Article
Cell Biology
Gordana Scepanovic, Miranda Victoria Hunter, Ran Kafri, Rodrigo Fernandez-Gonzalez
Summary: The research demonstrates that in Drosophila embryos, activation of p38 kinase helps limit wound size and promote rapid wound healing by increasing cell volume around the wound.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Enkhtuya Radnaa, Lauren Richardson, Brett Goldman, Jared K. Burks, Tuvshintugs Baljinnyam, Natasha Vora, Hui-Juan Zhang, Elizabeth A. Bonney, Arum Han, Ramkumar Menon
Summary: This study investigated the impact of oxidative stress on p38 MAPK signaling and cell fate, using amnion epithelial cells. The results showed that excessive activation of p38 can have adverse effects on cell behavior and tissue homeostasis.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kang Xia, Tianyu Wang, Zhongbao Chen, Jiayu Guo, Bo Yu, Qi Chen, Tao Qiu, Jiangqiao Zhou, Shusen Zheng
Summary: This study found that lysine methyltransferase SETDB1 is involved in liver ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI)-induced inflammation and apoptosis. SETDB1 interacts with ASK1 and facilitates the methylation of its lysine residues. Inhibition of SETDB1 can alleviate liver damage, inflammation, and apoptosis caused by HIRI, while restoration of JNK/p38 signaling activation through ASK1 overexpression reverses this therapeutic effect.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuan-Quan Zhao, Xi-Wen Deng, Guo-Qi Xu, Jie Lin, Hua-Ze Lu, Jie Chen
Summary: Chronic liver disease or repeated damage to hepatocytes leads to hepatic fibrosis, which is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins and activation of hepatic stellate cells into myofibroblasts. These processes promote the occurrence and development of hepatic fibrosis.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raghabendra Adhikari, Ruchi Shah, Karina Reyes-Gordillo, Jaime Arellanes-Robledo, Ying Cheng, Joseph Ibrahim, Pamela L. Tuma
Summary: This study found that spermidine can prevent the occurrence of alcoholic liver disease, inhibit liver injury and oxidative stress, reduce nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B, suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and ultimately prevent hepatic fibrosis.
Article
Cell Biology
Mengfan Zhang, Sandra Serna-Salas, Turtushikh Damba, Michaela Borghesan, Marco Demaria, Han Moshage
Summary: Myofibroblasts are crucial in fibrogenesis, with hepatic stellate cells being their main precursors. Senescent hepatic stellate cells have been identified in liver fibrosis, displaying reduced collagen production and proliferation. The introduction of senolytics as a treatment may help remove senescent cells and mitigate the adverse effects of their persistence in liver fibrosis.
MECHANISMS OF AGEING AND DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hui Liu, Wei-Li Lu, Hai-Qin Hong, Meng-Jun Li, Man-Ping Ye, Qiu-Fan Rao, Jin-Ling Kong, Shao-Hua Luan, Yan Huang, Qing-Hua Hu, Fan-Rong Wu
Summary: In this study, it was found that ASIC1a activation is involved in the activation and proliferation of HSCs and plays a role in the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis. Inhibition of ASIC1a improved acid-induced HSC activation and the expression of CaM/CaMKII in HSCs regulated by ASIC1a. These findings have important implications for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Lin Zhang, Haibo Zhang, Jinhua Gu, Wanqing Xu, Nianping Yuan, Jialin Sun, Hua Li
Summary: The study found that glabridin can inhibit liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cells activation in CCl4-treated mice by suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress through the activation of PPARγ.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aiting Yang, Xuzhen Yan, Hufeng Xu, Xu Fan, Mengyang Zhang, Tao Huang, Weiyu Li, Wei Chen, Jidong Jia, Hong You
Summary: The deficiency of HSCs-specific Loxl1 can prevent CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis and reduce fibrosis and inflammation in liver tissue, with ITGA8/FAK/PI3K/AKT/HIF1a being essential for the function and expression of LOXL1. The study suggests novel mechanisms and potential targets for the treatment of fibrosis in the future.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xiaoli Pan, Junping Pei, Aoxue Wang, Wen Shuai, Lu Feng, Faqian Bu, Yumeng Zhu, Lan Zhang, Guan Wang, Liang Ouyang
Summary: This review provides an overview of the roles of the ERKs signaling pathway in cancer and the structure-activity relationships of small molecule inhibitors targeting ERKs. It offers important insights for drug design and optimization as well as potential therapeutic strategies to overcome drug resistance.
ACTA PHARMACEUTICA SINICA B
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Olivia Molinar-Inglis, Jacob M. Wozniak, Neil J. Grimsey, Lennis B. Orduna-Castillo, Norton Cheng, Ying Lin, Monica L. Gonzalez Ramirez, Cierra A. Birch, John D. Lapek, David J. Gonzalez, JoAnn Trejo
Summary: This study identified candidate proteins regulated by PAR1-p38 signaling that may play important roles in endothelial dysfunction, by analyzing the global phosphoproteome in human cultured endothelial cells.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jin-Mei Yao, Hua-Zhong Ying, Huan-Huan Zhang, Fen-Sheng Qiu, Jun-Qi Wu, Chen-Huan Yu
Summary: Exosomes enriched with retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) were found to be a potential diagnostic biomarker for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). These exosomes enhanced the M1-like polarization of Kupffer cells (KCs) and resulted in the over-production of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, TNF-alpha played a positive role in the development of NAFLD by increasing RBP4 transcription and promoting lipid accumulation.
