Effect of Co-Administration of Midazolam and Dexmedetomidine on Haemodynamics and Stress Response in Elderly Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of co-administration of midazolam and dexmedetomidine on hemodynamics and stress response in elderly patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

In this prospective, randomized controlled trial, 154 elderly NSCLC patients scheduled for lobectomy in our oncology department from January 2019 to December 2021 were recruited. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either dexmedetomidine (control group) or dexmedetomidine plus midazolam (study group) for anesthesia during lobectomy via the random number table method, with 77 patients in each group. Perioperative indicators, hemodynamics, and stress reactions of the patients were recorded and compared between the two groups to investigate the efficacy of the two different anesthetic protocols.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of operative time, anesthesia time, and intraoperative bleeding volume (p > 0.05). Preoperative pain, pain at anesthesia recovery, and pain levels 7 days postoperatively were also comparable between the two groups. In the study group, the awakening time was 15 ± 2 min significantly shorter compared to the control group (25 ± 3 min). Cooperation within the first hour was significantly faster by 8.5 ± 0.5 min compared to 6.0 ± 1.0 min in the control group (p < 0.05). The cost of materials used was significantly higher in the study group, with an average of 300 ± 25 USD, compared to 200 ± 20 USD in the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the two groups showed no significant difference in the need for experience and surveillance (p > 0.05). Significantly lower visual analog scale (VAS) scores were found one day after the surgery in patients given dexmedetomidine plus midazolam than those anesthetized administered with dexmedetomidine only, suggesting an enhanced pain mitigation effect after incorporating midazolam for anesthetic induction. Patients treated with dexmedetomidine plus midazolam presented with a more stable hemodynamic status than those treated with dexmedetomidine only, as evidenced by the significantly lower variability of mean arterial pressure (MAP), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and heart rate (HR). Co-administration of dexmedetomidine plus midazolam for lobectomy anesthesia resulted in significantly lower serum cortisol (Cor) and norepinephrine (NE) concentrations in patients at anesthesia recovery than dexmedetomidine alone. However, this difference was not observed one day postoperatively. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The combination of midazolam with dexmedetomidine anesthesia in lobectomy improves the intraoperative hemodynamic status of elderly patients with NSCLC and mitigates their stress response. However, further research is required to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Integrating metabolomics and network pharmacology to explore the mechanism of Xiangshao Sanjie Oral Liquid in treating rats with mammary gland hyperplasia

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Xiangshao Sanjie Oral Liquid (XSSJ) is a traditional Chinese medicine formulation used clinically for the treatment of mammary gland hyperplasia (MGH), yet its mechanism remains obscure.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to explore the therapeutic mechanism of XSSJ on MGH using a comprehensive strategy of plasma metabolomics and network pharmacology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The rat model of MGH was established, and the multiple indicators were employed for efficacy evaluation. Then, a metabolomics strategy was established to find plasma metabolites and metabolic pathways that may be important in inducing MGH. In addition, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and network pharmacological analysis were used to identify the prototype compounds of XSSJ in rat plasma and target genes that may cause the effect. Finally, the results were integrated and verified by RT-qPCR and Western Blot (WB).

RESULTS

XSSJ has a therapeutic effect on MGH. 29 differential metabolites of XSSJ in the treatment of MGH were identified by metabolomics. After administration of XSSJ, 16 prototype compounds were found in the rat plasma, which were associated with 179 potential therapeutic targets. Comprehensive analysis revealed that XSSJ reversed the mRNA expression of EGFR, ESR1, AKT1, SRC and PTPN11 in MGH rats. In addition, different doses of XSSJ inhibited the expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT proteins.

CONCLUSION

This study combined metabolomics and network pharmacology to reveal the regulatory effect of XSSJ on MGH through PI3K/AKT pathway, which provided further support for the clinical application of XSSJ.

A simple platelet biomarker is associated with symptom severity in major depressive disorder

Previous studies have shown that the heterotrimeric G protein, Gsalpha (Gsα), is ensconced predominantly in lipid rafts in acutely depressed subjects with major depressive disorder (MDD) in contrast to healthy controls, and that effective antidepressant treatment (ADT) facilitates translocation of Gsα from lipid rafts. The measurement of Gsα via prostaglandin E1 stimulation of adenylyl cyclase (PGE1 stimulation) has been proposed as a peripheral biomarker for assessing clinical status in MDD. We examined the Gsα biomarker in a new study. PGE1 stimulation was used to assess the coupling of Gsα with platelet adenylyl cyclase in depressed subjects in active treatment and healthy controls. The Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS-C16) measured thresholds of symptom severity at two study visits spaced 2 weeks apart. QIDS-C16 scores and PGE1 stimulated responses were stable between the two study visits. The QIDS-C16 was inversely correlated with PGE1 stimulated responses at each visit (rs = -0.33, rs = -0.60, respectively). MDD subjects with mild-moderate depressive symptoms (defined by QIDS-C16 ≥ 6) had significantly lower PGE1 stimulated responses than asymptomatic MDD subjects (QIDS-C16 < 6) or healthy controls (p = 0.001 and 0.002 respectively). MDD subjects with moderate depressive symptoms (QIDS-C16 ≥ 10) had the lowest PGE1 responses of all subjects (Fisher's exact = 0.012). These results support our earlier findings that a simple, high-throughput-capable platelet assay may be a useful biomarker to assess the clinical status of depressed subjects. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the utility of this biomarker for diagnosis and treatment response.

Exploring treatment-driven subclonal evolution of prognostic triple biomarkers: Dual gene fusions and chimeric RNA variants in novel subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia patients with KMT2A rearrangement

Chromosomal rearrangements (CR) initiate leukemogenesis in approximately 50 % of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients; however, limited targeted therapies exist due to a lack of accurate molecular and genetic biomarkers of refractory mechanisms during treatment. Here, we investigated the pathological landscape of treatment resistance and relapse in 16 CR-AML patients by monitoring cytogenetic, RNAseq, and genome-wide changes among newly diagnosed, refractory, and relapsed AML. First, in FISH-diagnosed KMT2A (MLL gene, 11q23)/AFDN (AF6, 6q27)-rearrangement, RNA-sequencing identified an unknown CCDC32 (15q15.1)/CBX3 (7p15.2) gene fusion in both newly diagnosed and relapsed samples, which is previously unknown in KMT2A/AFDN-rearranged AML patients. Second, the unreported CCDC32/CBX3 gene fusion significantly affected the expression of wild-type genes of both CCDC32 (essential for embryonic development) and CBX3 (an oncogene for solid tumors) during the relapse, as demonstrated by Quantitative PCR analyses. Third, we further confirmed the existence of triple biomarkers - KMT2A/AFDN (AF6, 6q27) rearrangement, the unknown CCDC32 (15q15.1)/CBX3 (7p15.2) gene fusion and chimeric RNA variants (treatment-resistant leukemic blasts harboring distinct breakpoints) in a 21-year-old male patient of rapid relapsed/refractory AML. Most intriguingly, in this work regarding 16 patients, patients 7 and 20 initially showed the KMT2A/AFDN gene fusion; upon relapse, patient 20 did not show this fusion. On the other hand, patient 7 retained the KMT2A/AFDN fusion at diagnosis and during the relapse, only identified by PCR and Sanger's Sequencing, not by cytogenetics. Interestingly, the chimeric CCDC32/CBX3 gene fusion persisted in the 21-year-old male patient over the diagnostic and relapse phases. Most intriguingly, the overexpression of CCDC32/CBX3 fusion gene in AML patient-specific MV4-11 cells confirms the functional validation, providing experimental evidence of the biological impact of the CCDC32/CBX3 fusion on AML pathogenesis and treatment resistance by promoting cell cycle progression, a mechanism through which AML evolves to become treatment-resistant. All these might exhort differential resistance to treatment. Thus, we found that prognostic and predictive triple biomarkers - KRAS mutated, dual fusions (KMT2A/AFDN, CCDC32/CBX3), and chimeric variants - might evolve with a potential oncogenic role of subclonal evolution for poor clinical outcomes.

Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells for modeling and treating metabolic associated fatty liver disease and metabolic associated steatohepatitis: Challenges and opportunities

The potential of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for modeling and treating metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and metabolic associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is emerging. MAFLD is a growing global health concern, currently with limited treatment options. While primary mesenchymal stem cells hold promise, iPSCs offer a versatile alternative due to their ability to differentiate into various cell types, including iPSC-derived mesenchymal stem cells. However, challenges remain, including optimizing differentiation protocols, ensuring cell safety, and addressing potential tumorigenicity risks. In addition, iPSCs offer the possibility to generate complex cellular models, including three-dimensional organoid models, which are closer representations of the human disease than animal models. Those models would also be valuable for drug discovery and personalized medicine approaches. Overall, iPSCs and their derivatives offer new perspectives for advancing MAFLD/MASH research and developing novel therapeutic strategies. Further research is needed to overcome current limitations and translate this potential into effective clinical applications.

Tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells; mechanisms, functional significance, and targeting in cancer therapy

Tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells (TIMs), which encompass tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and tumor-associated dendritic cells (TADCs), are of great importance in tumor microenvironment (TME) and are integral to both pro- and anti-tumor immunity. Nevertheless, the phenotypic heterogeneity and functional plasticity of TIMs have posed challenges in fully understanding their complexity roles within the TME. Emerging evidence suggested that the presence of TIMs is frequently linked to prevention of cancer treatment and improvement of patient outcomes and survival. Given their pivotal function in the TME, TIMs have recently been recognized as critical targets for therapeutic approaches aimed at augmenting immunostimulatory myeloid cell populations while depleting or modifying those that are immunosuppressive. This review will explore the important properties of TIMs related to immunity, angiogenesis, and metastasis. We will also document the latest therapeutic strategies targeting TIMs in preclinical and clinical settings. Our objective is to illustrate the potential of TIMs as immunological targets that may improve the outcomes of existing cancer treatments.

Caveolin 1 and 2 enhance the proliferative capacity of BCAM-positive corneal progenitors

Caveolin (CAV) 1 and 2 are integral membrane proteins that constitute major components of small membrane pouches termed caveolae. While several functions have been described in other tissues, the roles of CAV1 and CAV2 in the ocular surface have remained unknown. In the current study, we investigated the expression and function of CAV1 and CAV2 in the human cornea. We found CAV1 and CAV2 to be preferentially expressed by proliferative Basal Cell Adhesion Molecule (BCAM)-positive progenitor cells along the entire limbal and corneal basal epithelial layer. Functional gene knockdown studies reveal that BCAM, BCAM co-expressed Laminin α5 (LAMA5) and Laminin α3 (LAMA3) regulate expression of CAV2. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that CAV1 and CAV2 contribute to enhanced BCAM-positive cell proliferation through regulation of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 (FGFR2) cell surface expression. In aggregate, our study identifies specific expression of CAV1 and CAV2 in BCAM-positive corneal basal epithelial cells and uncovers a novel CAV1/CAV2-dependent mechanism of corneal progenitor cell proliferation, with potential implications for therapeutic enhancement of corneal regeneration.

Caveolin and oxidative stress in cardiac pathology

Caveolins interact with signaling molecules within caveolae and subcellular membranes. Dysregulation of caveolin function and protein abundance contributes to cardiac pathophysiological processes, driving the development and progression of heart disease. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and are key contributors to the pathophysiological mechanisms of cardiovascular disorders. Caveolins have been shown to modulate oxidative stress and regulate redox homeostasis. However, the specific roles of caveolins, particularly caveolin-1 and caveolin-3, in regulating ROS production during cardiac pathology remain unclear. This mini-review article highlights the correlation between caveolins and oxidative stress in maintaining cardiovascular health and modulating cardiac diseases, specifically in myocardial ischemia, heart failure, diabetes-induced metabolic cardiomyopathy, and septic cardiomyopathy. A deeper understanding of caveolin-mediated mechanisms may pave the way for innovative therapeutic approaches to treat cardiovascular diseases.

Caveolae Modulate the Activity of LRRC8-Mediated VRAC by the Structural Membrane Protein Caveolin-1

The volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC) plays a critical role in cell volume regulation and other fundamental physiological processes. However, the mechanism of how VRAC is activated and modulated has not been completely clarified. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1), as an important ion channel binding protein, forms complexes with channel proteins and exchangers to regulate channel activity and function. The purpose of this study was to explore the importance and value of Cav-1 in cardiac VRAC activation and regulation. In the study, we proved that the membrane protein LRRC8A was detected in the same caveolae-enriched fractions, as the same as Caveolin-1 in ventricular myocytes. The intracellular Cl- concentration increased and the cell volume decreased dramatically after caveolae being destroyed in cardiomyocytes. Moreover, we found that ICl,vol decreased not only in LRRC8A silencing cardiomyocytes but also in Cav-1 silencing cardiomyocytes, which indicated that caveolin-1 may affect the function of VRAC. Then we further explore the physical relationship between LRRC8A and Cav-1 in cell membrane. We observed that the fluorescence label of LRRC8A was overlapping with Cav-1 in the cell plasma membrane and caveolin-1 co-immunoprecipitated with LRRC8A, which demonstrated that Cav-1 is the basis of VRAC channel activation by acting on LRRC8A. The whole study provides further evidence of the relevance of Cav-1 on the activation and modulation of endothelial LRRC8A-mediated VRAC.

SNX19 Interacts with Caveolin-1 and Flotillin-1 to Regulate D1R Endocytosis and Signaling

Background: Sorting nexin 19 (SNX19) is important in the localization and trafficking of the dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) to lipid raft microdomains. However, the interaction between SNX19 and the lipid raft components caveolin-1 or flotillin-1 and, in particular, their roles in the cellular endocytosis and cell membrane trafficking of the D1R have not been determined. Methods: Caveolin-1 and flotillin-1 motifs were analyzed by in silico analysis; colocalization was observed by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy; protein-protein interaction was determined by co-immunoprecipitation. Results: In silico analysis revealed the presence of putative caveolin-1 and flotillin-1 binding motifs within SNX19. In mouse and human renal proximal tubule cells (RPTCs), SNX19 was localized mainly in lipid rafts. In mouse RPTCs transfected with wild-type (WT) Snx19, fenoldopam (FEN), a D1-like receptor agonist, increased the colocalization of SNX19 with caveolin-1 and flotillin-1. FEN also increased the co-immunoprecipitation of SNX19 with caveolin-1 and flotillin-1, effects that were prevented by SCH39166, a D1-like receptor antagonist. The FEN-mediated increase in the residence of SNX19 in lipid rafts and the colocalization of the D1R with caveolin-1 and flotilin-1 were attenuated by the deletion of a caveolin-1 (YHTVNRRYREF) (ΔCav1) or a flotillin-1 (EEGPGTETETGLPVS) (ΔFlot1) binding motif. The FEN-mediated increase in intracellular cAMP production was also impaired by the deletion of either the flotillin-1 or caveolin-1 binding motif. Nocodazole, a microtubule depolymerization inhibitor, interfered with the FEN-mediated increase in the colocalization between SNX19 and D1R. Conclusion: SNX19 contains caveolin-1 and flotillin-1 binding motifs, which play an important role in D1R endocytosis and signaling.

Multiple Myeloma Insights from Single-Cell Analysis: Clonal Evolution, the Microenvironment, Therapy Evasion, and Clinical Implications

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a complex and heterogeneous hematologic malignancy characterized by clonal evolution, genetic instability, and interactions with a supportive tumor microenvironment. These factors contribute to treatment resistance, disease progression, and significant variability in clinical outcomes among patients. This review explores the mechanisms underlying MM progression, including the genetic and epigenetic changes that drive clonal evolution, the role of the bone marrow microenvironment in supporting tumor growth and immune evasion, and the impact of genomic instability. We highlight the critical insights gained from single-cell technologies, such as single-cell transcriptomics, genomics, and multiomics, which have enabled a detailed understanding of MM heterogeneity at the cellular level, facilitating the identification of rare cell populations and mechanisms of drug resistance. Despite the promise of advanced technologies, MM remains an incurable disease and challenges remain in their clinical application, including high costs, data complexity, and the need for standardized bioinformatics and ethical considerations. This review emphasizes the importance of continued research and collaboration to address these challenges, ultimately aiming to enhance personalized treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes in MM.

Rapid disease progression of myelodysplastic syndrome is reflected in transcriptomic and functional abnormalities of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells

Bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are important regulators of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). When transformed into a dysplastic phenotype, MSCs contribute to hematopoietic diseases such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), but it remains unclear if there are specific properties in MDS-MSCs that contribute to the disease course. To understand this, we investigated MDS-MSCs from fast (MDSfast) vs slow (MDSslow) progressing disease groups and discovered differences between these groups. MDSfast-MSCs secrete more inflammatory factors, support myeloid-skewed differentiation of HSPCs, and importantly, show poorer response to hypomethylation as a key differentiator in GSEA analysis. When exposed to long-term in vivo stimulation with primary MDSfast-MSCs-based scaffolds, healthy donor (HD) HSPCs show elevated NF-κB expression, similar to leukemic HSPCs in MDS. Those "MDSfast-MSCs-primed" HD-HSPCs continue to show enhanced engraftment rates in secondary MDS-MSC-based scaffolds, providing evidence for the microenvironmental selection pressures in MDS toward leukemic HSPCs. Together, our data point toward a degree of co-development between MSCs and HSPCs during the progression of MDS, where changes in MDS-MSCs take place mainly at the transcriptomic and functional levels. These unique differences in MDS-MSCs can be utilized to improve disease prognostication and implement targeted therapy for unmet clinical needs.

