Evaluation of Eukaryotic mRNA Coding Potential

It is widely discussed that eukaryotic mRNAs can encode several functional polypeptides. Recent progress in NGS and proteomics techniques has resulted in a huge volume of information on potential alternative translation initiation sites and open reading frames (altORFs). However, these data are still incomprehensive, and the vast majority of eukaryotic mRNAs annotated in conventional databases (e.g., GenBank) contain a single ORF (CDS) encoding a protein larger than some arbitrary threshold (commonly 100 amino acid residues). Indeed, some gene functions may relate to the polypeptides encoded by unannotated altORFs, and insufficient information in nucleotide sequence databanks may limit the interpretation of genomics and transcriptomics data. However, despite the need for special experiments to predict altORFs accurately, there are some simple methods for their preliminary mapping.

Ferric carboxymaltose for iron deficiency in patients with heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim: Iron deficiency (ID) is associated with heart failure (HF) in a considerable proportion of patients. To improve the quality of life, lower the frequency of hospitalizations, and lower mortality rates of chronic HF patients (HF), this meta-analysis will look into the role of iron supplementation using ferric carboxymaltose (FCM). Methods & results: From inception until 1 October 2023, we conducted a thorough literature search of electronic databases for peer-reviewed publications. Around 5229 HF patients were included, of which 2691 received FCM while 2538 received placebo. Conclusion: FCM reduces HF-related hospitalizations but doesn't improve overall or cardiovascular mortality in those with HF and ID. The overall results support FCM's role in managing iron deficiency in heart failure.

Vegetal memory through the lens of transcriptomic changes - recent progress and future practical prospects for exploiting plant transcriptional memory

Plant memory plays an important role in the efficient and rapid acclimation to a swiftly changing environment. In addition, since plant memory can be inherited, it is also of adaptive and evolutionary importance. The ability of a plant to store, retain, retrieve and delete information on acquired experience is based on cellular, biochemical and molecular networks in the plants. This review offers an up-to-date overview on the formation, types, checkpoints of plant memory based on our current knowledge and focusing on its transcriptional aspects, the transcriptional memory. Roles of long and small non-coding RNAs are summarized in the regulation, formation and the cooperation between the different layers of the plant memory, i.e. in the establishment of epigenetic changes associated with memory formation in plants. The RNA interference mechanisms at the RNA and DNA level and the interplays between them are also presented. Furthermore, this review gives an insight of how exploitation of plant transcriptional memory may provide new opportunities for elaborating promising cost-efficient, and effective strategies to cope with the ever-changing environmental perturbations, caused by climate change. The potentials of plant memory-based methods, such as crop priming, cross acclimatization, memory modification by miRNAs and associative use of plant memory, in the future's agriculture are also discussed.

A novel anti-CD47 antibody with therapeutic potential for NK/T-cell lymphoma

NK/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Although L-asparaginase-based chemotherapy has significantly improved survival in early-stage patients, the prognosis is poor in advanced and relapsed or refractory patients. CD47 is a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. However, the expression of CD47 in NKTCL and the antitumor effect and mechanism of the anti-CD47 monoclonal antibody (mAb) AK117 in NKTCL remain unclear. Firstly, the expression level of CD47 protein in NKTCL cells was detected by immunoblot and flow cytometry. Secondly, in order to validate the role of CD47 downregulation in the proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle of NKTCL cells, we used shRNA transfection to knock down CD47 expression. We determined the effect of knocking down CD47 and the novel anti-CD47 antibody AK117 on the phagocytosis of NKYS and YTS cells by M2 macrophages in vitro. Finally, we assessed the ability of AK117 to inhibit tumor growth in an NKTCL xenograft model in which YTS cells were engrafted in SCID mice. The results showed that CD47 is relatively highly expressed in NKTCL cells. CD47 knockdown in NKTCL promoted phagocytosis by M2 macrophages in an in vitro coculture assay. The study also demonstrated that anti-CD47 mAb AK117 promoted phagocytosis of NKTCL cells by M2 macrophages. In addition, in vivo experiments showed that the anti-CD47 mAb AK117 significantly inhibited the growth of subcutaneous xenograft tumors in SCID mice compared to the control antibody IgG. Our results indicate that targeting CD47 monoclonal antibodies is a potential therapeutic strategy for NKTCL.

Mutually exclusive teams-like patterns of gene regulation characterize phenotypic heterogeneity along the noradrenergic-mesenchymal axis in neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is the most frequent extracranial pediatric tumor and leads to 15% of all cancer-related deaths in children. Tumor relapse and therapy resistance in neuroblastoma are driven by phenotypic plasticity and heterogeneity between noradrenergic (NOR) and mesenchymal (MES) cell states. Despite the importance of this phenotypic plasticity, the dynamics and molecular patterns associated with these bidirectional cell-state transitions remain relatively poorly understood. Here, we analyze multiple RNA-seq datasets at both bulk and single-cell resolution, to understand the association between NOR- and MES-specific factors. We observed that NOR-specific and MES-specific expression patterns are largely mutually exclusive, exhibiting a "teams-like" behavior among the genes involved, reminiscent of our earlier observations in lung cancer and melanoma. This antagonism between NOR and MES phenotypes was also associated with metabolic reprogramming and with immunotherapy targets PD-L1 and GD2 as well as with experimental perturbations driving the NOR-MES and/or MES-NOR transition. Further, these "teams-like" patterns were seen only among the NOR- and MES-specific genes, but not in housekeeping genes, possibly highlighting a hallmark of network topology enabling cancer cell plasticity.

The anticancer mechanisms of Toxoplasma gondii rhoptry protein 16 on lung adenocarcinoma cells

Lung adenocarcinoma is the most prevalent subtype of lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Toxoplasma gondii (T.gondii) Rhoptry protein 16 (ROP16) has been shown to quickly enter the nucleus, and through activate host cell signaling pathways by phosphorylation STAT3 and may affect the survival of tumor cells. This study constructed recombinant lentiviral expression vector of T. gondii ROP16 I/II/III and stably transfected them into A549 cells, and the effects of ROP16 on cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, invasion, and migration of A549 cells were explored by utilizing CCK-8, flow cytometry, qPCR, Western blotting, TUNEL, Transwell assay, and cell scratch assay, and these effects were confirmed in the primary human lung adenocarcinoma cells from postoperative cancer tissues of patients. The type I and III ROP16 activate STAT3 and inhibited A549 cell proliferation, regulated the expression of p21, CDK6, CyclinD1, and induced cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase. ROP16 also regulated the Bax, Bcl-2, p53, cleaved-Caspase3, and Caspase9, inducing cell apoptosis, and reduced the invasion and migration of A549 cells, while type II ROP16 protein had no such effect. Furthermore, in the regulation of ROP16 on primary lung adenocarcinoma cells, type I and III ROP16 showed the same anticancer potential. These findings confirmed the anti-lung adenocarcinoma effect of type I and III ROP16, offering fresh perspectives on the possible application of ROP16 as a target with adjuvant therapy for lung adenocarcinoma and propelling the field of precision therapy research toward parasite treatment of tumors.

