Article
Cell Biology
Weidong Jiang, Peiqi Zhu, Fangfang Huang, Zhenchen Zhao, Tao Zhang, Xiaoning An, Fengchun Liao, Lina Guo, Yan Liu, Nuo Zhou, Xuanping Huang
Summary: Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a method used to treat large bone defects in oral and maxillofacial surgery. This study found that the m(6)A modification level increases significantly during DO and is also elevated during EPC angiogenesis under hypoxic conditions, along with an increase in METTL3 levels. Inhibiting METTL3 in EPCs suppresses various angiogenic activities, while overexpression of METTL3 enhances these activities, suggesting that METTL3 accelerates bone regeneration during DO by promoting EPC angiogenesis through the PI3K/AKT pathway.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Yanan Lin, Yueying Jiang, Haiyu Xian, Xiaoxiao Cai, Tao Wang
Summary: In this research, the expression of the Pi3k/Akt pathway and VEGF in OSF were investigated, and their correlation was explored. It was found that the expression of Col-I increased as OSF progressed, but was downregulated in normal and moderate to advanced OSF tissues. VEGF expression correlated positively with Pi3k and Akt expression, and targeted regulation of the Pi3k/Akt pathway can induce VEGF expression and improve ischemia, ultimately treating OSF.
CELL PROLIFERATION
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Qingjie Mu, Kaixuan Lv, Jielun Yu, Shangmin Chu, Lichun Zhang, Lingyu Kong, Linlin Zhang, Yan Tian, Xiaopeng Jia, Benhong Liu, Youzhen Wei, Nana Yang
Summary: This study found that hydrogen can repair the proliferation, migration, and tube formation dysfunctions of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). This repairment is mediated by the PI3K/AKT/eNOS signaling pathway.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amjad Husain, Arogya Khadka, Allen Ehrlicher, Magali Saint-Geniez, Ramaswamy Krishnan
Summary: The study reveals the underlying role of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in regulating vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) mediated signaling and functions. The pathway is activated on stiffer substrates, amplified by VEGF-A stimulation, and correlated with enhanced endothelial cell (EC) proliferation, contraction, pro-angiogenic secretion, and capillary-like tube formation. These findings have important implications for understanding age-related macular degeneration and provide insight into potential therapeutic pathways.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Chenghao Peng, Hanmin Chen, Youwei Li, Hang Yang, Peizhong Qin, Baojun Ma, Qiuhong Duan, Baofeng Wang, Feng Mao, Dongsheng Guo
Summary: LRIG3 is a novel regulator of angiogenesis in glioma, suppressing the process by inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and downregulating VEGFA expression. This suggests that LRIG3 may be a promising target for anti-angiogenic therapy in glioma patients.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Ofri Doppelt-Flikshtain, Amin Younis, Tal Tamari, Ofir Ginesin, Talia Shentzer-Kutiel, David Nikomarov, Gil Bar-Sela, Benjamin R. Coyac, Yehuda G. Assaraf, Hadar Zigdon-Giladi
Summary: Despite progress in the treatment of various cancers, the prognosis for patients with metastatic osteosarcoma remains poor. This study demonstrated that endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a role in promoting osteosarcoma progression and aggressiveness through non-physical interactions, and revealed a potential underlying molecular mechanism. These findings suggest the possibility of developing EPCs-targeted therapies to inhibit osteosarcoma metastasis and improve treatment efficacy.
Article
Orthopedics
Fengchun Liao, Ziqi Liao, Tao Zhang, Weidong Jiang, Peiqi Zhu, Zhenchen Zhao, Henglei Shi, Dan Zhao, Nuo Zhou, Xuanping Huang
Summary: This study reveals that suppressing THBS1 in ECFC-Exos may enhance angiogenesis and bone healing, providing a promising strategy to shorten the duration of DO procedures.
JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC TRANSLATION
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Kelan Yuan, Jiao Zheng, Xiao Shen, Yaying Wu, Yu Han, Xiuming Jin, Xiaodan Huang
Summary: This study investigated the role of corneal sensory nerves in Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis. The results showed that sensory neurons and macrophages have a synergistic effect in promoting calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) release. CGRP inhibits corneal inflammation and promotes the transformation of macrophages to the M2 phenotype through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Dylan L. Pham, Autumn Niemi, Ria Blank, Gabriella Lomenzo, Jenivi Tham, Michael L. Ko, Gladys Y. -P. Ko
Summary: Peptide Lv enhances the current densities of K(Ca)3.1 channels in vascular endothelial cells, promoting hyperpolarization. This is achieved by activating the MEK1-ERK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways, which mediate the trafficking and membrane insertion of ion channels. These findings reveal the molecular mechanisms of peptide Lv’s proangiogenic effects.
Article
Oncology
Xinyun Han, Junxian Hu, Wenbo Zhao, Hongwei Lu, Jingjin Dai, Qingyi He
Summary: WKYMVm can induce the polarization of macrophages to M2 phenotype and enhance their production of PDGF-BB. It also promotes angiogenesis and has the potential to be a promising alternative strategy for angiogenesis in bone repair.
