Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martina Baraldo, Leonardo Nogara, Georgia Ana Dumitras, Achille Homere Tchampda Dondjang, Alessia Geremia, Marco Scalabrin, Clara Turk, Frederik Telkamp, Lorena Zentilin, Mauro Giacca, Marcus Kruger, Bert Blaauw
Summary: Loss of Raptor diminishes muscle hypertrophy and force increase after Akt activation, indicating mTORC1 as the key mediator of Akt-dependent muscle growth regulating the mitochondrial proteome critical for enhancing muscle force.
Article
Cell Biology
Jun-yi Zhu, Shabab B. Hannan, Nina M. Draeger, Natalia Vereshchagina, Ann-Christin Krahl, Yulong Fu, Christopher J. H. Elliott, Zhe Han, Thomas R. Jahn, Tobias M. Rasse
Summary: The loss of the mitochondrial chaperone Hsc70-5 in Drosophila models led to synaptic dysfunction, resulting in pathological alterations similar to Parkinson's disease. Adult flies exhibited ATP depletion, altered body posture, and increased susceptibility to heat-induced paralysis, which could be suppressed by knocking down certain proteins.
Article
Oncology
Haowei Wang, Yujia Chen, Qinzi Yuan, Lixia Chen, Peiling Dai, Xuenong Li
Summary: This study found that HRK is lowly expressed in colorectal cancer tissues. For the first time, it was shown that HRK promotes apoptosis and inhibits proliferation of colorectal cancer cells by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. HRK represents a potential target for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Jiawei Lu, Huixia Li, Debing Yu, Peng Zhao, Yuan Liu
Summary: Heat stress inhibits proliferation and differentiation, induces apoptosis by impairing mitochondrial function and promoting autophagy, thus affecting skeletal muscle development.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Seung-Eun Lee, Daekee Kwon, Nari Shin, Dasom Kong, Nam Gyo Kim, Hee-Yeong Kim, Min-Ji Kim, Soon Won Choi, Kyung-Sun Kang
Summary: Mitochondrial dysfunction and failure of mitophagy in familial Alzheimer's disease (fAD) are associated with the accumulation of amyloid precursor protein-derived C-terminal fragments (APP-CTFs). This study demonstrates that the accumulation of APP-CTFs within mitochondrial domains is both a cause and consequence of mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to impaired mitophagy function.
CELL DEATH DISCOVERY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Guowu Hu, Pia J. Hauk, Nannan Zhang, Waleed Elsegeiny, Carlos M. Guardia, Amy Kullas, Kevin Crosby, Robin R. Deterding, Michaela Schedel, Paul Reynolds, Jordan K. Abbott, Vijaya Knight, Stefania Pittaluga, Mark Raffeld, Sergio D. Rosenzweig, Juan S. Bonifacino, Gulbu Uzel, Peter R. Williamson, Erwin W. Gelfand
Summary: Autophagy, involving core machinery proteins such as ATG9A, plays a critical role in cellular signaling and is associated with various diseases. This study identified novel compound heterozygous mutations in ATG9A in a patient, leading to lymphocyte proliferation defects and increased susceptibility to infection. The findings suggest ATG9A and autophagy as potential therapeutic targets for specific interventions in related diseases.
Article
Immunology
Zhougui Ling, Shuangping Huang, Zhongwei Wen, Zhenming Tang, Ying Huang, Ni Wei, Mei Liu, Jinyan Wu
Summary: Pulmonary tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains a global issue, and the diagnosis of active pulmonary tuberculosis is challenging. However, by studying mitochondria-derived small RNAs, we have identified reliable biomarkers that can provide a more accurate diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. We have also developed a user interface that offers reliable biomarkers for blood-based screening and improves the accuracy of pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis in real clinical practice.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Judit Bovari-Biri, ElHusseiny Mohamed Mahmoud Abdelwahab, Kitti Garai, Judit E. Pongracz
Summary: TSC mutations are associated with various cancers, and they are related to mitochondrial dysfunction, tolerance to oxidative stress, and ER stress. Rapamycin is a drug that inhibits protein synthesis in cancer treatment. Combining rapamycin with auranofin can reduce Prdx5 protein and induce apoptosis in TSC2 mutant cells.
