Closing the loops: chromatin loop dynamics after DNA damage

Chromatin is a dynamic polymer in constant motion. These motions are heterogeneous between cells and within individual cell nuclei and are profoundly altered in response to DNA damage. The shifts in chromatin motions following genomic insults depend on the temporal and physical scales considered. They are also distinct in damaged and undamaged regions. In this review, we emphasize the role of chromatin tethering and loop formation in chromatin dynamics, with the view that pulsing loops are key contributors to chromatin motions. Chromatin tethers likely mediate micron-scale chromatin coherence predicted by polymer models and measured experimentally, and we propose that remodeling of the tethers in response to DNA breaks enables uncoupling of damaged and undamaged chromatin regions.

Knockdown of NDUFAF6 inhibits breast cancer progression via promoting mitophagy and apoptosis

BACKGROUND

While NDUFAF6 is implicated in breast cancer, its specific role remains unclear.

METHODS

The expression levels and prognostic significance of NDUFAF6 in breast cancer were assessed using The Cancer Genome Atlas, Gene Expression Omnibus, Kaplan-Meier plotter and cBio-Portal databases. We knocked down NDUFAF6 in breast cancer cells using small interfering RNA and investigated its effects on cell proliferation and migration ability. We performed gene expression analysis and validated key findings using protein analysis. We also assessed mitochondrial activity and cellular metabolism.

RESULTS

NDUFAF6 was highly expressed in breast cancer, which was associated with a poorer prognosis. Knockdown of NDUFAF6 reduced the proliferation and migration ability of breast cancer cells. Transcriptome analysis revealed 2,101 differentially expressed genes enriched in apoptosis and mitochondrial signaling pathways. Western blot results showed NDUFAF6 knockdown enhanced apoptosis. In addition, differential gene enrichment analysis was related to mitochondrial signaling pathways, and western blot results verified that mitophagy was enhanced in NDUFAF6 knockdown breast cancer cells. JC-1 assay also showed that mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species content were increased after knocking down NDUFAF6. In addition, basal and maximal mitochondrial oxygen consumption decreased, and intracellular glycogen content increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Knockdown of NDUFAF6 resulted in apoptosis and mitophagy in breast cancer cells and NDUFAF6 may be a potential molecular target for breast cancer therapy.

Chronic Wasting Disease Research in North America: A systematic review highlighting species-wise and interdisciplinary research trends

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) research has experienced significant growth, spanning diverse disciplines such as genetics, immunology, modelling, and behaviour. To gain a broad understanding of the changes in CWD research focusing cervids, we analysed temporal trends in study location, species, genus investigated, infection types, and population type since the discovery of CWD in 1980s. Our findings indicate that Colorado, USA, published the highest number of articles, followed by Wisconsin, and publication numbers correlated with reported CWD cases in states/provinces. Odocoileus emerged as the most studied genus. Wild populations are studied more commonly than captive populations. Keyword analysis of transmission types shows the discovery of novel transmission modes in the recent past. We also used a novel approach to categorize studies into five themes: field-based, lab-based, math/analytics/modelling-based, management-based, and human dimensions. Overall, most studies captured had a lab-based component. The interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary nature of major disciplines and evolving trends in keywords, particularly the increased reliance on genetics/genomics, accentuate the beginning of using genomics to under and tackle CWD at a fundamental scale. Encapsulated in our analysis, these dynamic changes offer valuable insights for navigating CWD through scientifically informed proactive management decisions in conjunction with existing surveillance efforts not only for the commonly studied species but also for potentially susceptible species.

Nuclear envelope and chromatin choreography direct cellular differentiation

The nuclear envelope plays an indispensable role in the spatiotemporal organization of chromatin and transcriptional regulation during the intricate process of cell differentiation. This review outlines the distinct regulatory networks between nuclear envelope proteins, transcription factors and epigenetic modifications in controlling the expression of cell lineage-specific genes during differentiation. Nuclear lamina with its associated nuclear envelope proteins organize heterochromatin via Lamina-Associated Domains (LADs), proximal to the nuclear periphery. Since nuclear lamina is mechanosensitive, we critically examine the impact of extracellular forces on differentiation outcomes. The nuclear envelope is spanned by nuclear pore complexes which, in addition to their central role in transport, are associated with chromatin organization. Furthermore, mutations in the nuclear envelope proteins disrupt differentiation, resulting in developmental disorders. Investigating the underlying nuclear envelope controlled regulatory mechanisms of chromatin remodelling during lineage commitment will accelerate our fundamental understanding of developmental biology and regenerative medicine.

CEACAM5 exacerbates asthma by inducing ferroptosis and autophagy in airway epithelial cells through the JAK/STAT6-dependent pathway

OBJECTIVES

Asthma, a prevalent chronic disease, poses significant health threats and burdens healthcare systems. This study focused on the role of bronchial epithelial cells in asthma pathophysiology.

METHODS

Bioinformatics was used to identify key asthmarelated genes. An ovalbumin-sensitized mouse model and an IL-13-stimulated Beas-2B cell model were established for further investigation.

RESULTS

Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5) was identified as a crucial gene in asthma. CEACAM5 expression was elevated in asthmatic mouse lung tissues and IL-13-stimulated Beas-2B cells, primarily in bronchial epithelial cells. CEACAM5 induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, and ferroptosis. Interfering with CEACAM5 reduced ROS, malondialdehyde levels, and enhanced antioxidant capacity, while inhibiting iron accumulation and autophagy. Overexpression of CEACAM5 in IL-13-stimulated cells activated the JAK/STAT6 pathway, which was necessary for CEACAM5-induced autophagy, ROS accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and ferroptosis.

CONCLUSION

CEACAM5 promotes ferroptosis and autophagy in airway epithelial cells via the JAK/STAT6 pathway, exacerbating asthma symptoms. It represents a potential target for clinical treatment.

Targeted insertion of heterogenous DNA using Cas9-gRNA ribonucleoprotein-mediated gene editing in Ganoderma lucidum

Gene editing is emerging as a powerful tool for introducing novel functionalities in mushrooms. While CRISPR/Cas9-induced double-strand breaks (DSBs) typically rely on non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) for gene disruption, precise insertion of heterologous DNA in mushrooms is less explored. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of inserting donor DNAs (8-1008 bp) with or without homologous arms at Cas9-gRNA RNP-induced DSBs. Co-transformation of donor DNAs with RNP targeting the pyrG gene in Ganoderma lucidum yielded 184 transformants without homologous arms and 781 with 300-bp homologous arms (HR_donor DNAs). Restriction analysis and sequencing identified 122 hR_donor DNA transformants with complete donor DNA sequences, achieving 15.6% HDR efficiency (122/781), contrasting with 8 instances via NHEJ from the 184 transformants. These findings highlight the viability of HDR for precise genomic editing in mushrooms, enabling targeted modifications to enhance functionalities.

Comparative effects of biocontrol agent and pathogen on Nicotiana tabacum: insights into fungal-plant interactions

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) black shank disease, caused by Phytophthora nicotianae, is a significant threat to tobacco crops, leading to severe economic losses. Prolonged use of agrochemicals to control this disease has prompted the exploration of eco-friendly biological control strategies. This study investigated the effects of Trichoderma harzianum, a biocontrol agent, on N. tabacum in comparison to P. nicotianae, focusing on growth, biomass, root morphology and anatomy, hormonal changes, and osmotic regulation. T. harzianum significantly enhanced plant growth, biomass accumulation, root system development, and physiological attributes such as photosynthetic pigment levels and antioxidant enzyme activity. In contrast, P. nicotianae negatively impacted these parameters, inhibiting growth and physiological function. Notably, T. harzianum increased proline content and enhanced induced resistance mechanisms, mitigating stress and promoting overall plant health. These findings highlight the potential of T. harzianum as a sustainable solution for managing black shank disease while improving tobacco crop productivity.

