Review
Oncology
Jia Wu, Ying Zhu, Qingwei Cong, Qiumin Xu
Summary: Autophagy is a process that supports nutrient cycling and metabolic adaptation through lysosomal degradation. Recent studies have found that miRNAs and lncRNAs play important roles in the occurrence, invasion, development, and drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by regulating HCC cell autophagy. Understanding the specific miRNAs and lncRNAs involved and the related molecular mechanisms is crucial for HCC therapeutics.
Article
Neurosciences
Shraddha Tripathi, Bakhya Shree, Stuti Mohapatra, Swati, Anirban Basu, Vivek Sharma
Summary: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as important regulators in biological processes, interacting with proteins, RNA, and DNA to regulate gene expression pathways. Altered lncRNA expression in CNS diseases contributes to regulating both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways. The review discusses molecular pathways, mechanisms, and therapeutic potential of lncRNAs in CNS disorders related to neuroinflammation.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Jianfeng Ping, Laifeng Li, Yongqiang Dong, Xudong Wu, Xiaogang Huang, Bin Sun, Bin Zeng, Fangming Xu, Wenqing Liang
Summary: Bone tissue engineering is a method for repairing large bone defects, and ncRNAs play a crucial role in bone regeneration. Recent studies have shown that lncRNAs and circRNAs are involved in bone regeneration by regulating stem cell differentiation and osteogenesis. This review presents the characteristics of lncRNAs and circRNAs, the mechanism of bone repair, and their role in bone fracture healing through various lncRNA or circRNA/miRNA/mRNA networks.
JOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Heidi Schwarzenbach, Peter B. Gahan
Summary: Although lncRNAs are precursors of miRNAs, they also act as ceRNAs and their interaction with miRNAs may modulate miRNA action. To understand their contribution to tumor resistance, both the function of miRNAs and the impact of lncRNAs on miRNAs need to be considered. This study focuses on the interplay between lncRNAs and miRNAs in the post-transcriptional regulatory network and their impact on breast cancer treatment drugs. Considering this interplay may improve the search for new drugs to overcome chemoresistance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Mirjana T. Macvanin, Zoran Gluvic, Jelena Radovanovic, Magbubah Essack, Xin Gao, Esma R. Isenovic
Summary: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCMP) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients, and non-coding RNAs such as miRNAs and lncRNAs have been found to play a protective role in regulating processes related to DCMP. This paper reviews the literature on the roles of miRNAs and lncRNAs in DCMP in diabetes and demonstrates their potential for future DCMP treatment in diabetic patients.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zarrin Banikazemi, Mojgan Farshadi, Ali Rajabi, Mina Homayoonfal, Nasrin Sharifi, Reza Sharafati Chaleshtori
Summary: This article reviews the biological effects of miRNA and lncRNA alterations following exposure to nanoplastics, which may increase the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Xiaoxiao Fu, Yuling Li, Zhen Zhang, Bin Wang, Ran Wei, Chu Chu, Ke Xu, Lihua Li, Yonglin Liu, Xia Li
Summary: Accumulating studies have shown that ncRNAs, as important regulators of transcription and translation, are involved in pregnancy establishment and maintenance, particularly in the maternal immune adaptation process. ESCs, trophoblast cells, and decidua immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface play crucial roles in normal pregnancy and pregnancy-related disorders. This review summarizes the latest evidence on how microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs regulate ESCs, trophoblast cells, and immune cells, and discusses the potential use of these ncRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic markers in pregnancy complications.
CHINESE MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Maryam Hashemipour, Homa Boroumand, Samaneh Mollazadeh, Vida Tajiknia, Zahra Nourollahzadeh, Mina Rohani Borj, Hossein Pourghadamyari, Neda Rahimian, Michael R. Hamblin, Hamed Mirzaei
Summary: miRNAs and lncRNAs play essential biological roles through various mechanisms, regulating gene expression and driving pathways in gynecological cancers. Exosomes serve as natural carriers of non-coding RNAs, focusing research on exosomal microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs for potential therapeutic applications.
GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniele Lettieri-Barbato, Katia Aquilano, Carolina Punziano, Giuseppina Minopoli, Raffaella Faraonio
Summary: Cell senescence plays critical roles in various aspects of organism life, including tissue development, homeostasis, tumor suppression, and aging-related diseases. Oxidative stress, caused by inadequate detoxification of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, is a major driver of senescence. Non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, are important regulators of cellular processes, including oxidative stress responses and senescence.
