Advancing precision medicine in hepatocellular carcinoma: current challenges and future directions in liquid biopsy, immune microenvironment, single nucleotide polymorphisms, and conversion therapy

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a health concern characterized by heterogeneity and high mortality. Surgical resection, radiofrequency ablation, trans-arterial chemoembolization, and liver transplantation offer potentially curative treatments for early-stage disease, but recurrence remains high. Most patients present with advanced-stage HCC, where locoregional therapies are less effective, and systemic treatments-primarily multi-kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors-often yield limited responses. Precision medicine aims to tailor therapy to molecular and genetic profiles, yet its adoption in HCC is hindered by inter-/intra-tumoral heterogeneity and limited biopsy availability. Advances in molecular diagnostics support reintroducing tissue sampling to better characterize genetic, epigenetic, and immunological features. Liquid biopsy offers a minimally invasive method for capturing real-time tumor evolution, overcoming spatial and temporal heterogeneity. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are revolutionizing biomarker discovery, risk stratification, and treatment planning by integrating multi-omics data. Immunological factors such as tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, natural killer cells, macrophages, and fibroblasts have emerged as determinants of HCC progression and treatment response. Conversion therapy-combining systemic agents with locoregional treatments-has showndemonstrated promise in downstaging unresectable HCC. Ongoing efforts to refine biomarker-driven approaches and optimize multi-modality regimens underscore precision medicine's potential to improve outcomes. PubMed (January 2002-February 2025) was searched for relevant studies.

Recovery of the injured neural system through gene delivery to surviving neurons in Parkinson's disease

A critical unaddressed problem in Parkinson's disease is the lack of therapy that slows or hampers neurodegeneration. While medications effectively manage symptoms, they offer no long-term benefit because they fail to address the underlying neuronal loss. This highlights that the elusive goals of halting progression and restoring damaged neurons limit the long-term impact of current approaches. Recent clinical trials using gene therapy have demonstrated the safety of various vector delivery systems, dosages, and transgenes expressed in the central nervous system, signifying tangible and substantial progress in applying gene therapy as a promising Parkinson's disease treatment. Intriguingly, at diagnosis, many dopamine neurons remain in the substantia nigra, offering a potential window for recovery and survival. We propose that modulating these surviving dopamine neurons and axons in the substantia nigra and striatum using gene therapy offers a potentially more impactful therapeutic approach for future research. Moreover, innovative gene therapies that focus on preserving the remaining elements may have significant potential for enhancing long-term outcomes and the quality of life for patients with Parkinson's disease. In this review, we provide a perspective on how gene therapy can protect vulnerable elements in the substantia nigra and striatum, offering a novel approach to addressing Parkinson's disease at its core.

Discovery of hydrazide-based PI3K/HDAC dual inhibitors with enhanced pro-apoptotic activity in lymphoma cells

PI3K and HDAC are concurrently upregulated in a variety of cancers, and simultaneous inhibition of PI3K and HDAC may synergistically inhibit tumor proliferation and induce apoptosis, providing a rationale for the study of dual-target PI3K/HDAC inhibitors. In this study, we rationally designed and synthesized a series of novel PI3K/HDAC dual-target inhibitors by combining the morpholino-triazine pharmacophore of PI3K inhibitor ZSTK474 with the hydrazide moiety of HDAC1-3 selective inhibitor 11h. Representative compound 31f possessed both PI3K (IC50 = 2.5-80.5 nM for PI3Kα, β, γ, and δ) and HDAC1-3 inhibitory activities (IC50 = 1.9-75.5 nM for HDAC1-3). 31f showed potent antiproliferative activity against a variety of tumor cell lines. Meanwhile, we designed and synthesized tool molecule 39a, a HDAC inhibitor structurally similar to 31f. In the mantle cell lymphoma Jeko-1 cell line, 31f showed significantly greater efficacy than the single inhibitors in inducing apoptosis. In conclusion, this study provided insights into the development of novel hydrazide-based dual HDAC/PI3K inhibitors.

Effects of maternal smoking on inflammation, autophagy/mitophagy, and miRNAs in endothelial cells: Influence of newborn sex

Maternal smoking (MS) during pregnancy is linked to well-documented adverse health effects for the mother and foetus, however the role of fetal sex was largely overlooked. Primary cultures of male and female human umbilical vein endothelial cells (MHUVECs and FHUVECs, respectively) were used. IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α levels were measured in HUVECs supernatant. The expression of genes and proteins (oestrogen receptors (ERs), Hsp90, Beclin-1, p62, LC3, LAMP-1 and Parkin), as well as the expression of miR-29a-3p, miR-29b-3p, miR-126-3p, miR-133a-3p, and miR-146a-5p were analysed in cells obtained from foetuses born to non-smoking and smoking mothers. In HUVECs from foetuses born to non-smoking mothers, Beclin-1 protein was higher in MHUVECs (1.8 fold increase), while Parkin, Hsp90 proteins, and miR-146a-5p were elevated in FHUVECs (2.2, 2.6, and 2.1 fold increase, respectively), with no other significant differences. MS amplified these sex differences, with specific effects based on foetus sex. FHUVECs obtained from foetus born to smoking mothers showed higher levels of IL-8 (1399.36 ± 123.96 pg/ml for FHUVECs vs 655.11 ± 215.94; pg/ml for MHUVECs; P < 0.001), Hsp90 gene and protein (3.3 and 2.6 fold increase), and ERβ protein and Beclin-1 gene (2.1, and 4.9 fold increase), and lower levels of miR-29b-3p, miR-133a-3p, and miR-146a-5p than MHUVECs (0.27, 0.68, and 0.1 fold change, respectively). This study shows that primary HUVECs from fetuses born to smoking mothers retain a memory of smoking effects, with sex differences in gene expression, miRNA profiles, and autophagic responses, suggesting that maternal smoking impacts endothelial cell physiology in a sex-dependent manner.

Transcriptomic profiling of autophagy and apoptosis pathways in liver cancer cells treated with a new tyrosine kinase inhibitor PD161570

Liver cancer is the third most lethal and prevalent cancer in the Asia‑Pacific regions. Despite the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors as first‑ and second‑line therapies, the overall survival rate for advanced liver cancer remains dismal and has not improved over the past decade. The present study, through high‑throughput screening, identified and demonstrated that PD161570, a new tyrosine kinase inhibitor, inhibited cell growth and proliferation in liver cancer cells. Mechanistically, PD161570 induced autophagy and enhanced autophagic flux in an autophagy‑related gene (ATG5)‑dependent and mammalian target of rapamycin kinase‑independent manner. Furthermore, when combined with chloroquine treatment, PD161570 not only suppressed cell proliferation but also increased cell apoptosis due to autophagy inhibition. RNA sequencing analysis revealed 1,121 differentially expressed genes in liver cancer cells following PD161570 treatment under autophagy inhibition via ATG5 knockdown. Notably, key molecules involved in autophagy (such as Damage Regulated Autophagy Modulator 1) and apoptosis regulators (including HRK, CTSS, BIRC3, BBC3, DDIT3 and GADD45B), were identified. Functional enrichment analyses, including Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), demonstrated enrichment in apoptotic and cell death signaling pathways, highlighting the critical role of the mitogen‑activated protein kinases signaling pathway. In conclusion, PD161570 elicited an ATG5‑dependent autophagic process in liver cancer cells, while simultaneously enhancing apoptosis under conditions of autophagy inhibition.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer: Genetic roles, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) stands as the most formidable form of thyroid malignancy, presenting a persistent challenge in clinical management. Recent years have witnessed a gradual unveiling of the intricate genetic underpinnings governing ATC through next-generation sequencing. The emergence of this genetic landscape has paved the way for the exploration of targeted therapies and immunotherapies in clinical trials. Despite these strides, the precise mechanisms governing ATC pathogenesis and the identification of efficacious treatments demand further investigation. Our comprehensive review stems from an extensive literature search focusing on the genetic implications, notably the pivotal MAPK and PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathways, along with targeted therapies and immunotherapies in ATC. Moreover, we screen and summarize the advances and challenges in the current diagnostic approaches for ATC, including the invasive tissue sampling represented by fine needle aspiration and core needle biopsy, immunohistochemistry, and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography. We also investigate enormous studies on the prognosis of ATC and outline independent prognostic factors for future clinical assessment and therapy for ATC. By synthesizing this literature, we aim to encapsulate the evolving landscape of ATC oncology, potentially shedding light on novel pathogenic mechanisms and avenues for therapeutic exploration.