Perinuclear organelle trauma at the nexus of cardiomyopathy pathogenesis arising from loss of function LMNA mutation

Over the past 25 years, nuclear envelope (NE) perturbations have been reported in various experimental models with mutations in the LMNA gene. Although the hypothesis that NE perturbations from LMNA mutations are a fundamental feature of striated muscle damage has garnered wide acceptance, the molecular sequalae provoked by the NE damage and how they underlie disease pathogenesis such as cardiomyopathy (LMNA cardiomyopathy) remain poorly understood. We recently shed light on one such consequence, by employing a cardiomyocyte-specific Lmna deletion in vivo in the adult heart. We observed extensive NE perturbations prior to cardiac function deterioration with collateral damage in the perinuclear space. The Golgi is particularly affected, leading to cytoprotective stress responses that are likely disrupted by the progressive deterioration of the Golgi itself. In this review, we discuss the etiology of LMNA cardiomyopathy with perinuclear 'organelle trauma' as the nexus between NE damage and disease pathogenesis.

Epigenome-wide association study of perceived discrimination in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

Perceived discrimination, recognized as a chronic psychosocial stressor, has adverse consequences on health. DNA methylation (DNAm) may be a potential mechanism by which stressors get embedded into the human body at the molecular level and subsequently affect health outcomes. However, relatively little is known about the effects of perceived discrimination on DNAm. To identify the DNAm sites across the epigenome that are associated with discrimination, we conducted epigenome-wide association analyses (EWAS) of three discrimination measures (everyday discrimination, race-related major discrimination, and non-race-related major discrimination) in 1,151 participants, including 565 non-Hispanic White, 221 African American, and 365 Hispanic individuals, from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). We conducted both race/ethnicity-stratified analyses as well as trans-ancestry meta-analyses. At false discovery rate of 10%, 7 CpGs and 4 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) containing 11 CpGs were associated with perceived discrimination exposures in at least one racial/ethnic group or in meta-analysis. Identified CpGs and/or nearby genes have been implicated in cellular development pathways, transcription factor binding, cancer and multiple autoimmune and/or inflammatory diseases. Of the identified CpGs (7 individual CpGs and 11 within DMRs), two CpGs and one CpG within a DMR were associated with expression of cis genes NDUFS5, AK1RIN1, NCF4 and ADSSL1. Our study demonstrated the potential influence of discrimination on DNAm and subsequent gene expression.

Stemness regulation in prostate cancer: prostate cancer stem cells and targeted therapy

BACKGROUND

Increasing evidence indicates that cancer stem cells (CSCs) and cancer stem-like cells form a special subpopulation of cells that are ubiquitous in tumors. These cells exhibit similar characteristics to those of normal stem cells in tissues; moreover, they are capable of self-renewal and differentiation, as well as high tumorigenicity and drug resistance. In prostate cancer (PCa), it is difficult to kill these cells using androgen signaling inhibitors and chemotherapy drugs. Consequently, the residual prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) mediate tumor recurrence and progression.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of PCSCs, with a particular emphasis on potential therapeutic strategies targeting these cells.

METHODS

After searching in PubMed and Embase databases using 'prostate cancer' and 'cancer stem cells' as keywords, studies related were compiled and examined.

RESULTS

In this review, we detail the origin and characteristics of PCSCs, introduce the regulatory pathways closely related to CSC survival and stemness maintenance, and discuss the link between epithelial-mesenchymal transition, tumor microenvironment and tumor stemness. Furthermore, we introduce the currently available therapeutic strategies targeting CSCs, including signaling pathway inhibitors, anti-apoptotic protein inhibitors, microRNAs, nanomedicine, and immunotherapy. Lastly, we summarize the limitations of current CSC research and mention future research directions.

CONCLUSION

A deeper understanding of the regulatory network and molecular markers of PCSCs could facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting these cells. Previous preclinical studies have demonstrated the potential of this treatment approach. In the future, this may offer alternative treatment options for PCa patients.

Disrupted adipokine secretion and inflammatory responses in human adipocyte hypertrophy

Adipocyte hypertrophy is a critical contributor to obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance. This study employed a human adipocyte hypertrophy model to investigate the adipokine release, inflammatory responses, and the intracellular singling pathways. Hypertrophic adipocytes exhibited increased lipid content and lipolysis, a decline of anti-inflammatory adipokine adiponectin release and an increase of pro-inflammatory adipokine leptin release compared to mature adipocytes. Moreover, TNFα and LPS exacerbated the decrease in adiponectin secretion by hypertrophic adipocytes while promoting the secretion of leptin, MCP-1 and IL-6, which is associated with impaired activation of p38 and JNK MAPK and persistent activation of ERK and IκBα in hypertrophic adipocytes. These altered adipokine secretions and inflammatory responses within hypertrophic adipocytes may contribute to adipocyte dysfunction in human obesity.

Biomaterial-based strategies: a new era in spinal cord injury treatment

Enhancing neurological recovery and improving the prognosis of spinal cord injury have gained research attention recently. Spinal cord injury is associated with a complex molecular and cellular microenvironment. This complexity has prompted researchers to elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and changes and to identify effective treatment strategies. Traditional approaches for spinal cord injury repair include surgery, oral or intravenous medications, and administration of neurotrophic factors; however, the efficacy of these approaches remains inconclusive, and serious adverse reactions continue to be a concern. With advancements in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, emerging strategies for spinal cord injury repair now involve nanoparticle-based nanodelivery systems, scaffolds, and functional recovery techniques that incorporate biomaterials, bioengineering, stem cell, and growth factors as well as three-dimensional bioprinting. Ideal biomaterial scaffolds should not only provide structural support for neuron migration, adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation but also mimic the mechanical properties of natural spinal cord tissue. Additionally, these scaffolds should facilitate axon growth and neurogenesis by offering adjustable topography and a range of physical and biochemical cues. The three-dimensionally interconnected porous structure and appropriate physicochemical properties enabled by three-dimensional biomimetic printing technology can maximize the potential of biomaterials used for treating spinal cord injury. Therefore, correct selection and application of scaffolds, coupled with successful clinical translation, represent promising clinical objectives to enhance the treatment efficacy for and prognosis of spinal cord injury. This review elucidates the key mechanisms underlying the occurrence of spinal cord injury and regeneration post-injury, including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, axon regeneration, and angiogenesis. This review also briefly discusses the critical role of nanodelivery systems used for repair and regeneration of injured spinal cord, highlighting the influence of nanoparticles and the factors that affect delivery efficiency. Finally, this review highlights tissue engineering strategies and the application of biomaterial scaffolds for the treatment of spinal cord injury. It discusses various types of scaffolds, their integrations with stem cells or growth factors, and approaches for optimization of scaffold design.

The role and function of lncRNA in ageing-associated liver diseases

Liver diseases are a significant global health issue, characterized by elevated levels of disorder and death. The substantial impact of ageing on liver diseases and their prognosis is evident. Multiple processes are involved in the ageing process, which ultimately leads to functional deterioration of this organ. The process of liver ageing not only renders the liver more susceptible to diseases but also compromises the integrity of other organs due to the liver's critical function in metabolism regulation. A growing body of research suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a significant role in the majority of pathophysiological pathways. They regulate gene expression through a variety of interactions with microRNAs (miRNAs), messenger RNAs (mRNAs), DNA, or proteins. LncRNAs exert a major influence on the progression of age-related liver diseases through the regulation of cell proliferation, necrosis, apoptosis, senescence, and metabolic reprogramming. A concise overview of the current understanding of lncRNAs and their potential impact on the development of age-related liver diseases will be provided in this mini-review.

Flavonoids from Polypodium hastatum as neuroprotective agents attenuate cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in vitro and in vivo via activating Nrf2

OBJECTIVES

Cerebral ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death worldwide. Though timely reperfusion reduces the infarction size, it exacerbates neuronal apoptosis due to oxidative stress. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor regulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes. Activating Nrf2 gives a therapeutic approach to ischemic stroke.

METHODS

Herein we explored flavonoids identified from Polypodium hastatum as Nrf2 activators and their protective effects on PC12 cells injured by oxygen and glucose deprivation/restoration (OGD/R) as well as middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice.

