Molecular regulation of autophagy and suppression of protein kinases by aescin, a triterpenoid saponin impedes lung cancer progression

Autophagy Dysfunction: The Kernel of Hair Loss?

Autophagy is recognized as a crucial regulatory process, instrumental in the removal of senescent, dysfunctional, and damaged cells. Within the autophagic process, lysosomal digestion plays a critical role in the elimination of impaired organelles, thus preserving fundamental cellular metabolic functions and various biological processes. Mitophagy, a targeted autophagic process that specifically focuses on mitochondria, is essential for sustaining cellular health and energy balance. Therefore, a deep comprehension of the operational mechanisms and implications of autophagy and mitophagy is vital for disease prevention and treatment. In this context, we examine the role of autophagy and mitophagy during hair follicle cycles, closely scrutinizing their potential association with hair loss. We also conduct a thorough review of the regulatory mechanisms behind autophagy and mitophagy, highlighting their interaction with hair follicle stem cells and dermal papilla cells. In conclusion, we investigate the potential of manipulating autophagy and mitophagy pathways to develop innovative therapeutic strategies for hair loss.

ATP6V1B1 regulates ovarian cancer progression and cisplatin sensitivity through the mTOR/autophagy pathway

Early detection and effective chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, a serious gynecological malignancy, require further progress. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of ATPase H+-Transporting V1 Subunit B1 (ATP6V1B1) in ovarian cancer development and chemoresistance. Our data show that ATP6V1B1 is upregulated in ovarian cancer and correlated with decreased progression-free survival. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments demonstrated that ATP6V1B1 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ovarian cancer cells in vitro, while ATP6V1B1 knockout inhibits tumor growth in vivo. In addition, knocking down ATP6V1B1 increases the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin. Mechanistic studies showed that ATP6V1B1 regulates the activation of the mTOR/autophagy pathway. Overall, our study confirmed the oncogenic role of ATP6V1B1 in ovarian cancer and revealed that ATP6V1B1 promotes ovarian cancer progression via the mTOR/autophagy axis.

Targeting Antheraea pernyi silk fibroin modified dual-gene coexpressing vector enhances gene transport and promotes lung tumor suppression

Poor systemic administration capability, a natural tendency to target CAR-positive cells, nonspecific shedding to normal organs, and poor viral persistence in tumor tissues are major hindrances to the therapeutic benefit of adenovirus (Ad) gene vectors in the clinical setting. Antheraea pernyi silk fibroin (ASF) grafted with targeted peptides was used to coat ING4-IL-24 dual-gene coexpressing adenovirus for targeted gene therapy of lung carcinoma. The dual-gene vector with a diameter of 390 nm could target and infect H460 lung tumor cells, internalize into cells, express the ING4 and IL-24 genes at a high level, effectively inhibit the proliferation of lung tumor cells, and induce their apoptosis. The in vivo treatment of H460 human lung carcinoma xenograft tumors showed that the dual-gene coexpressing vector suppressed the proliferation of lung tumor cells by downregulating the expression of Ki67 and Bcl-2, promoted apoptosis by upregulating the expression of C Caspase-3 and Bax, and blocked tumor angiogenesis by downregulating the expression of VEGF and CD31, thus exerting a multichannel tumor inhibition effect. Surface modification of Ad with targeted cationic silk fibroin is an effective way to solve the natural tendencies and in vivo instability of adenovirus vectors, and such vectors have potential for clinical application.

Lonicerae Japonicae Caulis: a review of its research progress of active metabolites and pharmacological effects

Lonicerae Japonicae Caulis is the aboveground stem part of the Lonicera Japonica Thunb, which belongs to the medicine food homology species in China. It has the effects of clearing away heat, toxic material, dredging wind and unblocking collaterals. Modern research shows that it contains various active metabolites and a wide range of pharmacological effects, which is of great research and clinical application value. It mainly contains organic acids, volatile oils, flavonoids, triterpenes, triterpene saponins and other active metabolites. Its pharmacological effects mainly include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antitumor, antioxidant, and repairing bone and soft tissue. Based on the literature reports in recent years, the active metabolites, pharmacological effects and mechanisms of Lonicerae Japonicae Caulis were sorted out and summarized. It lays a foundation for explaining the efficacy material basis and application value of Lonicerae Japonicae Caulis. It aims to provide a reference for the in-depth research, development and utilization of Lonicerae Japonicae Caulis.