Article
Cell Biology
Mingxi Hou, Qi Wang, Jin Zhang, Ran Zhao, Yiming Cao, Shuangting Yu, Kaikuo Wang, Yingjie Chen, Ziyao Ma, Xiaoqing Sun, Yan Zhang, Jiongtang Li
Summary: This study investigated the role of ncRNAs in sex differentiation in common carp. Differentially expressed ncRNAs, including miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, were identified in the gonads. Some miRNAs were found to regulate hormone synthesis to maintain sex, while DE lncRNAs and circRNAs were associated with oocyte meiosis, hormone signaling pathways, and steroid biosynthesis.
Review
Cell Biology
Giasemi C. Eptaminitaki, Nora Wolff, Dimitris Stellas, Konstantinos Sifakis, Stavroula Baritaki
Summary: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in cancer immunity, influencing tumorigenesis, malignant characteristics, and regulating cancer immune evasion and treatment response.
Review
Oncology
Aryan Rezaee, Sara Ahmadpour, Ameneh Jafari, Sarehnaz Aghili, Seyed Saeed Tamehri Zadeh, Ali Rajabi, Arash Raisi, Michael R. Hamblin, Maryam Mahjoubin-Tehran, Marzieh Derakhshan
Summary: Gynecologic cancer is a significant cause of death in women worldwide. Recent research has shown that non-coding RNAs play a critical role in the metastasis and invasion of gynecologic cancer.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Physiology
Ailing Chen, Renqiang Yu, Shiwen Jiang, Yankai Xia, Ying Chen
Summary: Preeclampsia is a clinical syndrome characterized by multiple-organ dysfunction in pregnant women after 20 weeks of gestation, with termination of pregnancy being the only current prevention method. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in regulating physiological functions and may impact the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Georgios Drillis, Maria Goulielmaki, Demetrios A. Spandidos, Sofia Aggelaki, Vassilios Zoumpourlis
Summary: Recent research has shown the important roles of non-coding RNAs in human diseases, particularly in cancer, with long non-coding RNAs playing a key role in oncogenesis and microRNAs showing promise as cancer molecular biomarkers. Studying the roles of non-coding RNAs in cancer leads to new hypotheses in the biology of cancer cells.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maliha Wajahat, Cameron Peter Bracken, Ayla Orang
Summary: The widespread use of mass sequencing has uncovered a diverse landscape of small RNAs derived from larger precursors, with stable fragments derived from non-coding RNAs such as tRNAs, rRNAs, and snoRNAs. Experimental evidence suggests that small non-coding RNAs have biological significance beyond miRNAs and piRNAs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nicoletta Staropoli, Mariamena Arbitrio, Angela Salvino, Francesca Scionti, Domenico Ciliberto, Rossana Ingargiola, Caterina Labanca, Giuseppe Agapito, Eleonora Iuliano, Vito Barbieri, Maria Cuce, Valeria Zuccala, Mario Cannataro, Pierfrancesco Tassone, Pierosandro Tagliaferri
Summary: This study aimed to identify biomarkers predictive of platinum-response in ovarian cancer patients. The results showed that the UGT2A1 gene may play an important role in predicting platinum-response and prognosis.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giulia Panzarella, Gianmarco Gualtieri, Isabella Romeo, Stefano Alcaro
Summary: A qualified teaching method is difficult to achieve without traditional classroom lessons. However, in this innovative distance learning experiment, students have been able to change traditional teaching methods by creating a multimedia tool called MedChemBlog, which has improved their understanding of chemical structures and drug molecular mechanisms.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Dichiara, Francesca Alessandra Ambrosio, Carla Barbaraci, Rafael Gonzalez-Cano, Giosue Costa, Carmela Parenti, Agostino Marrazzo, Lorella Pasquinucci, Enrique J. Cobos, Stefano Alcaro, Emanuele Amata
Summary: The development of diazabicyclo[4.3.0]nonane and 2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonane derivatives as sigma receptors (SRs) ligands is discussed. The compounds were evaluated for their binding to S1R and S2R, and modeling studies were conducted to analyze the binding mode. Three notable compounds, 4b, 5b, and 8f, were further tested for their analgesic effects and functional profiles. Compound 4b showed S1R agonistic effects, while compounds 5b and 8f exhibited S1R antagonism.