RESULTS

The results showed among these flavonoids, AAKR significantly improved the survival of PC12 cells induced by OGD/R and activated Nrf2 in a Keap1-dependent manner. Further investigations have disclosed AAKR attenuated oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and following apoptosis resulting from OGD/R. Meanwhile, activation of Nrf2 by AAKR was involved in the protective effects. Finally, it was found that AAKR could protect MCAO mice brains against ischemia/reperfusion injury via activating Nrf2.

DISCUSSION

This investigation could provide lead compounds for the discovery of novel Nrf2 activators targeting ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Nuclear envelope components in vascular mechanotransduction: emerging roles in vascular health and disease

The vascular network, uniquely sensitive to mechanical changes, translates biophysical forces into biochemical signals for vessel function. This process relies on the cell's architectural integrity, enabling uniform responses to physical stimuli. Recently, the nuclear envelope (NE) has emerged as a key regulator of vascular cell function. Studies implicate nucleoskeletal elements (e.g. nuclear lamina) and the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex in force transmission, emphasizing nucleo-cytoskeletal communication in mechanotransduction. The nuclear pore complex (NPC) and its component proteins (i.e. nucleoporins) also play roles in cardiovascular disease (CVD) progression. We herein summarize evidence on the roles of nuclear lamina proteins, LINC complex members, and nucleoporins in endothelial and vascular cell mechanotransduction. Numerous studies attribute NE components in cytoskeletal-related cellular behaviors to insinuate dysregulation of nucleocytoskeletal feedback and nucleocytoplasmic transport as a mechanism of endothelial and vascular dysfunction, and hence implications for aging and vascular pathophysiology.

PMA1-containing extracellular vesicles of Candida albicans triggers immune responses and colitis progression

Candida albicans (C. albicans) exhibits aberrant changes in patients with colitis, and it has been reported to dominate the colonic mucosal immune response. Here, we found that PMA1 expression was significantly increased in C. albicans from patients with IBD compared to that in healthy controls. A Crispr-Cas9-based fungal strain editing system was then used to knock out PMA1 expression in C. albicans. Compared to WT-C.a, ΔPMA1-C.a could not aggravate colitis. Proteomic analysis showed that PMA1 was transported by extracellular vesicles (EVs) of C. albicans. PMA1-containing EVs aggravated colitis, modulated the migration of cDC2 from the lamina propria to mesenteric lymph nodes, and induced TH17 cell differentiation. Moreover, the adaptor protein CARD9 was critical in PMA1-containing EV-induced colitis, and CARD9-deficient DCs did not induce TH17 cell differentiation or IL-17A production. Mechanically, CARD9 combines with the glycolytic protein GAPDH (aa2-146 domain) through its CARD region. CARD9 deficiency led to decreased enzyme activity of GAPDH and decreased glycolysis of DCs. These findings indicate that PMA1 is a potential virulence factor responsible for the pathogenesis of C. albicans colitis.

The T-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channel CaV3.1 involves in the disruption of respiratory epithelial barrier induced by Pasteurella multocida toxin

Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) is an exotoxin produced by several members of the zoonotic respiratory pathogen P. multocida. The role of PMT in disrupting the mammalian respiratory barrier remains to be elucidated. In this study, we showed that inoculation of recombinantly expressed PMT increased the permeability of the respiratory epithelial barrier in mouse and respiratory cell models. This was evidenced by a decreased expression of tight junctions (ZO-1, occludin) and adherens junctions (β-catenin, E-cadherin), as well as enhanced cytoskeletal rearrangement. In mechanism, we demonstrated that PMT inoculation induced cytoplasmic Ca2+ inflow, leading to an imbalance of cellular Ca2+ homoeostasis and endoplasmic reticulum stress. This process further stimulated the RhoA/ROCK signalling, promoting cytoskeletal rearrangement and reducing the expression of tight junctions and adherens junctions. Notably, the T-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channel CaV3.1 was found to participate in PMT-induced cytoplasmic Ca2+ inflow. Knocking out CaV3.1 significantly reduced the cytotoxicity induced by PMT on swine respiratory epithelial cells and mitigated cytoplasmic Ca2+ inflow stimulated by PMT. These findings suggest CaV3.1 contributes to PMT-induced respiratory epithelial barrier disruption.

PINCH-1 promotes tumor growth and metastasis by enhancing DRP1-mediated mitochondrial fission in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

Abnormal expression of PINCH-1 has been observed in various types of human cancers. However, the clinical importance and mechanism underlying its role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is yet to be fully elucidated.

METHODS

This study evaluated the expression of PINCH-1 in HNSCC samples through immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting. AMC-HN-8, Cal27, and SCC7 cell lines were utilized for cellular function experiments, both in vivo and in vitro. CCK8, colony-formation assay, flow cytometry, wound-healing assay, and transwell assay were employed to investigate the effects of alterations in target proteins on the growth and metastasis of cancer cells. Mito-Tracker Deep Red FM was used to track mitochondrial morphology.

RESULTS

PINCH-1 was found to be overexpressed in HNSCC and closely associated with lymph node metastasis and poor pathologic differentiation. Its upregulation promoted proliferation, inhibited apoptosis, and enhanced migration and invasion in HNSCC cells. It also promoted mitochondrial fission. We conducted a mechanism analysis, which showed that PINCH-1 knockdown inhibited mitochondrial fission by reducing the expression of DRP1. Furthermore, inhibition of mitochondrial fission could impede the proliferation and metastasis of HNSCC cells. Re-expression of DRP1 reversed the inhibitory effect of PINCH-1 knockdown on mitochondrial fission, cell proliferation, and metastasis in HNSCC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

PINCH-1 plays a critical oncogenic role in HNSCC by enhancing DRP1-mediated mitochondrial fission, which may serve as a novel therapeutic target for HNSCC.

TET-mediated 5hmC in breast cancer: mechanism and clinical potential

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, with differences in clinical features due to its distinct molecular subtypes. Current studies have demonstrated that epigenetic modifications play a crucial role in regulating the progression of breast cancer. Among these mechanisms, DNA demethylation and its reverse process have been studied extensively for their roles in activating or silencing cancer related gene expression. Specifically, Ten-Eleven Translocation (TET) enzymes are involved in the conversion process from 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), which results in a significant difference in the global level of 5hmC in breast cancer compared with normal tissues. In this review, we summarize the functions of TET proteins and the regulated 5hmC levels in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Discussions on the clinical values of 5hmC in early diagnosis and the prediction of prognosis are also mentioned.

Single and multi-omic characterization of a porcine model of ethanol-induced hepatic fibrosis

Cirrhosis is a form of end-stage liver disease characterized by extensive hepatic fibrosis and loss of liver parenchyma. It is most commonly the result of long-term alcohol abuse in the United States. Large animal models of cirrhosis, as well as of one of its common long-term sequelae, HCC, are needed to study novel and emerging therapeutic interventions. In the present study, liver fibrosis was induced in the Oncopig cancer model, a large animal HCC model, via intrahepatic, intra-arterial ethanol infusion. Liver sections from five fibrosis induced and five age-matched controls were harvested for RNA-seq (mRNA and lncRNA), small RNA-seq (miRNA), and reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS; DNA methylation). Single- and multi-omic analysis was performed to investigate the transcriptomic and epigenomic mechanisms associated with fibrosis deposition in this model. A total of 3,439 genes, 70 miRNAs, 452 lncRNAs, and 7,715 methylation regions were found to be differentially regulated through individual single-omic analysis. Pathway analysis indicated differentially expressed genes were associated with collagen synthesis and turnover, hepatic metabolic functions such as ethanol and lipid metabolism, and proliferative and anti-proliferative pathways including PI3K and BAX/BCL signaling pathways. Multi-omic latent variable analysis demonstrated significant concordance with the single-omic analysis. lncRNA's associated with UHRF1BP1L and S1PR1 genes were found to reliably discriminate the two arms of the study. These genes were previously implicated in human cancer development and vasculogenesis, respectively. These findings support the validity and translatability of this model as a useful preclinical tool in the study of alcoholic liver disease and its treatment.

