Characterization and optimization of magnetic molecularly imprinted nanofibers for determination of sunitinib in human serum and capsule samples

This article reports a spectrofluorometric method for the determination of sunitinib (STB) drug based on molecularly imprinted nanofibers fabricated by the electrospinning method and modified by magnetic nanoparticles as sorbent. The characterization of magnetic molecularly imprinted nanofibers (MMINs) was carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which confirmed the successful synthesis of MMINs with well-distributed magnetite nanoparticles. Drug adsorption and desorption were optimized and important parameters such as sample pH, nanofiber mass, adsorption and desorption time, eluent solvent and sample volume were analyzed. The results demonstrated that the MMINs act as a selective sorbent for STB and can be readily collected through an external magnetic field. Methanol was used as the best eluent solvent for STB desorption from MNIN. A linear correlation was observed between the STB concentrations and fluorescence intensities in the range of 0.01-15.0 mg L-1. The detection limit for this method was 0.002 mg L-1. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of 2.6 % for 1.0 mg L-1 and 1.1 % for 10 mg L-1 of STB (n = 3) were obtained, which indicates that the developed method is precise in determining STB. Human serum and capsule analysis show the applicability of the proposed sensor for real samples.

Hypoxic stress caused apoptosis of MDBK cells by p53/BCL6-mitochondrial apoptosis pathway

Hypoxia is an important characteristic of Tibetan plateau environment. It can lead to apoptosis, but the mechanism of apoptosis caused by hypoxic stress needs further clarification. Here, cattle kidney cell MDBK were used as cell model. The effect of hypoxic stress on apoptosis and its molecular mechanism were explored. MDBK cells were treated with hypoxic stress, apoptosis and mitochondrial apoptotic pathway were significantly increased, and the expression of B-cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6) was significantly decreased. Overexpressing or inhibiting BCL6 demonstrated that BCL6 inhibited the apoptosis. And the increase of apoptosis controlled by hypoxic stress was blocked by BCL6 overexpressing. MDBK cells were treated with hypoxic stress, the expression and the nuclear localization of p53 were significantly increased. Overexpressing or inhibiting p53 demonstrated that hypoxic stress suppressed the expression of BCL6 through p53. Together, these results indicated that hypoxic stress induced the apoptosis of MDBK cells, and BCL6 was an important negative factor for this regulation process. In MDBK cells, hypoxic stress suppressed the expression of BCL6 through p53/BCL6-mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. This study enhanced current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of apoptosis by hypoxic stress in MDBK cells.

A novel 22-bp InDel within FGF7 gene is significantly associated with growth traits in goat

Fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7) is involved in lipid metabolism, which is considered as a candidate gene with close relation with muscle development by eGWAs and RNA-Seq analyses. To date, limited research has been conducted on the relationship between FGF7 gene and growth traits. The main objective of this work was to further investigate the association between novel InDel within FGF7 gene and growth traits in goat. Herein, FGF7 mRNA expression levels were investigated in various Fuqing goat tissues. We found that FGF7 gene was expressed in six adult goat tissues with the highest mRNA levels in adipose tissue. This result suggested that FGF7 gene might play a critical role in fat deposition. We also detected potential polymorphisms in Fuqing, Nubian and Jianyang Daer breeds. A 22-bp InDel polymorphism in FGF7 gene was detected in 396 goats and the three genotypes were designated as II, ID, and DD. Correlation analysis revealed that InDel polymorphism was significantly associated with growth traits (P < 0.05). Goats with genotypes ID and/or II had superior growth traits compared to those with genotype DD. In summary, our findings suggested that the 22-bp InDel within FGF7 gene could act as a molecular marker to improve the growth traits of goats in breeding programs.

Surface nanocoating-based universal platform for programmed delivery of microorganisms in complicated digestive tract

Microbial therapies have promising applications in the treatment of a broad range of diseases. However, effective colonization of the target region by therapeutic microorganisms remains a significant challenge owing to the complexity of the intestinal system. Here, we developed surface nanocoating-based universal platform (SNUP), which enabled the manipulation of controlled release and targeted colonization of therapeutic microbes in the digestive tract without the utilization of any targeting molecules. The system controlled the decomposition time of SNUP in the gut by regulating different modification layers and modification sequences on the microorganism's surface, so that the microorganism was released at a predetermined time and space. With the SNUP nanomodification technology, we could effectively deliver therapeutic microorganisms to specific complex intestinal regions such as the small intestine and colon, and protect the bioactivity of therapeutic microorganisms from destruction by both strong acids and digestive enzymes. In this study, we found that two layers SNUP-encapsulated Liiliilactobacillus salivarius (LS@CCMC) could efficiently colonize the small intestine and significantly improve the symptoms of a mouse model of Parkinson's disease through sustained secretion of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This surface nanocoating-based universal platform system does not require the design of specific targeting molecules, providing a simple and universal method for colonized microbial therapy, target theranostics, precision medicine, and personalized medicine.

Antimicrobial effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate, a catechin abundant in green tea, on periodontal disease-associated bacteria

OBJECTIVE

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a catechin abundant in green tea, exhibits antibacterial activity. In this study, the antimicrobial effects of EGCG on periodontal disease-associated bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Fusobacterium periodontium) were evaluated and compared with its effects on Streptococcus mutans, a caries-associated bacterium.

RESULTS

Treatment with 2 mg/ml EGCG for 4 h killed all periodontal disease-associated bacteria, whereas it only reduced the viable count of S. mutans by about 40 %. Regarding growth, the periodontal disease-associated bacteria were more susceptible to EGCG than S. mutans, based on the growth inhibition ring test. As for metabolism, the 50 % inhibitory concentration (IC50) of EGCG for bacterial metabolic activity was lower for periodontal disease-associated bacteria (0.32-0.65 mg/ml) than for S. mutans (1.14 mg/ml). Furthermore, these IC50 values were negatively correlated with the growth inhibition ring (r = -0.73 to -0.86). EGCG induced bacterial aggregation at the following concentrations: P. gingivalis (>0.125 mg/ml), F. periodonticum (>0.5 mg/ml), F. nucleatum (>1 mg/ml), and P. nigrescens (>2 mg/ml). S. mutans aggregated at an EGCG concentration of > 1 mg/ml.

CONCLUSION

EGCG may help to prevent periodontal disease by killing bacteria, inhibiting bacterial growth by suppressing bacterial metabolic activity, and removing bacteria through aggregation.

Combining hybrid cell membrane modified magnetic nanoparticles and inverted microfluidic chip for in situ CTCs capture and inactivation

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) serve as crucial indicators for tumor occurrence, progression, and prognosis monitoring. However, achieving high sensitivity and high purity capture of CTCs remains challenging. Additionally, in situ capture and synchronous clearance hold promise as methods to impede tumor metastasis, but further exploration is needed. In this study, biomimetic cell membrane-coated magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) were designed to address the issue of nonspecific adsorption of capture probes by the immune system during blood circulation. Membranes from human breast cancer cells (tumor cell membranes, TMs) and leukocytes (white blood cell membranes, WMs) were extracted and fused to form a hybrid membrane (HM), which was further modified onto the surface of porous magnetic NPs loaded with indocyanine green (ICG). The incorporation of TM enhanced the material's target specificity, thus increasing capture efficiency, while WM coating reduced interference from homologous white blood cells (WBCs), further enhancing capture purity. Additionally, in conjunction with our novel inverted microfluidic chip, this work introduces the first use of polymer photonic crystals as the capture interface for CTCs. Besides providing an advantageous surface structure for CTC attachment, the 808 nm photonic bandgap effectively amplifies the 808 nm excitation light at the capture surface position. Therefore, upon capturing CTCs, the ICG molecules in the probes facilitate enhanced photothermal (PTT) and photodynamic (PDT) synergistic effects, directly inactivating the captured CTCs. This method achieves capture efficiency and purity exceeding 95% and permits in situ inactivation post-capture, providing an important approach for future research on impeding tumor metastasis in vivo.