Nano-alkaline ion-excited NETs ablative eye drops promote ocular surface recovery

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) promote neovascularization during the acute phase after ocular chemical injury, while the local inflammatory acidic environment delays post-injury repair. Currently, the mechanism of NETs promoting neovascularization has not been fully elucidated, and there is a lack of therapeutic strategies to effectively improve the local microenvironment for corneal repair. In this study, we validated the NETs-M2-angiogenic pathway after injury. Using transcriptomics sequencing and liquid-phase microarray assays, the intrinsic immune cascade mechanism of NETs inducing macrophage M2 polarization and releasing VEGF via PI3K/AKT was identified. Based on this pathology and the physiological need to improve the local inflammatory acidic environment and promote corneal repair, we organically integrated the alkaline ion-rich bioglass with the highly transmissive and highly adhesive filipin protein, and constructed NETs ablative gel eye drops (DMS) that can release DNase I and alkaline ions in a sustained manner. The eye drops restricted the inflammatory interaction of NETs with macrophages from the source, adhered to the corneal surface and continuously released alkaline ions to improve the local acidic inflammatory environment, providing a favorable immune microenvironment for corneal recovery. We established a cell co-culture system and a corneal alkali burn model to further validate the role of DMS in modulating the intrinsic immune cascade of neovascularization for corneal repair and the related mechanisms. In conclusion, based on the biological mechanism of NETs-M2-VEGF after corneal chemical injury, the present study designed eye drops for dual regulation of intrinsic immunity and the inflammatory acid environment, which not only further supplemented and improved the pathophysiological mechanism of corneal neovascularization after chemical injury, but also provided a new way of thinking about corneal regeneration after injury.

Joint analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing and bulk transcriptome reveals the heterogeneity of the urea cycle of astrocytes in glioblastoma

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma (GB) is incurable with a dismal prognosis. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is a pivotal tool for studying tumor heterogeneity. The dysregulation of the urea cycle (UC) frequently occurs in tumors, but its characteristics in GB have not been illuminated. This study integrated scRNA-seq UC scores and bulk RNA-seq data to build a GB prognostic model.

METHODS

Samples from 3 pairs of GB patients were collected for scRNA-seq analysis. GB-mRNA expression data, clinical data, and SNV mutation data were sourced from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). GB-mRNA expression data and clinical data were downloaded from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA). GB RNA-seq data and clinical data were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The R package Seurat was applied for scRNA-seq data processing. UMAP and TSNE were used for dimensionality reduction. UCell enrichment method was employed to score each astrocyte. Monocle algorithm was applied for pseudotime trajectory analysis. CellChat R package was applied for cell communication analysis. Cell labeling was performed on the results of the nine subclusters of astrocytes. The GSE138794 dataset was used to validate the results of single-cell classification. For bulk RNA-seq, univariate Cox and LASSO analyses were undertaken to screen prognostic genes, while multivariate Cox regression analysis was applied to set up a prognostic model. The differences between high-risk (HR) and low-risk (LR) groups were studied in terms of immune infiltration, sensitivity to anti-tumor drugs, etc. We verified the effect of the marker gene on the function of GB cells at the cellular level.

RESULTS

The analysis of scRNA-seq data yielded 7 core cell types. Further clustering of the largest proportion of astrocytes resulted in 9 subclusters. UC score and pseudotime analysis revealed the heterogeneity and differentiation process among subclusters. Subcluster 8 was annotated as an immature astrocyte (marker: CXCL8), and this cell cluster had a higher UC score. The results were validated in the GSE138794 dataset. Combining UC scores, we performed univariate Cox and LASSO to select prognostic genes on bulk RNA-seq data. A prognostic model based on 5 feature genes (RGS4, CTSB, SERPINE2, ID1, and CALD1) was established through multivariate Cox analysis. In addition, patients in the HR group had higher immune infiltration and immune function. Final cell experiments demonstrated that 5 feature genes were highly expressed in GB cells. CALD1 promoted the malignant phenotype of GB cells.

CONCLUSION

We set up a novel prognostic model for predicting the survival of GB patients by integrating bulk RNA-seq and scRNA-seq data. The risk score was closely correlated with immune infiltration and drug sensitivity, pinpointing it as a promising independent prognostic factor.

The mRNA Stability of PIEZO1, Regulated by Methyltransferase-Like 3 via N6-Methylation of Adenosine Modification in a YT521-B Homology Domain Family 2-Dependent Manner, Facilitates the Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the major ocular complication of diabetes caused by chronic hyperglycemia, which leads to incurable blindness. Currently, the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions is limited. This study aimed to investigate the function of piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (PIEZO1) and its potential regulatory mechanism in DR progression. PIEZO1 expression was up-regulated in the retinal tissues of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice and high-glucose (HG)-triggered Müller cells. Functionally, the knockdown of PIEZO1 improved the abnormal retinal function of diabetic mice and impeded inflammatory cytokine secretion and gliosis of Müller cells under HG conditions. Mechanistic investigations using RNA immunoprecipitation-real-time quantitative PCR, methylation RNA immunoprecipitation-real-time quantitative PCR, and luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that PIEZO1 was a downstream target of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3). METTL3-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification within the coding sequence of PIEZO1 mRNA significantly shortened its half-life. In HG-stimulated cells, there was a negative regulatory relationship between PIEZO1 and YTH (YT521-B homology) domain family 2 (YTHDF2), a recognized m6A reader. The loss of YTHDF2 resulted in an extended half-life of PIEZO1 in cells with overexpression of METTL3, indicating that the effect of METTL3 on the mRNA stability of PIEZO1 was dependent on YTHDF2. Taken together, this study demonstrated the protective role of the PIEZO1 silencing in DR development, and that the degradation of PIEZO1 mRNA is accelerated by METTL3/YTHDF2-mediated m6A modification.

The Molecular Mechanism of Macrophages in Response to Mechanical Stress

Macrophages, a type of functionally diversified immune cell involved in the progression of many physiologies and pathologies, could be mechanically activated. The physical properties of biomaterials including stiffness and topography have been recognized as exerting a considerable influence on macrophage behaviors, such as adhesion, migration, proliferation, and polarization. Recent articles and reviews on the physical and mechanical cues that regulate the macrophage's behavior are available; however, the underlying mechanism still deserves further investigation. Here, we summarized the molecular mechanism of macrophage behavior through three parts, as follows: (1) mechanosensing on the cell membrane, (2) mechanotransmission by the cytoskeleton, (3) mechanotransduction in the nucleus. Finally, the present challenges in understanding the mechanism were also noted. In this review, we clarified the associated mechanism of the macrophage mechanotransduction pathway which could provide mechanistic insights into the development of treatment for diseases like bone-related diseases as molecular targets become possible.

Risk of developing neuroblastoma influenced by maternal stressful life events during pregnancy and congenital pathologies

OBJECTIVE

A retrospective multicenter study to investigate the potential association between descriptive information related to pregnancy history and perinatal features and the risk of neuroblastoma (NB) in children.

STUDY DESIGN

Data from 56 mothers during 105 pregnancies (56 cases of NB, 49 control siblings) were collected through face-to-face or telephone interviews with mothers of children diagnosed with NB, along with information extracted from Health System databases. Descriptive information related to (a) pregnancy history as maternal stressful life events with perceived distress during pregnancy, weight gain, alcohol and tobacco consumption, mode of delivery and gestational age; and (b) perinatal features as congenital pathologies, weight at birth and type of feeding were examined to identify potential risk factors for NB.

RESULTS

Stressful life events during pregnancy and certain congenital pathologies were independently associated with NB risk. No significant associations were found between other features. Breastfeeding rates were similar between cases and controls.

CONCLUSION

Our results underscore the importance of providing support and care to pregnant women to reduce potential stressors. Further research is needed to better understand the influence of dysbiosis and mitochondrial-nuclear communication impairment as underlying mechanisms of maternal stress during pregnancy and presence of congenital pathologies in order to confirm them as potential risk factors for NB.

