong-Qiu Li, Ya-Ting Lei, Fang-Fang Zhao, Dan Zhang, Xiao-Rong Zhou, Wei-Wei Ma, Sheng-Yuan Wang, Yong-Hui Wu
Summary: This study reveals the protective role of SphK1 in ACR-induced nerve injury. The content of SphK1 and S1P in the ACR-exposed group is lower than that in the non-exposed group. Activating SphK1 improves the survival rate and decreases apoptosis rate of nerve cells. Additionally, activation of SphK1 regulates the activity of the MAPK signaling pathway.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yufan Meng, Maosheng Zhang, Yike Fang, Jianwen Yang, Minjian Dong, Chengxin Sun, Shiji Xiao
Summary: Two previously undescribed phenanthrene derivatives with a spirolactone ring were isolated from Dendrobium nobile, along with four known compounds. The structures of the undescribed compounds were determined using various analytical techniques. Compound 6 exhibited potent inhibitory activity against OSC-19 cells and may induce apoptosis via the MAPK pathway.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Hsin-Yu Ho, Chia-Chieh Lin, Yi-Ching Chuang, Yu-Sheng Lo, Ming-Ju Hsieh, Mu-Kuan Chen
Summary: Dehydrocrenatidine has been shown to induce apoptosis in human oral cancer cells through both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, involving various proteins. Co-treatment with MAPK inhibitors suggests that dehydrocrenatidine induces apoptosis via activation of ERK and JNK signaling pathways. These findings shed light on the potential of dehydrocrenatidine in molecular regulation.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kitboklang Khongsti, Bala Gangadhar Pasupuleti, Bidyadhar Das, Ghanashyam Bez
Summary: A new compound 4T was synthesized, which showed anti-cancer effects on breast cancer cells by inducing apoptosis and reducing colony formation, migration, and invasion capabilities. Furthermore, it regulated the expression of key signaling pathway proteins.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Hang Yu, Xi Huang, Cong Xie, Jingrong Song, Yaolong Zhou, Hanlin Shi, Mengmeng Chen, Yueren Wu, Zhenhui Ruan, Lingling Deng, Xiaohong Deng, Yubao Lv, Qingli Luo, Jingcheng Dong
Summary: Persistent chronic inflammation and airway remodeling are important pathological features of chronic asthma. Apigenin (API), a natural compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has shown potential in treating chronic asthma, but its specific role is not well understood.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Aiqi Yin, Xiaonian Guan, Jian Zhang, Jianmin Niu
Summary: Preeclampsia is a clinical syndrome characterized by hypertension and proteinuria, and its etiology and pathogenesis are not fully understood. Obesity, immunological diseases, and endocrine metabolic diseases are high-risk factors for preeclampsia. The pathogenesis of preeclampsia involves poor placentation, uteroplacental malperfusion, oxidative stress, immune tolerance dysregulation, vascular inflammation, and endothelial cell dysfunction. The placenta is considered a core factor in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. G protein-coupled receptors, specifically the secretin/adhesion (Class B) receptors, have potential roles as drug targets in placental development and preeclampsia treatment.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Xitao Zhang, Tianlai Liu, Jinlin Huang, Jianping He
Summary: This study revealed that PICALM promotes CRC progression through the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in clinical applications.
CANCER CELL INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Mengru Wang, Baopeng Tian, Jie Shen, Shilin Xu, Cong Liu, Ling Guan, Min Guo, Jie Dou
Summary: Bavachin, a compound derived from Psoralea corylifolia, has various pharmacological activities including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and lipid-lowering effects. This study aimed to explore the anti-cancer effects and underlying mechanisms of bavachin in colorectal cancer. The results demonstrated that bavachin inhibited colorectal cancer cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. These effects were mediated through the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway and upregulation of Gadd45a expression. These findings suggest that bavachin has potential as a therapeutic agent for colorectal cancer by inducing apoptosis through the MAPK pathway.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF NATURAL MEDICINES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ping He, Olivia Mann-Collura, Jacob Fling, Naga Edara, Rebecca Hetz, Mohammed S. Razzaque
Summary: High extracellular phosphate levels can lead to diverse cellular toxicity, including promoting cell proliferation, causing cell damage, and inducing apoptosis. Elevated phosphate activates AKT and MAPK pathways, resulting in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and ER stress. Inhibiting phosphate transport or interfering with signaling pathways can reduce phosphate-induced cytotoxicity.
