Article
Neurosciences
Yoshiki Sakai, Mayuka Tsunekawa, Kohei Ohta, Tatsuhiro Shimizu, Strahil Iv. Pastuhov, Hiroshi Hanafusa, Naoki Hisamoto, Kunihiro Matsumoto
Summary: In Caenorhabditis elegans hermaphrodites, axon injury activates TLN-1/talin through the cAMP-Epac-Rap GTPase cascade, leading to integrin inside-out activation and subsequent activation of the RhoA-ROCK signaling pathway. The C. elegans integrin signaling network regulates axon regeneration through the Src-RhoGEF-RhoA axis.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Andreas Koerner, David Koehler, Mariella Schneider, Judith M. Roth, Tiago F. Granja, Claudia Eggstein, Valbona Mirakaj, Peter Rosenberger
Summary: The study explores the role of endothelial Semaphorin 7A (SEMA7A) in inflammatory processes. The results reveal that SEMA7A has a multifaceted role in inflammatory responses, with differential effects in peritonitis and intestinal inflammation. The expression and distribution of SEMA7A target receptors within different organ systems significantly influence SEMA7A's function.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Dermatology
Jieyu Zhang, Lei He, Zhaowei Wang, Shuai Shao, Pei Qiao, Jine Zhang, Kuo Zhang, Caixia Li, Yingqi Zhang, Gang Wang, Meng Li
Summary: This study reveals the role of GDF15 in psoriasis, showing that it limits the synthesis of keratinocyte cytokines and chemokines, inhibits neutrophil adhesion and migration, and alleviates the symptoms of psoriasis-like dermatitis. These findings provide evidence for the potential therapeutic application of GDF15 in treating psoriasis.
JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhonghua Liu, Tsan Sam Xiao
Summary: This study revealed that mTOR Complex 1 regulates the production of ROS in mitochondria, leading to inflammatory cell death mediated by GSDMD. This finding establishes a new mechanistic connection between metabolic signaling and inflammatory cell death.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Grace Aprilia Helena, Teruhiko Watanabe, Yusuke Kato, Nobuaki Shiraki, Shoen Kume
Summary: By adjusting the thawing protocol and medium composition, we successfully improved the attachment of PHH cells on the collagen matrix. Removing BSA and exposing the cells to cAMP activators such as IBMX and Forskolin enhanced PHH attachment. Activation of EPAC2 increased PHH attachment and induced bile canaliculi formation in iPS-derived hepatocytes.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yinan Hu, Qi Wang, Jun Yu, Qing Zhou, Yanhan Deng, Juan Liu, Lei Zhang, Yongjian Xu, Weining Xiong, Yi Wang
Summary: This study reveals the involvement of ACP5 in the initiation and progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Acp5 deficiency protects mice from lung injury and fibrosis, and the upregulation of Acp5 by TGF-beta 1 enhances β-catenin signaling, promoting fibroblast differentiation, proliferation, and migration. Furthermore, treatment with Acp5 siRNA or inhibitor can reverse established lung fibrosis.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Shuang Ma, Ryan Kanai, Ajaybabu V. Pobbati, Shuo Li, Kepeng Che, Caleb N. Seavey, Andrea Hallett, Ashley Burtscher, John M. Lamar, Brian P. Rubin
Summary: The study identified a genetic alteration in vascular cancer epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) that generates a WWTR1(TAZ)-CAMTA1 (TC) fusion gene. TC is a transcriptional coactivator that drives EHE tumorigenesis. CTGF was identified as a transcriptional target of TC, and its signaling occurs via the Ras-MAPK cascade. Inhibition of MAPK signaling using PD 0325901 and trametinib can abrogate TC-driven tumorigenesis. These findings provided the rationale for a preclinical study evaluating the efficacy of trametinib in patients with unresectable or metastatic EHE.
CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Wen-Kai Shi, Qiao-Li Shang, Yong-Fu Zhao
Summary: This study investigates the role of SPC25 in promoting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. It is found that SPC25 is highly expressed in HCC and associated with poor prognosis and metastasis. Silencing SPC25 inhibits invasion and migration of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. The study also reveals that SPC25 affects genes associated with extracellular matrix-integrin interactions, and upregulation of ITGB4 partially reverses the decline in cell invasion and migration capacities caused by SPC25 silencing. Blocking both SPC25 and ITGB4 reduces phosphorylation of downstream elements in the integrin pathway. Overall, this research highlights the important role of SPC25 as both a prognostic indicator and a promoter of metastasis in HCC.
Article
Oncology
Weijun Wu, Jinghuan Wang, Chenxi Xiao, Zhenghua Su, Haibi Su, Wen Zhong, Jianchun Mao, Xinhua Liu, Yi Zhun Zhu
Summary: This study confirmed that cytoplasmic protein TRAF2 can be methylated by SMYD2 and contribute to the continuous activation of NF-kappa B signaling pathway. Knocking down SMYD2 showed varying degrees of mitigation in acute and chronic inflammation mouse models. Moreover, lysine-specific demethylase LSD1 was found to resist the methylation of TRAF2 induced by SMYD2.
CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Bevin C. C. English, Hannah P. P. Savage, Scott P. P. Mahan, Vladimir E. E. Diaz-Ochoa, Briana M. M. Young, Basel H. H. Abuaita, Gautam Sule, Jason S. S. Knight, Mary X. X. O'Riordan, Andreas J. J. Baeumler, Renee M. Tsolis
Summary: IRE1 alpha and its downstream transcription factor XBP1 enhance glycolysis in macrophages in response to bacterial infection. Different inflammatory stimuli activate IRE1 alpha through distinct mechanisms, and the activation of this pathway is not sufficient to increase glycolysis in macrophages. This study provides new insights into the regulation of macrophage metabolism and the role of IRE1 alpha and XBP1 in innate immunity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yao Xue, Honghai Wang, Bowen Tian, Sibi Wang, Xue-jiao Gao
Summary: This study demonstrated that selenium deficiency promotes the expression of LncRNA-MORC3 and inflammatory factors in piglets, activates the NLRP3-Caspase-1/IL-1β signaling pathway, and disrupts tight junctions, leading to inflammatory damage in piglet small intestinal tissues.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Yi Zhang, Xiujin Shi, Jialun Han, Wenxing Peng, Zhenwei Fang, Yang Zhou, Xiaoyu Xu, Jie Lin, Fucheng Xiao, Limin Zhao, Yang Lin
Summary: This study found that CNT can reduce atherosclerotic lesions, promote M2 macrophage polarization, and inhibit inflammatory responses. CNT exerts its anti-atherosclerotic effect by activating the PPAR gamma, Integrin alpha(v), and Integrin beta(5) signaling pathways.
DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Madhusudhan Budatha, Jiasheng Zhang, Martin A. Schwartz
Summary: Fibronectin and integrin alpha 5 signaling play a crucial role in pathological vascular remodeling in acute models of hypertension and disturbed flow. Alpha 5/2 chimera mice exhibited reduced deposition of fibronectin, expression of inflammatory markers, artery wall hypertrophy, and inward remodeling in various vascular remodeling models. The findings suggest that integrin alpha 5 signaling may serve as a potential therapeutic target for pathological vascular remodeling associated with hypertension and atherosclerosis.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuan Xue, Sihan Hu, Chichi Chen, Jiachen He, Jie Sun, Yesheng Jin, Yuanshu Zhang, Guoqing Zhu, Qin Shi, Yongjun Rui
Summary: Irisin plays a regulatory role in bone homeostasis and promotes MSC-derived osteogenesis. Lack of Irisin leads to bone loss and enhanced bone resorption, while the presence of Irisin can promote osteogenesis by activating signaling pathways.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhiwen Zheng, Abuduliaizezi Halifu, Juan Ma, Leyi Liu, Qingfeng Fu, Bocun Yi, E. Du, Dawei Tian, Yong Xu, Zhihong Zhang, Jianqiang Zhu
Summary: With the increasing production and use of graphene oxide (GO), its environmental health and safety (EHS) risks have become a global concern. Previous studies mainly focused on the direct toxic dose of GO, which could not reflect the realistic environmental exposure to GO with a low dose. This study found that low-dose GO can promote tumor cell proliferation and that the lateral size of GO does not affect its promoting effect. Mechanistic investigation revealed that low-dose GO treatment activates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and promotes mitotic progression.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Barbara Bortot, Maura Apollonio, Gabriele Baj, Laura Andolfi, Luisa Zupin, Sergio Crovella, Matteo di Giosia, Andrea Cantelli, Roberto Saporetti, Luca Ulfo, Annapaola Petrosino, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Federico Romano, Giuseppe Ricci, Maurizio Mongiat, Alberto Danielli, Matteo Calvaresi, Stefania Biffi
Summary: This study proposes a bacteriophage-based receptor targeted photodynamic therapy for treating EGFR-positive ovarian cancer. The modified M13 bacteriophage with an EGFR binding peptide displayed on its surface effectively kills cancer cells through ROS generation by photosensitizers. It also downregulates EGFR expression and induces autophagy.
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Erika Tissino, Eliana Pivetta, Alessandra Capuano, Guido Capasso, Riccardo Bomben, Chiara Caldana, Francesca Maria Rossi, Federico Pozzo, Dania Benedetti, Renzo Boldorini, Gianluca Gaidano, Davide Rossi, Alberto Zamo, Tanja Nicole Hartmann, Roberto Doliana, Alfonso Colombatti, Valter Gattei, Paola Spessotto, Antonella Zucchetto
Summary: The study demonstrates that EMILIN-1 is widely present in CLL-involved tissues with diverse expression patterns, and its interaction with VLA-4 promotes adhesion of CLL cells and provides pro-survival signals, contributing to the maintenance of the neoplastic clone in CLL.
HEMATOLOGICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Eva Andreuzzi, Albina Fejza, Maurizio Polano, Evelina Poletto, Lucrezia Camicia, Greta Carobolante, Giulia Tarticchio, Federico Todaro, Emma Di Carlo, Melania Scarpa, Marco Scarpa, Alice Paulitti, Alessandra Capuano, Vincenzo Canzonieri, Stefania Maiero, Mara Fornasarig, Renato Cannizzaro, Roberto Doliana, Alfonso Colombatti, Paola Spessotto, Maurizio Mongiat
Summary: This study reveals the importance of EMILIN-2 in the development and prognosis of colorectal cancer. Loss of EMILIN-2 is associated with increased tumor numbers and altered immune cell populations in CRC models. Mechanistically, EMILIN-2 regulates macrophage polarization through the Toll-like Receptor 4/MyD88/NF-kappa B pathway. Furthermore, EMILIN-2 expression levels are correlated with the prognosis of CRC patients.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stefano Barbera, Luisa Raucci, Giusy Tassone, Laura Tinti, Filippo Prischi, Annalisa Santucci, Maurizio Mongiat, Gian Marco Tosi, Federico Galvagni, Anna Dimberg, Cecilia Pozzi, Maurizio Orlandini