Efficacy and safety of anlotinib combined with vinorelbine as second‑line treatment for elderly patients with advanced squamous cell lung carcinoma: A retrospective cohort

The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of anlotinib combined with vinorelbine (NVB) as a second-line treatment for elderly patients with advanced squamous cell lung carcinoma (SqCLC). The present retrospective analysis included 48 elderly patients (aged ≥65 years) diagnosed with advanced SqCLC who received anlotinib in combination with NVB as a second-line therapy between January 2021 and December 2023. The primary endpoints assessed were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR) and safety profile. The median PFS and OS for the cohort was found to be 5.0 and 9.5 months, respectively. By contrast, the ORR and DCR were found to be 29.17 and 70.83%. Further subgroup analysis indicated that patients who experienced specific adverse events (AEs), such as hypertension, proteinuria and hand-foot syndrome during treatment, generally had superior efficacy compared with those who did not experience these AEs (mPFS, 6.0 vs. 4.0 months; mOS, 11.0 vs. 8.5 months). In addition, apart from promising efficacy, patients who experienced common AEs also experienced decreased appetite (35.42%), fatigue (29.17%), hypertension (25%) and hand-foot syndrome (27.08%). Grade 3 or higher AEs occurred in <30% of patients, the majority of which was alleviated through corresponding support care. These results suggest that the combination of anlotinib and NVB as second-line therapy for elderly patients with advanced SqCLC demonstrated promising efficacy and a manageable safety profile. Such regimen may be a viable treatment option for this patient population. However, further prospective studies are required to validate these findings and optimize the dosing schedule for improved therapeutic outcomes.

Caveolin-1 regulates context-dependent signaling and survival in Ewing sarcoma

Plasticity is a hallmark function of cancer cells, but many of the underlying mechanisms have yet to be discovered. In this study, we identify Caveolin-1, a scaffolding protein that organizes plasma membrane domains, as a context-dependent regulator of survival signaling in Ewing sarcoma (EwS). Single cell analyses reveal a distinct subpopulation of EwS cells, which highly express the surface marker CD99 as well as Caveolin-1. CD99 High cells exhibit distinct morphology, gene expression, and enhanced survival capabilities compared to CD99 Low cells, both under chemotherapeutic challenge and in vivo. Mechanistically, we show that elevated Caveolin-1 expression in CD99 High cells orchestrates PI3K/AKT survival signaling by modulating the spatial organization of PI3K activity at the cell surface. Notably, CD99 itself is not directly involved in this pathway, making it a useful independent marker for identifying these subpopulations. We propose a model where the CD99 High state establishes a Cav-1-driven signaling network to support cell survival that is distinct from the survival mechanisms of CD99 Low cells. This work reveals a dynamic state transition in EwS cells and highlights Caveolin-1 as a key driver of context-specific survival signaling.

Epstein-Barr virus BALF0/1 subverts the Caveolin and ERAD pathways to target B cell receptor complexes for degradation

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) establishes persistent infection, causes infectious mononucleosis, is a major trigger for multiple sclerosis and contributes to multiple cancers. Yet, knowledge remains incomplete about how the virus remodels host B cells to support lytic replication. We previously identified that EBV lytic replication results in selective depletion of plasma membrane (PM) B cell receptor (BCR) complexes, composed of immunoglobulin and the CD79A and CD79B signaling chains. Here, we used proteomic and biochemical approaches to identify that the EBV early lytic protein BALF0/1 is responsible for EBV lytic cycle BCR degradation. Mechanistically, an immunoglobulin heavy chain (HC) cytoplasmic tail KVK motif was required for ubiquitin-mediated BCR degradation, while CD79A and CD79B were dispensable. BALF0/1 subverted caveolin-mediated endocytosis to internalize PM BCR complexes and to deliver them to the endoplasmic reticulum. BALF0/1 stimulated immunoglobulin HC cytoplasmic tail ubiquitination, which together with the ATPase valosin-containing protein/p97 drove ER-associated degradation of BCR complexes by cytoplasmic proteasomes. BALF0/1 knockout reduced the viral load of secreted EBV particles from B cells that expressed a monoclonal antibody against EBV glycoprotein 350 but not a control anti-influenza hemagglutinin antibody and increased viral particle immunoglobulin incorporation. Consistent with downmodulation of PM BCR, BALF0/1 overexpression reduced viability of a diffuse large B cell lymphoma cell line whose survival is dependent upon BCR signaling. Collectively, our results suggest that EBV BALF0/1 downmodulates immunoglobulin upon lytic reactivation to block BCR signaling and support virion release, but await the development of suitable models to test its roles in EBV reactivation in vivo.

Understanding the Dual Role of Macrophages in Tumor Growth and Therapy: A Mechanistic Review

Macrophages are heterogeneous cells that are the mediators of tissue homeostasis. These immune cells originated from monocytes and are classified into two basic categories, M1 and M2 macrophages. M1 macrophages exhibit anti-tumorous inflammatory reactions due to the behavior of phagocytosis. M2 macrophages or tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and have a basic role in tumor progression by interacting with other immune cells in TME. By the expression of various cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, TAMs lead to strengthening tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and suppression of the immune system which further support invasion and metastasis. This review discusses recent and updated mechanisms regarding tumor progression by M2 macrophages. Moreover, the current therapeutic approaches targeting TAMs, their advantages, and limitations are also summarized, and further treatment approaches are outlined along with an elaboration of the tumor regression role of macrophages. This comprehensive review article possibly helps to understand the mechanisms underlying the tumor progression and regression role of macrophages in a comparative way from a basic level to the advanced one.

Deciphering the Role of Cancer Stem Cells: Drivers of Tumor Evolution, Therapeutic Resistance, and Precision Medicine Strategies

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a central role in tumor progression, recurrence, and resistance to conventional therapies, making them a critical focus in oncology research. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of CSC biology, emphasizing their self-renewal, differentiation, and dynamic interactions with the tumor microenvironment (TME). Key signaling pathways, including Wnt, Notch, and Hedgehog, are discussed in detail to highlight their potential as therapeutic targets. Current methodologies for isolating CSCs are critically examined, addressing their advantages and limitations in advancing precision medicine. Emerging technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9 and single-cell sequencing, are explored for their transformative potential in unraveling CSC heterogeneity and informing therapeutic strategies. The review also underscores the pivotal role of the TME in supporting CSC survival, promoting metastasis, and contributing to therapeutic resistance. Challenges arising from CSC-driven tumor heterogeneity and dormancy are analyzed, along with strategies to mitigate these barriers, including novel therapeutics and targeted approaches. Ethical considerations and the integration of artificial intelligence in designing CSC-specific therapies are discussed as essential elements of future research. The manuscript advocates for a multi-disciplinary approach that combines innovative technologies, advanced therapeutics, and collaborative research to address the complexities of CSCs. By bridging existing gaps in knowledge and fostering advancements in personalized medicine, this review aims to guide the development of more effective cancer treatment strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Promotion of nitric oxide production: mechanisms, strategies, and possibilities

The discovery of nitric oxide (NO) and the role of endothelial cells (ECs) in its production has revolutionized medicine. NO can be produced by isoforms of NO synthases (NOS), including the neuronal (nNOS), inducible (iNOS), and endothelial isoforms (eNOS), and via the non-classical nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway. In particular, endothelium-derived NO, produced by eNOS, is essential for cardiovascular health. Endothelium-derived NO activates soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), elevating cyclic GMP (cGMP), causing vasodilation. Over the past four decades, the importance of this pathway in cardiovascular health has fueled the search for strategies to enhance NO bioavailability and/or preserve the outcomes of NO's actions. Currently approved approaches operate in three directions: 1) providing exogenous NO, 2) promoting sGC activity, and 3) preventing degradation of cGMP by inhibiting phosphodiesterase 5 activity. Despite clear benefits, these approaches face challenges such as the development of nitrate tolerance and endothelial dysfunction. This highlights the need for sustainable options that promote endogenous NO production. This review will focus on strategies to promote endogenous NO production. A detailed review of the mechanisms regulating eNOS activity will be first provided, followed by a review of strategies to promote endogenous NO production based on the levels of available preclinical and clinical evidence, and perspectives on future possibilities.

