Article
Oncology
Soontorn Tuntithavornwat, Daniel J. Shea, Bin Sheng Wong, Talia Guardia, Se Jong Lee, Christopher L. Yankaskas, Lei Zheng, Aikaterini Kontrogianni-Konstantopoulos, Konstantinos Konstantopoulos
Summary: Obscurins, encoded by the OBSCN gene, play a critical role in pancreatic cancer progression and metastasis by regulating cytoskeletal remodeling through RhoA activity. Decreased levels of giant obscurins in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas lead to faster cell migration, tumor growth, and metastasis development.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guanghui Hu, Ning Huang, Jing Zhang, Die Zhang, Shuren Wang, Yuanyuan Zhang, Liming Wang, Yingxi Du, Shuwen Kuang, Kai Ma, Hongxia Zhu, Ningzhi Xu, Mei Liu
Summary: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor and the role of LKB1 in CRC remains unclear. This study generated LKB1 knockout (KO) CRC cell lines and showed that LKB1 deficiency promoted CRC cell metastasis through upregulation of TNIK and subsequent cytoskeleton remodeling. These findings suggest that the LKB1-TNIK axis may play a crucial role in CRC progression.
MOLECULAR CARCINOGENESIS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Aarren J. Mannion, Adam F. Odell, Alison Taylor, Pamela F. Jones, Graham P. Cook
Summary: CD99 plays a complex role in tumor progression, by promoting adhesion between tumor cells and endothelial cells while inhibiting invasion and migratory activity. It negatively regulates CDC42 and cell migration, demonstrating its dual pro- and anti-tumor activities, with implications in inhibiting metastatic progression in breast cancer.
JOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Muhammad Bilal Ahmed, Salman Ul Islam, Young Sup Lee
Summary: PRP4 inhibits melanin production, blocks calcium influx through desensitization of CaSR, and modulates the actin cytoskeleton through downregulation of the AC-cAMP pathway, collectively leading to the promotion of skin carcinogenesis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Aleksandra Glogowska, Thatchawan Thanasupawat, Jason Beiko, Marshall Pitz, Sabine Hombach-Klonisch, Thomas Klonisch
Summary: CTRP8, a member of the C1Q-TNF-related peptide family, acts as a ligand for RXFP1, protecting GBM cells against DNA damage and improving survival. JAK3, identified as a novel member of the CTRP8-RXFP1-JAK3-STAT3 signaling cascade, plays a role in cellular protein content and Cdc42 activity, affecting cell motility and actin structure.
MOLECULAR ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Saranyaraajan Varadarajan, Shahana A. Chumki, Rachel E. Stephenson, Eileen R. Misterovich, Jessica L. Wu, Claire E. Dudley, Ivan S. Erofeev, Andrew B. Goryachev, Ann L. Miller
Summary: Epithelial cell-cell junctions undergo remodeling in response to mechanical stimuli, with local RhoA activation and intracellular calcium flashes playing important roles in repairing tight junction leaks. Mechanosensitive calcium channels are also crucial for maintaining barrier function.
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eleonora Sarantelli, Apostolis Mourkakis, Lefteris C. Zacharia, Andreas Stylianou, Vasiliki Gkretsi
Summary: As metastasis is a major cause of cancer-related deaths, understanding the cellular and molecular events involved in cancer cell migration and invasion is crucial for developing novel anti-metastatic therapies. Fascin-1, an actin-bundling protein, plays a fundamental role in cell migration processes. It is significantly elevated in most cancers and its high expression is associated with aggressive disease and poor prognosis. Recent studies show that Fascin-1 is critically involved in metastasis and suggest it as a promising target for anti-metastatic treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Developmental Biology
Michelle S. Giedt, Jonathon M. Thomalla, Roger P. White, Matthew R. Johnson, Zon Weng Lai, Tina L. Tootle, Michael A. Welte
Summary: Lipid droplets play a crucial role in lipid metabolism and are important for oocyte development and fertility. They release arachidonic acid to promote actin remodeling necessary for follicle development.
