AKT/PKB Signaling: Navigating the Network. Cell. 2017;169:381-405. [PMID: 28431241 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2017.04.001]

Exploring the effect and mechanism of action of Jinlida granules (JLD) in the treatment of diabetes-associated cognitive impairment based on network pharmacology with experimental validation

OBJECTIVES

To explore the effect and the probable mechanisms of JLD in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) - associated cognitive impairment (TDACI).

METHODS

The effect of JLD in combating TDACI was assessed in T2DM model mice by conducting Morris water maze (MWM) behaviour testing. Active components and their putative targets, as well as TDACI-related targets, were collected from public databases. Protein-protein interactions (PPIs), Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses and molecular docking were then utilized to explore potential molecular network mechanisms. Finally, the main targets were verified in animal model experiments.

RESULTS

MWM test showed that JLD improved aspects of behaviour in T2DM model mice. JLD improved glucose intolerance, tissue insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism and enhanced synapse-associated protein expression in hippocampus tissue. Network pharmacology revealed 185 active components, 337 targets of JLD, and 7998 TDACI related targets were obtained . PPI network analyses revealed 39 core targets. GO and KEGG analyses suggested that JLD might improve TDACI by regulating gene expression, apoptotic processes and inflammatory responses mainly via PI3K-AKT and AGE-RAGE signaling pathways. Molecular docking revealed strong binding of the main components to core targets. JLD reduced hippocampus tissue expression of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL6), core targets of treatment of TDACI.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggested that JLD has the potential to improve TDACI through multiple components, multiple targets and multiple pathways. JLD may be a promising treatment for diabetic cognitive impairment.

Elucidating the mechanisms of Shenwu Capsule in improving the cognitive decline in aging based on the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, network pharmacology, and experimental validation

Given the growing incidence of dementia-related disorders in the aging population, identifying effective treatments for age-related cognitive decline (ARCD) is crucial. Shenwu Capsule (SWC), shown to have therapeutic efficacy in phase III clinical trials for senile dementia, has unclear mechanisms and active ingredients. Aged mice were administered SWC orally for three months, and behavioral tests, including the Morris water maze, Y maze, and novel object recognition, assessed learning and memory. Neuronal damage was evaluated using histopathology, and the levels of Aβ and phosphorylated tau proteins were measured. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS identified 11 components of SWC capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and network pharmacology was employed to explore their potential mechanisms. Through various detection methods, including transmission electron microscopy, Western blotting, qRT-PCR, ELISA, and immunofluorescence, six key targets (AKT1, TNF, TP53, SRC, EGFR, BCL2) were elucidated. GO and KEGG pathway analyses revealed that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the pharmacological effects of SWC. SWC was found to suppress neuronal apoptosis by activating the PI3K/Akt/Bcl-2 signaling pathway, as demonstrated by changes in mRNA and protein levels. Histological analysis further showed that SWC treatment restored mitochondrial morphology in the hippocampus of aged mice. Molecular docking simulations confirmed strong binding affinities between the active components and key targets. Psoralidin, a component with strong molecular docking potential, was shown in vitro to activate the PI3K/Akt/Bcl-2 pathway, reduce ROS, decrease apoptosis, improve mitochondrial morphology, and stabilize mitochondrial membrane potential. These protective effects were blocked by the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Overall, SWC ameliorates ARCD through modulation of the PI3K/Akt/Bcl-2 signaling pathway, with psoralidin identified as a potential active ingredient.

Brain microenvironment-remodeling nanomedicine improves cerebral glucose metabolism, mitochondrial activity and synaptic function in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

The development of disease-modifying therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease remains challenging due to the complex pathology and the presence of the blood-brain barrier. Previously we have described the investigation of a brain-penetrating multifunctional bioreactive nanoparticle system capable of remodeling the hypoxic and inflammatory brain microenvironment and reducing beta-amyloid plaques improving cognitive function in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Despite the linkage of hypoxia and inflammation to metabolic alteration, the effects of this system on modulating cerebral glucose metabolism, mitochondrial activity and synaptic function remained to be elucidated. To examine this, a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (TgCRND8) in vivo were treated intravenously with beta-amyloid antibody-conjugated (Ab), blood-brain barrier-crossing terpolymer (TP) containing polymer-lipid based manganese dioxide nanoparticles (Ab-TP-MDNPs). Alterations in cerebral glucose utilization were determined by [1⁸F]FDG-PET imaging in vivo, with glucose metabolism and mitochondrial activity analyzed by biomarkers and studies with primary neurons in vitro. Synaptic function was evaluated by both biomarkers and electrophysiologic analysis. Current study shows that intravenously administered Ab-TP-MDNPs enhanced cerebral glucose utilization, improved glucose metabolism, mitochondrial activity, and increased the levels of neprilysin, O-glycosylation. The consequence of this was enhanced glucose and ATP availability, resulting in improved long-term potentiation for promoting neuronal synaptic function. This study highlights the importance of targeting the metabolism of complex disease pathologies in addressing disease-modifying therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

Unraveling osteogenesis mechanisms of the empowered VitaFlux adaptive regeneration biomaterials for bone tissue engineering: Insights into the role of BBGs/BSBGs

Bone tissue engineering materials are crucial for bone repair, but existing repair materials still face many challenges, including poor biocompatibility and bioactivity, slow self-repair processes, limited adaptability, inability to promote angiogenesis and so on. To address these issues, the development of third-generation bone repair materials, which are being designed to stimulate specific cellular responses at the molecular level, such as borate and borosilicate bioactive glasses (BBGs/BSBGs) that activate cells and genes, offers new potential for promoting bone tissue self-renewing. Their unique characteristic lies in a flow of life-giving energy, releasing beneficial ions such as boron, calcium and silicon to stimulate cell proliferation and differentiation, accelerating the regeneration of bones. Through this dynamic repair mechanism, these VitaFlux glasses operate like a "living system" within the body, not only speeding up the healing of damaged tissues but also interacting seamlessly with surrounding tissues during the repair process. In this review, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of the osteogenesis mechanisms of BBGs/BSBGs, emphasizing their interactions with cells, including ion release and exchange, protein adsorption, and cell adhesion. We also examine key osteogenic signaling pathways related to the alkaline and ionic microenvironments of BBGs/BSBGs, such as the cell cycle, Wnt, MAPK, and BMP signaling pathways, along with macrophage polarization and angiogenesis. Additionally, strategies and future prospects for advancing BBGs/BSBGs research are discussed. Special attention is given to the NaBC1 and GPCR-mediated signaling pathways, which require further investigation.

miR-660: A novel regulator in human cancer pathogenesis and therapeutic implications

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression. Among these, miR-660, located on chromosome Xp11.23, is increasingly studied for its role in cancer due to its abnormal expression in various biological contexts. It is regulated by 8 competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), which adds complexity to its function. miR- 660 targets 19 genes involved in 6 pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, STAT3, Wnt/β-catenin, p53, NF‑κB, and RAS, influencing cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion/migration. It also plays a role in resistance to chemotherapies like cisplatin, gemcitabine, and sorafenib in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), thus highlighting its clinical importance. Additionally, leveraging liposomes as nanocarriers presents a promising avenue for enhancing cancer drug delivery. Our comprehensive study not only elucidates the aberrant expression patterns, biological functions, and regulatory networks of miR-660 and its ceRNAs but also delves into the intricate signaling pathways implicated. We envisage that our findings will furnish a robust framework and serve as a seminal reference for future investigations of miR-660, fostering advancements in cancer research and potentially catalyzing breakthroughs in cancer diagnosis and treatment paradigms.

The discovery of novel N-heterocyclic-based AKT inhibitors with potential efficacy against prostate cancer

AKT, a serine/threonine protein kinase that plays a pivotal role in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, is overexpressed or hyperactivated in various cancers, including prostate, breast, and lung cancers. A series of novel nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocyclic compounds were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for AKT inhibition and anticancer activities. Among these, JL16 and JL18 emerged as potent inhibitors of AKT1 kinase, with IC50 values of 7.1 ± 1.2 nM and 8.8 ± 1.3 nM, respectively. Both compounds also demonstrated significant antiproliferative effects against PC-3 prostate cancer cells, with IC50 values of 2.9 ± 0.7 μM (JL16) and 3.0 ± 0.6 μM (JL18). Mechanistic studies revealed that JL16 and JL18 reduced phosphorylated GSK3β levels, confirming AKT target engagement in cells. Notably, JL18 exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic properties in mice, including rapid oral absorption (Tmax = 0.5 h) and 41 % bioavailability. These findings highlight JL16 and JL18 as promising AKT inhibitors for further preclinical development.