Betulinic acid enhances autopahgy to promote microglial M2 polarization and alleviate inflammation via AMPK-HDAC5-KLF2 signaling pathways in spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to neuroinflammation and activates microglia, which are crucial contributors to neurological deficits. Betulinic acid (BA), a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid, has demonstrated effectiveness in treating inflammatory and neurological disorders. This study aims to explore the potential role and underlying mechanism of BA in modulating microglial activation and inflammation in the context of SCI. Using a mouse SCI model, we assessed motor recovery via Basso Mouse Scale (BMS) and neuronal survival via H&E/Nissl staining. Western blotting, qPCR, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry were employed to analyze microglial polarization, autophagy, and AMPK-HDAC5-KLF2 signaling in vivo and in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. Our findings reveal that BA significantly enhances functional recovery and reduces neuronal apoptosis following SCI. Furthermore, BA facilitates the phenotypic transition of microglia from the M1 to M2 phenotype, thereby decreasing inflammatory factors in both the SCI model and LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. BA treatment restores the disrupted autophagy flux in microglia induced by SCI or LPS, which in turn mitigates M1 polarization and inflammation. Mechanistically, BA restores autophagy flux by activating the AMPK-HDAC5-KLF2 axis, thereby shifting microglia from pro-inflammatory M1 to anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype.

Autophagy in Schwann cells: A potential pharmacotherapeutic target in diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes and is characterized by sensory and motor impairments resulting from neural injury. Schwann cells (SCs), which are important for peripheral nerve function, are compromised under hyperglycemic conditions, leading to impaired axonal regeneration and demyelination. Autophagy, a cellular degradation process, is essential for SC function and significantly influences DPN progression. This article highlights the significance of autophagy in SCs and its potential as a pharmacotherapeutic target in DPN. We discuss the mechanisms of autophagy in SCs, including the mammalian target of rapamycin, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, and phosphatase and tensin homolog-induced putative kinase/parkin pathways, and their dysregulation in DPN. This article also examines various natural products and chemical agents that modulate autophagy and enhance the efficacy of DPN treatment. These agents target key signaling pathways, such as adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin and demonstrate potential in promoting nerve regeneration and restoring SC function. The roles of exosomes, long non-coding RNA, and proteins in the regulation of autophagy have also been explored. In conclusion, targeting autophagy in SCs is a promising strategy for DPN treatment and offers new insights into therapeutic interventions. Further research is warranted to fully exploit these targets for clinical applications.

Unraveling rosmarinic acid anticancer mechanisms in oral cancer malignant transformation

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is expected to rise ca. 40 % by 2040. Rosmarinic acid (RA) has been recognized for its anticancer properties, although its role in OSCC has been neglected. This work exploits the activity of RA in 2D and 3D models of OSCC cells to compel a roadmap for its anticancer properties. The results demonstrated that RA significantly reduced cell mass and metabolic activity in a dose, time, and cell-type-dependent manner, predominantly in highly-invasive OSCC, without compromising normal mucosa in therapeutic doses. RA decreased mitochondria membrane potential and increased redox state, which was corroborated by pioneering observations on the metabolome landscape of OSCC cells (glutathione reduction and acetate and fumarate release). RA triggered autophagy, upregulating BNIP3 and BCNL1 and downregulating BIRC5. The upregulation of CADM1 and downregulation of VIM, CADM2, SNAIL1, and SOX9 highlighted the modulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the remodeling of the extracellular matrix by the downregulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9. RA interacts with P-glycoprotein with the highest docking score of -6.4 kcal/mol. The HSC-3 cell surface charge decreased after RA treatment (-22.6 ± 0.3 mV vs. -26.3 ± 0.3 mV, p < 0.0001), suggesting a reversion of cell polarity and the impairment of invasion. RA also shrank the growth and the metabolic activity of multicellular tumor spheroids. Its modest protein binding with human saliva sheds light on its administration by the oromucosal route. Overall, this work supports the need for further research on the anticancer potential of RA in OSCC, either in monotherapy, combined with conventional treatments, or conveyed in nanosystems.

Autophagy is influenced by vitamin D3 level in people with HIV-1

BACKGROUND

Autophagy is the primary catabolic process responsible for degrading intracellular components and potentially harmful cytosolic entities by delivering them to lysosomes. Notably, this mechanism is crucial for controlling intracellular pathogens, with significant implications for both innate and adaptive immunity. In the context of HIV-1 infection, emerging evidence suggests that autophagy contributes to immune responses against the virus. Various compounds can modulate autophagy, among which vitamin D₃ is particularly effective due to its ability to prevent inflammation and slow HIV-1 disease progression. Indeed, vitamin D₃ contributes to regulating both innate and adaptive immunity, thereby modulating antiviral and antibacterial inflammatory responses. Importantly, vitamin D₃ deficiency is highly prevalent among people with HIV (PWH) and has been associated with an increased risk of severe disease progression.

RESULTS

In this study, we investigated the relationship between serum vitamin D₃ levels and the expression of autophagy markers in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from different categories of PWH: PWH under antiretroviral therapy (ART) with either normal vitamin D₃ levels or hypovitaminosis, and treatment-naïve PWH with either normal vitamin D₃ levels or hypovitaminosis. Our results show that low vitamin D₃ blood levels is associated with lower expression of the main factors involved in the autophagy mechanism, particularly in treatment-naïve PWH.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that normal blood level of vitamin D₃ may play a crucial role in promoting autophagy in PWH. The observed differences in autophagy-related protein expression between ART-treated and untreated individuals underscore the intricate relationship between vitamin D₃ levels, ART exposure, and autophagic regulation. This is a preliminary exploration of the effects of vitamin D₃ on autophagy in PWH. Further studies are needed to deepen and explore the interplay between vitamin D₃ and autophagy in greater depth. A better understanding of these mechanisms could help to develop novel therapeutic strategies aimed at mitigating immune depletion and chronic inflammation, ultimately improving clinical outcomes for individuals living with HIV.

Evolutionarily conserved BON1 regulates the basal cytosolic Ca2+ level by calmodulin-independent activation of Ca2+ pumps in Arabidopsis

Plasma membrane-localized autoinhibited Ca2+ pumps are essential for maintaining basal cytosolic Ca2+ levels for regulating growth processes and environmental responses. These pumps are known to be activated by calmodulins to maintain Ca2+ homeostasis in plants and animals. Here, we demonstrate that the evolutionarily conserved copine protein BON1 is critical for maintaining low cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations by directly regulating two plasma membrane-localized Ca2+ pumps ACA8 and ACA10 in Arabidopsis. BON1 interacts with a region within the N-terminal domain of ACA8 and ACA10, preceding the calmodulin binding sites, and stimulates ACA8 activity. This activation can occur without calmodulin binding, indicating that BON1 and calmodulin independently regulate the Ca2+ pump. Loss of BON1 function results in elevated basal cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations, which can be partially rescued by overexpressing hyperactive ACA8 or ACA10. Furthermore, we show that BON1 has one high-affinity Ca2+ binding site in the VWA domain that is critical for activation of ACA8 as well as for BON1 function, suggesting a feedback mechanism for Ca2+ homeostasis at resting concentrations. Our findings suggest that this Ca2+ responsive regulatory mechanism extends beyond Arabidopsis, as we show interactions between ACA and BON proteins from algae to flowering plants, pointing to an ancient regulatory mechanism for maintaining low basal cytosolic Ca2+. Notably, a human plasma membrane-localized autoinhibited Ca2+ pump can also be activated by a human BON protein in a yeast functional assay system, suggesting evolutionary conservation in Ca2+ regulation across species.

