Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dane T. Sessions, David F. Kashatus
Summary: Many tumors are heterogeneous cell populations composed of a minority of epithelial-like cancer stem cells (CSCs), which exhibit distinct metabolic signatures and phenotypes arising from altered mitochondrial function and turnover regulated by constant cycles of fusion and fission. The protein machinery driving mitochondrial dynamics is relatively simple, providing potential new therapeutic avenues to target CSC metabolism and selectively eradicate tumor-generating cells to reduce the risks of metastasis and relapse. Mitochondrial recycling through mitophagy in CSCs is associated with the maintenance of reactive oxygen species levels that dictate gene expression.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2021)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Craig M. Bielski, Barry S. Taylor
Summary: Genomic instability is a characteristic of cancer, but exploiting this feature to selectively target cancer cells remains a major challenge in cancer biology with significant implications for drug development.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Seung-Bin Na, Bong-Jong Seo, Tae-Kyung Hong, Seung-Yeon Oh, Yean-Ju Hong, Jae-Hoon Song, Sang-Jun Uhm, Kwonho Hong, Jeong-Tae Do
Summary: This study investigated the impact of knocking out the key regulator of mitochondrial fission, the Dnm1l gene, on neural stem cells (NSCs). The results suggest that Dnm1l deficiency leads to impaired self-renewal ability and accelerated cellular aging in NSCs, possibly due to mitochondrial morphological and functional changes as well as increased inflammation and cellular stress response.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Laura J. Jilderda, Lin Zhou, Floris Foijer
Summary: Chromosomal instability leads to cells with abnormal numbers of chromosomes, which is detrimental during development and in primary cells, but is also a hallmark of cancer cells. It is believed that premalignant cells need to overcome this instability to become tumorigenic, and some aneuploidy-tolerating pathways may be therapeutically beneficial.
Article
Cell Biology
Marianna Trakala, Muskaan Aggarwal, Courtney Sniffen, Lauren Zasadil, Allison Carroll, Duanduan Ma, Xiaofeng A. Su, Darawalee Wangsa, Ashleigh Meyer, Cynthia J. Sieben, Jian Zhong, Pei-hsin Hsu, Glenn Paradis, Thomas Ried, Andrew Holland, Jan Van Deursen, Angelika Amon
Summary: Chromosome gains and losses are common in human cancers, but how they can counteract the effects of aneuploidy remains unclear. Research using mouse models suggests that clonal selection and specific gene properties can drive cancer development.
GENES & DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elia Bari, Fulvio Tartara, Fabio Cofano, Giuseppe di Perna, Diego Garbossa, Sara Perteghella, Marzio Sorlini, Delia Mandracchia, Lorella Giovannelli, Paolo Gaetani, Maria Luisa Torre, Lorena Segale
Summary: The study found that the mesenchymal stem cell-secretome Lyosecretome has a significant improvement effect on the osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties of titanium cages, leading to increased mineralized matrix when used during culturing.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Zahra Azizi, Roya Abbaszadeh, Roxana Sahednasagh, Amir Norouzy, Elahe Motevaseli, Kathrin Maedler
Summary: Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells have anti-inflammatory and pro-survival properties, and their fusion with transplanted islets can improve diabetes treatment.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wushuang Huang, Qi Huang, Hongwen He, Fang Huang
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effect and potential mechanism of PER2 on the differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). The results showed that PER2 promoted the odontoblastic/osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs, and this process involved mitochondrial metabolic changes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Miguel Santibanez-Andrade, Yesennia Sanchez-Perez, Yolanda Chirino, Rocio Morales-Barcenas, Raul Quintana-Belmares, Claudia M. Garcia-Cuellar
Summary: This study found that PM10 regulates SETD2 and SAC components in A549 lung cancer cells, leading to abnormal mitotic process and chromosomal instability.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ines Milagre, Carolina Pereira, Raquel A. Oliveira
Summary: Human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), including embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, are widely used in biomedical research for understanding development, disease progression, and drug discovery. However, concerns have been raised regarding their safety in regenerative medicine, particularly due to the occurrence of aneuploid cells resulting from errors in chromosome segregation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Stefanie Fuchs, Ruben W. J. van Helden, Maury Wiendels, Mees N. S. de Graaf, Valeria V. Orlova, Christine L. Mummery, Berend J. van Meer, Torsten Mayr
Summary: Recent advances in microfluidic engineering have enabled the cultivation of human cells under more realistic physiological conditions. By integrating oxygen and pH sensors into microfluidic devices, cellular physiology can be controlled and monitored in real time. Using highly metabolic human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) as a model, monitoring the extracellular environment allowed for rapid optimization of the seeding protocol and assessment of cell metabolism with the same precision as conventional cell culture methods.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Nityanand Prakash, Jiseong Kim, Jieun Jeon, Siyeon Kim, Yoshie Arai, Alvin Bacero Bello, Hansoo Park, Soo-Hong Lee
Summary: The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in clinical applications has significantly increased in the past decade due to their differentiation potential and immunomodulatory properties. However, the heterogeneity among MSC sources, as well as limitations in adult-sourced MSCs, have posed challenges for their effective use. Recent research has focused on generating MSCs from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), to overcome these limitations.