Exposure to malathion impairs learning and memory of zebrafish by disrupting cholinergic signal transmission, undermining synaptic plasticity, and aggravating neuronal apoptosis

The prevalence of organophosphorus pesticides, such as malathion, in water environments poses a severe threat to aquatic organisms. Although the brain is a potential target for malathion, little is known about its effect on cognitive functions in fish. In this study, we evaluated the effect of 4-week malathion exposure on the learning and memory of zebrafish using T-maze tasks. In addition to verifying the accumulation of malathion in the brain and its deleterious effects on blood-brain barrier integrity, the impacts of malathion on cholinergic signal transmission, synaptic plasticity, apoptosis, and oxidative stress were determined. Our results demonstrated that a 4-week malathion exposure resulted in typical learning and memory-deficit-like behaviors. Apart from inhibiting cholinergic signal transmission, synaptic plasticity was severely undermined by malathion (as evidenced by the disruption of BDNF/PI3K/AKT/CREB pathway, suppression of synaptophysins, and activation of microglia). Moreover, significantly higher levels of TUNEL fluorescence signals as well as apoptotic enzymes and genes probably induced by oxidative stress were detected in the brains of malathion-exposed zebrafish. Collectively, our results suggested that malathion at environmentally realistic levels can significantly undermine learning and memory of zebrafish by disrupting cholinergic signal transmission, impairing synaptic plasticity, and aggravating neuronal apoptosis via inducing oxidative stress.

Scutellaria barbata ameliorates acute respiratory distress syndrome by inhibiting neutrophil-mediated inflammatory responses

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The traditional medicinal herb Scutellaria barbata D. Don (commonly known as Ban Zhi Lian) is renowned for its heat-clearing and detoxifying properties and has been used to treat inflammatory conditions and various cancers. While lung inflammation is an indication for S. barbata, its effects on acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Dysregulated neutrophilic inflammation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of ARDS. In this study, we aimed to investigate the novel application of S. barbata in treating neutrophilic inflammation and ARDS. We evaluated the therapeutic potential of the ethanol extract of S. barbata (SB-EtOH) in mitigating neutrophil-driven inflammatory responses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chromatographic fingerprint of SB-EtOH was analyzed, and its ethnopharmacological mechanisms were examined for their effects on inflammatory responses in human neutrophils. The therapeutic potential of SB-EtOH was further assessed using a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ARDS.

RESULTS

SB-EtOH significantly inhibited respiratory burst, degranulation, and chemotactic responses in activated human neutrophils without cytotoxic effects. Additionally, SB-EtOH attenuated phosphorylation of key inflammatory signaling molecules, Akt and p38, while reducing calcium mobilization in activated human neutrophils. In the LPS-induced ARDS mouse model, SB-EtOH reduced pulmonary neutrophil infiltration, lung tissue damage, and oxidative stress accumulation.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that S. barbata is a promising therapeutic candidate for ARDS and other neutrophil-predominant inflammatory diseases by mitigating neutrophilic inflammation.

Rapamycin ameliorates senescence of periodontal ligament stem cells and promotes their osteogenesis via the PI3K/AKT pathway

Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) have been regarded as ideal candidates for tissue regeneration due to their excellent self-renewal and multipotent differentiation ability. Rapamycin (RAPA) is reported to play an important role in the regulation of biological properties of stem cells and a variety of physiological processes. This study investigates whether RAPA could ameliorate the senescence and accelerate the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs, particularly the regenerative potential in a rat calvarial bone defect model, and the underlying mechanisms involved. β-galactosidase staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blot analysis were performed to assess the effects of RAPA on senescent PDLSCs. The osteogenic differentiation ability of PDLSCs was detected by alkaline phosphatase staining and activity, Alizarin Red S staining, and gene and protein levels of osteogenesis-related markers. The underlying signaling pathways were investigated via RNA transcriptome sequencing analysis and WB tests. Calvarial bone defects in rat were treated with PDLSCs pre-incubated with or without RAPA and/or H2O2. The results showed that RAPA could enhance the osteogenic potentials of PDLSCs via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and reversed H2O2-induced senescence and osteogenic differentiation inhibition of PDLSCs. Moreover, calvarial defects transplanted with RAPA-treated PDLSCs showed significantly greater new bone formation compared with other groups, and also improved the H2O2-induced impairment of bone formation, whether by micro-computed tomography examination or by histological analysis. Collectively, RAPA was capable of promoting osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in vitro, facilitating calvarial bone regeneration and reversing H2O2-induced impairment of osteogenic differentiation and cell senescence in PDLSCs.

LIN28B-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway activation promotes metastasis in colorectal cancer models

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer death because of metastatic spread. LIN28B is overexpressed in 30% of CRCs and promotes metastasis, yet its mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we genetically modified CRC cell lines to overexpress LIN28B, resulting in enhanced PI3K/AKT pathway activation and liver metastasis in mice. We developed genetically modified mouse models with constitutively active Pik3ca that form intestinal tumors progressing to liver metastases with an intact immune system, addressing the limitations of previous Pik3ca-mutant models, including long tumor latency, mixed histology, and lack of distant metastases. The PI3Kα-specific inhibitor alpelisib reduced migration and invasion in vitro and metastasis in vivo. We present a comprehensive analysis of vertical inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway in CRC using the FDA-approved drugs alpelisib and capivasertib (an AKT inhibitor) in combination with LY2584702 (a ribosomal protein S6 kinase inhibitor) in CRC cell lines and mouse- and patient-derived organoids. Tissue microarrays from patients with CRC verified that LIN28B and PI3K/AKT pathway activation correlate with CRC progression. These findings highlight the critical role of the LIN28B-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway in CRC metastasis, the therapeutic potential of targeted inhibition, and the promise of patient-derived organoids in precision medicine in metastatic CRC.

Liver gene expression and its rewiring in hepatic steatosis are controlled by PI3Kα-dependent hepatocyte signaling

Insulin and other growth factors are key regulators of liver gene expression, including in metabolic diseases. Most of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activity induced by insulin is considered to be dependent on PI3Kα. We used mice lacking p110α, the catalytic subunit of PI3Kα, to investigate its role in the regulation of liver gene expression in health and in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The absence of hepatocyte PI3Kα reduced maximal insulin-induced PI3K activity and signaling, promoted glucose intolerance in lean mice and significantly regulated liver gene expression, including insulin-sensitive genes, in ad libitum feeding. Some of the defective regulation of gene expression in response to hepatocyte-restricted insulin receptor deletion was related to PI3Kα signaling. In addition, though PI3Kα deletion in hepatocytes promoted insulin resistance, it was protective against steatotic liver disease in diet-induced obesity. In the absence of hepatocyte PI3Kα, the effect of diet-induced obesity on liver gene expression was significantly altered, with changes in rhythmic gene expression in liver. Altogether, this study highlights the specific role of p110α in the control of liver gene expression in physiology and in the metabolic rewiring that occurs during MASLD.

Marine-derived fungal metabolite MHO7 promotes glioblastoma cell apoptosis as a novel Akt inhibitor by targeting membrane phosphatidylethanolamine

Temozolomide (TMZ) chemoresistance is a major challenge in the management of glioblastoma (GBM). Marine-derived fungal metabolites are a significant source of potential chemotherapeutic candidates. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effect of MHO7 (6-epi-ophiobolin G) on GBM cells. MHO7 inhibited GBM cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis, accompanied by a reduction in Akt activity and membrane phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3) content. We verified that MHO7 could react with phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), the second most abundant phospholipid in the plasma membrane, to form a covalent adduct. Pre-incubation with exogenous PE significantly alleviated the pro-apoptotic effect of MHO7, with a concomitant increase in Akt activity and membrane PIP2 and PIP3 content. Since binding to PIP3 is a key step in Akt activation, our results indicate that MHO7 can function as a novel Akt inhibitor. Additionally, MHO7 has a synergistic pro-apoptotic effect with TMZ, and TMZ-resistant GBM cells remain sensitive to MHO7. MHO7 had little cytotoxicity against normal neuronal cells. The anti-growth effect of MHO7 was also observed in an orthotopic glioma mice model. Therefore, MHO7 is a promising chemotherapeutic agent for GBM. This study also indicated that membrane lipid-targeted therapy may be a novel and effective strategy for tumor treatment.

ATF6α inhibits ΔNp63α expression to promote breast cancer metastasis by the GRP78-AKT1-FOXO3a signaling

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is increasingly recognized as a driver of cancer progression; however, the precise molecular mechanisms by which ER stress facilitates tumor metastasis remain incompletely understood. In this study, we demonstrate that ER stress-activated ATF6α promotes breast cancer cell migration and metastasis by downregulating the expression of ΔNp63α, a key metastasis suppressor. Mechanistically, ATF6α reduces ΔNp63α expression through GRP78, which interacts with and activates AKT1. Activated AKT1 subsequently phosphorylates FOXO3a, leading to its degradation. Since FOXO3a directly transactivates ΔNp63α expression, its degradation results in reduced ΔNp63α levels. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition or genetic knockdown of AKT1 upregulates ΔNp63α in vitro and suppresses tumor metastasis in vivo. Clinical analyses reveal that TP63 and FOXO3a expression are significantly reduced in breast cancer tissues compared to normal tissues, whereas ATF6 and GRP78 expression are elevated. Moreover, low TP63 and high GRP78 expression are associated with a poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. Collectively, these findings elucidate the pivotal role of the ATF6α-GRP78-AKT1-FOXO3a axis in chronic ER stress-mediated downregulation of ΔNp63α, establishing a molecular framework for targeting this pathway as a potential therapeutic strategy against breast cancer metastasis.

