Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Geoffrey Casas, Federico Perche, Patrick Midoux, Chantal Pichon, Jean-Marc Malinge
Summary: Decoy technology using 95-bp minicircles with STAT3 binding sequences shows promising therapeutic potential in triple-negative breast cancer by specifically interacting with and inhibiting STAT3 activity, leading to suppression of tumor growth and metastasis. Increasing the number of binding sites enhances the anticancer activity, suggesting a multitargeting strategy may be effective in TF decoy therapy.
MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Janeen H. Trembley, Bin Li, Betsy T. Kren, Amy A. Gravely, Emiro Caicedo-Granados, Mark A. Klein, Khalil Ahmed
Summary: CK2 levels and activity are higher in HPV(+) HNSCC cells compared to HPV(-) HNSCC cells, treatment with CK2 targeting using CX-4945 decreased viability and cisplatin IC50 in all cell lines, and increased tumor suppressor protein levels in most instances. Further study is needed to understand the role of CK2 in HPV(+) and HPV(-) HNSCC and how CX-4945 could improve cisplatin response.
Article
Immunology
Yu Zhen Tang, Ying Liu, Ya Ping Chen, Ting Ting Feng, Ya Yi Liu, Yan Wang, Jun Ping Zhang, Wei Heng Xu
Summary: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, and citropten, as a compound, shows potential in treating IBD.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Sara Varatanovic, Stefan Stoiber, Markus Haas, Alexander Lein, Lorenz Kadletz-Wanke, Faris F. Brkic
Summary: MK0752 shows potential as a therapeutic agent for HPV-positive HNSCC by exhibiting antineoplastic effects and inducing apoptosis. Further investigation is needed to validate these findings and understand the underlying mechanisms.
JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH AND CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Neil Shende, Jingyue Xu, Wei Tse Li, Jeffrey Liu, Jaideep Chakladar, Kevin T. Brumund, Weg M. Ongkeko
Summary: This study investigated the effects of smoking and HPV infection on eRNA expression in HNSCC tumors. The research found a substantial number of differentially expressed eRNA in each patient cohort, with some dysregulated eRNA correlated to patient survival, clinical variables, immune pathways, and genomic alterations. Additionally, dysregulated eRNA near key HNSCC-related oncogenes were identified, providing potential insights into the relationship between eRNA expression, enhancer activity, and nearby gene dysregulation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Sharon Changshan Wu, Karl Munger
Summary: Cancer/testis antigens show potential as therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, warranting further study to elucidate their role in the pathogenesis of these cancers. Their differential expression in HPV-positive HNSCC may mechanistically contribute to the genesis and clinical characteristics of these cancers, making them attractive targets for immunotherapies. These antigens, historically linked to diverse cancers, are increasingly implicated in various hallmarks of cancer, suggesting potential as cancer drivers.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matthew Martin, Mengyao Sun, Aishat Motolani, Tao Lu
Summary: This article provides an overview of colorectal cancer (CRC) and its stages, types of biomarkers, signaling pathways related to CRC, and the significant role of NF-kappa B in CRC. The authors suggest that more ideal NF-kappa B inhibitors may be developed with the discovery of novel regulators of the pathway.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matthew Martin, Rasika Mundade, Antja-Voy Hartley, Guanglong Jiang, Jiamin Jin, Steven Sun, Ahmad Safa, George Sandusky, Yunlong Liu, Tao Lu
Summary: ARMC4 is identified as a novel negative regulator of NF-kappa B, and may serve as a potential therapeutic target in colorectal cancer.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yingming Sun, Zhe Wang, Sufang Qiu, Ruoyu Wang
Summary: HNSCC, the 9th most common malignant tumor worldwide, can be divided into HPV-related and HPV-unrelated subtypes based on etiology. HPV-positive HNSCC is more sensitive to treatment with better survival rates, requiring individualized therapy. EGFR amplification and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway aberrant activation are common in HPV-positive HNSCC.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Shasha Liu, Siya Liu, Ziding Yu, Wenzhuo Zhou, Meichun Zheng, Rongrong Gu, Jinxuan Hong, Zhou Yang, Xiaojuan Chi, Guijie Guo, Xinxin Li, Na Chen, Shile Huang, Song Wang, Ji-Long Chen
Summary: This study reveals that early-stage infection with various viruses, including influenza A virus, leads to IL-6-independent phosphorylation of STAT3 Y705, which is critical for antiviral immunity. Knockin mice with STAT3Y705F/1 mutation show suppressed antiviral response, lung tissue injury, and poor survival upon IAV infection. The phosphorylation of STAT3 Y705 restrains IAV pathogenesis by repressing excessive IFN production, and blocking the phosphorylation enhances IFN expression and potentiates IAV virulence in mice. Knockout of IFNAR1 or IFNLR1 in STAT3Y705F/1 mice protects them from lung injury and reduces viral load.
