Article
Biology
Wanqiu Chen, Chenguang Wang, Zhi-Xue Yang, Feng Zhang, Wei Wen, Christoph Schaniel, Xianqiang Mi, Matthew Bock, Xiao-Bing Zhang, Hongyu Qiu, Charles Wang
Summary: Researchers have developed a method to generate induced mesenchymal stromal cells (iMSCs) by directly reprogramming human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using five factors. Omission of OCT4, one of the factors, significantly impairs the functionality of iMSCs and downregulates MSC-specific and mesoderm-regulating genes. The transient expression of OCT4 increases chromatin accessibility and promotes demethylation.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Qianmin Gao, Lipeng Wang, Sicheng Wang, Biaotong Huang, Yingying Jing, Jiacan Su
Summary: Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells are a group of heterogeneous cells consisting of multipotent stem cells, including osteochondral and adipocyte progenitors. Recent studies have identified new subgroups of BMSCs and clarified their roles in normal and pathological conditions. Furthermore, key regulators and mechanisms controlling the fate of BMSCs have been revealed.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lukasz Janczewski
Summary: Consumption of cruciferous plants can reduce the risk of lung, breast, and prostate cancers due to the presence of glucosinolates, which can be transformed into biologically active isothiocyanates. These isothiocyanates exhibit anticancer and antibacterial activity and are used in organic synthesis. This review discusses the synthesis of sulforaphane and its analogues, as well as their biological activity. The mechanisms of action for anticancer and antibacterial effects are also explored.
Review
Immunology
Kilian Kelly, John E. J. Rasko
Summary: GvHD is a life-threatening complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, often requiring high-dose corticosteroid treatment. MSCs show promise as a potential therapy due to their immunosuppressive and immunoregulatory effects, but their efficacy may be influenced by donor variability and manufacturing processes.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cheng Su, Xiao Zheng, Yanjin He, Li Long, Wenchuan Chen
Summary: This study identified aberrant expression of circRNAs in hUCMSCs during osteogenic differentiation, constructed competing endogenous RNA networks using bioinformatics tools, elucidated underlying mechanisms, and validated the osteogenic-promoting effect of a specific circRNA.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Malgorzata Milczarek, Anna Pogorzelska, Katarzyna Wiktorska
Summary: Combined treatment with 5-fluorouracil and 2-oxohexyl isothiocyanate acts synergistically in colon cancer by enhancing cytotoxic activity, primarily through the apoptotic process.
Article
Cell Biology
Chih-Yi Yang, Rita Jui-Hsien Lu, Ming-Kang Lee, Felix Shih-Hsian Hsiao, Ya-Ping Yen, Chun-Chun Cheng, Pu-Sheng Hsu, Yi-Tzang Tsai, Shih-Kuo Chen, I-Hsuan Liu, Pao-Yang Chen, Shau-Ping Lin
Summary: MSCs lacking DNMT3L exhibit reduced colony forming ability and impaired osteogenesis in vitro, with differentially regulated genes associated with bone morphology-related phenotypes. The observed defects are hypothesized to result from pre-deposited epigenetic signatures from DNMT3L-expressing progenitors, rather than a direct effect of missing DNMT3L in MSCs.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Wu Duan, Huajie Zou, Nan Zang, Dongxia Ma, Bo Yang, Lin Zhu
Summary: Bone marrow adipose tissue (MAT) can have both local and systemic effects on metabolic homeostasis. The effects of metformin, a first-line drug for type 2 diabetes, on MAT and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) differentiation are conflicting. In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that metformin increased MAT in mice tibia and promoted both osteogenic and lipogenic gene expression in mouse bone marrow. However, metformin inhibited lipogenesis and promoted osteogenesis of MSC in vitro. The increased MAT may be attributed to the filling of adipose tissue after metformin-induced apoptosis of bone marrow stromal cells.
