Review
Oncology
Kohei Okuyama, Souichi Yanamoto
Summary: TMEM16A overexpression in HNSCC is associated with tumor grade, metastasis, low survival, and poor prognosis. Its interaction with TGF-beta indirectly clarifies the mechanism of TMEM16A-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition. HPV infection can modulate TMEM16A expression along with EGFR, serving as a potential co-biomarker of HPV-positive cancers. Considering the interaction between TMEM16A and EGFR as well as HPV-induced HNSCC, combination therapy targeting TMEM16A and PD-L1 may enhance the survival rate of HNSCC patients.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Shivani Gokani, Lokesh Kumar Bhatt
Summary: Bromodomains are a diverse group of proteins involved in cellular functions, with BRD2 and BRD4 playing critical roles in the cell cycle and oncogenesis. Targeting bromodomain proteins as potential epigenetic targets for cancer treatment is an emerging area of research.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Mayur D. Mody, James W. Rocco, Sue S. Yom, Robert Haddad, Nabil F. Saba
Summary: Head and neck cancer is the seventh most common type of cancer worldwide, with the predominant risk factors being tobacco use, alcohol abuse, and oncogenic viruses. Treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary approach with surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic therapy, and is challenging due to site-specific and histology-specific variations.
Review
Oncology
Nabil F. F. Saba, Saagar Pamulapati, Bhamini Patel, Mayur Mody, Primoz Strojan, Robert Takes, Antti A. A. Maekitie, Oded Cohen, Pia Pace-Asciak, Jan B. B. Vermorken, Carol Bradford, Arlene Forastiere, Yong Teng, Andreas Wieland, Alfio Ferlito
Summary: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a common malignancy, with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) being the majority of cases. The incidence of HPV-related OPSCC, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), is increasing rapidly. Immunotherapy has shown promise in managing recurrent and metastatic HNC, leading to interest in its application for HPV-related OPSCC. This review focuses on the immune characteristics and potential for immunotherapy in this virus-driven cancer.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Robert Kubina, Marcello Iriti, Agata Kabala-Dzik
Summary: Flavonols, commonly found in fruits and vegetables, offer various health benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor properties. Research indicates their potential in interfering with cancer progression through modulation of signal transduction pathways.
Article
Oncology
Malay K. Sannigrahi, Austin C. Cao, Pavithra Rajagopalan, Lova Sun, Robert M. Brody, Lovely Raghav, Phyllis A. Gimotty, Devraj Basu
Summary: This study integrated multiple tools to filter DepMap data and identified new therapeutic targets specific to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The study established a generalizable pipeline to prioritize clinically relevant targets for individual cancer types using DepMap. Findings suggest novel therapeutic potential for PAK2 inhibition in HNSCC and identify biomarkers of PAK2 inhibitor response.
MOLECULAR ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marta Witkowska, Ewelina Golusinska-Kardach, Wojciech Golusinski, Ewa Florek
Summary: Head and neck cancers are common worldwide, but current therapies lack specificity and have systemic effects. Nanomaterials, specifically polydopamine, show promise in overcoming these limitations. Polydopamine has unique properties that make it suitable for chemotherapy, photothermal therapy, targeted therapy, and combination therapies for more effective cancer cell reduction. This review presents the current knowledge on the potential use of polydopamine in head and neck cancer research.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Mischa de Ridder, Cornelis P. J. Raaijmakers, Frank A. Pameijer, Remco de Bree, Floris C. J. Reinders, Patricia A. H. Doornaert, Chris H. J. Terhaard, Marielle E. P. Philippens
Summary: MRI-guided radiotherapy has become more routine in the treatment of head and neck cancer. It provides superior anatomical imaging and functional information, while reducing radiation dose to organs at risk.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dominika Radomska, Robert Czarnomysy, Dominik Radomski, Krzysztof Bielawski
Summary: This review discusses the research on the anticancer activity of selenium compounds, including the different classes of selenium compounds and their mechanisms of action, which are important for developing more effective cancer treatments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Fani Koutsougianni, Dimitra Alexopoulou, Ayca Uvez, Andromachi Lamprianidou, Evangelia Sereti, Chrisiida Tsimplouli, Elif Ilkay Armutak, Konstantinos Dimas
Summary: The 90 kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) family of proteins, downstream effectors of the Ras/ERK/MAPK signaling cascade, play important roles in various cellular processes and have been implicated in cancer. This review summarizes recent advances in RSK signaling, including biological insights, functions, mechanisms associated with carcinogenesis, and the development of pharmacological inhibitors for potential anticancer therapeutic strategies.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bianka Gurbi, Diana Brauswetter, Kinga Penzes, Attila Varga, Tibor Krenacs, Kornel Danos, Ede Birtalan, Laszlo Tamas, Miklos Csala
Summary: The poor prognosis of head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is due to the lack of prognostic and predictive markers. The Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway is activated by overexpressed epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and promotes the progression of HNSCCs. Our study investigated the effects of EGFR and MEK inhibitors on HNSCC-cell lines and found variations in sensitivity among different cell lines. The feedback activation of Akt through EGFR played a role in FaDu cells, while the insensitivity of Detroit 562 cells might be due to a PIK3CA mutation. The versatility of EGFR-initiated signaling pathways in HNSCC cell lines justifies the combined application of EGFR and MEK inhibitors.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Hongxi Chen, Lei Zhou, Juanni Li, Kuan Hu
Summary: This study found abnormal expression of ALKBH members in breast cancer and their association with tumor stage and subclasses. Higher alteration rates of ALKBH family were observed in breast cancer and several cancer-associated signal pathways were related to ALKBH family. Infiltration of immune cells was strongly related to ALKBHs. Furthermore, ALKBH7 was correlated with worse prognosis in breast cancer patients.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Chia-Hsien Yeh, Juan Chen, Gang Zheng, Leaf Huang, Yih-Chih Hsu
Summary: This study combined novel nanoparticle-based photodynamic therapy and gene therapy to effectively treat head and neck cancer. Results showed significant tumor volume reduction and effective inhibition of EGFR expression with the combined therapy, suggesting potential clinical applications in the future.