Bupivacaine Reduces the Viability of SH-SY5Y Cells and Promotes Apoptosis by the Inhibition of Akt Signaling Pathway

Bupivacaine (BUP) is a commonly used local anesthetic, while SH-SY5Y cells are a human neuroblastoma cell line frequently employed in research on neurotoxicity and neuroprotective mechanisms. To assess the neurotoxic effects of BUP on SH-SY5Y cells and the role of threonine-serine protein kinase B (Akt) signaling in BUP-induced nerve injury. SH-SY5Y cells were divided into three groups: the control group (Control), BUP group, and BUP + SC79 group. Cell viability was assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells was detected using the dihydroethidium fluorescence probe method, and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were detected by flow cytometry, while BUP-induced apoptosis was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. The effects of BUP on Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Akt and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) were analyzed by Western blot (WB). Compared with the control group, the BUP group and the BUP + SC79 group showed significantly reduced cell viability, significantly increased apoptosis, significantly elevated ROS levels, significantly decreased JC-1 polymer/monomer ratio, significantly increased protein levels of Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9, Akt, and p-Akt, and significantly decreased Bcl-2 protein levels (P < 0.05). However, compared with the BUP group, the BUP + SC79 group exhibited significantly increased cell viability (P = 0.022), significantly reduced apoptosis rate (P = 0.017), significantly decreased ROS levels (P = 0.015), significantly increased JC-1 polymer/monomer ratio (P = 0.024), significantly reduced protein levels of Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9, Akt, and p-Akt (P = 0.033, 0.028, 0.030, 0.035, and 0.005, respectively), and significantly increased Bcl-2 protein levels (P = 0.024). BUP can reduce the viability of SH-SY5Y cells and promote apoptosis, which may be related to its inhibitory effect on Akt protein activity.

Effect of urolithin A on intracellular survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by regulating AKT-FOXO1-mediated autophagy

Tuberculosis (TB), resulting from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in humans worldwide. Host-directed therapy (HDT) is a novel approach for treating TB, particularly those with drug resistance. Urolithin A (UroA) produced through bioconversion of plant-derived ellagic acid by gut microbes has been proven to have multiple beneficial effects in a variety of diseases without showing undesired adverse reactions. However, whether UroA has antimycobacterial effect and the underlying mechanism has not yet been reported. Here, we found that UroA significantly inhibited Mtb growth within both macrophages and mice. Moreover, UroA promoted the activation of autophagy in Mtb-infected macrophages via the protein kinase B-Forkhead box protein O1 signaling pathway, which contributed to the antimycobacterial effect of UroA. Additionally, UroA suppressed the survival of clinically isoniazid (INH)-resistant Mtb (C2) within macrophages, and the combination of UroA and INH synergistically enhanced host elimination of Mtb H37Rv. Therefore, UroA may be utilized as a potential candidate for HDT and as an adjunctive therapy with first-line anti-TB drugs.IMPORTANCEHost-directed therapy (HDT) is a novel approach for treating tuberculosis (TB), particularly those with drug resistance. Urolithin A (UroA) produced through bioconversion of plant-derived ellagic acid by gut microbes has been proven to have multiple beneficial effects in a variety of diseases without showing undesired adverse reactions. We found that UroA significantly inhibited Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) growth within macrophages. Moreover, UroA suppressed the survival of clinically isoniazid (INH)-resistant Mtb (C2) within macrophages, and the combination of UroA and INH synergistically enhanced host elimination of Mtb H37Rv. Therefore, UroA may be utilized as a potential candidate for HDT and as an adjunctive therapy with first-line anti-TB drugs.

PHLPP2 is a pseudophosphatase that lost activity in the metazoan ancestor

The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway is a major regulator of cell and organismal growth. Consequently, hyperactivation of PI3K and its downstream effector kinase, Akt, is observed in many human cancers. Pleckstrin homology domain leucine-rich repeat-containing protein phosphatases (PHLPP), two paralogous members of the metal-dependent protein phosphatase family, have been reported as negative regulators of Akt signaling and, therefore, tumor suppressors. However, the stoichiometry and identity of the bound metal ion(s), mechanism of action, and enzymatic specificity of these proteins are not known. Seeking to fill these gaps in our understanding of PHLPP biology, we unexpectedly found that PHLPP2 has no catalytic activity in vitro. Instead, we found that PHLPP2 is a pseudophosphatase with a single zinc ion bound in its catalytic center. Furthermore, we found that cancer genomics data do not support the proposed role of PHLPP1 or PHLPP2 as tumor suppressors. Phylogenetic analyses revealed an ancestral phosphatase that arose more than 1,000 Mya, but that lost activity at the base of the metazoan lineage. Surface conservation indicates that while PHLPP2 has lost catalytic activity, it may have retained substrate binding. Finally, using phylogenomics, we identify coevolving genes consistent with a scaffolding role for PHLPP2 on membranes. In summary, our results provide a molecular explanation for the inconclusive results that have hampered research on PHLPP and argue for a focus on the noncatalytic roles of PHLPP1 and PHLPP2.

Reciprocal and non-reciprocal effects of clinically relevant SETBP1 protein dosage changes

Many genes in the human genome encode proteins that are dosage sensitive, meaning they require protein levels within a narrow range to properly execute function. To investigate if clinically relevant variation in protein levels impacts the same downstream pathways in human disease, we generated cell models of two SETBP1 syndromes: Schinzel-Giedion Syndrome (SGS) and SETBP1 haploinsufficiency disease (SHD), where SGS is caused by too much protein, and SHD is caused by not enough SETBP1. Using patient and sex-matched healthy first-degree relatives from both SGS and SHD SETBP1 cases, we assessed how SETBP1 protein dosage affects downstream pathways in human forebrain progenitor cells. We find that extremes of SETBP1 protein dose reciprocally influence important signalling molecules such as AKT, suggesting that the SETBP1 protein operates within a narrow dosage range and that extreme doses are detrimental. We identified SETBP1 nuclear bodies as interacting with the nuclear lamina and suggest that SETBP1 may organize higher order chromatin structure via links to the nuclear envelope. SETBP1 protein doses may exert significant influence on global gene expression patterns via these SETBP1 nuclear bodies. This work provides evidence for the importance of SETBP1 protein dose in human brain development, with implications for two neurodevelopmental disorders.

Multi-omics analysis reveals BPF exposure causes hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism disorder in rats by disrupting energy homeostasis

Bisphenol F (BPF) is one of the main substitutes for Bisphenol A (BPA) and is widely used in the manufacture of household products. In addition, BPF threatens human health through environmental pollution and the food chain. However, the hepatotoxicity of BPF and its effects on glucose and lipid metabolism remain unclear. This study used male SD rats as an animal model to investigate the hepatotoxicity of BPF and its effects on glucose and lipid metabolism. The results of the HE staining, serum and liver biochemical indicators show that BPF can damage the basic structure of the liver, cause liver dysfunction and lead to disorders of liver glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism. Furthermore, we conducted metabolomics and proteomics analyses on the livers of the BPF exposed group at 100 mg/kg/d in comparison with the control group. The results indicated that BPF exposure had a significant effect on liver metabolism. Combined with biological analysis and the validation of changes in genes and proteins related to glucose and lipid metabolism in the liver, it was elucidated that BPF can promote fatty acid oxidation and inhibit fatty acid synthesis through the AMPK and PPAR signaling pathways, leading to a reduction in fatty acids. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that BPF can promote glycogen synthesis and gluconeogenesis via the AKT pathway, which can result in disorders of glucose metabolism.

