Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mohsen Karami Fath, Kimiya Babakhaniyan, Maryam Zokaei, Azadeh Yaghoubian, Sadaf Akbari, Mahdieh Khorsandi, Asma Soofi, Mohsen Nabi-Afjadi, Hamidreza Zalpoor, Fateme Jalalifar, Ali Azargoonjahromi, Zahra Payandeh, Armina Alagheband Bahrami
Summary: This study reviews the applications of therapeutic peptides and targeting ligands in cancer therapy. Therapeutic peptides show promise as targeted drug delivery systems due to their specificity and modifiability.
CELLULAR & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY LETTERS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhicheng Gu, Shuxian Lin, Wanli Yan, Di Chen, Ziwei Zeng, Lei Chen, Yan Li, Bin He
Summary: Researching and developing highly water-soluble OA derivatives can improve their anti-tumor activity, while the poor water solubility of the original OA drug is one of the main reasons for its weak anti-tumor activity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Tianyou Cui, Yujing Tang, Mengqian Zhao, Yang Hu, Mingjie Jin, Xuwei Long
Summary: A novel strategy for efficiently preparing glucolipids (GLs) by modifying crude sophorolipids was developed. The crude sophorolipids were transformed into GLs through deglycosylation and de-esterification with a yield of 54.1%. The obtained GLs were purified and yielded 66.2% GLs with 95% purity. GLs showed stronger antimicrobial activity than acidic sophorolipids (ASLs) against Gram-positive food pathogens, with a pH-dependent mechanism.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhengwei Xu, Tingting Wang, Junqiu Liu
Summary: Polydopamine, inspired by mussels, has shown numerous favorable characteristics, such as simple preparation process, excellent biocompatibility, and strong adhesive properties, making it a highly promising material in the field of biomedicine. Recent advances in PDA-based antibacterial materials, including free-standing PDA materials and composite materials, are reviewed in this article. The urgent challenges and future research opportunities for PDA antibacterial materials are also discussed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Weijia Gao, Xiao Han, Yongli Li, Zhe Zhou, Junyan Wang, Ruining Shi, Junjie Jiao, Yuanzheng Qi, Yanmin Zhou, Jinghui Zhao
Summary: Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a thermoplastic polymer widely used in bone defect repair due to its excellent properties. However, its surface can allow bacteria to adhere and form biofilms, leading to implant-related infections. This review discusses two important antibacterial modification strategies: antibacterial coating and surface morphology modification. These strategies can inhibit bacterial adhesion, kill bacteria, or release antimicrobial substances to prevent bacterial infections.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shah Alam Khan, Md Jawaid Akhtar
Summary: This review provides a detailed account of the design strategies adopted by various research groups to minimize the side effects of Doxorubicin while maintaining its significant anticancer profile. The review discusses chemical modifications, conjugate formation, pH-sensitive drug delivery systems, and different nanoforms of Doxorubicin for targeted drug delivery. The advantages of each method and their potential applications are highlighted.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anupam Patra, Jhilik Das, Nupur Rani Agrawal, Gajraj Singh Kushwaha, Mrinmoy Ghosh, Young-Ok Son
Summary: Biofilms are assemblages of microorganisms enclosed in a composite extracellular polymeric matrix, causing biological fouling in various industries. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as promising contenders to disrupt biofilms, offering broad-spectrum action and lack of antibiotic resistance. AMPs derived from marine sources may serve as natural inhibitors to bacterial proliferation and biofouling.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuzhu Mu, Shiqing Ma, Pengfei Wei, Yonglan Wang, Wei Jing, Yifan Zhao, Lei Zhang, Jinzhe Wu, Bo Zhao, Jiayin Deng, Zihao Liu
Summary: The study developed a novel GBR membrane by modifying small intestinal submucosa (SIS) membrane with chimeric peptides, achieving fast and efficient multifunctional modification and significant promotion of osteogenic related factors expression in rat bone mesenchymal stem cells and bone regeneration in rat skull defect model.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yu Dong, Xu-Xu Zhuang, Yi-Ting Wang, Jieqiong Tan, Du Feng, Min Li, Qing Zhong, Zhiyin Song, Han-Ming Shen, Evandro F. Fang, Jia-Hong Lu
Summary: Maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis is crucial for treating various diseases, and mitophagy, the selective degradation of mitochondria, has shown promising therapeutic potential. However, there are frequent methodological flaws in studies on chemical mitophagy modulators, leading to unreliable conclusions. This review aims to summarize the molecular mechanisms of mitophagy, propose a characterization system for mitophagy modulators, analyze the methods used in previous studies, and provide novel targets for pharmacological intervention.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Xiao Han, Weijia Gao, Zhe Zhou, Shihui Yang, Junyan Wang, Ruining Shi, Yongli Li, Junjie Jiao, Yuanzheng Qi, Jinghui Zhao