EXPERIMENTAL CELL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Maryam Akbarzadeh, Ainaz Mihanfar, Shabnam Akbarzadeh, Bahman Yousefi, Maryam Majidinia
Summary: The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway plays a crucial role in cancer and has been found to interact with miRNAs, which is important for understanding cancer biology.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaodong Zhang, Ligang Liu, Danyang Liu, Yongtao Li, Jun He, Lei Shen
Summary: Estrogen plays an important role in angiogenesis and female physical development. This study investigates the effect of 17β-estradiol on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) angiogenic differentiation and its underlying molecular mechanism, providing a basis for the treatment of microvascular diseases.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Chenyang Zhao, Yusen Liu, Jiayu Meng, Xiaotang Wang, Xianyang Liu, Wanqian Li, Qian Zhou, Junjie Xiang, Na Li, Shengping Hou
Summary: The study revealed that LGALS3BP expression in retinal microglia was significantly increased in OIR mice with neovascularization, and also upregulated in human microglial clone 3 (HMC3) cells after hypoxia. Co-cultured HUVECs with hypoxic HMC3 cells showed enhanced migration, proliferation, and tube formation, as well as increased levels of angiogenesis-related factors. However, silencing LGALS3BP suppressed the proangiogenic ability and angiogenesis-related factor expression of HMC3 cells. LGALS3BP induces the upregulation of angiogenesis-related factors through the PI3K/AKT pathway, promoting angiogenesis in microglia.
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lushu Chen, Yuan Cao, Yaming Shen, Huan Li, Rong Ye, Jin Yao
Summary: Retinal pathological neovascularization is associated with microglia, their activation via the PI3K-AKT pathway, and the role of PIK3IP1. The expression of VEGFA, FGF2, HGF alpha, and MMP9 in microglia was increased after LPS induction. Targeting PIK3IP1 regulated the activation of the PI3K-AKT pathway in microglia and had pro-angiogenic effects. These findings suggest that M1-type microglia and the PI3K-AKT pathway may be targets for treating retinal pathological neovascularization.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hong-Yan Zhao, Yuan-Yuan Zhang, Tong Xing, Shu-Qian Tang, Qi Wen, Zhong-Shi Lyu, Meng Lv, Yu Wang, Lan-Ping Xu, Xiao-Hui Zhang, Yuan Kong, Xiao-Jun Huang
Summary: The study revealed the critical role of macrophages in regulating megakaryocyte production, with M1 and M2 macrophages exhibiting opposing effects in a manner dependent on the PI3K-AKT pathway. This sheds light on the pathogenesis of thrombocytopenia and presents a potential therapeutic strategy for promoting megakaryopoiesis.
SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION AND TARGETED THERAPY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Yao Zhao, Ying Liu, Yunfei Xu, Kexin Li, Lin Zhou, Haoduo Qiao, Qing Xu, Jie Zhao
Summary: The blood-brain barrier is an important barrier that maintains homeostasis in the central nervous system. Dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier can lead to brain edema and neuronal cell death, and ferroptosis has been found to play a crucial role in this process.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Yunfei Xu, Kexin Li, Yao Zhao, Lin Zhou, Ying Liu, Jie Zhao
Summary: This article discusses the pathogenesis of stroke and highlights the important role of ferroptosis. It is found that regulating ferroptosis can successfully intervene in the process of stroke, indicating that ferroptosis may be a new potential target for the treatment of stroke.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ying Liu, Lin Zhou, Caihong Lv, Lingyun Liu, Shuying Miao, Yunfei Xu, Kexin Li, Yao Zhao, Jie Zhao
Summary: This study reveals the role of the PGE2 pathway in mediating ferroptosis during acute kidney injury, with excessive accumulation of PGE2 promoting ferroptosis and PGE2 inhibitors attenuating this process.
Article
Surgery
Dawei Li, Haoyu Wu, Ruoyang Chen, Chen Zhong, Shaoyong Zhuang, Jie Zhao, Bin Li, Liang Ying, Xiaodong Yuan, Fei Bei, Ming Zhang
Summary: This article reports two successful cases of en bloc kidney transplantation from preterm neonatal donors weighing <1.2 kg to adult recipients. Both cases demonstrated excellent graft function in the short to medium term.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yunfei Xu, Jie Zhao, Yao Zhao, Lin Zhou, Haoduo Qiao, Qing Xu, Ying Liu
Summary: Ferroptosis, a newly identified form of programmed cell death, is characterized by iron-dependent intracellular accumulation of lipid peroxides and is associated with oxidative stress and various diseases. Interventions targeting ferroptosis can influence the course of neurodegenerative diseases, making it a potential therapeutic target.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Li Zou, Kisum Chu, Xuan He, Ye Li, Liangbin Zhou, Xiayi Xu, Wei-Hsin Liao, Ling Qin
Summary: The study aims to develop a novel hybrid therapeutic device that integrates low-level laser therapy, heat therapy, and local massage therapy for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) treatment. The CUHK-OA-M2 device effectively provides relief from clinical symptoms for KOA patients. The pilot test showed significant decrease in WOMAC scores after two treatment periods, indicating the therapeutic significance of the device.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Yeping Yu, Ling Chang, Qingluan Hu, Jianjun Zhu, Jianjun Zhang, Qiang Xia, Jie Zhao
Summary: This study revealed that P2RX1 is involved in mitochondria dysfunction and immune-mediated inflammation in acetaminophen-induced liver injury (AILI). P2RX1 depletion offers protection against AILI by inhibiting cell death and promoting inflammation resolution. The blockade of P2RX1 shows promise as a therapeutic approach for AILI.