Camptothecin multifunctional nanoparticles effectively achieve a balance between the efficacy of breast cancer treatment and the preservation of intestinal homeostasis

Camptothecin (CPT) exhibits potent antitumor activity; however, its clinical application is limited by significant gastrointestinal adverse effects (GAEs). Although the severity of GAEs associated with CPT derivatives has decreased, the incidence rate of these adverse effects has remained high. CPT multifunctional nanoparticles (PCRHNs) have the potential to increase the efficacy of CPT while reducing side effects in major target organs; however, the impact of PCRHNs on the GAEs from CPT remains uncertain. Here, we investigated the therapeutic effects of PCRHNs and different doses of CPT and examined their impacts on the intestinal barrier and the intestinal microbiota. We found that the therapeutic efficacy of PCRHNs + Laser treatment was superior to that of high-dose CPT, and PCRHNs + Laser treatment also provided greater benefits by helping maintain intestinal barrier integrity, intestinal microbiota diversity, and intestinal microbiota abundance. In summary, compared to high-dose CPT treatment, PCRHNs + Laser treatment can effectively balance therapeutic effects and GAEs. A high dose of CPT promotes the enrichment of the pathogenic bacteria Escherichia-Shigella, which may be attributed to diarrhea caused by CPT, thus leading to a reduction in microbial burden; additionally, Escherichia-Shigella rapidly grows and occupies niches previously occupied by other bacteria that are lost due to diarrhea. PCRHNs + Laser treatment increased the abundance of Lactobacillus (probiotics), possibly due to the photothermal effect of the PCRHNs. This effect increased catalase activity, thus facilitating the conversion of hydrogen peroxide into oxygen within tumors and increasing oxygen levels in the body, which is conducive to the growth of facultative anaerobic bacteria.

Deuterium MRI of serine metabolism in mouse models of glioblastoma

PURPOSE

Serine is a major source of one-carbon units needed for the synthesis of nucleotides and the production of intramitochondrial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), and it plays an important role in cancer cell proliferation. The aim of this study was to develop a deuterium (2H) MRS imaging method for imaging tumor serine metabolism.

METHODS

Sequential (2H) spectra and spectroscopic images were used to monitor the metabolism of [2,3,3-2H3]serine in patient-derived glioblastoma cells in vitro and in tumors obtained by their orthotopic implantation in mouse brain.

RESULTS

[14,14-2H2] 5,10-methylene-tetrahydrofolate, [2H]glycine, [2H]formate, and labeled water were detected in cell suspensions and water labeling in spectroscopic images of tumors. Studies in cells and tumors with variable mitochondrial content and inhibitor studies in cells demonstrated that most of the labeled serine was metabolized in the mitochondria. Water labeling in the cell suspensions was correlated with formate labeling; therefore, water labeling observed in tumors could be used to provide a surrogate measure of flux in the pathway of one-carbon metabolism in vivo.

CONCLUSION

The method has the potential to be used clinically to select patients for treatment with inhibitors of one-carbon metabolism and subsequently to detect their early responses to such treatment.

Optimizing UVA and UVC synergy for effective control of harmful cyanobacterial blooms

Harmful cyanobacterial blooms (HCBs) pose a global ecological threat. Ultraviolet C (UVC) irradiation at 254 nm is a promising method for controlling cyanobacterial proliferation, but the growth suppression is temporary. Resuscitation remains a challenge with UVC application, necessitating alternative strategies for lethal effects. Here, we show synergistic inhibition of Microcystis aeruginosa using ultraviolet A (UVA) pre-irradiation before UVC. We find that low-dosage UVA pre-irradiation (1.5 J cm-2) combined with UVC (0.085 J cm-2) reduces 85% more cell densities compared to UVC alone (0.085 J cm-2) and triggers mazEF-mediated regulated cell death (RCD), which led to cell lysis, while high-dosage UVA pre-irradiations (7.5 and 14.7 J cm-2) increase cell densities by 75-155%. Our oxygen evolution tests and transcriptomic analysis indicate that UVA pre-irradiation damages photosystem I (PSI) and, when combined with UVC-induced PSII damage, synergistically inhibits photosynthesis. However, higher UVA dosages activate the SOS response, facilitating the repair of UVC-induced DNA damage. This study highlights the impact of UVA pre-irradiation on UVC suppression of cyanobacteria and proposes a practical strategy for improved HCBs control.

Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) induced cancer related DNA methylation alterations in human breast cells: A whole genome methylome study

DNA methylation plays a pivotal role in cancer. The ubiquitous contaminant perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) has been epidemiologically associated with breast cancer, and can induce proliferation and malignant transformation of normal human breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A), but the information about its effect on DNA methylation is sparse. The aim of this study was to characterize the whole-genome methylome effects of PFOS in our breast cell model and compare the findings with previously demonstrated DNA methylation alterations in breast tumor tissues. The DNA methylation profile was assessed at single CpG resolution in MCF-10A cells treated with 1 μM PFOS for 72 h by using Enzymatic Methyl sequencing (EM-seq). We found 12,591 differentially methylated CpG-sites and 13,360 differentially methylated 100 bp tiles in the PFOS exposed breast cells. These differentially methylated regions (DMRs) overlapped with 2406 genes of which 494 were long non-coding RNA and 1841 protein coding genes. We identified 339 affected genes that have been shown to display altered DNA methylation in breast cancer tissue and several other genes related to cancer development. This includes hypermethylation of GACAT3, DELEC1, CASC2, LCIIAR, MUC16, SYNE1 and hypomethylation of TTN and KMT2C. DMRs were also found in estrogen receptor genes (ESR1, ESR2, ESRRG, ESRRB, GREB1) and estrogen responsive genes (GPER1, EEIG1, RERG). The gene ontology analysis revealed pathways related to cancer phenotypes such as cell adhesion and growth. These findings improve the understanding of PFOS's potential role in breast cancer and illustrate the value of whole-genome methylome analysis in uncovering mechanisms of chemical effects, identifying biomarker candidates, and strengthening epidemiological associations, potentially impacting risk assessment.

An updated review on the development of a nanomaterial-based field-effect transistor-type biosensors to detect exosomes for cancer diagnosis

Cancer, a life-threatening genetic disease caused by abnormalities in normal cell growth regulatory functions, poses a significant challenge that current medical technologies cannot fully overcome. The current desired breakthrough is to diagnose cancer as early as possible and increase survival rates through treatments tailored to the prognosis and appropriate follow-up. From a perspective that reflects this contemporary paradigm of cancer diagnostics, exosomes are emerging as promising biomarkers. Exosomes, serving as mobile biological information repositories of cancer cells, have been known to create a microtumor environment in surrounding cells, and significant insight into the clinical significance of cancer diagnosis targeting them has been reported. Therefore, there are growing interests in constructing a system that enables continuous screening with a focus on patient-friendly and flexible diagnosis, aiming to improve cancer screening rates through exosome detection. This review focuses on a proposed exosome-embedded biological information-detecting platform employing a field-effect transistor (FET)-based biosensor that leverages portability, cost-effectiveness, and rapidity to minimize the stages of sacrifice attributable to cancer. The FET-applied biosensing technique, stemming from variations in an electric field, is considered an early detection system, offering high sensitivity and a prompt response frequency for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of biomolecules. Hence, an in-depth discussion was conducted on the understanding of various exosome-based cancer biomarkers and the clinical significance of recent studies on FET-based biosensors applying them.

Exposure to trichloromethane via drinking water promotes progression of colorectal cancer by activating IRE1α/XBP1 pathway of endoplasmic reticulum stress

Trichloromethane (TCM), a commonly recognized disinfection by-product formed during the chlorination of water, has been associated with the onset of colorectal cancer (CRC) in humans. Despite this, the impact of TCM on the progression of CRC remains uncertain. In this investigation, it was observed that exposure to TCM could augment the migratory capabilities of CRC cells and facilitate the advancement of colorectal tumors. To delve deeper into the mechanism responsible for TCM-induced CRC progression, we performed RNA-Seq analysis at cellular and animal levels after TCM exposure. Both the KEGG and GO enrichment analyses indicated the activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and the regulation of the cytoskeleton. Subsequently, we confirmed the activation of the IRE1α/XBP1 pathway of ERS through western blot and RT-qPCR. Additionally, we observed the aggregation of cytoskeletal proteins F-actin and β-tubulin at the cell membrane periphery and the development of cellular pseudopods using immunofluorescence following exposure to TCM in vitro. The downregulation of IRE1α and XBP1 through siRNA interference resulted in the disruption of cell cytoskeleton rearrangement and impaired cell migration capability. Conversely, treatment with TCM mitigated this inhibitory effect. Moreover, chronic exposure to low concentration of TCM also triggered CRC cell migration by causing cytoskeletal reorganization, a process controlled by the IRE1α/XBP1 axis. Our study concludes that TCM exposure induces cell migration through the activation of ERS, which in turn regulates cytoskeleton rearrangement. This study offers novel insights into the mechanism through which TCM facilitates the progression of CRC.