Article
Oncology
Eugenia Bezzecchi, Andrea Bernardini, Mirko Ronzio, Claudia Miccolo, Susanna Chiocca, Diletta Dolfini, Roberto Mantovani
Summary: The study revealed that the histone fold domain subunits and short NF-YAs isoform are protective in HPV-positive tumors, while the long NF-YAl is mainly present in mutp53 tumors and malignant p-EMT cells.
Review
Oncology
Daniela Cochicho, Susana Esteves, Miguel Rito, Fernanda Silva, Luis Martins, Pedro Montalvao, Mario Cunha, Miguel Magalhaes, Rui M. Gil M. da Costa, Ana Felix
Summary: Mutations of the PIK3CA gene are associated with the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). In a Portuguese cohort, 39% of patients had PIK3CA mutations, but there were no significant associations with HPV status or patient survival. In HPV-positive patients, the PIK3CA wild-type is associated with a significant increase in the hazard of recurrence or death.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Haseeb Ahsan, Salman Ul Islam, Muhammad Bilal Ahmed, Young Sup Lee
Summary: Cancer is a complex disease that can be prevented or suppressed through chemoprevention. Targeting molecules such as Nrf2, STAT3, and Src, which are involved in various pathways of cancer, can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation and stop cancer initiation and progression.
Article
Oncology
Felipe Dubourcq de Barros, Leuridan Cavalcante Torres, Carolline Araujo, Felipe da Silva Marinho, Beatriz Cavalcanti Dubourcq, Luis Cavalcanti Dubourcq, Gustavo Cardoso Guimaraes
Summary: The expression of SOX2, STAT3, and CD44(high)/CD24(low) in penile squamous cell carcinoma is significantly associated with aggressive tumor behavior, making them potential prognostic indicators and allowing for more aggressive treatment when necessary.
JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH AND CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Wenbin Pei, Xiaojian Huang, Bowei Ni, Rui Zhang, Guangyi Niu, Hongbo You
Summary: In this study, it was found that Alantolactone (ALT) could alleviate IL-1 beta-induced inflammatory responses, protect cartilage from damage, and promote impaired autophagy through inhibiting the STAT3 and NF-kappa B signal pathways, suggesting a promising therapeutic effect for osteoarthritis.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Keisuke Yoshihama, Hideki Mutai, Mariko Sekimizu, Fumihiro Ito, Shin Saito, Shintaro Nakamura, Takuya Mikoshiba, Ryoto Nagai, Akiko Takebayashi, Fuyuki Miya, Kenjiro Kosaki, Hiroyuki Ozawa, Tatsuo Matsunaga
Summary: This study reports on the genetic background, protein expression pattern, and clinical findings of 30 Japanese cases of Carotid Body Tumor (CBT). Pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants of succinate dehydrogenase subunits (SDHs) genes were detected in 50% of the cases, with SDHB variants being the most frequently detected. Three cases with germline variants did not have somatic variants of the same genes. Immunohistochemical analysis showed negative SDHB signals in some cases, suggesting the involvement of unidentified molecular mechanisms affecting SDHs.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Chi Zhang, Lavanya Kodali, Girish Mour, Caroline Jadlowiec, Amit K. K. Mathur
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has had a significant impact on healthcare systems worldwide. This has particularly affected the vulnerable transplant population, adding complexity to the evaluation and management of kidney transplant candidates and recipients. Many transplant centers have experienced higher mortality rates and changes in care delivery due to COVID-19. This review examines the care of kidney transplant patients across all phases of the process and how the pandemic has influenced patient care.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Nobuyoshi Tsuzuki, Kazunori Namba, Chika Saegusa, Hideki Mutai, Takanori Nishiyama, Naoki Oishi, Tatsuo Matsunaga, Masato Fujioka, Hiroyuki Ozawa
