Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiang Chen, Margaret Clement, M. John Hicks, Poonam Sarkar, M. Waleed Gaber, Tsz-Kwong Man
Summary: This study found that lysyl oxidase (LOX) expression was associated with cytoplasmic mislocalization of p27 in osteosarcoma. Higher LOX expression promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasiveness, and resulted in pulmonary metastases. The upregulation of phospho-FAK was identified as the mechanism by which LOX promotes osteosarcoma metastasis. FAK inhibition may be a promising therapeutic strategy to reduce LOX-mediated metastasis in osteosarcoma.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Talita de Sousa Laurentino, Roseli da Silva Soares, Suely Kazue Nagahashi Marie, Sueli Mieko Oba-Shinjo
Summary: Tumor cell infiltrative ability in astrocytoma is strongly associated with extracellular matrix stiffness, and LOX family members play a role in collagen and elastin crosslinking. This study found that the expression levels of LOX family members increased with malignancy grade in astrocytoma, and correlated with matrisome gene expressions. The expression of the mechanosensitive transcription factor, beta-catenin, also increased with malignancy grade and was correlated with LOXL1 and LOXL3 expression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Xin Yi, Yi Zhou, Yue Chen, Xin Feng, Chang Liu, Ding-Sheng Jiang, Jing Geng, Xiaoyan Li, Xuejun Jiang, Ze-Min Fang
Summary: The study revealed that LOXL2 and LOXL3 protein levels are upregulated in aortic dissection patients compared to non-AD subjects, while LOXL4 levels are downregulated and LOX and LOXL1 levels are comparable. LOXL2 regulates extracellular matrix in HASMCs, and LOXL3 inhibits HASMC proliferation, indicating their involvement in the pathological process of aortic dissection.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Chun Luo, Chongyu Hu, Bingyang Li, Junyu Liu, Liming Hu, Rui Dong, Xin Liao, Jilin Zhou, Lu Xu, Songlin Liu, Yifeng Li, Dun Yuan, Weixi Jiang, Junxia Yan
Summary: The study found that LOX and LOXL2 gene polymorphisms were associated with the risk of single IA and multiple IA in a Chinese population, while SNPs of LOXL1, LOXL3, and LOXL4 were not associated with IA risk. Further investigation is needed to understand the effects of these genes on IA.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Xinh-Xinh Nguyen, Tetsuya Nishimoto, Takahisa Takihara, Logan Mlakar, Amy D. Bradshaw, Carol Feghali-Bostwick
Summary: In fibroproliferative disorders, LOX activity and expression are correlated with fibrosis and can induce ECM production by upregulating IL-6 and nuclear localization of c-Fos. Monitoring circulating LOX levels and activity can be used to assess response to antifibrotic therapy.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LUNG CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anita Senk, Valentin Djonov
Summary: Despite being well investigated, the exact role of collagen fibers in supporting angiogenesis remains unclear. This study shows that collagen fibers provide guidance cues for endothelial cell migration during regenerative angiogenesis, and impairments in collagen lead to severe vascular defects and hindered fin regeneration.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matthew R. Aronoff, Paul Hiebert, Nina B. Hentzen, Sabine Werner, Helma Wennemers
Summary: Collagens are essential fibrous proteins for connective tissues, and lysyl oxidases play a crucial role in their cross-linking process. Abnormal LOX activity is associated with various diseases. The probe presented in this study can monitor and target LOX-mediated collagen cross-linking, potentially improving understanding of collagen remodeling and offering new opportunities for diagnosing fibrotic and malignant diseases.
NATURE CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Wei Zhao, Mengzhu Lv, Xueying Yang, Jing Zhou, Baocai Xing, Zhiqian Zhang
Summary: This study identifies crosslinked collagen mediated by LOX as a crucial component of the microenvironment niche for liver tumor-initiating cells. Through the ITGA7-FAK-ERK1/2 signaling pathway, LOX is involved in regulating the traits of tumor-initiating cells. These findings provide insights into the composition and remodeling mechanisms of the microenvironment niches of tumor-initiating cells.
