Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Junko Fujihara, Yoshikazu Takinami, Yasuyuki Kawai, Kaori Kimura-Kataoka, Haruo Takeshita
Summary: The study found significantly higher serum cfDNA concentrations in postmortem subjects compared to healthy controls and patients with cardiac disease, especially in those who died from asphyxia. Fragment larger than 10,000 bp was rare in postmortem samples, while a high concentration of 150-200 bp fragments was characteristic of postmortem subjects.
CLINICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Zijian Hu, Honghong Chen, Yanzhu Long, Ping Li, Yueqing Gu
Summary: Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is an emerging biomarker with huge potential for clinical application, especially in liquid biopsy field. Understanding the biological knowledge of cfDNA is beneficial for catalyzing the transformation process.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ONCOLOGY HEMATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Yaojia Chen, Yuxin Gong, Lijun Dou, Xun Zhou, Ying Zhang
Summary: This review discusses the contributions of bioinformatics tools to the study of cfDNA, focusing on cfDNA identification signals, identification methods, and its relationship with human diseases such as hepatic cancer, lung cancer, end-stage kidney disease, and ischemic stroke. The research significance and existing problems of using cfDNA as a biomarker for diseases are also discussed.
COMPUTERS IN BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nemany A. N. Hanafy, Stefano Leporatti, Maged A. El-Kemary
Summary: The current study evaluated the treatment efficacy of ECHCAH in vitro on human triple-negative breast cancer cells, showing a significant inhibitory effect on cell growth at different concentrations. Flow cytometry results indicated an increase in late apoptotic and necrotic cells under the influence of ECHCA, suggesting its potential to inhibit cancer cell proliferation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Sasimol Udomruk, Areerak Phanphaisarn, Thanat Kanthawang, Apiwat Sangphukieo, Songphon Sutthitthasakul, Siripong Tongjai, Pimpisa Teeyakasem, Patcharawadee Thongkumkoon, Santhasiri Orrapin, Sutpirat Moonmuang, Jeerawan Klangjorhor, Arnat Pasena, Pathacha Suksakit, Sivamoke Dissook, Pitithat Puranachot, Jongkolnee Settakorn, Tonapha Pusadee, Dumnoensu Pruksakorn, Parunya Chaiyawat
Summary: This study analyzed the size distribution of cfDNA and its prognostic and diagnostic values in an osteosarcoma cohort. The results showed that the size of cfDNA fragments in osteosarcoma patients was significantly shorter than in healthy donors. Integrative analysis of size distribution and level of cfDNA achieved a high specificity and sensitivity of 100%. Shortened cfDNA fragments were found to be a major source of mutations.
CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Ching-Yun Kung, Wen-Liang Fang, Yi-Ping Hung, Kuo-Hung Huang, Ming -Huang Chen, Yee Chao, Shih-Chieh Lin, Anna Fen-Yau Li, Su -Shun Lo, Chew-Wun Wu
Summary: Compared to earlier stages, stage IV gastric cancer patients showed significantly higher levels of cell-free DNA (cfDNA). This study analyzed cfDNA and tumor DNA using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and found different mutation patterns between the two. The most commonly mutated genes in tumor samples were TP53, ARID1A, KMT2C, and KMT2D, while in cfDNA samples, FAT4 and MACF1 were the most commonly mutated genes. The concordance of mutation patterns between cfDNA and tumor DNA was 42.0%. The study suggests that monitoring cfDNA mutation patterns could be useful in the treatment of stage IV gastric cancer.
