Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ya-Di Zhu, Xiao-Qing Guan, Jing Chen, Sheng Peng, Moshe Finel, Ying-Yuan Zhao, Rui-Min Wang, Hui-Chang Bi, Ming Lei, Dan-Dan Wang, Guang-Bo Ge
Summary: NBIF is identified as a potent natural inducer of UGT1A1, mainly activating and up-regulating PPAR alpha and PPAR gamma to induce UGT1A1 expression. This finding suggests that NBIF could be a promising lead compound for the development of more efficacious UGT1A1 inducers to treat hyperbilirubinaemia and UGT1A1-associated drug toxicities.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sarah A. Sacco, Allison G. McAtee Pereira, Irina Trenary, Kevin D. Smith, Michael J. Betenbaugh, Jamey D. Young
Summary: Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are widely used in the biopharmaceutical industry to produce protein therapeutics, such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). This study focused on enhancing mitochondrial metabolism by overexpressing the gene PGC-1a, resulting in increased mAb specific productivity and overall cellular metabolic activity. These findings highlight the potential of metabolic engineering to improve mAb production in CHO cells.
METABOLIC ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ines Guerra Mollet, Maria Paula Macedo
Summary: Distinct plasma microRNA profiles, including hsa-miR-193b-3p, are associated with different disease features and could be used for personalized diagnostics. This study demonstrates that elevated hsa-miR-193b-3p leads to hepatocyte metabolic dysfunction, targeting PPARGC1A/PGC1 alpha and affecting genes involved in mitochondrial function, glucose metabolism, and lipid metabolism.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Milton Packer
Summary: Qiliqiangxin (QLQX) is a traditional Chinese medicine consisting of 11 plant ingredients that exert cardiovascular effects by regulating nutrient surplus and nutrient deprivation pathways. Experimental studies and clinical trials have shown its beneficial effects in improving cardiac injuries.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HEART FAILURE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Guoyan Wang, Jun Zhang, Shengru Wu, Senlin Qin, Yining Zheng, Chao Xia, Huijun Geng, Junhu Yao, Lu Deng
Summary: Cattle have a unique mechanism for efficient hepatic gluconeogenesis, involving the high expression of specific genes and the activation of the mTORC1 signaling pathway. These findings are important for understanding the mechanism underlying the quantitative differences in hepatic gluconeogenesis efficiency between cattle and non-ruminant animals.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Shiori Akashi, Akihito Morita, Yusuke Mochizuki, Fuka Shibuya, Yasutomi Kamei, Shinji Miura
Summary: The study showed that Citrus hassaku extract powder can upregulate PGC-1 alpha expression in skeletal muscles, leading to increased mitochondrial biogenesis and transformation of muscle fibers into oxidative fibers. This suggests that CHEP may serve as a dietary supplement to prevent metabolic disorders.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Guoyan Wang, Jun Zhang, Shengru Wu, Senlin Qin, Yining Zheng, Chao Xia, Huijun Geng, Junhu Yao, Lu Deng
Summary: This study uncovered the mechanisms of high-efficiency hepatic gluconeogenesis in cattle, involving gene expression and regulation by mTORC1 activation. This provides important insights into understanding the differences in this process between cattle and non-ruminant animals.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ya-Na Yang, Mao-Qing Zhang, Feng-Lin Yu, Bing Han, Ming-Yue Bao, Xing Li, Yuan Zhang
Summary: Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) are characterized by progressive loss of vulnerable neuronal populations and myelin sheath, leading to behavioral and cognitive dysfunction. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-? coactivator-1a (PGC-1a) has shown a strong connection with NDDs and its understanding is important for the development of therapeutic strategies. This review provides an overview of PGC-1a, its role in various NDDs, and the mechanisms through which it exerts neuroprotective effects.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Nicholas M. Maurice, Brahmchetna Bedi, Zhihong Yuan, Kuo-Chuan Lin, Joanna B. Goldberg, C. Michael Hart, Kristina L. Bailey, Ruxana T. Sadikot
Summary: The innate immune response to P. aeruginosa pulmonary infections depends on pattern recognition receptors, including inflammasome complexes, which play a role in promoting inflammatory signaling. However, dysregulated activation of the inflammasome can be harmful in P. aeruginosa lung infection. This study investigates the potential of mitochondrial-targeted therapy in attenuating inflammasome signaling and decreasing the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa infection. The results suggest that activating the PGC-1 alpha-SIRT3 axis may provide a complementary approach in the treatment of P. aeruginosa infection.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Sajad Jeddi, Nasibeh Yousefzadeh, Hamideh Afzali, Asghar Ghasemi
Summary: This study found that long-term low-dose nitrate administration can increase the expression of browning genes in white adipose tissue of male rats with T2D, partially explaining the favorable metabolic effects of nitrate administration in diabetes.