Interaction analysis of RNA G-quadruplex with ligands and in situ imaging application

RNA G4, as an integral branch of G4 structure, possesses distinct interactions with ligands compared to the common DNA G4, thus the investigation of RNA G4/ligand interactions might be considered as a fresh breakthrough to improve the biosensing performance of G4/ligand system. In this study, we comparatively explored the structural and functional mechanisms of RNA G4 and DNA G4 in the interaction with ligands, hemin and thioflavin T (ThT), utilizing the classical PS2.M sequence as a model. We found that although the catalytic performance of RNA G4/hemin system was lower than DNA G4/hemin, RNA G4/ThT fluorescence system exhibited a significant improvement (2∼3-fold) compared to DNA G4/ThT, and adenine modification could further enhance the signaling. Further, by exploring the interaction between RNA G4 and ThT, we deemed that RNA G4 and ThT were stacked in a bimolecular mode compared to single-molecule binding of DNA G4/ThT, thus more strongly limiting the structural spin in ThT excited state. Further, RNA G4/ThT displayed higher environmental tolerance and lower ion dependence than DNA G4/ThT. Finally, we employed RNA G4/ThT as a highly sensitive label-free fluorescent signal output system for in situ imaging of isoforms BCR-ABL e13a2 and e14a2. Overall, this study successfully screened a high-performance RNA G4 biosensing system through systematic RNA G4/ligands interaction studies, which was expected to provide a promising reference for subsequent G4/ligand research.

Identification of AGO2 and PLEC genes polymorphisms in Hu sheep and their relationship with body size traits

The body size traits are major traits in livestock, which intuitively displays the development of the animal's bones and muscles. This study used PCR amplification, Sanger sequencing, KASPar genotyping, and quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) to analyze the Single-nucleotide polymorphism and expression characteristics of Argonaute RISC catalytic component 2 (AGO2) and Plectin (PLEC) genes in Hu sheep. Two intron mutations were found in Hu sheep, which were AGO2 g.51700 A > C and PLEC g.23157 C > T, respectively. Through association analysis of two mutation sites and body size traits, it was found that AGO2 g.51700 A > C mainly affects the chest and cannon circumference of Hu sheep of while PLEC g.23157 C mainly affects body height and body length. The combined genotypes of AGO2 and PLEC genes with body size traits showed SNPs at the AGO2 g.51700 A > C and PLEC g.23157 C > T loci significantly improved the body size traits of Hu sheep. In addition, the AGO2 gene has the highest expression levels in the heart, rumen, and tail fat, and the PLEC gene is highly expressed in the heart. These two loci can provide new research ideas for improving the body size traits of Hu sheep.

Cell reprogramming therapy for Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is typically characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Many studies have been performed based on the supplementation of lost dopaminergic neurons to treat Parkinson's disease. The initial strategy for cell replacement therapy used human fetal ventral midbrain and human embryonic stem cells to treat Parkinson's disease, which could substantially alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease in clinical practice. However, ethical issues and tumor formation were limitations of its clinical application. Induced pluripotent stem cells can be acquired without sacrificing human embryos, which eliminates the huge ethical barriers of human stem cell therapy. Another widely considered neuronal regeneration strategy is to directly reprogram fibroblasts and astrocytes into neurons, without the need for intermediate proliferation states, thus avoiding issues of immune rejection and tumor formation. Both induced pluripotent stem cells and direct reprogramming of lineage cells have shown promising results in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. However, there are also ethical concerns and the risk of tumor formation that need to be addressed. This review highlights the current application status of cell reprogramming in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, focusing on the use of induced pluripotent stem cells in cell replacement therapy, including preclinical animal models and progress in clinical research. The review also discusses the advancements in direct reprogramming of lineage cells in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, as well as the controversy surrounding in vivo reprogramming. These findings suggest that cell reprogramming may hold great promise as a potential strategy for treating Parkinson's disease.

Integrated in silico analysis of transcriptomic alterations in nanoparticle toxicity across human and mouse models

Nanoparticles, due to their exceptional physicochemical properties are used in our day-to-day environment. They are currently not regulated which might lead to increased levels in the biological systems causing adverse effects. However, the overall mechanism behind nanotoxicity remains elusive. Previously, we analysed the transcriptome datasets of copper oxide nanoparticles using in silico tools and identified IL-17, chemokine signaling pathway, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction as the key pathways altered. Based on the findings, we hypothesized a common pathway could be involved in transition metal oxide nanoparticles toxicity irrespective of the variables. Further, there could be unique transcriptome changes between metal oxide nanoparticles and other nanoparticles. To accomplish this, the overall transcriptome datasets of nanoparticles consisting of microarray and RNA-Seq were obtained. >90 studies for 17 different nanoparticles, performed in humans, rats, and mice were assessed. After initial screening, 24 mouse studies (with 196 datasets) and 34 human studies (with 200 datasets) were used for further analyses. The common genes that are dysregulated upon NPs exposure were identified for human and mouse datasets separately. Further, an overrepresentation functional enrichment analysis was performed. The common genes, their gene ontology, gene-gene, and protein-protein interactions were assessed. The overall results suggest that IL-17 and its related pathways might be commonly altered in nanoparticle exposure with lung as one of the major organs affected.

Antimony trioxide nanoparticles promote ferroptosis in developing zebrafish (Danio rerio) by disrupting iron homeostasis

The widespread use of antimony trioxide (ATO) and ATO nanoparticles (nATO) has led to increasing ecological and health risks. However, there is relatively insufficient research on the aquatic ecotoxicology of nATO. This study revealed that nATO affects the development of zebrafish embryos and mainly induces ferroptosis through the dissolution of Sb(III). The size of nATO ranged from 50 to 250 nm, and it generated free radicals in water. It can be ingested and accumulate in zebrafish larvae and affects normal development. Compared with those in the control group, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell apoptosis, mitochondrial damage and iron content in the group exposed to high concentrations of nATO were increased. The transcriptomics results indicated that nATO significantly altered the expression levels of key genes related to glutathione metabolism and ferroptosis. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction consistently demonstrated the reliability of the transcriptome data and revealed that nATO induced ferroptosis by disrupting iron homeostasis and the key factor is the dissolution of Sb(III). Furthermore, ferrostatin-1, an inhibitor of ferroptosis, decreased the levels of ROS, apoptosis and mitochondrial damage induced by nATO, which further prove that nATO can promote ferroptosis. This work deepens the understanding of the ecological toxicological effects of nATO in aquatic environments and its mechanisms, which is highly important for the development of antimony management strategies.

Self-assembled hyaluronic acid nanomicelle for enhanced cascade cancer chemotherapy via self-sensitized ferroptosis

The clinical utility of chemotherapy is often compromised by its limited efficacy and significant side effects. Addressing these concerns, we have developed a self-assembled nanomicelle, namely SANTA FE OXA, which consists of hyaluronic acid (HA) conjugated with ferrocene methanol (FC), oxaliplatin prodrug (OXA(IV)) and ethylene glycol-coupled linoleic acid (EG-LA). Targeted delivery is achieved by HA binding to the CD44 receptors that are overexpressed on tumor cells, facilitating drug uptake. Once internalized, hyaluronidase (HAase) catalyzes the digestion of the SANTA FE OXA, releasing FC and reducing OXA(IV) into an active form. The active oxaliplatin (OXA) induces DNA damage and increases intracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels via cascade reactions. Simultaneously, FC disrupts the redox balance within tumor cells, inducing ferroptosis. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments confirmed that SANTA FE OXA inhibited tumor growth by combining cascade chemotherapy and self-sensitized ferroptosis, achieving a tumor inhibition rate of up to 76.61 %. Moreover, this SANTA FE OXA significantly mitigates the systemic toxicity commonly associated with platinum-based chemotherapeutics. Our findings represent a compelling advancement in nanomedicine for enhanced cascade cancer therapy.