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Yunyang Bao, Tianyu Niu, Jingyang Zhu, Yuheng Mei, Yulong Shi, Runze Meng, Qionglu Duan, Na Zhang, Tianyun Fan, Yanxiang Wang, Yudong Pang, Yinghong Li, Hongwei He, Danqing Song
Summary: A series of new tricyclic matrinane derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory effects on genes and proteins related to hepatic fibrosis. Compound 6k showed strong activity and significantly reduced liver injury and fibrosis in both BDL rats and Mdr2 knockout mice. The ABPP assay indicated that 6k might directly bind to EWSR1 to inhibit its function and affect downstream liver fibrosis-related genes expression, providing a potential novel target for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Jing Yang, Xujiao Tang, Zhu Liang, Mingzhu Chen, Lixin Sun
Summary: This study investigated the effects of bile acids on the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and identified the S1PR2/p38 MAPK/YAP signaling pathway as a key regulator of HSC activation. These findings have therapeutic implications for targeting cholestatic liver fibrosis.
CLINICAL AND MOLECULAR HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Barbara B. Martins, Natalia G. Hosch, Queren A. Alcantara, Grant R. Budas, Che-Hong Chen, Daria Mochly-Rosen, Julio C. B. Ferreira, Vanessa O. Zambelli
Summary: The activation of the PKC epsilon-ALDH2 axis plays a crucial role in mitigating aldehyde-mediated pain in rodents, with potential implications for pain management in patients. Selective activation of this axis could provide a novel treatment approach for pain relief.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Min Shen, Mei Guo, Yujia Li, Yingqian Wang, Yangling Qiu, Jiangjuan Shao, Feng Zhang, Xuefen Xu, Guoping Yin, Shijun Wang, Anping Chen, Zili Zhang, Shizhong Zheng
Summary: Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) prevents the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) through the ferroptosis pathway and increases the level of m6A modification and autophagy in HSCs. Inhibition of autophagy and m6A modification alleviates DHA-induced liver fibrosis.
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qin Guo, Yujia Li, Yuan Chen, Jin Ji, Shizhong Zheng, Xuefen Xu, Biyun Zhang, Jianzhou Ye
Summary: Beta-Elemene, a compound extracted from the ginger family plant Wenyujin, has inhibitory effects on human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (hHSFs) and induces apoptosis through the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) pathway, possibly regulated by P53.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Sumin Sun, Zhanghao Li, Sheng Huan, Jun Kai, Siwei Xia, Ying Su, Shufan Ji, Anping Chen, Shijun Wang, Xuefen Xu, Jiangjuan Shao, Feng Zhang, Biyun Zhang, Zili Zhang, Shizhong Zheng
Summary: This study found that curcumol can alleviate liver fibrosis by regulating necroptosis and autophagy in HSCs. This is achieved by activating Sirt1 to reduce the acetylation level of Atg5 and enhance the interaction between Atg5 and RIP1/RIP3.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Jia-Yuan Liang, Cheng-Kang Zhang, Mei-Xia Chen, Wei Liu, Shi-Zhong Zheng, Yu-Feng Hsu
Summary: This article describes a new species of clearwing moth, Synanthedon suhua sp. nov., found in Taiwan. It provides illustrations of adult moths and their genitalia, DNA barcodes, and discusses the potential damage to Quercus longinux (Fagaceae).
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Li Chen, Desong Kong, Siwei Xia, Feixia Wang, Zhanghao Li, Feng Zhang, Shizhong Zheng
Summary: Liver fibrosis is a repair process of chronic liver injuries, and its progression relies on the activation of hepatic stellate cells and remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Liver fibrosis can lead to liver dysfunction and hepatocellular carcinoma. Innate immune cells and autophagy play complex roles in liver fibrosis. Further research on these roles is crucial for the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sumin Sun, Sheng Huan, Zhanghao Li, Yue Yao, Ying Su, Siwei Xia, Shijun Wang, Xuefen Xu, Jiangjuan Shao, Zili Zhang, Feng Zhang, Jinbo Fu, Shizhong Zheng
Summary: This study demonstrates that curcumol clears activated hepatic stellate cells in liver fibrosis by inducing necroptosis, with the mechanism involving endoplasmic reticulum stress and Sirt1/Notch signaling pathway.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Feixia Wang, Zhanghao Li, Li Chen, Ting Yang, Baoyu Liang, Zili Zhang, Jiangjuan Shao, Xuefen Xu, Guoping Yin, Shijun Wang, Hai Ding, Feng Zhang, Shizhong Zheng
Summary: ASCT2 plays an important role in liver fibrosis by controlling the senescence of hepatic stellate cells and modifying the proinflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Atractylenolide III, identified as an ASCT2 inhibitor, shows potential as a therapeutic candidate for liver fibrosis.