Article
Oncology
Lei Wang, Mengmeng Yang, Huihan Jin
Summary: The study demonstrated that PI3K/AKT phosphorylation enhances ERR alpha activity in NOZ cells by upregulating the expression levels of PGC-1 alpha and PGC-1 beta, promoting the invasion and proliferation of gallbladder cancer cells.
MOLECULAR MEDICINE REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jing Lang, Liang Gao, Jie Wu, Jia Meng, Xianhui Gao, Honglin Ma, Dongying Yan
Summary: This study demonstrates that resveratrol has neuroprotective effects against manganese-induced cognitive dysfunction, potentially through promoting microglial M2 polarization and autophagic flux.
NEUROCHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Koki Shimura, Yosuke Tarumi, Maya Fujii, Kanae Ogawa, Eiko Maeda, Yukiko Tanaka, Hiroyuki Okimura, Hisashi Kataoka, Osamu Takaoka, Fumitake Ito, Akemi Koshiba, Khaleque N. Khan, Izumi Kusuki, Jo Kitawaki, Taisuke Mori
Summary: This study investigates the effects of a low-nutrient microenvironment on endometriosis. The results show that under the low-nutrient condition, stromal cells from ovarian endometrioma (OESCs) have higher proliferation and exhibit changes in gene and protein expression related to angiogenesis, inflammation, anti-apoptosis, and local estrogen production.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jie Yang, Xiao Yang, Yi-fei Zhang, Jia-ning Tian, Shi-cheng Fan, Yue Gao, Hui-lin Li, Cheng-hui Cai, Min Huang, Hui-chang Bi
Summary: In this study, it was found that activation of PPARa leads to hepatomegaly in mice, with hepatocyte hypertrophy around the central vein area and hepatocyte proliferation around the portal vein area. The study also revealed that the upregulation of PPARa targets is higher in the central vein area compared to the portal vein area, while the upregulation of proliferation-related proteins mainly occurs in the portal vein area. These findings provide new insights into the understanding of PPARa activation-induced liver enlargement and regeneration.
ACTA PHARMACOLOGICA SINICA
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Xianxiu Wan, Nisha Jain Garg
Summary: Trypanosoma cruzi, a digenetic parasite, replicates in mammalian hosts, triggering immune responses and cellular damage, leading to the release of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Mitochondrial dysfunction is proposed as a major source of oxidative stress in chronic infection, contributing to Chagas disease pathology. SIRT1, a histone deacetylase, may improve mitochondrial function and control oxidative and inflammatory stress in Chagas disease.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Magdalena Gorska-Ponikowska, Francesco Cappello
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Valentina Di Felice, Rosario Barone, Eleonora Trovato, Daniela D'Amico, Filippo Macaluso, Claudia Campanella, Antonella Marino Gammazza, Vera Muccilli, Vincenzo Cunsolo, Patrizia Cancemi, Gabriele Multhoff, Dario Coletti, Sergio Adamo, Felicia Farina, Francesco Cappello
Summary: Physiactisome, a conditioned medium released by Hsp60-overexpressing C2C12 cell lines, shows potential for treating cachexia by activating the expression of PGC-1 alpha isoform 1 and suppressing muscle atrophy.