POLE2 silencing inhibits the progression of colorectal carcinoma cells via wnt signaling axis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant carcinoma worldwide. DNA polymerase epsilon 2, accessory subunit (POLE2) participates in DNA replication, repair, and cell cycle control, but its association with CRC development remains unclear. In the present study, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CRC were screened from bioinformatics analysis based on GEO database. RT-qPCR was used to assess mRNA expression. CCK-8 and colony formation assays were applied for the evaluation of cell proliferation. Wound healing and transwell assays were used to detect cell migration and invasion. Protein levels were determined by Western blotting assay. We found that POLE2 was highly expressed in CRC tissues and cell lines. Inhibition of POLE2 suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC cells. Mechanistically, Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was inactivated by inhibition of POLE2. Activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway can reverse the function of POLE2 knockdown on CRC cells. In vivo studies demonstrated that POLE2 silencing could notably inhibit the growth of tumors, which was consistent with the results in vitro. In conclusion, we found POLE2 as a novel oncogene in CRC, providing a potential therapeutic or diagnostic target in CRC.

Agent-based modeling in cancer biomedicine: applications and tools for calibration and validation

Computational models are not just appealing because they can simulate and predict the development of biological phenomena across multiple spatial and temporal scales, but also because they can integrate information from well-established in vitro and in vivo models and test new hypotheses in cancer biomedicine. Agent-based models and simulations are especially interesting candidates among computational modeling procedures in cancer research due to the capability to, for instance, recapitulate the dynamics of neoplasia and tumor - host interactions. Yet, the absence of methods to validate the consistency of the results across scales can hinder adoption by turning fine-tuned models into black boxes. This review compiles relevant literature that explores strategies to leverage high-fidelity simulations of multi-scale, or multi-level, cancer models with a focus on verification approached as simulation calibration. We consolidate our review with an outline of modern approaches for agent-based models' validation and provide an ambitious outlook toward rigorous and reliable calibration.

eIf3a mediates malignant biological behaviors in colorectal cancer through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most common gastrointestinal malignancies worldwide. eIF3a is highly expressed in a variety of cancer types, yet its role in CRC remains unclear. We introduced ectopic eIF3a expression in CRC cells to investigate its relevance to various malignant behaviors. Further, we silenced eIF3a to explore its effect on tumor growth in a nude mouse tumor xenograft model. Finally, the molecular mechanisms through which eIF3a regulates malignancy in CRC cells were explored through bioinformatics analysis combined with the use of a specific PI3K inhibitor (LY294002). eIF3a was highly expressed in the peripheral blood and cancer tissue of CRC patients. Malignancy and tumor growth were significantly inhibited by silencing eIF3a, while overexpression promoted malignant behaviors, with a positive correlation between PI3K/AKT activation and eIF3a expression. Taken together, eIF3a plays an oncogenic role in CRC by regulating PI3K/AKT signaling and is a potential biomarker for CRC diagnosis and prognostic monitoring.

The clinicopathological and prognostic significance of PSMD14 in cancers based on bioinformatics and meta-analysis

Aim: To evaluate the clinic-pathological features and prognostic value regarding PSMD14 in cancers.Materials & methods: Literature was gathered from public databases until 22 June 2023 to analyze data on survival rates and clinicopathological characteristics associated with PSMD14. TCGA and GEO data were also utilized for validation.Results: Eight reports on seven types of tumors showed that high PSMD14 expression was linked to poorer overall survival and disease-free survival. PSMD14 expression also correlated with larger tumor size, differentiation and metastasis, as well as the effectiveness of various chemotherapy drugs.Conclusion: PSMD14 could serve as a potential biomarker of poor prognosis in cancers, including lung cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, ovarian cancer, breast cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Biomarkers of mature neuronal differentiation and related diseases

The nervous system regulates perception, cognition and behavioral responses by serving as the body's primary communication system for receiving, regulating and transmitting information. Neurons are the fundamental structures and units of the nervous system. Their differentiation and maturation processes rely on the expression of specific biomarkers. Neuron-specific intracellular markers can be used to determine the degree of neuronal maturation. Neuronal cytoskeletal proteins dictate the shape and structure of neurons, while synaptic plasticity and signaling processes are intricately associated with neuronal synaptic markers. Furthermore, abnormal expression levels of biomarkers can serve as diagnostic indicators for nervous system diseases. This article reviews the markers of mature neuronal differentiation and their relationship with nervous system diseases.

Recent progress in mRNA cancer vaccines

The research and development of messenger RNA (mRNA) cancer vaccines have gradually overcome numerous challenges through the application of personalized cancer antigens, structural optimization of mRNA, and the development of alternative RNA-based vectors and efficient targeted delivery vectors. Clinical trials are currently underway for various cancer vaccines that encode tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), tumor-specific antigens (TSAs), or immunomodulators. In this paper, we summarize the optimization of mRNA and the emergence of RNA-based expression vectors in cancer vaccines. We begin by reviewing the advancement and utilization of state-of-the-art targeted lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), followed by presenting the primary classifications and clinical applications of mRNA cancer vaccines. Collectively, mRNA vaccines are emerging as a central focus in cancer immunotherapy, offering the potential to address multiple challenges in cancer treatment, either as standalone therapies or in combination with current cancer treatments.

Prevention of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by vaccination with the Tocilizumab mimotope

Mimotope, a kind of peptide vaccine, is developed to bind natural receptor and inhibit the downstream signaling. We have demonstrated that the vaccination of Tocilizumab mimotopes could alleviate the renal fibrosis by interfering with both IL-6 and ferroptosis signaling. However, the effect of the vaccination of Tocilizumab mimotopes on the fibroblast was not investigated in previous study. Thus, we sought to explore the changes in the fibroblast induced by the Tocilizumab mimotopes vaccination. Bleomycin instillation was performed to construct the pulmonary fibrosis model after the immunization of Tocilizumab mimotopes. Lung histological analysis showed that the Tocilizumab mimotopes could significantly reduce the maladaptive repairment and abnormal remodeling. Immunoblotting assay and fluorescence staining showed that Immunization with the Tocilizumab mimotopes reduces the accumulation of fibrosis-related proteins. High level of lipid peroxidation product was observed in the animal model, while the Tocilizumab mimotopes vaccination could reduce the generation of lipid peroxidation product. Mechanism analysis further showed that Nrf-2 signaling, but not GPX-4 and FSP-1 signaling, was upregulated, and reduced the lipid peroxidation. Our results revealed that in the BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis, high level of lipid peroxidation product was significantly accumulation in the lung tissues, which might lead to the occurrence of ferroptosis. The IL-6 pathway block therapy could inhibit lipid peroxidation product generation in the lung tissues by upregulating the Nrf-2 signaling, and further alleviate the pulmonary fibrosis.

The interplay between the tumor microenvironment and tumor-derived small extracellular vesicles in cancer development and therapeutic response

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an essential role in tumor cell survival by profoundly influencing their proliferation, metastasis, immune evasion, and resistance to treatment. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small particles released by all cell types and often reflect the state of their parental cells and modulate other cells' functions through the various cargo they transport. Tumor-derived small EVs (TDSEVs) can transport specific proteins, nucleic acids and lipids tailored to propagate tumor signals and establish a favorable TME. Thus, the TME's biological characteristics can affect TDSEV heterogeneity, and this interplay can amplify tumor growth, dissemination, and resistance to therapy. This review discusses the interplay between TME and TDSEVs based on their biological characteristics and summarizes strategies for targeting cancer cells. Additionally, it reviews the current issues and challenges in this field to offer fresh insights into comprehending tumor development mechanisms and exploring innovative clinical applications.