UPLC-MS based lipidomics analysis on optimization of soybean phosphatidylethanolamine extraction

Soybean-derived phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) is a valuable phospholipid component yet its high-purity form is costly and its molecular structure is poorly understood. The present study combined solvent extraction and cryopurification to purify PE. The optimal extraction conditions were as follows: material-liquid ratio 1:15 (g/mL), ethanol base concentration 100:4 (Vanhydrous ethanol /V25% ammonia), extraction temperature 40 °C, time 60 min, extraction twice. The cryopurification conditions were: material-liquid ratio 1:60, ethanol base concentration 100:6 (Vanhydrous ethanol/V25% ammonia), freezing temperature - 20 °C, time 20 h. UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis revealed phospholipid composition of raw material, crude product, and purified product. The results showed that the purity of PE in the purified products was 76.74%, and the yield was 72.43% under optimal conditions. 181 phospholipid molecules were quantified. The study successfully explored high-purity PE preparation method and the composition of PE product. It provides a basis for the subsequent exploration of its biofunction and potential applications.

Early administration of Wumei Wan inhibit myeloid-derived suppressor cells via PI3K/Akt pathway and amino acids metabolism to prevent colitis-associated colorectal cancer

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Wumei Wan (WMW), a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, has been proved to be effective in treating Colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC), but it has not been proven to be effective in different stages of CAC.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of our study is to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of WMW on the progression of CAC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Azioximethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) were used to treat mice for the purpose of establishing CAC models. WMW was administered in different stages of CAC. The presentative chemical components in WMW were confirmed by LC-MS/MS under the optimized conditions. The detection of inflammatory cytokines in the serum and colon of mice were estimated by qRT-PCR and ELISA. The changes of T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in each group were detected by flow cytometry. The metabolic components in serum of mice were detected by UPLC-MS/MS. Expression of genes and proteins were detected by eukaryotic transcriptomics and Western blot to explore the key pathway of WMW in preventing CAC.

RESULTS

WMW had significant effect on inhibiting inflammatory responses and tumors during the early development stage of CAC when compared to other times. WMW increased the length of mice's colons, reduced the level of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α in colon tissues, and effectively alleviated colonic inflammation, and improved the pathological damage of colon tissues. WMW could significantly reduce the infiltration of MDSCs in the spleen, increase CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells in the spleen of CAC mice, and effectively reform the immune microenvironment in CAC mice. Transcriptomics analysis revealed that 2204 genes had different patterns of overlap in the colon tissues of mice between control group, AOM + DSS group, and early administration of WMW group. And KEGG enrichment analysis showed that PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, ECM-receptor interaction, IL-17 signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, pancreatic secretion, thermogenesis, and Rap1 signaling pathway were all involved. The serum metabolomics results of WMW showed that the metabolic compositions of the control group, AOM + DSS group and the early stage of WMW were different, and 42 differential metabolites with the opposite trends of changes were screened. The metabolic pathways mainly included pyrimidine metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and purine metabolism. And amino acids and related metabolites may play an important role in WMW prevention of CAC.

CONCLUSION

WMW can effectively prevent the occurrence and development of CAC, especially in the initial stage. WMW can reduce the immune infiltration of MDSCs in the early stage. Early intervention of WMW can improve the metabolic disorder caused by AOM + DSS, especially correct the amino acid metabolism. PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was inhabited in early administration of WMW, which can regulate the amplification and function of MDSCs.

Ferroptosis pathways: Unveiling the neuroprotective power of cistache deserticola phenylethanoid glycosides

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cistanche deserticola is a kind of parasitic plant living in the roots of desert trees. It is a rare Chinese medicine, which has the effect of tonifying kidney Yang, benefiting essence and blood and moistening the intestinal tract. Cistache deserticola phenylethanoid glycoside (PGS), an active component found in Cistanche deserticola Ma, have potential kidney tonifying, intellectual enhancing, and neuroprotective effects. Cistanche total glycoside capsule has been marketed to treat vascular dementia disease.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To identify the potential renal, intellectual enhancing and neuroprotective effects of PGS and explore the exact targets and mechanisms of PGS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study systematically investigated the four types of pathways leading to ferroptosis through transcriptome, metabolome, ultrastructure and molecular biology techniques and explored the molecular mechanism by which multiple PGS targets and pathways synergistically exert neuroprotective effects on hypoxia.

RESULTS

PGS alleviated learning and memory dysfunction and pathological injury in mice exposed to hypobaric hypoxia by attenuating hypobaric hypoxia-induced hippocampal histopathological damage, impairing blood‒brain barrier integrity, increasing oxidative stress levels, and increasing the expression of cognitive proteins. PGS reduced the formation of lipid peroxides and improved ferroptosis by upregulating the GPX-4/SCL7A311 axis and downregulating the ACSL4/LPCAT3/LOX axis. PGS also reduced ferroptosis by facilitating cellular Fe2+ efflux and regulating mitochondrial Fe2+ transport and effectively antagonized cell ferroptosis induced by erastin (a ferroptosis inducer).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the mechanism by which PGS prevents hypobaric hypoxic nerve injury through four types of ferroptosis pathways, achieved neuroprotective effects and alleviated learning and memory dysfunction in hypobaric hypoxia mice. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development and application of PGS.

BCL2L1 is regulated by the lncRNA MIR4435-2HG-miR-513a-5p-BCL2L1 ceRNA axis and serves as a biomarker for pancreatic adenocarcinoma treatment and prognosis

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is one of the most malignant cancers. After escaping death, cancer cells are made more metastatic, aggressive, and also drug-resistant through anoikis resistance. The aim of this study is to explore the molecular mechanisms of anoikis-related genes in PAAD and to identify potential key biomarkers. We integrated information about PAAD from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and The Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases and identified anoikis-related gene BCL2L1 by survival analysis, univariate Cox regression analysis, and multifactorial Cox regression analysis. Various bioinformatics approaches showed that BCL2L1 was a valuable prognostic marker that might be involved in PAAD development and progression through different mechanisms, including cancer intervention, genomic heterogeneity, and RNA modifications. Our analysis showed that BCL2L1 expression also closely correlates with the expression of various immune checkpoint inhibitors. In particular, we found that long non-coding RNA MIR4435-2HG acted as ceRNA sponging miR-513a-5p to promote the expression of BCL2L1, thereby promoting pancreatic cancer cells proliferation. In conclusion, BCL2L1 expression regulated by the MIR4435-2HG-miR-513a-5p-BCL2L1 ceRNA axis might be used as a biomarker for cancer prognosis, treatment selection, and follow-up in PAAD patients.

G-quadruplex structures in FGFR3 promoter negatively regulate its gene expression and DNA replication

FGFR3 activating mutations and abnormal expression are linked to tumor development. However, the current state of research on FGFR3 gene expression regulation is relatively insufficient. In this study, we have reported that the FGFR3 promoter's positive strand contains several G-tracts and most likely forms a G-quadruplex (G4) structure. Circular dichroism investigations revealed that oligonucleotides from this region exhibit G-quadruplex-like molar ellipticity. We further validated the G4 structure of the FGFR3 promoter using biochemical and cellular molecular biology techniques. The G-quadruplex mutation enhanced the transcriptional activity of the FGFR3 promoter and DNA replication, suggesting that the G4 structure inhibits its expression. Furthermore, we conducted a preliminary screen for helicases associated with FGFR3 expression and explored their regulatory effects on FGFR3 gene transcription. Subsequently, we investigated the effect of curcumin on the stability of the G4 structure of the FGFR3 promoter and its regulatory effect on FGFR3 expression.