Review
Cell Biology
Yan-yan Yan, Qiao-ru Guo, Feng-hua Wang, Rameshwar Adhikari, Zhuang-yan Zhu, Hai-yan Zhang, Wen-min Zhou, Hua Yu, Jing-quan Li, Jian-ye Zhang
Summary: Cell-free DNA plays a crucial role in cancer management and can be utilized for cancer screening, early diagnosis, therapeutic evaluation, monitoring disease progression, and determining disease prognosis.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Biyuan Luo, Fang Ma, Hao Liu, Jixiong Hu, Le Rao, Chun Liu, Yongfang Jiang, Shuyu Kuangzeng, Xuan Lin, Chenyang Wang, Yiyu Lei, Zhongzhou Si, Guangshun Chen, Ning Zhou, Chengbai Liang, Fangqing Jiang, Fenge Liu, Weidong Dai, Wei Liu, Yawen Gao, Zhihong Li, Xi Li, Guangyu Zhou, Bingsi Li, Zhihong Zhang, Weiqi Nian, Lihua Luo, Xianling Liu
Summary: This study developed a sensitive blood-based non-invasive screening model for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that can effectively distinguish early-stage HCC patients from high-risk population, and it demonstrated superior performance in an independent validation cohort.
Article
Biophysics
A. K. M. Arifuzzman, Norh Asmare, Tevhide Ozkaya-Ahmadov, Ozgun Civelekoglu, Ningquan Wang, A. Fatih Sarioglu
Summary: Characterization and identification of cell populations using surface markers are crucial in various applications. However, conventional techniques are limited by the need for immunolabeling, expensive instruments, and skilled operators. This study introduces an autonomous microchip that can electronically quantify the immunophenotypical composition of a cell suspension. The microchip captures different cell subtypes in separate microfluidic chambers and electrically monitors all on-chip activity, allowing real-time determination of subpopulation fractions. The capability to analyze immune cells without labels has the potential to enable remote testing and quality control in cell manufacturing.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Iben Lyskjaer, Neesha Kara, Solange De Noon, Christopher Davies, Ana Maia Rocha, Anna-Christina Strobl, Inga Usher, Craig Gerrand, Sandra J. Strauss, Daniel Schrimpf, Andreas von Deimling, Stephan Beck, Adrienne M. Flanagan
Summary: The study aimed to discover and validate methylation-based biomarkers to detect plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in osteosarcoma (OS) patients and explore their utility as prognostic markers. The findings showed the potential of mutation-independent methylation-based ctDNA assays for OS and laid the foundation for further multi-institutional collaborative studies on plasma-derived biomarkers in the management of OS.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Elmo W. I. Neuberger, Stephanie Sontag, Alexandra Brahmer, Keito F. A. Philippi, Markus P. Radsak, Wolfgang Wagner, Perikles Simon
Summary: Physical activity leads to an increase in cell-free DNA, with the majority of this DNA originating from granulocytes, which could compromise the accuracy of liquid biopsy.
CLINICAL EPIGENETICS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Francis Adu-Amankwaah, Kudzanai Ian Tapfuma, Raeesa Hoosen Hussan, Ndivhuwo Tshililo, Lucinda Baatjies, Maano Valerie Masiphephethu, Lawrence Mabasa, Vuyo Mavumengwana
Summary: Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women globally. This study investigated the potential use of nine Fynbos plants in treating breast cancer and found that E. racemosa and S. africana-lutea are promising candidates for further development of therapeutic agents.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Hematology
Elisabeth K. M. Mack, Soren Hartmann, Petra Ross, Ellen Wollmer, Christoph Mann, Andreas Neubauer, Cornelia Brendel, Jorg Hoffmann
Summary: Novel analytical approaches accurately assess disease burden in multiple myeloma patients and are particularly valuable for monitoring patients with serologically non-trackable disease.
ANNALS OF HEMATOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Hallie Gaitsch, Robin J. M. Franklin, Daniel S. Reich
Summary: This article reviews recent developments in the application of cell-free DNA-based liquid biopsies to neurological diseases, including CNS tumours, stroke, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and neuroinfectious disease. The article discusses the types of liquid biopsy targets, methods used to identify and probe potential liquid biomarkers, and recent applications of such biomarkers to a variety of complex neurological conditions. The challenges and opportunities for translating liquid biopsies to use in clinical neurology settings are also discussed.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Julia Burrill, Anju Kombara, Barbara Daniel, Nunzianda Frascione
Summary: Although touch deposit DNA is widely used in forensic casework, there is limited understanding of its cellular and acellular contents and their biological origins. This study optimized centrifugal separation techniques to reliably remove cellular debris and investigated purification methods for cfDNA recovery. The findings suggest that purification methods designed for short DNA fragments yield higher recovery rates for cfDNA deposited by handling compared to traditional genomic techniques.