A Precessing-Coin-like Rotary Actuator for Distal Endoscope Scanners: Proof-of-Concept Study

This paper presents, for the first time, a rotary actuator functionalized by an inclined disc rotor that serves as a distal optical scanner for endoscopic probes, enabling side-viewing endoscopy in luminal organs using different imaging/analytic modalities such as optical coherence tomography and Raman spectroscopy. This scanner uses a magnetic rotor designed to have a mirror surface on its backside, being electromagnetically driven to roll around the cone-shaped hollow base to create a motion just like a precessing coin. An optical probing beam directed from the probe's optic fiber is passed through the hollow cone to be incident and bent on the back mirror of the rotating inclined rotor, circulating the probing beam around the scanner for full 360° sideway imaging. This new scanner architecture removes the need for a separate prism mirror and holding mechanics to drastically simplify the scanner design and thus, potentially enhancing device miniaturization and reliability. The first proof-of-concept is developed using 3D printing and experimentally analyzed to reveal the ability of both angular stepping at 45° and high-speed rotation up to 1500 rpm within the biologically safe temperature range, a key function for multimodal imaging. Preliminary optical testing demonstrates continuous circumferential scanning of the laser beam with no blind spot caused by power leads to the actuator. The results indicate the fundamental feasibility of the developed actuator as an endoscopic distal scanner, a significant step to further development toward advancing optical endoscope technology.

Stay connected: The myoendothelial junction proteins in vascular function and dysfunction

The appropriate regulation of peripheral vascular tone is crucial for maintaining tissue perfusion. Myoendothelial junctions (MEJs), specialized connections between endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, are primarily located in peripheral resistance vessels. Therefore, these junctions, with their key membrane proteins, play a pivotal role in the physiological control of relaxation-contraction coupling in resistance arterioles, mainly mediated through endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH). This review aims to illustrate the mechanisms involved in the initiation and propagation of EDH, emphasizing the role of membrane proteins involved in its generation (TRPV4, Piezo1, ASIC1a) and propagation (connexins, Notch). Finally, we discuss relevant studies on pathological events linked to EDH dysfunction and discuss novel approaches, including the effects of natural and dietary bioactive molecules, in modulating EDH-mediated vascular tone.

Serum proteomic and metabolomic profiling of hepatocellular carcinoma patients co-infected with Clonorchis sinensis

Background

Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis) infection is a significant risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), yet its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the impact of C. sinensis infection on the serum proteomic and metabolomic profiling of HCC patients, focusing on the potential mechanisms.

Method

A retrospective clinical analysis was conducted on 1121 HCC patients, comparing those with and without C. sinensis infection. The influence of C. sinensis on serum proteome and metabolome in HCC was further assessed.

Result

C. sinensis infection correlated with a younger age at cancer onset, male predominance, advanced cancer stage, liver cirrhosis, and microvascular invasion in HCC patients. It also associated with shorter overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). The levels of blood lipids (e.g., APO-A, HDL-C, and TG) were significantly altered after C. sinensis infection. Proteomic and metabolomic analyses revealed metabolic reprogramming caused by C. sinensis, with excessive depletion of argininosuccinate synthase (ASS) and D-glucose as potential factors in C. sinensis-associated HCC malignancy. Key molecules ILF2, CNN2, OLFM4, NOTCH3, and LysoPA were implicated in HCC progression. Furthermore, C. sinensis triggered inflammation, insulin resistance, and pro-tumor immune escape, and exacerbated the complication of degenerative diseases.

Conclusion

This study not only provides compelling evidence for elucidating the mechanisms underlying C. sinensis-mediated HCC development but also identifies potential therapeutic targets for HCC patients co-infected with C. sinensis.

The spectrum of rippling muscle disease

Rippling muscle disease (RMD) is a rare disorder of muscle hyperexcitability. It is characterized by rippling wave-like muscle contractions induced by mechanical stretch or voluntary contraction followed by sudden stretch, painful muscle stiffness, percussion-induced rapid muscle contraction (PIRC), and percussion-induced muscle mounding (PIMM). RMD can be hereditary (hRMD) or immune-mediated (iRMD). hRMD is caused by pathogenic variants in caveolin-3 (CAV3) or caveolae-associated protein 1/ polymerase I and transcript release factor (CAVIN1/PTRF). CAV3 pathogenic variants are autosomal dominant or less frequently recessive while CAVIN1/PTRF pathogenic variants are autosomal recessive. CAV3-RMD manifests with a wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes, ranging from asymptomatic creatine kinase elevation to severe muscle weakness. Overlapping phenotypes are common. Muscle caveolin-3 immunoreactivity is often absent or diffusely reduced in CAV3-RMD. CAVIN1/PTRF-RMD is characterized by congenital generalized lipodystrophy (CGL, type 4) and often accompanied by several extra-skeletal muscle manifestations. Muscle cavin-1/PTRF immunoreactivity is absent or reduced while caveolin-3 immunoreactivity is reduced, often in a patchy way, in CAVIN1/PTRF-RMD. iRMD is often accompanied by other autoimmune disorders, including myasthenia gravis. Anti-cavin-4 antibodies are the serological marker while the mosaic expression of caveolin-3 and cavin-4 is the pathological feature of iRMD. Most patients with iRMD respond to immunotherapy. Rippling, PIRC, and PIMM are usually electrically silent. Different pathogenic mechanisms have been postulated to explain the disease mechanisms. In this article, we review the spectrum of hRMD and iRMD, including clinical phenotypes, electrophysiological characteristics, myopathological findings, and pathogenesis.

Virtual screening combined with molecular docking for the !identification of new anti-adipogenic compounds

Obesity is an important risk factor for diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, reducing the quality of life and expectancy of millions of people. Consequently, obesity has turned into one of the most health public problems worldwide, which highlights the urgent need for new and safe treatments. Obesity is mainly related to excessive fat accumulation; therefore, proteins participating in white adipose tissue increase and dysfunction are considered pertinent and attractive targets for developing new methods that can help with body weight control. In this context, virtual screening of libraries containing a large number of molecules represents a valuable strategy for the identification of potential anti-adipogenic compounds with reduced costs and time production. Here, we review the scientific literature about the prediction of new ligands of specific proteins through molecular docking and virtual screening of chemical libraries, with the aim of proposing new potential anti-adipogenic molecules. First, we present the targets related to adipogenesis and adipocyte functions that were selected for the following studies: PPARγ, Crif1, SIRT1, ERβ, PC1, FTO, Mss51, and FABP4. Then, we describe the obtention of new ligands according to the characteristics of the virtual screening approach, i.e. a structure-based drug design (SBDD) or a ligand-based drug design (LBDD). Finally, the critical analysis of these computational strategies and the corresponding results points out the necessity of combining computational and in vitro or in vivo assays for the identification of effective new anti-adipogenic molecules for obesity control. It also evidences that translating molecular docking and virtual screening results into successful drug candidates for adipogenesis and obesity control remains a huge challenge.

The cystogenic effects of ouabain in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease require cell caveolae

We have previously shown that the hormone ouabain is a circulating factor which can accelerate the progression of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). At physiologic concentrations, ouabain increases cyst area and fibrosis in kidneys from ADPKD but not wildtype mice. These effects are due to an increased affinity for ouabain by its receptor, Na,K-ATPase (NKA), in the kidneys of ADPKD mice which leads to over-activation of NKA signaling function. Previous studies suggested that ouabain's stimulation of NKA signal transduction is mediated by NKA located within cell caveolae. Here, we determined whether caveolae are involved in the ouabain-induced progression of ADPKD cysts. We generated an ADPKD mouse with a global knockout of the main structural component of caveolae, caveolin-1 (CAV1), which we confirmed lacks caveolae in the kidney. When given physiological amounts of ouabain for 5 months, Pkd1RC/RCCav1-/- mice did not exhibit any changes in cyst progression, contrasting with the Pkd1RC/RC mice which showed a significant increase in cystic area and kidney fibrosis. Also, measures of ouabain-induced cell proliferation, including the number of Ki67-positive nuclei and phosphorylation of the extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) and protein kinase B (Akt), did not increase in the Pkd1RC/RCCav1-/- mice compared with the Pkd1RC/RC mice. Moreover, the abnormally increased affinity for ouabain of NKA in Pkd1RC/RC mice was restored to wildtype levels in the Pkd1RC/RCCav1-/- mice. This work highlights the role of caveolae in ouabain-induced NKA signaling and ADPKD cyst progression.

A novel mouse model recapitulates the effects of rs2254524 variant in the lanosterol synthase gene on salt sensitivity and organ damage

OBJECTIVE

The blood pressure (BP) response to salt intake (salt sensitivity) shows great variability among individuals and is more frequent in hypertensive patients. Elevated levels of the steroid hormone Endogenous Ouabain (EO) are associated with hypertension (HT) and salt sensitivity. The lanosterol synthase gene ( LSS ) plays a key role in the biosynthesis of steroids and its rs2254524 variant (Val642Leu) is linked to salt sensitivity in humans. This study aims to investigate the pathophysiological significance of the Lss missense variation in a new knock-in mouse model of salt-sensitive HT onset.

