Editorial Material
Biology
Thomas F. Schilling, Pierre Le Pabic
Summary: A newly discovered enhancer region may have played a key role in the evolution of vertebrates' ability to open and close their jaws.
Review
Physiology
Angela Fago
Summary: This article discusses the mechanisms of survival in hypoxic environments for freshwater turtles and crucian carp, highlighting the regulation of oxygen transport in the blood and oxygen utilization in mitochondria. These critical adjustments allow them to maintain basic metabolic and energy production in hypoxic conditions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Debabrata Dolui, Indraneel Saha, Malay Kumar Adak
Summary: The study showed that pre-treatment with GSH could significantly reduce oxidative stress response in Salvinia natans L. under 2,4-D, as well as other stress conditions. Additionally, changes in enzyme activity may serve as biomarkers for oxidative stress in plants.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Timothy Warwick, Marcel H. Schulz, Ralf Gilsbach, Ralf P. Brandes, Sabine Seuter
Summary: The study revealed that dynamic changes of CTCF long-range interactions in 1,25(OH)(2)D3-treated cells play a significant role in fine-tuning nuclear receptor signaling. 3D chromatin organization was found to change upon activation of the vitamin D receptor, with differential loops affecting TAD border formation, promoter-enhancer looping, and establishment of VDR-responsive insulated neighborhoods. Vitamin D target genes were enriched in these differential loops and at their anchors.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Boxuan Ma, Hong Xu, Yanan Wang, Li Yang, Weihua Zhuang, Gaocan Li, Yunbing Wang
Summary: Atherosclerosis, a major cause of cardiovascular diseases, can be targeted and treated with newly designed nanosized drug carriers that have ROS-responsive properties, showing potential for precise theranostics in atherosclerotic lesions.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Han Yu, Chenglong Huang, Xiangjia Kong, Jun Ma, Peng Ren, Jiayi Chen, Xinyu Zhang, Huanhuan Luo, Gang Chen
Summary: In this study, cartilage-targeting hydrogel microspheres with ROS-responsive ability were developed using a combination of microfluidic and photopolymerization processes. These microspheres showed better retention in the joint cavity and enhanced cellular uptake of nanoparticles. The ROS-responsive nanoparticles could react with intracellular ROS induced by OA, leading to effective OA therapy.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yasuhito Sakuraba
Summary: Light plays a crucial role in regulating various biological processes during the plant life cycle, including leaf senescence and the expression of nuclear genes. Various photoreceptors in plants perceive light of specific wavelengths and induce wavelength-specific responses.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Harshita Chawla, Seema Garg, Jyoti Rohilla, Akos Szamosvolgyi, Anastasiia Efremova, Imre Szenti, Pravin Popinand Ingole, Andras Sapi, Zoltan Konya, Amrish Chandra
Summary: In this study, bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) photocatalyst was bio-fabricated using Curcuma longa, resulting in the successful fabrication of a heterojunction between C. longa and BiVO4. The as-fabricated nanoflowers showed highly efficient photocatalytic degradation of organochlorine pesticides under visible-light irradiation, outperforming pristine BiVO4 and previous materials. Optical studies and analysis revealed the degradation pathways and mechanism of this catalyst.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Saran S. Kumar, K. K. Harikrishnan, S. P. Urmila, V. Gauri, Appukuttan Saritha, Moumita Gangopadhyay
Summary: This review provides a detailed overview of the application of different types of Pluronic (R) polymers in prominent photodynamic therapy (PDT), highlighting the dependence of their properties on temperature and morphology. The review also discusses the requisite properties of photosensitizers for efficient PDT.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Aidan E. Gilchrist, Julio F. Serrano, Mai T. Ngo, Zona Hrnjak, Sanha Kim, Brendan A. C. Harley
Summary: Biomaterial platforms are crucial in stem cell biomanufacturing, with GelMAL hydrogel providing a versatile route for encapsulating stem cell populations and mimicking the bone marrow niche. The maleimide-functionalized gelatin allows for stable crosslinking without reactive oxide species generation, demonstrating potential for artificial stem cell niche construction.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Shun-Ling Tan, Jia-Lin Huang, Feng-Ping Zhang, Shi-Bao Zhang, Wei Huang
Summary: This study revealed that low-light phases significantly affect the extent of PSI photoinhibition in fluctuating light conditions, with a higher light intensity inducing a higher proton gradient across thylakoid membranes. The activation of cyclic electron flow (CEF) is finely regulated to optimize the balance between photoprotection and light use efficiency in fluctuating light environments. Additionally, CEF activation in high-light phases is highly dependent on the PSI reduction state.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bjoern Kirchhoff, Christoph Jung, Hannes Jonsson, Donato Fantauzzi, Timo Jacob
Summary: The activity and stability of platinum nanoparticles are influenced by their shape. In this study, a simulation method was used to investigate the oxidation process and behavior of platinum nanoparticles with different shapes, and a relationship between oxidation behavior and surface structure was established.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Yu Xia, Runhai Chen, Yue Ke, Zehong Xiang, Zhifang Ma, Qiang Shi, Fazly I. Ataullakhanov, Mikhail Panteleev
Summary: The responsiveness of thioether-grafted dextran to reactive oxygen species (ROS) can be tuned, showing potential application in inflammation-involved diseases.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Agnes Galle, Zalan Czekus, Liliana Toth, Laszlo Galgoczy, Peter Poor
Summary: Red light can positively influence plant defense mechanisms against biotic stress by increasing levels of salicylic acid and inducing SA signaling mediating the production of reactive oxygen species. These changes in SA levels are crucial for plant survival.