Advances in tumor microenvironment: Applications and challenges of 3D bioprinting

The tumor microenvironment (TME) assumes a pivotal role in the treatment of oncological diseases, given its intricate interplay of diverse cellular components and extracellular matrices. This dynamic ecosystem poses a serious challenge to traditional research methods in many ways, such as high research costs, inefficient translation, poor reproducibility, and low modeling success rates. These challenges require the search for more suitable research methods to accurately model the TME, and the emergence of 3D bioprinting technology is transformative and an important complement to these traditional methods to precisely control the distribution of cells, biomolecules, and matrix scaffolds within the TME. Leveraging digital design, the technology enables personalized studies with high precision, providing essential experimental flexibility. Serving as a critical bridge between in vitro and in vivo studies, 3D bioprinting facilitates the realistic 3D culturing of cancer cells. This comprehensive article delves into cutting-edge developments in 3D bioprinting, encompassing diverse methodologies, biomaterial choices, and various 3D tumor models. Exploration of current challenges, including limited biomaterial options, printing accuracy constraints, low reproducibility, and ethical considerations, contributes to a nuanced understanding. Despite these challenges, the technology holds immense potential for simulating tumor tissues, propelling personalized medicine, and constructing high-resolution organ models, marking a transformative trajectory in oncological research.

Cell attachment defines sensitivity to cold stress via the Hippo pathway

Although cells are frequently maintained at cold temperatures during experiments, the effects of cold stress on cell viability and subsequent cellular conditions remain elusive. In this study, we investigated the effects of cold stress on cancer cells under various culture conditions. We showed that cold stress induces ferroptosis, a form of cell death characterized by lipid peroxidation, in sensitive cancer cell lines. High cell density and serum starvation activate the Hippo pathway and suppress cold-induced cell death. Genetic deletion of Hippo pathway components enhances cold stress susceptibility. Furthermore, the cell attachment status influences the response to cold stress, with suspended cells showing greater resistance and faster recovery than attached cells. This study highlights the importance of cellular conditions and the Hippo pathway in the handling and storage of cancer cells at cold temperatures, thereby offering insights into experimental and clinical contexts.

2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether exposure disrupts blood-testis barrier integrity through CMA-mediated ferroptosis

2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE-47), being the most prevalent congener of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), has been found to accumulate greatly in the environment and induce spermatogenesis dysfunction. However, the specific underlying factors and mechanisms have not been elucidated. Herein, male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to corn oil, 10 mg/kg body weight (bw) PBDE-47 or 20 mg/kg bw PBDE-47 by gavage for 30 days. PBDE-47 exposure led to blood-testis barrier (BTB) integrity disruption and aberrant spermatogenesis. Given that Sertoli cells are the main toxicant target, to explore the potential mechanism involved, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) in Sertoli cells, and the differentially expressed genes were shown to be enriched in ferroptosis and lysosomal pathways. We subsequently demonstrated that ferroptosis was obviously increased in testes and Sertoli cells upon exposure to PBDE-47, and the junctional function of Sertoli cells was restored after treatment with the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1. Since glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) was dramatically reduced in PBDE-47-exposed testes and Sertoli cells and considering the RNA-sequencing results, we examined the activity of chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) and verified that the expression of LAMP2a and HSC70 was upregulated significantly after PBDE-47 exposure. Notably, Lamp2a knockdown not only inhibited ferroptosis by suppressing GPX4 degradation but also restored the impaired junctional function induced by PBDE-47. These collective findings strongly indicate that PBDE-47 induces Sertoli cell ferroptosis through CMA-mediated GPX4 degradation, resulting in decreased BTB-associated protein expression and eventually leading to BTB integrity disruption and spermatogenesis dysfunction.

Unveiling the role of APOM gene in liver cancer: Investigating the impact of hsa-miR-4489/MUC1-mediated ferroptosis on the advancement of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Primary liver cancer has consistently exhibited a high prevalence and fatality rate, necessitating the investigation of associated diagnostic markers and inhibition mechanisms to effectively mitigate its impact. The significance of apolipoprotein M (ApoM) in impeding the progression of neoplastic ailments is progressively gaining recognition. However, a comprehensive understanding of its underlying mechanism in liver cancer advancement remains to be elucidated. Recent evidence indicates a potential association between ApoM and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), with the peroxidation of phospholipids (PLs) containing PUFAs being recognized as a crucial element in the occurrence of ferroptosis. This prompts us to investigate the impact of the APOM gene on the progression of liver cancer through the ferroptosis pathway and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. The findings of this study indicate that the liver cancer cell model, which was genetically modified to overexpress the APOM gene, demonstrated a heightened ferroptosis effect. Moreover, the observed inhibition of the GSH (Glutathione) - GPX4 (Glutathione Peroxidase 4) regulatory axis suggests that the role of this axis in inhibiting ferroptosis is weakened. Through intersection screening and validation, we found that Mucin 1,cell surface associated (MUC1) can inhibit ferroptosis and is regulated by the APOM gene. Bioinformatics analysis and screening identified miR-4489 as a mediator between the two. Experimental results using the dual luciferase reporter gene confirmed that has-miR-4489 targets MUC1's 3'-UTR and inhibits its expression. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that the APOM gene induces a down-regulation in the expression of the ferroptosis-inhibiting gene MUC1, mediated by miR-4489, thereby impeding the advancement of liver cancer cells through the facilitation of ferroptosis.

Emerging trends and therapeutic applications of monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are being used to prevent, detect, and treat a broad spectrum of malignancies and infectious and autoimmune diseases. Over the past few years, the market for mAbs has grown exponentially. They have become a significant part of many pharmaceutical product lines, and more than 250 therapeutic mAbs are undergoing clinical trials. Ever since the advent of hybridoma technology, antibody-based therapeutics were realized using murine antibodies which further progressed into humanized and fully human antibodies, reducing the risk of immunogenicity. Some of the benefits of using mAbs over conventional drugs include a drastic reduction in the chances of adverse reactions, interactions between drugs, and targeting specific proteins. While antibodies are very efficient, their higher production costs impede the process of commercialization. However, their cost factor has been improved by developing biosimilar antibodies, which are affordable versions of therapeutic antibodies. Along with biosimilars, innovations in antibody engineering have helped to design bio-better antibodies with improved efficacy than the conventional ones. These novel mAb-based therapeutics are set to revolutionize existing drug therapies targeting a wide spectrum of diseases, thereby meeting several unmet medical needs. In the future, mAbs generated by applying next-generation sequencing (NGS) are expected to become a powerful tool in clinical therapeutics. This article describes the methods of mAb production, pre-clinical and clinical development of mAbs, approved indications targeted by mAbs, and novel developments in the field of mAb research.

CD39 is induced by nutrient deprivation in colorectal cancer cells and contributes to the tolerance to hypoxia

Rapid tumor growth and insufficient blood supply leads to the development of a hypoxic and nutrient deprived microenvironment. To survive, tumor cells need to tolerate these adverse conditions. Here we found the expression of CD39 was enhanced in necrotic regions distant from blood vessels. We speculate that this is a strategy for tumor cells to actively adapt to the hostile environment. Further studies showed that CD39 was induced by nutrient deprivation through the AMPK signalling pathway. We next explored the significance of CD39 for tumor cells. Our results showed that CD39 reduced cellular oxygen consumption, which could be significant for tumor cells if the available oxygen is limited. Metabolomics analysis showed that overexpression of CD39 significantly altered cellular metabolism, and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle was identified as the most impacted metabolic pathway. In order to explore the molecular mechanism, we performed RNA-seq analysis. The results showed that CD39 significantly up-regulated the expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isozyme 2 (PDK2), thus inhibiting the activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and TCA cycle. Finally, CD39 was shown to protect tumor cells from hypoxia-induced cell death and reduce intratumoral hypoxia levels. CD39 has attracted a great deal of attention as a newly discovered immune checkpoint molecule in recent years. Our results indicate that CD39 not only plays a role in immune regulation, but also enables tumor cells to tolerate hypoxia by inhibiting TCA cycle and reducing cellular oxygen consumption. This study provides evidence that targeting CD39 may be a novel strategy to prevent adaptation of tumor cells in stressed conditions.

