Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gang Wang, Lifu Wan, Lecheng Zhang, Chao Yan, Yuelei Zhang
Summary: This study found that miR-133a plays a role in regulating cell proliferation, osteoblast differentiation, and adipocyte differentiation of BMSCs by targeting FGFR1. BMSC-specific knockdown of miR-133a can attenuate bone loss.
DNA AND CELL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Linqing Wu, Zengbin Wang, Xiaoli He, Yayuan Jiang, Ruizhu Pan, Shi Chen, Yizhong Chen, Yanfei Han, Huahui Yu, Tao Zhang
Summary: Arsenic is a known carcinogen, and GJA1, a multifunctional protein, plays an important role in cancer recurrence and metastasis. This study demonstrated that chronic exposure to sodium arsenite promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and reduces GJA1 expression. Forced expression of GJA1 inhibits EMT induced by sodium arsenite by suppressing the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. In addition, chronic exposure to sodium arsenite increases autophagy flux, which decreases GJA1 expression. These findings suggest that GJA1 restrains the carcinogenic effect of sodium arsenite by limiting MAPK/ERK signaling, and interventions targeting GJA1 may have preventive and therapeutic potential for cancer treatment.
TOXICOLOGY AND APPLIED PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Gang Wang, Fengbin Wang, Lecheng Zhang, Chao Yan, Yuelei Zhang
Summary: miR-133a is strongly associated with GIO and similar disorders induced by glucocorticoids in MSCs. Silencing miR-133a resulted in positive effects on GC-treated MSCs and on bone loss in GIO animal models. Moreover, the FGFR1-MAPK/ERK signaling may be involved in the protective effect of miR-133a silencing.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Junxing Jiang, Jitao Hai, Weiyi Liu, Yan Luo, Keqi Chen, Yirong Xin, Junping Pan, Yang Hu, Qin Gao, Fei Xiao, Huanmin Luo
Summary: Gallic acid can promote the differentiation and proliferation of neural stem cells by activating the MAPK/ERK pathway, while 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid is the main active structure with neurotrophic activity. The introduction of different groups may lead to different effects on neural stem cells.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Fang Xin, Yuan Cheng, Xinxin Wen, Jin Zhang, Xin Shi, Ping Liu, Jie Ren, Wenjing Lu, Fan Liu, Zihan Li, Xin Yan, Wei Wang, Meili Wang, Haixia Huang
Summary: BK channels play an important role in the differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells, and their deficiency can promote adipocyte formation through the MAPK-ERK pathway.
Article
Neurosciences
Yu Lei, Xiao Chen, Jia-Lin Mo, Ling-Ling Lv, Zeng-Wei Kou, Feng-Yan Sun
Summary: Reactive astrocytes can be converted into new neurons through the action of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This study investigated the molecular mechanism of VEGF's effect on the transformation of ischemia/hypoxia-induced astrocytes into neurons. The results showed that VEGF enhanced the expression of Pax6, a neurogenic fate determinant, and activated the MAPK/Erk pathway, leading to the conversion of astrocytes into neurons. These findings highlight the important role of astrocytes in the reconstruction of neurovascular units in the brain after stroke.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jiayu Guo, Shuai Ke, Qi Chen, Jiangqiao Zhou, Jia Guo, Tao Qiu
Summary: NCOA7 is downregulated in various cancers, but its expression and prognostic significance in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) are unknown. In this study, NCOA7 expression in ccRCC tissues was analyzed, and its inhibitory role in ccRCC progression was demonstrated. Mechanistically, NCOA7 inhibited the MAPK/ERK pathway to regulate EMT and apoptosis, thus inhibiting ccRCC progression. These findings suggest that NCOA7 could serve as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target for ccRCC.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Meizhu Wu, Xiangyan Wu, Ying Cheng, Zhiqing Shen, Xiaoping Chen, Qiurong Xie, Jianfeng Chu, Jiapeng Li, Liya Liu, Lihui Wei, Linzi Long, Qiaoyan Cai, Jun Peng, Aling Shen