Summary: This review summarizes recent research on enhancing the osteogenic and antibacterial activities of PEEK implants through biomolecular modification, and discusses further research directions.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chelladurai Ajish, Sungtae Yang, S. Dinesh Kumar, Eun Young Kim, Hye Jung Min, Chul Won Lee, Sung-Heui Shin, Song Yub Shin
Summary: Hybridizing two known antimicrobial peptides can lead to the development of a novel antimicrobial agent, Lf-KR, which exhibits superior cell selectivity against bacterial cells and broad-spectrum antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-biofilm activities.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wenlong Li, Eng San Thian, Miao Wang, Zuyong Wang, Lei Ren
Summary: Healthcare-acquired infections and bacterial resistance pose urgent global challenges, prompting a need for smart alternative solutions. Antibacterial materials in medical and hygiene settings have gained interest, with surface design strategies offering effective alternatives to antibiotics. Progress has been made in preventing infections through strategies that inhibit bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giovanna Gallo, Speranza Rubattu, Camillo Autore, Massimo Volpe
Summary: Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are important in regulating heart function and have beneficial effects in cardiovascular diseases. They serve as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis, and can guide treatment strategies for improved outcomes. Therapies based on the properties and regulation of NPs are being developed for heart failure, hypertension, and other cardiovascular conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Prashant Kumar, Yuvraj Anandrao Jagtap, Som Mohanlal Patwa, Sumit Kinger, Ankur Rakesh Dubey, Vijay Kumar Prajapati, Rohan Dhiman, Krishna Mohan Poluri, Amit Mishra
Summary: Evidence suggests that defective proteostasis may contribute to cancer risk factors, while the autophagy mechanism plays a key role in maintaining normal cellular homeostasis to prevent tumorigenesis. Despite the importance of autophagy in tumor suppression, the precise molecular mechanisms are not yet clear.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Erica Pranzini, Giovanni Raugei, Maria Letizia Taddei
Summary: Tumor recurrence is a major challenge for cancer patients, as cancer cells can enter a dormant state before re-emerging. The mechanisms behind this dormant state and subsequent awakening are largely unknown, but cancer metabolism is gaining attention as a critical driver of tumor progression. This review focuses on the metabolic adaptations of dormant cancer cells and their role in tumor re-growth. Understanding these metabolic pathways could lead to novel therapeutic approaches to prevent tumor recurrence.
Review
Cell Biology
Jing Yang, Qiu-yi Song, Shu-xuan Niu, Hui-jing Chen, Robert B. Petersen, Yu Zhang, Kun Huang
Summary: ANGPTLs, a family of secreted glycoproteins, play key roles in lipid metabolism and inflammation. Their potential roles and mechanisms in inflammatory diseases have attracted significant attention from researchers.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shilin Wang, Jiaojiao Zheng, Liang Ma, Robert B. Petersen, Li Xu, Kun Huang
Summary: Protein aggregation is closely related to the development of PMDs, and inhibiting the formation of toxic protein aggregates is seen as a potential therapeutic approach. Nanomaterials have shown promise in this regard, but the precise mechanisms of interaction with amyloidogenic proteins are still not well understood. Rational design strategies must consider factors such as size, charge, concentration, surface modification, and morphology to achieve desired effects on protein aggregation.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yixue Huang, Yunhao Xie, Dong Yang, Mingrui Xiong, Xingrui Chen, Di Wu, Qing Wang, Hong Chen, Ling Zheng, Kun Huang
Summary: Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is a major cause of acute liver failure. Recent research suggests that the epigenetic enzyme Utx plays a key role in APAP-induced liver injury by promoting the clearance of toxic metabolites and alleviating ER stress. Additionally, overexpression of Sult2a1 can reduce APAP overdose-induced liver injury.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Qing Wang, Yuchen Chen, Yunhao Xie, Dong Yang, Yuyan Sun, Yangmian Yuan, Hong Chen, Yu Zhang, Kun Huang, Ling Zheng
Summary: Linker histone H1.2 plays a significant role in hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating the activation of STAT3 and participating in inflammatory response. Blocking the H1.2/STAT3 loop may be a potential strategy for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hong Chen, Chong Liu, Qian Wang, Mingrui Xiong, Xia Zeng, Dong Yang, Yunhao Xie, Hua Su, Yu Zhang, Yixue Huang, Yuchen Chen, Junqiu Yue, Chengyu Liu, Shun Wang, Kun Huang, Ling Zheng