Article
Cell Biology
Sarah Hochmann, Kristy Ou, Rodolphe Poupardin, Michaela Mittermeir, Martin Textor, Salaheddine Ali, Martin Wolf, Agnes Ellinghaus, Dorit Jacobi, Juri A. J. Elmiger, Samantha Donsante, Mara Riminucci, Richard Schaefer, Uwe Kornak, Oliver Klein, Katharina Schallmoser, Katharina Schmidt-Bleek, Georg N. Duda, Julia K. Polansky, Sven Geissler, Dirk Strunk
Summary: Multipotent stromal cells are attractive sources for cell therapy and tissue engineering, but their application is limited due to functional diversity. In this study, we compared the regenerative potential of different stromal cell types in vitro and in vivo and found that only bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) could fully regenerate critical-size femoral defects. This ability was attributed to cell type-specific epigenetic landscapes controlling transcriptional stromal differentiation networks. BMSCs initiated defect healing and eventually contributed to tissue remodeling.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Niels Belmans, Liese Gilles, Jonas Welkenhuysen, Randy Vermeesen, Bjorn Baselet, Benjamin Salmon, Sarah Baatout, Reinhilde Jacobs, Stephane Lucas, Ivo Lambrichts, Marjan Moreels
Summary: This study investigated the impact of low doses of X-ray irradiation on pediatric dental mesenchymal stromal cells, finding that low doses of IR could induce significant increases in DNA double strand break repair foci, but have minimal effects on cell cycle progression.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Shi-hui Liu, Qiu-yun Wu, Ting Xu, Hui-cong Wang, Jun-wei Wang, Zhong-Lin Zhang, Ming-yue Liu, Ke Huang
Summary: This study investigated the medicinal potential of Chinese broccoli and found significant variations in the content of sulforaphane, an active anticancer ingredient, among different germplasms. Cluster analysis based on sulforaphane content and qualitative phenotypic traits classified the germplasms into five different groups. These findings not only confirmed the medicinal values of Chinese broccoli but also provided crucial information for future germplasm development and new variety breeding.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Hua Huang, Wen Zhang, Junjie Su, Bisheng Zhou, Qingjiang Han
Summary: Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) undergo replicative senescence, limiting their clinical utilization. This study found that spermidine (SPD) supplementation delays the senescence of human umbilical cord MSCs (hUCMSCs) by inhibiting oxidative stress. Additionally, SIRT3 was identified as necessary for SPD to exert its antisenescence effects on hUCMSCs. Furthermore, SPD was shown to protect MSCs against oxidative stress and delay cell senescence, suggesting its potential clinical utilization.
STEM CELLS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guanqiong Na, Canxia He, Shunxi Zhang, Sicong Tian, Yongping Bao, Yujuan Shan
Summary: Diet featuring high intake of plant chemicals like glucosinolates/isothiocyanates plays a significant role in promoting optimal health and reducing the risk of cancer. Recent studies have revealed novel mechanisms of isothiocyanates' effects, including their impact on tumor microenvironment, inhibition of stem cell self-renewal, rearrangement of energy metabolism pathways, modulation of microbiota, and protection against Helicobacter pylori. However, the hormetic/biphasic effects of isothiocyanates complicate recommendations because their benefits or risks depend on dosage and the desired outcome. Isothiocyanates possess potent anti-cancer activities but researchers should be cautious about potential adverse (and hormetic) effects. The authors suggest using dietary isothiocyanates as adjunctive treatments with established anti-cancer drugs and also discuss the application of nano-formulations and delivery of isothiocyanates in this review.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Suncica Kapor, Milica Vukotic, Tijana Suboticki, Dragoslava Dikic, Olivera Mitrovic Ajtic, Milica Radojkovic, Vladan P. Cokic, Juan F. Santibanez
Summary: The study found that HU inhibits the growth of BMMSC, causing senescence-like changes and affecting cellular differentiation and immunoregulatory functions.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Dana Elkhalifa, Nour Al-Ziftawi, Ahmed Awaisu, Feras Alali, Ashraf Khalil