Article
Neurosciences
Marta Garcia-Juan, Lara Ordonez-Gutierrez, Francisco Wandosell
Summary: This study found that modulation of autophagy in astrocytes can affect the generation and degradation of beta-amyloid, which is associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease. While the inhibition of MTORC1 reduced beta-amyloid secretion through moderate autophagy induction, increased activity of AMPK had different effects on beta-amyloid secretion. These findings suggest that AMPK plays a significantly different role in astrocytes compared to other cell types.
Article
Cell Biology
Anna Rocchi, Emanuele Carminati, Antonio De Fusco, Jagoda Aleksandra Kowalska, Thomas Floss, Fabio Benfenati
Summary: Research shows that REST plays a crucial role in preventing the senescence phenotype in neurons, and its deficiency leads to impaired autophagy, loss of proteostasis, increased oxidative stress, and elevated cell death rate. Restoring autophagy can effectively reverse the primary hallmarks of cell senescence.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Darcy Wear, Eesha Bhagirath, Arpana Balachandar, Caleb Vegh, Siyaram Pandey
Summary: Neuroblastoma is a common tumor in children under 1 year old, while glioblastoma has a poor prognosis. Manipulation of autophagy has shown promise in targeting cancers, including glioblastoma. Combining autophagy inhibitors with standard chemotherapies can improve patient prognosis and reduce side effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Namwanje, Bijay Bisunke, Thomas V. Rousselle, Gene G. Lamanilao, Venkatadri S. Sunder, Elizabeth C. Patterson, Canan Kuscu, Cem Kuscu, Daniel Maluf, Manjari Kiran, Valeria Mas, James D. Eason, Amandeep Bajwa
Summary: Multiple ex-vivo rapamycin treatments of dendritic cells induced persistent reprogramming of mitochondrial metabolism, resulting in higher mitochondrial content, oxygen consumption rates, and ATP production. Adoptive transfer of these reprogrammed DCs significantly protected kidneys from injury, demonstrating therapeutic capacity to induce an anti-inflammatory regulatory phenotype.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Han Na Lee, Mi Suk Jeong, Se Bok Jang
Summary: Amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its homologs play important roles in the nervous system and are overexpressed in cancer cells. Research indicates their involvement in several cancers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alaumy Joshi, Vishal M. Gohil
Summary: Barth syndrome is a debilitating disorder caused by mutations in the TAFAZZIN gene, which is involved in maintaining normal levels of cardiolipin in mitochondrial membranes. A recent study found that in addition to calcium, the levels of magnesium are significantly reduced in Barth syndrome patients. This study also identified a decrease in the abundance of the mitochondrial magnesium influx channel MRS2 in various models of Barth syndrome. The researchers attributed this reduction to the increased turnover of MRS2 in models with cardiolipin deficiency. These findings suggest that perturbation of mitochondrial magnesium homeostasis may contribute to the pathology of Barth syndrome.
HUMAN MOLECULAR GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Yutong Shang, Xiaoyan Sun, Xiaoqin Chen, Quanqiu Wang, Evan J. Wang, Emiko Miller, Rong Xu, Andrew A. Pieper, Xin Qi
Summary: This study reveals that CHCHD6 mechanistically connects APP processing and mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease through a circular feedback loop. Reduced CHCHD6 enhances APP accumulation on mitochondria-associated ER membranes, accelerates APP processing, and induces mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal cholesterol accumulation, promoting amyloid pathology in Alzheimer's disease.