The imidazoline I2 receptor agonist 2-BFI enhances cytotoxic activity of hydroxychloroquine by modulating oxidative stress, energy-related metabolism and autophagic influx in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines

Recently, interest in imidazoline receptors (IRs) has been increasing. Over the years, a growing number of studies have highlighted the therapeutic potential of ligands targeting these receptors, however, the potential role of imidazoline I2 receptor agonists in cancer treatment has not been thoroughly investigated. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most prevalent and lethal forms of cancer worldwide. The complexity of CRC necessitates individualized approaches. One promising area of research within CRC therapy is the regulation of autophagy. Recent studies have explored the relationship between autophagy and cancer progression, revealing that autophagy modulation could be a potential strategy for CRC treatment. However, the mechanisms underlying autophagy regulation remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the imidazoline I2 receptor agonist, namely 2-(2-benzofuranyl)-2-imidazoline hydrochloride (2-BFI), on colorectal cancer cells, HT-29 and HCT-116 cell lines, particularly its impact when co-incubated with the autophagy inhibitor, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). The results showed that 2-BFI synergistically increased the cytotoxic effect of HCQ by inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis. Furthermore, our investigation indicated impairment autophagic influx in colon cancer cells treated by 2-BFI. The comprehensive metabolomic analysis revealed significant alterations in key metabolic pathways including MAO activity, oxidative stress responses, energy-related metabolites and amino acids metabolism. Altogether, these findings demonstrate potential a new therapeutic strategy based on autophagy regulation and the selective induction of oxidative stress in colorectal cancer cells. Moreover, this study provides a foundation for further investigation into the therapeutic potential of imidazoline receptor agonists in cancer therapy.

Structure of the human autophagy factor EPG5 and the molecular basis of its conserved mode of interaction with Atg8-family proteins

The multi-step macroautophagy/autophagy process ends with the cargo-laden autophagosome fusing with the lysosome to deliver the materials to be degraded. The metazoan-specific autophagy factor EPG5 plays a crucial role in this step by enforcing fusion specificity and preventing mistargeting. How EPG5 exerts its critical function and how its deficiency leads to diverse phenotypes of the rare multi-system disorder Vici syndrome are not fully understood. Here, we report the first structure of human EPG5 (HsEPG5) determined by cryo-EM and AlphaFold2 modeling. Our structure revealed that HsEPG5 is constructed from helical bundles analogous to tethering factors in membrane trafficking pathways but contains a unique protruding thumb domain positioned adjacent to the atypical tandem LIR motifs involved in interaction with the GABARAP subfamily of Atg8-family proteins. Our NMR spectroscopic, molecular dynamics simulations and AlphaFold modeling studies showed that the HsEPG5 tandem LIR motifs only bind the canonical LIR docking site (LDS) on GABARAP without engaging in multivalent interaction. Our co-immunoprecipitation analysis further indicated that full-length HsEPG5-GABARAP interaction is mediated primarily by LIR1. Finally, our biochemical affinity isolation, X-ray crystallographic analysis, affinity measurement, and AlphaFold modeling demonstrated that this mode of binding is observed between Caenorhabditis elegans EPG-5 and its Atg8-family proteins LGG-1 and LGG-2. Collectively our work generated novel insights into the structural properties of EPG5 and how it potentially engages with the autophagosome to confer fusion specificity.ABBREVIATIONS: ATG: autophagy related; CSP: chemical shift perturbation; eGFP: enhanced green fluoresent protein; EM: electron microscopy; EPG5: ectopic P-granules 5 autophagy tethering factor; GST: glutathione S-transferase; HP: hydrophobic pocket; HSQC: heteronuclear single-quantum correlation; ITC: isothermal titration calorimetry; LDS: LC3 docking site; LIR: LC3-interacting region; MD: molecular dynamics; NMR: nuclear magnetic resonance; TEV: tobacco etch virus.

ESRRA (estrogen related receptor, alpha) induces ribosomal protein RPLP1-mediated adaptive hepatic translation during prolonged starvation

Protein translation is an energy-intensive ribosome-driven process that is reduced during nutrient scarcity to conserve cellular resources. During prolonged starvation, cells selectively translate specific proteins to enhance their survival (adaptive translation); however, this process is poorly understood. Accordingly, we analyzed protein translation and mRNA transcription by multiple methods in vitro and in vivo to investigate adaptive hepatic translation during starvation. While acute starvation suppressed protein translation in general, proteomic analysis showed that prolonged starvation selectively induced translation of lysosome and autolysosome proteins. Significantly, the expression of the orphan nuclear receptor, ESRRA (estrogen related receptor, alpha) increased during prolonged starvation and served as a master regulator of this adaptive translation by transcriptionally stimulating Rplp1 (ribosomal protein lateral stalk subunit P1) gene expression. Overexpression or siRNA knockdown of Esrra in vitro or in vivo led to parallel changes in Rplp1 gene expression, lysosome and macroautophagy/autophagy protein translation, and autophagy activity. Remarkably, we have found that ESRRA had dual functions by not only regulating transcription but also controlling adaptive translation via the ESRRA-RPLP1-lysosome-autophagy pathway during prolonged starvation.

Autophagy in Acute Lung Injury

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a critical condition marked by rapid-onset respiratory failure due to extensive inflammation and increased pulmonary vascular permeability, often progressing to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with high mortality. Autophagy, a cellular degradation process essential for removing damaged organelles and proteins, plays a crucial role in regulating lung injury and repair. This review examines the protective role of autophagy in maintaining cellular function and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in ALI. It underscores the necessity of precise regulation to fully harness the therapeutic potential of autophagy in this context. We summarize the mechanisms by which autophagy influences lung injury and repair, discuss the interplay between autophagy and apoptosis, and examine potential therapeutic strategies, including autophagy inducers, targeted autophagy signaling pathways, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory drugs, gene editing, and stem cell therapy. Understanding the role of autophagy in ALI could lead to novel interventions for improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality rates associated with this severe condition.

A FOX transcription factor phosphorylated for regulation of autophagy facilitates fruiting body development in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Autophagy is a recycling process by which eukaryotic cells degrade their own components, and the fruiting body (sexual structure) is a necessary structure for some plant pathogenic fungi to start the infection cycle. However, the transcriptional regulation of plant pathogenic fungal autophagy and autophagy regulating sexual reproduction remains elusive. Here, we provide the report linking autophagy transcription and fruiting body development in phytopathogenic fungi. The forkhead box transcription factor (FOX TF) SsFoxE2 in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Ss) binds to the promoters of ATG genes, thus promoting their transcription. SsFoxE2 is phosphorylated by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) SsSnf1, and the phosphorylated SsFoxE2 interacts with (translationally controlled tumor protein) SsTctp1, leading to enhanced stability and ATG transcription activity of SsFoxE2. Importantly, the regulation of autophagy by SsFoxE2 affects the balance of the ubiquitination system and the early development of the fruiting body, which directly determines the occurrence and prevalence of plant disease. Furthermore, transcriptional binding of FOX TF to ATG gene promoters is conserved in phytopathogenic fungi. Taken together, our results bring new insights into pathogen initiation in phytopathogenic fungi and connect it to other autophagy-regulated processes in plant pathogens.

Autophagic stagnation: a key mechanism in kidney disease progression linked to aging and obesity

Autophagy, a critical intracellular degradation and recycling pathway mediated by lysosomes, is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis through the quality control of proteins and organelles. Our research focused on the role of proximal tubular autophagy in the pathophysiology of aging, obesity, and diabetes. Using a novel method to monitor autophagic flux in kidney tissue, we revealed that age-associated high basal autophagy supports mitochondrial quality control and delays kidney aging. However, an impaired ability to upregulate autophagy under additional stress accelerates kidney aging. In obesity induced by a high-fat diet, lysosomal dysfunction disrupts autophagy, leading to renal lipotoxicity. Although autophagy is initially activated to repair organelle membranes and maintain proximal tubular cell integrity, this demand overwhelms lysosomes, resulting in "autophagic stagnation" characterized by phospholipid accumulation. Similar lysosomal phospholipid accumulation was observed in renal biopsies from elderly and obese patients. We identified TFEB-mediated lysosomal exocytosis as a mechanism to alleviate lipotoxicity by expelling accumulated phospholipids. Therapeutically, interventions such as the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin and eicosapentaenoic acid restore lysosomal function and autophagic activity. Based on these findings, we propose a novel disease concept, "Obesity-Related Proximal Tubulopathy." This study underscores autophagic stagnation as a key driver of kidney disease progression in aging and obesity, offering insights into the pathophysiology of kidney diseases and providing a foundation for targeted therapeutic strategies.