Article
Oncology
Shireen Attaran, John J. Skoko, Barbara L. Hopkins, Megan K. Wright, Laurel E. Wood, Alparslan Asan, Hyun Ae Woo, Adam Feinberg, Carola A. Neumann
Summary: PRDX1 plays different roles in cancer progression, acting as a tumor suppressor in certain cell types while also being a potential drug target in cancer cell xenografts. The inactivation of PRDX1 in mammary fibroblasts promotes collagen remodelling and supports breast cancer progression. This study highlights the importance of PRDX1 protein levels in breast cancer cohorts for survival analysis.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Aitao Nai, Huihui Zeng, Qiong Wu, Zirui He, Shuwen Zeng, Shoaib Bashir, Feng Ma, Jie He, Wei Wan, Meng Xu
Summary: In this study, we found that overexpression of LOX in gastric carcinoma is associated with poor prognosis and may affect the development of gastric cancer through regulating the HIF1A-AS2/RP11-366L20.2-miR-29c axis, promoting M2 macrophage polarization, tumor immune escape, and enhancing drug resistance of tumor cells to chemotherapeutic drugs.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wei Wang, Xiangjun Wang, Feng Yao, Chao Huang
Summary: The lysyl oxidase (LOX) family plays a crucial role in tumor microenvironment remodeling and is closely associated with tumor invasion, metastasis, and immunomodulation. The family may serve as an effective target for tumor therapy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gokhan Bahcecioglu, Xiaoshan Yue, Erin Howe, Ian Guldner, M. Sharon Stack, Harikrishna Nakshatri, Siyuan Zhang, Pinar Zorlutuna
Summary: The study reveals that aging ECM can drive normal mammary epithelial cells to a more invasive and cancer-like phenotype, and enhance motility and invasiveness in breast cancer cells. Different responses of cells to young and aged ECMs may lead to the identification of new targets for cancer treatment and prevention.
Article
Cell Biology
Tao Jiang, Hao Xiao, Bin Li, Hangyuan He, Hui Wang, Liaobin Chen
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated the mechanism by which prenatal dexamethasone exposure leads to low peak bone mass in female offspring. They found that dexamethasone exposure inhibited the development of fetal rat osteoclasts and caused hyperactivation of adult rat osteoclasts. Through further experiments, they determined that dexamethasone influenced the methylation and expression of lysyl oxidase in osteoclasts, leading to increased production of reactive oxygen species and reduced bone mass in offspring. This study provides insights into the programming effect of prenatal dexamethasone exposure on bone health.
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Bo Zhang, Chenglin Luo, Wenjin Xiao
Summary: This study showed that the LOX mutant LOXG473A may promote osteoclast formation by enhancing autophagy through the AMPK/mTOR pathway. The autophagy inhibitor 3-MA reduced osteoclast formation and resorption, while the autophagy agonist RAPA reversed these effects, suggesting that promoting autophagy can enhance the ability of LOXG473A to induce osteoclast formation.
ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carolina Anazco, Janin Riedelsberger, Lorenzo Vega-Montoto, Armando Rojas
Summary: Collagen is a vital structural protein in mammals and is strengthened by complex enzymatic and non-enzymatic reactions, such as covalent cross-linking and glycation. This review article explores the amine oxidase-like activity of plant polyphenols and their potential as antiglycation agents. It also discusses the molecular mechanisms by which specific flavonoids impact or protect the normal collagen cross-linking process, with the aim of promoting the stabilization of highly organized collagen fibrils.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David Sanchez-Infantes, Meritxell Nus, Miquel Navas-Madronal, Joan Fite, Belen Perez, Antonio J. Barros-Membrilla, Begona Soto, Jose Martinez-Gonzalez, Mercedes Camacho, Cristina Rodriguez, Ziad Mallat, Maria Galan
Summary: The study found extensive inflammatory infiltration in the aneurysmal wall, mainly composed of T cells, macrophages, and B cells, and altered levels of ROS, IgM, IgG, CD38, GDF15, S100A4, and CD36 in the plasma and aneurysmal tissue of AAA patients compared to controls. Circulating levels of IgG, CD38, and GDF15 were positively correlated with abdominal aortic diameter, and CD38 was correlated with PWS.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Saray Varona, Lidia Puertas, Maria Galan, Mar Orriols, Laia Canes, Silvia Aguilo, Mercedes Camacho, Marc Sirvent, Vicente Andres, Jose Martinez-Gonzalez, Cristina Rodriguez
Summary: The upregulation of PDE4B is correlated with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), and treatment with the PDE4 selective inhibitor rolipram can effectively inhibit AAA formation and progression, reducing vascular oxidative stress and inflammatory response.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Francesc Jimenez-Altayo, Julia Marzi, Maria Galan, Ana Paula Dantas, Marisa Ortega, Santiago Rojas, Gustavo Egea, Katja Schenke-Layland, Elena Jimenez-Xarrie, Anna M. Planas
Summary: The perivascular tissue surrounding the middle cerebral artery plays a critical role in regulating vessel function through sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)-induced vasoconstriction. The presence of the arachnoid membrane is associated with reduced MCA diameters and increased basal tone, with strong S1P signals detected in the arachnoid. Additionally, genetic deletion of SphK2 reduces arachnoid S1P content and vasoconstriction.
JOURNAL OF CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW AND METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francisco V. Souza-Neto, Sara Jimenez-Gonzalez, Beatriz Delgado-Valero, Raquel Jurado-Lopez, Marie Genty, Ana Romero-Miranda, Cristina Rodriguez, Maria Luisa Nieto, Ernesto Martinez-Martinez, Victoria Cachofeiro
Summary: The study revealed the significant role of mitochondrial oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress activation in the progression of obesity-related cardiovascular fibrosis. MitoQ and ER stress inhibitors were found to effectively block the harmful effects of Ang II in cardiac and vascular cells, thus preventing the development of cardiovascular fibrosis.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose Martinez-Gonzalez, Laia Canes, Judith Alonso, Carme Ballester-Servera, Antonio Rodriguez-Sinovas, Irene Corrales, Cristina Rodriguez
Summary: The activation and response mechanisms of vascular and inflammatory immune cells in cardiovascular diseases are crucial in tissue remodeling. NR4A3 has emerged as a key gene in cellular processes and functions, particularly in cardiovascular remodeling associated with high-incidence human pathologies like atherosclerosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Valls-Lacalle, Lidia Puertas-Umbert, Saray Varona, Jose Martinez-Gonzalez, Cristina Rodriguez, Antonio Rodriguez-Sinovas
Summary: Although transgenic mice over-expressing human LOX in the heart show higher baseline myocardial oxidative stress, our study demonstrates that there were no significant differences in ROS production, infarct size, or post-infarction cardiac remodeling during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion.
Article
Cell Biology
Guillermo L. Lehmann, Michael Ginsberg, Daniel J. Nolan, Cristina Rodriguez, Jose Martinez-Gonzalez, Shemin Zeng, Andrew P. Voigt, Robert F. Mullins, Shahin Rafii, Enrique Rodriguez-Boulan, Ignacio Benedicto
Summary: A2M, a protease inhibitor, is found to be expressed in endothelial cells of the human eye choroid. The expression of A2M is induced by retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-conditioned medium, with VEGF-A playing a key role. Furthermore, the inhibition of A2M leads to the restoration of gelatinase activity in culture supernatants. This study provides important insights into the alterations in choroidal ECM and visual function due to dysfunctional RPE or choroidal blood vessels.