BRG1 promotes liver cancer cell proliferation and metastasis by enhancing mitochondrial function and ATP5A1 synthesis through TOMM40

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal malignant tumors worldwide. Brahma-related gene 1 (BRG1), as a catalytic ATPase, is a major regulator of gene expression and is known to mutate and overexpress in HCC. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action of BRG1 in HCC cells. In our study, BRG1 was silenced or overexpressed in human HCC cell lines. Transwell and wound healing assays were used to analyze cell invasiveness and migration. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) detection were used to evaluate mitochondrial function in HCC cells. Colony formation and cell apoptosis assays were used to evaluate the effect of BRG1/TOMM40/ATP5A1 on HCC cell proliferation and apoptosis/death. Immunocytochemistry (ICC), immunofluorescence (IF) staining and western blot analysis were used to determine the effect of BRG1 on TOMM40, ATP5A1 pathway in HCC cells. As a result, knockdown of BRG1 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and invasion, promoted apoptosis in HCC cells, whereas BRG1 overexpression reversed the above effects. Overexpression of BRG1 can up-regulate MMP level, inhibit mPTP opening and activate TOMM40, ATP5A1 expression. Our results suggest that BRG1, as an oncogene, promotes HCC progression by regulating TOMM40 affecting mitochondrial function and ATP5A1 synthesis. Targeting BRG1 may represent a new and effective way to prevent HCC development.

GSDMB interacts with IGF2BP1 to suppress colorectal cancer progression by modulating DUSP6-ERK pathway

There is growing evidence that the protein family of Gasdermins (GSDMs) play an essential role during the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, it is not completely clear that how GSDMB, abundantly expressed in epithelial cells of gastrointestinal tract, regulates the tumorigenesis of CRC. A wealth of evidence linking GSDMB to the pathogenesis of cancer has come from genome-wide association studies. Here, we provide evidence that aberrantly upregulated GSDMB is responsible for suppressing the CRC progression by using in vitro cell and intestinal organoid, as well as in vivo GSDMB transgenic mice models. Mechanistically, GSDMB interacts with insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1), which directly binds to and recognizes the 3'-UTR of dual specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6) mRNA, enhances the translation of DUSP6 protein and inhibits downstream ERK phosphorylation, thereby facilitating cell death and restraining cell proliferation. Our results suggest that GSDMB has potential as a novel therapeutic target for CRC treatment.

Integrating multiomics and Single-Cell communication analysis to uncover Ankylosing spondylitis mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory joint disorder, necessitating early diagnosis and effective treatment. The specific mechanism of action of Cassia twigs in the treatment of AS is not fully understood.

METHODS

Blood samples and clinical data from 28,458 individuals (6,101 with AS, 22,357 without AS) were collected. To construct a predictive model, we utilized logistic regressions and machine learning techniques to create a dynamic nomogram. Immune cell infiltration was evaluated using the GSE73754 dataset. Subsequently, we obtained vertebral bone marrow blood from AS patients for 10X single-cell sequencing. We also extracted and purified total RNA from hip joint ligament tissue samples from six AS patients and six non-AS patients. The genes related to the expression of AS and Cassia twigs were analyzed comprehensively, and the specific drug targets were identified by molecular docking. The interactions between immune cells through cell communication analysis were elucidated.

RESULTS

We developed a dynamic nomogram incorporating the neutrophil count (NEUT) and other variables. Neutrophil immune responses were confirmed through immune infiltration analysis utilizing GSE73754. We observed the early involvement of neutrophils in the pathology of AS. The CAT-expressing Cassia twigs gene could be used as a drug target for the treatment of AS. Moreover, comprehensive RNA analysis revealed notable CAT expression in neutrophils and various other immune cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Neutrophils play dual roles in AS, regulating inflammation and initiating differentiation signals to other cells. The CAT gene, which is expressed in Cassia twigs, has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for AS treatment.

From blood to brain: Exploring the role of fibrinogen in the pathophysiology of depression and other neurological disorders

Recent findings indicate that fibrinogen, a protein involved in blood clotting, plays a significant role in neuroinflammation and mood disorders. Elevated fibrinogen levels are consistently observed in individuals with depression, potentially contributing to microglial activation. This could impair fibrinolysis and contribute to a pro-inflammatory environment in the brain. This neuroinflammatory response can impair neuroplasticity, a key process for learning, memory, and mood regulation. Fibrinogen may also indirectly influence neurotransmitters like serotonin, which play a vital role in mood regulation. Furthermore, fibrinogen's interaction with astrocytes may trigger a cascade of events leading to demyelination, a process where the protective sheath around nerve fibers deteriorates. This can disrupt communication within the nervous system and contribute to depression symptoms. Intriguingly, targeting fibrinogen or related pathways holds promise for therapeutic interventions. For instance, modulating PAI-1 (Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1) activity or inhibiting fibrinogen's interaction with brain cells could be potential strategies. This review explores the multifaceted relationship between fibrinogen and neurological disorders with a focus on depression highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. Further research is necessary to fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying this association and develop effective therapeutic strategies targeting the fibrinolytic system for mood disorders.

Macrophages dying from ferroptosis promote microglia-mediated inflammatory responses during spinal cord injury

The neurological deficits following traumatic spinal cord injury are associated with severe patient disability and economic consequences. Currently, an increasing number of studies are focusing on the importance of ferroptosis during acute organ injuries. However, the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of ferroptosis during SCI and the details of its role are largely unknown. In this study, in vivo experiments revealed that microglia are in close proximity to macrophages, the major cell type that undergoes ferroptosis following SCI. Furthermore, we found that ferroptotic macrophages aggravate SCI by inducing the proinflammatory properties of microglia. In vitro studies further revealed ferroptotic macrophages increased the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-23 in microglia. Mechanistically, due to the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, the expression of IL-1β and IL-6 was increased. In addition, we established that increased levels of oxidative phosphorylation cause mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation and unfolded protein response activation and trigger an inflammatory response marked by an increase in IL-23 production. Our findings identified that targeting ferroptosis and IL-23 could be an effective strategy for promoting neurological recovery after SCI.

IDH1/MDH1 deacetylation promotes NETosis by regulating OPA1 and autophagy

BACKGROUND

As a heterogeneous and life-threatening disease, the pathogenesis of acute liver failure (ALF) is complex. Our previous study has shown that IDH1/MDH1 deacetylation promotes ALF by regulating NETosis (a novel mode of cell death). In this article, we explore the manners of IDH1/MDH1 deacetylation regulates NETosis.

METHODS

In vitro experiments, the formation of NETs was detected by immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting. LC3 fluorescence staining was used to detect autophagosome formation. To observe mitochondrial morphology, cells were stained by Mito-Tracker Red. Western blotting was used to detect the levels of autophagy protein and mitochondrial dynamin. In vivo experiments, the ALF model in mouse was established with LPS/D-gal, and the formation of NETs was detected by immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting. The autophagy levels were detected by Western blotting in liver samples.

RESULTS

In dHL-60 cells, Western blotting results showed that the expression of OPA1 was higher in the IDH1/MDH1 deacetylated group compared with the IDH1/MDH1 WT group. And histone deacetylase inhibitor 6 (HDAC6i, ACY1215) decreased the expression level of OPA1 in IDH1/MDH1 deacetylated group. IDH1/MDH1 deacetylation increased the expression levels of both LC3B-II and Beclin 1, while decreasing the expression level of P62. It was reversed by ACY1215. Combined with our previous experiments, IDH1/MDH1 deacetylation upregulated autophagy concomitant with the increased expression of the markers of NETs formation. In a mouse model of ALF, ACY1215 further decreased the expression levels of LC3B-II and Beclin 1, while increasing the expression level of P62 in IDH1/MDH1 deacetylated mice.

CONCLUSIONS

IDH1/MDH1 deacetylation promoted NETosis by regulating autophagy and OPA1 in vitro. The regulation of neutrophil autophagy on NETosis during IDH1/MDH1 deacetylation might be masked in mice. ACY1215 might attenuate NETosis by regulating neutrophil autophagy, which alleviated ALF aggravated by IDH1/MDH1 deacetylation.