BIOMATERIALS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Fulong Ji, Yong Liu, Jinsong Shi, Chunxiang Liu, Siqi Fu, Heng Wang, Bingbing Ren, Dong Mi, Shan Gao, Daqing Sun
Summary: In this study, the researchers characterized the cellular heterogeneity of cavernous hemangiomas using single-cell RNA sequencing. They found a large number of embryonic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in cavernous hemangiomas and proposed that these tumors may originate from embryonic MSCs. Further analysis revealed the involvement of proinflammatory cytokines and related genes in the MSC-induced immune responses in cavernous hemangiomas, as well as the role of UCHL1-induced apoptosis of MSCs in these immune responses. Additionally, marker genes, cell types, and molecular mechanisms associated with the origin, formation, progression, diagnosis, and therapy of cavernous hemangiomas were identified.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
David Garcia-Bernal, Mariano Garcia-Arranz, Rosa M. Yanez, Rosario Hervas-Salcedo, Alfonso Cortes, Maria Fernandez-Garcia, Miriam Hernando-Rodriguez, Oscar Quintana-Bustamante, Juan A. Bueren, Damian Garcia-Olmo, Jose M. Moraleda, Jose C. Segovia, Agustin G. Zapata
Summary: MSCs are widely used in advanced therapies for various purposes, mainly related to inflammatory processes. Despite their demonstrated efficacy in preclinical models and early clinical trials, there are still controversies regarding their specific phenotype, delivery methods, and varied cell products. Strategies for bioengineering MSCs are being explored to enhance their properties and functional capabilities.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Yelei Cen, Guohua Lou, Jinjin Qi, Min Zheng, Yanning Liu
Summary: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show promise as an alternative treatment for liver disease due to their ability to regenerate, inhibit fibrosis, and regulate the immune system. Impaired mitochondrial function is a common feature in liver diseases, leading to ATP synthesis dysfunction, decreased respiratory chain activity, and altered mitochondrial dynamics. Recent evidence suggests that MSCs can not only replace damaged cells and have paracrine effects, but also regulate mitochondrial dysfunction in liver disease. This review comprehensively discusses the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in liver disease and how MSCs can target it, as well as recent advances in modifying MSCs to enhance their functions in treating liver disease.