Harmine derivative H-2-168 induces the death of Echinococcus granulosus by regulating mitochondrial fusion and fission

CONTEXT

H-2-168 has pharmacological effects similar to those of harmine, with less toxicity. The health of cells and organisms depends on a delicate balance between mitochondrial fusion and fission.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the roles of H-2-168 and mitochondrial fusion and fission in Echinococcus granulosus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Notably, E. granulosus were isolated from fresh sheep livers, and then treated with H-2-168 (25 μg/mL), mitochondrial division inhibitor 1 (Mdivi-1, 25 μg/mL) or the combination of H-2-168:Mdivi-1 (25 μg/mL:12.5 μg/mL). After 24 h of culture, the indices related to E. granulosus were measured. Additionally, Drp1 was knocked down to explore its effects on E. granulosus growth.

RESULTS

The EC50 values of H-2-168, Mdivi-1 and H-2-168:Mdivi-1 against E. granulosus were 44.171, 117.882 and 32.924 μg/mL, respectively. Compared with H-2-168 or Mdivi-1, the combination of H-2-168 and Mdivi-1 showed better inhibitory effects on E. granulosus viability, as well as increased levels of ROS and LDH, decreased ATP levels, inhibited mitochondrial activity and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (p < 0.05), with the upregulation of Caspase-3, Cyt-c, Drp1, Fis1 and downregulation of Bcl-2, Mfn2 and OPA1. Additionally, Drp1 knockdown was successfully performed in E. granulosus, which significantly inhibited E. granulosus viability (p < 0.05) and further downregulated Mfn2 expression induced by H-2-168.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Drp1 is closely associated with mitochondrial fusion and fission, and H-2-168 may promote E. granulosus death through disrupting the balance between mitochondrial fusion and fission.

Extracellular thiol isomerase ERp5 regulates integrin αIIbβ3 activation by inhibition of fibrinogen binding

Recent studies have shown that anti-ERp5 antibodies inhibit platelet activation and thrombus formation; Moreover, ERp5-deficient platelets exhibit enhanced platelet reactivity via regulation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In this study, we used a new ERp5-knockout mouse model as well as recombinant ERp5 (rERp5) protein, to examine the role of ERp5 in platelet function and thrombosis. Although platelet-specific ERp5-deficient mice had decreased platelet count, the mice had shortened tail-bleeding times and enhanced platelet accumulation in FeCl3-induced mesenteric artery injury, compared with wild-type mice. Using platelet-specific ERp5-deficient mice, we found that ERp5 deficiency increased platelet aggregation, granule secretion, and integrin αIIbβ3 activation. Wild-type recombinant ERp5 protein (rERp5-wt) and inactive mutant ERp5 protein (rERp5-mut) both inhibited human platelet aggregation and the binding of fibrinogen to human platelets, indicating that ERp5 protein interferes with the interaction between integrin αIIbβ3 and its ligand fibrinogen, and its enzymatic activity is not required for this process. Consistently, wild-type mice injected with rERp5-wt or rERp5-mut protein had prolonged tail-bleeding times. Our results provide important evidence that platelet ERp5 negatively regulates platelet activation and thrombus formation, via steric hindrance interfering with integrin αIIbβ3 ligation.

Sigma1 inhibitor suppression of adaptive immune resistance mechanisms mediated by cancer cell derived extracellular vesicles

Adaptive immune resistance in cancer describes the various mechanisms by which tumors adapt to evade anti-tumor immune responses. IFN-γ induction of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) was the first defined and validated adaptive immune resistance mechanism. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is central to adaptive immune resistance as immune modulatory secreted and integral membrane proteins are dependent on ER. Sigma1 is a unique ligand-regulated integral membrane scaffolding protein enriched in the ER of cancer cells. PD-L1 is an integral membrane glycoprotein that is translated into the ER and processed through the cellular secretory pathway. At the cell surface, PD-L1 is an immune checkpoint molecule that binds PD-1 on activated T-cells and blocks anti-tumor immunity. PD-L1 can also be incorporated into cancer cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), and EV-associated PD-L1 can inactivate T-cells within the tumor microenvironment. Here, we demonstrate that a selective small molecule inhibitor of Sigma1 can block IFN-γ mediated adaptive immune resistance in part by altering the incorporation of PD-L1 into cancer cell-derived EVs. Sigma1 inhibition blocked post-translational maturation of PD-L1 downstream of IFN-γ/STAT1 signaling. Subsequently, EVs released in response to IFN-γ stimulation were significantly less potent suppressors of T-cell activation. These results suggest that by reducing tumor derived immune suppressive EVs, Sigma1 inhibition may promote antitumor immunity. Sigma1 modulation presents a novel approach to regulating the tumor immune microenvironment by altering the content and production of EVs. Altogether, these data support the notion that Sigma1 may play a role in adaptive immune resistance in the tumor microenvironment.

Biallelic mutations in CDC20 cause female infertility due to oocyte maturation abnormality

Oocyte maturation arrest (OMA) may occur at different stages, including the germinal vesicle (GV), metaphase I (MI), and metaphase II (MII). A total maturation arrest of human oocytes is rarely observed during in vitro fertilization (IVF). We have identified a case of infertile female for whom all oocytes fail to mature and are arrested at MI. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a compound heterozygous mutant (c.533C > A: p.Val458Ala; c.1373T > C: p.Ala178Glu) in cell division cycle 20 (CDC20). Through rigorous validation using Sanger sequencing technology, both of her parents have been confirmed as genetic carriers of these specific mutations. Based on the three-dimensional (3D) structures of the CDC20 protein used to assess the effect of the mutant, the mutant causes a change in hydrogen bond in the protein structure, which may affect the stability of the mutant protein. Previous studies have firmly established CDC20 as a pivotal member of the cell cycle regulation family, playing an indispensable role in the transition from metaphase to anaphase during cell division. Our findings not only broaden the current understanding of CDC20 gene mutations but also profoundly illuminate how these mutations serve as potential genetic mechanisms underlying the arrest of oocyte maturation.

Past, present, and future of exosomes research in cancer: A bibliometric and visualization analysis

Cancer seriously threatens the lives and health of people worldwide, and exosomes seem to play an important role in managing cancer effectively, which has attracted extensive attention from researchers in recent years. This study aimed to scientifically visualize exosomes research in cancer (ERC) through bibliometric analysis, reviewing the past, summarizing the present, and predicting the future, with a view to providing valuable insights for scholars and policy makers. Researches search and data collection from Web of Science Core Collection and clinical trial.gov. Calculations and visualizations were performed using Microsoft Excel, VOSviewer, Bibliometrix R-package, and CiteSpace. As of December 1, 2024, and March 8, 2025, we identified 8,001 ERC-related publications and 107 ERC-related clinical trials, with an increasing trend in annual publications. Our findings supported that China, Nanjing Medical University, and International Journal of Molecular Sciences were the most productive countries, institutions, and journals, respectively. Whiteside, Theresa L. had the most publications, while Théry, C was the most co-cited scholar. In addition, Cancer Research was the most co-cited journal. Spatial and temporal distribution of clinical trials was the same as for publications. High-frequency keywords were "extracellular vesicle," "microRNA" and "biomarker." Additional, "surface functionalization," "plant," "machine learning," "nanomaterials," "promotes metastasis," "engineered exosomes," and "macrophage-derived exosomes" were promising research topics. Our study comprehensively and visually summarized the structure, hotspots, and evolutionary trends of ERC. It would inspire subsequent studies from a macroscopic perspective and provide a basis for rational allocation of resources and identification of collaborations among researchers.