Review
Oncology
Anne M. van Harten, Ruud H. Brakenhoff
Summary: Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) develop from mucosal cells in the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx due to prolonged exposure to tobacco and alcohol, or high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV-negative HNSCC patients have lower survival rates, and current treatment options seem to have reached a plateau.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Juliana Runnels, Julie R. Bloom, Kristin Hsieh, Daniel R. Dickstein, Yuhao Shi, Brianna M. Jones, Eric J. Lehrer, Richard L. Bakst
Summary: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a prevalent and deadly disease worldwide. Immunotherapy has shown promise as a treatment option for HNSCC, and combining it with radiation therapy (RT) may enhance effectiveness. This review highlights the advantages of combining RT and immunotherapy, such as improved tumor response rates, increased survival, and reduced toxicity, while also discussing the challenges in redefining the standard of care and the need for further research.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Malwina Hyjek-Skladanowska, Brooke A. Anderson, Vitaliy Mykhaylyk, Christian Orr, Armin Wagner, Jaroslaw T. Poznanski, Krzysztof Skowronek, Punit Seth, Marcin Nowotny
Summary: This study investigates the structural and biochemical interactions between phosphorothioate-modified antisense oligonucleotides and annexin A2 protein. The researchers found that a unique mode of hydrophobic interactions accounts for the enhanced affinity of modified nucleic acids for the protein. This mechanism of interaction is not only observed for nucleic acid-binding proteins but also accounts for the association of phosphorothioate-modified oligonucleotides with other proteins.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Damian Mielecki, Elzbieta Grzesiuk, Anna Bednarska, Damian Garbicz, Bianka Swiderska, Malgorzata Grzesiuk
Summary: The study aimed to determine the impact of anticancer drugs, cyclophosphamide (CP) and cisplatin (CDDP), on Daphnia magna in freshwater ecosystems. The researchers found that D. magna exposed to these drugs experienced decreased growth rate and number of eggs laid, as well as increased age at first reproduction. Analysis indicated that these changes were due to alterations in gene/transcript expression. Furthermore, it was observed that CDDP had a stronger effect on the organisms compared to CP.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Daniel Baranowski, Adam Mieczkowski, Damian Trzybinski, Krzysztof Wozniak, Katarzyna Bednarska-Szczepaniak, Zofia Gdaniec, Zbigniew J. Lesnikowski
Summary: Detailed studies using NMR, crystallography, and ab initio methods were conducted on boron cluster-modified adenosine and 2'-deoxyadenosine derivatives, revealing consistent results. Introduction of bulky substituents at position C8 of adenosine resulted in increased population of syn conformation around the glycosidic bond, accompanied by a predominance of the South-type conformation and the presence of the + sc rotamer. Intramolecular hydrogen bond formation between 5 ' O -H and N3 was observed due to the coexistence of syn conformation, South-type conformation, and + sc rotamer. The crystal structures of adenosine-boron cluster derivatives were reported for the first time.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maria Winiewska-Szajewska, Honorata Czapinska, Magdalena Kaus-Drobek, Anna Fricke, Kinga Mieczkowska, Michal Dadlez, Matthias Bochtler, Jaroslaw Poznanski
Summary: This study investigates the binding mechanism of CK2 kinase and demonstrates that the ligand pose can be controlled by electrostatic interactions rather than halogen bonding at near-neutral pH values.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elzbieta Speina, Marcin Wilczek, Adam Mieczkowski
Summary: In this study, a synthesis method for two benzodiazepine dimers was developed, and the synthesized compounds showed promising cytotoxic activity against lung cancer and carcinoma cell lines while exhibiting selectivity against normal cells. These compounds can be considered as a new group of anticancer agents and convenient structures for further optimization in the search for more active and selective molecules.