Summary: Blocking the signaling activated by the plasma membrane receptor CD93 has been shown to be useful in antiangiogenic treatment and oncotherapy. CD93 structurally exists as a dimer in endothelial cells and its oligomeric form is important for binding to its ligand Multimerin-2. Crystallographic analysis reveals the role of the C-type lectin-like and sushi-like domains in achieving a functional binding state, which provides valuable information for the development of drugs targeting CD93 in neovascular pathologies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Giulia Birolini, Marta Valenza, Ilaria Ottonelli, Francesca Talpo, Lucia Minoli, Andrea Cappelleri, Mauro Bombaci, Claudio Caccia, Caterina Canevari, Arianna Trucco, Valerio Leoni, Alice Passoni, Monica Favagrossa, Maria Rosaria Nucera, Laura Colombo, Saverio Paltrinieri, Renzo Bagnati, Jason Thomas Duskey, Riccardo Caraffi, Maria Angela Vandelli, Franco Taroni, Mario Salmona, Eugenio Scanziani, Gerardo Biella, Barbara Ruozi, Giovanni Tosi, Elena Cattaneo
Summary: The study demonstrates that delivering cholesterol to the brain using nanoparticles can effectively reverse cognitive decline and neuropathological signs in Huntington's disease (HD). The administration of hybrid-g7-NPs-chol in both early and late stages of HD shows long-term therapeutic effects without adverse reactions. The findings highlight the therapeutic potential of cholesterol-based strategies in HD patients.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Letter
Oncology
Ilenia Segatto, Gian Luca Rampioni Vinciguerra, Ilenia Pellarin, Alessandra Dall'Acqua, Stefania Berton, Francesca Citron, Sara D'Andrea, Giorgia Mungo, Davide Viotto, Lorena Musco, Arianna Di Napoli, Maria Antonietta Aloe Spiriti, Vincenzo Canzonieri, Valter Gattei, Andrea Vecchione, Barbara Belletti, Gustavo Baldassarre
CANCER COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Laura Manna, Eleonora Rizzi, Eleonora Bafile, Andrea Cappelleri, Massimiliano Ruscica, Chiara Macchi, Michele Podaliri Vulpiani, Romolo Salini, Emanuela Rossi, Concetta Panebianco, Francesco Perri, Valerio Pazienza, Federica Federici
Summary: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory conditions that have a significant impact on patients' quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of oral administration of Lentilactobacillus kefiri SGL 13 and Andrographis paniculata on DSS-treated mice.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marina Capece, Anna Tessari, Joseph Mills, Gian Luca Rampioni Vinciguerra, Darian Louke, Chenyu Lin, Bryan K. McElwain, Wayne O. Miles, Vincenzo Coppola, Alexander E. Davies, Dario Palmieri, Carlo M. Croce
Summary: The discrimination of protein biological functions in different phases of the cell cycle is limited by current experimental approaches. The article introduces a new AID system, which combines cell synchronization techniques to down regulate protein levels in specific cell cycle phases for studying the differential roles of target proteins.
CELL DEATH AND DIFFERENTIATION
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Massimo Russo, Nicolo Panini, Paola Fabbrizio, Laura Formenti, Riccardo Becchetti, Cristina Matteo, Marina Meroni, Claudia Nastasi, Andrea Cappelleri, Roberta Frapolli, Giovanni Nardo, Eugenio Scanziani, Andrea Ponzetta, Maria Rosa Bani, Carmen Ghilardi, Raffaella Giavazzi
Summary: Chemotherapy is the standard treatment for most cancers and has a debulking effect on tumors. However, it can also paradoxically promote metastasis. Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia has been found to increase the burden of lung metastases in murine tumor models.
Letter
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gian Luca Rampioni Vinciguerra, Marina Capece, Rosario Distefano, Giovanni Nigita, Andrea Vecchione, Francesca Lovat, Carlo M. M. Croce
SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION AND TARGETED THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Mara Fornasarig, Alessandra Capuano, Stefania Maiero, Eliana Pivetta, Vincenzo Canzonieri, Claudio Belluco, Maurizio Mongiat, Renato Cannizzaro, Paola Spessotto
Summary: This study found abnormal changes in vasculature in patients with Linitis plastica (LP) using probe-based Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy (pCLE). The abnormal features included vessel enlargement, tortuosity, and leakage associated with the affected submucosal layer. This provides a new endoscopic approach and strategy for diagnosing LP.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2023)