Role of tumor-derived exosomes mediated immune cell reprograming in cancer

Tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs), as topologies of tumor cells, not only carry biological information from the mother, but also act as messengers for cellular communication. It has been demonstrated that TDEs play a key role in inducing an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). They can reprogram immune cells indirectly or directly by delivering inhibitory proteins, cytokines, RNA and other substances. They not only inhibit the maturation and function of dendritic cells (DCs) and natural killer (NK) cells, but also remodel M2 macrophages and inhibit T cell infiltration to promote immunosuppression and create a favorable ecological niche for tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. Based on the specificity of TDEs, targeting TDEs has become a new strategy to monitor tumor progression and enhance treatment efficacy. This paper reviews the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying the immunosuppressive effects induced by TDEs to establish a theoretical foundation for cancer therapy. Additionally, the challenges of TDEs as a novel approach to tumor treatment are discussed.

An integrative alginate-based 3D in vitro model to explore epithelial-stromal cell dynamics in the breast tumor microenvironment

The tumor microenvironment (TME) orchestrates cellular and extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, playing a key role in tumorigenesis, tumor growth, and metastization. Investigating the interplay between stromal-epithelial cells within the TME is paramount for understanding cancer mechanisms but demands reliable biological models. 3D-models have emerged as powerful in vitro tools, but many fall short in replicating cell-cell/cell-matrix interactions. This study introduces a novel hybrid 3D-model of the breast TME, combining epithelial cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and their ECM. To build the stromal compartment, porous 3D-printed alginate scaffolds were seeded with CAFs, which proliferated and produced ECM. The pores were infused with oxidized peptide-modified alginate hydrogel laden with MCF10A cells, forming the parenchymal compartment. The hybrid system supported epithelial morphogenesis into acini surrounded by fibroblasts and ECM, and could be readily solubilized to recover cells, their matrix, and sequestered soluble factors. Proteome profiling of the retrieved ECM showed upregulation of proteins associated with matrix assembly/remodeling, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and cancer. The TME-like microenvironment induced a partial EMT in MCF10A cells, generating a hybrid population with epithelial and mesenchymal features, characteristic of aggressive phenotypes. Our model provided new insights into epithelial-stromal interactions within the TME, offering a valuable tool for cancer research in a physiologically-relevant 3D setting.

Integrated metabolomics and proteomics analyses to reveal anticancer mechanism of hemp oil extract in colorectal cancer

Cannabis sativa L., with a rich history in Chinese folk medicine, includes hemp strains that offer substantial economic and medical benefits due to their non-addictive properties. Hemp has demonstrated various pharmaceutical activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor effects. This study explores the potential of hemp oil extract (HOE) in treating colorectal cancer (CRC). Despite its promise, the specific anticancer mechanisms of HOE have not been well understood. To elucidate these mechanisms, we employed mass spectrometry-based metabolomics and proteomics to investigate the global effects of HOE on CRC cells. Additionally, bioinformatics approaches, including bulk RNA-seq and single-cell RNA-seq, were used to identify gene expression differences and cellular heterogeneity. The results were validated using flow cytometry, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Our findings reveal that HOE induces significant alterations in purine metabolism pathways, down-regulates c-MYC, and inhibits the expression of cell cycle-related proteins such as CCND1, CDK4, and CDK6, leading to cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. This comprehensive analysis demonstrates that HOE effectively blocks the cell cycle in the G1 phase, thereby inhibiting colorectal cancer cell proliferation. These findings provide experimental evidence supporting the potential therapeutic use of hemp in medicine.

A proteome-wide analysis unveils a core Epstein-Barr virus antibody signature of classic Hodgkin lymphoma across ethnically diverse populations

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an oncogenic virus associated with various malignancies, including classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). Despite its known association, the specific role of humoral immune response to EBV remains poorly characterized in cHL. To address this, we conducted a study using a custom protein microarray to measure the antibody responses in cHL patients and matched healthy controls recruited from an East-Asian hospital-based case-control study. We identified 16 IgG antibodies significantly elevated in EBV-positive cHL compared with controls, defining an "East-Asian antibody signature of EBV-positive cHL." We evaluated responses against these 16 antibodies in a distinct European population, leveraging data from our previous European cHL case-control study from the UK, Denmark, and Sweden. A subset of antibodies (14/16, 87.5%) from the "East-Asian antibody signature of EBV-positive cHL" exhibited significant associations with cHL in the European population. Conversely, we assessed the "European antibody signature of EBV-positive cHL" identified in our prior study which consisted of 18 EBV antibodies (2 IgA, 16 IgG), in the East-Asian population. A subset of these antibodies (15/18, 83.3%) maintained significant associations with cHL in the East-Asian population. This cross-comparison of antibody signatures underscores the robust generalizability of EBV antibodies across populations. Five anti-EBV IgG antibodies (LMP-1, TK, BALF2, BDLF3, and BBLF1), found in both population-specific antibody signatures, represent a "core signature of EBV-positive cHL." Our findings suggest that the antibody responses targeting these core EBV proteins reflect a specific EBV gene expression pattern, serving as potential biomarkers for EBV-positive cHL independent of population-specific factors.

Role of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in cancer drug resistance: Insights into molecular aspects of major solid tumors

Adaptive resistance to conventional and targeted therapies remains one of the major obstacles in the effective management of cancer. Aberrant activation of key signaling mechanisms plays a pivotal role in modulating resistance to drugs. An evolutionarily conserved Wnt/β-catenin pathway is one of the signaling cascades which regulate resistance to drugs. Elevated Wnt signaling confers resistance to anticancer therapies, either through direct activation of its target genes or via indirect mechanisms and crosstalk over other signaling pathways. Involvement of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in cancer hallmarks like inhibition of apoptosis, promotion of invasion and metastasis and cancer stem cell maintenance makes this pathway a potential target to exploit for addressing drug resistance. Accumulating evidences suggest a critical role of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in imparting resistance across multiple cancers including PDAC, NSCLC, TNBC, etc. Here we present a comprehensive assessment of how Wnt/β-catenin pathway mediates cancer drug resistance in majority of the solid tumors. We take a deep dive into the Wnt/β-catenin signaling-mediated modulation of cellular and downstream molecular mechanisms and their impact on cancer resistance.

Development and validation of LC-MS/MS methods for the pharmacokinetic assessment of the PROTACs bavdeglutamide (ARV-110) and vepdegestrant (ARV-471)

Chemically induced, targeted protein degradation with proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) has shown to be a promising pharmacological strategy to circumvent the poor "druggability" of intracellular targets. However, the favorable pharmacology comes with complex molecular properties limiting the oral bioavailability of these drugs. To foster the translation of PROTACs into the clinics it is of high importance to establish sensitive bioanalytical methods that enable the assessment of absorption, bioavailability, and disposition of PROTACs after oral dosing. In this study, two highly sensitive LC-MS/MS methods (LLOQ = 0.5 ng/mL) were developed and validated for the quantification of bavdeglutamide (ARV-110) and vepdegestrant (ARV-471) in rat plasma. Plasma samples were processed by protein precipitation and separated on a C18 column over a gradient of acetonitrile and water with 0.1 % formic acid. Selected reaction monitoring in positive ESI mode was applied to quantify ARV-110 and ARV-471. Both methods showed linearity, accuracy, and precision as well as matrix effects and carry-over within the predefined acceptance criteria. High stability of the compounds in plasma was demonstrated at long-term storage for seven weeks at -20 °C, three freeze-thaw cycles, up to 20 min at room temperature, and as extracts in the autosampler. The plasma concentration-time curves after intravenous and intraduodenal bolus single-dose administrations in rats could be successfully quantified at clinically relevant doses per body weight. The highly sensitive bioanalytical assays presented in this work enable the application of a broad spectrum of in vivo studies to elucidate the oral absorption, bioavailability, and disposition of PROTACs.