The emerging roles of liquid-liquid phase separation in tumor immunity

Recent advancements in tumor immunotherapy, particularly PD-1 targeted therapy, have shown significant promise, marking major progress in tumor treatment approaches. Despite this, the development of resistance to therapy and mechanisms of immune evasion by tumors pose considerable obstacles to the broad application of immunotherapy. This necessitates a deeper exploration of complex immune signaling pathways integral to tumor immunity. This review aims to critically analyze the role of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) within tumor immunity, specifically its impact on immune signaling pathways and its potential to foster the development of novel cancer therapies. LLPS, a biophysical process newly recognized for its ability to spontaneously segregate and organize biomacromolecules into liquid-like condensates through weak multivalent interactions, offers a novel perspective on the formation of signaling clusters and the functionality of immune molecules. The review delves into the micromolecular mechanisms behind the creation of signaling condensates via LLPS and reviews recent progress in adjusting signaling pathways pertinent to tumor immunity, including the T cell receptor (TCR), B cell receptor (BCR), immune checkpoints, and innate immune pathways such as the cGAS-STING pathway, stress granules, and the ADP-heptose-ALPK1 signaling axis. Furthermore, it considers the prospects of utilizing LLPS to generate groundbreaking cancer therapies capable of navigating past current treatment barriers. Through an extensive examination of LLPS's impact on tumor immunity, the review seeks to highlight novel therapeutic strategies and address the challenges and future directions in this rapidly evolving field.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of microscopic biological barrier visualized by electric-double-layer modulation imaging

Live-cell label-free imaging of a microscopic biological barrier, generally referred to as 'tight junction', was realized by a recently developed electric-double-layer modulation imaging (EDLMI). The method allowed quantitative imaging of barrier integrity in real time, thus being an upper compatible of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) which is a conventional standard technique to evaluate spatially averaged barrier integrity. We demonstrate that the quantitative and real-time imaging capability of EDLMI unveils fundamental dynamics of biological barrier, some of which are totally different from conventional understandings.

Construction of a highly specific fluorescence "turn-on" probe for H2S detection and imaging in drug-induced live cells, zebrafish and mice arthritis models

Quantitatively and selectively detecting the biomarker of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in arthritis diseases is of great significance for the early diagnosis and treatment of arthritis. Modern medical studies show that H2S as a biomarker is involved in the development of inflammation. In this work, a new highly specific fluorescence "turn-on" probe JMD-H2S was tailored for H2S detection and imaging in drug-induced live cells, zebrafish and mice arthritis models, which utilized pyrazoline molecule as the fluorescence signal reporter group and 2,4-dinitrophenyl ether group (DNB) with strong intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) effect as the H2S recognition moiety and fluorescence quenching group. JMD-H2S showed a fast response time (<60 s), a large fluorescence response ratio (enhanced ∼20 folds) at I453/I0, excellent sensitivity toward H2S over other analytes, and an outstanding limit of detection (LOD) as low as 25.3 nM. In addition, JMD-H2S has been successfully applied for detecting and imaging H2S in drug-induced live cells, zebrafish, and mice arthritis models with satisfactory results, suggesting it can be used as a robust molecular tool for investigating the occurrence and development of H2S and arthritis.

Flavors of GPCR signaling bias

GPCRs are inherently flexible molecules existing in an equilibrium of multiple conformations. Binding of GPCR agonists shifts this equilibrium. Certain agonists can increase the fraction of active-like conformations that predispose the receptor to coupling to a particular signal transducer or a select group of transducers. Such agonists are called biased, in contrast to balanced agonists that facilitate signaling via all transducers the receptor couples to. These biased agonists preferentially channel the signaling of a GPCR to particular G proteins, GRKs, or arrestins. Preferential activation of particular G protein or arrestin subtypes can be beneficial, as it would reduce unwanted on-target side effects, widening the therapeutic window. However, biasing GPCRs has two important limitations: a) complete bias is impossible due to inherent flexibility of GPCRs; b) receptor-independent functions of signal transducer proteins cannot be directly affected by GPCR ligands or differential receptor barcoding by GRK phosphorylation. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Ligand Bias".

Molecular classification of geriatric breast cancer displays distinct senescent subgroups of prognostic significance

Breast cancer in the elderly presents distinct biological characteristics and clinical treatment responses compared with cancer in younger patients. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment is recommended for evaluating treatment efficacy in elderly cancer patients based on physiological classification. However, research on molecular classification in older cancer patients remains insufficient. In this study, we identified two subgroups with distinct senescent clusters among geriatric breast cancer patients through multi-omics analysis. Using various machine learning algorithms, we developed a comprehensive scoring model called "Sene_Signature," which more accurately distinguished elderly breast cancer patients compared with existing methods and better predicted their prognosis. The Sene_Signature was correlated with tumor immune cell infiltration, as supported by single-cell transcriptomics, RNA sequencing, and pathological data. Furthermore, we observed increased drug responsiveness in patients with a high Sene_Signature to treatments targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor and cell-cycle pathways. We also established a user-friendly web platform to assist investigators in assessing Sene_Signature scores and predicting treatment responses for elderly breast cancer patients. In conclusion, we developed a novel model for evaluating prognosis and therapeutic responses, providing a potential molecular classification that assists in the pre-treatment assessment of geriatric breast cancer.

A Golgi-targeted fluorescent probe for monitoring polarity dynamic during programmed cell death

Programmed cell death (PCD) is a controlled form of cell death and it plays an essential role in maintaining homeostasis. Golgi apparatus works as the hotspot during the early event of PCD and Golgi polarity, a vital microenvironment factor, can be regarded as an indicator of physiological status. Combined Golgi-targeted group phenylsulfonamide as electron acceptor group and triphenylamine as electron donor group, a novel Golgi-targeted fluorescent probe GTO had been developed. GTO showed good sensitivity and selectivity to polarity and its remarkable photostability makes it potentially useful for long-term cellular monitoring. In practice, GTO demonstrated good cell permeability and Golgi targeting capabilities. According to our results, GTO was applied to reveal the polarity increase during the early event of PCD and the encouraging results illustrated that GTO was an imaging tool for monitoring polarity in Golgi apparatus and the exploration in early diagnosis and drug discovery.

QBT improved cognitive dysfunction in rats with vascular dementia by regulating the Nrf2/xCT/GPX4 and NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathways to inhibit ferroptosis and pyroptosis of neurons

BACKGROUND

The novel phthalein component QBT, extracted from Ligusticum chuanxiong, shows promising biological activity against cerebrovascular diseases. This study focused on ferroptosis and pyroptosis to explore the effects of QBT on nerve injury, cognitive dysfunction, and related mechanisms in a rat model of vascular dementia (VaD).

METHODS

We established a rat model of VaD and administered QBT as a treatment. Cognitive dysfunction in VaD rats was evaluated using novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests. Neuronal damage and loss in the brain tissues of VaD rats were assessed with Nissl staining and immunofluorescence. Furthermore, we investigated the neuroprotective mechanisms of QBT by modulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/cystine-glutamate antiporter (xCT)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and Nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3)/cysteine-requiring aspartate protease-1 (Caspase-1)/Gasdermin D (GSDMD) pathways to inhibit ferroptosis and pyroptosis both in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

Our findings indicated that QBT significantly ameliorated neuronal damage and cognitive dysfunction in VaD rats. Additionally, QBT reversed abnormal changes associated with ferroptosis and pyroptosis in the brains of VaD rats, concurrently up-regulating the Nrf2/xCT/GPX4 pathway and down-regulating the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway to inhibit ferroptosis and pyroptosis in neuronal cells, thereby exerting a neuroprotective role.

