Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Erna Yang, Wei Guan, Desheng Gong, Jieying Li, Caixia Han, Juan Zhang, Hong Wang, Synat Kang, Xuefeng Gao, Yonghui Li, Li Yu
Summary: The RUNX1-RUNX1T1 fusion protein in t(8;21) acute myeloid leukemia inhibits a tumor suppressor protein by recruiting DNA-binding proteins to introduce chemical modifications to the UBXN8 gene. Blocking these modifications with drugs can arrest tumor cell division. Increasing UBXN8 expression may offer a promising therapeutic approach for t(8;21) AML.
EXPERIMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Weili Yang, Chao Guo, James G. G. Herman, Cheng Zhu, Honghui Lv, Xiaomo Su, Lirong Zhang, Meiying Zhang, Mingzhou Guo
Summary: JAM3 is frequently methylated in human esophageal cancer and its expression is regulated by promoter region methylation. JAM3 methylation is an early detection and prognostic marker of esophageal cancer. JAM3 suppresses esophageal cancer growth by inhibiting Wnt signaling.
CLINICAL EPIGENETICS
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Yinfei Tan, Eleonora Sementino, Mitchell Cheung, Suraj Peri, Craig W. Menges, Anna-Mariya Kukuyan, Ting Zhang, Vladimir Khazak, Lauren A. Fox, Eric A. Ross, Suresh Ramanathan, Suresh C. Jhanwar, Raja M. Flores, Siddharth Balachandran, Joseph R. Testa
Summary: The study revealed that RIPK3 loss in malignant mesothelioma is associated with epigenetic silencing through DNA methylation, impairing necroptosis and contributing to chemoresistance and poor survival outcomes.
CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Yan Sun, Huan Zhang, Junpeng Meng, Feng Guo, Dianyun Ren, Heshui Wu, Xin Jin
Summary: This study demonstrates that aberrant PCSK9 upregulation promotes cell proliferation and sorafenib resistance in HCC by inducing AKT activation. Additionally, competitive inhibition of PCSK9 palmitoylation enhances the antitumor effects of sorafenib in HCC.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Song-Hee Kim, Byung-Chul Kang, Daseul Seong, Won-Hyeok Lee, Jae-Hee An, Hyoung-Uk Je, Hee-Jeong Cha, Hyo-Won Chang, Sang-Yoon Kim, Seong-Who Kim, Myung-Woul Han
Summary: This study revealed that EPHA3 regulates DNA methylation and histone methylation of PTEN through the PTEN/Akt/EMT pathway, affecting PTEN levels in radioresistant head and neck cancer cells. This provides a novel mechanism for radiotherapy resistance in these cancer cells.
Article
Virology
Mengfei Xu, Angelina Huseinovic, Annelieke Jaspers, Lushun Yuan, Renske D. M. Steenbergen
Summary: Cervical cancer is caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) and genetic alterations in the host cell. miR-193a-3p and miR-193b-3p play a crucial role in anchorage-independent growth, making them valuable biomarkers for early diagnosis and therapeutic targets.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lu Gan, Qingguo Li, Wei Nie, Yi Zhang, Hesheng Jiang, Cong Tan, Long Zhang, Jieyun Zhang, Qian Li, Pengcong Hou, Yitao Yuan, Xun Sun, Dongmei Liu, Weiqi Sheng, Tianshu Liu, Midie Xu, Weijian Guo
Summary: PROX1 is a transcription factor that promotes malignant transformation and stemness in colorectal cancer (CRC). It has been found that PROX1 is associated with cell glucose metabolism and regulates cell proliferation and glucose metabolism through interaction with SIRT3. High PROX1 expression combined with low SIRT3 expression predicts poor prognosis in CRC patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Paul Lee, Rita Yim, Kai-Kei Miu, Sin-Hang Fung, Jason Jinyue Liao, Zhangting Wang, Jun Li, Yammy Yung, Hiu-Tung Chu, Pui-Kwan Yip, Emily Lee, Eric Tse, Yok-Lam Kwong, Harinder Gill
Summary: Epigenetic and epi-transcriptomic dysregulation of PTEN and MDM2 were associated with resistance to hypomethylating agents in MDS, highlighting the importance of understanding molecular mechanisms leading to HMA-resistance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Hai-Tao Yang, Guan Wang, Peng-Cheng Zhu, Zhao-Yang Xiao
Summary: EIF3A promotes PASMC proliferation in PAH, and its inhibition improves PAH and reduces pulmonary vascular remodeling. Mechanistically, EIF3A regulates PAH progression through the HDAC1-mediated PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway.
EXPERIMENTAL CELL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Sheng Zhao, Wei Li, Weimin Yu, Ting Rao, Haoyong Li, Yuan Ruan, Run Yuan, Chenglong Li, Jinzhuo Ning, Siqi Li, Wu Chen, Fan Cheng, Xiangjun Zhou
Summary: Exosomal miR-21 from tubular epithelial cells accelerates renal fibrosis by activating fibroblasts via the miR-21/PTEN/Akt pathway in obstructed kidneys.