Article
Immunology
Hannah Wurzer, Liza Filali, Celine Hoffmann, Max Krecke, Andrea Michela Biolato, Jerome Mastio, Sigrid De Wilde, Jean Hugues Francois, Anne Largeot, Guy Berchem, Jerome Paggetti, Etienne Moussay, Clement Thomas
Summary: The study found that CLL cells can undergo rapid actin cytoskeleton remodeling during NK cell attack, leading to resistance against cytotoxicity. Pharmacological targeting of CLL cell actin cytoskeleton can increase granzyme B levels and restore sensitivity to NK cells.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Binghong Chen, Mengying Wang, Junjun Qiu, Keman Liao, Wenrui Zhang, Qi Lv, Chunhui Ma, Zhongrun Qian, Zhonggang Shi, Rong Liang, Yan Lin, Jiazhou Ye, Yongming Qiu, Yingying Lin
Summary: The AEP-Tmod3 protease signaling axis identified in this study is a novel dual-regulation mechanism of tumor cell proliferation and migration. The cleavage of Tmod3 by AEP generates truncated forms tTmod3-N and tTmod3-C, which enhance cancer cell migration and proliferation, respectively. Functional experiments and animal models confirmed the tumor-promoting effects of AEP truncated Tmod3, providing new insights for targeting AEP or Tmod3 for therapy.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Gillian DeWane, Alicia M. Salvi, Kris A. DeMali
Summary: The focus has long been on the actin cytoskeleton's role in controlling cell shape, migration, and contact establishment, but recent studies suggest that metabolic adjustments in cells provide the energy necessary for cytoskeletal remodeling.
JOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sashidar Bandaru, Chandu Ala, Alex-Xianghua Zhou, Levent M. Akyurek
Summary: Filamin A (FLNA) plays a crucial role in cell motility and vascular development by stabilizing actin networks and interacting with transcription factors and cell signaling molecules. Mutations in FLNA can lead to cardiovascular malformations in humans, highlighting its importance in cardiovascular health. The interaction of FLNA with transcription factors and cell signaling molecules dictates its function in vascular cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Atsuko Niimi, Siripan Limsirichaikul, Keiko Kano, Yasuyoshi Mizutani, Toshiyuki Takeuchi, Patinya Sawangsri, Dat Quoc Tran, Yoshiyuki Kawamoto, Motoshi Suzuki
Summary: In this study, CERS6 binding partners were identified using co-immunoprecipitation, liquid chromatography, and tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Among the candidates, LASP1 was found to play a role in cell migration and interact with actin on lamellipodia along with CERS6. Silencing of CERS6 and/or LASP1 resulted in reduced levels of lamellipodia formation and cell migration. The interaction of CERS6 or LASP1 with actin was also decreased when the partner was depleted. Based on these findings, it is proposed that LASP1-CERS6 interaction promotes cancer cell migration.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Florian Kuellmer, Nynke A. Veprek, Malgorzata Borowiak, Veselin Nasufovic, Sebastian Barutzki, Oliver Thorn-Seshold, Hans-Dieter Arndt, Dirk Trauner
Summary: We have developed a new generation of photoswitchable jasplakinolides that can be activated with visible light and rapidly return to an inactive state through thermal relaxation. This reversible control of F-actin dynamics has been demonstrated in live-cell imaging, cell migration, and cell proliferation assays. Our optical tool offers excellent spatiotemporal resolution and can be useful in various fields.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaomai Liu, Yujia Sun, Shaocong Wang, Shoutao Zhang, Qingnan Tian