CONCLUSION

In summary, QBT effectively mitigated neuronal damage and cognitive dysfunction in VaD rats, demonstrating a neuroprotective effect by inhibiting ferroptosis and pyroptosis in neuronal cells. This study offers a novel perspective and theoretical foundation for the future development of drugs targeting VaD.

Current status of nucleic acid therapy and its new progress in cancer treatment

Nucleic acid is an essential biopolymer in all living cells, performing the functions of storing and transmitting genetic information and synthesizing protein. In recent decades, with the progress of science and biotechnology and the continuous exploration of the functions performed by nucleic acid, more and more studies have confirmed that nucleic acid therapy for living organisms has great medical therapeutic potential. Nucleic acid drugs began to become independent therapeutic agents. As a new therapeutic method, nucleic acid therapy plays an important role in the treatment of genetic diseases, viral infections and cancers. There are currently 19 nucleic acid drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In the following review, we start from principles and advantages of nucleic acid therapy, and briefly describe development history of nucleic acid drugs. And then we give examples of various RNA therapeutic drugs, including antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), mRNA vaccines, small interfering RNA (siRNA) and microRNA (miRNA), aptamers, and small activating RNA (saRNA). In addition, we also focused on the current status of nucleic acid drugs used in cancer therapy and the breakthrough in recent years. Clinical trials of nucleic acid drugs for cancer treatment are under way, conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy combined with the immunotherapies such as checkpoint inhibitors and nucleic acid drugs may be the main prospects for successful cancer treatment.

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 6-mediated ribosome biogenesis promotes synovial aggression and inflammation by increasing the translation of SP1 in rheumatoid arthritis

INTRODUCTION

Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) play critical roles in synovial inflammation and aggression in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here, we explored the role of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 6 (eIF6) in regulating the biological behaviors of FLSs from patients with RA.

METHODS

FLSs were isolated from the synovial tissues of RA patients. Gene expression was assessed via RT-qPCR, and protein expression was evaluated via Western blotting or immunohistochemistry. Proliferation and nascent peptide synthesis were evaluated via EdU incorporation and HPG labeling, respectively. Cell migration and invasion were observed via Transwell assays. Polysome profiling was conducted to analyze the distribution of ribosomes and combined mRNAs. The in vivo effect of eIF6 inhibition was evaluated in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model.

RESULTS

We found that eIF6 expression was elevated in FLSs and synovial tissues from RA patients compared to those from healthy controls and osteoarthritis patients. Knockdown of eIF6 inhibited the migration, invasion, inflammation, and proliferation of FLSs from patients with RA. Mechanistically, eIF6 knockdown downregulated ribosome biogenesis in FLSs from with RA, leading to a decrease in the proportion of polysome-associated specificity protein 1 (SP1) mRNA and a subsequent reduction in the translation initiation efficiency of SP1 mRNA. Thus, eIF6 controls SP1 expression through translation-mediated mechanisms. Interestingly, intra-articular eIF6 siRNA treatment attenuated symptoms and histological manifestations in CIA rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that an increase in synovial eIF6 might contribute to rheumatoid synovial inflammation and aggression and that targeting eIF6 may have therapeutic potential in RA patients.

A promising therapeutic: Exosome-mediated mitochondrial transplantation

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been identified as a trigger for cellular autophagy dysfunction and programmed cell death. Emerging studies have revealed that, in pathological contexts, intercellular transfer of mitochondria takes place, facilitating the restoration of mitochondrial function, energy metabolism, and immune homeostasis. Extracellular vesicles, membranous structures released by cells, exhibit reduced immunogenicity and enhanced stability during the transfer of mitochondria. Thus, this review provides a concise overview of mitochondrial dysfunction related diseases and the mechanism of mitochondrial dysfunction in diseases progression, and the composition and functions of the extracellular vesicles, along with elucidating the principal mechanisms underlying intercellular mitochondrial transfer. In this article, we will focus on the advancements in both animal models and clinical trials concerning the therapeutic efficacy of extracellular vesicle-mediated mitochondrial transplantation across various systemic diseases in neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, the review delves into the multifaceted roles of extracellular vesicle-transplanted mitochondria, encompassing anti-inflammatory actions, promotion of tissue repair, enhancement of cellular function, and modulation of metabolic and immune homeostasis within diverse pathological contexts, aiming to provide novel perspectives for extracellular vesicle transplantation of mitochondria in the treatment of various diseases.

Endogenous retroviruses modulate the susceptibility of mice to Staphylococcus aureus-induced mastitis by activating cGAS-STING signaling

Recently studies showed that cow mastitis seriously affected the economic benefit of dairy industry and pathogen infection including S. aureus is the main cause of mastitis. However, there is still a lack of safe and effective treatment for S. aureus-induced mastitis due to its complex pathogenesis. Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) have long been symbiotic with mammals, and most ERVs still have the ability to produces complementary DNA (cDNA) by reverse transcription, whose induction by commensal or pathogens can regulate host immunity and inflammatory responses through the cGAS-STING pathway. However, whether and how ERVs participate in the pathogenesis of S. aureus-induced mastitis still unclear. In this study, we found that S. aureus treatment increased the levels of ERVs and IFN-β. Inhibition the transcription of ERVs by emtricitabine alleviated S. aureus-induced mammary injury, reduced mammary bacterial burden, and inhibited the production of mammary proinflammatory factors including TNF-α, IL-1β and MPO activity. Moreover, inhibition of ERVs restored the function of blood-milk barrier caused by S. aureus. Next, we showed that S. aureus infection activated mammary cGAS-STING signaling pathway, which was mediated by ERVs, as evidenced by emtricitabine inhibited S. aureus-induced activation of the cGAS-STING pathway. Interestingly, inhibition of cGAS-STING by Ru.521 and H151 respectively, significantly alleviated S. aureus-induced mammary injury and inflammatory responses, which was associated with the inhibition of NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling pathways. In conclusion, our study revealed that ERVs regulate the development of S. aureus-induced mastitis in mice through NF-κB- and NLRP3-mediated inflammatory responses via the activation of cGAS-STING pathway, suggesting that targeting ERVs-cGAS-STING axis may be a potential approach for the treatment of S. aureus-induced mastitis.

BMAL1 alleviates sepsis-induced AKI by inhibiting ferroptosis

BACKGROUND

The role of BMAL1 in various diseases remains unclear, particularly its impact on sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). This study aims to investigate the role of BMAL1 in sepsis-induced AKI and its potential effects on cell ferroptosis. Initially, we assessed BMAL1 expression levels in mice treated with sepsis-induced AKI (via LPS injection) and in LPS-stimulated renal tubular epithelial cells. Subsequently, we explored the correlation between BMAL1 and ferroptosis using sequencing technology, validating our findings throughout experimental approaches. To further elucidate BMAL1's specific effects on AKI-related ferroptosis, we constructed BMAL1 overexpression models in mice and cells, analysing its impact on AKI and ferroptosis both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, using transcriptome sequencing technology, we identified key BMAL1-regulated genes and their associated biological pathways, validating these findings through in vivo and in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

Our findings indicate decreased BMAL1 expression in sepsis-induced AKI. BMAL1 overexpression effectively mitigated renal tubular injury by reducing ferroptosis levels in renal tubular epithelial cells. Using transcriptome sequencing and ChIP-qPCR technology, we identified YAP as a target of BMAL1. The overexpression of BMAL1 significantly reduced the transcriptional activity of YAP and inhibited the Hippo signalling pathway. Treatment with the Hippo inhibitor Verteporfin (VP) reversed the BMAL1-downregulation-induced damage. Additionally, our study revealed that YAP positively regulates ACSL4 gene expression and its downstream signalling pathways.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that BMAL1 overexpression alleviates renal tubular epithelial cell injury and ferroptosis by inhibiting YAP expression and the Hippo pathway, thereby exerting protective effects in sepsis-induced AKI. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of targeting BMAL1 in managing sepsis-induced AKI.