Summary: The study demonstrated that QDG treatment was effective in attenuating the elevation of blood pressure, abdominal aorta dysfunction, pathological changes, Ca2+ release, and activation of the ERK signaling pathway in AngII-induced hypertensive mice. RNA sequencing and pathway analysis revealed multiple differentially expressed transcripts and enriched pathways related to vascular function after QDG treatment. In vitro experiments showed that QDG treatment partially mitigated the increase of Ca2+ release in VSMCs stimulated by AngII.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Hyuk Moon, Simon Weonsang Ro
Summary: The MAPK/ERK signaling pathway is frequently activated in liver cancer, with alternative mechanisms other than genetic mutations driving its activation. Recent studies have focused on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in HCC, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Changzhou Li, Xinghuan Xie, Zhongjun Liu, Jianhua Yang, Daming Zuo, Shuaimei Xu
Summary: The study demonstrates that Neu5Ac can promote the osteo-/odontoblastic differentiation of DPSCs by modulating the activity of the ERK signaling pathway, enhancing their mineralization ability and alkaline phosphatase activity.
STEM CELLS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yansiwei Cheng, Yuhao Zhou, Wenjun Lv, Qing Luo, Guanbin Song
Summary: Research shows that microgravity inhibits dermal fibroblastic differentiation of BMSCs by suppressing ERK/beta-catenin signaling, indicating a potential intervention target for repairing skin injuries in microgravity conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Kathleen Zohorsky, Shigang Lin, Kibret Mequanint
Summary: The study demonstrated that utilizing bead-bound Jagged1 was effective in activating Notch3 and promoting SMC differentiation/maturation, while magnetic pulling forces did not activate Notch3 but instead provided necessary clustering or traction forces for Notch activation. The findings suggest that manipulation of Jagged1 presentation strategy can improve biomaterial-driven control of SMC behavior.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Xiaomin Song, Xuan Zou, Weipeng Ge, Cuiliu Hou, Zhujie Cao, Hongmei Zhao, Tiantian Zhang, Ling Jin, Yi Fu, Wei Kong, Chen Yan, Jun Cai, Jing Wang
Summary: The study revealed the significant role of IgG and its receptor in hypertension, suggesting a potential mechanism involving the suppression of AT1R internalization in smooth muscle cells. Fc gamma RIIB could be an innovative therapeutic target for hypertension, particularly for patients with autoimmune diseases.
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ping Kuang, Hengmin Cui, Li Yu
Summary: This study investigated the mechanism of fluorosis on the growth system using qRT-PCR and WB methods. The results showed that NaF inhibited the proliferation and development of splenic cells and activated the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling pathway. However, it failed to activate ERK, leading to the disruption of cell regulation and suppressed spleen development.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(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
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xia Jiang, Alan Wells, Adam Brufsky, Richard Neapolitan
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuhan Jiang, Alan Wells, Kyle Sylakowski, Amanda M. Clark, Bo Ma
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2019)
Article
Cell Biology
Bo Ma, Mad Khazali, Hanshuang Shao, Yuhan Jiang, Alan Wells
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2019)
Review
Pathology
Kyle Sylakowski, Andrew Bradshaw, Alan Wells
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY
(2020)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dimitrios Korentzelos, Amanda M. Clark, Alan Wells
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kyle Sylakowski, Alan Wells
Summary: Wound healing is a complex process involving tissue protection, replacement, and reorganization, with the extracellular matrix and cellular events playing key roles. Matrix-regulated cellular macro-autophagy is crucial for tissue replacement and resolution in healing, while disruptions in matrix turnover can lead to chronic wounds or scarring. Although research on autophagy during wound healing is limited, the emerging picture suggests the central role of matrix-autophagy modulation in both physiological and pathological healing.