Summary: This systematic review aimed at assessing the therapeutic potential of sulforaphane (SFN) in diverse cancer types. The review identified 8 human-based RCTs investigating the efficacy and safety of SFN in prostate cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and melanoma. SFN treatment led to statistically significant alterations in several vital genes and histological biomarkers. However, further robust clinical investigations are needed to conclusively ascertain the chemotherapeutic potential of SFN.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Elena Lucarini, Laura Micheli, Eleonora Pagnotta, Roberto Matteo, Carmen Parisio, Alessandra Toti, Valentina Ferrara, Clara Ciampi, Alma Martelli, Lara Testai, Vincenzo Calderone, Michele Savino, Mario Russo, Nicola Pecchioni, Carla Ghelardini, Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
Summary: The protective and anti-hyperalgesic effects of Eruca sativa defatted seed meal were investigated in a rat model of colitis. Results showed that the defatted seed meal could relieve visceral pain and counteract pain persistence during the inflammatory phase by promoting colon healing and reducing gliosis.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Antonella Fioravanti, Antonio Giordano, Francesco Dotta, Luigi Pirtoli
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chiara Russo, Daniela Barone, Margherita Lavorgna, Concetta Piscitelli, Marcella Macaluso, Severina Pacifico, Simona Piccolella, Antonio Giordano, Marina Isidori
Summary: This study evaluated the cytotoxic activity and chemical composition of tomato extracts from different varieties grown in contaminated soil. The extracts showed varying levels of cytotoxicity towards cancer cells, with extracts from uncontaminated soil exhibiting the highest activity.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Pierluigi Scalia, Stephen J. Williams, Yoko Fujita-Yamaguchi, Antonio Giordano
Summary: The IGFs are important growth factors that play a key role in cell growth and cell cycle progression through their cellular receptors. Understanding the intracellular signaling mechanisms of IGFs is crucial for cancer research. This study provides a comprehensive summary of the current understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of IGFs in cancer and suggests new perspectives for further research.
Article
Cell Biology
Domenico Aprile, Nicola Alessio, Tiziana Squillaro, Giovanni Di Bernardo, Gianfranco Peluso, Umberto Galderisi
Summary: In this study, we investigated the role of SSEA-3 in MUSE cell behavior and its potential relationship with FGF2 activity. We found that the cooperation between SSEA-3 and FGF2 affects the self-renewal and clonogenic capacity of MUSE cells, and blocking SSEA-3 significantly reduces their multilineage potential.
CELL PROLIFERATION
(2023)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Ilenia Severi, Silvia Abbatelli, Jessica Perugini, Eleonora Di Mercurio, Martina Senzacqua, Antonio Giordano
Summary: This study is the first comprehensive morphological investigation into the distribution and physiological role of BChE in the mouse gastrointestinal tract. BChE-positive cells were found in various digestive organs, such as the stomach, liver, and intestine, and were closely linked to ghrelin production.
JOURNAL OF ANATOMY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giovanni Ciccarelli, Stefano Conte, Giovanni Cimmino, Patrizia Maiorano, Andrea Morrione, Antonio Giordano
Summary: Atherosclerosis is a complex disease involving metabolic processes and inflammation. Despite improved therapies, a significant residual risk remains due to unmet therapeutic targets. Endothelial dysfunction and lipid infiltration are primary causes of atherosclerotic plaque progression. Mitochondrial dysfunction can affect arterial wall cells, leading to oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and intracellular lipid deposition. Evaluating mitochondrial defects through the detection and characterization of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is crucial, and mitochondria-targeting therapies show promise in treating atherosclerosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Nicola Alessio, Mustafa Burak Acar, Tiziana Squillaro, Domenico Aprile, Serife Ayaz-Guner, Giovanni Di Bernardo, Gianfranco Peluso, Servet Ozcan, Umberto Galderisi
Summary: A study found that senescence can produce a senescence-specific secretome which can spread to other cells and have either positive or negative effects on health. Proteome analysis revealed that early and late senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs) contain specific factors, with some common ontologies and signaling pathways. It was shown that SASPs can block cancer cell proliferation and promote senescence/apoptosis.