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL-GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Angelique Lewies, Johannes Frederik Wentzel, Hayley Christy Miller, Lissinda Hester Du Plessis
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Angelique Lewies, Lissinda H. Du Plessis, Johannes F. Wentzel
PROBIOTICS AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROTEINS
(2019)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Anja Haasbroek, Clarissa Willers, Matthew Glyn, Lissinda du Plessis, Josias Hamman
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mandi Erasmus, Lissinda H. du Plessis, Joe M. Viljoen
JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Christi A. Wilkins, Lissinda H. du Plessis, Joe M. Viljoen
DRUG DEVELOPMENT AND INDUSTRIAL PHARMACY
(2020)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ho Ning Wong, Angelique Lewies, Michaela Haigh, Joe M. Viljoen, Johannes F. Wentzel, Richard K. Haynes, Lissinda H. du Plessis
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mduduzi N. Sithole, Suzanne Marais, Sumari M. Maree, Lissinda H. Du Plessis, Jeanetta Du Plessis, Minja Gerber
Summary: This research explores the development of nano-emulsions and nano-emulgels as potential alternative delivery systems for statins via transdermal administration. Characterization of the nano-formulations revealed efficient encapsulation of the statins and differential release profiles. These results suggest the potential benefits of nano-emulsions and nano-emulgels as alternative transdermal delivery systems for statins.
EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG DELIVERY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Christi A. Wilkins, Lissinda H. du Plessis, Joe M. Viljoen
Summary: The study investigated the use of directly compressed lipid matrix tablets as drug delivery systems to enhance the dissolution and release kinetics of highly lipophilic antimalarial drugs, potentially improving current malaria treatment regimens.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Eun Bin Seo, Lissinda H. du Plessis, Joe M. Viljoen
Summary: This article discusses the potential of specialized oral lipophilic drug delivery systems in improving the absorption of anti-malarial drugs, as well as the importance of solidification techniques in enhancing product stability and patient compliance.
Article
Immunology
Martha M. O'Kennedy, Peter Coetzee, Otto Koekemoer, Lissinda Du Plessis, Carina W. Lourens, Lusisizwe Kwezi, Ilse Du Preez, Sipho Mamputha, Nobalanda B. Mokoena, Daria A. Rutkowska, Jan A. Verschoor, Yolandy Lemmer
Summary: Next generation vaccines have great potential in revolutionizing the veterinary vaccine industry. This study successfully produced AHSV serotype 5 chimaeric virus-like particles (VLPs) and soluble viral protein 2 (VP2) in Nicotiana benthamiana DXT/FT plants, and demonstrated their protective efficacy as vaccine candidates. The findings have implications for vaccine development and serological assays.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Maryke de Villiers, Lissinda H. Du Plessis
Summary: Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems are increasingly being used in drug discovery and tissue engineering due to their ability to provide more physiologically relevant information and predictive data. This study focused on developing a new cell assay technique to measure and evaluate 3D bioprinted structures, which are larger and more complex compared to traditional two-dimensional cultures. The researchers successfully validated a flow cytometry-based analytical method on 3D cell-laden melanoma hydrogel scaffolds, demonstrating its robustness, reproducibility, and sensitivity. They were also able to determine the effect of a specific drug on melanoma cells using apoptosis assays.
BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Tawona N. Chinembiri, Lissinda H. du Plessis, Clarissa Willers, Lester M. Davids, Minja Gerber, Jeanetta du Plessis
Summary: The study found that extracts and main bioactive compounds of Withania somnifera, including withaferin A and withanolide A, showed high cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on melanoma cells, while having minimal impact on keratinocytes. Additionally, the pure compounds exhibited greater efficacy than the crude extracts in both 2D and 3D environments.
REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE FARMACOGNOSIA-BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOGNOSY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
S. Maree, J. L. du Preez, L. H. du Plessis, J. Plessis, M. Gerber
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
S. Marais, J. L. du Preez, L. H. du Plessis, J. du Plessis, M. Gerber
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Corli de Klerk, Elvis Fosso-Kankeu, L. Du Plessis, S. Marx
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
G. F. Senguel, R. Mishra, E. Candiello, P. Schu
Summary: AP2 forms AP2 CCV with clathrin and other coat proteins, and synapses contain different types of CCV. The stability and composition of CCV are regulated by various factors, including Hsc70 and phosphorylation patterns. The knockout of the AP1/O1B complex disrupts synaptic vesicle recycling and endosomal protein sorting, leading to upregulation of endocytosis. Stable CCV, termed stCCV, have distinct characteristics and specialized functions in synaptic plasticity. The phosphorylation of Hsc70 and the levels of kinases play a crucial role in regulating the stability and disassembly of clathrin in CCV.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martin Fluck, Colline Sanchez, Vincent Jacquemond, Christine Berthier, Marie-Noelle Giraud, Daniel Jacko, Kathe Bersiner, Sebastian Gehlert, Guus Baan, Richard T. Jaspers
Summary: Enhancing CaMKII signaling improves fatigue resistance and contractile characteristics of skeletal muscle by enhancing calcium release.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH
(2024)
Letter
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Federica Coppola, Sara Monaci, Alessandro Falsini, Carlo Aldinucci, Irene Filippi, Daniela Rossi, Fabio Carraro, Antonella Naldini
Summary: The adaptor protein p62 plays a crucial role in maintaining the survival of dendritic cells (DCs) under hypoxic conditions by preserving Erk1/2 phosphorylation and reducing AMPK activation, thus extending their lifespan to ensure their functions in hypoxic microenvironments.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jenifer Pendiuk Goncalves, Jorvani Cruz Villarreal, Sierra A. Walker, Xuan Ning Sharon Tan, Chad Borges, Joy Wolfram
Summary: This study used a mass spectrometry-based approach to assess the differences in glycan features between extracellular vesicles (EVs) and originating cells. The results showed that EVs selectively enriched specific glycan features, particularly those associated with binding to the extracellular matrix. The study also found differences in EV glycan sorting between different metastatic cell lines and mouse models, indicating a potential role of glycan diversity in the metastatic process.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
De-ao Gong, Peng Zhou, Wen-yi Chang, Jia-yao Yang, Yan-lai Zhang, Ai-long Huang, Ni Tang, Kai Wang
Summary: Liver cancer, ranked sixth globally, is a major contributor to cancer-related mortality. Metastasis is the main cause of treatment failure and deaths in liver cancer. The SPOP-CREB5-MET axis plays a significant role in liver cancer metastasis.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ning Huang, Jun Tang, Xiaoyao Yi, Maoxin Zhang, Bin Li, Yuan Cheng, Jin Chen
Summary: This study reveals that glioma-derived S100A9 can induce microglial M2 polarization, inhibit CD8+ T lymphocytes, and promote immunosuppression. The mechanism is related to the interaction with alpha v133 integrin and subsequent activation of AKT1 in microglia. The expression of S100A9 is positively associated with CD206 expression and negatively correlated with CD8+ T lymphocyte accumulation in the TME, suggesting a potential role of S100A9 in regulating the tumor microenvironment and immune evasion in glioma.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yomna S. Abd El-Aziz, Matthew J. McKay, Mark P. Molloy, Betty McDowell, Elizabeth Moon, Loretta Sioson, Amy Sheen, Angela Chou, Anthony J. Gill, Patric J. Jansson, Sumit Sahni
Summary: This study identified a novel combination of autophagy inhibitors that can effectively inhibit the proliferation of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells, including both chemosensitive and chemoresistant cells. This research is important for the development of new therapies for advanced OSCC tumors.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luojia Liu, Xiaoqiang Liu, Ying Chen, Meng Kong, Jinghong Zhang, Min Jiang, Hongling Zhou, Jinrui Yang, Xu Chen, Ze Zhang, Chao Wu, Xupin Jiang, Jiaping Zhang