Summary: Otof knockout mice, which lack otoferlin, are used as model mice for auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder characterized by an absent ABR despite preserved DPOAE. The effects of the Otof mutation on spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) remains unclear. Our study on Otoftm1a/tm1a mice showed a reduction in SGNs and apoptosis of SGN-Is, suggesting that otoferlin deficiency in inner hair cells may result in secondary defects in SGNs.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Shota Okura, Honoka Ishii, Ayano Suzuki, Chika Saegusa, Ko Fujiki, Kenshi Sugano, Noriomi Suzuki, Tsubasa Saeki, Saeko Matsuzaki, Hiroyuki Ozawa, Masato Fujioka, Makoto Hosoya, Hideyuki Okano
Summary: We have established two human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines from individuals without auditory disorders and confirmed normal hearing through extensive audiometry tests. These iPSC lines express pluripotency genes and are capable of differentiating into the three germ layers. They will be used as controls for pathological analysis and drug screening for ear disorders.
STEM CELL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Thomas C. Hydrick, Chi Zhang, Brianna Ruch, Josiah Wagler, Kayla Kumm, Jack W. Harbell, Winston R. Hewitt, Caroline C. Jadlowiec, Nitin N. Katariya, Adyr A. Moss, Michelle C. Nguyen, Kunam S. Reddy, Andrew L. Singer, Amit K. Mathur
Summary: This study analyzes the economic implications of reimbursement reductions for abdominal transplant procedures. The findings show a worrisome decline in reimbursement rates for liver, kidney, and pancreas transplants. The annual and five-year average changes in reimbursement rates are negative for all procedures, indicating a downward trend in reimbursement. The overall compound annual growth rate is also negative, suggesting a consistent decrease in reimbursement over time.
Editorial Material
Oncology
Genevieve L. Stein-O'Brien, Dung T. Le, Elizabeth M. Jaffee, Elana J. Fertig, Neeha Zaidi
Summary: Convergence science teams are developing new forecast systems to monitor and predict changes in tumor and immune interactions during early cancer progression and treatment response, by integrating clinical, biological, engineering, and computational expertise. These methods are expected to support the selection of adaptive immunotherapeutic regimens personalized to each patient's tumor at a specific time during the cancer journey, for long-lasting patient response.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Makoto Hosoya, Masato Fujioka, Hideyuki Okano, Hiroyuki Ozawa
Summary: This study examined the expression patterns of Notch signal components in the cochlear development of the common marmoset, a primate model animal. The researchers found significant interspecies differences in the maturation of supporting cells compared to rodents. This improved understanding of Notch signaling in primate cochlear development has important implications for future regenerative therapies.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROANATOMY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Naoki Oishi, Masaru Noguchi, Masato Fujioka, Kiyomitsu Nara, Koichiro Wasano, Hideki Mutai, Rie Kawakita, Ryota Tamura, Kosuke Karatsu, Yukina Morimoto, Masahiro Toda, Hiroyuki Ozawa, Tatsuo Matsunaga
Summary: NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2) is a genetic disorder caused by variants in the NF2 gene. A genetic analysis of 14 Japanese NF2 cases revealed pathogenic variants in 10 cases, with seven truncating variants and three non-truncating variants. The age of onset significantly differed among cases with different NF2 variants, but clinical outcomes could not be solely predicted by germline pathogenic NF2 variants.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Kristen Jogerst, Chi Zhang, Yu -Hui Chang, Sami Abujbarah, Mariam Ali-Mucheru, Barbara Pockaj, Chee-Chee Stucky, Patricia Cronin, Nabil Wasif
Summary: This study found that disparities in cancer outcomes for minoritized people and groups experiencing disadvantages with Stage IV cancer are largely unknown. By using data from the National Cancer Database from 2004 to 2015, the study identified patients with Stage IV pancreatic, colorectal, lung, breast, and prostate cancer and analyzed the demographic factors and treatments received associated with overall survival. The results showed that survival for different cancer types is associated with socioeconomic status and self-reported racial classifications.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Chi Zhang, Esteban Calderon, Yu Hui Chang, Ga-ram Han, Scott R. Kelley, Amit Merchea, Justin T. Brady, Tonia M. Young-Fadok, David A. Etzioni, Nitin Mishra