PLANT CELL AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kevin J. Lee, Griffin Wright, Hannah Bryant, Leigh Ann Wiggins, Valeria L. Dal Zotto, Michele Schuler, Christopher Malozzi, Michael Cohen, Natalie R. Gassman
Summary: Vitamin D supplementation reduced Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by decreasing reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial damage, without compromising the anticancer efficacy of Doxorubicin against TNBC.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Tyrone Lucon-Xiccato, Marco Tomain, Salvatore D'Aniello, Cristiano Bertolucci
Summary: This study investigates the effects of BDNF loss on behavior using a CRISPR/Cas9 bdnf-/- zebrafish line. The results suggest that BDNF plays a role in locomotor activity, sociability, and potentially anxiety-like behavior.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Cristina Pagano, Erika di Zazzo, Giorgio Avilia, Beatrice Savarese, Giovanna Navarra, Maria Chiara Proto, Donatella Fiore, Monica Rienzo, Patrizia Gazzerro, Chiara Laezza, Maurizio Bifulco
Summary: The epidemic spread of obesity is recognized as a global burden, and its link with cancer, known as adiponcosis, is of great interest in the scientific community. The mechanisms underlying adiponcosis, which may vary depending on cancer type, involve insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and adipose tissue-derived hormones and cytokines. This review summarizes the current evidence on pathways, hormones, and interventions for obesity-related breast and colorectal cancers. It also discusses current targets and drugs for cancer treatment and potential therapeutic mechanisms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristina Pagano, Beatrice Savarese, Laura Coppola, Giovanna Navarra, Giorgio Avilia, Chiara Laezza, Maurizio Bifulco
Summary: Cannabis sativa-derived compounds, such as THC and CBD, and components of the endocannabinoid system, such as AEA and 2-AG, have been extensively studied for their antioxidant effects. Many diseases are characterized by imbalanced ROS production, and these compounds have shown potential in reducing ROS levels in various pathological conditions. Further research on the antioxidant properties of cannabis sativa-derived compounds could have future clinical applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Monica Rienzo, Cristina Pagano, Felice Crocetto, Erika Di Zazzo
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Alfredo Marinelli, Mariella Cuomo, Raduan Ahmed Franca, Michela Buonaiuto, Davide Costabile, Cristina Pagano, Federica Trio, Liliana Montella, Maria Laura Del Basso De Caro, Roberta Visconti, Lorenzo Chiariotti, Rosa Della Monica
Summary: This article reports a case of primary high-grade glioma in a 52-year-old man, which was re-diagnosed as a primary intracranial sarcoma with DICER1 mutation through methylome profiling. The analysis of methylome revealed differential methylation patterns between DICER1 mutant sarcoma and high-grade glioma. This case highlights the importance of methylome analysis in refining primary brain tumor diagnosis and avoiding misdiagnosis among morphologically similar subtypes.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Annalaura Mancia, Luigi Abelli, Giorgia Palladino, Marco Candela, Tyrone Lucon-Xiccato, Cristiano Bertolucci, Maria Cristina Fossi, Matteo Baini, Cristina Panti
Summary: This study aimed to assess the combined effects of microplastics and environmental contaminants on zebrafish health and behavior. The results showed that exposure to microplastics and pollutants can have negative effects on zebrafish, with greater impacts observed from environmentally exposed microplastics.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Giulia Caioni, Carmine Merola, Cristiano Bertolucci, Tyrone Lucon-Xiccato, Beste Basak Savasci, Mara Massimi, Martina Colasante, Giulia Fioravanti, Nunzio Antonio Cacciola, Rodolfo Ippoliti, Michele d'Angelo, Monia Perugini, Elisabetta Benedetti
Summary: This study investigates the effects of early-life exposure to Triclocarban (TCC) on eye development and visual function in zebrafish. The results show that TCC exposure disrupts retinal architecture and impairs visual perception, suggesting potential long-term effects on zebrafish visual function.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristina Pagano, Giovanna Navarra, Laura Coppola, Beatrice Savarese, Giorgio Avilia, Antonella Giarra, Giovanni Pagano, Alessandra Marano, Marco Trifuoggi, Maurizio Bifulco, Chiara Laezza
Summary: Pollutants, including direct and indirect mutagens, can increase the risk of tumorigenesis. The rising incidence of brain tumors has sparked interest in studying pollutants found in food, air, and water supply. These compounds chemically alter biological molecules in the body, leading to harmful effects and an increased risk of pathologies like cancer. This review aims to discuss the impact of environmental carcinogens on brain tumorigenesis risk, focusing on specific categories of pollutants and their sources.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Matteo Zarantoniello, Adriana Alves de Oliveira, Tolga Sahin, Lorenzo Freddi, Matteo Torregiani, Isabella Tucciarone, Giulia Chemello, Gloriana Cardinaletti, Elia Gatto, Giuliana Parisi, Cristiano Bertolucci, Paola Riolo, Ancuta Nartea, Giorgia Gioacchini, Ike Olivotto