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pablo Hernansanz-Agustin, Jose Antonio Enriquez
Summary: Oxidative phosphorylation is a common process in which an electrochemical gradient is generated across the inner mitochondrial membrane to provide energy to the cell. Some organisms maintain non-energy conserving oxidases as a bypass to oxidative phosphorylation. In recent years, the use of alternative oxidases has contributed to the understanding of various processes in bioenergetics and mitochondria.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Stefanie K. Wculek, Ignacio Heras-Murillo, Annalaura Mastrangelo, Diego Mananes, Miguel Galan, Veronica Miguel, Andrea Curtabbi, Coral Barbas, Navdeep S. Chandel, Jose Antonio Enriquez, Santiago Lamas, David Sancho
Summary: This study identifies oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) as the most important process in distinguishing tissue macrophage populations in different organs. Impairing OXPHOS has differential effects on tissue macrophages, leading to reduced alveolar macrophages and selectively depleting pro-inflammatory white adipose tissue macrophages. OXPHOS is critical for maintaining tissue macrophages with high lipid-handling activity, making it a potential therapeutic target.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raquel Moreno-Loshuertos, Nieves Movilla, Joaquin Marco-Brualla, Ruth Soler-Agesta, Patricia Ferreira, Jose Antonio Enriquez, Patricio Fernandez-Silva
Summary: Mitochondrial ATP synthase plays a crucial role in ATP production and is associated with various human diseases. A mouse cell line with the first mt-Atp6 pathological mutation was generated and characterized, showing similarities to human diseases caused by MT-ATP6 mutations. The mutant cells exhibited impaired ATP synthesis, defective OXPHOS activity, and altered mitochondrial function. Additionally, they displayed reduced tumorigenic potential, suggesting a potential protective role of ATP synthase inhibition in certain cancer types.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Lucrecia Carrera-Quintanar, Lorena Funes, Maria Herranz-Lopez, Nestor Vicente-Salar, Raul Bonet-Garcia, Carles Blasco-Peris, Vicente Micol, Antoni Pons, Enrique Roche
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the influence of different polyphenolic antioxidant-rich beverages on five-a-side/futsal players. The results showed that oxidative stress markers significantly increased in the blood after the match, while the almond-based beverage supplemented group had significantly lower malondialdehyde levels in neutrophils compared to the control group. In conclusion, polyphenolic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory supplements could aid in optimal recovery after high-intensity futsal games.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Alfredo Cordova, Franchek Drobnic, David Noriega-Gonzalez, Alberto Caballero-Garcia, Enrique Roche, Melchor Alvarez-Mon
Summary: Physical activity and sports increase the risk of tendinopathies due to the stress and force generated in the tendon and muscle-tendon unit. Curcumin, a supplement, has been found to have significant anti-pain, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, and can promote the inflammatory and regenerative response in tendinopathies. Additionally, curcumin can reduce cell infiltration, activation, and production of pro-inflammatory mediators at the site of inflammation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tasnim Arroum, Marie-Theres Borowski, Nico Marx, Frank Schmelter, Martin Scholz, Olympia Ekaterini Psathaki, Michael Hippler, Jose Antonio Enriquez, Karin B. Busch
Summary: The mitochondrial respiratory or electron transport chain (ETC) and ATP synthase collaborate in the process of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to convert reduction power into ATP. Supramolecular assemblies known as respiratory supercomplexes (SC) are formed by three out of the four ETC complexes to adapt to changing conditions. NDUFB10, a subunit of complex I, plays a role in complex I and supercomplex assembly as well as bioenergetics function. NDUFB10 knockout results in decreased SCAF1, reduced respiration, and mitochondrial membrane potential, potentially due to loss of proton pumping.
BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Letter
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Esther Aix, Alex Gallinat, Carla Yago-Diez, Javier Lucas, Manuel Jose Gomez, Alberto Benguria, Patricia Freitag, Elizabeth Cortez-Toledo, Laura Fernandez de Manuel, Lucia Garcia-Cuasimodo, Hector Sanchez-Iranzo, Maria C. Montoya, Ana Dopazo, Fatima Sanchez-Cabo, Nadia Mercader, Javier E. Lopez, Bernd K. Fleischmann, Michael Hesse, Ignacio Flores
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Laura Ugalde, Sara Fananas, Raul Torres, Oscar Quintana-Bustamante, Paula Rio
Summary: The CRISPR/Cas9 system has revolutionized gene editing, allowing for precise modification of the human genome. It has shown great potential in treating genetic diseases and has been successfully applied in various blood disorders and cancer immunotherapy.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rebeca Acin-Perez, Cristiane Beninca, Lucia Fernandez del Rio, Cynthia Shu, Siyouneh Baghdasarian, Vanessa Zanette, Christoph Gerle, Chimari Jiko, Ramzi Khairallah, Shaharyar Khan, David Rincon Fernandez Pacheco, Byourak Shabane, Karel Erion, Ruchi Masand, Sundeep Dugar, Cristina Ghenoiu, George Schreiner, Linsey Stiles, Marc Liesa, Orian S. Shirihai