CELL BIOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Kuo Liu, Hengwei Jin, Shaohua Zhang, Muxue Tang, Xinfeng Meng, Yan Li, Wenjuan Pu, Kathy O. Lui, Bin Zhou
Summary: Cardiac resident macrophages are important for heart development, homeostasis, repair, and regeneration. Recent studies have suggested the hematopoietic potential of cardiac endothelium, but previous genetic tracing studies did not strongly support this due to limitations in tracing tools. In this study, a new intercellular genetic labeling system was developed to trace heart-specific endothelial cells, and the results show that cardiac endothelial cells do not have hemogenic potential and do not contribute to cardiac macrophages or circulating blood cells.
DEVELOPMENTAL CELL
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Maoying Han, Zixin Liu, Lei Liu, Xiuzhen Huang, Haixiao Wang, Wenjuan Pu, Enci Wang, Xiuxiu Liu, Yan Li, Lingjuan He, Xufeng Li, Jiayu Wu, Lin Qiu, Ruling Shen, Qing-Dong Wang, Yong Ji, Reza Ardehali, Qiang Shu, Kathy O. Lui, Lixin Wang, Bin Zhou
Summary: Genetic lineage tracing in mice reveals that endocardium-derived fibroblasts preferentially proliferate and expand in response to pressure overload. Ablation of these cells alleviates cardiac fibrosis and reduces functional decline after pressure overload injury. This study identifies endocardium-derived fibroblasts as a key fibroblast subpopulation responsible for severe cardiac fibrosis and a potential therapeutic target.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kuo Liu, Muxue Tang, Wei Xu, Xinfeng Meng, Hengwei Jin, Maoying Han, Jing Pu, Yutang Li, Fanke Jiao, Ruilin Sun, Ruling Shen, Kathy O. Lui, Lu Lu, Bin Zhou
Summary: In this study, a transgenic hACE2 mouse line was developed to specifically express hACE2 in different lung epithelial cells, including AT2 cells, club cells, and ciliated cells. All these mice models developed severe pneumonia after SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study demonstrates the usefulness of the hACE2 model in studying COVID-19-related pathologies in specific cell types.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Taihua Yang, Lei Xia, Gen Li, Jie Zhao, Jie Li, Jiahao Ge, Qinggong Yuan, Jianjun Zhang, Kang He, Qiang Xia
Summary: In this study, virus-like mesoporous silica (V-SiO2) nanoparticles were synthesized and modified with cationic polymer polyethylenimine (PEI) to effectively deliver therapeutic RNA to liver tissues and cells. The V-SiO2-P/LB nanosystem showed enhanced mRNA delivery, increased blood circulation time, and improved intracellular lysosomal escape, making it a promising approach for mRNA therapy.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yucong Li, Linlong Li, Ye Li, Lu Feng, Bin Wang, Ming Wang, Haixing Wang, Meiling Zhu, Yongkang Yang, Erik I. Waldorff, Nianli Zhang, Ingmar Viohl, Sien Lin, Liming Bian, Wayne Yuk-Wai Lee, Gang Li
Summary: In this study, a new tissue engineering strategy for cartilage defect treatment was proposed using an injectable self-healing adhesive hydrogel and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) treatment. The results demonstrated the superior clinical potential of this strategy in promoting chondrogenesis and cartilage repair.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Xi-Cheng Sun, De-fu Kong, Jie Zhao, Klaas Nico Faber, Qiang Xia, Kang He
Summary: Liver organoids have rapidly developed as valuable research tools in the past decade, providing novel insights into various liver diseases and playing a crucial role in understanding disease mechanisms and drug development. They also hold great promise for tailored therapies.
HEPATOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dzi Shing Aaron Lau, Herng Ee Chieng, Chenmin Wang, Zhaoyang Li, Xiaoting Zhang, Dick Ho Kiu Chow, Ling Qin, William Weijia Lu
Summary: This study investigated the effects of magnesium chloride on the degradation and bone regeneration of calcium sulfate/phosphate cement (CSPC). The results showed that magnesium chloride enhanced the degradation rate and osteogenic capacity of CSPC, leading to improved bone defect repair.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Xisheng Li, Zhangjing Ma, Kathy O. Lui
Summary: Human stem-cell-derived beta-like cells have the potential to be a valuable resource for treating insulin-dependent diabetes due to their ability to replicate and regenerate. This article presents a protocol for generating beta-like cells from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). The protocol includes steps for differentiating beta-like cells from hESCs and enriching CD9-negative beta-like cells through fluorescence-activated cell sorting, as well as methods for characterizing human beta-like cells through immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion assay. For complete details and implementation of this protocol, please refer to Li et al. (2020).