Article
Genetics & Heredity
Ibrar Muhammad Khan, Hongyu Liu, Jingyi Zhuang, Nazir Muhammad Khan, Dandan Zhang, Jingmeng Chen, Tengteng Xu, Lourdes Felicidad Cordova Avalos, Xinqi Zhou, Yunhai Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the circRNA expression profiling in the testes of Wandong cattle at 3 years of developmental age, identifying 17,013 circRNAs with 681 differentially expressed circRNAs between calf and bull testes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the target genes were closely associated with bull sexual maturity and spermatogenesis.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Manish Kumar Sinha, Arumugam Kumaresan, Thirumala Rao Talluri, John Peter Ebenezer Samuel King, Mani Arul Prakash, Pradeep Nag, Nilendu Paul, Kathan Raval, Elango Kamaraj, V Aranganathan
Summary: In this study, high-throughput next-generation sequencing was used to identify important SNPs and novel variants associated with fertility in high-fertile (HF) and low-fertile (LF) breeding bulls. The results showed a higher number of SNPs in HF bulls compared to LF bulls. GO analysis revealed the involvement of genes with significant variations in oxidative phosphorylation and metabolic pathways in HF bulls, while genes related to Ca2++ ion binding, ribosomal structure, translation, and ribosomal small subunit assembly were found to have significant variations in LF bulls. Several candidate genes including TPT1, BOLA-DRA, CD74, RPS17, RPS28, RPS29, RPL14, RPL13, and RPS27A were identified, which are associated with sperm functionality, survival, oxidative stress, and bull fertility.
ANIMAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Bartosz Czech, Joanna Szyda, Kai Wang, Hanpeng Luo, Yachun Wang
Summary: This study analyzed the microbiome composition in Chinese Holstein cows and identified bacteria associated with heat stress. These bacteria can serve as biomarkers for further microbiological studies and provide insights into the effects of heat stress on cows.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alice Coillard, Lea Guyonnet, Alba De Juan, Adeline Cros, Elodie Segura
Summary: Monocytes are recruited to inflamed tissues where they encounter a broad range of microbial motifs, leading to differentiation into mo-mac or mo-DC. Viruses promote mo-mac differentiation via TLR signaling, while Mycobacteria favor mo-DC differentiation through NOD signaling.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Hongyu Liu, Ibrar Muhammad Khan, Yong Liu, Nazir Muhammad Khan, Kaiyuan Ji, Huiqun Yin, Wenliang Wang, Xinqi Zhou, Yunhai Zhang
Summary: This study detected the expression of miRNAs in bovine testes using high-throughput sequencing technology and identified miRNAs and genes associated with testicular development and spermatogenesis through bioinformatics analysis. The research provides important insights into the role of miRNAs in testicular development and spermatogenesis.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Dita Gudra, Anda Valdovska, Daina Jonkus, Daiga Galina, Daina Kairisa, Maija Ustinova, Kristine Viksne, Davids Fridmanis, Ineta Kalnina
Summary: This study investigated the genetic background of Latvian local Bos taurus breeds, LBG and LZG, and identified genetic factors associated with mastitis. The results showed that LBG and LZG cows have similar levels of genetic diversity compared to other breeds, with a small overall differentiation between the breeds. Each breed has its own mastitis-associated SNP profile.
Article
Immunology
Arturo Gonzalez de la Aleja, Cristina Herrero, Monica Torres-Torresano, Juan Vladimir de la Rosa, Barbara Alonso, Enrique Capa-Sardon, Ittai B. Muller, Gerrit Jansen, Amaya Puig-Kroeger, Miguel A. Vega, Antonio Castrillo, Angel L. Corbi
Summary: LXR activation limits the anti-inflammatory polarization of human macrophages and promotes the acquisition of an inflammatory profile, which is associated with the expression of specific genes and the release of activin A.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Yingyi Chen, Yitong Liu, Huan Xia, Guiyang Xia, Junji Xu, Sheng Lin, Lijia Guo, Yi Liu
Summary: In this study, the effect of Litcubanine A (LA) on macrophage chemotaxis and osteoclast differentiation in periodontitis was investigated. LA was found to inhibit macrophage chemotaxis and suppress osteoclast differentiation through the MAPK signaling pathway, resulting in lower bone loss in a ligature-induced periodontitis model. Thus, LA shows promise as a potential therapeutic agent for periodontitis.
JOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Bin Zhang, Yuan Zhang, Lei Xiong, Yuzhe Li, Yunliang Zhang, Jiuliang Zhao, Hui Jiang, Can Li, Yunqi Liu, Xindong Liu, Haofei Liu, Yi-Fang Ping, Qiangfeng Cliff Zhang, Zheng Zhang, Xiu-Wu Bian, Yan Zhao, Xiaoyu Hu
Summary: Zhang et al. analyzed the functional heterogeneity of human monocytes in acute and chronic inflammatory disease conditions. They discovered a subset of CD127(+) hypoinflammatory monocytes within the inflammatory environment, suggesting the important role of CD127 in imprinting functional diversity in human monocytes. The study also found that CD127 marked a subset of monocytes/macrophages with hypoinflammatory phenotypes in COVID-19 and rheumatoid arthritis.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Nina Dachs, Maulik Upadhyay, Elisabeth Hannemann, Andreas Hauser, Stefan Krebs, Doris Seichter, Ingolf Russ, Lilian Johanna Gehrke, Georg Thaller, Ivica Medugorac
Summary: This study aims to re-examine the published QTL region on BTA18 and investigate why the exact genetic sequence has not been identified. The known QTL was confirmed using genotyping data and whole-genome sequencing. The study also identified 4 SNPs in near-perfect linkage disequilibrium with the QTL haplotype.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Peter K. Moore, Kelsey C. Anderson, Shannon A. McManus, Ting -Hui Tu, Emily M. King, Kara J. Mould, Elizabeth F. Redente, Peter M. Henson, William J. Janssen, Alexandra L. McCubbrey
Summary: This study characterized the subtypes and transcriptomic profiles of interstitial macrophages (IMs) in the lung during homeostasis and acute lung inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The results show that IMs can be divided into distinct subsets based on the expression of folate receptor I3 (FRI3), and during inflammation, there are recruited monocyte-derived IMs with unique gene expression profiles. These findings suggest that IMs have different functions during inflammation.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LUNG CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Hongyu Liu, Ibrar Muhammad Khan, Huiqun Yin, Xinqi Zhou, Muhammad Rizwan, Jingyi Zhuang, Yunhai Zhang
Summary: This study comprehensively analyzed the expression profiles of mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs in the testes of bulls of two different age groups, providing insights into the differences in sexual development caused by changes in mRNA and long non-coding RNA interactions between immature and mature stages.
Article
Immunology
Caroline B. K. Mathiesen, Asha M. Rudjord-Levann, Monika Gad, Jesper Larsen, Finn Sellebjerg, Anders Elm Pedersen
Summary: Cladribine has shown to reduce the inflammatory potential and phagocytic activity of M1 macrophages without affecting the differentiation or phenotype of these cells in relevant therapeutic concentrations in vitro. This could have a beneficial clinical impact in the treatment of MS by reducing plaque development while leaving M1 macrophages intact for protection against infections.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Carmen W. E. Embregts, Annelieke S. Wentzel, Alexander T. den Dekker, Wilfred F. J. van IJcken, Ralph Stadhouders, Corine H. GeurtsvanKessel
Summary: Macrophages play a crucial role in the immune response to rabies virus (RABV). This study revealed that RABV induces activation and polarization of macrophages, leading to an antiviral response. The RABV-stimulated macrophages express multiple signature genes of M1, M2a, and M2c phenotypes, and activate pathways related to interferon and antiviral response.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
XiaoYi He, Stephanie Tan, Zhong Shao, Xiao Wang
Summary: Macrophages play a crucial role in innate immunity, exhibiting heterogeneity and plasticity vital for homeostasis and host defense. The heterogeneity of tissue macrophages is influenced by ontogeny, tissue factors, and environmental signals. Macrophages rapidly respond to stimuli in a stimulus-specific manner through cascaded activation, determining their phenotypes and functions. Advancements in technology have enhanced our understanding of macrophage biology and their role in disease pathogenesis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarah Thompson, Chong Yun Pang, Krishna Mohan Sepuru, Seppe Cambier, Thomas P. Hellyer, Jonathan Scott, A. John Simpson, Paul Proost, John A. Kirby, Krishna Rajarathnam, Neil S. Sheerin, Simi Ali
Summary: Chemokine CXCL8 plays a crucial role in human immune response by mediating neutrophil migration and activation at sites of infection and injury. This study demonstrates that peroxynitrite can nitrate CXCL8, leading to impaired neutrophil migration and activation. The nitrated chemokine showed reduced ability to induce neutrophil migration in vitro and failed to promote leukocyte recruitment in vivo due to impaired receptor signaling and binding to glycosaminoglycans. The presence of nitrated CXCL8 was detected in bronchoalveolar lavage samples from patients with pneumonia, providing the first direct evidence of chemokine nitration in human pathophysiology.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lisa Verhallen, Jarkko J. J. Lackman, Rikke Wendt, Martin Gustavsson, Zhang Yang, Yoshiki Narimatsu, Daniel M. M. Sorensen, Kato Mac Lafferty, Mieke Gouwy, Pedro E. E. Marques, Gertrud M. M. Hjorto, Mette M. M. Rosenkilde, Paul Proost, Christoffer K. K. Goth