Summary: There is no consensus on the surgical management of splenic flexure adenocarcinoma (SFA). A study compared postoperative outcomes between patients who underwent segmental resection (SR) and anatomical resection (AR) for SFA. The results showed no differences in overall or recurrence-free survival between the two groups. Age, American Society of Anesthesiology classification, and tumor stage were predictive of mortality. In conclusion, SR is a viable option for the surgical management of SFA.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Chi Zhang, Hallbera Gudmundsdottir, Hiroaki Takahashi, Courtney Day, Amy Glasgow, Nabil Wasif, Patrick Starlinger, Susanne Warner, Travis Grotz, Rory Smoot, Mark Truty, Sean Cleary, Michael Kendrick, David Nagorney, Patrick Navin, Thorvardur R. Halfdanarson, Cornelius Thiels
Summary: The accuracy of preoperative gallium-68 DOTA-Tyr3-octreotate (DOTATATE) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in estimating multifocality and nodal metastases of small bowel neuroendocrine tumors (sbNETs) was assessed. The sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) of DOTATATE PET imaging were found to be insufficient to guide surgical planning.
JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pathology
Hideaki Hirai, Masato Nakaguro, Yuichiro Tada, Natsuki Saigusa, Daisuke Kawakita, Yoshitaka Honma, Satoshi Kano, Kiyoaki Tsukahara, Hiroyuki Ozawa, Takuro Okada, Kenji Okami, Keisuke Yamazaki, Yukiko Sato, Makoto Urano, Manami Kajiwara, Yoshitaka Utsumi, Tomotaka Shimura, Chihiro Fushimi, Akira Shimizu, Takahito Kondo, Yorihisa Imanishi, Akihiro Sakai, Yuichiro Sato, Takafumi Togashi, Toyoyuki Hanazawa, Takashi Matsuki, Kazuto Yamazaki, Toshitaka Nagao
Summary: Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is an aggressive type of salivary gland carcinoma. Immunotherapies targeting immune checkpoints have shown promising prognostic impact on various malignant tumors. This study examined the expression of immune checkpoints and immune-related markers in SDC cases and found that elevated expression of CD8, FOXP3, PD1, CTLA4, and LAG3 were associated with aggressive histological features and poor prognosis. High PD-L1 expression was also linked to adverse clinical outcomes. The presence of both immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive factors in SDC suggests a potential rationale for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
Article
Immunology
Makoto Hosoya, Tsubasa Kitama, Marie N. Shimanuki, Takanori Nishiyama, Naoki Oishi, Hideyuki Okano, Hiroyuki Ozawa
Summary: In this study, the distribution changes of macrophages in the developing cochlea were investigated using a primate animal model, the common marmoset. The observed distribution changes were found to be similar to those in rodents and compatible with limited observations in human fetuses. These findings may have important implications for studying the developmental biology of the inner ear and developing therapeutic strategies for hearing loss in humans.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Marie N. Shimanuki, Takanori Nishiyama, Makoto Hosoya, Takeshi Wakabayashi, Hiroyuki Ozawa, Naoki Oishi
Summary: Tumoral lesions of the temporal bone are challenging to approach and diagnose due to their rarity and variety. In this pictorial review, the authors focused on the imaging findings of temporal bone lesions categorized by location and created a diagnostic flowchart to aid in differentiation. Capturing imaging features can be a useful method in the diagnosis of temporal bone mass lesions.
Review
Surgery
Chi Zhang, Amit K. Mathur
Summary: Kidney transplantation offers better outcomes for patients with end-stage renal failure compared to dialysis. However, not all racial/ethnic backgrounds have access to these benefits due to cultural barriers, financial costs, and biological predispositions, leading to disparities in transplantation rates.
TRANSPLANT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)