Article
Oncology
Juan Luis Gomez Marti, Colin H. Beckwitt, Amanda M. Clark, Alan Wells
Summary: The study examined the effects of atorvastatin on chemotherapy for mTNBC through animal models and clinical correlations. Atorvastatin was found to have additive effects with doxorubicin targeting liver metastases, and the combination of atorvastatin and chemotherapy led to increased cell death in dormant cancer cells.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Lingqing Xu, Joshua Doyle, Dominique J. Barbeau, Valerie Le Sage, Alan Wells, W. Paul Duprex, Michael R. Shurin, Sarah E. Wheeler, Anita K. McElroy
Summary: This study found a 4.5-fold increase in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence from Fall 2020 to February 2021 in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, due to increased incidence of both natural disease and vaccination. The neutralization titer was significantly correlated with RBD titer but not with N titer. In the February cohort, higher median income and white race were associated with serological findings consistent with vaccination.
Article
Oncology
Juan Luis Gomez Marti, Adam Brufsky, Alan Wells, Xia Jiang
Summary: Breast cancer is a common cancer among women and can recur even after initial treatment. Identifying the risk factors for recurrence beyond the initial 5-year window is important. In this study, machine learning was used to identify risk factors for 5-, 10-, and 15-year metastases, providing valuable insights for future research in this area.
Article
Cell Biology
Kyle Sylakowski, Mintai Peter Hwang, Amritha Justin, Diana Whaley, Yadong Wang, Alan Wells
Summary: Cutaneous wound healing is a complex process where extracellular matrix and associated components play crucial roles. Decorin, a matrix protein, functions as a regulator of collagen fibrillogenesis and inhibits multiple growth factor signaling cascades. This study demonstrates that treating mice with decorin improves wound healing outcomes by reducing cutaneous thickness and enhancing collagen alignment. These findings suggest that decorin could be a promising alternative therapy for patients with excessive matrix deposition during wound healing.
WOUND REPAIR AND REGENERATION
(2022)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Kyle Sylakowski, Peter Hwang, Amritha Justin, Hanshuang Shao, Diana Whaley, Yadong Wang, Alan Wells
Summary: This study investigates the influence of Tenascin-C (TNC) on the survival of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and the promotion of wound healing. The results show that MSCs cultured with TNC exhibit enhanced angiogenic-promoting processes and overall better wound healing outcomes. In vitro experiments demonstrate enhanced tube formation, while in vivo experiments show accelerated dermis maturation for wounds treated with TNC-stabilized MSCs. These findings suggest the potential of coupling TNC with MSCs for future wound healing therapies.
JOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hanshuang Shao, Diana Teramae, Alan Wells
Summary: Axl enhances the invasion of melanoma cells by activating Akt signaling pathway.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lei Zhu, Jane W. Marsh, Marissa P. Griffith, Kevin Collins, Vatsala Srinivasa, Kady Waggle, Daria Van Tyne, Graham M. Snyder, Tung Phan, Alan Wells, Oscar C. Marroquin, Lee H. Harrison
Summary: This study investigated the associations between viral genomes, clinical characteristics, and severe outcomes among hospitalized COVID-19 patients using SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequencing and electronic health record data. The results showed that older age, higher BMI, earlier test positive period, history of chronic heart failure, atrial fibrillation, or diabetes, and infection with clade 20A SARS-CoV-2 strains were associated with severe COVID-19.
Article
Oncology
Bo Ma, Hanshuang Shao, Xia Jiang, Zhou Wang, Chuanyue (Cary) Wu, Diana Whaley, Alan Wells
Summary: The study revealed that the activation of Akt1/2 isoforms induced by E-cadherin was the essential mechanism of chemoresistance, while Akt3 made cells more fragile.
CANCER BIOLOGY & MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hanshuang Shao, Alan Wells
Summary: In this study, it was found that ACTN4 is rapidly phosphorylated upon EGF treatment through direct interaction with EGFR. Overexpression of EGFR also enhances the phosphorylation of ACTN4.