ACTA NEUROPATHOLOGICA
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Carole Escartin, Elena Galea, Andras Lakatos, James P. O'Callaghan, Gabor C. Petzold, Alberto Serrano-Pozo, Christian Steinhauser, Andrea Volterra, Giorgio Carmignoto, Amit Agarwal, Nicola J. Allen, Alfonso Araque, Luis Barbeito, Ari Barzilai, Dwight E. Bergles, Gilles Bonvento, Arthur M. Butt, Wei-Ting Chen, Martine Cohen-Salmon, Colm Cunningham, Benjamin Deneen, Bart De Strooper, Blanca Diaz-Castro, Cinthia Farina, Marc Freeman, Vittorio Gallo, James E. Goldman, Steven A. Goldman, Magdalena Gotz, Antonia Gutierrez, Philip G. Haydon, Dieter H. Heiland, Elly M. Hol, Matthew G. Holt, Masamitsu Iino, Ksenia V. Kastanenka, Helmut Kettenmann, Baljit S. Khakh, Schuichi Koizumi, C. Justin Lee, Shane A. Liddelow, Brian A. MacVicar, Pierre Magistretti, Albee Messing, Anusha Mishra, Anna V. Molofsky, Keith K. Murai, Christopher M. Norris, Seiji Okada, Stephane H. R. Oliet, Joao F. Oliveira, Aude Panatier, Vladimir Parpura, Marcela Pekna, Milos Pekny, Luc Pellerin, Gertrudis Perea, Beatriz G. Perez-Nievas, Frank W. Pfrieger, Kira E. Poskanzer, Francisco J. Quintana, Richard M. Ransohoff, Miriam Riquelme-Perez, Stefanie Robel, Christine R. Rose, Jeffrey D. Rothstein, Nathalie Rouach, David H. Rowitch, Alexey Semyanov, Swetlana Sirko, Harald Sontheimer, Raymond A. Swanson, Javier Vitorica, Ina-Beate Wanner, Levi B. Wood, Jiaqian Wu, Binhai Zheng, Eduardo R. Zimmer, Robert Zorec, Michael V. Sofroniew, Alexei Verkhratsky
Summary: The article highlights the challenges and uncertainties surrounding reactive astrocytes, advocating for comprehensive research that includes assessment of multiple molecular and functional parameters, preferably in vivo, along with multivariate statistics and determination of impact on pathological hallmarks in relevant models.
NATURE NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biology
Marcus Augusto-Oliveira, Gabriela P. Arrifano, Charlotte Isabelle Delage, Marie-Eve Tremblay, Maria Elena Crespo-Lopez, Alexei Verkhratsky
Summary: Microglial cells, originating from foetal macrophages, undergo phenotypic metamorphosis in response to the nervous tissue environment, displaying high plasticity and heterogeneity in gene and protein expression; their surveilling functions are crucial for maintaining homeostasis and contributing to the adaptive capacity of the central nervous system.
BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Monique Michels, Gabriel Fernandes Alves Jesus, Ana Paula Lorenzen Voytena, Marina Rossetto, Fernanda Ramlov, Emily Corneo, Paulo Feuser, Daniel Gelain, Felipe Dal-Pizzol
Summary: The discovery of the potential of paraprobiotics to exert different immunological benefits suggests the need for further studies to determine their potential and mechanisms of action in modulating the immune system. This study investigated the immune response of macrophage cell lines, stimulated with lipopolysaccharide, to several microbial-associated molecular patterns (MAMPS) at different doses. The results showed that MAMPS at different doses had varying effects on immune response, and paraprobiotics may contribute to improving intestinal homeostasis, immunomodulation, and host metabolism.
CURRENT MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Alexei Verkhratsky, Alexey Semyanov
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ya-Fei Zhao, Wen-Jing Ren, Ying Zhang, Jin-Rong He, Hai-Yan Yin, Yang Liao, Patrizia Rubini, Jan M. Deussing, Alexei Verkhratsky, Zeng-Qiang Yuan, Peter Illes, Yong Tang
Summary: This study suggests that P2X7 receptors in hippocampal astrocytes are involved in the development of depressive disorder, and microglia and astrocytes respond differently to stress stimuli.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alexei Verkhratsky, Margaret S. Ho, Vladimir Parpura, Aleksandra Pekowska
Summary: The evolution of the nervous system involved cellular diversification and specialization of functions, with the emergence of the centralized nervous system leading to an increase in the complexity of neuroglia. In the primate brain, especially in humans, the astrocyte lineage is exceedingly complex, possibly facilitating interlayer communication and integration.