METHODS

We generated a mouse model carrying the murine homolog (Val643Leu) of the human LSS variant. C57BL/6N LssV643L/V643L mice were fed different NaCl diets (low-salt, LSD; normal-salt, NSD; high-salt, HSD) and were characterized at functional, histological, and molecular levels.

RESULTS

At baseline, mutant mice showed an enlarged kidney compared to the wild-type (WT) counterpart, but the Lss V643L variant did not affect EO biosynthesis nor systolic BP at 3 and 12 months. In HSD, we observed an increased systolic BP only in 12-month-old LssV643L/V643L mice, compared to NSD. Moreover, only the HSD LssV643L/V643L mice showed cardiac hypertrophy and a higher incidence of cardiac fibrosis compared to WT at 12 months. Finally, the Lss mRNA level was differentially regulated by HSD in the adrenal gland, liver, and heart of LssV643L/V643L mice compared to WT.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel Lss mouse model resembles the salt-sensitive HT phenotype observed in hypertensive patients and provides a good model of salt-sensitive HT and HT-mediated organ damage.

Flotillins in membrane trafficking and physiopathology

Flotillin 1 and 2 are highly conserved and homologous members of the stomatin, prohibitin, flotillin, HflK/C (SPFH) family. These ubiquitous proteins assemble into hetero-oligomers at the cytoplasmic membrane in sphingolipid-enriched domains. Flotillins play crucial roles in various cellular processes, likely by concentrating sphingosine. They primarily act as scaffolding protein complexes within membrane microdomains (also called lipid rafts) and induce endocytosis and trafficking. Their diverse cargos in the upregulated flotillin-induced trafficking (UFIT) pathway, including tyrosine kinase receptors, adhesion molecules, and neurotransmitter receptors, link them to a wide range of cellular processes and diseases. Consequently, flotillin upregulation has been associated with various pathological conditions such as cancer, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Flotillins may also be co-opted by pathogens to facilitate their entry and growth within host cells. In this review, we examined recent advancements in elucidating the structure and functions of the flotillin protein complex, including its implications in favoring the generation of sphingosine 1-phosphate, an essential bioactive lipid. We emphasized how the recent cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of a truncated cone-shaped cage composed of 22 copies of flotillin 1 and 2 subunits has enhanced our understanding of the flotillin complex organization within membrane microdomains and its role in membrane remodeling. We also explored how flotillin upregulation can perturb endosomal trafficking and contribute to various pathologies. A comprehensive understanding of flotillin oligomer organization and function is crucial to developing targeted therapies for diseases associated with flotillin overexpression.

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy in atherosclerosis: A bibliometric and visual analysis

BACKGROUND

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are capable of self-renewal and differentiation, and extensive studies have demonstrated their therapeutic potential in atherosclerosis (AS).

AIM

To conduct a bibliometric analysis of studies on the use of MSC therapy for AS over the past two decades, assess key trends and provide insights for future research directions.

METHODS

We systematically searched the Web of Science Core Collection database for articles published between 1999 and 2023, yielding a total of 556 articles. Visual representation and bibliometric analysis of information and trends were facilitated using CiteSpace, the R package 'bibliometrix' and VOSviewer.

RESULTS

The analyzed articles were predominantly from 52 countries/regions, with prominent contributions from China and the United States. A cohort of 3057 authors contributed to these publications, with the works of Libby P distinguished by their influence and citation count. Int J Mol Sci has emerged as the journal with the highest publication volume, prominently disseminating influential papers and identifying citation outbreaks. Furthermore, our analysis identified current research hotspots within the field, focusing on vascular progenitor cells, inflammatory mechanisms, and extracellular vesicles. Emerging research frontiers, such as extracellular vesicles and oxidative stress, have been highlighted as areas of burgeoning interest. Finally, we offer perspectives on the status of research and future directions of MSC therapy in AS.

CONCLUSION

This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights for advancing scientific research on MSC therapy for AS. By elucidating pivotal trends and research directions, this study aimed to foster innovation and promote the progress of disciplines in this field, thereby contributing to advancing scientific knowledge and clinical practice.

Caveolin-Mediated Endocytosis: Bacterial Pathogen Exploitation and Host-Pathogen Interaction

Within mammalian cells, diverse endocytic mechanisms, including phagocytosis, pinocytosis, and receptor-mediated endocytosis, serve as gateways exploited by many bacterial pathogens and toxins. Among these, caveolae-mediated endocytosis is characterized by lipid-rich caveolae and dimeric caveolin proteins. Caveolae are specialized microdomains on cell surfaces that impact cell signaling. Caveolin proteins facilitate the creation of caveolae and have three members in vertebrates: caveolin-1, caveolin-2, and caveolin-3. Many bacterial pathogens hijack caveolin machinery to invade host cells. For example, the Gram-positive facultative model intracellular bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes exploits caveolin-mediated endocytosis for efficient cellular entry, translocation across the intestinal barrier, and cell-cell spread. Caveolin facilitates the internalization of group A streptococci by promoting the formation of invaginations in the plasma membrane and avoiding fusion with lysosomes, thereby aiding intracellular survival. Caveolin plays a crucial role in internalizing and modulation of host immune responses by Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, such as Escherichia coli K1, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Here, we summarize how bacterial pathogens manipulate the host's caveolin system to facilitate bacterial entry and movement within and between host cells, to support intracellular survival, to evade immune responses, and to trigger inflammation. This knowledge enhances the intervention of new therapeutic targets against caveolin in microbial invasion and immune evasion processes.

Dietary methionine supplementation promotes mice hematopoiesis after irradiation

BACKGROUND

With the increasing risk of nuclear exposure, more attention has been paid to the prevention and treatment of acute radiation syndrome (ARS). Although amino acids are key nutrients involved in hematopoietic regulation, the impacts of amino acids on bone marrow hematopoiesis following irradiation and the associated mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Hence, it is of paramount importance to study the changes in amino acid metabolism after irradiation and their effects on hematopoiesis as well as the related mechanisms.

METHODS

The content of serum amino acids was analyzed using metabolomic sequencing. The survival rate and body weight of the irradiated mice were detected after altering the methionine content in the diet. Extracellular matrix (ECM) protein analysis was performed via proteomics analysis. Inflammatory factors were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Flow cytometry, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence were employed to determine the mechanism by which S100 calcium-binding protein A4 (S100A4) regulates macrophage polarization.

RESULTS

The survival time of irradiated mice was significantly associated with alterations in multiple amino acids, particularly methionine. A high methionine diet promoted irradiation tolerance, especially in the recovery of bone marrow hematopoiesis, yet with dose limitations. Folate metabolism could partially alleviate the dose bottleneck by reducing the accumulation of homocysteine. Mechanistically, high methionine levels maintained the abundance of ECM components, including collagens and glycoproteins, in the bone marrow post-irradiation, among which the level of S100A4 was significantly changed. S100A4 regulated macrophage polarization via the STAT3 pathway, inhibited bone marrow inflammation and facilitated the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells.

CONCLUSIONS

We have demonstrated that an appropriate elevation in dietary methionine enhances irradiation tolerance in mice and explains the mechanism by which methionine regulates bone marrow hematopoiesis after irradiation.

Flotillin-2 dampens T cell antigen sensitivity and functionality

T cell receptor (TCR) engagement triggers T cell responses, yet how TCR-mediated activation is regulated at the plasma membrane remains unclear. Here, we report that deleting the membrane scaffolding protein Flotillin-2 (Flot2) increases T cell antigen sensitivity, resulting in enhanced TCR signaling and effector function in response to weak TCR stimulation. T cell-specific Flot2-deficient mice exhibited reduced tumor growth and enhanced immunity to infection. Flot2-null CD4+ T cells exhibited increased Th1 polarization, proliferation, Nur77 induction, and phosphorylation of ZAP70 and ERK1/2 upon weak TCR stimulation, indicating a sensitized TCR-triggering threshold. Single-cell RNA-Seq suggested that Flot2-null CD4+ T cells follow a similar route of activation as WT CD4+ T cells but exhibit higher occupancy of a discrete activation state under weak TCR stimulation. Given prior reports that TCR clustering influences sensitivity of T cells to stimuli, we evaluated TCR distribution with super-resolution microscopy. Flot2 ablation increased the number of surface TCR nanoclusters on naive CD4+ T cells. Collectively, we posit that Flot2 modulates T cell functionality to weak TCR stimulation, at least in part, by regulating surface TCR clustering. Our findings have implications for improving T cell reactivity in diseases with poor antigenicity, such as cancer and chronic infections.