Creatine-mediated ferroptosis inhibition is involved in the intestinal radioprotection of daytime-restricted feeding

Ionizing radiation-induced intestinal injury (IRIII) is a catastrophic disease lack of sufficient medical countermeasures currently. Regulation of the gut microbiota through dietary adjustments is a potential strategy to mitigate IRIII. Time-restricted feeding (TRF) is an emerging behavioral nutrition intervention with pleiotropic health benefits. Whether this dietary pattern influences the pathogenesis of IRIII remains vague. We evaluated the impact of TRF on intestinal radiosensitivity in this study and discovered that only daytime TRF (DTRF), not nighttime TRF, could ameliorate intestinal damage in mice that received a high dose of IR. Faecal metagenomic and metabolomic studies revealed that the intestinal creatine level was increased by approximate 9 times by DTRF, to which the Bifidobacterium pseudolongum enrichment contribute. Further investigations showed that creatine could activate the energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase in irradiated enterocytes and induce phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, resulting in reduced production of polyunsaturated fatty acids and reduced ferroptosis after IR. The administration of creatine mitigated IRIII and reduced bacteremia and proinflammatory responses. Blockade of creatine import compromised the ferroptosis inhibition and mitigation of DTRF on IRIII. Our study demonstrates a radioprotective dietary mode that can reshape the gut microbiota and increase intestinal creatine, which can suppress IR-induced ferroptosis, thereby providing effective countermeasures for IRIII prevention.

tRNA modifications: greasing the wheels of translation and beyond

Transfer RNA (tRNA) is one of the most abundant RNA types in cells, acting as an adaptor to bridge the genetic information in mRNAs with the amino acid sequence in proteins. Both tRNAs and small fragments processed from them play many nonconventional roles in addition to translation. tRNA molecules undergo various types of chemical modifications to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of translation and regulate their diverse functions beyond translation. In this review, we discuss the biogenesis and molecular mechanisms of tRNA modifications, including major tRNA modifications, writer enzymes, and their dynamic regulation. We also summarize the state-of-the-art technologies for measuring tRNA modification, with a particular focus on 2'-O-methylation (Nm), and discuss their limitations and remaining challenges. Finally, we highlight recent discoveries linking dysregulation of tRNA modifications with genetic diseases.

Staphylococcus warneri dampens SUMOylation and promotes intestinal inflammation

Gut bacteria play key roles in intestinal physiology, via the secretion of diversified bacterial effectors. Many of these effectors remodel the host proteome, either by altering transcription or by regulating protein post-translational modifications. SUMOylation, a ubiquitin-like post-translational modification playing key roles in intestinal physiology, is a target of gut bacteria. Mutualistic gut bacteria can promote SUMOylation, via the production of short- or branched-chain fatty acids (SCFA/BCFA). In contrast, several pathogenic bacteria were shown to dampen SUMOylation in order to promote infection. Here, we demonstrate that Staphylococcus warneri, a natural member of the human gut microbiota, decreases SUMOylation in intestinal cells. We identify that Warnericin RK, a hemolytic toxin secreted by S. warneri, targets key components of the host SUMOylation machinery, leading to the loss of SUMO-conjugated proteins. We further demonstrate that Warnericin RK promotes inflammation in intestinal and immune cells using both SUMO-dependent and SUMO-independent mechanisms. We finally show that Warnericin RK regulates the expression of genes involved in intestinal tight junctions. Together, these results highlight the diversity of mechanisms used by bacteria from the gut microbiota to manipulate host SUMOylation. They further highlight that changes in gut microbiota composition may impact intestinal inflammation, by altering the equilibrium between bacterial effectors promoting or dampening SUMOylation.

ELAV/Hu RNA-binding protein family: key regulators in neurological disorders, cancer, and other diseases

The ELAV/Hu family represents a crucial group of RNA-binding proteins predominantly expressed in neurons, playing significant roles in mRNA transcription and translation. These proteins bind to AU-rich elements in transcripts to regulate the expression of cytokines, growth factors, and the development and maintenance of neurons. Elav-like RNA-binding proteins exhibit remarkable molecular weight conservation across different species, highlighting their evolutionary conservation. Although these proteins are widely expressed in the nervous system and other cell types, variations in the DNA sequences of the four Elav proteins contribute to their distinct roles in neurological disorders, cancer, and other Diseases . Elavl1, a ubiquitously expressed family member, is integral to processes such as cell growth, ageing, tumorigenesis, and inflammatory diseases. Elavl2, primarily expressed in the nervous and reproductive systems, is critical for central nervous system and retinal development; its dysregulation has been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism. Both Elavl3 and Elavl4 are restricted to the nervous system and are involved in neuronal differentiation and excitability. Elavl3 is essential for cerebellar function and has been associated with epilepsy, while Elavl4 is linked to neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the ELAV/Hu family's role in nervous system development, neurological disorders, cancer, and other diseases.

PCK2 promotes invasion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in triple-negative breast cancer by promoting TGF-β/SMAD3 signaling through inhibiting TRIM67-mediated SMAD3 ubiquitination

PCK2, which encodes mitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK-M), is upregulated in various cancers. We demonstrated high expression of PEPCK-M in approximately half of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) previously. TNBC is associated with an aggressive phenotype and a high metastasis rate. In this study, we investigated the role of PCK2 in TNBC. PCK2 knockdown suppressed proliferation and mTOR signaling in TNBC cells. In addition, cell invasion/migration ability and the expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers were positively correlated with PCK2 expression in TNBC cells via regulation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/SMAD3 signaling. SMAD3 was positively regulated by PCK2 in TNBC cells. Knockdown of SMAD3 in PCK2-overexpressing TNBC cells reduced the expression levels of EMT markers, Snail and Slug, and suppressed cell invasion/migration. In addition, PCK2 knockdown attenuated the stimulatory effect of TGF-β on SMAD3 phosphorylation in TNBC cells. PEPCK-M promotes the protein and mRNA expression of SMAD3 via competitive binding to tripartite motif-containing 67 (TRIM67), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, to reduce SMAD3 ubiquitination, which leads to promoting nuclear translocation of SMAD3 and autoregulation of SMAD3 transcription. Moreover, high PCK2 mRNA expression was significantly associated with poor survival in TNBC patients. In conclusion, our study revealed for the first time that PCK2 activates TGF-β/SMAD3 signaling by regulating the expression and phosphorylation of SMAD3 by inhibiting TRIM67-mediated SMAD3 ubiquitination and promoting the stimulatory effect of TGF-β to promote TNBC invasion. The regulatory effect of PCK2 on mTOR and TGF-β/SMAD3 signaling suggests that PCK2 is a potential therapeutic target for suppressing TNBC progression.

Germ granule-mediated mRNA storage and translational control

Germ cells depend on specialized post-transcriptional regulation for proper development and function, much of which is mediated by dynamic RNA granules. These membrane-less organelles form through the condensation of RNA and proteins, governed by multivalent biomolecular interactions. RNA granules compartmentalize cellular components, selectively enriching specific factors and modulating biochemical reactions. Over recent decades, various types of RNA granules have been identified in germ cells across species, with extensive studies uncovering their molecular roles and developmental significance. This review explores the mRNA regulatory mechanisms mediated by RNA granules in germ cells. We discuss the distinct spatial organization of specific granule components and the variations in material states of germ granules, which contribute to the regulation of mRNA storage and translation. Additionally, we highlight emerging research on how changes in these material states, during developmental stages, reflect the dynamic nature of germ granules and their critical role in development.

Carthamin yellow-loaded glycyrrhetinic acid liposomes alleviate interstitial fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Carthamin yellow (CY)-loaded glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) liposomes in treating diabetic nephropathy (DN), particularly in alleviating renal interstitial fibrosis and improving kidney function.

METHODS

CY-loaded GA liposomes were prepared and characterized for structural stability and controlled release. DN rat models were treated with CY-loaded GA liposomes, and kidney pathology, function, collagen deposition, and TGF-β1 expression were evaluated. The effects of CY-loaded GA liposomes were compared to Vitamin E and CY alone. In vitro experiments with TGF-β1-stimulated human renal interstitial fibroblasts (hRIFs) examined the effects of CY-loaded GA liposomes on cell proliferation and the expression of fibrotic markers. Mechanistic studies assessed the role of the TGFBR1/Smad2/Smad3 pathway using TGFBR1 overexpression experiments.