Integrating bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing reveals SH3D21 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

As a novel genetic biomarker, the potential role of SH3D21 in hepatocellular carcinoma remains unclear. Here, we decipher the expression and function of SH3D21 in human hepatocellular carcinoma. The expression level and clinical significance of SH3D21 in hepatocellular carcinoma patients, the relationship between SH3D21 and the features of tumor microenvironment (TME) and role of SH3D21 in promoting hepatocellular carcinoma progression were analyzed based on the bulk samples obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) databases. Single-cell sequencing samples from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were employed to verify the prediction mechanism. Additionally, different biological effects of SH3D21 on hepatocellular carcinoma cells were investigated by qRT-PCR, CCK-8 assay, colony forming assay and Western blot analysis. Bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experiments revealed that the expression level of SH3D21 was up-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma and correlated with the poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. SH3D21 effectively promoted the proliferation, invasion, and migration as well as the formation of immunosuppressive microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, SH3D21 can activate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. SH3D21 stimulates the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, and SH3D21 can serve as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Black Raspberry Polyphenols Shape Metabolic Dysregulation and Perturbation in Gut Microbiota to Promote Lipid Metabolism and Liver Regeneration

Black raspberry as a functional food is a potential modulator of human metabolic disease. However, the role of black raspberry polyphenols (HSM) in shaping metabolic dysregulation and perturbation in gut microbiota (GM) to promote lipid metabolism and liver regeneration is unclear. In this work, the effects of HSM in mitigating metabolic disturbances and hepatic damage induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and antibiotics (Abs) in mice were measured. HSM significantly alleviated HFD-induced obesity, insulin resistance, lipid and glucose metabolic dysregulation, as well as hepatic damage by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway and pregnane X receptor (PXR)-farnesoid X receptor (FXR) axis with improved GM, which was evidenced by short-chain fatty acids, 16S, and nontarget metabolism analysis. Excellent results were also evident in mice treated with Abs. Besides, HSM markedly inhibited key digestive enzymes associated with metabolic syndrome and also significantly enhanced antioxidant capacity after metabolized by GM. The discoveries underscored the potential of dietary HSM to manage lipid metabolism and liver regeneration within GM homeostasis.

Low molecular weight heparins promote migration and invasion of trophoblast cells through regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Pregnant women confront a high risk of mortality due to preeclampsia (PE), which also results in severe challenges for newborns. Due to their efficient properties and minimal side effects, low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) are extensively utilized by optimizing their molecular size. Nevertheless, there have been no reports regarding the alleviating effect of LMWHs on PE and the molecular mechanism underlying it. To examine the therapeutic impact of LMWHs on PE, we initially created a PE rat model and assessed the advantages of LMWHs on PE through Western blot, immunofluorescence, TUNEL, 24-h proteinuria determination, and other techniques. Furthermore, we examined the in vitro molecular mechanism of LMWHs therapy on PE using CCK-8, Transwell, Flow cytometry, Wound healing assay, and other techniques. LMWHs, when used in vivo, reduced the rise in blood pressure and 24-h proteinuria in rat models of PE. Additionally, they prevented trophoblast cell apoptosis in these rat models. In vitro, LMWHs demonstrated a significant ability to enhance the migration and invasion of HTR-8 and JEG-3 cells. Mechanistically, LMWHs mitigate the development of PE by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. According to our findings, the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by LMWHs appears to provide relief for PE. Therefore, we have compelling evidence supporting the use of LMWHs as an efficient treatment for PE.

Perfluoropentane-based oxygen-loaded nanodroplets reduce microglial activation through metabolic reprogramming

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202504000-00032/figure1/v/2024-07-06T104127Z/r/image-tiff Microglia, the primary immune cells within the brain, have gained recognition as a promising therapeutic target for managing neurodegenerative diseases within the central nervous system, including Parkinson's disease. Nanoscale perfluorocarbon droplets have been reported to not only possess a high oxygen-carrying capacity, but also exhibit remarkable anti-inflammatory properties. However, the role of perfluoropentane in microglia-mediated central inflammatory reactions remains poorly understood. In this study, we developed perfluoropentane-based oxygen-loaded nanodroplets (PFP-OLNDs) and found that pretreatment with these droplets suppressed the lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of M1-type microglia in vitro and in vivo, and suppressed microglial activation in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Microglial suppression led to a reduction in the inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and cell migration capacity in vitro. Consequently, the neurotoxic effects were mitigated, which alleviated neuronal degeneration. Additionally, ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry showed that the anti-inflammatory effects of PFP-OLNDs mainly resulted from the modulation of microglial metabolic reprogramming. We further showed that PFP-OLNDs regulated microglial metabolic reprogramming through the AKT-mTOR-HIF-1α pathway. Collectively, our findings suggest that the novel PFP-OLNDs constructed in this study alleviate microglia-mediated central inflammatory reactions through metabolic reprogramming.

Nuciferine Attenuates Cancer Cachexia-Induced Muscle Wasting in Mice via HSP90AA1

BACKGROUND

Around 80% of patients with advanced cancer have cancer cachexia (CC), a serious complication for which there are currently no FDA-approved treatments. Nuciferine (NF) is the main active ingredient of lotus leaf, which has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and other effects. The purpose of this work was to explore the target and mechanism of NF in preventing cancer cachexia-induced muscle atrophy.

METHODS

The action of NF against CC-induced muscle atrophy was determined by constructing an animal model with a series of behavioural tests, H&E staining and related markers. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to preliminarily determine the mechanism and targets of NF against CC-induced muscle atrophy. The mechanisms of NF in treating CC-induced muscle atrophy were verified by western blotting. Molecular dynamics simulation (MD), drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) were used to validate the key target of NF.

RESULTS

After 13 days of NF treatment, the reduction of limb grip strength and hanging time in LLC model mice increased by 29.7% and 192.2% (p ≤ 0.01; p ≤ 0.001). Gastrocnemius and quadriceps muscles weight/initial body weight (0.98 ± 0.11 and 1.20 ± 0.17) and cross-sectional area of muscle fibres (600-1600 μm2) of NF-treated mice were significantly higher than those of the model group (0.84 ± 0.10, 0.94 ± 0.09, 400-800 μm2, respectively) (p ≤ 0.01; p ≤ 0.01; p ≤ 0.001). NF treatment also decreased the MyHC (myosin heavy chain) degradation and the protein levels of muscle-specific E3 ubiquitin ligases Atrogin1 and MuRF1 in the model group (p ≤ 0.001; p ≤ 0.01; p ≤ 0.05). Network pharmacology revealed that NF majorly targeted AKT1, TNF and HSP90AA1 to regulate PI3K-Akt and inflammatory pathways. Molecular docking predicted that NF bound best to HSP90AA1. Mechanism analysis demonstrated that NF regulated NF-κB and AKT-mTOR pathways for alleviating muscle wasting in tumour bearing mice. The results of MD, DARTS and SPR further confirmed that HSP90AA1 was the direct target of NF.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, we first discovered that NF retards CC-induced muscle atrophy by regulating AKT-mTOR and NF-κB signalling pathways through directly binding HSP90AA1, suggesting that NF may be an effective treatment for cancer cachexia.

Does gonadotoxic chemotherapy deplete the ovarian reserve through activation of primordial follicles?

Despite significant advances in fertility preservation, no proven pharmacological options exist to protect ovarian primordial follicle reserve from chemotherapy-induced damage. Developing targeted gonadoprotective treatments will require an improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying chemotherapy-induced primordial follicle depletion. While there is robust evidence that gonadotoxic chemotherapy induces primordial follicle death by causing DNA double-strand breaks which trigger apoptotic death, follicle activation leading to 'burn-out' of the ovarian reserve has been suggested as an alternative mechanism. Here, we critically evaluated whether primordial follicle activation is a significant mechanism of chemotherapy-induced ovarian reserve depletion in humans. We assessed the causal relationship between chemotherapy exposure and primordial follicle activation by applying the Bradford Hill criteria.

TRIM7 knockdown protects against LPS-induced autophagy, ferroptosis, and inflammatory responses in human bronchial epithelial cells

Asthma is one of the most common respiratory diseases in pediatric department. Several asthma-associated events including inflammatory responses, autophagy, and ferroptosis have been identified as typical pathological processes. TRIM7 is a member of TRIM proteins family associated with several types of diseases. Nevertheless, its role in asthma is still elusive. The current research showed that TRIM7 was involved in the pathogenesis of asthma mainly by regulating the Akt signaling pathway. In detail, we found that TRIM7 was highly expressed in patients with asthma and in an in vitro model of asthma. The following analysis indicated that TRIM7 knockdown attenuated the expression and secretion of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-exposed human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs). Meanwhile, knockdown of TRIM7 exerted inhibitory effects on LPS-induced autophagy and ferroptosis. Further mechanistic studies showed that TRIM7 knockdown inhibited LPS-induced activation of Akt pathway, while overexpression of Akt attenuated the inhibitory effects of TRIM7 knockdown on LPS-exposed HBECs. Collectively, we reported here that TRIM7 knockdown inhibited LPS-induced autophagy, ferroptosis, and inflammatory cytokine secretion in HBECs via regulating the Akt pathway, providing a new insight into the strategies for improving asthma treatments.