Article
Cell Biology
Kamila Filip, Anna Lewinska, Jagoda Adamczyk-Grochala, Antonella Marino Gammazza, Francesco Cappello, Marianna Lauricella, Maciej Wnuk
Summary: 5-azaC can attenuate oxidant-induced senescence, stimulate autophagic response without pro-apoptotic action, and increase necrotic cell death in cells with higher nitric oxide levels under oxidative stress conditions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Charbel A. Basset, Francesca Rappa, Rosario Barone, Ada Maria Florena, Rossana Porcasi, Everly Conway de Macario, Alberto J. L. Macario, Angelo Leone
Summary: Salivary gland tumors are a significant medical issue and new methods for diagnosis and treatment are needed. Molecular chaperones, particularly Hsp10 and Hsp90, show potential as biomarkers and targets for therapy. Recent research suggests that the quantity and localization patterns of Hsp90 in tissue can differentiate between benign and malignant tumors. The Hsp90 inhibitor Ganetespib exhibits cytotoxic effects on salivary gland tumors and may be a promising candidate for future treatment experimentation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leila Noori, Kamila Filip, Zohreh Nazmara, Simin Mahakizadeh, Gholamreza Hassanzadeh, Celeste Caruso Bavisotto, Fabio Bucchieri, Antonella Marino Gammazza, Francesco Cappello, Maciej Wnuk, Federica Scalia
Summary: Many neurodegenerative disorders are caused by the abnormal aggregation of misfolded proteins, which can self-replicate, transmit between cells, and induce the same protein in nearby cells. The distribution and toxicity of these accumulated proteins are involved in the progression of nervous system degeneration. Molecular chaperones help maintain protein stability and eliminate misfolded proteins, but their efficiency declines with age, leading to the development of neurological disorders. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a significant role in cellular communication and can transport disease-causing entities, contributing to the spread of damage in neurodegeneration. However, EVs also show potential in delivering therapeutic factors to the nervous system and can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This review discusses the inefficiency of chaperone systems and the role of EVs in neurodegeneration, their potential as diagnostic biomarkers, and a promising EV-based therapeutic approach.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Federica Scalia, Giosue Lo Bosco, Letizia Paladino, Alessandra Maria Vitale, Leila Noori, Everly Conway de Macario, Alberto J. L. Macario, Fabio Bucchieri, Francesco Cappello, Fabrizio Lo Celso
Summary: Mutations in genes encoding molecular chaperones, such as the CCT genes, have been linked to rare neurodegenerative disorders. This study investigated the impact of two specific mutations in the CCT5 gene on conformational changes and physicochemical properties. The findings suggest that these mutations alter the protein-binding capacity of the CCT5 variants, potentially affecting both hetero- and/or homo-oligomeric complexes. Further research is needed to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the distinct phenotypes caused by these mutations, and to explore the prevalence of CCT chaperonopathies in patients with neuropathies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biology
Giorgia Intili, Letizia Paladino, Francesca Rappa, Giusi Alberti, Alice Plicato, Federica Calabro, Alberto Fucarino, Francesco Cappello, Fabio Bucchieri, Giovanni Tomasello, Francesco Carini, Alessandro Pitruzzella
Summary: This paper analyzes the correlations between gut microbiota (GM) and various neurodegenerative processes, focusing on the effects of GM dysbiosis on the human nervous system. Alterations in the communication between the microbiota and nervous cell populations can lead to pathological conditions. The review describes the connection between intestinal microbiome alterations (dysbiosis) and the onset of neurodegenerative diseases, exploring mechanisms such as the gut-brain axis, mitochondrial pathways, adaptive humoral immunity, and microvesicular pathways. These pathways represent potential therapeutic targets against neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martina Sandona, Giorgia Cavioli, Alessandra Renzini, Alessia Cedola, Giuseppe Gigli, Dario Coletti, Timothy A. McKinsey, Viviana Moresi, Valentina Saccone
Summary: Histone deacetylases (HDACs) regulate the deacetylation of proteins, affecting cellular processes. Abnormal HDAC expression or activity is associated with various pathologies, making them potential therapeutic targets. For example, HDAC inhibitors have shown positive effects in preclinical and clinical studies for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Understanding the cellular functions of HDACs in dystrophic muscles provides new insights for the development of effective therapeutic approaches.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chiara Della Peruta, Biliana Lozanoska-Ochser, Alessandra Renzini, Viviana Moresi, Carles Sanchez Riera, Marina Bouche, Dario Coletti