RESULTS

The CY-loaded GA liposomes exhibited a stable structure and controlled release profile. In DN rats, treatment with CY-loaded GA liposomes significantly alleviated kidney damage, improved kidney function, reduced collagen deposition and fibrosis, and downregulated TGF-β1 expression, showing superior effects compared to Vitamin E or CY alone. In TGF-β1-stimulated hRIFs, CY-loaded GA liposomes effectively suppressed cell proliferation and reduced the expression of Cyclin D1, PCNA, fibronectin, and collagen I. The inhibitory effects were stronger than CY alone and were mediated by the inactivation of the TGFBR1/Smad2/Smad3 pathway, as confirmed by TGFBR1 overexpression studies.

CONCLUSIONS

CY-loaded GA liposomes demonstrated significant therapeutic efficacy in alleviating renal interstitial fibrosis in DN by targeting the TGFBR1/Smad2/Smad3 pathway. This novel drug delivery system provides a promising approach for the treatment of DN.

CAVIN-2 positively correlates with diabetic PAD and promotes LDL transcytosis by inhibiting eNOS activation

OBJECTIVE

Caveolae are closely linked to the onset and progression of atherosclerosis. The pivotal involvement of caveolin-1 (CAV1) within the caveolae in atherosclerosis development has been consistently supported. However, the potential contributions of additional caveolae proteins to atherosclerosis necessitate further exploration. Therefore, this research aimed to afford clinical evidence linking CAVIN-2 to diabetic peripheral artery disease (PAD) and its role in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) transcytosis.

METHODS

Blood samples were collected from a total of 115 participants, including 36 patients without diabetes (ND), 26 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and 53 patients with T2DM and PAD (DM-PAD). The plasma levels of CAV1, CAVIN-1, and CAVIN-2 were measured by ELISA. The correlation between CAV1, CAVIN-1, CAVIN-2, and diabetic PAD was examined using Spearman correlation analysis. The predictive effect of CAV1 and CAVIN-2 were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Cellular experiments were used to investigate the effect and mechanism of CAVIN-2 on LDL transcytosis.

RESULTS

Elevated CAV1 and CAVIN-2 levels were observed in T2DM and DM-PAD groups, with a positive correlation to DM-PAD and PAD severity. Both CAV1 and CAVIN-2 emerged as predictors of DM-PAD. In vitro, CAVIN-2 knockdown decreased LDL transcytosis, while CAVIN-2 overexpression increased it. Additionally, CAVIN-2 was found to inhibit eNOS activation and nitric oxide (NO) production, thereby promoting LDL transcytosis and atherosclerosis progression.

CONCLUSION

CAVIN-2 was positively correlated with DM-PAD and promoted LDL transcytosis through the inhibition of eNOS activation, contributing to atherosclerosis development. This study provided clinical evidence linking CAVIN-2 to diabetic PAD and suggested its potential as a biomarker for disease progression.

Integration of transcriptome and Mendelian randomization analyses in exploring the extracellular vesicle-related biomarkers of diabetic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD) is a common complication in patients with diabetes, and its pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. Recent studies have suggested that extracellular vesicles (EVs) may play a significant role in the initiation and progression of DKD. This study aimed to identify biomarkers associated with EVs in DKD through bioinformatics and Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

METHODS

This study utilized two DKD-related datasets, GSE96804 and GSE30528, alongside 121 exosome-related genes (ERGs) and 200 inflammation-related genes (IRGs). Differential analysis, co-expression network construction, and MR analysis were conducted to identify candidate genes. Machine learning techniques and expression validation were then employed to determine biomarkers. Finally, the potential mechanisms of action of these biomarkers were explored through Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, enrichment analysis, immune infiltration analysis, and regulatory network construction.

RESULTS

A total of 22 candidate genes were identified as causally linked to DKD. CMAS and RGS10 were identified as biomarkers, with both showing reduced expression in DKD. IHC confirmed low RGS10 expression, providing new insights into DKD management. CMAS was involved primarily in mitochondria-related pathways, while RGS10 was enriched in the extracellular matrix and associated pathways. Significant differences were observed in neutrophils and M2 macrophages between DKD and normal groups, correlating strongly with the biomarkers.

CONCLUSION

This study identified two EV-associated biomarkers, CMAS and RGS10, linked to DKD and elucidated their potential roles in disease progression. These results offer valuable insights for further exploration of DKD pathogenesis and the development of new therapeutic targets.

Tetra-anionic porphyrin mimics protein-protein interactions between regulatory particles and the catalytic core, allosterically activating human 20S proteasome

Decreased proteasome activity is a hallmark of brain and retinal neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's diseases, glaucoma) boosting the search for molecules acting as proteasome activators. Based on the hypothesis of an electrostatic key code driving catalytic core particle (20S) activation by regulatory particles (RPs), we identified the tetra-anionic meso-Tetrakis(4-sulphonatophenyl)-porphyrin (H2TPPS) as a new activator of human proteasome. By means of an integrated approach, including bioinformatics, enzymatic kinetic analysis, atomic force microscopy, and dynamic docking simulations, we show how binding of H2TPPS affects the closed/open conformational equilibrium of human 20S to ultimately promote substrate gate opening and proteolytic activity. These outcomes support our hypothesis and pave the way to the rational discovery of new proteasome allosteric modulators able to reproduce the key structural elements of regulatory particles responsible for catalytic activation.

Histone modifications in the regulation of erythropoiesis

INTRODUCTION

The pathogenesis of anemia and other erythroid dysphasia are mains poorly understood, primarily due to limited knowledge about the differentiation processes and regulatory mechanisms governing erythropoiesis. Erythropoiesis is a highly complex and precise biological process, that can be categorized into three distinct stages: early erythropoiesis, terminal erythroid differentiation, and reticulocyte maturation, and this complex process is tightly controlled by multiple regulatory factors. Emerging evidence highlights the crucial role of epigenetic modifications, particularly histone modifications, in regulating erythropoiesis. Methylation and acetylation are two common modification forms that affect genome accessibility by altering the state of chromatin, thereby regulating gene expression during erythropoiesis.

DISCUSSION

This review systematically examines the roles of histone methylation and acetylation, along with their respective regulatory enzymes, in regulating the development and differentiation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) and erythroid progenitors. Furthermore, we discuss the involvement of these histone modifications in erythroid-specific developmental processes, including hemoglobin switching, chromatin condensation, and enucleation.Conclusions This review summarizes the current understanding of the role of histone modifications in erythropoiesis based on existing research, as a foundation for further research the mechanisms of epigenetic regulatory in erythropoiesis.

A history of studies of reproductive isolation between Drosophila pseudoobscura and D. persimilis

Drosophila pseudoobscura and D. persimilis are a sister species pair that have been used as a model for studies of reproductive isolation and speciation for almost 100 years owing to their close evolutionary history, well characterized genetic differences, and overlapping geographic distribution. There are extensive analyses of both pre- and post-zygotic isolation, including studies of courtship divergence, conspecific sperm precedence (CSP) and how reinforcement by natural selection may or may not act to strengthen isolation in sympatry. Post-zygotic analyses explore the underlying mechanics of reproductive isolation; how inversions may give rise to initial speciation events and misexpression of key genes typically found within inversion regions render hybrid offspring unfit or inviable. We aim here to present a history of studies of reproductive isolation between this species pair, looking at how the field has developed over the last century and identifying the open questions and gaps within the literature.

Incorporation of doxorubicin into plant-derived nanovesicles: process monitoring and activity assessment

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are an experimental class of drug carriers. Alternative sources of EVs are currently being explored to overcome limitations related to their manufacturing from mesenchymal stem cells. In this work, Citrus limon-derived EVs were tested as carriers for the widely used chemotherapeutic drug - doxorubicin (DOX). Capillary electrophoresis (CE) and nanoplasmonic sensing (NPS) were developed for the quality control of DOX-EV preparations. It was found that the CE method enables simultaneous detection of free and incorporated DOX and allows assessing the stability of the preparations and the drug leakage. NPS, on the other hand, demonstrated that DOX is accumulated in the interfacial region of the carrier. The activity of DOX-loaded EVs was tested on HeLa (cervical cancer cells) and HEK293T (human embryonic kidney cells) cell lines. It was found that DOX incorporation into plant-derived EVs virtually does not affect the drug's cytotoxicity to HeLa cells but significantly decreases DOX activity against HEK293T cell line.