Insulin and IGF-1 extend the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans by inhibiting insulin/insulin-like signaling and mTOR signaling pathways: C. elegans - Focused cancer research

The mutations in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) that extend lifespan slow down aging by interfering with several signaling pathways, including the insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). The tumor suppressor pRb (retinoblastoma protein) is believed to be involved in almost all human cancers. Lin-35, the C. elegans orthologue of the tumor suppressor pRb, was included in the study to explore the effects of insulin and IGF-1 because it has been linked to cancer-related pRb function in mammals and exhibits a tumor suppressor effect by inhibiting mTOR or IIS signaling. According to our results, IGF-1 or insulin increased the lifespan of lin-35 worms compared to N2 worms by increasing fertilization efficiency, also causing a significant increase in body size. It was concluded that the expression of daf-2 and rsks-1 decreased after insulin or IGF-1 administration, thus extending the lifespan of C. elegans lin-35 worms through both IIS and mTOR-dependent mechanisms. This suggests that it was mediated by the combined effect of the TOR and IIS pathways. These results, especially obtained in cancer-associated mutant lin-35 worms, will be useful in elucidating the C. elegans cancer model in the future.

Environmental profiling of gold nanoparticles by flavonoids fractionalization from carrica papaya leaf extract for photocatalytic debasement of organic contaminants and it's cyto-toxic analysis

In present investigation, Carica papaya leaf extract has been employed as a bio-reductant agent in order to synthesize ecologically sustainable bio-coupled gold nanoparticles. The formation of gold nanoparticles was confirmed based on colour change of solution and its surface plasmon resonance peak measured using UV-Vis Spectrophotometer (UV-Vis). The Morphology and size of nanoparticles were determined using transmission electron microscope (SEM/TEM), and its crystalline structure by X-ray diffraction studies. Surface area was determined via BET isotherm analysis. The elemental composition of Au nanoparticles was developed using the technique of energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Furthermore, FTIR analysis delineated the presence of functional groups present in the samples of the synthesized AuNPs. Thus, the efficiency of bio coupled Au nanoparticles in photo catalytically decomposing methylene blue was examined under the influence of visible light., the lethal MB colorant had been reduced to 95 % Within 90 min. And also 60% TOC removal was recorded after 5 min of degradation reaction, which increased to 99% after 90 min. Furthermore, cytotoxic experiments on Michigan Cancer Foundations-7 (MCF-7) cell lines showed that Au nanoparticles are effective anticancer agents with an IC50 of 87.2 g/mL on the top of the present work revealed the eco-safety and affordable production of Au nanoparticles from Carica papaya leaf extract, which displayed photocatalytic debasement of organic pollutants and cyto-toxicity effects was investigated.

Biocompatibility characterisation of CMOS-based Lab-on-Chip electrochemical sensors for in vitro cancer cell culture applications

Lab-on-Chip electrochemical sensors, such as Ion-Sensitive Field-Effect Transistors (ISFETs), are being developed for use in point-of-care diagnostics, such as pH detection of tumour microenvironments, due to their integration with standard Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) technology. With this approach, the passivation of the CMOS process is used as a sensing layer to minimise post-processing, and Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) is the most common material at the microchip surface. ISFETs have the potential to be used for cell-based assays however, there is a poor understanding of the biocompatibility of microchip surfaces. Here, we quantitatively evaluated cell adhesion, morphogenesis, proliferation and mechano-responsiveness of both normal and cancer cells cultured on a Si3N4, sensor surface. We demonstrate that both normal and cancer cell adhesion decreased on Si3N4. Activation of the mechano-responsive transcription regulators, YAP/TAZ, are significantly decreased in cancer cells on Si3N4 in comparison to standard cell culture plastic, whilst proliferation marker, Ki67, expression markedly increased. Non-tumorigenic cells on chip showed less sensitivity to culture on Si3N4 than cancer cells. Treatment with extracellular matrix components increased cell adhesion in normal and cancer cell cultures, surpassing the adhesiveness of plastic alone. Moreover, poly-l-ornithine and laminin treatment restored YAP/TAZ levels in both non-tumorigenic and cancer cells to levels comparable to those observed on plastic. Thus, engineering the electrochemical sensor surface with treatments will provide a more physiologically relevant environment for future cell-based assay development on chip.

Piperine induces autophagy of colon cancer cells: Dual modulation of AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and ROS production

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignancy and poses a significant clinical challenge. Piperine, an alkaloid molecule extracted from Piper nigrum and Piper longum, has emerged as a promising anticancer agent. However, the molecular mechanisms of piperine' antitumor effects in CRC need to be further elucidated.

METHODS

Human colorectal cancer cells were treated with piperine in vitro. CCK-8 and clone formation assays were adopted to detect cell viability. The accumulation of autophagosomes was assessed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were analyzed by flow. In vivo, a xenograft tumor mouse model was constructed using CT26 cells.

RESULTS

Piperine inhibited CRC cell viability and suppressed tumor weight and volume in a mouse model. Additionally, piperine treatment induced the accumulation of autophagosomes in CRC cells. This effect was attributed to the inhibition of the AKT/mTOR pathway and the accumulation of ROS. activation of AKT or clearance of ROS attenuated piperine-mediated tumor suppression.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that piperine induces autophagy-dependent cell death in CRC cells by increasing ROS production and inhibiting Akt/mTOR signaling.

A path forward for Staphylococcus aureus vaccine development

The pursuit of a vaccine to quell Staphylococcus aureus disease has been unfruitful. In this Viewpoint, we explore the biological linkage between microbial niche acquisition and host immunity as a basis to guide future vaccine efforts.

De novo lipid synthesis and polarized prenylation drive cell invasion through basement membrane

To breach the basement membrane, cells in development and cancer use large, transient, specialized lipid-rich membrane protrusions. Using live imaging, endogenous protein tagging, and cell-specific RNAi during Caenorhabditis elegans anchor cell (AC) invasion, we demonstrate that the lipogenic SREBP transcription factor SBP-1 drives the expression of the fatty acid synthesis enzymes POD-2 and FASN-1 prior to invasion. We show that phospholipid-producing LPIN-1 and sphingomyelin synthase SMS-1, which use fatty acids as substrates, produce lysosome stores that build the AC's invasive protrusion, and that SMS-1 also promotes protrusion localization of the lipid raft partitioning ZMP-1 matrix metalloproteinase. Finally, we discover that HMG-CoA reductase HMGR-1, which generates isoprenoids for prenylation, localizes to the ER and enriches in peroxisomes at the AC invasive front, and that the final transmembrane prenylation enzyme, ICMT-1, localizes to endoplasmic reticulum exit sites that dynamically polarize to deliver prenylated GTPases for protrusion formation. Together, these results reveal a collaboration between lipogenesis and a polarized lipid prenylation system that drives invasive protrusion formation.

Tumor cell-intrinsic Piezo2 drives radioresistance by impairing CD8+ T cell stemness maintenance

Changes in mechanosensitive ion channels following radiation have seldom been linked to therapeutic sensitivity or specific factors involved in antitumor immunity. Here, in this study, we found that the mechanical force sensor, Piezo2, was significantly upregulated in tumor cells after radiation, and Piezo2 knockout in tumor cells enhanced tumor growth suppression by radiotherapy. Specifically, loss of Piezo2 in tumor cells induced their IL-15 expression via unleashing JAK2/STAT1/IRF-1 axis after radiation. This increase in IL-15 activates IL-15Rα on tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells, thereby leading to their augmented effector and stem cell-like properties, along with reduced terminal exhausted feature. Importantly, Piezo2 expression was negatively correlated with CD8 infiltration, as well as with radiosensitivity of patients with rectum adenocarcinoma receiving radiotherapy treatment. Together, our findings reveal that tumor cell-intrinsic Piezo2 induces radioresistance by dampening the IRF-1/IL-15 axis, thus leading to impaired CD8+ T cell-dependent antitumor responses, providing insights into the further development of combination strategies to treat radioresistant cancers.

Part II: A new perspective for modeling the bone remodeling process: Biology, mechanics, and pathologies

In this paper, we explore the effects of biological (pathological) and mechanical damage on bone tissue within a benchmark model. Using the Finite Element Methodology, we analyze and numerically test the model's components, capabilities, and performance under physiologically and pathologically relevant conditions. Our findings demonstrate the model's effectiveness in simulating bone remodeling processes and self-repair mechanisms for micro-damage induced by biological internal conditions and mechanical external ones within bone tissue. This article is the second part of a series, where the first part presented the mathematical model and the biological and physical significance of the terms used in a simplified benchmark model. It explored the bone remodeling model's application, implementation, and results under physiological conditions.