ANNALS OF THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Robert Zorec, Alexei Verkhratsky
Summary: Astrocytes are key homeostasis providing cells in the central nervous system, and their alterations are associated with diseases caused by infectious insults. Neurotropic infections, including COVID-19 and other viruses, activate astrocytes and utilize their metabolic characteristics for viral multiplication. However, the failure of astrocyte protection in certain circumstances remains a topic for future study.
ESSAYS IN BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Physiology
Chia-Yu Yeh, Kuan-Yu Wu, Guo-Jen Huang, Alexei Verkhratsky
Summary: Adult neurogenesis is an important process that contributes to adaptive network remodelling in the brain. This review focuses on the cellular characteristics and roles of radial astrocytes (RSA) and parenchymal astrocytes in adult neurogenesis in different brain regions. The potential therapeutic applications of RSA and astrocytes in cell replacement and regeneration strategies are also discussed.
Editorial Material
Physiology
Alan Alpar, Alexei Verkhratsky
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xinyu Li, Binjie Chen, Dianjun Zhang, Siman Wang, Yuliang Feng, Xiafang Wu, Lulu Cui, Ming Ji, Wenliang Gong, Alexei Verkhratsky, Maosheng Xia, Baoman Li
Summary: A novel mouse model of mania was developed by exposing mice to chronic unpredictable rhythm disturbances (CURD), including disruption of circadian rhythm, sleep deprivation, exposure to bright light, and other stressors. The CURD mice exhibited manic behaviors similar to those observed in patients with manic syndrome. Treatment with LiCl and valproic acid improved behaviors and molecular indicators in the manic mice. This environment-based model provides a valuable tool for studying the neuropathological mechanisms of mania.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Si-Si Lin, Bin Zhou, Bin-Jie Chen, Ruo-Tian Jiang, Baoman Li, Peter Illes, Alexey Semyanov, Yong Tang, Alexei Verkhratsky
Summary: This study found that electroacupuncture can prevent atrophy of astrocytes in the prefrontal cortex, and alleviate depressive-like behavior induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress. These behavioral changes are associated with morphological atrophy of astrocytes and down-regulation of the protein Ezrin.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Alexei Verkhratsky, Alexey Semyanov
Summary: Lia et al. discovered the critical role of the STIM1 ER Ca2+ sensor in the functional decline of astrocytes in AD-like pathology in PS2APP mice. The downregulation of STIM1 expression in astrocytes resulted in decreased ER Ca2+ content and impaired astrocytic Ca2+ signaling, leading to synaptic and memory deficits. Overexpression of STIM1 in astrocytes restored Ca2+ excitability and improved synaptic and memory function.
Review
Neurosciences
Chenju Yi, Alexei Verkhratsky, Jianqin Niu
Summary: Adult oligodendrocyte precursor cells (aOPCs), derived from fetal OPCs, are unique neuroglia cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and have diverse roles in neurological diseases. This review presents the physiology of aOPCs and summarizes the beneficial and detrimental effects of aOPCs in different CNS diseases. The paper discusses aOPC death, reactivity, changes during senescence, interactions with other glial cells, and pathological remodeling during disease, and outlines future perspectives for studying aOPCs in brain pathologies for potential therapeutic strategies.
TRENDS IN NEUROSCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexei Verkhratsky, Arthur Butt, Baoman Li, Peter Illes, Robert Zorec, Alexey Semyanov, Yong Tang, Michael V. Sofroniew
Summary: This article introduces the pathophysiology of astroglial cells in neurological diseases and disorders, discussing their changes and functions in different pathological states, and proposes the identification of cellular and molecular mechanisms of astroglial pathophysiology as a new frontier for finding novel therapeutic strategies.
SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION AND TARGETED THERAPY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Alexei Verkhratsky
NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