Article
Plant Sciences
Zhu Zhang, Wen-qing Chen, Shi-qing Zhang, Jing-xuan Bai, Bin Liu, Ken Kin-Lam Yung, Joshua Ka-Shun Ko
Summary: The study revealed that isoliquiritigenin (ISL) inhibited the progression of pancreatic cancer by blocking autophagy through the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Jesus Gil-Pulido, Nuria Amezaga, Ivana Jorgacevic, Helga D. Manthey, Melanie Roesch, Theresa Brand, Peter Cidlinsky, Sarah Schafer, Andreas Beilhack, Antoine-Emmanuel Saliba, Kristina Lorenz, Louis Boon, Immo Prinz, Ari Waisman, Thomas Korn, Clement Cochain, Alma Zernecke
Summary: IL-23R(+) gamma delta T cells predominantly found in the aortic root promote early atherosclerotic lesion formation, plaque necrosis, and inflammation at this site. Targeting IL-23R may be explored as a therapeutic approach to mitigate atherosclerotic lesion development.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Constanze Schanbacher, Michael Bieber, Yvonne Reinders, Deya Cherpokova, Christina Teichert, Bernhard Nieswandt, Albert Sickmann, Christoph Kleinschnitz, Friederike Langhauser, Kristina Lorenz
Summary: The activation or inhibition of the ERK1/2 signaling cascade has a significant impact on the outcome of ischemic stroke. This study found that overexpression of wild-type ERK2 worsened the infarct volume and neurological deficits, as well as increased blood-brain barrier leakage, inflammation, and apoptotic neurons. In contrast, inhibition of the Raf/MEK/ERK1/2 cascade provided protection against ischemic damage, primarily through anti-inflammatory signaling.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Alexander Knodel, Ulrich Marggraf, Edeltraut Hoffmann-Posorske, Sebastian Burhenn, Sebastian Brandt, Norman Ahlmann, Daniel Foest, Kristina Lorenz, Joachim Franzke
Summary: An ambient air laser desorption, plasma ionization imaging method was developed and presented using a microsecond pulsed laser diode for desorption and a flexible microtube plasma for ionization. The method significantly reduces the imaging process time and enables visualization of the image even on low-intensity signals.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Christoph Klenk, Leif Hommers, Martin J. Lohse
Summary: This study reveals that the extracellular domain of PTH1R is cleaved by metalloproteinases, leading to impaired stability of the receptor. The cleavage site is located in the first loop of the extracellular domain. A receptor mutant resistant to proteolytic cleavage showed reduced signaling to G(s) and increased activation of G(q).
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Kristina Lorenz, Marsha Rich Rosner
Summary: Cancer and heart disease are two major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The Raf kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP) acts as a regulator of the cellular kinome and plays a role in suppressing cancer progression and protecting against heart failure. Understanding the mechanisms of RKIP is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Selma E. Anton, Charlotte Kayser, Isabella Maiellaro, Katarina Nemec, Jan Moeller, Andreas Koschinski, Manuela Zaccolo, Paolo Annibale, Martin Falcke, Martin J. Lohse, Andreas Bock
Summary: Cells use independent cAMP nanodomains to send different signals, which form self-sufficient cell signaling units. Each nanodomain contains a highly localized cAMP pool that is protected from other receptors and cell compartments. The gradients of local cAMP concentrations define the size of each individual nanodomain. The coexistence of many such nanodomains allows a single cell to operate multiple independent cellular signals simultaneously.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jennifer R. Richardson, Ralph Goetz, Vanessa Mayr, Martin J. Lohse, Hans-Peter Holthoff, Martin Ungerer
Summary: This study investigated the T cell and antibody responses in fully SARS-CoV2-vaccinated individuals and previously infected patients up to one year after infection, with a focus on the delta variant. The results showed that vaccinated individuals had high levels of antibodies and strong T cell responses, while these responses were weaker in individuals who had natural infections one year later. The findings highlight the importance of vaccination in controlling the pandemic.
Article
Biology
Ashwin Balakrishnan, Katherina Hemmen, Susobhan Choudhury, Jan-Hagen Krohn, Kerstin Jansen, Mike Friedrich, Gerti Beliu, Markus Sauer, Martin J. Lohse, Katrin G. Heinze
Summary: The study explores the mobility of the beta 2-adrenergic receptor over a wide temporal range, from nanoseconds to seconds, using various fluorescence spectroscopy techniques. It reveals both translational and rotational mobility, which were previously hidden or overlooked, providing a comprehensive understanding of the receptor's dynamics.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Diego A. Rodriguez-Soacha, Sophie A. M. Steinmueller, Ali Isbilir, Julia Fender, Marie H. Deventer, Yesid A. Ramirez, Anna Tutov, Christoph Sotriffer, Christophe P. Stove, Kristina Lorenz, Martin J. Lohse, James N. Hislop, Michael Decker
Summary: This study designed a series of photoswitchable molecules based on an indole core for synthesizing new agonist ligands for the human cannabinoid receptor type 1 (hCB1R). Compound 27a showed high affinity for CB1R and exhibited marked affinity difference compared to its inactive form. The novel agonist 27a can be used to optically modulate cannabinoid receptors and investigate disorders associated with the endocannabinoid system.