CELL PROLIFERATION
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Elisa Ventura, Giacomo Ducci, Reyes Benot Dominguez, Valentina Ruggiero, Antonino Belfiore, Elena Sacco, Marco Vanoni, Renato V. V. Iozzo, Antonio Giordano, Andrea Morrione
Summary: Progranulin plays an important pro-tumorigenic role in various solid tumors and has diagnostic and prognostic values in multiple tumor types. The molecular mechanisms underlying progranulin's function in cancer are not fully understood, but recent evidence suggests a strong context-dependency of progranulin signaling. This review focuses on summarizing the current evidence supporting the pro-oncogenic role of progranulin and its molecular mechanisms of action in cancer.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Giovanna Liguori, Anna Costagliola, Renato Lombardi, Orlando Paciello, Antonio Giordano
Summary: Animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) are planned activities carried out in multidisciplinary teams with educational, therapeutic, and recreational purposes. These interventions offer many advantages to subjects but may expose them to zoonotic-pathogen transmission. Therefore, ensuring positive animal welfare and implementing preventive measures are crucial for the safety of patients.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
L. Testai, R. Montanaro, L. Flori, E. Pagnotta, V. Vellecco, E. Gorica, L. Ugolini, L. Righetti, V. Brancaleone, M. Bucci, E. Piragine, A. Martelli, L. Di Cesare Mannelli, C. Ghelardini, V. Calderone
Summary: This study investigated the cardioprotective effects of ERU, an isothiocyanate derived from glucosinolate glucoerucin, and explored its mechanism of action, focusing on the role of mitochondrial Kv7.4 potassium channels. ERU was found to release H2S and protect H9c2 cells against oxidative damage. In an in vivo myocardial infarct model, ERU showed protective effects, reducing ischemic area, troponin I levels, and inflammatory outcomes, which were abolished by treatment with a Kv7.4 channel blocker. ERU also exhibited the characteristics of a mitochondrial potassium channel opener in isolated cardiac mitochondria and resulted in persulfidation of mitoKv7.4 channels.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Luisa Ugolini, Lorena Malaguti, Roberto Matteo, Eleonora Pagnotta, Romina Beleggia, Laura Righetti
Summary: This study produced protein hydrolysates from defatted crambe abyssinica seed meals and tested their effects on root development and nitrogen content in mung beans and maize. The hydrolysates showed a stimulating effect on root development and increased nitrogen content in both plants.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alfredo Caturano, Margherita D'Angelo, Andrea Mormone, Vincenzo Russo, Maria Pina Mollica, Teresa Salvatore, Raffaele Galiero, Luca Rinaldi, Erica Vetrano, Raffaele Marfella, Marcellino Monda, Antonio Giordano, Ferdinando Carlo Sasso
Summary: Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the development and progression of diabetes and its associated complications. The imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the body's antioxidant defense mechanisms leads to cellular damage and dysfunction. By understanding and addressing oxidative stress, it may be possible to alleviate the burden of diabetes and improve patient outcomes.
CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Valentino, Stefania Leuci, Umberto Galderisi, Gianrico Spagnuolo, Michele Davide Mignogna, Gianfranco Peluso, Anna Calarco
Summary: We have found a different miRNA expression profile in plasma-derived exosomes (P-EVs) from MPV patients compared to healthy controls, with a significant downregulation of miR-148a-3p in MPV patients. Bioinformatics analysis predicted MMP7 as a potential target of miR-148a-3p. In vitro experiments showed that treatment with Dsg3 autoantibodies downregulated miR-148a-3p and upregulated MMP7 expression, leading to cell dissociation, which was prevented by overexpression of miR-148a-3p.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Pietro Fusani, Nicola Aiello, Sergio Gianni, Federica Camin, Eleonora Pagnotta, Manuela Bagatta
Summary: Eleven horseradish accessions from family vegetable gardens in Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy were evaluated and found to exhibit diversity and variability in quality, indicating their potential for horseradish cultivation.
PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES-CHARACTERIZATION AND UTILIZATION
(2023)