Modeling statin-induced myopathy with hiPSC-derived myocytes reveals that impaired proteostasis underlies the myotoxicity and is targetable for the prevention

Statins, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG)-CoA reductase inhibitors, have been widely prescribed to lower circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Although statins are well tolerated, statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) are the major adverse effect and cause statin intolerance. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms of SAMS and developing effective strategies for its prevention are of significant clinical importance; however, both remain unclear. Here, we establish a model of statin-induced myopathy (SIM) with human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived myocytes (iPSC-MCs) and investigate the effect of statins on protein homeostasis (proteostasis) that affects skeletal muscle wasting and myotoxicity. We show that treating hiPSC-MCs with statins induces atrophic phenotype and myotoxicity, establishing an hiPSC-based SIM model. We then examine whether statins impair the balance between protein synthesis and degradation. The results show that statins not only suppress protein synthesis but also promote protein degradation by upregulating the expression of the muscle-specific E3 ubiquitin ligase Atrogin-1 in a mevalonate pathway-dependent manner. Mechanistically, blocking the mevalonate pathway inactivates the protein kinase Akt, leading to the inhibition of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) but the activation of GSK3β and FOXO1. These changes explain the statin-induced impairment in proteostasis. Finally, we show that pharmacological blockage of FOXO1 prevents SIM in hiPSC-MCs, implicating FOXO1 as a key mediator of SIM. Taken together, this study suggests that the mevalonate pathway is critical for maintaining skeletal muscle proteostasis and identifies FOXO1 as a potential target for preventing SIM.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This work established a human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-based model for statin-induced myopathy (SIM) and demonstrated that blocking the mevalonate pathway disrupts the balance between protein synthesis and degradation, leading to myopathy. Furthermore, the present study showed that pharmacological inhibition of the transcription factor FOXO1 prevents SIM in human iPS cell-derived myocytes, suggesting that FOXO1 is a key mediator of SIM and a potential target for its prevention.

Pan-Cancer Analysis Shows that KIFC2 is a Potential Prognostic and Immunotherapeutic Biomarker for Multiple Cancer Types Including Bladder Cancer

KIFC2 plays an important role in prostate cancer progression and chemotherapy resistance, but the mechanism of its involvement in other malignancies remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze and validate the mechanism of effect of KIFC2 in multiple tumors. Bioinformatic analysis was performed in conjunction with multiple databases (The Cancer Genome Atlas, Genotype-Tissue Expression Project, Human Protein Atlas, etc.) to fully explore the potential role of KIFC2 within individual tumors and to analyze the correlation with major research components such as prognosis, mutations, and the tumor microenvironment. The expression of KIFC2 demonstrates a significant correlation with the prognosis, clinical phenotype, tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, and tumor microenvironment across various malignancies and is associated with the modulation of diverse functional and signaling pathways. The differences in the expression of KIFC2 in the bladder cancer tissues (14 pairs) were statistically significant. The pan-cancer analysis in this study revealed the multifunctionality of KIFC2 in a variety of tumors, indicating a possible prognostic predictor and potential therapeutic target for tumors.

Phosphoinositide signalling in cell motility and adhesion

Cell motility and adhesion are fundamental components for diverse physiological functions, including embryonic development, immune responses and tissue repair. Dysregulation of these processes can lead to a range of diseases, including cancer. Cell motility and adhesion are complex and often require regulation by an intricate network of signalling pathways, with phosphatidylinositol phosphates (PIPs) having a central role. PIPs are derived from phosphatidylinositol phosphorylation and are instrumental in mediating membrane dynamics, intracellular trafficking, cytoskeletal organization and signal transduction, all of which are crucial for cellular responses to environmental stimuli. Here we discuss the mechanisms through which PIPs modulate cell motility and adhesion by examining their roles at focal adhesions, within the cytoskeleton, at protein scaffolds and in the nucleus. By providing a comprehensive overview of PIP signalling, this Review underscores their significance in maintaining cellular homeostasis and highlights their potential as therapeutic targets in diseases characterized by aberrant cell motility and adhesion.

Non-coding RNAs and regulation of the PI3K signaling pathway in lung cancer: Recent insights and potential clinical applications

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death worldwide. It has been demonstrated that the prognosis of current drug treatments is affected by a variety of factors, including late stage, tumor recurrence, inaccessibility to appropriate treatments, and, most importantly, chemotherapy resistance. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) contribute to tumor development, with some acting as tumor suppressors and others as oncogenes. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3Ks)/AKT serine/threonine kinase pathway is one of the most important common targets of ncRNAs in cancer, which is widely applied to modulate the cell cycle and a variety of biological processes, including cell growth, mobility survival, metabolic activity, and protein production. Discovering the biology of ncRNA-PI3K/AKT signaling may lead to advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment. As a result, we investigated the expression and role of PI3K/AKT-related ncRNAs in clinical characteristics of lung cancer, as well as their functions as potential biomarkers in lung cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

Regulation of TGF-β1, PI3K/PIP3/Akt, Nrf-2/Keap-1 and NF-κB signaling pathways to avert bifenthrin induced hepatic injury: A palliative role of daidzein

Bifenthrin (BFN) is a noxious insecticide which is reported to damage various body organs. Daidzein (DZN) is a natural flavone with excellent pharmacological properties. This research was conducted to evaluate the alleviative strength of DZN to counteract BFN prompted liver toxicity in male albino rats. Thirty-two rats were divided into 4 groups i.e., the control, BFN (7 mg /kg), BFN (7 mg/kg) + DZN (20 mg/kg) and DZN (20 mg/kg) alone group. The biochemical assessment was performed by using qRT PCR as well as standard ELISA protocols. The findings are validated by applying pharmacodynamic techniques including molecular simulation. It was observed that BFN reduced the gene expressions of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphatidylinositol-3, 4, 5-triphosphate (PIP3), Protein kinase B (Akt), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) while promoting the gene expressions of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap-1). Moreover, BFN notably reduced the activities of glutathione reductase (GSR), heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) while elevating the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA). BFN promoted the levels of matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP-2), Procollagen III N-terminal Pro-peptide (PIIINP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TGF-β1), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP1), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The levels of nuclear factor- kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were increased following the BFN intoxication. BFN enhanced the expressions of cysteine-aspartic acid protease-3 (Caspase-3) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) while suppressing the gene expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2). Moreover, BFN disrupted the normal histology of liver tissues. Nonetheless, DZN treatment remarkably alleviated hepatic damages owing to its antioxidative, anti-apoptotic as well as anti-inflammatory abilities. However, DZN supplementation remarkably safeguarded which is further confirmed by in-silico assessment.

Mechanisms of Differential Sensitivity to Ethanol-Induced Apoptosis in Mouse Spinal Cord at Different Developmental Stages-Akt/GSK Signaling and BAX

The current study investigated differences in ethanol-induced apoptosis of spinal cord dorsal horn neurons at different developmental stages and the molecular mechanisms involved. A mouse ethanol intervention model was established on postnatal days 4, 7, and 12. Primary cells were derived from the spinal cord at postnatal day 4. Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry were used to detect apoptosis-related proteins in the spinal cord and primary cells. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes originating from the Gene Expression Omnibus dataset GSE184615 was conducted. Effects on Akt/GSK3β pathway proteins were investigated using the GSK3β inhibitor AR-A014418, and the Akt inhibitor DHA. Lentiviral knockdown and overexpression of intervening GSK3β were used in HT22 cell lines to investigate the effects of alcohol on GSK 3β and caspase proteins. J-aggregates, reactive oxygen species assays, and calcein-AM assays were used to investigate mitochondrial function and cell viability. Ethanol caused downregulation of Akt activity and upregulation of GSK3β activity and apoptosis. DHA, AR-A014418, and knockdown of GSK3β effectively counteracted ethanol-induced apoptosis, whereas overexpression of GSK3β enhanced the injury process. PI3K activity was unchanged during these processes. Fluorescence colocalization analysis indicated that BAX was translocated to mitochondria during the apoptotic process. BAX was downregulated as the spinal cord developed, consistent with a reduced susceptibility to ethanol-induced apoptosis. Akt/GSK3β signaling and BAX together determine the direction of alcohol-induced apoptosis and its susceptibility to change during developmental stages in the spinal cord.

Effects of in vitro cytochalasin D and hypoxia on mitochondrial energetics and biogenesis, cell signal status and actin/tubulin/Hsp/MMP entity in air-breathing fish heart

The cardiac actin cytoskeleton has a dynamic pattern of polymerisation. It is uncertain how far actin destabilisation impacts mitochondrial energetics and biogenesis, cell signal status, and structural entities in cardiomyocytes, particularly in hypoxic conditions. We thus tested the in vitro action of cytochalasin D (Cyt D), an inhibitor of actin polymerisation, in hypoxic ventricular explants to elucidate the role of the actin in mitochondrial energetics and biogenesis, cell signals and actin/tubulin/hsps/MMPs dynamics in hypoxic air-breathing fish hearts. The COX activity increased upon Cyt D exposure, whereas hypoxia lowered COX and SDH activities but increased LDH activity. The ROS increased, and NO decreased by Cyt D. COX and LDH activities, and NO content reversed after Cyt D exposure in hypoxic hearts. Cyt D exposure upregulated actin isoform expression (Actc1 and Actb1) but downregulated tubulin isoform (Tedc1). Hypoxia upregulated actin (Acta1a, Actb1, Actb2, Actc1a) tubulin (Tuba, Tubb5, Tedc1, Tubd1) and hsp (Hspa5, Hspa9, Hspa12a, Hspa14, Hspd1, Hsp90) isoform transcript expression and Cyt D in hypoxic hearts reversed these isoform's expression. Hypoxia upregulated Mmp2 and 9 transcript expressions but downregulated Mfn1, Fis1, Nfkb1, Prkacaa, and Aktip expressions, and Cyt D exposure reversed almost all these markers in hypoxic hearts. The data provide novel evidence for the mechanistic role of actin in integrating mitochondrial energetics and biogenesis, cell signal status and actin/tubulin/Hsp/MMP entity, indicating its critical cardioprotective role in defending against hypoxia. Besides proposing an air-breathing fish heart as a model, the study further brings the therapeutic potential of Cyt D towards hypoxia intervention.