ACS CHEMICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Eleder Cachorro, Mario Guenscht, Mario Schubert, Mirna S. Sadek, Johanna Siegert, Fabian Dutt, Carla Bauermeister, Susann Quickert, Henrik Berning, Felix Nowakowski, Simon Laemmle, Rebecca Firneburg, Xiaojing Luo, Stephan R. Kuenzel, Erik Klapproth, Peter Mirtschink, Manuel Mayr, Matthias Dewenter, Christiane Vettel, Jordi Heijman, Kristina Lorenz, Kaomei Guan, Ali El-Armouche, Michael Wagner, Susanne Kaemmerer
Summary: This study focuses on the cardioprotective effect of CNP and its antiarrhythmic properties through PDE2 stimulation. The results show that CNP has strong antiarrhythmic effects by reducing cAMP levels and decreasing Ca2+ handling proteins phosphorylation. These effects were confirmed in human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, indicating the potential of CNP-PDE2 axis as a novel target for future antiarrhythmic strategies.
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sophie A. M. Steinmueller, Julia Fender, Marie H. H. Deventer, Anna Tutov, Kristina Lorenz, Christophe P. P. Stove, James N. N. Hislop, Michael Decker
Summary: In this study, a photoswitchable scaffold based on the privileged structure of benzimidazole was designed and synthesized for CB2R efficacy-switch. Compound 10d, a trans-on agonist, was developed and used as a molecular probe to investigate the mechanisms of CB2R-βarr2 dependent endocytosis. This is the first light-dependent functionally selective agonist for studying the complex mechanisms of CB2R-βarr2 pathway.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fiorella A. Solari, Daniel Krahn, Frauke Swieringa, Steven Verhelst, Tienush Rassaf, Alpaslan Tasdogan, Rene P. Zahedi, Kristina Lorenz, Thomas Renne, Johan W. M. Heemskerk, Albert Sickmann
Summary: Platelets are small anucleate cell fragments in the blood, playing a vital role in thrombosis and hemostasis. Dysfunctions in platelets are associated with bleeding, increased risk of thromboembolic events, and cardiovascular diseases. Advanced proteomic methods can help understand the roles of platelets in various physiological processes and aid in drug development and diagnostic marker identification.
CURRENT OPINION IN CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Constanze Schanbacher, Heike M. M. Hermanns, Kristina Lorenz, Harald Wajant, Isabell Lang
Summary: This review provides a brief summary of the biology of CTRPs and focuses on the structure, receptors, and major signaling pathways of CTRPs. Studies on CTRP knockout mice and CTRP transgenic mice support the anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing effects of CTRPs in autoimmune diseases, obesity, atherosclerosis, and cardiac dysfunction. CTRPs can form different homo- and heterotypic complexes with various activities, and the activation of their receptors and downstream signaling pathways are still largely unknown. The limited knowledge of CTRP redundancy and signal transduction hampers the translational usage of CTRPs as therapeutic targets.
Review
Cell Biology
Farhad Bazgir, Julia Nau, Saeideh Nakhaei-Rad, Ehsan Amin, Matthew J. Wolf, Jeffry J. Saucerman, Kristina Lorenz, Mohammad Reza Ahmadian
Summary: Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is a major risk factor for heart failure, arrhythmia, and sudden death. It is caused by conditions like hypertension, aortic stenosis, or genetic mutations. Activation of cardiomyocytes and non-myocardial cells release various mediators, leading to cardiac hypertrophy. Fibrotic remodeling involves cardiac fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells. Computational models integrating these mediators provide insights for pharmacological targets.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Diego A. Rodriguez-Soacha, Sophie A. M. Steinmueller, Ali Isbilir, Julia Fender, Marie H. Deventer, Yesid A. Ramirez, Anna Tutov, Christoph Sotriffer, Christophe P. Stove, Kristina Lorenz, Martin J. Lohse, James N. Hislop, Michael Decker
Summary: This study synthesized new agonist ligands for hCB1R through the design of different classes of photoswitchable molecules, evaluated their mechanisms of action and pharmacological properties through various experimental methods, providing a new molecular tool for studying the role of cannabinoid receptors in related diseases.
ACS CHEMICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)