Correction
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ewa Izabela Podobas, Danuta Gutowska-Owsiak, Sebastien Moretti, Jaroslaw Poznanski, Mariusz Kulinczak, Marcin Grynberg, Aleksandra Gruca, Arkadiusz Bonna, Dawid Plonka, Tomasz Fraczyk, Graham Ogg, Wojciech Bal
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Agata Lipko, Cezary Paczkowski, Laura Perez-Fons, Paul D. Fraser, Magdalena Kania, Marta Hoffman-Sommer, Witold Danikiewicz, Michel Rohmer, Jaroslaw Poznanski, Ewa Swiezewska
Summary: This study investigated the biosynthesis of dolichols and polyprenols in plant cells. It found that dolichols are derived from both the MEP and MVA pathways, while polyprenols are predominantly synthesized via the MEP pathway. The study also developed a novel methodology for analyzing isotopologues of metabolically labeled isoprenoids.
BIOCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Nils Ludwig, Saigopalakrishna S. Yerneni, Malgorzata Harasymczuk, Miroslaw J. Szczepanski, Alicja Gluszko, Wojciech Kukwa, Theresa Jordan, Gerrit Spanier, Juergen Taxis, Steffen Spoerl, Johannes K. Meier, Cynthia S. Hinck, Phil G. Campbell, Torsten E. Reichert, Andrew P. Hinck, Theresa L. Whiteside
Summary: This study investigates the contributions of TGF beta-carrying exosomes to the progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Circulating TGF beta(+) exosomes emerge as potential non-invasive biomarkers for disease progression in HNSCC.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Emilia Baranowska, Katarzyna Niedzwiecka, Chiranjit Panja, Camille Charles, Alain Dautant, Jaroslaw Poznanski, Jean-Paul di Rago, Deborah Tribouillard-Tanvier, Roza Kucharczyk
Summary: The number of mtDNA variants detected in patients with neurodegenerative diseases is increasing, making it difficult to evaluate their functional consequences and pathogenicity. Saccharomyces cerevisiae provides a convenient model to investigate the functional consequences of these variants. Yeast models of certain MT-ATP6 gene variants showed significant defects in growth and ATP production, indicating their pathogenicity, while yeast models of other variants showed mild or no effect on mitochondrial function, suggesting they do not have the potential to compromise human health.
DISEASE MODELS & MECHANISMS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chiranjit Panja, Katarzyna Niedzwiecka, Emilia Baranowska, Jaroslaw Poznanski, Roza Kucharczyk
Summary: Defects in ATP synthase due to gene variants in its mitochondrially encoded subunits can lead to untreatable mitochondrial diseases. However, studying these variants is challenging due to their low frequency, mitochondrial DNA heteroplasmy, and mitochondrial genome polymorphisms. In this study, yeast was used as a model to investigate the effects of gene variants in the MT-ATP6 and MT-ATP8 subunits, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of amino acid substitutions on ATP synthase functioning and potential structural consequences.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Julia Macyszyn, Michal Burmistrz, Adam Mieczkowski, Monika Wojciechowska, Joanna Trylska
Summary: The misuse and overuse of antibiotics has led to bacterial resistance, limiting the use of existing aminoglycoside antibiotics. To combat multidrug-resistant bacteria, researchers have developed a combination of neomycin and amikacin with an antimicrobial peptide called anoplin. These hybrid compounds have shown enhanced antibacterial activity against resistant strains and low hemolytic activity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Malgorzata Habich, Bartosz Pawlinski, Kamil Lorenc, Maria Sady, Katarzyna Siewruk, Piotr Zielenkiewicz, Zdzislaw Gajewski, Jaroslaw Poznanski, Leszek Paczek, Pawel Szczesny
Summary: Assessing inorganic phosphate levels is crucial for understanding the biochemical state of organisms or tissues. Blood phosphate levels are not a reliable indicator of tissue levels, making tissue biopsy the dominant method for assessment. This study aimed to find a non-invasive biomarker for tissue phosphate levels and discovered a significant correlation between the amplitude ratio of low frequency and high frequency bands in electromyography signals and relative phosphate levels. These findings could lead to the development of a real-time measurement procedure for phosphate fluctuations.
ACTA BIOCHIMICA POLONICA
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katherine Burchiellaro, Adam Mieczkowski
Summary: Cyclonucleosides are nucleoside derivatives with an additional covalent bond connecting the heterocyclic base and sugar ring. They have various applications in medicinal chemistry and biochemistry, and can act as biocides, enzyme inhibitors, and molecular probes. This review summarizes recent progress in the synthesis of purine and pyrimidine cyclonucleosides using different chemical approaches, and discusses their potential applications in medicinal chemistry and as valuable intermediates in the synthesis of nucleoside analogues and heterocyclic compounds.
MOLECULAR DIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Julia Zofia Tomaszewska, Marcel Mlynczak, Apostolos Georgakis, Christos Chousidis, Magdalena Ladogorska, Wojciech Kukwa
Summary: This paper presents an alternative method for heart rate detection and monitoring using tracheal audio recordings. The system achieves high accuracy and reliability by implementing digital filtering and peak detection algorithms, and it can be used for heart rate assessment in home-based sleep disorder diagnostics.