Isorhamnetin ameliorates hyperuricemia by regulating uric acid metabolism and alleviates renal inflammation through the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway

Hyperuricemia is a chronic metabolic disease with high incidence, and it has become a severe health risk in modern times. Isorhamnetin is a natural flavonoid found in a variety of plants, especially fruits such as buckthorn. The in vivo hyperuricemia ameliorating effect of isorhamnetin and the specific molecular mechanism were profoundly investigated using a hyperuricemia mouse model in this study. Results indicated that isorhamnetin showed a significant uric acid-lowering effect in mice. Isorhamnetin was able to reduce uric acid production by inhibiting XOD activity. Furthermore, it reduced the expression of GLUT9 to inhibit uric acid reabsorption and enhanced the expression of ABCG2, OAT1, and OAT3 to promote uric acid excretion. Metabolomics analysis revealed that gavage administration of isorhamnetin restored purine metabolism and riboflavin metabolism disorders and thus significantly alleviated hyperuricemia in mice. Furthermore, the alleviating effect of isorhamnetin on hyperuricemia-induced renal inflammation and its specific mechanism were explored through network pharmacology and molecular validation experiments. Network pharmacology predicted that seven targets were enriched in the PI3K/AKT pathway (CDK6, SYK, KDR, RELA, PIK3CG, IGF1R, and MCL1) and four targets were enriched in the NF-κB pathway (SYK, PARP1, PTGS2, and RELA). Western blot analysis validated that isorhamnetin inhibited the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT and down-regulated the expression of NF-κB p65. It indicated that isorhamnetin could inhibit the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway to reduce the levels of renal inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-β and IL-6) and ultimately ameliorate hyperuricemia-induced renal inflammation in mice. This study provides a comprehensive and strong theoretical basis for the application of isorhamnetin in the field of functional foods or dietary supplements to improve hyperuricemia.

Integrative network pharmacology, transcriptomics, and proteomics reveal the material basis and mechanism of the Shen Qing Weichang Formula against gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) is a common malignancy with poor prognosis and lack of efficient therapeutic methods. Shen Qing Weichang Formula (SQWCF) is a patented traditional herbal prescription for GC, but its efficacy and underlying mechanism remains to be clarified.

PURPOSE

To explore the efficacy and potential mechanism of SQWCF in treating GC.

METHODS

A subcutaneous transplantation tumor model of human GC was established for assessing SQWCF's efficacy and safety. A comprehensive strategy integrating mass spectrometry, network pharmacology, omics analysis, and bioinformatic methods was adopted to explore the core components, key targets, and potential mechanism of SQWCF in treating GC. Molecular docking, immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time PCR, and western blot were applied to validation.

RESULTS

In the mouse model of GC, SQWCF effectively suppressed the GC growth without evident toxicity and enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel. Network pharmacology and molecular docking based on mass spectrometry showed that key targets (CASP3, TP53, Bcl-2, and AKT1) and core active components (Calycosin, Glycitein, Liquiritigenin, Hesperetin, and Eriodictyol) involved in the anti-GC effect of SQWCF had stable binding affinity, of which AKT1 ranked the top in the affinity. Validation based on network pharmacology and omics analysis confirmed that PI3K-AKT and MAPK signaling pathways, as well as downstream apoptosis pathway, explained the therapeutic effects of SQWCF on GC. In addition, family with sequence similarity 81 member A (FAM81A) was identified as a novel biomarker of GC that was aberrantly highly expressed in GC and associated with poor prognosis by bioinformatic analysis, and was an effector target of SQWCF at both mRNA and protein levels.

CONCLUSION

This study uncovers a synergistic multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway regulatory mechanism of SQWCF in treating GC comprehensively, emphasizing its potential for therapeutic use and providing new insights into GC treatment.

Secosteroid - 1,3,4-oxadiazole hybrids: Synthesis and evaluation of their activity against hormone-dependent breast cancer cells

This study focused on the synthesis of secosteroids with good antiproliferative properties against hormone-dependent breast cancer. A straightforward and efficient method for synthesizing secosteroid - 1,3,4-oxadiazole hybrids was developed starting from 13α-hydroxy-3-methoxy-13,17-secoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-oic acid hydrazide. The cyclization of hydrazide moiety with CS2 into 1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)-thione fragment followed by sulfur alkylation resulted in the formation of various secosteroid - 2-mercapto-1,3,4-oxadiazole hybrids. These novel compounds were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against the hormone-dependent human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Among the synthesized hybrids, compounds 3i, 3o, and 3q displayed notable antiproliferative effects, with IC50 values ranging from 6.5 to 8.9 µM, comparable to the reference drug cisplatin. Furthermore, compound 3i showed minimal toxicity toward non-cancerous hFB-hTERT fibroblasts, indicating high selectivity. Compounds 3o and 3q exhibited antiestrogenic activity. Additionally, their effects on PARP and Bcl-2 suggest a pro-apoptotic mechanism of action. These findings highlight the potential of secosteroidal hybrids as promising candidates for the development of new anti-breast cancer agents targeting ERα and apoptosis pathways.

The effects of flavonoid baicalein on miRNA expressions in cancer: a systematic review

Baicalein from Scutellaria baicalensis influences miRNA expression in various cancers, affecting key signaling pathways (PI3K/AKT, Wnt/β-catenin, mTOR) and processes like tumor growth, apoptosis, and metastasis. miRNAs, as small non-coding RNAs, play crucial roles in the cancer pathogenesis-associated gene regulations. This study is aimed at systematically reviewing the effects of baicalein on miRNA expression in various cancers. A comprehensive systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines to investigate the impact of baicalein on miRNA expression in cancer. Databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were systematically searched using key search terms. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies reporting changes in miRNA expression following baicalein treatment in cancer cell lines and animal models. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment based on SYRCLE's risk of bias tool were performed to ensure methodological rigor and reliability of the findings. Fifteen studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the systematic review. Baicalein impacts miRNA expression in cancers like hepatocellular carcinoma, breast, cervical, ovarian, and gastric cancers, suggesting its potential as a multi-cancer therapeutic. Baicalein regulates tumor-related genes (HDAC10, MDM2, Bcl-2/Bax, and Cyclin E1) and signaling molecules (AKT, FOXO3α), affecting cell viability, apoptosis, and cell cycle, indicating targeted therapeutic potential. In vitro and in vivo studies show baicalein inhibits tumor growth, enhances apoptosis, and regulates cell proliferation, supporting its anticancer effects. Baicalein exhibits potential in modulating miRNA expression in cancer, offering avenues for therapeutic intervention. However, methodological rigor in future studies is essential to enhance the reliability and validity of findings. Comprehensive understanding of baicalein's effects on miRNA expression holds promise for developing novel cancer treatment strategies.

Diet induced insulin resistance is due to induction of PTEN expression

Insulin resistance is a condition associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes(T2D), hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia and defined by reduced sensitivity to insulin signaling. Molecular causes and early signaling events underlying insulin resistance are not well understood. Here we show that insulin activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in insulin target tissues, causes mTORC1 induction of PTEN translation, a negative regulator of PI3K signaling. We hypothesized that insulin resistance is due to insulin dependent induction of PTEN that prevents further increases in PI3K signaling. In a diet induced animal model of obesity and insulin resistance, we show that PTEN levels are increased in fat, muscle, and liver. Hyperinsulinemia and PTEN induction are followed by hyperglycemia, severe glucose intolerance, and hepatic steatosis. In response to chronic hyperinsulinemia, PTEN remains increased, while AKT activity is induced transiently before settling down to a PTEN-high and AKT-low state in the tissues, predicted by computational modeling of the PTEN-AKT feedback loop. Treatment with PTEN and mTORC1 inhibitors prevent and reverse the effect of PTEN induction, rescue insulin resistance and increase PI3K/AKT signaling. Thus, we show that PTEN induction by increased insulin levels elevates feedback inhibition of the pathway causing insulin resistance, its associated phenotypes, and is a potential therapeutic target.