Targeting NEDD8 in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia: an integrated bioinformatics and experimental approach

SUMMARYThis study systematically explored the role of NEDD8 in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) through patient sample analysis, database mining, and in vitro experiments. Our results demonstrated that NEDD8 was significantly overexpressed in newly diagnosed pediatric AML patients and was associated with poor survival outcomes. Functional enrichment analysis of the TARGET database further revealed a strong correlation between NEDD8 and cancer-related pathways. In vitro experiments showed that NEDD8 knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation of AML cells (THP-1 and MV4-11) and induced cell cycle arrest. Collectively, these findings highlight the critical role of NEDD8 in pediatric AML pathogenesis and suggest its potential as both a prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target.

Interplay of replication timing, DNA repair, and translesion synthesis in UV mutagenesis in yeast

Replication timing during S-phase impacts mutation rates in yeast and human cancers; however, the exact mechanism involved remains unclear. Here, we analyze the impact of replication timing on UV mutagenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Our analysis indicates that UV mutations are enriched in early-replicating regions of the genome in wild-type cells, but in cells deficient in global genomic-nucleotide excision repair (GG-NER), mutations are enriched in late-replicating regions. Analysis of UV damage maps revealed that cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers are enriched in late-replicating regions, but this enrichment is almost entirely due to repetitive ribosomal DNA. Complex mutations typically associated with TLS activity are also elevated in late-replicating regions in GG-NER deficient cells. We propose that UV mutagenesis is higher in early-replicating regions in repair-competent cells because there is less time to repair the lesion prior to undergoing replication. However, in the absence of GG-NER, increased TLS activity promotes UV mutagenesis in late-replicating regions.

Helicobacter pylori infection induces DNA double-strand breaks through the ACVR1/IRF3/POLD1 signaling axis to drive gastric tumorigenesis

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection plays a pivotal role in gastric carcinogenesis through inflammation-related mechanisms. Activin A receptor type I (ACVR1), known for encoding the type I receptor for bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), has been identified as a cancer diver gene across various tumors. However, the specific role of AVCR1 in H. pylori-induced gastric tumorigenesis remains incompletely understood. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the clinical relevance of ACVR1 by integrating data from public databases and our local collection of human gastric tissues. In vitro cell cultures, patient-derived gastric organoids, and transgenic INS-GAS mouse models were used for Western blot, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, luciferase assays, ChIP, and comet assays. Furthermore, to investigate the therapeutic potential, we utilized the ACVR1 inhibitor DM3189 in our in vivo studies. H. pylori infection led to increased expression of ACVR1 in gastric epithelial cells, gastric organoid and gastric mucosa of INS-GAS mice. ACVR1 activation led to DNA double-strand break (DSB) accumulation by inhibiting POLD1, a crucial DNA repair enzyme. The activation of POLD1 was facilitated by the transcription factor IRF3, with identified binding sites. Additionally, treatment with the ACVR1 inhibitor DM3189 significantly ameliorated H. pylori-induced gastric pathology and reduced DNA damage in INS-GAS mice. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed elevated levels of ACVR1 in H. pylori-positive gastritis tissues, showing a negative correlation with POLD1 expression. This study uncovers a novel signaling axis of AVCR1/IRF3/POLD1 in the pathogenesis of H. pylori infection. The upregulation of ACVR1 and the suppression of POLD1 upon H. pylori infection establish a connection between the infection, genomic instability, and the development of gastric carcinogenesis.

Naringenin inhibits ferroptosis to reduce radiation-induced lung injury: insights from network Pharmacology and molecular docking

CONTEXT

Naringenin is a natural flavanone with potent pharmacological properties. It has demonstrated therapeutic potential in treating various diseases and organ injuries, including radiation-induced lung injury (RILI). Ferroptosis is a newly type of cell death, and naringenin has been shown to attenuates ferroptosis.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the inhibitory effect and molecular mechanism of naringenin on ferroptosis during RILI process.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Firstly, BEAS-2B and HUVECs cells were pre-incubated with naringenin for 1 h prior to 8 Gy of X-ray irradiation to evaluate oxidative stress, inflammation, and the mRNA levels of ferroptosis-related genes. Next, target genes of naringenin, RILI, and ferroptosis were identified using the TCMSP, SwissTargetPrediction, and GeneCards databases. The target network was constructed with Cytoscape and STRING. Finally, the core target genes were identified through in vitro experiments by qRT-PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence staining.

RESULTS

Naringenin effectively reduced radiation-induced increasement of oxidative stress, inflammation, and ferroptosis markers in both cell lines. Network pharmacology identified 14 target genes, with prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase (PTGS2) and Valosin-containing protein (VCP) mRNA levels being prominent, which were crucial for ferroptosis regulation. Molecular docking revealed strong binding interactions between naringenin and the two target proteins. Subsequently, experimental validation confirmed that naringenin reduced the elevated levels of PTGS2 and VCP induced by radiation.

DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION

Naringenin alleviates radiation-induced lung damage by inhibiting ferroptosis, with PTGS2 and VCP emerging as potential therapeutic targets.

Decarboxylase mediated oxalic acid metabolism is important to antioxidation and detoxification rather than pathogenicity in Magnaporthe oryzae

Oxalic acid (OA), an essential pathogenic factor, has been identified in several plant pathogens, and researchers are currently pursuing studies on interference with OA metabolism as a treatment for related diseases. However, the metabolic route in Magnaporthe oryzae remains unknown. In this study, we describe D-erythroascorbic acid-mediated OA synthesis and its metabolic and clearance pathways in rice blast fungus. By knocking out the D-arabino-1,4-lactone oxidase gene (Moalo1), one-third of oxalic acid remained in M. oryzae, indicating a main pathway for oxalic acid production. M. oryzae OxdC (MoOxdC) is an oxalate decarboxylase that appears to play a role in relieving oxalic acid toxicity. Loss of Mooxdc does not affect mycelial growth, conidiophore development, or appressorium formation in M. oryzae; however, the antioxidant and pathogenic abilities of the mutant were enhanced. This is owing to Mooxdc deletion upregulated a series of OA metabolic genes, including the oxalate oxidase gene (Mooxo) and Moalo1, as well as both OA transporter genes. Simultaneously, as feedback to the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, the decrease of formic acid in ΔMooxdc leads to the reduction of acetyl-CoA content, and two genes involved in the β-oxidation of fatty acids were also upregulated, which enhanced the fatty acid metabolism of the ΔMooxdc. Overall, this work reveals the role of OA in M. oryzae. We found that OA metabolism was mainly involved in the growth and development of M. oryzae, OA as a byproduct of D-erythroascorbic acid after removing H2O2, the OA-associated pathway ensures the TCA process and ATP supply.

Unraveling the anoikis-cancer nexus: a bibliometric analysis of research trends and mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Cancer, influenced by genetics and the environment, involves anoikis, a cell death mechanism upon extracellular matrix detachment crucial for metastasis. Understanding this relationship is key for therapy. We analyze cancer and anoikis trends using bibliometrics.

METHODS

A search was conducted from Web of Science Core, PubMed, Scopus and non-English databases such as the CNKI (inception- 21 December 2024). Data analysis employed Microsoft Excel, VOSviewer, CiteSpace, R software, and the online platform (https://bibliometric.com/).

RESULTS

2510 publications were retrieved, with a significant increase in the last decade. China led, the University of Texas system was productive, and the Oncogene Journal was popular. Breast, and colorectal cancers were frequently studied. Among them, representative tumor-related mechanisms were identified, commonalities such as (EMT, ECM, autophagy) and respective specific mechanisms were summarized.

CONCLUSION

This bibliometric analysis highlights rapid advances in anoikis research in cancer, emphasizing EMT and FAK pathways' translational potential, guiding targeted therapies, and improving cancer treatment outcomes.