ACTA PHARMACEUTICA SINICA B
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Li Chen, Siwei Xia, Shuqi Wang, Yuanyuan Zhou, Feixia Wang, Zhanghao Li, Yang Li, Desong Kong, Zili Zhang, Jiangjuan Shao, Xuefen Xu, Feng Zhang, Shizhong Zheng
Summary: Background and aims: Naringenin, an anti-inflammatory flavonoid, has been studied in chronic liver disease. This study focused on the cGAS pathway in hepatic stellate cells and clarified the antifibrosis mechanism of naringenin. Clinical database analyses and experimental studies demonstrated that naringenin inhibits the cGAS-STING pathway, reduces the secretion of inflammatory factors by hepatic stellate cells, and ameliorates liver injury and fibrosis.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Feixia Wang, Li Chen, Biyun Zhang, Zhanghao Li, Min Shen, Li Tang, Zili Zhang, Jiangjuan Shao, Feng Zhang, Shizhong Zheng, Shanzhong Tan
Summary: This study investigates the role of O-GlcNAcylation modification of ASCT2 in HSCs and liver fibrosis. The results show that O-GlcNAcylation of ASCT2 at Thr122 site regulates stability, membrane trafficking, and glutaminolysis in HSCs, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL HEPATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Danli Zhao, Yuanyuan Gao, Ying Su, Yuanyuan Zhou, Ting Yang, Yang Li, Yingqian Wang, Ying Sun, Li Chen, Feng Zhang, Zili Zhang, Feixia Wang, Jiangjuan Shao, Shizhong Zheng
Summary: Relevant studies have shown that Oroxylin A promotes senescence in hepatic stellate cells (HSC) by activating the cGAS-STING pathway. The activation of this pathway is dependent on the downregulation of DNMT3A, which suppresses cGAS gene DNA methylation. Oroxylin A prevents the production of methionine metabolites, leading to a decrease in SAM levels and consequently a reduction in DNMT activity. In vivo experiments also confirmed the induction of HSC senescence by Oroxylin A, with partially offset by DNMT3A overexpression.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Xuefen Xu, Shufan Ji, Yuan Chen, Siwei Xia, Yang Li, Li Chen, Yujia Li, Feng Zhang, Zili Zhang, Shizhong Zheng
Summary: The persistent population of minimal residual cells is the main cause of treatment failure in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The methylation of SHP-1 contributes to Imatinib (IM) resistance, but the mechanism of Baicalein on JAK2/STAT5 signaling inhibition against drug resistance in the bone marrow microenvironment is still unclear.
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Li Chen, Siwei Xia, Feixia Wang, Yuanyuan Zhou, Shuqi Wang, Ting Yang, Yang Li, Min Xu, Ya Zhou, Desong Kong, Zili Zhang, Jiangjuan Shao, Xuefen Xu, Feng Zhang, Shizhong Zheng
Summary: The roles of nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group d member 1 (NR1D1) and the circadian clock in liver fibrosis were investigated. Dysregulation of liver clock genes, especially NR1D1, was observed in mice with carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis. Disruption of the circadian clock exacerbated liver fibrosis, while NR1D1 deficiency increased sensitivity to liver fibrosis. NR1D1 was primarily degraded by N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation, leading to weakened mitochondrial fission function and increased mitochondrial DNA release in hepatic stellate cells. Activation of the cGAS pathway further stimulated liver fibrosis progression. Overexpression of NR1D1 restored phosphorylation of DRP1S616 and inhibited the cGAS pathway, resulting in improved liver fibrosis.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yingqian Wang, Min Shen, Yujia Li, Jiangjuan Shao, Feng Zhang, Mei Guo, Zili Zhang, Shizhong Zheng
Summary: COVID-19 can cause liver injury, especially in individuals with preexisting liver disease. Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), iron metabolism, and amino acid metabolism are involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of liver damage in COVID-19. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between COVID-19 and liver injury and develop effective treatments.
CELL BIOCHEMISTRY AND FUNCTION
(2023)
Correction
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Feng Zhang, Shuai Lu, Jianlin He, Huanhuan Jin, Feixia Wang, Li Wu, Jiangjuan Shao, Anping Chen, Shizhong Zheng
Review
Food Science & Technology
Li-Ping Chen, Xiao-Qian Wu, Zi-Li Zhang, Ling Wang, Feng Zhang, Shi-Zhong Zheng, De-Song Kong
Summary: This study investigated the effect of licorice on anti-liver fibrosis actions through systematic review and meta-analysis. The results showed that Glycyrrhizic acid significantly reduced the expression of TGF-beta 1 mRNA and reduced the levels of hydroxyproline and alanine aminotransferase.
FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)