Stimuli-responsive prodrugs with self-immolative linker for improved cancer therapy

Self-immolative prodrugs have gained significant attention as an innovative approach for targeted cancer therapy. These prodrugs are engineered to release the active anticancer agents in response to specific triggers within the tumor microenvironment, thereby improving therapeutic precision while reducing systemic toxicity. This review focuses on the molecular architecture and design principles of self-immolative prodrugs, emphasizing the role of stimuli-responsive linkers and activation mechanisms that enable controlled drug release. Recent advancements in this field include the development of prodrugs that incorporate targeting moieties for enhanced site-specificity. Moreover, the review discusses the incorporation of targeting moieties to achieve site-specific drug delivery, thereby improving the selectivity of treatment. By summarizing key research from the past five years, this review highlights the potential of self-immolative prodrugs to revolutionize cancer treatment strategies and pave the way for their integration into clinical practice.

Could P2X7 receptor be a potencial target in neonatal sepsis?

The United Nations Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UNIGME) estimates that every year 2.5 million neonates die in their first month of life, accounting for nearly one-half of deaths in children under 5 years of age. Neonatal sepsis is the third leading cause of neonatal mortality. The worldwide burden of bacterial sepsis is expected to increase in the next decades due to the lack of effective molecular therapies to replace the administration of antibiotics whose efficacy is compromised by the emergence of resistant strains. In addition, prolonged exposure to antibiotics can have negative effects by increasing the risk of infection by other organisms. With the global burden of sepsis increasing and no vaccine nor other therapeutic approaches proved efficient, the World Health Organization (WHO) stresses the need for new therapeutic targets for sepsis treatment and infection prevention (WHO, A73/32). In response to this unresolved clinical issue, the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R), a key component of the inflammatory cascade, has emerged as a potential target for treating inflammatory/infection diseases. Indeed numerous studies have demonstrated the relevance of the purinergic system as a pharmacological target in addressing immune-mediated inflammatory diseases by regulating immunity, inflammation, and organ function. In this review, we analyze key features of sepsis immunopathophysiology focusing in neonatal sepsis and on how the immunomodulatory role of P2X7R could be a potential pharmacological target for reducing the burden of neonatal sepsis.

Synergistic effect and mechanism of monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor and Icaritin in the treatment of ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, relapsing nonspecific intestinal inflammatory disease. It is difficult for a single drug to treat UC effectively and maintain long-term efficacy. There is an urgent need to find new drugs and treatment strategies. MAGL11 is a new kind of single acylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitor. Icaritin (Y003) is the major metabolite of icariin in vivo. Several studies have confirmed the role of MAGL inhibitors and icariin in anti-inflammatory and regulation of intestinal stability. Therefore, this study adopted a new strategy of combining MAGL inhibitor with Icaritin to further explore the role and mechanism of drugs in the treatment of UC. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE), immunohistochemical (IHC) and Western blot were used to detect the synergistic protective effects of MAGL11 and Y003 on intestinal pathological injury, intestinal mucosal permeability and inflammation in UC mice. 16S rDNA sequencing was used to detect the synergistic effect of MAGL11 and Y003 on gut microbiota. The effects of MAGL11 and Y003 combined therapy on serum and fecal metabolism of UC mice were analyzed by untargeted metabolomics. Proteomics method was applied to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying MAGL11 and Y003 synergy in the treatment of UC. The results showed that MAGL11 and Y003 could synergistically improve the clinical symptoms, reduce intestinal inflammation and pathological damage, and improve intestinal mucosal permeability in UC mice. The mechanism study found that MAGL11 and Y003 could synergistically inhibit Toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4) / Myeloid differentiation primary response gene (Myd88)/Nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway and further regulate gut microbiota imbalance and metabolic disorders to treat UC.

Water extract of earthworms mitigates kidney injury triggered by oxidative stress via activating intrarenal Sirt1/Nrf2 cascade and ameliorating mitochondrial damage

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury can result in acute renal failure. Oxidative stress is a major factor in IR-induced cell death in the kidneys. According to traditional Chinese medicine, earthworms (Pheretima aspergillum) can be used to treat various kidney diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was designed to understand the protective effects of the water extract of earthworms (WEE) against oxidative stress on the kidneys and the crucial molecular events associated with its nephroprotective activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cytotoxicity caused by H2O2 in HEK293, HK2, and primary mouse renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) was used to investigate the effect of WEE on oxidative stress-induced renal injury in vitro. IR-induced kidney injury was established using rats as an in vivo model. The WEE-mediated protection of the kidneys against oxidative stress was compared with that of glutathione, a common antioxidant used as a positive control.

RESULTS

In HEK293 cells, HK2 cells, and primary mouse TECs, WEE relieved H2O2-induced mitochondrial damage, apoptosis, and ferroptosis. In kidney cells, WEE increased the expression of Sirt1, boosted LKB1 and AMPK phosphorylation, and upregulated nuclear Nrf2. Suppression of Sirt1 and LKB1 knock down abrogated WEE-induced protection against H2O2. WEE ameliorated IR-induced kidney injury and intrarenal inflammation in rats. In rat kidneys, WEE mitigated mitochondrial damage and suppressed IR-induced apoptosis and ferroptosis. Mechanistically, WEE increased Sirt1 expression, enhanced the phosphorylation of LKB1 and AMPK, and increased intranuclear Nrf2 levels in IR kidneys. IR treatment resulted in considerable increase in renal MDA levels and a prominent decrease in antioxidative enzyme activity. These lesions were significantly alleviated by WEE.

CONCLUSIONS

WEE mitigated H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in kidney cells in vitro and improved IR-induced kidney damage in rats. Mechanistically, WEE potentiated the Sirt1/Nrf2 axis and relieved mitochondrial damage in the kidney cells. These events inhibited the apoptosis and ferroptosis induced by oxidative stress. Our findings support the potential application of WEE for the clinical treatment of kidney diseases caused by intrarenal oxidative stress.

PROTAC unleashed: Unveiling the synthetic approaches and potential therapeutic applications

Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are a novel class of bifunctional small molecules that alter protein levels by targeted degradation. This innovative approach uses the ubiquitin-proteasome system to selectively eradicate disease-associated proteins, providing a novel therapeutic strategy for a wide spectrum of diseases. This review delineates detailed synthetic approaches involved in PROTAC building blocks, including the ligand and protein binding parts, linker attached structural components of PROTACs and the actual PROTAC molecules. Furthermore, the recent advancements in PROTAC-mediated degradation of specific oncogenic and other disease-associated proteins, such as those involved in neurodegenerative, antiviral, and autoimmune diseases, were also discussed. Additionally, we described the current landscape of PROTAC clinical trials and highlighted key studies that underscore the translational potential of this emerging therapeutic modality. These findings demonstrate the versatility of PROTACs in modulating the levels of key proteins involved in various severe diseases.

Role of MYO1F in neutrophil and macrophage recruitment and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis

PURPOSE

Myosin 1f (Myo1f), an unconventional long-tailed class Ⅰ myosin, plays significant roles in immune cell motility and innate antifungal immunity. This study was aimed to assess the expression and role of Myo1f in Aspergillus fumigatus (AF) keratitis.