Article
Immunology
Jian Huang, Bingjie Wang, Shaoyi Tao, Yuexia Hu, Ning Wang, Qiaoyun Zhang, Chunhui Wang, Chen Chen, Bingren Gao, Xingdong Cheng, Yongnan Li
Summary: The study found that D-tagatose (TAG) has a protective effect on lung tissues in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), reducing inflammation and damage to the alveolar structure.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Wen-Ya Huang, Zhi-Bin Liao, Jia-Cheng Zhang, Xin Zhang, Hong-Wei Zhang, Hui-Fang Liang, Zun-Yi Zhang, Tao Yang, Jia Yu, Ke-Shuai Dong
Summary: The study showed that TXNRD1 is upregulated in HCC tumors and correlates with poor patient survival. Functional studies demonstrated that TXNRD1 promotes HCC cell proliferation and metastasis. USF2 acts as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting TXNRD1 expression in HCC progression.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Lin Shi, Weiliang Zhu, Yuanyuan Huang, Lin Zhuo, Siyun Wang, Shaobing Chen, Bei Zhang, Bin Ke
Summary: This study found that exosomes released by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) can promote the progression and chemoresistance of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Mechanistically, the exosomes transmit miR-20a to tumor cells, enhancing chemoresistance and proliferation by targeting PTEN.
CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Yifu Hou, Kai Chen, Rui Liao, Youzan Li, Hongji Yang, Jun Gong
Summary: In this study, the authors demonstrate that the long noncoding RNA LINC01419 enhances the methylation of the ZIC1 promoter, suppresses ZIC1 expression, and activates the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby promoting the malignant characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro and facilitating tumor formation and metastasis.
LABORATORY INVESTIGATION
(2021)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Yao Chen, Yakun Han, Li Liu, Minqiang Liu, Jing Lin, Yi Tang, Shanshan Guo, Renliang He, Qiang Wu
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of METTL3-mediated m6A modification in neuropathic pain. The downregulation of METTL3 was found to partially restore the expression of mu opioid receptor (MOR) and alleviate pain sensation in rats. The results suggest that METTL3 may inhibit the expression of MOR by regulating the methylation level of OPRM1 gene RNA, thereby promoting the occurrence and development of neuropathic pain.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Wei Guan, Lei Zhou, Yan Li, Erna Yang, Yangyang Liu, Na Lv, Lin Fu, Yi Ding, Nan Wang, Nan Fang, Qian Liu, Binan Wang, Fuwei Li, Juan Zhang, Maoquan Wang, Lili Wang, Yu Jing, Yonghui Li, Li Yu
Summary: The study found that FLT3-ITD is a poor prognostic factor in AML patients, while the prognostic significance of FLT3-TKD is controversial. Patients with FLT3-ITD may have concurrent mutations in NPM1 and DNMT3A, while CEBPA mutations are less common. MLL and NUP98 are common fusion genes in FLT3-ITD patients, while AML1-ETO and MLL are common fusion genes in FLT3-TKD patients.
EXPERIMENTAL HEMATOLOGY & ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Letter
Oncology
Erna Yang, Desheng Gong, Wei Guan, Jieying Li, Xuefeng Gao, Yonghui Li, Li Yu
Summary: The DNA methylation level significantly increases when the percentage of AML blasts reaches >= 40%, indicating that an accurate DNA methylation level in cancer cells can be obtained when the bone marrow samples of AML patients have more than 40% myeloblasts.
EXPERIMENTAL HEMATOLOGY & ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Juan Zhang, Xuefeng Gao, Mingming Wei, Yonghui Li, Guang Yang, Cheng Yang, Li Yu
Summary: A novel epigenetic agent named Apigenin-Vorinostat-Conjugate (AVC) showed potential therapeutic effects against acute myeloid leukemia by effectively inhibiting leukemia cell growth and inducing apoptosis, while sparing normal cells. It exhibits a promising next-generation epigenetic drug for clinical therapy against AML.
Review
Immunology
Qingyu Xu, Shujiao He, Li Yu
Summary: Based on randomized controlled trials and retrospective cohort studies, the study revealed that GO has therapeutic benefits in specific subtypes of AML by improving CR and survival rates, although it also comes with risks of certain toxicities.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Qingyu Xu, Shujiao He, Li Yu
Summary: FLT3 inhibitors showed improved complete remission in untreated and refractory and relapsed FLT3(+) AML, followed by enhanced survival. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation improved survival in FLT3(+) AML, further prolonged by FLT3 inhibitors after transplantation. Gilteritinib demonstrated the highest probability for improved prognosis in network meta-analysis.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gian Marco Vita, Giovanna De Simone, Elisabetta De Marinis, Clara Nervi, Paolo Ascenzi, Alessandra di Masi
Summary: Serum albumin plays a crucial role in binding nucleic acids and has potential applications in cancer therapy and biotechnology. The understanding of its interaction with nucleic acids opens up new perspectives on its plasma functions.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giovanna De Simone, Alberto Quattrocchi, Benedetta Mancini, Alessandra di Masi, Clara Nervi, Paolo Ascenzi
Summary: Thalassemias are the most common genetic disorders worldwide, characterized by the deficient synthesis of one or more hemoglobin (Hb) chain(s). They result from many different genetic and molecular defects and can manifest as severe or clinically silent hematologic phenotypes. Thalassemias alpha and beta are particularly prevalent in Mediterranean and surrounding regions. Traditional treatments such as RBC transfusions, iron chelation therapy, splenectomy, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are challenged by the rapidly evolving fields of gene therapy and gene editing strategies.