Summary: Thanks to precision medicine, personalized treatments based on sex have emerged in recent years. Male and female skeletal muscles have significant differences, which impacts diagnosis and therapy. Men have more muscle and exhibit different inflammation responses, leading to different treatment outcomes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pavel Burko, Giuseppa D'Amico, Ilia Miltykh, Federica Scalia, Everly Conway de Macario, Alberto J. L. Macario, Giuseppe Giglia, Francesco Cappello, Celeste Caruso Bavisotto
Summary: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive and treatment-resistant primary brain tumor with high anaplasia and proliferation. Factors contributing to radioresistance include stem cells, tumor heterogeneity, tumor microenvironment, hypoxia, metabolic reprogramming, chaperone system, non-coding RNAs, DNA repair, and extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs show promise as diagnostic tools and nanodevices for targeted delivery of anticancer agents. Personalized medicine may involve isolating EVs from a GBM patient, modifying them to have anticancer properties, and reinjecting them.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Celeste Caruso Bavisotto, Alessia Provenzano, Rosa Passantino, Antonella Marino Gammazza, Francesco Cappello, Pier Luigi San Biagio, Donatella Bulone
Summary: Similar to GroEL, Hsp60 is a folding machine that can stabilize aggregation-prone molecules by a holding-like mechanism. This study investigated the relationship between the oligomeric conformation of Hsp60 and its ability to inhibit fibrillization of Ab40 peptide.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Letizia Paladino, Radha Santonocito, Giuseppa Graceffa, Calogero Cipolla, Alessandro Pitruzzella, Daniela Cabibi, Francesco Cappello, Everly Conway de Macario, Alberto J. L. Macario, Fabio Bucchieri, Francesca Rappa
Summary: This study investigated the expression of the chaperone system in different types of thyroid cancer and found that the molecular chaperones Hsp27, Hsp60, and Hsp90 have different levels and distribution patterns in different tumors, which can be used to distinguish these tumors.
Review
Cell Biology
Giuseppa D'Amico, Radha Santonocito, Alessandra Maria Vitale, Federica Scalia, Antonella Marino Gammazza, Claudia Campanella, Fabio Bucchieri, Francesco Cappello, Celeste Caruso Bavisotto
Summary: Air pollution has become a growing problem, negatively impacting society and causing various health-related issues. Despite knowing the types and levels of pollutants, the molecular mechanisms by which they affect the human body are not fully understood. Recent evidence suggests that non-coding RNAs carried by extracellular vesicles may play a crucial role in regulating gene expression in response to pollution-induced multiorgan disorders. This review highlights the involvement of extracellular vesicle-transported non-coding RNAs in physiological and pathological conditions, including cancer, respiratory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular diseases caused by environmental stressors.
Review
Biology
Federica Scalia, Everly Conway de Macario, Giuseppe Bonaventura, Francesco Cappello, Alberto J. L. Macario
Summary: Genetic chaperonopathies are rare diseases that are often misdiagnosed due to a lack of awareness among medical practitioners. Educating the medical community about these diseases and conducting research to understand their mechanisms is necessary. This review focuses on skeletal muscle abnormalities caused by a mutation in the chaperonin protein CCT5, highlighting the need for further studies on mutant chaperones in humans. The identified abnormalities suggest defective chaperoning and potentially other pathogenic pathways, and biochemical and genetic analyses can help uncover the underlying mechanisms and guide diagnosis and treatment development.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bruno Brandimarte, Lino Di Rienzo Businco, Francesco Cappello, Roberto Fiore, Giuseppe Bastone, Gianfranco Gualdi, Saadi Sollaku, Emanuele Casciani, Federica Tortorella, Pasquale Longo, Eleonora Centanini, Silva Pavaci, Federica Sangiuolo, Maria Patrizia Patrizi, Shane Miersch, Sachdev S. Sidhu, Virgilio Sacchini, Giuseppe Novelli
Summary: The currently available nebulization devices have limitations in aerosol flow and droplet size. To address this issue, a novel system using high-frequency ultrasound and thermal induction to vaporize pharmaceutical substances dissolved in liquids has been developed. This article introduces the technology, verification tests, and applications of this device, highlighting the advantages of both the aerosol delivery system and the administration system.