METHODS

Myo1f expression in the corneas of mice afflicted with AF keratitis and in AF keratitis-related cells was assessed using protein mass spectrometry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Myo1f expression following pre-treatment with inhibitors of dendritic cell-associated C-type lectin-1 (Dectin-1), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), and lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) was also examined. In AF keratitis mouse models, Myo1f small interfering RNA (siRNA) was administered via subconjunctival injection to observe disease progression, inflammatory cell recruitment, and protein production using slit lamp examination, immunofluorescence, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and western blotting.

RESULTS

Myo1f expression was upregulated in both AF keratitis mouse models and AF keratitis-related cells. Dectin-1, TLR-4, and LOX-1 were found to be essential for the production of Myo1f in response to the infection with AF. In mice with AF keratitis, knockdown of Myo1f reduced disease severity, decreased the recruitment of neutrophils alongside macrophages to inflammatory areas, suppressed the myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/ nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, and decreased the production of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, along with IL-6. Additionally, Myo1f was associated with apoptosis and pyroptosis in mice with AF keratitis.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrated that Myo1f contributed to the recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages, the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and was associated with apoptosis and pyroptosis during AF keratitis.

Swertianin Promotes Anti-Tumor activity by facilitating Macrophage M1 polarization via STING signaling

To investigate the mechanism by which swertiamarin (swertianin, SWE) regulates the polarization of tumor microenvironment-associated macrophages to M1 phenotype, thereby exerting anti-tumor effects.SWE promoted the formation of M1 cells and increased the proportion of CD86 + cells in both RAW264.7 and primary monocyte-derived macrophages, while activating the STING-NF-κB pathway. When STING or P65 was knocked out, the effects of SWE were antagonized, inhibiting the formation of CD86 + M1 cells. At the animal level, SWE inhibited tumor growth, activated STING-NF-κB, and promoted the formation of CD86 + cells. STING-KO inhibited the effects of SWE.SWE can activate the STING-NF-κB signal to promote macrophage M1 polarization, playing an anti-tumor role.

The RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway triggered by Staphylococcus aureus promotes breast cancer metastasis

Host microbes are increasingly recognized as key components in various types of cancer, although their exact impact remains unclear. This study investigated the functional significance of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in breast cancer tumorigenesis and progression. We found that S. aureus invasion resulted in a compromised DNA damage response process, as evidenced by the absence of G1-phase arrest and apoptosis in breast cells in the background of double strand breaks production and the activation of the ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM)-p53 signaling pathway. The high-throughput mRNA sequencing, bioinformatics analysis and pharmacological studies revealed that S. aureus facilitates breast cell metastasis through the innate immune pathway, particularly in cancer cells. During metastasis, S. aureus initially induced the expression of RIG-I-like receptors (RIG-I in normal breast cells, RIG-I and MDA5 in breast cancer cells), which in turn activated NF-κB p65 expression. We further showed that NF-κB p65 activated the CCL5-CCR5 pathway, contributing to breast cell metastasis. Our study provides novel evidence that the innate immune system, triggered by bacterial infection, plays a role in bacterial-driven cancer metastasis.

Shenling Baizhu Decoction treats ulcerative colitis of spleen-deficiency and dampness obstruction types by targeting 'gut microbiota and galactose metabolism-bone marrow' axis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Shenlin Baizhu Decoction (SLBZD), which comes from 'Taiping Huimin Heji Ju Fang', belongs to a classical prescription for treating spleen deficiency and dampness obstruction (SQDDS)-type ulcerative colitis (UC) in traditional Chinese medicine. However, the mechanism of SLBZD in treating UC with SQDDS remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to investigate the mechanism of SLBZD against SQDDS-type UC of based on the "gut microbiota and metabolism - bone marrow" axis to induce endogenous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) homing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to analysis of SLBZD qualitatively. The efficacy of SLBZD in SQDDS-type UC was evaluated based on the following indicators: the body weight, colon length, disease activity index (DAI) score, Haemotoxylin and Eosin (H&E) pathological sections, and intestinal permeability proteins (occluding and ZO-1). 16S rRNA gene sequencing and non-target metabolomics were performed to identify gut microbiota changes and its metabolites in feces, respectively. BMSCs in each group was collected, cultured, and analyzed. Optimal passaged BMSCs were injected by tail vein into UC rats of SQDDS types. BMSCs homing to the colonic mucosal tissue was observed by immunofluorescent. Finally, the repairing effect of BMSCs homing to the colonic mucosal tissue after SLBZD treatment was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

SLBZD effectively improved the colonic length and the body weight, reduced DAI and H&E scores, and increased the expression of the intestinal permeability proteins, including occluding and ZO-1, to treat SQDDS-type UC. After SLBZD treatment, the α-diversity and β-diversity of the gut microbiota were improved. The differential microbiota was screened as Aeromonadaceae, Lactobacillaceae, and Clostridiaceae at the family level, and Aeromonas, Lactobacillus, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 at the genus level. Meanwhile, the main metabolic pathway was the galactose metabolism pathway. SLBZD treatment timely corrected the aberrant levels of β-galactose in peripheral blood and bone marrow, senescence-associate-β-galactosidase in BMSCs, and galactose kinase-2, galactose mutase, and galactosidase beta-1 in peripheral blood to further elevate the expression levels of senescence-associated (SA) proteins (p16, p53, p21, and p27) in BMSCs. The Spearman's correlation analysis demonstrated the relationship between microbiota and metabolism, and the relationship between the galactose metabolism pathway and SA proteins. After BMSCs in each group injection via the tail vein, the pharmacodynamic effects were consistent with those of SLBZD in SQDDS-type UC rats. Furthermore, BMSCs have been homing to colonic mucosal tissue. BMSCs from the SLBZD treatment group had stronger restorative effects on intestinal permeability function due to increasing protein and mRNA expressions of occludin and ZO-1, and decreasing the proteins and mRNA expressions of SDF-1 and CXCR4 in colon.

CONCLUSIONS

SLBZD alleviated the damaged structure of gut microbiota and regulated their metabolism, specifically the galactose metabolism, to treat UC of SDDOS types. SLBZD treatment promotes endogenous BMSCs homing to colonic mucosal tissue to repaire the intestinal permeability. The current exploration revealed an underlying mechanism wherein SLBZD activates endogenous BMSCs by targeting 'the gut microbiota and its metabolism-bone marrow' axis and repairs colonic mucosal damage to treat SDDOS-type UC.

CYRI controls epidermal wound closure and cohesion of invasive border cell cluster in Drosophila

Cell motility is crucial for many biological processes including morphogenesis, wound healing, and cancer invasion. The WAVE regulatory complex (WRC) is a central Arp2/3 regulator driving cell motility downstream of activation by Rac GTPase. CYFIP-related Rac1 interactor (CYRI) proteins are thought to compete with WRC for interaction with Rac1 in a feedback loop regulating lamellipodia dynamics. However, the physiological role of CYRI proteins in vivo in healthy tissues is unclear. Here, we used Drosophila as a model system to study CYRI function at the cellular and organismal levels. We found that CYRI is not only a potent WRC regulator in single macrophages that controls lamellipodial spreading but also identified CYRI as a molecular brake on the Rac-WRC-Arp2/3 pathway to slow down epidermal wound healing. In addition, we found that CYRI limits invasive border cell migration by controlling cluster cohesion and migration. Thus, our data highlight CYRI as an important regulator of cellular and epithelial tissue dynamics conserved across species.