Summary: A homolog of actin in planarian Dugesia japonica was identified, and it was found that RNAi targeting actin can affect planarian regeneration, resulting in the formation of protrusions on the dorsal side, increased division of phospho-H3 mitotic cells, and decreased differentiation in regenerating tissues, indicating that actin plays an important role in proliferation and differentiation control in planarian regeneration.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Yuhui Hua, Weijia Wang, Xiaoli Zheng, Ling Yang, Hongjin Wu, Zhaoyang Hu, Ying Li, Jing Yue, Zhenzhen Jiang, Xiaoyan Zhang, Qiang Hou, Shixiu Wu
DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY
(2020)
Article
Oncology
Qiang Hou, Zhenzhen Jiang, Ying Li, Hongjin Wu, Juehua Yu, Mingfeng Jiang
Article
Oncology
Cheng Chen, Hongjin Wu, Deshengyue Kong, Yu Xu, Zunyue Zhang, Fengrong Chen, Lei Zou, Ziwei Li, Jin Shui, Huayou Luo, Shi-He Liu, Juehua Yu, Kunhua Wang, F. Charles Brunicardi
Article
Oncology
Xi Chen, Hongjin Wu, Jia Feng, Ying Li, Jiao Lv, Weikai Shi, Weiwei Fan, Li Xiao, Danmeng Sun, Mingfeng Jiang, Ming Shi
Summary: The study showed that the expression of GAP43 in colorectal cancer is influenced by DNA methylation, and overexpression of GAP43 significantly affects the expression of genes in multiple signaling pathways. The findings reveal the important role of GAP43 in the development of human colorectal cancer.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Qiang Hou, Zhenzhen Jiang, Ziwei Li, Mingfeng Jiang
Summary: A study identified three candidate genes related to radioresistance in ESCC: AHNAK2, EVPL, and LAMA5. Knockdown of AHNAK2 and EVPL genes increased radioresistance in ESCC cell lines and affected the expression of interleukins, interleukin receptors, and chemokines by inhibiting NF-kappa B and TNF signaling pathways, suppressing immune response in radioresistant ESCC cells.
ONCOTARGETS AND THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fengrong Chen, Lei Zou, Yicong Dai, Jiaxue Sun, Cheng Chen, Yongjin Zhang, Qingyan Peng, Zunyue Zhang, Zhenrong Xie, Hongjin Wu, Weiwei Tian, Xu Yu, Juehua Yu, Kunhua Wang
Summary: This study explored the associations between exosomal miRNAs and anxiety and depression in SUD patients, finding significant negative correlations between specific miRNAs and anxiety scores, but less correlation with depression scores. The target genes of these miRNAs are mainly enriched in synapse, cell adhesion, and MHC class II protein complex.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Ying Li, Jiao Lv, Weikai Shi, Jia Feng, Mingxi Liu, Shenao Gan, Hongjin Wu, Weiwei Fan, Ming Shi
Summary: Inflammasomes are innate immune mechanisms associated with tumorigenesis and prognosis of cancers. They drive the production of inflammatory cytokines and recruit immune cells to tumor sites.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Zunyue Zhang, Hongjin Wu, Qingyan Peng, Zhenrong Xie, Fengrong Chen, Yuru Ma, Yizhi Zhang, Yong Zhou, Jiqing Yang, Cheng Chen, Shaoyou Li, Yongjin Zhang, Weiwei Tian, Yuan Wang, Yu Xu, Huayou Luo, Mei Zhu, Yi-Qun Kuang, Juehua Yu, Kunhua Wang
Summary: This study investigated the molecular inflammatory interactome in heroin addicts undergoing withdrawal, identifying disturbed cytokine balances and dysregulated exosomal lncRNA/mRNA profiles. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of withdrawal symptoms in heroin addicts.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Hongjin Wu, Weiwei Tian, Xiang Tai, Xuanpeng Li, Ziwei Li, Jing Shui, Juehua Yu, Zhihua Wang, Xiaosong Zhu
Summary: This study identified five potential central genes highly expressed in PDAC, including a novel oncogene DDX60L. RNA sequencing analyses revealed that siDDX60L and siMYEOV may impact the tumor microenvironment in PDAC by affecting signaling pathways and chemokine CXCL2 expression.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yuru Ma, Hongjin Wu, Huawei Wang, Fengrong Chen, Zhenrong Xie, Zunyue Zhang, Qingyan Peng, Jiqing Yang, Yong Zhou, Cheng Chen, Minghui Chen, Yongjin Zhang, Juehua Yu, Kunhua Wang