FUT2-dependent fucosylation of LAMP1 promotes the apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells by regulating the autophagy-lysosomal pathway

Fucosyltransferase 2 (FUT2) is an enzyme that adds fucose to proteins or lipids via α-1,2-fucosylation in the intestinal mucosa. While FUT2 deficiency is linked to increased susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) is unclear, and the molecular mechanisms involved remain largely unknown. We established an azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) model to induce CRC. FUT2 expression was assessed in human CRC tissues, AOM/DSS-induced mouse models, and CRC cell lines using qRT-PCR, western blotting, and UEA-I staining. FUT2 knockout (FUT2△IEC) mice were treated with AOM/DSS, and FUT2-overexpressing CRC cells were created to evaluate the effects of FUT2 on apoptosis in both in vitro and in vivo settings through Western blot analyses and functional assays. N-glycoproteomics, UEA-I chromatography, and co-immunoprecipitation were utilized to identify regulatory mechanisms and target fucosylated proteins. FUT2 expression and α-1,2-fucosylation were significantly decreased in CRC. FUT2 deficiency worsened AOM/DSS-induced CRC and reduced tumor apoptosis, while FUT2 overexpression induced apoptosis and inhibited proliferation in CRC cells and xenografts. Mechanistically, FUT2 appears to suppress autophagy by impairing lysosomal function and directly targeting and fucosylating LAMP1, contributing to lysosomal dysfunction. Our study reveals a fucosylation-dependent antitumor mechanism of FUT2 in CRC, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies for CRC treatment.

CD44-targeted virus-mimicking nanomedicine eliminates cancer stem cells and mitigates chemoresistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play critical roles in tumor growth, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Although several small-molecule inhibitors designed to inhibit CSCs have been investigated in clinical trials, their inadequate tumor targeting and potential off-target side effects have led to poor outcomes. A CD44-targeted virus-mimicking nanomedicine encapsulating the BMI1 inhibitor PTC209 (PTC209@VNP-HA) was designed to treat head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We used a dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN) as the core for virus-mimicking nanoparticle (VNP) formation after adding shell particles to the MSN surface. The VNP surface was then modified with hyaluronic acid (HA), and PTC209 was adsorbed by mesopores to form PTC209@VNP-HA. In this system, HA is used to target CD44+ CSCs. The rough surface of VNP-HA provided better drug delivery efficiency than smooth nanoparticles modified with HA. VNP-HA enhanced the cancer inhibitory effect of PTC209 12-fold compared to the administration of free PTC209, leading to significantly higher bioavailability of PTC209. Both in vitro and in vivo assays showed that PTC209@VNP-HA inhibited cancer stemness, proliferation, and metastasis in HNSCC. Mechanistically, this inhibitory effect is closely associated with DNA damage/apoptosis signaling. Using a series of preclinical models in murine systems, we confirmed that PTC209@VNP-HA eliminated BMI1+ CSCs, and greatly inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of HNSCC when combined with cisplatin. This study investigated PTC209@VNP-HA as a novel and potentially transformative HNSCC treatment option that eliminates CSCs, prevents metastasis, and overcomes cisplatin resistance.

Autophagy and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathway: A molecular ballet in lipid metabolism and homeostasis

Lipids, which are indispensable for cellular architecture and energy storage, predominantly consist of triglycerides (TGs), phospholipids, cholesterol, and their derivatives. These hydrophobic entities are housed within dynamic lipid droplets (LDs), which expand and contract in response to nutrient availability. Historically perceived as a cellular waste disposal mechanism, autophagy has now been recognized as a crucial regulator of metabolism. Within this framework, lipophagy, the selective degradation of LDs, plays a fundamental role in maintaining lipid homeostasis. Dysregulated lipid metabolism and autophagy are frequently associated with metabolic disorders such as obesity and atherosclerosis. In this context, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), particularly PPAR-γ, serve as intracellular lipid sensors and master regulators of gene expression. Their regulatory influence extends to both autophagy and lipid metabolism, indicating a complex interplay between these processes. This review explores the hypothesis that PPARs may directly modulate autophagy within the realm of lipid metabolism, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases. By elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the intricate regulatory network that connects PPARs, autophagy, and lipid homeostasis. The crosstalk between PPARs and other signaling pathways underscores the complexity of their regulatory functions and the potential for therapeutic interventions targeting these pathways. The intricate relationships among PPARs, autophagy, and lipid metabolism represent a pivotal area of research with significant implications for understanding and treating metabolic disorders.

DNA hypermethylation-induced suppression of ALKBH5 is required for folic acid to alleviate hepatic lipid deposition by enhancing autophagy in an ATG12-dependent manner

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs when too much fat builds up in the liver. As a growing worldwide epidemic, NAFLD is strongly linked with multiple metabolic diseases including obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. However, very few effective treatments are currently available. Folate, an essential B-group vitamin with important biological functions including DNA and RNA methylation regulation, has been shown to have a protective effect against NAFLD with its underlying mechanism remains largely unclear. Here, we show that administration of folic acid significantly improves glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and dyslipidemia in high-fat diet (HFD) fed mice. Moreover, folic acid treatment significantly inhibits lipid deposition in hepatocytes both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanically, folic acid reduces the expression of m6A demethylase AlkB homolog 5 (ALKHB5) via promoter DNA hypermethylation. Decreased ALKBH5 causes increased m6A modification and increased expression of ATG12 in a demethylase activity-dependent manner, thereby promoting autophagy and preventing hepatic steatosis. Inhibition of ATG12 induced by overexpression of ALKBH5 could impair autophagy and the inhibitory effect of folic acid on lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. Together, these findings provide novel insights into understanding the protective role of folic acid in the treatment of NAFLD and suggest that folic acid may be a potential agent for combating NAFLD.

The role of RAB12 in inhibiting osteogenic differentiation and driving metabolic dysregulation in osteoporosis

AIMS

The osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is crucial in osteoporosis, and the metabolic level of the bone microenvironment directly affects metabolic dysregulation in postmenopausal women. RAB12 is a member of the small GTPase Rab family proteins, known to play an important role in autophagy. However, the role of RAB12 in the osteogenic differentiation of osteoporotic hMSCs remains unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Immunohistochemical staining was used to validate the high expression of RAB12 in aged osteoporotic mouse models and ovariectomized (OVX) mouse models. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and LC-MS/MS were employed to explore downstream proteins that may interact with RAB12. Adenovirus containing RAB12 siRNA sequences was injected into the tail vein of OVX osteoporotic mice to analyze the impact of the RAB12/PCBP1/GLUT1 axis on MSC osteogenic differentiation.

KEY FINDINGS

We found that RAB12 expression is upregulated in elderly osteoporotic patients and in osteoporotic mouse models. RAB12 negatively regulates the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs both in vivo and in vitro. RAB12 interacts with the PCBP1 protein, affecting its autophagic degradation when its expression levels change. RAB12 regulates the transcriptional level of GLUT1 by influencing the autophagic degradation of PCBP1, thereby affecting MSC's regulation of glucose uptake, which in turn impacts MSC osteogenic differentiation and metabolic changes.

SIGNIFICANCE

RAB12 negatively regulates osteogenic differentiation through the PCBP1/GLUT1 axis, affecting glucose metabolism levels in the bone microenvironment. RAB12 may serve as a potential target for the treatment of osteoporosis and postmenopausal metabolic dysregulation.