Summary: Chemokine ligands and receptors play a role in regulating leukocyte migration. This study examined the post-translational modifications of chemokine receptors and their impact on ligand binding and signaling. The results indicated that O-glycosylation and tyrosine sulfation affect the recognition and signaling of chemokines with the receptor CCR5. The enzymes GalNAc-T1 and GalNAc-T11 were identified as being involved in the O-glycosylation process of chemokine receptors.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eva Ganseman, Mieke Gouwy, Dominique M. A. Bullens, Christine Breynaert, Rik Schrijvers, Paul Proost
Summary: A significant proportion of adult-onset asthma is caused by occupational exposure to various agents. Insect allergies can occur in several professions, with respiratory symptoms such as asthma being the most common. The recent approval of insects for human consumption by the European Union may increase the risk of occupational insect allergies. This review highlights the need for better diagnostics and primary prevention measures to protect workers in the developing insect industry.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Karen Yu, Luna Dillemans, Mieke Gouwy, Helena Bessa, Mieke Metzemaekers, Erik Martens, Patrick Matthys, Xavier Bossuyt, Patrick Verschueren, Carine Wouters, Lien De Somer, Paul Proost
Summary: In this study, a fluorescent in vitro assay was improved to characterize endogenous PAD activity in complex samples. The results showed similar levels of PAD activity in synovial fluids of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients, while citrullination was limited in joints of patients with gout or Lyme's disease. Interestingly, a higher level of extracellular citrullination was only found in blood of anti-CCP-positive RA patients.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Sara Abouelasrar Salama, Mieke Gouwy, Jo Van Damme, Sofie Struyf
Summary: Originally, it was believed that only one SAA protein was involved in amyloid A amyloidosis, but in reality, SAA is a family of four proteins, with SAA1 and SAA2 being acute phase proteins. SAA is highly conserved in various animal species, indicating its important biological function. A-SAA has been linked to diverse biological activities mediated by the GPCR FPR2, including leukocyte activation, atherosclerosis, pathogen recognition, bone formation, and cell survival. A-SAA can also be modified post-translationally, generating various A-SAA-derived peptides, some of which promote neutrophil and monocyte migration through FPR2 activation.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Rheumatology
Bernard Grillet, Rafaela Vaz Sousa Pereira, Jo Van Damme, Ahmed Abu El-Asrar, Paul Proost, Ghislain Opdenakker
Summary: Proteolysis of the extracellular matrix is an irreversible post-translational modification in arthropathies like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis due to increased levels of matrix remodelling enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMPs destroy proteoglycans, collagens, and other ECM molecules and also control joint remodelling indirectly through cell-surface receptors and cytokines. Understanding the regulation and activities of MMPs can help develop better diagnostics and therapies for joint diseases. MMPs play a significant role in irreversible joint remodelling in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, making them important targets for precision medicine and diagnosis.
NATURE REVIEWS RHEUMATOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Ellen De Langhe, Sien Van Loo, Bert Malengier-Devlies, Mieke Metzemaekers, Frederik Staels, Jessica Vandenhaute, Nathalie Berghen, Raf Sciot, Anniek Corveleyn, Olga Tsuiko, Mieke Gouwy, Jan Lenaerts, Patrick Verschueren, Carine H. Wouters, Paul Proost, Patrick Matthys, Eric Legius, Rik Schrijvers
Summary: The article reports a case of adult-onset inflammatory disease. It is revealed that two somatic genetic events are responsible for the disease and its onset in adulthood.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ahmed M. Abu El-Asrar, Gert De Hertogh, Eef Allegaert, Mohd I. Nawaz, Sara Abouelasrar Salama, Priscilla W. Gikandi, Ghislain Opdenakker, Sofie Struyf
Summary: Inflammation and fibrosis are key features of proliferative vitreoretinal disorders. The process of macrophage-myofibroblast transition (MMT) may contribute to myofibroblast formation in epiretinal membranes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Allergy
Toon Ieven, Lieve Coorevits, Martijn Vandebotermet, Sebastiaan Tuyls, Helene Vanneste, Lisa Santy, Dries Wets, Paul Proost, Glynis Frans, David Devolder, Christine Breynaert, Dominique M. A. Bullens, Rik Schrijvers