The regulatory roles of RNA-binding proteins in the tumour immune microenvironment of gastrointestinal malignancies

The crosstalk between the tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) and tumour cells promote immune evasion and resistance to immunotherapy in gastrointestinal (GI) tumours. Post-transcriptional regulation of genes is pivotal to GI tumours progression, and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) serve as key regulators via their RNA-binding domains. RBPs may exhibit either anti-tumour or pro-tumour functions by influencing the TIME through the modulation of mRNAs and non-coding RNAs expression, as well as post-transcriptional modifications, primarily N6-methyladenosine (m6A). Aberrant regulation of RBPs, such as HuR and YBX1, typically enhances tumour immune escape and impacts prognosis of GI tumour patients. Further, while targeting RBPs offers a promising strategy for improving immunotherapy in GI cancers, the mechanisms by which RBPs regulate the TIME in these tumours remain poorly understood, and the therapeutic application is still in its early stages. This review summarizes current advances in exploring the roles of RBPs in regulating genes expression and their effect on the TIME of GI tumours, then providing theoretical insights for RBP-targeted cancer therapies.

The long noncoding RNA CCDC144NL-AS1: prognosis significance and potential biological functions in cervical carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Recent research has shown that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) performs a critical regulatory function across multiple malignancies. The involvement of RNA in the progression of multiple human cancer types has been elucidated; however, there is limited understanding regarding the importance of the lncRNA CCDC144NL-AS1 in cervical carcinoma (CC).

METHODS

CCDC144NL-AS1 expression was measured in 86 CC samples by RT-PCR. CC cell lines were engineered with CCDC144NL-AS1 overexpression using plasmid vectors, allowing for the exploration of its impact on the migration of tumour cells. Additionally, we studied how CCDC144NL-AS1 impacts epithelial-mesenchymal transition signalling, focusing on its expression levels and functional roles.

RESULTS

CCDC144NL-AS1 expression showed a notable increase in gynaecological tumour specimens and cell lines in contrast to normal control (all p < 0.05). This expression exhibited relationships with the clinical stage (p = 0.003), histologic grade (p = 0.020), and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.013). Additionally, survival rates were found to be lower in CC patients with increased CCDC144NL-AS1 expression, as confirmed by multivariate analysis, compared to individuals with reduced expression levels (Hazard ratio = 1.960; p = 0.020). CCDC144NL-AS1 also facilitated increased cell viability and migration while triggering the EMT pathway. Xenograft models demonstrated that lower CCDC144NL-AS1 levels resulted in smaller tumours and longer survival (median survival: 43.5 vs. 35.5 days, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

CCDC144NL-AS1 significantly influences cell migration, making it a promising target for CC treatment and a valuable prognostic indicator.

Mesenchymal stem cells enchanced by salidroside to inhibit ferroptosis and improve premature ovarian insufficiency via Keap1/Nrf2/GPX4 signaling

BACKGROUND

Regenerative medicine researches have shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may be an effective treatment method for premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). However, the efficacy of MSCs is still limited.

PURPOSE

This study aims to explain whether salidroside and MSCs combination is a therapeutic strategy to POI and to explore salidroside-enhanced MSCs inhibiting ferroptosis via Keap1/Nrf2/GPX4 signaling.

METHODS

The effect of salidroside and MSCs on ovarian granular cells (GCs) was analyzed. After treatment, hormone levels and -fertility of rats were measured. Lipid peroxidation levels, iron deposition and mitochondrial morphology were detected. The genes and proteins of Keap1/Nrf2/GPX4 signaling were examined.

RESULTS

Salidroside and MSCs were found to inhibit cell death of GCs by reducing peroxidation and intracellular ferrous. Salidroside promotes the proliferation of MSCs and supports cell survival in ovary. Salidroside combined with MSCs therapy restored ovarian function, which was better than MSCs monotherapy. Salidroside-enhanced MSCs to inhibit ferroptosis. The results showed activation of the Keap1/Nrf2/GPX4 signaling and an increase in anti-ferroptosis molecule.

CONCLUSIONS

Salidroside-enhanced MSCs as a ferroptosis inhibitor and provide new therapeutic strategies for POI. The possible mechanisms of MSCs were related to maintaining redox homeostasis via a Keap1/Nrf2/GPX4 signaling.

Chemical composition, antioxidant activities, and enzyme inhibitory effects of Lespedeza bicolour Turcz. essential oil

Lespedeza bicolour Turcz. is a traditional medicinal plant with a wide range of ethnomedicinal values. The main components of L. bicolour essential oil (EO) were β-pinene (15.41%), β-phellandrene (12.43%), and caryophyllene (7.79%). The EO of L. bicolour showed antioxidant activity against ABTS radical and DPPH radical with an IC50 value of 0.69 ± 0.03 mg/mL and 10.44 ± 2.09 mg/mL, respectively. The FRAP antioxidant value was 81.96 ± 6.17 μmol/g. The EO had activities against acetylcholinesterase, α-glucosidase, and β-lactamase with IC50 values of 309.30 ± 11.16 μg/mL, 360.47 ± 35.67 μg/mL, and 27.54 ± 1.21 μg/mL, respectively. Molecular docking showed methyl dehydroabietate docked well with all tested enzymes. Sclareol and (+)-borneol acetate showed the strongest binding affinity to α-glucosidase and β-lactamase, respectively. The present study provides a direction for searching enzyme inhibitors for three tested enzymes and shows L. bicolour EO possesses the potential to treat a series of diseases.

Glucocorticoid receptor epigenetic activity in the heart

The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a critical nuclear receptor that regulates gene expression in diverse tissues, including the heart, where it plays a key role in maintaining cardiovascular health. GR signaling influences essential processes within cardiomyocytes, including hypertrophy, calcium handling, and metabolic balance, all of which are vital for proper cardiac function. Dysregulation of GR activity has been implicated in various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), highlighting the potential of GR as a therapeutic target. Remarkably, recent insights into GR's epigenetic regulation and its interaction with circadian rhythms reveal opportunities to optimize therapeutic strategies by aligning glucocorticoid administration with circadian timing. In this review, we provide an overview of the glucocorticoid receptor's role in cardiac physiology, detailing its genomic and non-genomic pathways, interactions with epigenetic and circadian regulatory mechanisms, and implications for cardiovascular disease. By dissecting these molecular interactions, this review outlines the potential of epigenetically informed and circadian-timed interventions that could change the current paradigms of CVD treatments in favor of precise and effective therapies.

The Role of SUMO1 Modification of SOX9 in Cartilage Development Stimulated by Zinc Ions in Mice

Zinc ions play a pivotal role in facilitating the development of cartilage in mice. Nevertheless, the precise underlying mechanism remains elusive. Our investigation was centered on elucidating the impact of zinc deficiency on cartilage maturation by modulating SUMO1 and UBC9 at both the protein and mRNA levels. We administered a regimen inducing zinc deficiency to gravid mice from E0.5 until euthanasia. Subsequently, we subjected the embryos to scrutiny employing HE, Safranin O staining and IHC. Primary chondrocytes were isolated from fetal mouse femoral condyles and utilized for Western blot analysis to discern the expression profiles of SUMO1, SUMO2/3, UBC9, SOX9, MMP13, Collagen II, RUNX2, and aggrecan. Furthermore, ATDC5 murine chondrocytes were subjected to treatment with ZnCl2, followed by RT-PCR assessment to scrutinize the expression levels of MMP13, Collagen II, RUNX2, and aggrecan. Additionally, we conducted Co-IP assays on ZnCl2-treated ATDC5 cells to explore the interaction between SOX9 and SUMO1. Our investigation unveiled that zinc deficiency led to a reduction in cartilage development, as evidenced by the HE results in fetal murine femur. Moreover, diminished expression levels of SUMO1 and UBC9 were observed in the IHC and Western blot results. Furthermore, Western blot and Co-IP assays revealed an augmented interaction between SOX9 and SUMO1, which was potentiated by ZnCl2 treatment. Significantly, mutations at the SUMOylation site of SOX9 resulted in alterations in the expression patterns of crucial chondrogenesis factors. This research underscores how zinc ions promote cartilage development through the modification of SOX9 by SUMO1.