The epigenetic basis of hepatocellular carcinoma - mechanisms and potential directions for biomarkers and therapeutics

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth leading cancer worldwide and has complex pathogenesis due to its heterogeneity, along with poor prognoses. Diagnosis is often late as current screening methods have limited sensitivity for early HCC. Moreover, current treatment regimens for intermediate-to-advanced HCC have high resistance rates, no robust predictive biomarkers, and limited survival benefits. A deeper understanding of the molecular biology of HCC may enhance tumor characterization and targeting of key carcinogenic signatures. The epigenetic landscape of HCC includes complex hallmarks of 1) global DNA hypomethylation of oncogenes and hypermethylation of tumor suppressors; 2) histone modifications, altering chromatin accessibility to upregulate oncogene expression, and/or suppress tumor suppressor gene expression; 3) genome-wide rearrangement of chromatin loops facilitating distal enhancer-promoter oncogenic interactions; and 4) RNA regulation via translational repression by microRNAs (miRNAs) and RNA modifications. Additionally, it is useful to consider etiology-specific epigenetic aberrancies, especially in viral hepatitis and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which are the main risk factors of HCC. This article comprehensively explores the epigenetic signatures in HCC, highlighting their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Additionally, we examine how etiology-specific epigenetic patterns and the integration of epigenetic therapies with immunotherapy could advance personalized HCC treatment strategies.

Beclin-1-dependent autophagy protects perivascular adipose tissue function from hyperaldosteronism effects

Hyperaldosteronism (HA), characterized by excessive production of aldosterone (Aldo), contributes to cardiovascular damage and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) dysfunction. Previous studies have shown that Aldo can impair autophagy in various tissues. However, it remains unclear whether this impairment occurs specifically in PVAT and whether it involves disruption of autophagic flux through Beclin-1 (BCN1), a key regulator of autophagosome formation and maturation. We hypothesize that BCN1-dependent autophagy plays a protective role in PVAT by limiting inflammation and preserving its anticontractile function in the context of HA. Male and female C57BL/6J [wild type (WT)] and BCN1 knock-in mice, aged 10-12 wk, underwent 14-day aldosterone infusion (600 µg/kg/day) using an osmotic minipump. Vascular function was assessed in PVAT-intact thoracic aortae, and blood pressure was monitored via radiotelemetry. HA disrupted PVAT autophagic flux, leading to the accumulation of LC3II/I and p62 proteins and reduced BCN1 expression/activity. In WT mice, PVAT exhibited an anticontractile effect, which was abolished by HA. In contrast, BCN1-knock-in mice were protected from this loss of PVAT function. HA also induced oxidative stress and inflammation in PVAT, as evidenced by increased reactive oxygen species generation and elevated mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-17. These proinflammatory and prooxidative changes were not observed in BCN1-knock-in mice, indicating preserved PVAT homeostasis. Furthermore, pharmacological induction of autophagy via spermidine and activation of BCN1 with TB peptide improved PVAT function in HA-treated WT mice. Finally, BCN1-knock-in mice exhibited partial protection against HA-induced hypertension, highlighting the systemic vascular benefits of enhanced autophagic flux. In summary, our findings demonstrate that the activation of autophagy provides protection against HA-induced PVAT inflammation, dysfunction, and hypertension. Consequently, the activation of BCN1 could serve as a pharmacological strategy to prevent the harmful cardiovascular effects associated with HA.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Elevated aldosterone levels, as seen in primary hyperaldosteronism, obesity, and hypertension, impair autophagic flux in perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT), leading to increased inflammation and loss of anticontractile function. The Beclin-1-dependent autophagic pathway plays a key role in maintaining PVAT homeostasis and vascular tone. Disrupted autophagy contributes to oxidative stress and hypertension. Activating this pathway may offer a novel therapeutic strategy to mitigate aldosterone's harmful vascular effects in hypertension by restoring PVAT function and vascular inflammation.

Mito-Kaede photoactivation and chase experiment for mitophagy: mitophagy flux response toward various stimulations

Mitophagy, a crucial mitochondrial quality control system for cellular stress adaptation, is a key focus in pathophysiology and drug discovery. Developing a simple and versatile mitophagy flux assay is vital for advancing our understanding of cellular responses. Addressing a gap in systematic methods, we employ the photoactivatable fluorescent protein mito-Kaede in C2C12 myocytes, demonstrating its remarkable versatility in quantifying mitophagy flux responses under various stimuli, including carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP), TNF-α, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and hypoxia. This study underscores the validity and distinctive advantages of the mito-Kaede assay through comparative analysis with conventional assays including Western blotting (WB), potentially providing valuable insights for both mitophagy flux analysis and drug development.

Nuclear basket nucleoporin MoNup50 is essential for fungal development, pathogenicity, and autophagy in Magnaporthe oryzae

Autophagy is crucial for appressorium development and host invasion by phytopathogenic fungi, including Magnaporthe oryzae. During appressorium maturation, many organelles, such as nuclei, in the conidia need to be degraded through autophagy to be recycled in appressorium. However, the interplay between autophagy and nuclear membrane systems remains poorly understood. In this study, we functionally characterized MoNup50, a nuclear pore-associated protein. Despite sharing limited sequence identity with human and yeast Nup proteins, MoNup50 contains conserved domains typical of nuclear pore complex proteins. Observation under fluorescence microscopy revealed that MoNup50 localizes at the nuclear membrane in M. oryzae. Deletion of MoNUP50 resulted in reduced hyphal growth, spore production, appressorium formation, and pathogenicity, while increasing sensitivity to osmotic stress and cell wall disruption. Notably, MoNup50 interacts with the key autophagy protein MoAtg7, which regulates MoAtg8-PE synthesis during autophagy. Moreover, MoNUP50 deletion led to elevated autophagy levels and increased phosphorylation of the MAPKs Osm1 and Mps1. These findings suggest that MoNup50 is involved in appressorium morphogenesis and pathogenicity by modulating autophagy and MAPK pathways, highlighting the critical role of nuclear pore proteins in M. oryzae pathogenicity and their potential cross-talk with autophagic and MAPK signaling.

Induction of the ISR by AB5 subtilase cytotoxin drives type-I IFN expression in pDCs via STING activation

We demonstrate that exposure to the AB5 subtilase cytotoxin (SubAB) induces the unfolded protein response (UPR) in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, concomitant with a proinflammatory response across distinct cell subsets. Notably, SubAB selectively induces type-I interferon (IFN) expression in plasmacytoid dendritic cells, acting synergistically with Toll-like receptor 7 stimulation. The induction of type-I IFN in response to SubAB relies on stimulator of interferon genes (STING) activation, coupled with protein synthesis inhibition mediated by protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and phosphorylation of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 subunit-alpha. By impeding mRNA translation through the integrated stress response, SubAB precipitates the downregulation of the negative innate signaling feedback regulator Tax1-binding protein 1. This downregulation is necessary to unleash TANK-binding kinase 1 signaling associated with STING activation. These findings shed light on how UPR-inducing conditions may regulate the immune system during infection or pathogenesis.

A versatile electrochemical, colorimetric, and visible light excitable turn-on fluorescent probe for stress-induced H2S detection

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) holds a distinct role in cell biology. Its level is intricately linked to the homeostasis of the biological environment, underscoring the significance of developing techniques capable of detecting H2S in biological systems. A single probe that offers versatility across different detection techniques opens opportunities for advancements in sensing H2S in various fields. A nitronaphthalimide derivative, NMO prepared using a simple synthetic protocol, has been studied as an electrochemical, colorimetric, and turn-on fluorescence probe for H2S. NMO displayed a detection limit of 9.95 mM and 4.36 mM in the UV-visible and colorimetric studies, respectively, whereas the fluorometric and square wave techniques confirmed lower detection limits of 98.4 μM and 1.24 mM, correspondingly. Further, the real-time imaging of HEK293T cells using NMO during stress-induced autophagy is demonstrated.