VPS13B is localized at the interface between Golgi cisternae and is a functional partner of FAM177A1

Mutations in VPS13B, a member of a protein family implicated in bulk lipid transport between adjacent membranes, cause Cohen syndrome. VPS13B is known to be concentrated in the Golgi complex, but its precise location within this organelle and thus the site(s) where it achieves lipid transport remains unclear. Here, we show that VPS13B is localized at the interface between proximal and distal Golgi subcompartments and that Golgi complex reformation after Brefeldin A (BFA)-induced disruption is delayed in VPS13B KO cells. This delay is phenocopied by the loss of FAM177A1, a Golgi complex protein of unknown function reported to be a VPS13B interactor and whose mutations also result in a developmental disorder. In zebrafish, the vps13b ortholog, not previously annotated in this organism, genetically interacts with fam177a1. Collectively, these findings raise the possibility that bulk lipid transport by VPS13B may play a role in the dynamics of Golgi membranes and that VPS13B may be assisted in this function by FAM177A1.

Nuclei as mechanical bumpers during epithelial remodeling

The morphogenesis of developing tissues relies on extensive cellular rearrangements in shape, position, and identity. A key process in reshaping tissues is cell intercalation-driven elongation, where epithelial cells align and intercalate along a common axis. Typically, analyses focus on how peripheral cortical forces influence cell shape changes. Less attention is given to how inhomogeneities in internal structures, particularly the nucleus, impact cell shaping. Here, we examine how pulsed contractile and extension dynamics interact with the nucleus in elongating Drosophila embryos. Our data show that tightly packed nuclei in apical layers hinder tissue remodeling/oscillatory behaviors. We identify two mechanisms for resolving internuclear tensions: nuclear deformation and dispersion. Embryos with non-deformable nuclei use nuclear dispersion to maintain near-normal extensile rates, while those with non-dispersible nuclei due to microtubule inhibition exhibit disruptions in contractile behaviors. Disrupting both mechanisms leads to severe tissue extension defects and cell extrusion. These findings highlight the critical role of nuclear shape and positioning in topological remodeling of epithelia.

ER-plasma membrane contact sites deliver ER lipids and proteins for rapid cell surface expansion

As a consequence of hypoosmotic shock, yeast cells swell rapidly and increase the surface area by ∼20% in 20 s. Approximately, 35% of this surface increase is mediated by the ER-plasma membrane contact sites, specifically the tricalbins, which are required for the delivery of both lipids and the GPI-anchored protein Crh2 from the cortical ER to the plasma membrane. Therefore, we propose a new function for the tricalbins: mediating the fusion of the ER to the plasma membrane at contact sites. This proposed fusion is triggered by calcium influx via the stretch-gated channel Cch1 and is supported by the anoctamin Ist2.

Feedback control of the heat shock response by spatiotemporal regulation of Hsp70

Cells maintain homeostasis via dynamic regulation of stress response pathways. Stress pathways transiently induce response regulons via negative feedback loops, but the extent to which individual genes provide feedback has not been comprehensively measured for any pathway. Here, we disrupted the induction of each gene in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae heat shock response (HSR) and quantified cell growth and HSR dynamics following heat shock. The screen revealed a core feedback loop governing the expression of the chaperone Hsp70 reinforced by an auxiliary feedback loop controlling Hsp70 subcellular localization. Mathematical modeling and live imaging demonstrated that multiple HSR targets converge to promote Hsp70 nuclear localization via its release from cytosolic condensates. Following ethanol stress, a distinct set of factors similarly converged on Hsp70, suggesting that nonredundant subsets of the HSR regulon confer feedback under different conditions. Flexible spatiotemporal feedback loops may broadly organize stress response regulons and expand their adaptive capacity.

Piezo2 interacts with E-cadherin in specialized gastrointestinal epithelial mechanoreceptors

Piezo2 is a mechanically gated ion channel most commonly expressed by specialized mechanoreceptors, such as the enteroendocrine cells (EECs) of the gastrointestinal epithelium. A subpopulation of EECs expresses Piezo2 and functionally resembles the skin's touch sensors, called Merkel cells. Low-magnitude mechanical stimuli delivered to the mucosal layer are primarily sensed by mechanosensitive EECs in a process we term "gut touch." Piezo2 transduces cellular forces into ionic currents, a process that is sensitive to bilayer tension and cytoskeletal depolymerization. E-cadherin is a widely expressed protein that mediates cell-cell adhesion in epithelia and interacts with scaffold proteins that anchor it to actin fibers. E-cadherin was shown to interact with Piezo2 in immortalized cell models. We hypothesized that the Piezo2-E-cadherin interaction is important for EEC mechanosensitivity. To test this, we used super-resolution imaging, co-immunoprecipitation, and functional assays in primary tissues from mice and gut organoids. In tissue EECs and intestinal organoids, we observed multiple Piezo2 cellular pools, including one that overlaps with actin and E-cadherin at the cells' lateral walls. Further, E-cadherin co-immunoprecipitated with Piezo2 in the primary colonic epithelium. We found that E-cadherin knockdown decreases mechanosensitive calcium responses in mechanically stimulated primary EECs. In all, our results demonstrate that Piezo2 localizes to the lateral wall of EECs, where it physically interacts with E-cadherin and actin. They suggest that the Piezo2-E-cadherin-actin interaction is important for mechanosensitivity in the gut epithelium and possibly in tissues where E-cadherin and Piezo2 are co-expressed in epithelial mechanoreceptors, such as skin, lung, and bladder.

Heterochromatin in plant meiosis

Heterochromatin is an organizational property of eukaryotic chromosomes, characterized by extensive DNA and histone modifications, that is associated with the silencing of transposable elements and repetitive sequences. Maintaining heterochromatin is crucial for ensuring genomic integrity and stability during the cell cycle. During meiosis, heterochromatin is important for homologous chromosome synapsis, recombination, and segregation, but our understanding of meiotic heterochromatin formation and condensation is limited. In this review, we focus on the dynamics and features of heterochromatin and how it condenses during meiosis in plants. We also discuss how meiotic heterochromatin influences the interaction and recombination of homologous chromosomes during prophase I.

Pre-ribosomal particles from nucleoli to cytoplasm

The analysis of nucleocytoplasmic transport of proteins and messenger RNA has been the focus of advanced microscopic approaches. Recently, it has been possible to identify and visualize individual pre-ribosomal particles on their way through the nuclear pore complex using both electron and light microscopy. In this review, we focused on the transport of pre-ribosomal particles in the nucleus on their way to and through the pores.

Acidic sphingomyelinase interactions with lysosomal membranes and cation amphiphilic drugs: A molecular dynamics investigation

Lysosomes are pivotal in cellular functions and disease, influencing cancer progression and therapy resistance with Acid Sphingomyelinase (ASM) governing their membrane integrity. Moreover, cation amphiphilic drugs (CADs) are known as ASM inhibitors and have anti-cancer activity, but the structural mechanisms of their interactions with the lysosomal membrane and ASM are poorly explored. Our study, leveraging all-atom explicit solvent molecular dynamics simulations, delves into the interaction of glycosylated ASM with the lysosomal membrane and the effects of CAD representatives, i.e., ebastine, hydroxyebastine and loratadine, on the membrane and ASM. Our results confirm the ASM association to the membrane through the saposin domain, previously only shown with coarse-grained models. Furthermore, we elucidated the role of specific residues and ASM-induced membrane curvature in lipid recruitment and orientation. CADs also interfere with the association of ASM with the membrane at the level of a loop in the catalytic domain engaging in membrane interactions. Our computational approach, applicable to various CADs or membrane compositions, provides insights into ASM and CAD interaction with the membrane, offering a valuable tool for future studies.