Summary: The regulation of ATP synthesis and hydrolysis is crucial for cellular function. In this study, we investigate the hydrolytic activity of mitochondrial ATP synthase (CV) and its impact on cellular energetics. We identify a selective inhibitor of ATP hydrolysis, (+)-Epicatechin, that binds CV and prevents the binding of ATPase inhibitor (ATPIF1). By inhibiting CV hydrolytic activity, ATP content is restored in cells with respiratory chain defects or Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, improving muscle force without increasing mitochondrial content. These findings highlight the potential of hydrolysis-selective inhibitors of CV in mitigating the effects of compromised mitochondrial respiration.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Diego Fernandez-Lazaro, Carlos Dominguez-Ortega, Natalia Busto, Mirian Santamaria-Pelaez, Enrique Roche, Eduardo Gutierez-Abejon, Juan Mielgo-Ayuso
Summary: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a sports supplement that can improve physical performance by modulating exercise-induced oxidative damage and maintaining glutathione homeostasis. A systematic review of studies on NAC supplementation in adult men found that it has beneficial effects on exercise performance, antioxidant capacity, and glutathione homeostasis. However, the evidence for its effects on haematological markers, inflammatory response, and muscle behavior is not clear. Overall, NAC supplementation appears to be safe and effective, but more research is needed to fully understand its relevance.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Alberto Caballero-Garcia, David C. Noriega-Gonzalez, Enrique Roche, Franchek Drobnic, Alfredo Cordova
Summary: Exercise-induced muscle damage leads to decreased physical performance and an inflammatory response in muscle tissue. L-carnitine supplementation has the potential to improve postexercise recovery by reducing oxidative damage and inflammation. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these effects and evaluate its efficacy on fatigue perception and muscle soreness.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
David Noriega-Gonzalez, Alberto Caballero-Garcia, Enrique Roche, Melchor alvarez-Mon, Alfredo Cordova
Summary: Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder characterized by stress and degradation of cartilage, resulting from failed repair of micro- and macro-lesions. Knee osteoarthritis affects joint tissues, leading to structural, biochemical, and biomechanical changes. Symptoms include pain, deformation, disability, and inflammation. Repetitive concentric movements, like cycling, can contribute to microtrauma and progression of cartilage damage. This review aims to explain the development of knee osteoarthritis in cyclists, highlight the lack of research in this area, and propose future therapeutic strategies.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biology
Lucia Fernandez-del-Rio, Cristiane Beninca, Frankie Villalobos, Cynthia Shu, Linsey Stiles, Marc Liesa, Ajit S. Divakaruni, Rebeca Acin-Perez, Orian S. Shirihai
Summary: Mitochondrial depolarization can lead to ATP depletion through the reversal activity of ATP synthase. However, studying ATP hydrolysis as a parameter has been limited due to current methods requiring the isolation of mitochondria and the introduction of detergents. In this study, a new approach is described that allows the assessment of maximal ATP hydrolytic capacity and respiratory capacity in frozen cell lysates, PBMCs, and tissue homogenates, with the potential to be used in clinical samples and explore ATP hydrolysis as a drug target for disease treatment.
LIFE SCIENCE ALLIANCE
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Anna S. S. Monzel, Jose Antonio Enriquez, Martin Picard
Summary: The authors argue that the terms 'mitochondrial function' and 'mitochondrial dysfunction' are not sufficient to describe the diverse features and behaviors of mitochondria within cells. They propose a hierarchical terminology system to improve specificity in mitochondrial science, which will enhance our understanding of the contribution of mitochondria to cellular and organismal health and promote synergy with other disciplines.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sandra Pascual-Garcia, Pascual Martinez-Peinado, Ana B. B. Lopez-Jaen, Francisco J. J. Navarro-Blasco, Yoel G. G. Montoyo-Pujol, Enrique Roche, Gloria Peiro, Jose M. Sempere-Ortells
Summary: This study aimed to identify severity biomarkers to predict flare-ups or remission periods in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. The study found that elevated percentages of CD3(+)CD4(-) lymphocytes and granulocytes, as well as a decreased NK/T lymphocyte ratio, can differentiate between flare-up and remission. Therefore, the combined study of leukocyte surface markers could be potential disease severity biomarkers for RA.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)