Research on LCN2 interference to enhance the sensitivity of drug-resistant strains to gemcitabine

The aim of this study was to observe the sensitivity of the resistant strains to gemcitabine by interfering with the LCN2.An AsPC-1 gemcitabine-resistant cell line (GEM-R) was generated. Based on GEM-R, a lentivirus-infected shRNA-transfected LCN2 cell line was established. The proliferation of LCN2-regulated GEM-R cells was evaluated using the CCK-8 test and the mRNA expression of Ki-67. The apoptosis level of each drug-resistant strain was detected by flow cytometry. The expression of Bax, Bcl-2, Akt, E-cadherin and Vimentin were detected by western blotting.A gemcitabine-resistant strain of AsPC-1 was successfully induced and constructed as an shRNA LCN2 strain based on GEM-R. The interference of LCN2 expression enhanced the tumour inhibition and pro-apoptotic level of gemcitabine, increased the Bax/Bcl-2 value, and decreased p-Akt/Akt value. Meanwhile, the expression of E-cadherin was enhanced while the expression of Vimentin was decreased.This study confirmed that LCN2 affects gemcitabine sensitivity by participating in apoptosis and EMT processes, which may provide potential for overcoming gemcitabine resistance.

Rest, Repair, Repeat: The Complex Relationship of Autophagy and Sleep

Autophagy and sleep are two evolutionary conserved mechanisms across the animal kingdom. Autophagy is a pathway for the degradation of cytoplasmic material in the lysosome, playing important roles in the homeostasis and health of the organism. On the other hand, sleep is a homeostatically regulated state with numerous presumed essential roles, including the restoration of tissue and physiological functions, such as brain waste clearance via the activation of the glymphatic systems. Given that sleep and autophagy are crucial processes tightly linked to homeostasis and maintenance of good health, understanding how they interact is of great interest, especially as sleep quality decreases in our modern 24-hour societies. Autophagy represents a promising target for therapeutic interventions in this context. Here, we review the contrasted and complementary roles of autophagy and sleep in maintaining homeostasis. Specifically, we focus on recent evidence suggesting that sleep impairment may increase autophagy, while autophagosome levels may modulate the amount of sleep. We discuss outstanding questions at the intersection of these two fields, highlighting methodological shortcomings in the current literature. Overcoming these limitations will be instrumental to design new experiments with the aim of answering one of the greatest mysteries of our time - why do we sleep?

Mutational and expression analysis of classical protein tyrosine phosphatase genes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal and aggressive malignancy with a minimal five-year survival rate (5 %) and a high mortality rate. The most common and fast-growing type of pancreatic cancer is PDAC, which constitutes 90 % of all cases.

OBJECTIVE

Numerous signaling pathways are disrupted in PDAC. We explored the mutational status and expression profiling of classical protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) genes, which are vital regulators of multiple significant signaling pathways.

METHOD

Through whole exome sequencing, we identified potentially pathogenic non-synonymous variants that were subsequently analyzed in-silico. To validate these findings, quantitative real-time PCR was performed on blood samples from PDAC patients to assess the expression of deleterious genes.

RESULTS

All the potential pathogenic variants were localized within the phosphatase domain 1, fibronectin type III domain, and the FERM domain of classical PTPs regions crucial for the proper functioning of the respective proteins. Among the analyzed genes, PTPN3, PTPN12, PTPRK, and PTPRZ1 were found statistically significant (p < 0.05), highlighting their potential as novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for PDAC.

CONCLUSION

These findings hold particular relevance for the Pakistani population, offering valuable insights into the genetic landscape of this aggressive cancer.

Reticulon-dependent ER-phagy mediates adaptation to heat stress in C. elegans

The selective degradation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by autophagy, named ER-phagy, promotes the recovery of ER homeostasis after stress. Depending on the ER stress, different types of ER-phagy involve various selective autophagy receptors. In this study, we report a macroER-phagy induced by the fragmentation of tubular ER in response to acute heat stress. We identified a novel ER-phagy receptor encoded by the reticulon long isoform RET-1d. RET-1d is mainly expressed in the nervous system and the epidermis and colocalizes with the ubiquitin-like autophagy protein LGG-1/GABARAP during heat-stress-induced autophagy. Two LC3-interacting region (LIR) motifs in the long intrinsically disordered region of RET-1d mediate its interaction with the LGG-1 protein. The specific depletion of the RET-1d isoform or the mutations of the LIRs resulted in a defective ER-phagy and a decrease in the capacity of animals to adapt to heat stress. Our data revealed a RET-1d- and LGG-1-dependent ER-phagy mechanism that takes place in neurons and epidermis and participates in the adaptation of C. elegans to heat stress.

Vacuolar Proteases of Candida auris from Clades III and IV and Their Relationship with Autophagy

Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant pathogen with a high mortality rate and widespread distribution. Additionally, it can persist on inert surfaces for extended periods, facilitating its transmissibility in hospital settings. Autophagy is a crucial cellular mechanism that enables fungal survival under adverse conditions. A fundamental part of this process is mediated by vacuolar proteases, which play an essential role in the degradation and recycling of cellular components. The present work explores the relationship between C. auris vacuolar peptidases and autophagy, aiming to establish a precedent for understanding the survival mechanisms of this emerging fungus. Thus, eight genes encoding putative vacuolar peptidases in the C. auris genomes were identified: PEP4, PRB1, PRC1, ATG42, CPS, LAP4, APE3, and DAP2. Analysis of the protein domains and their phylogenetic relationships suggests that these enzymes are orthologs of Saccharomyces cerevisiae vacuolar peptidases. Notably, both vacuolar protease gene expression and the proteolytic activity of cell-free extracts increased under nutritional stress and rapamycin. An increase in the expression of the ATG8 gene and the presence of autophagic bodies were also observed. These results suggest that proteases could play a role in yeast autophagy and survival during starvation conditions.

Roles of class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, Vps34, in phagocytosis, autophagy, and endocytosis in retinal pigmented epithelium

Phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate (PI(3)P) is important for multiple functions of retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells, but its functions in RPE have not been studied. In RPE from mouse eyes and in cultured human RPE cells, PI(3)P-enriched membranes include endosomes, the trans-Golgi network, phagosomes, and autophagophores. Mouse RPE cells lacking activity of the PI-3 kinase, Vps34, lack detectable PI(3)P and die prematurely. Phagosomes containing rod discs accumulate, as do membrane aggregates positive for autophagosome markers. These autophagy-related membranes recruit LC3/Atg8 without Vps34, but phagosomes do not. Vps34 loss leads to accumulation of lysosomes which do not fuse with phagosomes or membranes with autophagy markers. Thus, Vps34-derived PI(3)P is not needed for initiation of phagocytosis or endocytosis, nor for formation of membranes containing autophagy markers. In contrast, Vps34 and PI(3)P are essential for intermediate and later stages, including membrane fusion with lysosomes.

Recovery of Lysosomal Acidification and Autophagy Flux by Attapulgite Nanorods: Therapeutic Potential for Lysosomal Disorders

Dysfunction of the lysosome and autophagy-lysosome pathway is closely associated with various diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), etc. Additionally, chloroquine is a clinically widely used drug for treating malaria and autoimmune diseases, but long-term or high-dose administration may lead to significant toxic side effects. Attapulgite (ATT), a natural nanomaterial with excellent adsorption capacity and biocompatibility, herein demonstrated a novel biological function in regulating the lysosomal and autophagy-lysosome pathway. ATT could be effectively internalized into lysosome-related acidic compartments. Further study revealed that ATT could restore lysosomal pH, activate cathepsin D, alleviate autophagy blockage in chloroquine-treated cells, and reduce chloroquine-elicited cell death. In a cell model related to Huntington's disease, treatment with ATT reinforced the degradation of the mutant huntingtin proteins by increasing cathepsin D maturation and autophagy flux. ATT could also promote lipid droplet clearance in hepatocytes with palmitic acid-induced steatosis, reduce hepatic lipid accumulation, and improve fasting blood glucose in high-fat-diet-induced NAFLD mice. These findings establish ATT as a lysosomal modulator, providing a foundation for its therapeutic potential in mitigating the adverse effects associated with long-term chloroquine use, especially improving neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders.