BmWARS inhibits BmNPV infection via the PI3K-Akt pathway

Bombyx mori Tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase (BmWARS) belongs to the family of Ic-like aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs), whose specific recognition of the substrate Trp, tRNA, maintains the fidelity of protein synthesis. In this study, BmWARS was cloned and characterized from the midgut of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, resulting in an open reading frame (ORF) with a full length of 1,149 bp, which can encode 382 Aa. BmWARS is localized in the cytoplasm, and is expressed in all tissues of the silkworm, with higher expression in the testis, ovary, silk gland and malpighian tubule. The expression of BmWARS was significantly up-regulated in the midgut and silk gland after infection with Bombyx mori nuclear polyhedrosis virus (BmNPV). In addition, overexpression of BmWARS inhibited BmNPV infection and replication extremely significantly, while interference with BmWARS expression promoted BmNPV infection and replication. Analysis of the immune pathways in which BmWARS may be involved revealed that the expression of the key genes of the PI3K-Akt pathway, BmPI3K, BmAkt, BmPDK1, BmeIF4E, BmS6, and p-Akt protein was significantly reduced, whereas the expression of BmPTEN, BmFoxO, and BmCaspase9 was significantly increased in the cells that overexpressed BmWARS and were infected with BmNPV. Meanwhile, the results of the study interfering with the expression of BmWARS were completely opposite to those of the study overexpressing BmWARS. This is the first report that BmWARS has antiviral effects in Bombyx mori. Moreover, BmWARS inhibits BmNPV infection and replication in Bombyx mori cells by promoting apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound inhibits chondrocyte senescence by inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling

Cellular senescence is an important cause of age-related degenerative diseases, including osteoarthritis (OA). Chondrocyte senescence is crucial in OA onset and progression. As a non-invasive, safe, and widely used physical rehabilitation factor, the effect and mechanism of low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on chondrocyte senescence remain unclear. This study evaluated the inhibitory effect of LIPUS on OA chondrocyte senescence in vitro and in vivo. The effect of LIPUS on chondrocyte senescence was examined by RT-qPCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and western blotting. Changes in levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and γ-h2ax foci in senescent chondrocytes were detected using fluorescent staining. Chondrocyte senescence was evaluated by senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining. The PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and the PI3K agonist 740Y-P were used to investigate whether PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling was involved in the effect of LIPUS in senescent chondrocytes. Chondrocyte senescence and cartilage degeneration were analyzed in a destabilization of the medial meniscal (DMM) mouse model by immunohistochemistry, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and safranin-O/fast green staining. LIPUS inhibited the expression of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors CCL4 and CCL2 and the senescence phenotype in doxorubicin-treated chondrocytes by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. LIPUS alleviated chondrocyte senescence and attenuated OA progression in the DMM mice. These results demonstrated a novel role for LIPUS in inhibiting chondrocyte senescence and the SASP by modulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling. Our findings expanded the clinical application of LIPUS and provide a new, non-invasive, and safe treatment approach to prevent and treat age-related degenerative joint disorders.

Metformin Improves Spatial Memory and Reduces Seizure Severity in a Rat Model of Epilepsy and Alzheimer's Disease comorbidity via PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway

Emerging evidence suggests a bidirectional relationship between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and epilepsy. In our previous studies, we identified a partial AD-like phenotype associated with central insulin resistance in the Wistar audiogenic rat (WAR), a genetic model of epilepsy. We also found that intracerebroventricular administration of streptozotocin, a compound used to model diabetes and AD, exacerbates seizure susceptibility. Given the role of insulin signaling in both AD and epilepsy, we hypothesized that metformin (MET), an anti-diabetic drug known for enhancing insulin sensitivity, could be a potential therapeutic agent for both conditions. Our objective was to investigate MET's effects on brain insulin signaling, seizure activity, and AD-like pathology in WARs. Adult male WARs received oral MET (250 mg/kg) for 21 days. Audiogenic seizures were assessed using the Categorized Severity Index and Racine's scale. Spatial memory was tested with the Morris water maze (MWM), followed by Western blot analysis of hippocampal proteins. MET significantly reduced seizure severity and improved MWM performance. Although MET did not affect insulin receptor levels or activation, it increased phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), activated Akt, and increased glycogen synthase kinase-3α/β (GSK-3α/β) levels. MET also decreased amyloid β precursor protein (AβPP) levels but did not affect Tau phosphorylation. These results suggest that chronic MET treatment alleviates behaviors related to both AD and epilepsy in WARs and modulates insulin signaling independently of insulin receptor activation. Our findings highlight MET's potential as a therapeutic agent for managing comorbid AD and epilepsy, warranting further investigation into its mechanisms of action.

The Role of PHLDA3 in Cancer Progression and Its Potential as a Therapeutic Target

Pleckstrin homology-like domain family A, member 3 (PHLDA3) is a p53-regulated tumor suppressor protein that suppresses AKT-mediated survival and oncogenic signaling. The PHLDA3 gene has garnered significant attention due to its multifaceted roles in tumorigenesis, metastasis, and invasion. This review explores the complex interactions between PHLDA3 and key cellular processes involved in cancer, emphasizing its regulatory mechanisms and clinical relevance. PHLDA3 has been found to be a critical regulator of metastatic pathways, particularly through its influence on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and in cellular invasion. Its interactions with pivotal signaling pathways, such as the Phosphoinositide 3-kinases/Protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), p53, and Wnt/β-catenin pathways, highlight its multifunctional roles in various cancer types. Additionally, we discuss the potential of PHLDA3 as both a prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target, offering new insights into its potential in treating advanced-stage malignancies. This review provides a detailed analysis of the role of PHLDA3 in cancer progression, including metastasis and invasion, underscoring its therapeutic potential.

Metabolic and transcriptional regulation of reproductive diapause in Arma chinensis

Diapause enables insects to survive unfavorable conditions through metabolic and developmental adjustments. We investigated metabolic regulation during reproductive diapause in the predatory stinkbug Arma chinensis using transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. Our study revealed 9,254 differentially expressed genes and 493 significantly changed metabolites across diapause stages. Key metabolic pathways including glutathione metabolism, TCA cycle, glycolysis, and lipid metabolism underwent substantial reorganization. The pre-diapause phase showed increased energy consumption and lipid accumulation, while the maintenance phase exhibited restructuring of amino acid and glucose metabolism. We identified stage-specific metabolic signatures and potential regulatory mechanisms, including the roles of glutathione metabolism in redox regulation and insulin signaling in diapause control. This comprehensive characterization of metabolic reprogramming during A. chinensis diapause provides insights for improving biocontrol agent production and storage strategies.

Akt Activation With IPL344 Treatment for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: First in Human, Open-Label Study

INTRODUCTION/AIMS

Akt intracellular signal transduction pathway dysfunction has been reported in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) providing a novel target for intervention in this devastating progressive disease. This first-in-human study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of the Akt pathway activator, IPL344, in people with ALS.

METHODS

Nine participants with ALS and a progression rate > 0.55 points/month on the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) received open-label IPL344 treatment (once-daily) for up to 36 months. Safety was assessed through adverse event (AE) reporting. Plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) concentrations were measured before and after treatment. Clinical outcomes were compared to historical data.

RESULTS

The mean ± SD duration of IPL344 follow-up was 14.0 ± 12.5 months. One participant developed drug hypersensitivity, two had central venous catheter-related AEs, and two had serious pneumonia AEs. The unadjusted mean ± SE slope of decline in ALSFRS-R was -0.53 ± 0.15 (48% slower progression vs. historical controls, p = 0.028). Adjustment for disease stage and rate-indicating covariates indicated a 64% slower ALSFRS-R progression (p = 0.034), with increased rather than reduced body weight (p = 0.02). Eight of nine IPL344-treated participants had a significantly improved slope compared to the median slope of a matched control group (p = 0.04). Plasma NfL concentrations were lowered by 27% (n = 6). Unadjusted median survival for participants in the IPL344 group was 43.4 months [95% CI: 20.5, NA] compared with 19.1 months [17.4, 23.0] in the historical control group.

DISCUSSION

These preliminary data indicate that IPL344 was safe and well-tolerated, and possibly effective. Our findings may merit further investigation in a larger placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Evaluating the Molecular Interactions between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Parkinson's Disease: Role of Antidiabetic Drugs as Promising Therapeutics

Evidence from previous research demonstrates a relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and Parkinson's disease (PD). T2DM is associated with chronic glucose dysregulation, as an etiological factor. It inhibits neuronal function through disrupted insulin signaling and oxidative stress, which ultimately lead to the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Interactions between T2DM and PD were analyzed by gene expression, coexpression, and gene set enrichment via NCBI and STRING databases following pathways like KEGG and Reactome. The study identified nine key gene interactions through published literature on different databases and search engines that are involved in the progression of these chronic diseases. Furthermore, some genetic and nongenetic risk factors, gene mutations and environmental factors, are also involved in the progression of T2DM and PD. This review highlights the limitations of currently available drug treatments for these diseases and examines modern therapeutic approaches to address neurodegenerative and metabolic abnormalities. We critically assess the current experimental methodologies aimed at unraveling the pathophysiological mechanisms linking PD and T2DM while addressing the key challenges impeding a comprehensive understanding of the concurrent emergence of these debilitating age-related conditions.

Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation Reveal Sishen Pill's Efficacy in Treating NSAID-Induced Small Intestinal Ulcers

Purpose

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used but often cause small intestinal ulcers (SIUs), for which effective therapies are lacking. Sishen Pill (SSP), a traditional Chinese medicine, shows therapeutic promise, yet its mechanisms remain unclear. This study integrates network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation to systematically investigate SSP's protective mechanisms against NSAID-induced SIUs.

Patients and Methods

Active SSP ingredients were screened using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) and Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM) databases. SIU-related targets were retrieved from GeneCards and DisGeNET. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed via STRING and Cytoscape, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Molecular docking (AutoDock Vina, PyMOL) validated ligand-target interactions. In vivo validation employed an indomethacin-induced SIU rat model to assess SSP's effects on ulcer severity, inflammation, oxidative stress, and PI3K/AKT signaling.

Results

We identified 66 bioactive SSP ingredients, 222 drug targets, and 144 SIU-related targets. Molecular docking revealed high binding affinity of SSP components (quercetin, bavachinin, rutaecarpine, evodiamine) to key targets (AKT1, HSP90AA1, IL6, MAPK1, BCL2). KEGG analysis highlighted the PI3K/AKT pathway as central. In vivo, SSP reduced ulcer indices, suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), and attenuated oxidative stress. SSP also downregulated PI3K and AKT1 mRNA expression, confirming pathway modulation.

Conclusion

This study elucidates SSP's multi-target mechanism against NSAID-induced SIUs, emphasizing its role in suppressing inflammation, oxidative stress, and PI3K/AKT signaling. These findings provide a scientific foundation for SSP's clinical application and highlight its potential as a safe, effective alternative to conventional therapies.

MYBL2 promotes cell proliferation and inhibits cell apoptosis via PI3K/AKT and BCL2/BAX/Cleaved-caspase-3 signaling pathway in gastric cancer cells

The transcription factor MYB proto-oncogene like 2 (MYBL2) has been reported to be involved in the occurrence and development of various tumors, however, its role in gastric cancer (GC) remains to be elucidated. In this study, the Kaplan-Meier plotter was used to evaluate the prognostic value of different MYBL2 expression levels in GC patients. The UALCAN database were applied to analyze the relationships between MYBL2 and clinicopathological characteristics of GC. GC cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis were determined by CCK-8 and flow cytometry assays, and proteins were examined by Western blot analysis. Next, signaling pathway enrichment analysis of MYBL2-related genes and protein expression were analyzed by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Western blot assays. The results found that MYBL2 expression was significantly upregulated in GC compared with adjacent non-malignant tissues and associated with poor patient survival, tumor, stages and lymph node metastasis. Forced expression of MYBL2 could promote cell proliferation, resulting in an accelerated S phase progression and inhibiting cell apoptosis in GC cells. Conversely, MYBL2 silencing inhibited cell proliferation, induced G2/M phase arrest and promoted cell apoptosis in GC cells. Mechanistically, Western blot analysis showed that MYBL2 silencing decreased the expression of BCL2 and upregulated the expression of Cleaved-caspase-3 and BAX in HGC-27 cells. Conversely, MYBL2 overexpression in AGS cells resulted in the opposite effects. Furthermore, enforced expression of MYBL2 activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, especially AKT phosphorylation. Additionally, the AKT inhibitor MK2206 significantly reversed the proliferation capacity of GC cells induced by MYBL2 overexpression. Therefore, these results suggest that upregulated expression of MYBL2 contributes to GC cell growth and inhibits cell apoptosis by regulating the PI3K/AKT and BCL2/BAX/Cleaved-caspase-3 signaling pathways in GC cells indicating that MYBL2 may be a new therapeutic target and prognostic marker for GC.

Distinct requirements for PI3K isoforms p110α and p110δ for PIP3 synthesis in mouse oocytes and early embryos

The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway is thought to regulate key steps of mammalian oogenesis, such as dormant oocyte awakening during follicular activation, meiotic resumption and oocyte maturation. Supporting evidence is, however, indirect, as oocyte PI3K activation has never been formally demonstrated, and the PI3K isoforms involved have not been revealed. Here, we employed fluorescent PIP3 biosensors to characterize PI3K dynamics in mouse oocytes and we investigated the contribution of the PI3K isoform p110α by conditional genetic ablation. Prophase oocytes showed baseline PI3K/Akt activation that could be further stimulated by adding Kit ligand. Contrary to previous reports, maternal PI3K proved dispensable for oocyte maturation in vitro, yet it was required for PIP3 synthesis in early embryos. We further show that oocyte p110α is not essential for oogenesis and female fertility. Accordingly, our data suggest that Kit ligand activates isoform p110δ for PIP3 synthesis in oocytes. In contrast, constitutive PIP3 synthesis in early embryos is achieved by maternal p110α acting redundantly with p110δ. This study highlights the relevance of PIP3 biosensors in establishing the dynamics, mechanisms and roles of maternal PI3K signaling during mammalian oogenesis.

The role of NUDT3 in lipid accumulation and its functional variants related to backfat thickness in pigs

NUDT3 is a leading candidate gene that strongly linked to pig fatness traits, however, its function in porcine adipocytes remains poorly understood. Here, the percentage of EdU+ cells was significantly reduced when NUDT3 was knocked down, as was the expression of cell cycle repressors. NUDT3 overexpression yielded the opposite outcome. Moreover, the knockdown of NUDT3 resulted in more lipid droplets in adipocytes, whereas its enforced expression had the reverse effect. In addition, exogenous expression of NUDT3 in adipose tissue significantly reduced fat expansion triggered by a high-fat diet in mice. At molecular level, integrative RIP-seq and RNA-seq analysis revealed that genes influenced by NUDT3 overexpression or knockdown were significantly enriched in the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, and western blot confirmed that AKT phosphorylation was significantly increased by NUDT3 knockdown, while the phosphorylation levels of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR were significantly decreased by the enforced NUDT3 expression both ex vivo and in vivo. Notably, rs694899689 was identified as a potential genetic variant for modulates NUDT3 expression and impacting backfat thickness in pigs through analysis of multi-omics data, CRISPRi (CRISPR interference) and dual luciferase reporter assays. Overall, our work established NUDT3 as a novel negative regulator of adipogenesis and lipid deposition and revealed that rs694899689 might serve as a potential molecular marker for pig breeding.

Neuroprotective effect of apo-9'-fucoxanthinone against cerebral ischemia injury by targeting the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathway

Neuronal loss in cerebral ischemia primarily results from the combined effects of inflammatory responses and programmed cell death. Currently, there is an urgent need for potent neuroprotectants targeting both inflammatory and apoptotic responses for the treatment of ischemic stroke. Marine natural products are a vital source of novel drug candidates. Apo-9'-fucoxanthinone (APO-9'), a degradation product of fucoxanthin derived from marine brown algae, is known for its substantial anti-inflammatory effects, yet its neuroprotective action has not been clearly defined. In this study, the neuroprotective effects of APO-9' in alleviating cerebral ischemia injury and the underlying mechanism were primarily explored with the aid of tandem mass tag-based quantitative proteomics. APO-9' was found to markedly decrease the levels of inflammation factors by suppressing the IKK/IκB/NF-κB pathway in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV2 cells. It also attenuated apoptotic responses in both LPS-induced BV2 cells and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced SH-SY5Y cells. These neuroprotective effects of APO-9' were linked to the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Intraperitoneal injection of APO-9' in a MCAO mouse model showed significant cerebral protection against ischemia. The involvements of the IKK/IκB/NF-κB and PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathways were also confirmed in its alleviation of cerebral ischemia in vivo. This study established that APO-9' exerted neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia by inhibiting inflammatory and apoptotic cascades via the IKK/IκB/NF-κB and PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathways.

Screening necroptosis genes influencing osteoarthritis development based on machine learning

Machine learning can be applied to identify key genes associated with osteoarthritis (OA). This study aimed to explore the differential expression of necroptosis-related genes (NRGs) during the progression of OA, identify key gene modules strongly linked to the onset of OA, and assess the role of CASP1 and its correlation with immune cell infiltration in OA. Gene expression profile data were obtained for OA and normal tissues: GSE55235 (10 OA and 10 normal synovial tissues) and GSE46750 (12 OA and 12 normal synovial tissues). Differential expression analysis identified 44 NRGs. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis revealed that the turquoise module, including 2037 genes, showed a strong correlation with OA. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses showed that these genes were predominantly involved in regulating the JNK cascade, cellular response to oxidative stress, and Toll-like receptor signalling pathways. The support vector machine model exhibited the highest predictive performance (area under the curve of 0.883). Additionally, CASP1 expression in OA tissues was considerably elevated compared to normal tissues and was strongly associated with immune cell infiltration. These findings deepen our understanding of the pathophysiological foundation of OA and identify possible molecular targets for creating innovative OA therapies.