Summary: Modern aquaculture is transitioning towards sustainable practices and reducing water consumption. This study focuses on using spirulina-enriched black soldier fly prepupae meal (HPM) as a more sustainable aquafeed ingredient in aquaponic systems for European seabass. The results demonstrate the suitability of aquaponic systems for rearing finfish and the positive impact of spirulina-enriched HPM on fish growth, welfare, and quality. The experimental diets showed no negative effects on survival, performance, behavior, gut health, fillet quality, and even preserved the fillet from lipid oxidation. These findings support the use of sustainable ingredients in aquaponic systems for euryhaline fish rearing.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Giulia Montalbano, Cristiano Bertolucci, Angelo Bisazza, Tyrone Lucon-Xiccato
Summary: Most studies on developmental variation in cognition have been conducted in altricial species, such as humans, where individuals are born with reduced cognitive abilities and cognitive performance increases with age. This study explores whether species with different developmental modes exhibit different patterns of cognitive development. The findings suggest that the typical cognitive progression observed in early development may not be the only trend, and a species' developmental mode could determine variation in cognition across different ages.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesco Dalla Barba, Michela Soardi, Leila Mouhib, Giovanni Risato, Eylem Emek Akyurek, Tyrone Lucon-Xiccato, Martina Scano, Alberto Benetollo, Roberta Sacchetto, Isabelle Richard, Francesco Argenton, Cristiano Bertolucci, Marcello Carotti, Dorianna Sandona
Summary: Sarcoglycanopathies, or limb girdle muscular dystrophy 3-6, are rare muscular dystrophies that cause high disability, respiratory and cardiac problems. This study generated and characterized zebrafish models of these diseases using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, which showed progressive disease phenotypes. These zebrafish models will enhance our understanding of the disease and assist in drug screening and development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Santiago Pintos, Tyrone Lucon-Xiccato, Luisa Maria Vera, Cristiano Bertolucci
Summary: This study found that the behavioral stress response in zebrafish follows a daily rhythm, with a stronger response at night. This rhythmicity may be important for improving welfare in aquaculture and enhancing the reliability of behavioral research in fish models.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2023)
Article
Biology
Tyrone Lucon-Xiccato, Giulia Montalbano, Cristiano Bertolucci
Summary: Animal species, including humans, exhibit individual variability in cognition that is difficult to explain. This study demonstrates that cognitive plasticity contributes to this variability. The results show that guppies exposed to different levels of resource predictability develop different cognitive abilities, suggesting that adaptive cognitive plasticity is a key determinant of cognitive individual differences.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Rosa Della Monica, Michela Buonaiuto, Mariella Cuomo, Cristina Pagano, Federica Trio, Davide Costabile, Giulia de Riso, Francesca Sveva Cicala, Maddalena Raia, Raduan Ahmed Franca, Marialaura Del Basso De Caro, Domenico Sorrentino, Giovanna Navarra, Laura Coppola, Lorella Tripodi, Lucio Pastore, Juergen Hench, Stephan Frank, Claudio Schonauer, Giuseppe Catapano, Maurizio Bifulco, Lorenzo Chiariotti, Roberta Visconti
Summary: This study identified the overexpression of lysine methyltransferase SETD8 in high-grade gliomas and demonstrated that inhibiting SETD8 can block glioblastoma cell proliferation by inducing DNA damage and activating cell cycle checkpoints. Moreover, the combination of SETD8 inhibition and checkpoint abrogation can induce mitotic catastrophe and result in glioblastoma cell death. The findings provide a strong rationale for further exploring this novel pharmacological approach for adjuvant glioblastoma treatment.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tyrone Lucon-Xiccato, Beste Basak Savasci, Carmine Merola, Elisabetta Benedetti, Giulia Caioni, Valbona Aliko, Cristiano Bertolucci, Monia Perugini
Summary: Chemicals spilled in aquatic ecosystems can interfere with cognitive abilities and brain functions controlling fitness-related behaviour. Triclo-carban (TCC), one such contaminant, disrupts hormonal activity and has effects on behaviour and cognitive abilities in zebrafish. Exposure to TCC reduces exploratory behaviour, response to stimulation, and cognitive performance, while increasing sociability in zebrafish larvae. This is accompanied by upregulation of c-fos and downregulation of bdnf in the brain, which impact neural activity and cognitive traits. These findings highlight the importance of considering the fitness consequences of non-lethal concentrations of TCC in aquatic ecosystems and their potential to affect human health.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)