Summary: Our study revealed that the Paxillin/HDAC6 signaling pathway regulates microtubule acetylation in electric field-guided keratinocyte migration.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Julia Weikum, Jeroen F. van Dyck, Saranya Subramani, David P. Klebl, Merete Storflor, Stephen P. Muench, Soren Abel, Frank Sobott, J. Preben Morth
Summary: The study reveals the complex interaction between bacterial magnesium transporter A (MgtA) and cardiolipin 18:1 and cardiolipin 16:0, highlighting the importance of lipid environment in protein activity and stability. Further understanding of Mg2+ homeostasis in bacteria will provide insights into bacterial infections.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sumit Kinger, Yuvraj Anandrao Jagtap, Ankur Rakesh Dubey, Prashant Kumar, Akash Choudhary, Rohan Dhiman, Vijay Kumar Prajapati, Deepak Chitkara, Krishna Mohan Poluri, Amit Mishra
Summary: Efficient protein synthesis and quality control mechanisms are crucial for maintaining proteostasis and preventing neurodegeneration. This study demonstrates that treating cells with Lanosterol can enhance the proteolytic activity of Proteasome and promote the removal of misfolded proteins, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for abnormal protein accumulation.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Karolina Stepien, Adrianna Skoneczna, Monika Kula-Maximenko, Lukasz Jurczyk, Mateusz Molon
Summary: The replication of DNA requires a complex machinery called the replisome, which is highly conserved across species. One crucial component of the replisome is the CMG helicase complex, which unwinds DNA and coordinates the assembly and function of other replisome components. In this study, the impact of the absence of one copy of the CMG complex genes on the physiology and aging of yeast cells was investigated. The findings showed disruptions in the cell cycle, extended doubling times, and alterations in the biochemical profile of these cells. Importantly, it was found that heterozygous cells for CMG helicase genes exhibited increased reproductive potential and delayed aging. The study also highlighted potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment using yeast.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nishadh Rathod, Guadalupe Guerrero-Serna, Howard S. Young, L. Michel Espinoza-Fonseca
Summary: This study reveals that replacing Lys27 with Asn enhances the inhibitory potency of MLN without affecting SERCA's affinity for Ca2+. The findings suggest that the SERCA site modulating Ca2+ affinity also functions as a catalytic activity switch.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Can Jiang, Chunyang Zhang, Min Dai, Fuyan Wang, Sa Xu, Dan Han, Yanyan Wang, Yajie Cao, Yanyan Liang, Ziyu Zhang, Lina Yan, Yujun Shen, Kewu He, Yuxian Shen, Jun Liu
Summary: The phosphorylation of p65 and the expression of SUMO1 are increased in cancer tissues of HCC patients, and there is a positive correlation between SUMO1 and phosphorylated p65. SUMOylation of p65 by SUMO1 promotes p65 nuclear import and enhances NF-xB activity. Both SUMOylation and phosphorylation of p65 increase the viability and invasion of hepatoma cells, and decrease cell apoptosis.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ming-Fo Hsu, Yoshihiro Ito, Jai Prakash Singh, Shu-Fang Hsu, Alan Wells, Kuang-Yu Jen, Tzu-Ching Meng, Fawaz G. Haj
Summary: This study identified alpha-actinin4 as a novel substrate of PTP1B in podocytes and demonstrated their interaction in regulating podocyte function. Targeting PTP1B and alpha-actinin4 could be a potential therapeutic approach for podocyte injury.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Paulo F. V. Bizerra, Eduardo H. Gilglioni, Hang Lam Li, Simei Go, Ronald P. J. Oude Elferink, Arthur J. Verhoeven, Jung -Chin Chang
Summary: This study investigates the role of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in glycogen metabolism and reveals that cAMP regulates glycogenolysis in opposite directions depending on its site of synthesis within cells and downstream effectors. The canonical tmAC-cAMP-PKA signaling promotes glycogenolysis, while the non-canonical sAC-cAMP-Epac1 signaling suppresses glycogenolysis. This highlights the importance of cAMP microdomain organization for distinct metabolic regulation.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH
(2024)