ACS CHEMICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Roberta Rocca, Nicoletta Polera, Giada Juli, Katia Grillone, Annalisa Maruca, Maria Teresa Di Martino, Anna Artese, Jussara Amato, Bruno Pagano, Antonio Randazzo, Pietrosandro Tagliaferri, Pierfrancesco Tassone, Stefano Alcaro
Summary: RNA is currently a target of interest for the design of new small molecules with diverse pharmacological activities. Among these RNA molecules, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been extensively associated with cancer pathogenesis. In particular, the overexpression of lncRNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) plays a crucial role in the development of multiple myeloma (MM). By utilizing the crystallographic structure of the triple-helical stability element of MALAT1, a structure-based virtual screening was conducted on a large commercial database, and five compounds were selected for in vitro assays. Among them, compound M5 showed the most promising results, destabilizing the MALAT1 triplex structure and demonstrating antiproliferative activity in MM cell models. M5 is suggested as a lead compound for further optimization to enhance its affinity towards MALAT1.
ARCHIV DER PHARMAZIE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roberta Bivacqua, Isabella Romeo, Marilia Barreca, Paola Barraja, Stefano Alcaro, Alessandra Montalbano
Summary: Protein-protein interactions are an attractive target for drug design. This study focuses on the HSV-1 envelope glycoprotein D (gD) and identifies potential inhibitors for gD through protein-protein docking, dynamic simulations, and virtual screening. Four triazolo[4,5-b]pyridines are found to have good theoretical affinity towards all conformations of HSV-1 gD. This study provides a promising basis for the design of new antiviral agents targeting gD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Francesca Scionti, Giada Juli, Roberta Rocca, Nicoletta Polera, Matteo Nadai, Katia Grillone, Daniele Caracciolo, Caterina Riillo, Emanuela Altomare, Serena Ascrizzi, Basilio Caparello, Maria Cerra, Mariamena Arbitrio, Sara N. N. Richter, Anna Artese, Stefano Alcaro, Pierosandro Tagliaferri, Pierfrancesco Tassone, Maria Teresa Di Martino
Summary: In this study, the researchers found that a small molecule called hit 17 could stabilize the structure of TERRA, causing the dissociation of TRF2 from telomeres in multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines. This led to activation of the DNA damage response, cell cycle arrest, proliferation block, and apoptotic death. Furthermore, hit 17 demonstrated anti-tumor activity in MM xenograft models.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Caterina Riillo, Nicoletta Polera, Maria Teresa Di Martino, Giada Juli, Craig A. Hokanson, Tatjana Odineca, Stefania Signorelli, Katia Grillone, Serena Ascrizzi, Antonia Mancuso, Nicoletta Staropoli, Basilio Caparello, Maria Cerra, Giuseppe Nistico, Pierosandro Tagliaferri, Roberto Crea, Daniele Caracciolo, Pierfrancesco Tassone
Summary: This study describes the activity of a new class of antibody mimics called Pronectins (TM) against Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC). The Pronectins can activate T lymphocytes to kill EOC cells, and their cytotoxicity can be enhanced by combining with PARPi. In mouse models, this therapy effectively inhibits the growth of EOC tumors and prolongs the survival of the mice. This study provides a rationale for the development of Pronectins as a novel treatment for EOC and demonstrates the potential of this new immune therapeutic approach in cancer treatment.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gianmarco Gualtieri, Annalisa Maruca, Roberta Rocca, Fabrizio Carta, Emanuela Berrino, Alessandro Salatino, Carolina Brescia, Roberta Torcasio, Manuel Crispo, Francesco Trapasso, Stefano Alcaro, Claudiu T. Supuran, Giosue Costa
Summary: Capsaicin, a bioactive spicy molecule found in hot peppers, has been extensively studied for its beneficial effects. This study used in silico methods to evaluate its inhibitory activity against tumor-associated human CA IX and XII. In vitro assays confirmed its inhibitory activity, and a non-small cell lung cancer model showed that Capsaicin can inhibit cell migration.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristina Barbagallo, Michele Stella, Stefania Di Mauro, Alessandra Scamporrino, Agnese Filippello, Francesca Scionti, Maria Teresa Di Martino, Michele Purrello, Marco Ragusa, Francesco Purrello, Salvatore Piro