The crosstalk between primary MSCs and cancer cells in 2D and 3D cultures: potential therapeutic strategies and impact on drug resistance

The tumor microenvironment (TME) significantly influences cancer progression, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play a crucial role in interacting with tumor cells via paracrine signaling, affecting behaviors such as proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. While conventional 2D culture models have provided valuable insights, they cannot fully replicate the complexity and diversity of the TME. Therefore, developing 3D culture systems that better mimic in vivo conditions is essential. This review delves into the heterogeneous nature of the TME, spotlighting MSC-tumor cellular signaling and advancements in 3D culture technologies. Utilizing MSCs in cancer therapy presents opportunities to enhance treatment effectiveness and overcome resistance mechanisms. Understanding MSC interactions within the TME and leveraging 3D culture models can advance novel cancer therapies and improve clinical outcomes. Additionally, this review underscores the therapeutic potential of engineered MSCs, emphasizing their role in targeted anti-cancer treatments.

Subcellular Localization Guides eNOS Function

Nitric oxide synthases (NOS) are enzymes responsible for the cellular production of nitric oxide (NO), a highly reactive signaling molecule involved in important physiological and pathological processes. Given its remarkable capacity to diffuse across membranes, NO cannot be stored inside cells and thus requires multiple controlling mechanisms to regulate its biological functions. In particular, the regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity has been shown to be crucial in vascular homeostasis, primarily affecting cardiovascular disease and other pathophysiological processes of importance for human health. Among other factors, the subcellular localization of eNOS plays an important role in regulating its enzymatic activity and the bioavailability of NO. The aim of this review is to summarize pioneering studies and more recent publications, unveiling some of the factors that influence the subcellular compartmentalization of eNOS and discussing their functional implications in health and disease.

Cellular crosstalk in the bone marrow niche

The bone marrow niche is a special microenvironment that comprises elements, including hematopoietic stem cells, osteoblasts, and endothelial cells, and helps maintain their characteristic functions. Here, we elaborate on the crosstalk between various cellular components, hematopoietic stem cells, and other cells in the bone marrow niche. We further explain the mechanism of preserving equilibrium in the bone marrow niche, which is crucial for the directional regulation of bone reconstruction and repair. Additionally, we elucidate the intercommunication among osteocytes, the regulation of osteoblast maturation and activation by lymphocytes, the deficiency of megakaryocytes that can markedly impair osteoblast formation, and the mechanism of interaction between macrophages and mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow niche. Finally, we discussed the new immunotherapies for bone tumors in the BM niche. In this review, we aimed to provide a candid overview of the crosstalk among bone marrow niche cells and to highlight new concepts underlying the unknown mechanisms of hematopoiesis and bone reconstruction. Thus, this review may provide a more comprehensive understanding of the role of these niche cells in improving hematopoietic function and help identify their therapeutic potential for different diseases in the future.

CX43-mediated mitochondrial transfer maintains stemness of KG-1a leukemia stem cells through metabolic remodeling

BACKGROUND

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by abundant immature myeloid cells, relapse and refractory due to leukemia stem cells (LSCs). Bone marrow mesenchymal stem/ stromal cells (BMSCs) supported LSCs survival, meanwhile, chemotherapy improved connexin43 (CX43) expression. CX43, as the most intercellular gap junction, facilitated transmit mitochondria from BMSCs into AML. We hypothesized that increased mitochondria transferred from BMSCs supported metabolic remodeling in LSCs to sustain their stemness.

METHODS

Primary BMSCs from AML patients were isolated. CX43-BMSCs, overexpressing CX43, were cocultured with KG-1a cells. Fluorescence and confocal microscopy observed mitochondrial transfer. Flow cytometry, EdU assay, and clonogenicity evaluated cell cycle, proliferation, and clonogenic potential. Xenograft mouse models were used to evaluate the tumorigenicity of KG-1a in vivo. Seahorse, RNA-seq, and LC-MS assessed mitochondrial function, transcriptomes, and metabolites post-coculture.

RESULTS

CX43-BMSCs promoted unidirectional mitochondrial transfer, enhancing KG-1a adhesion and proliferation to maintain LSCs stemness in vitro and vivo. RNA-seq revealed coculture with CX43-BMSCs upregulated genes related to adhesion, proliferation, and migration in KG-1a cells. Elevated CX43 expression strengthened BMSCs-KG-1a interaction, facilitating mitochondrial transfer and nucleoside metabolism, fueling KG-1a cells. This enhanced mitochondrial energy metabolism, promoting metabolic reprogramming and clonogenicity.

CONCLUSION

CX43-mediated mitochondrial transfer from BMSCs to KG-1a enhances LSCs adhesion, proliferation, clonogenicity, and metabolic reprogramming. CX43 emerges as a potential therapeutic target for AML by sustaining LSCs stemness through metabolic remodeling.

Improving compound-protein interaction prediction by focusing on intra-modality and inter-modality dynamics with a multimodal tensor fusion strategy

Identifying novel compound-protein interactions (CPIs) plays a pivotal role in target identification and drug discovery. Although the recent multimodal methods have achieved outstanding advances in CPI prediction, they fail to effectively learn both intra-modality and inter-modality dynamics, which limits their prediction performance. To address the limitation, we propose a novel multimodal tensor fusion CPI prediction framework, named MMTF-CPI, which contains three unimodal learning modules for structure, heterogeneous network and transcriptional profiling modalities, a tensor fusion module and a prediction module. MMTF-CPI is capable of focusing on both intra-modality and inter-modality dynamics with the tensor fusion module. We demonstrated that MMTF-CPI is superior to multiple state-of-the-art multimodal methods across seven datasets. The prediction performance of MMTF-CPI is significantly improved with the tensor fusion module compared to other fusion methods. Moreover, our case studies confirmed the practical value of MMTF-CPI in target identification. Via MMTF-CPI, we also discovered several candidate compounds for the therapy of breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.

Role of metabolites in mediating the effect of triacylglycerol on aplastic anemia

BACKGROUND

Observational studies have found a link between lipid metabolism disorders and aplastic anemia (AA). However, due to confounding variables and reverse causation, it is difficult to conclude such a causal link. The precise mechanism and potential implications of lipid metabolism disorder in AA remain unclear, necessitating further studies in this area.

METHOD

This study aimed to examine the causal relationship between 38 different subtypes of triacylglycerols and AA using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR). Additionally, two-step MR analyses were conducted to investigate the mediating effects of vitamin A to oleoyl-linoleoyl-glycerol (18:1-18:2) ratio.

RESULTS

MR analysis showed that triacylglycerol (53:3) levels were positively associated with the risk of AA [inverse variance weighting (IVW): odds ratio (OR) = 1.131,95% confidence interval (CI):1.029-1.243, P = 0.011; Bayesian weighted MR (BWMR): OR = 1.137,95% CI:1.031-1.254, P = 0.010]. Triacylglycerol (53:3) level showed no inverse causality with AA (IVW:P = 0.834; BWMR:P = 0.349). Mediation analyses showed that increasing the vitamin A to oleoyl-linoleoyl-glycerol (18:1-18:2) ratio can decrease the risk of AA.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed the association between vitamin A to oleoyl-linoleoyl-glycerol (18:1-18:2) ratio, triacylglycerol (53:3) levels and AA, and indicated that lowering triacylglycerol (53:3) levels can reduce the risk of AA.

Multiple myeloma exosomal miRNAs suppress cGAS-STING antiviral immunity

DNA virus infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Monocyte dysfunction in MM patients plays a central role in infectious complications, but the precise molecular mechanism underlying the reduced resistance of monocytes to viruses in MM patients remains to be elucidated. Here, we found that MM cells were able to transfer microRNAs (miRNAs) to host monocytes/macrophages via MM cell-derived exosomes, resulting in the inhibition of innate antiviral immune responses. The screening of miRNAs enriched in exosomes derived from the bone marrow (BM) of MM patients revealed five miRNAs that negatively regulate the cGAS-STING antiviral immune response. Notably, silencing these miRNAs with antagomiRs in MM-bearing C57BL/KaLwRijHsd mice markedly reduced viral replication. These findings identify a novel mechanism whereby MM cells possess the capacity to inhibit the innate immune response of the host, thereby rendering patients susceptible to viral infection. Consequently, targeting the aberrant expression patterns of characteristic miRNAs in MM patients is a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention. Considering the miRNA score and relevant clinical factors, we formulated a practical and efficient model for the optimal assessment of susceptibility to DNA viral infection in patients with MM.

Targeting of TAMs: can we be more clever than cancer cells?