Summary: The global obesity epidemic has negative effects on human health by causing obesity-related kidney and liver diseases. The researchers found that knockout of the UTX gene inhibits lipid accumulation in the kidney and liver induced by a high-fat diet by increasing circulating serine levels. They also discovered that UTX regulates the degradation of phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase, a key enzyme in serine synthesis, which in turn affects renal and circulating serine levels. Importantly, oral administration of serine improves fatty liver and renal dysfunction induced by a high-fat diet. These findings suggest potential treatment targets for obesity-related metabolic disorders.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Chengyu Liu, Wanyao Yan, Jiajian Shi, Shun Wang, Anlin Peng, Yuchen Chen, Kun Huang
Summary: Individuals with obesity have shown worse prognosis and higher mortality in the COVID-19 pandemic. Dyslipidemia, a common condition in obese individuals, plays a major role in the severity of COVID-19. The use of statins, lipid-regulating drugs, has been associated with a reduced risk of progressing to severe illness and in-hospital death in COVID-19 patients. However, caution should be taken due to potential side effects and concerns about interference with COVID-19 vaccines. Further clinical trials are needed to fully understand the benefits, harms, and mechanisms of statin use in the context of COVID-19.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dong Yang, Yu Fan, Mingrui Xiong, Yuchen Chen, Yihao Zhou, Xikai Liu, Yangmian Yuan, Qing Wang, Yu Zhang, Robert B. Petersen, Hua Su, Junqiu Yue, Chun Zhang, Hong Chen, Kun Huang, Ling Zheng
Summary: Surgery-induced renal ischemia and reperfusion injury (I/R) and nephrotoxic drugs like cisplatin can lead to acute kidney injury (AKI), for which there is no effective therapy. Our study found that the histone methyltransferase G9a, encoded by the Ehmt2 gene, is upregulated in AKI patients and mouse kidneys. Inhibiting G9a reduces lipid accumulation and improves AKI outcomes. Further investigation revealed that G9a suppresses the lipolytic enzyme Ces1 and competes with farnesoid X receptor (FXR) for binding to the Ces1 promoter regions. Ces1 downregulation is consistently observed in AKI patients' kidneys. Inhibiting Ces1 increases lipid accumulation, worsens renal I/R injury, and negates the beneficial effects observed in mice with G9a knockout. Furthermore, lipid-lowering atorvastatin and an FXR agonist alleviate AKI by activating Ces1 and reducing renal lipid accumulation. Overall, our study uncovers a G9a/FXR-Ces1 axis that affects AKI outcomes by regulating renal lipid accumulation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chen Yang, Huidie Xu, Dong Yang, Yunhao Xie, Mingrui Xiong, Yu Fan, XiKai Liu, Yu Zhang, Yushuo Xiao, Yuchen Chen, Yihao Zhou, Liangliang Song, Chen Wang, Anlin Peng, Robert B. Petersen, Hong Chen, Kun Huang, Ling Zheng
Summary: The study demonstrates that renal specific Kim1 knockout alleviates acute kidney injury (AKI) and reveals a YY1-KIM1-DR5 axis in the progression of AKI, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies against AKI.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yangmian Yuan, Yu Fan, Yihao Zhou, Rong Qiu, Wei Kang, Yu Liu, Yuchen Chen, Chenyu Wang, Jiajian Shi, Chengyu Liu, Yangkai Li, Min Wu, Kun Huang, Yong Liu, Ling Zheng
Summary: This study reveals the metabolic function of the H1.2-IL10rα axis in inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) by regulating browning and thermogenesis. H1.2 senses thermogenic stimuli in beige and brown adipocytes and positively regulates the expression of Il10rα to suppress thermogenesis.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Chengyu Liu, Hong Chen, Bicheng Hu, Jiajian Shi, Yuchen Chen, Kun Huang
Summary: The widespread clinical use of statins has significantly reduced cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Dyslipidemia is found to be an important risk factor for cancer, and statins act as powerful inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase to prevent and intervene in cancer development and enhance sensitivity to anti-cancer drugs. The anti-cancer mechanisms of statins include inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis and modulation of angiogenesis, apoptosis, autophagy, tumor metastasis, and tumor microenvironment. Clinical studies have shown the therapeutic potentials and feasibility of combining statins with other anti-cancer agents in cancer prevention and treatment.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Mingrui Xiong, Hong Chen, Yu Fan, Muchuan Jin, Dong Yang, Yuchen Chen, Yu Zhang, Robert B. Petersen, Hua Su, Anlin Peng, Congyi Wang, Ling Zheng, Kun Huang
Summary: Ischemia-reperfusion injury is a common cause of acute kidney injury. This study reveals that the endogenous tubular ELA-APJ axis plays a pivotal role in attenuating ischemia-reperfusion-induced AKI. Improving renal blood flow by inhibiting ARG2 and activating PGE2 is an effective treatment for AKI and prevents the subsequent AKI-CKD transition.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jiao Wang, Mingrui Xiong, Yu Fan, Chengyu Liu, Qing Wang, Dong Yang, Yangmian Yuan, Yixue Huang, Shun Wang, Yu Zhang, Shuxuan Niu, Junqiu Yue, Hua Su, Chun Zhang, Hong Chen, Ling Zheng, Kun Huang
Summary: This study reveals a protective role of Mecp2 in acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by ischemia-reperfusion, suggesting that it inhibits renal tubular damage, inflammation, and fibrosis by suppressing the Il-6/STAT3 signaling pathway.