MOLECULAR ASPECTS OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Cristina Banella, Gianfranco Catalano, Serena Travaglini, Elvira Pelosi, Tiziana Ottone, Alessandra Zaza, Gisella Guerrera, Daniela Francesca Angelini, Pasquale Niscola, Mariadomenica Divona, Luca Battistini, Maria Screnci, Emanuele Ammatuna, Ugo Testa, Clara Nervi, Maria Teresa Voso, Nelida Ines Noguera
Summary: Acute Myeloid Leukemias (AMLs) are rapidly progressing and clonal neoplastic diseases. In this study, the metabolic background of AML cells was characterized, and the combination of ascorbate and buformin was shown to be a potential innovative therapeutic option for elderly AML patients resistant to traditional therapy.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Bianca Maria Scicchitano, Marina Bouche, Clara Nervi, Dario Coletti
Summary: Sergio Adamo, a dedicated professor in the field of histology and embryology, conducted research on the mechanisms of myogenesis and muscle homeostasis. His findings revealed novel functions of neurohypophyseal hormones in muscle differentiation and maintenance.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MYOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Gianfranco Catalano, Alessandra Zaza, Cristina Banella, Elvira Pelosi, Germana Castelli, Elisabetta de Marinis, Ariela Smigliani, Serena Travaglini, Tiziana Ottone, Mariadomenica Divona, Maria Ilaria Del Principe, Francesco Buccisano, Luca Maurillo, Emanuele Ammatuna, Ugo Testa, Clara Nervi, Adriano Venditti, Maria Teresa Voso, Nelida Ines Noguera
Summary: We characterized the metabolic background in different types of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) by comparing the metabolism of primary AML blasts with that of normal hematopoietic progenitors. The AML blasts showed lower respiratory and glycolytic capacities compared to hematopoietic precursors. AML blasts can be grouped based on Proton Leak values, and the group with high Proton Leak and high respiratory capacity had shorter overall survival time and overexpression of MCL1 protein. MCL1 was found to directly bind to HK2 on the outer mitochondrial membrane, suggesting its role in inducing glycolysis and promoting resistance to therapy in AML cells.
Editorial Material
Oncology
Yonghui Li, Liping Dou, Clara Nervi
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Hematology
Li Zhang, Guangyi Jin, Ziren Chen, Changhua Yu, Yonghui Li, Yisheng Li, Jinghong Chen, Li Yu
Summary: Using WT1 CAR-T cells, we demonstrated that LEN enhances CAR-T cell function in a concentration-dependent manner. Our data showed that LEN increased the infiltration of tumors with CD3(+) and CD8(+) T cells, thereby improving the anti-tumor activity of CAR-T cells in vivo. Proteomics studies supported that LEN enhanced the efficacy of CAR-T cells, including T-cell activation, mitochondrial activity, and immune synapse formation.
Article
Oncology
Xiaoxia Hu, Bianhong Wang, Qi Chen, Aijie Huang, Weijia Fu, Lixia Liu, Ying Zhang, Gusheng Tang, Hui Cheng, Xiong Ni, Lei Gao, Jie Chen, Li Chen, Weiping Zhang, Jianmin Yang, Shanbo Cao, Li Yu, Jianmin Wang
Summary: The study established a prediction model to identify intermediate risk AML patients with inferior survival, based on characteristics such as white blood cell count, mutated DNMT3A, and genes involved in signaling pathways. The model accurately predicted overall survival and relapse-free survival and was validated with two independent cohorts. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation significantly reduced the relapse risk for intermediate high-risk patients.
Article
Hematology
Bianhong Wang, Wei Guan, Na Lv, Ting Li, Fan Yu, Yuehua Huang, Yanying Wang, Lihong Li, Li Yu
Summary: Elderly AML patients have a higher frequency of adverse genetic alterations, such as RUNX1 and secondary-type mutations, while WT1 mutations are less common. Epigenetic mutations like DNMT3A, TET2, ASXL1, and IDH2 are also more prevalent in elderly patients. Decitabine-based chemotherapy showed promising results with an overall response rate of 76.9% and complete remission rate of 71.8%, with a median overall survival of 12 months and 2-year overall survival probability of 20.5% in elderly patients.
Review
Oncology
Synat Kang, Xuefeng Gao, Li Zhang, Erna Yang, Yonghui Li, Li Yu
Summary: NK cells have the ability to lyse tumor targets, but lack specificity. Engineering NK cells with TCR can increase their reactivity and recognition specificity towards tumor cells, which is significant for cancer immunotherapy.