Summary: This study evaluated the tolerance of PEGylated lipid nanoparticle vaccine (BNT162b2) in patients with PEG and/or PS80 allergy and explored the mechanism of reactivity. The results showed that all PEG and/or PS80 allergic patients can safely receive SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Bruna M. Silva, Giovanni F. Gomes, Flavio P. Veras, Seppe Cambier, Gabriel V. L. Silva, Andreza U. Quadros, Diego B. Caetite, Daniele C. Nascimento, Camilla M. Silva, Juliana C. Silva, Samara Damasceno, Ayda H. Schneider, Fabio Beretta, Sabrina S. Batah, Icaro M. S. Castro, Isadora M. Paiva, Tamara Rodrigues, Ana Salina, Ronaldo Martins, Guilherme C. M. Cebinelli, Naira L. Bibo, Daniel M. Jorge, Helder I. Nakaya, Dario S. Zamboni, Luiz O. Leiria, Alexandre T. Fabro, Jose C. Alves-Filho, Eurico Arruda, Paulo Louzada-Junior, Rene D. Oliveira, Larissa D. Cunha, Pierre Van Mol, Lore Vanderbeke, Simon Feys, Els Wauters, Laura Brandolini, Andrea Aramini, Fernando Q. Cunha, Joerg Koehl, Marcello Allegretti, Diether Lambrechts, Joost Wauters, Paul Proost, Thiago M. Cunha
Summary: Activation of the C5a/C5aR1 pathway in COVID-19 patients can worsen the disease and lead to cytokine storm syndrome, organ dysfunction, and death. Inhibiting C5aR1 signaling can improve lung immunopathology, suggesting that C5aR1 antagonists may be useful for COVID-19 treatment.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Seppe Cambier, Mieke Gouwy, Paul Proost
Summary: Chemokines play a crucial role in regulating leukocyte migration and activation in the immune system. CXCL8 is a potent chemokine that attracts neutrophils and is important in the response to infection and tissue injury. Its activity is dependent on interactions with specific chemokine receptors and glycosaminoglycans. Understanding the structure and regulation of CXCL8 is important for therapeutic development and managing inflammatory diseases and cancer.
CELLULAR & MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Luna Dillemans, Youri Bekhuis, Albrecht Betrains, Karen Yu, Maarten van Hemelen, Noemie Portner, Lien De Somer, Patrick Matthys, Jeroen Breckpot, Thomas Tousseyn, Marijke Peetermans, Paul Proost, Carine Wouters, Steven Vanderschueren
Summary: We report a fatal case of a 20-year-old woman with refractory adult-onset Still's disease accompanied by fulminant macrophage activation syndrome and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. This case highlights the importance of prompt genetic assessment of complement-encoding alleles, in addition to HLH-related genes, in patients with severe adult-onset Still's disease with recurrent macrophage activation syndrome and features of thrombotic microangiopathy.
CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Paola Orlandi, Marta Banchi, Francesca Vaglini, Marco Carli, Stefano Aringhieri, Arianna Bandini, Carla Pardini, Cristina Viaggi, Michele Lai, Greta Ali, Alessandra Ottani, Eleonora Vandini, Patrizia Guidi, Margherita Bernardeschi, Veronica La Rocca, Giulio Francia, Gabriella Fontanini, Mauro Pistello, Giada Frenzilli, Daniela Giuliani, Marco Scarselli, Guido Bocci
Summary: This study investigates the role of MC4R in melanoma and the use of the selective antagonist ML in combination with vemurafenib. The results show that ML can inhibit melanoma cell proliferation and induce apoptosis through the inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation and reduction of BCL-XL expression. The combination of vemurafenib and ML exhibits a synergistic effect in vitro and inhibits tumor growth in vivo without causing adverse effects.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Conor J. Bloxham, Katina D. Hulme, Fabrizio Fierro, Christian Fercher, Cassandra L. Pegg, Shannon L. O'Brien, Simon R. Foster, Kirsty R. Short, Sebastian G. B. Furness, Melissa E. Reichelt, Masha Y. Niv, Walter G. Thomas
Summary: Bitter taste receptors (T2Rs) are a type of G protein-coupled receptors that allow humans to detect aversive and toxic substances. This study characterized the functional properties of previously identified T2Rs in human cardiac tissues and their naturally occurring polymorphisms. The results showed differences in signaling among different T2R variants, and revealed a potential association between the T2R50 Tyr203 variant and cardiovascular disease.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lu Chen, Huanying Shi, Wenxin Zhang, Yongjun Zhu, Haifei Chen, Zimei Wu, Huijie Qi, Jiafeng Liu, Mingkang Zhong, Xiaojin Shi, Tianxiao Wang, Qunyi Li
Summary: This study demonstrates that Carfilzomib exhibits potent anti-tumor activity against esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) by triggering mitochondrial apoptosis and reprogramming cellular metabolism. It has been identified that activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) plays a crucial role as a cellular target in ESCC cells treated with Carfilzomib. Overexpression of ATF3 effectively counteracts the effects of Carfilzomib on ESCC cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metabolic reprogramming. Furthermore, ATF3 mediates the anti-tumor activity of Carfilzomib, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for ESCC.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xing Zhang, Xiang Li, Ran Xia, Hong-Sheng Zhang
Summary: This review summarizes recent progress on the mechanisms of ferroptosis resistance in cancer and highlights the role of redox status and metabolism. Combination therapy for ferroptosis has great potential in treating resistant malignant tumors.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2024)