Summary: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex disease characterized by high blood glucose levels. Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is the most common form, affecting middle-aged or elderly individuals and its incidence is increasing among children and adults. This study analyzed the transcriptome of serum samples from T2D patients and identified a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) as a potential diagnostic biomarker. The combination of this lncRNA with clinical parameters showed better diagnostic performance than the glycated haemoglobin test. Using this biomarker in clinical practice would improve the diagnosis and management of T2D patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Pierfrancesco Tassone, Maria Teresa Di Martino, Mariamena Arbitrio, Lucia Fiorillo, Nicoletta Staropoli, Domenico Ciliberto, Alessia Cordua, Francesca Scionti, Bernardo Bertucci, Angela Salvino, Mariangela Lopreiato, Fredrik Thunarf, Onofrio Cuomo, Maria Cristina Zito, Maria Rosanna De Fina, Amelia Brescia, Simona Gualtieri, Caterina Riillo, Francesco Manti, Daniele Caracciolo, Vito Barbieri, Eugenio Donato Di Paola, Adele Emanuela Di Francesco, Pierosandro Tagliaferri
Summary: We developed an LNA-i-miR-221 inhibitor that downregulated miR-221 and showed anti-tumor activity in mice. The drug was well tolerated in patients and the recommended phase II dose was determined to be 5 mg/kg.
JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY & ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Serena Della Volpe, Roberta Listro, Francesca Alessandra Ambrosio, Martina Garbagnoli, Pasquale Linciano, Daniela Rossi, Giosue Costa, Stefano Alcaro, Francesca Vasile, Anna K. H. Hirsch, Simona Collina
Summary: RNA binding protein HuR plays a role in the regulation of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, and its dysregulation is associated with cancer. This study utilized protein-templated dynamic combinatorial chemistry to search for novel HuR ligands that can interfere with the HuR-RNA complex. Several compounds were identified and shown to effectively interfere with HuR-RNA binding, indicating their potential as anticancer agents targeting HuR-RNA interactions.
ACS MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Serena Ascrizzi, Grazia Maria Arillotta, Katia Grillone, Giulio Carida, Stefania Signorelli, Asad Ali, Caterina Romeo, Pierfrancesco Tassone, Pierosandro Tagliaferri
Summary: Lynch syndrome, also known as Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC), is an autosomal dominant cancer syndrome that poses a high risk of developing colorectal and endometrial cancer. The molecular mechanisms underlying Lynch syndrome, including microsatellite instability and miRNA modulation, have attracted significant interest. This review discusses the management of Lynch syndrome patients and highlights the importance of microRNAs as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for novel clinical approaches.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Carmen Gratteri, Francesca Alessandra Ambrosio, Antonio Lupia, Federica Moraca, Bruno Catalanotti, Giosue Costa, Maria Bellocchi, Luca Carioti, Romina Salpini, Francesca Ceccherini-Silberstein, Simone La Frazia, Vincenzo Malagnino, Loredana Sarmati, Valentina Svicher, Sharon Bryant, Anna Artese, Stefano Alcaro
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of RdRp mutations on the efficacy of remdesivir in treating COVID-19. Clinical observations revealed that patients with specific mutations showed a reduced response to remdesivir, accompanied by an increase in viral load and a decrease in binding affinity to RdRp. Computational approaches helped to explain these clinical observations by analyzing the effects of mutants on the viral RNA synthesis machine and the binding patterns of remdesivir.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Domenico Ciliberto, Giulio Carid, Nicoletta Staropoli, Caterina Romeo, Grazia Maria Arillotta, Cristina Napoli, Luigia Gervasi, Francesco Luciano, Caterina Riillo, Pierfrancesco Tassone, Pierosandro Tagliaferri
Summary: The rational choice of systemic upfront treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma has become uncertain due to the rapid development of novel therapeutic options. Various therapeutic strategies, including the combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and anti-VEGF, have been investigated. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials were conducted to compare the efficacy and toxicity of these strategies. The combination of Camrelizumab + Rivoceranib ranked highest in overall survival, followed by Sintilimab + Bevacizumab, while Lenvatinib + Pembrolizumab showed greater probability of being the best in progression-free survival and Sintilimab + Bevacizumab performed best in overall response rate. Durvalumab was found to be the most tolerated treatment.