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Lucia Diaz S. del Campo, Ana B. Garcia-Redondo, Cristina Rodriguez, Carlos Zaragoza, Santiago Duro-Sanchez, Francesco Palmas, Angela de Benito-Bueno, Paula G. Socuellamos, Diego A. Peraza, Raquel Rodrigues-Diez, Carmen Valenzuela, Jesmond Dalli, Mercedes Salaices, Ana M. Briones
Summary: The study found that there is an imbalance between proinflammatory and resolution mediators in hypertensive patients. Resolvin D2 (RvD2) protects cardiovascular function and structure both as a preventive measure before the development of hypertension and as a treatment for established hypertensive cardiovascular damage, by modulating vascular factors, reducing fibrosis and inflammation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Modar Kassan, Youngin Kwon, Undral Munkhsaikhan, Amal M. Sahyoun, Tauheed Ishrat, Maria Galan, Alexis A. Gonzalez, Ammaar H. Abidi, Adam Kassan, Karima Ait-Aissa
Summary: In this study, the in vitro effect of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) on cerebrovascular endothelial cells and mitochondrial function after angiotensin II (Ang-II) treatment was investigated. The results showed that SCFAs restored the oxidative damage induced by Ang-II and exerted their beneficial effects through heme oxygenase 2 (HO-2). These findings provide new insights into the effect of the SCFAs/HO-2 axis on cerebrovascular diseases induced by hypertension and obesity.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Miquel Navas-Madronal, Rafael Almendra-Pegueros, Lidia Puertas-Umbert, Francesc Jimenez-Altayo, Josep Julve, Belen Perez, Marta Consegal-Perez, Modar Kassan, Jose Martinez-Gonzalez, Cristina Rodriguez, Maria Galan
Summary: This study demonstrates that inhibition of mitochondrial stress using SS31 can reduce aneurysm development and attenuate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. SS31 improves mitochondrial function, decreases expression of ER stress markers, and reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Additionally, SS31-induced inhibition of ER stress reduces the incidence and severity of AAA, similar to the effects of classic ER stress inhibitors TUDCA and PBA.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Ana Isabel Reyes-Dominguez, Javier Bernabeu-Sendra, Cristina Rodriguez-Sinovas, Alicia Santamaria-Orleans, Roser de Castellar-Sanso, Jorge Martinez-Perez
Summary: In the last decade, feeding patterns, especially among children, have become worse, affecting their dietary habits and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. This study examines the feeding habits of Spanish toddlers after the pandemic. A survey was conducted with 2465 parents of children aged 12 to 36 months, revealing that only 1.38% of children had an adequate intake of all food groups. Compliance with dietary guidelines decreased as toddlers grew older. Factors such as higher fast food consumption, having siblings, and being the second or third child were associated with lower adherence.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Undral Munkhsaikhan, Young In Kwon, Amal M. Sahyoun, Maria Galan, Alexis A. Gonzalez, Karima Ait-Aissa, Ammaar H. Abidi, Adam Kassan, Modar Kassan
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated the effect of lomitapide on cardiovascular function in LDL receptor-knockout mice. They found that lomitapide treatment improved cardiovascular function, lipid profile, and reduced body weight and inflammatory markers.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Lidia Puertas-Umbert, Rafael Almendra-Pegueros, Francesc Jimenez-Altayo, Marc Sirvent, Maria Galan, Jose Martinez-Gonzalez, Cristina Rodriguez
Summary: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a severe vascular disease with no effective pharmacological treatment and surgical repair as the only option for high-risk patients. Clinical trials evaluating various drugs failed to show clear benefits in limiting AAA growth, while ongoing trials on metformin are eagerly awaited. Recent preclinical studies have identified new therapeutic targets and strategies for future clinical studies. This review summarizes the most relevant clinical and preclinical studies in search of new therapeutic approaches for AAA.
Meeting Abstract
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Maria Galan, David Sanchez-Infantes, Meritxell Nus, Miquel Navas-Madronal, Belen Perez, Mercedes Camacho, Jose Martinez-Gonzalez, Cristina Rodriguez, Ziad Mallat
JOURNAL OF HYPERTENSION
(2021)