Hidden army within: Harnessing the microbiome to improve cancer treatment outcomes

The gut microbiome has emerged as a critical player in cancer pathogenesis and treatment response. Dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbial community, impacts tumor initiation, progression, and therapy outcomes. Specific bacterial species have been associated with either promoting or inhibiting tumor growth, offering potential targets for therapeutic intervention. The gut microbiome influences the efficacy and toxicity of conventional treatments and cutting-edge immunotherapies, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in cancer care. However, translating microbiome research into clinical practice requires addressing challenges such as standardizing methodologies, validating microbial biomarkers, and ensuring ethical considerations. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the gut microbiome's role in cancer highlighting the need for ongoing research, collaboration, and innovation to harness its full potential for improving patient outcomes in oncology. The current editorial aims to explore these insights and emphasizes the need for standardized methodologies, validation of microbial biomarkers, and interdisciplinary collaboration to translate microbiome research into clinical applications. Furthermore, it underscores ethical considerations and regulatory challenges surrounding the use of microbiome-based therapies. Together, this article advocates for ongoing research, collaboration, and innovation to realize the full potential of microbiome-guided oncology in improving patient care and outcomes.

Design, synthesis, and biological activity evaluation of novel HDAC3 selective inhibitors for combination with Venetoclax against acute myeloid leukemia

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are highly attractive targets in the drug development process, and the development of subtype-selective HDAC inhibitors is the research direction for HDAC inhibitors. As an important member of the HDAC family, HDAC3 has been found to be closely related to the pathological progression of many diseases due to its abnormal expression. In previous studies, we discovered compound 13a, which has potent inhibitory activity against HDAC1, 2, and 3. In this work, we improved the HDAC3 isotype selectivity of 13a, and obtained compound 9c through rational drug design. 9c shows a selectivity of 71 fold for HDAC3 over HDAC1 and can significantly inhibit the proliferation activity of MV4-11 cells in vitro. Furthermore, when combined with Venetoclax, 9c can effectively induce apoptosis in MV4-11 cells in vitro and reduce the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins, the development of HDAC3 selective inhibitors may serve as a potential lead compound to reverse Venetoclax resistance.

Iridium(III) complexes as novel theranostic small molecules for medical diagnostics, precise imaging at a single cell level and targeted anticancer therapy

Medical applications of iridium (III) complexes include their use as state-of-the-art theranostic agents - molecules that combine therapeutic and diagnostic functions into a single entity. These complexes offer a promising avenue in medical diagnostics, precision imaging at single-cell resolution and targeted anticancer therapy due to their unique properties. In this review we report a short summary of their application in medical diagnostics, imaging at single-cell level and targeted anticancer therapy. The exceptional photophysical properties of Iridium (III) complexes, including their brightness and photostability, make them excellent candidates for bioimaging. They can be used to image cellular processes and the microenvironment within single cells with unprecedented clarity, aiding in the understanding of disease mechanisms at the molecular level. Moreover the iridium (III) complexes can be designed to selectively target cancer cells,. Upon targeting, these complexes can act as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT), generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon light activation to induce cell death. The integration of diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in Iridium (III) complexes offers the potential for a holistic approach to cancer treatment, enabling not only the precise eradication of cancer cells but also the real-time monitoring of treatment efficacy and disease progression. This aligns with the goals of personalized medicine, offering hope for more effective and less invasive cancer treatment strategies.

Dehydroabietylamine-substituted trifluorobenzene sulfonamide rhodamine B hybrids as anticancer agents overcoming drug resistance

Attachment of a conjugate assembled from a novel fluorinated carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and rhodamine B onto dehydroabietylamine (DHA) or cyclododecylamine led to first-in-class conjugates of good cytotoxicity; thereby IC50 values (from SRB assays; employed tumor cell lines A2780, A2780Cis, A549, HT29, MCF7, and non-malignant human fibroblasts CCD18Co) between 0.2 and 0.7 μM were found. Both conjugates showed similar cytotoxic activity but the dehydroabietylamine derived conjugate outperformed its cyclododecyl analog in terms of tumor cell/non-tumor cell selectivity. Both conjugates accumulate intracellular, and the DHA conjugate was able to overcome drug resistance which is effective independent of the expression status of carbonic anhydrase IX.

Strategies that regulate Hippo signaling pathway for novel anticancer therapeutics

As a highly conserved signaling network across different species, the Hippo pathway is involved in various biological processes. Dysregulation of the Hippo pathway could lead to a wide range of diseases, particularly cancers. Extensive researches have demonstrated the close association between dysregulated Hippo signaling and tumorigenesis as well as tumor progression. Consequently, targeting the Hippo pathway has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer treatment. In fact, there has been an increasing number of reports on small molecules that target the Hippo pathway, exhibiting therapeutic potential as anticancer agents. Importantly, some of Hippo signaling pathway inhibitors have been approved for the clinical trials. In this work, we try to provide an overview of the core components and signal transduction mechanisms of the Hippo signaling pathway. Furthermore, we also analyze the relationship between Hippo signaling pathway and cancers, as well as summarize the small molecules with proven anti-tumor effects in clinical trials or reported in literatures. Additionally, we discuss the anti-tumor potency and structure-activity relationship of the small molecule compounds, providing a valuable insight for further development of anticancer agents against this pathway.

Overview of class I HDAC modulators: Inhibitors and degraders

Class I histone deacetylases (HDACs) are closely associated with the development of a diverse array of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, HIV, and inflammatory diseases. Considering the essential roles in tumorigenesis, class I HDACs have emerged as highly desirable targets for therapeutic strategies, particularly in the field of anticancer drug development. However, the conventional class I HDAC inhibitors faced several challenges such as acquired resistance, inherent toxicities, and limited efficacy in inhibiting non-enzymatic functions of HDAC. To address these problems, novel strategies have emerged, including the development of class I HDAC dual-acting inhibitors, targeted protein degradation (TPD) technologies such as PROTACs, molecular glues, and HyT degraders, as well as covalent inhibitors. This review provides a comprehensive overview of class I HDAC enzymes and inhibitors, by initially introducing their structure and biological roles. Subsequently, we focus on the recent advancements of class I HDAC modulators, including isoform-selective class I inhibitors, dual-target inhibitors, TPDs, and covalent inhibitors, from the perspectives of rational design principles, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and clinical progress. Finally, we also provide the challenges and outlines future prospects in the realm of class I HDAC-targeted drug discovery for cancer therapeutics.

Anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-melanogenic effects of the ethanol extract of Picrasma quassioides (D. Don) Benn

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Picrasma quassioides (D. Don) Benn is a vascular plant belonging to the genus Picrasma of Simaroubaceae family and grows in Korea, China, India, Taiwan, and Japan. Picrasma quassioides extract has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer properties. Moreover, this plant has been also traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, scabies, and boils in skin.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The Pq-EE has been reported in Chinese pharmacopoeia for its pharmacological effects on skin. However, the detailed mechanism on alleviating skin conditions is not understood. Hence, we investigated the skin improvement potential of Pq-EE against skin damage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used the human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) and mouse melanoma cell line (B16F10) to study the effects of Pq-EE on the epidermis. Additionally, in vitro antioxidant assays were performed using a solution that included either metal ions or free radicals.

RESULTS

In colorimetric antioxidant assays, Pq-EE inhibited free radicals in a dose-dependent manner. The Pq-EE did not affect cell viability and promoted cell survival under UVB exposure conditions in the MTT assay. The Pq-EE downregulated the mRNA levels of apoptotic factors. Moreover, MMP1 and inflammatory cytokine iNOS mRNA levels decreased with Pq-EE treatment. With regard to protein levels, caspases and cleaved caspases were more powerfully inhibited by Pq-EE than UVB-irritated conditions. p53 and Bax also decreased with Pq-EE treatment. The melanin contents and secretion were decreased at nontoxic concentrations of Pq-EE. The pigmentation pathway genes also were inhibited by treatment with Pq-EE.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, we suggest the cell protective potential of Pq-EE against UVB and ROS, indicating its use in UV-protective cosmeceutical materials.