АBSTRACT: With increasing incidence and geography, cancer is one of the leading causes of death, reduced quality of life and disability worldwide. Principal progress in the development of new anticancer therapies, in improving the efficiency of immunotherapeutic tools, and in the personification of conventional therapies needs to consider cancer-specific and patient-specific programming of innate immunity. Intratumoral TAMs and their precursors, resident macrophages and monocytes, are principal regulators of tumor progression and therapy resistance. Our review summarizes the accumulated evidence for the subpopulations of TAMs and their increasing number of biomarkers, indicating their predictive value for the clinical parameters of carcinogenesis and therapy resistance, with a focus on solid cancers of non-infectious etiology. We present the state-of-the-art knowledge about the tumor-supporting functions of TAMs at all stages of tumor progression and highlight biomarkers, recently identified by single-cell and spatial analytical methods, that discriminate between tumor-promoting and tumor-inhibiting TAMs, where both subtypes express a combination of prototype M1 and M2 genes. Our review focuses on novel mechanisms involved in the crosstalk among epigenetic, signaling, transcriptional and metabolic pathways in TAMs. Particular attention has been given to the recently identified link between cancer cell metabolism and the epigenetic programming of TAMs by histone lactylation, which can be responsible for the unlimited protumoral programming of TAMs. Finally, we explain how TAMs interfere with currently used anticancer therapeutics and summarize the most advanced data from clinical trials, which we divide into four categories: inhibition of TAM survival and differentiation, inhibition of monocyte/TAM recruitment into tumors, functional reprogramming of TAMs, and genetic enhancement of macrophages.

Intestine bacterial community affects the growth of the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Increasing evidence suggests that intestine microorganisms are closely related to shrimp growth, but there is no existing experiment to prove this hypothesis. Here, we compared the intestine bacterial community of fast- and slow-growing shrimp at the same developmental stage with a marked difference in body size. Our results showed that the intestine bacterial communities of slow-growing shrimp exhibited less diversity but were more heterogeneous than those of fast-growing shrimp. Uncultured_bacterium_g_Candidatus Bacilloplasma, Tamlana agarivorans, Donghicola tyrosinivorans, and uncultured_bacterium_f_Flavobacteriaceae were overrepresented in the intestines of fast-growing shrimp, while Shimia marina, Vibrio sp., and Vibrio campbellii showed the opposite trends. We further found that the bacterial community composition was significantly correlated with shrimp length, and some bacterial species abundances were found to be significantly correlated with shrimp weight and length, including T. agarivorans and V. campbellii, which were chosen as indicators for a reverse gavage experiment. Finally, T. agarivorans was found to significantly promote shrimp growth after the experiment. Collectively, these results suggest that intestine bacterial community could be important factors in determining the growth of shrimp, indicating that specific bacteria could be tested in further studies against shrimp growth retardation. KEY POINTS: • A close relationship between intestine bacterial community and shrimp growth was proven by controllable experiments. • The bacterial signatures of the intestine were markedly different between slow- and fast-growing shrimp, and the relative abundances of some intestine bacterial species were correlated significantly with shrimp body size. • Reverse gavage by Tamlana agarivorans significantly promoted shrimp growth.

AKT kinases as therapeutic targets

AKT, or protein kinase B, is a central node of the PI3K signaling pathway that is pivotal for a range of normal cellular physiologies that also underlie several pathological conditions, including inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, overgrowth syndromes, and neoplastic transformation. These pathologies, notably cancer, arise if either the activity of AKT or its positive or negative upstream or downstream regulators or effectors goes unchecked, superimposed on by its intersection with a slew of other pathways. Targeting the PI3K/AKT pathway is, therefore, a prudent countermeasure. AKT inhibitors have been tested in many clinical trials, primarily in combination with other drugs. While some have recently garnered attention for their favorable profile, concern over resistance and off-target effects have continued to hinder their widespread adoption in the clinic, mandating a discussion on alternative modes of targeting. In this review, we discuss isoform-centric targeting that may be more effective and less toxic than traditional pan-AKT inhibitors and its significance for disease prevention and treatment, including immunotherapy. We also touch on the emerging mutant- or allele-selective covalent allosteric AKT inhibitors (CAAIs), as well as indirect, novel AKT-targeting approaches, and end with a briefing on the ongoing quest for more reliable biomarkers predicting sensitivity and response to AKT inhibitors, and their current state of affairs.

Plasma membrane remodeling determines adipocyte expansion and mechanical adaptability

Adipocytes expand massively to accommodate excess energy stores and protect the organism from lipotoxicity. Adipose tissue expandability is at the center of disorders such as obesity and lipodystrophy; however, little is known about the relevance of adipocyte biomechanics on the etiology of these conditions. Here, we show in male mice in vivo that the adipocyte plasma membrane undergoes caveolar domain reorganization upon lipid droplet expansion. As the lipid droplet grows, caveolae disassemble to release their membrane reservoir and increase cell surface area, and transfer specific caveolar components to the LD surface. Adipose tissue null for caveolae is stiffer, shows compromised deformability, and is prone to rupture under mechanical compression. Mechanistically, phosphoacceptor Cav1 Tyr14 is required for caveolae disassembly: adipocytes bearing a Tyr14Phe mutation at this residue are stiffer and smaller, leading to decreased adiposity in vivo; exhibit deficient transfer of Cav1 and EHD2 to the LD surface, and show distinct Cav1 molecular dynamics and tension adaptation. These results indicate that Cav1 phosphoregulation modulates caveolar dynamics as a relevant component of the homeostatic mechanoadaptation of the differentiated adipocyte.

Potential Use of Exosomal Non-Coding MicroRNAs in Leukemia Therapy: A Systematic Review

Leukemia is a heterogeneous group of hematological malignancies. Despite the enormous progress that has been made in the field of hemato-oncology in recent years, there are still many problems related to, among others, disease recurrence and drug resistance, which is why the search for ideal biomarkers with high clinical utility continues. Research shows that exosomes play a critical role in the biology of leukemia and are associated with the drug resistance, metastasis, and immune status of leukemias. Exosomes with their cargo of non-coding RNAs act as a kind of intermediary in intercellular communication and, at the same time, have the ability to manipulate the cell microenvironment and influence the reaction, proliferative, angiogenic, and migratory properties of cells. Exosomal ncRNAs (in particular, circRNAs and microRNAs) appear to be promising cell-free biomarkers for diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment monitoring of leukemias. This review examines the expression of exosomal ncRNAs in leukemias and their potential regulatory role in leukemia therapy but also in conditions such as disease relapse, drug resistance, metastasis, and immune status. Given the key role of ncRNAs in regulating gene networks and intracellular pathways through their ability to interact with DNA, transcripts, and proteins and identifying their specific target genes, defining potential functions and therapeutic strategies will provide valuable information.

Dietary Lipids and Their Metabolism in the Midgut

Animals use dietary lipids to sustain their growth and survival. Insects can synthesize fatty acids (FAs) and are autotroph for a number of lipids, but auxotroph for specific lipids classes (e.g. sterols, polyunsaturated FAs). Once ingested, lipids are hydrolysed in the intestinal lumen and taken up into intestinal cells within specific regions of the insect digestive tract. These lipids can be either stored in the intestinal cells or exported through the haemolymph circulation to specific organs. In this chapter, we describe the various lipids provided by insect diets, their extracellular hydrolysis in the gut lumen and their intake and metabolic fate in the intestinal cells. This chapter emphasizes the critical role of the digestive tract and its regionalization in processing dietary lipids prior to their transfer to the requiring tissues.

Integration of high-resolution mass spectrometry technology with molecular network analysis and systems biology techniques to elucidate the active ingredients and mechanisms of Shiduqing capsules

RATIONALE

Shiduqing Capsules, a well-known Chinese patent medicine, are widely used clinically for the treatment of pruritus. However, to date, there is a lack of research on its pharmacological substances and mechanisms of action.

METHODS

In the current study, the chemical components of Shiduqing Capsules were identified using UHPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS technology. Molecular network analysis was employed to identify structurally similar compounds to the known chemical components. The potential molecular targets of the active ingredients were predicted using the SwissTargetPrediction website. The identified targets were further analyzed using gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis through the DAVID database. Molecular docking was used to validate the network pharmacology results.

RESULTS

Ultimately, A total of 51 chemical components of Shiduqing Capsules were identified. Molecular network analysis identified 21 flavonoids and 13 terpenoids. The core targets of these ingredients include TP53, AKT1, and STAT3. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed 1,371 different biological functions and 177 signaling pathways. Molecular docking confirmed the high affinity between multiple core active ingredients of Shiduqing Capsules and pruritus targets.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the effective ingredients of Shiduqing Capsules exert a multifaceted therapeutic effect on pruritus through multiple targets and pathways.