Summary: This study found that the concentration of bile acids in the plasma of patients with methamphetamine use disorders (MUDs) is lower during withdrawal and is associated with liver injury and psychiatric symptoms. Specific bile acids may be associated with disease progression through the liver-brain axis.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jiqing Yang, Zunyue Zhang, Zhenrong Xie, Ling Bai, Pu Xiong, Fengrong Chen, Tailin Zhu, Qingyan Peng, Hongjin Wu, Yong Zhou, Yuru Ma, Yongjin Zhang, Minghui Chen, Jianyuan Gao, Weiwei Tian, Kai Shi, Yan Du, Yong Duan, Huawei Wang, Yu Xu, Yi-Qun Kuang, Mei Zhu, Juehua Yu, Kunhua Wang
Summary: This study demonstrates that anxiety and depression-like behaviors induced by METH withdrawal can be transmitted via gut microbiota in a mouse model. The therapeutic effects of metformin on psychiatric manifestations are associated with microbiota-derived metabolites. This highlights the role of gut microbiota in substance use disorders and withdrawal symptom pathophysiology.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Fengrong Chen, Jiaxue Sun, Cheng Chen, Yongjin Zhang, Lei Zou, Zunyue Zhang, Minghui Chen, Hongjin Wu, Weiwei Tian, Yu Liu, Yu Xu, Huayou Luo, Mei Zhu, Juehua Yu, Qian Wang, Kunhua Wang
Summary: This study found that methamphetamine abuse can result in neurotoxic outcomes such as anxiety and depression. The researchers developed a mouse model of anxiety-like behavior induced by methamphetamine and identified mitochondria as a potential mechanism involved. They used quercetin, a mitochondrial protector, and found that it alleviated anxiety-like behavior and improved mitochondrial impairment. In vitro experiments also showed that quercetin could alleviate mitochondrial dysfunction induced by methamphetamine.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Fengrong Chen, Yu Xu, Kai Shi, Zunyue Zhang, Zhenrong Xie, Hongjin Wu, Yuru Ma, Yong Zhou, Cheng Chen, Jiqing Yang, Yuan Wang, Trevor W. Robbins, Kunhua Wang, Juehua Yu
Summary: This study characterized the changes in neurotransmitter and exosomal miRNA profiles during heroin and methamphetamine withdrawal. It identified a series of miRNAs associated with anxiety, depression, and the concentrations of GABA, choline, and serotonin. Bioinformatics analyses revealed their association with developmental and intellectual abnormalities. Dysregulated miRNA signatures, including hsa-miR-451a and hsa-miR-21a, showed high accuracy in predicting patients with substance use disorders. Furthermore, hsa-miR-744a-5p was correlated with serotonin and has an important role in neuronal development and function.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Hongjin Wu, Zunyue Zhang, Yuru Ma, Fengrong Chen, Pu Xiong, Zhenrong Xie, Guo Ding, Juehua Yu, Kunhua Wang
Summary: This study investigated the peripheral cytokines and exosomal transcriptome regulatory networks in patients with METH use disorders (MUDs) undergoing withdrawal. Abnormal levels of cytokines were observed during acute withdrawal, but mostly restored to baseline in protracted withdrawal. However, certain cytokines remained increased even after one year of withdrawal. Additionally, T cell numbers were decreased during acute withdrawal, but restored to normal levels during protracted withdrawal.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Ying Li, O. D. A. Harunori, Shihu Fu, Fuyuan Xing, Huawan Wu, Juan Wang, Aihua Chen, Xinhua Ren, Dawei Peng, Xia Ling, Ming Shi, Hongjin Wu
Summary: Immune normalization, a new paradigm in immunotherapy, can be used in cancer patients and sub-healthy individuals for cancer prevention. In vitro cultured mixed natural killer (NKM) cells show high cytotoxicity, positively correlated with NK cell proportion. Sub-healthy individuals and cancer patients treated with NKM-cell therapy demonstrated reduced T cell percentage and good tolerance.