LncRNA-induced lysosomal localization of NHE1 promotes increased lysosomal pH in macrophages leading to atherosclerosis

ANRIL, also referred to as CDKN2B-AS1, is a lncRNA gene implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple human diseases including atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, however, definitive in vivo evidence is lacking and the underlying molecular mechanism is largely unknown. In this study, we show that ANRIL overexpression causes atherosclerosis in vivo as transgenic mouse overexpression of full-length ANRIL (NR_003529) increases inflammation and aggravates atherosclerosis under ApoE-/- background (ApoE-/-ANRIL mice). Mechanistically, ANRIL reduces the expression of miR-181b-5p, which leads to increased TMEM106B expression. TMEM106B is significantly up-regulated in atherosclerotic lesions of both human CAD patients and ApoE-/-ANRIL mice. TMEM106B interacts and co-localizes with Na+-H+ exchanger NHE1, which results in mis-localization of NHE1 from cell membranes to lysosomal membranes, leading to increased lysosomal pH in macrophages. Large truncation and point mutation analyses define the critical amino acids for TMEM106B-NHE1 interaction and lysosomal pH regulation as F115 and F117 on TMEM106B and I537, C538, and G539 on NHE1. Topological analysis suggests that both N-terminus and C-terminus of NHE1 are located inside lysosomal lumen, and NHE1 is an important new proton efflux channel involved in raising lysosomal pH. A short TMEM106B peptide (YGRKKRRQRRR-L111A112V113F114F115L116F117) disrupting the TMEM106B-NHE1 interaction normalized lysosomal pH in macrophages with ANRIL overexpression. Our data demonstrate that ANRIL promotes atherosclerosis in vivo and identify the ANRIL/miR-181b-5p/TMEM106B-NHE1/lysosomal pH axis as the underlying molecular pathogenic mechanism for the chromosome 9p21.3 genetic locus for coronary artery disease.

Integrated multi-omics profiling to establish an IGFBP-based prognostic score for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: unraveling prognostic biomarkers, immune microenvironment crosstalk, and therapeutic implications

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is accompanied by endocrine dysfunction, particularly involving dysregulation of the insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathways. Clinical manifestations such as hyperglycemia and insulin resistance are common and have been linked to aberrant expression of insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs). However, the specific roles and mechanisms of IGFBP family genes in PDAC remain unclear.

Method

We conducted a multi-dimensional integrative analysis using publicly available PDAC cohorts, stratifying patients based on IGFBP gene expression profiles. A prognostic model was constructed to classify patients into risk groups. To explore the biological mechanisms underlying IGFBP involvement in PDAC, we further incorporated single-cell transcriptomic sequencing and spatial transcriptomic data to investigate the relationship between IGFBP expression and the tumor immune microenvironment.

Result

Our prognostic model effectively stratified PDAC patients into distinct risk categories with significant survival differences. High-risk patients demonstrated specific IGFBP expression patterns associated with aggressive tumor biology. Single-cell and spatial transcriptomic analyses revealed that IGFBP family genes modulate immune cell infiltration and spatial immune heterogeneity within the tumor microenvironment.

Conclusion

This study identified the IGFBP family genes as key modulators of PDAC progression and immune landscape remodeling. These findings supported the potential of IGFBP family genes as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets, offering new insights into PDAC biology and opportunities for personalized treatment strategies.

Time-restricted feeding attenuated hypertension-induced cardiac remodeling by modulating autophagy levels in spontaneously hypertensive rats

To investigate whether time-restricted feeding (TRF) can alleviate cardiac remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) by regulating autophagy levels. A 16-week TRF intervention was conducted on Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats and SHRs, with dietary intake confined to the interval from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm each day. The study examined the impact of TRF on blood pressure (BP), cardiac morphology and function, and the expression levels of key proteins involved in autophagy and its associated signaling cascades. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) was utilized to further evaluate autophagic changes in left ventricular (LV) tissues. TRF significantly mitigated systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean blood pressure (MBP) in SHRs. Additionally, TRF improved ejection fraction (EF) and diminished interventricular septal thickness at end-diastole (IVS-d). The study further revealed that TRF enhanced the expression of microtubule-associated protein-I light chain 3 (LC3-I), while reducing that of microtubule-associated protein-II light chain 3 (LC3-II). Moreover, TRF suppressed the expression levels of Beclin-1, phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (p-PI3K), phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT), and phosphorylated mechanistic target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) in the LV tissues. TEM analysis confirmed that TRF could inhibit autophagy levels in the LV tissues. TRF can attenuate cardiac remodeling in SHRs by regulating autophagy levels.

Repurposing of modafinil as an anti-inflammatory drug: a systematic review of experimental studies

Previous studies suggested the anti-inflammatory properties of modafinil. This study aimed to review the current literature to provide a comprehensive insight into the anti-inflammatory uses of modafinil in experimental studies. We conducted a systematic search using Medline (via PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase databases from their commencement until 10 October 2022. All original articles focusing on modafinil anti-inflammatory effects were included. Our initial search yielded 1398 articles. Fourteen publications were included in our systematic review. Recent studies attempted to provide evidence for repurposing modafinil for several diseases, including autoimmune encephalomyelitis, nonalcoholic liver disease, gastric mucosal injury, neuropathic pain, atherosclerosis, intestinal ischemia, pulmonary hypertension, pancreatitis, ischemic stroke, testicular torsion, and lithium-pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. Current evidence supports that modafinil can modulate inflammation, suppress the immune response, and improve disease severity partly by inhibiting NF-κB, NOS, Kca3.1, Kca2.3, and COX-2. By reviewing recent findings from experimental studies, we discussed the beneficial effects of modafinil on several inflammatory diseases, with a particular focus on the underlying mechanisms.

Tracing the history of clinical practice of liquid biopsy: a bibliometric analysis

Introduction

Liquid biopsy holds great promise in clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic monitoring. This study reveals the development of liquid biopsy in clinical practice through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis.

Methods

A total of 40 years of research literature in this field was included from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC), analyzing the evolving research trends of liquid biopsy in clinical practice. We constructed co-occurrence networks for countries, institutions, authors, and keywords, integrating citation analysis and journal impact metrics to provide a comprehensive view of the research landscape in the field of liquid biopsy.

Results

The results show a significant growth trend in the clinical practice of liquid biopsy, with China and the United States being the leading contributors. Institutions such as Harvard University and the University of California system play a central role in the global collaboration network. Cancers has become the primary publication outlet for the field, while highly cited journals like Clinical Cancer Research play a crucial role in advancing its development. Keyword analysis reveals that research has progressively expanded into clinical applications, personalized treatment, and prognostic evaluation.

Discussion

Overall, as technology and applications continue to mature, liquid biopsy is expected to play an even greater role in the early diagnosis, treatment evaluation, and personalized treatment of cancer and other diseases.

TRIM23 mediates cGAS-induced autophagy in anti-HSV defense

The cGAS-STING pathway, well-known to elicit interferon (IFN) responses, is also a key inducer of autophagy upon virus infection or other stimuli. Whereas the mediators for cGAS-induced IFN responses are well characterized, much less is known about how cGAS elicits autophagy. Here, we report that TRIM23, a unique TRIM protein harboring both ubiquitin E3 ligase and GTPase activity, is crucial for cGAS-STING-dependent antiviral autophagy. Genetic ablation of TRIM23 impairs autophagic control of HSV-1 infection. HSV-1 infection or cGAS-STING stimulation induces TBK1-mediated TRIM23 phosphorylation at S39, which triggers TRIM23 autoubiquitination and GTPase activity and ultimately elicits autophagy. Fibroblasts from a patient with herpes simplex encephalitis heterozygous for a dominant-negative, kinase-inactivating TBK1 mutation fail to activate autophagy by TRIM23 and cGAS-STING. Our results thus identify the cGAS-STING-TBK1-TRIM23 axis as a key autophagy defense pathway and may stimulate new therapeutic interventions for viral or inflammatory diseases.

SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a drives dynamic dense body formation for optimal viral infectivity

SARS-CoV-2 hijacks multiple organelles for virion assembly, of which the mechanisms have not been fully understood. Here, we identified a SARS-CoV-2-driven membrane structure named the 3a dense body (3DB). 3DBs are unusual electron-dense and dynamic structures driven by the accessory protein ORF3a via remodeling a specific subset of the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and early endosomal membrane. 3DB formation is conserved in related bat and pangolin coronaviruses but was lost during the evolution to SARS-CoV. During SARS-CoV-2 infection, 3DB recruits the viral structural proteins spike (S) and membrane (M) and undergoes dynamic fusion/fission to maintain the optimal unprocessed-to-processed ratio of S on assembled virions. Disruption of 3DB formation resulted in virions assembled with an abnormal S processing rate, leading to a dramatic reduction in viral entry efficiency. Our study uncovers the crucial role of 3DB in maintaining maximal SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and highlights its potential as a target for COVID-19 prophylactics and therapeutics.

Telomeres and Telomerase: Targets for Chemoprevention of Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Bioactive Food Compounds

The maintenance of telomere length by telomerase plays an essential role in senescence, aging, and cancer. Mutations in the TERT promoter, a telomerase subunit, are frequent in human cancers. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), telomere shortening contributes to preneoplastic conditions such as cirrhosis. Telomerase activation during cirrhosis may reduce chromosomal instability, while its suppression in early dysplastic nodules may prevent hepatocarcinogenesis. Evidence suggests that bioactive food compounds (BFCs) can reduce the incidence and/or delay the onset of HCC by modulating telomerase activity. A systematic review was conducted on the role of BFCs in telomerase activity during hepatocarcinogenesis. BFCs were analyzed in isolated form or as part of extracts and categorized into fatty acids, isoprenoids, isothiocyanates, and phenolic compounds. Despite structural diversity, BFCs modulate telomerase through common mechanisms, including inhibition of activating proteins at the TERT promoter, activation of nuclear receptors, or histone H3 hyperacetylation. Indirectly, telomerase can also be modulated via activation of antioxidant defense pathways. Understanding telomerase reactivation and its modulation by BFCs is key to establishing effective HCC chemoprevention strategies targeting telomerase.

NLRP3 inflammasome inhibits mitophagy during the progression of temporal lobe epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder involving mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation. This study examines the relationship between NLRP3 inflammasome activation and mitophagy in the temporal lobe epilepsy, which has not been reported before. A pilocarpine-induced epileptic rat model was used to assess seizure activity and neuronal loss. Pyroptosis markers (NLRP3, cleaved Gasdermin D, IL-1β/IL-18), and autophagy/mitophagy activity (LC3B-II/I, BNIP3, TOMM20/LC3B colocalization) were analyzed via immunofluorescence, Western blot, and transmission electron microscopy. NLRP3 inhibitors and anti-IL-1β antibodies were administered to evaluate therapeutic effects. Epileptic rats exhibited progressive neuronal loss and seizure aggravation, correlating with NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis. While general autophagy was upregulated, mitophagy was selectively impaired in the hippocampus. NLRP3 activation promoted IL-1β release, which suppressed mitophagy via PPTC7 upregulation. NLRP3 activation inhibitor (MCC950) and anti-IL-1β treatment restored mitophagy and reduced seizures. NLRP3 inflammasome-driven pyroptosis exacerbates epilepsy by impairing mitophagy activity via IL-1β/PPTC7. Targeted NLRP3 inhibition mitigates this cascade, offering a promising strategy for refractory epilepsy.

SLC35A2-mediated bisected GlcNAc-modified extracellular vesicles enhance immune regulation in breast cancer lung metastasis

This study investigates the role of SLC35A2-mediated bisected GlcNAc-modified small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) in breast cancer (BC) lung metastasis. By modulating B3GALT1 expression, these sEVs regulate the pre-metastatic immune microenvironment, enhancing CD8+ T cell infiltration and reducing immune evasion. The use of β-peptide-loaded sEVs further amplifies anti-metastatic effects, as demonstrated in vivo mouse models and molecular analyses. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of glycosylation-modified sEVs in enhancing immune responses and controlling BC metastasis.

Subcellular Photocatalysis Enables Tumor-Targeted Inhibition of Thioredoxin Reductase I by Organogold(I) Complexes

Selective inhibition of TrxR1 over TrxR2 is a highly sought-after goal, because the two enzymes play distinct roles in cancer progression. However, achieving targeted inhibition is challenging due to their high homology and identical active site sequence. Herein we report a new subcellular photocatalysis approach for targeted inhibition by controllably activating organogold(I) prodrugs within the cytosol, the exclusive location of TrxR1. The NHC-Au(I)-alkynyl complexes are stable and evenly distributed in the cell; they can meanwhile be efficiently transformed into active NHC-Au(I)-L species (L = labile ligands) via a radical mechanism by photocatalysts released into the cytosol (from endosome/lysosome) upon light irradiation, leading to selective inhibition of TrxR1 without affecting TrxR2. This results in strong cytotoxicity to cancer cells with much higher selectivity than auranofin, a pan TrxR inhibitor that cannot discriminate TrxR1/2, along with potent antitumor activities in multiple zebrafish and mouse models. This subcellular prodrug activation may thus suggest a novel approach to precision targeting using the remarkable spatial control of photocatalysis.

Intermittent time-restricted eating may increase autophagic flux in humans: an exploratory analysis

Autophagy slows age-related pathologies and is stimulated by nutrient restriction in animal studies. However, this has never been shown in humans. We measured autophagy using a physiologically relevant measure of autophagic flux (flux of MAP1LC3B isoform II/LC3B-II in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the context of whole blood) in 121 humans with obesity who were randomised to standard care (SC, control condition), calorie restriction (CR) or intermittent fasting plus time-restricted eating (iTRE) for 6 months. While the differences in change from baseline between groups was not significant at 2 months, we observed a significant difference in change from baseline between iTRE compared to SC at 6 months (P = 0.04, post hoc analysis). This effect may be driven partly by a tendency for autophagy to decrease in the SC group. The difference in change from baseline between CR and SC was not significant. Uncorrected analysis of correlations showed a negative relationship between change in autophagy and change in blood triglycerides. Data on the specificity and performance of the methods used to measure human autophagy are also presented. This shows autophagy may be increased by intermittent nutrient restriction in humans. If so, this is a demonstration that nutrient restriction can be used to improve a primary hallmark of biological ageing and provides a mechanism for how fasting could delay the onset of age-related disease. KEY POINTS: Autophagy slows biological ageing, and dysfunction of autophagy has been implicated in age-related disease - an effective way of increasing autophagy in cells and animal models is nutrient restriction. However, the impact of different types of nutrient restriction on physiological autophagic flux in humans has not been extensively researched. Here we measure the effect of intermittent time-restricted eating (iTRE) and calorie restriction on physiological autophagic flux in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. After 6 months, there was a significant difference in change from baseline between the iTRE and the standard care control group, with flux being higher in the iTRE group at this timepoint. However, there was no significant increase from baseline within the iTRE group, showing that although autophagy may be modified by nutrient restriction in humans, further studies are required.

Circulating MicroRNAs as a biomarker signature of perinatal asphyxia

AIM

This study aimed to explore whether microRNAs (miRNAs) could serve as biomarkers of perinatal asphyxia and whether they were correlated with severity of brain magnetic resonance imaging.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled 26 full-term newborns, including 10 with perinatal asphyxia and 16 healthy controls. Plasma samples were collected at 0-6 h and 7 days of age. Encephalopathy was classified according to modified Sarnat staging. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in surviving infants within 30 days of birth, and a score was established. We used next-generation sequencing to explore differentially expressed miRNAs, which were then further validated using quantitative reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

A significantly lower expression of miR-486-5p was found at 0-6 h of age in the asphyxiated newborns compared with the healthy controls (p = 0.005). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of miR-486-5p at 0-6 h of age to differentiate the perinatal asphyxia group from the healthy control group was 0.831, and the AUC to differentiate newborns eligible for therapeutic hypothermia from others was 0.782. In addition, a lower expression of miR-486-5p at 7 days of age was noted in the asphyxiated newborns with adverse outcomes compared to those with normal outcomes.

CONCLUSION

MiR-486-5p may be a biomarker of perinatal asphyxia in newborns, and further research is warranted to clarify its role.