Essential versus accessory aspects of cell death: recommendations of the NCCD 2015

Cell death induced by acute renal injury: a perspective on the contributions of accidental and programmed cell death

The involvement of cell death in acute kidney injury (AKI) is linked to multiple factors including energy depletion, electrolyte imbalance, reactive oxygen species, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and activation of several cell death pathway components. Since our review in 2003, discussing the relative contributions of apoptosis and necrosis, several other forms of cell death have been identified and are shown to contribute to AKI. Currently, these various forms of cell death can be fundamentally divided into accidental cell death and regulated or programmed cell death based on functional aspects. Several death initiator and effector molecules switch molecules that may act as signaling components triggering either death or protective mechanisms or alternate cell death pathways have been identified as part of the machinery. Intriguingly, several of these cell death pathways share components and signaling pathways suggesting complementary or compensatory functions. Thus, defining the cross talk between distinct cell death pathways and identifying the unique molecular effectors for each type of cell death may be required to develop novel strategies to prevent cell death. Furthermore, depending on the multiple forms of cell death simultaneously induced in different AKI settings, strategies for combination therapies that block multiple cell death pathways need to be developed to completely prevent injury, cell death, and renal function. This review highlights the various cell death pathways, cross talk, and interactions between different cell death modalities in AKI.

New insights into the mechanism of resistance to lenvatinib and strategies for lenvatinib sensitization in hepatocellular carcinoma

Lenvatinib is a multikinase inhibitor that suppresses vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα), as well as the proto-oncogenes RET and KIT. Lenvatinib has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the first-line treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to its superior efficacy when compared to sorafenib. Unfortunately, the development of drug resistance to lenvatinib is becoming increasingly common. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify the factors that lead to drug resistance and ways to mitigate it. We summarize the molecular mechanisms that lead to lenvatinib resistance (LR) in HCC, which involve programmed cell death (PCD), translocation processes, and changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME), and provide strategies to reverse resistance.

Targeting a mTOR/autophagy axis: a double-edged sword of rapamycin in spontaneous miscarriage

Immune dysfunction is a primary culprit behind spontaneous miscarriage (SM). To address this, immunosuppressive agents have emerged as a novel class of tocolytic drugs, modulating the maternal immune system's tolerance towards the embryo. Rapamycin (PubChem CID:5284616), a dual-purpose compound, functions as an immunosuppressive agent and triggers autophagy by targeting the mTOR pathway. Its efficacy in treating SM has garnered significant research interest in recent times. Autophagy, the cellular process of self-degradation and recycling, plays a pivotal role in numerous health conditions. Research indicates that autophagy is integral to endometrial decidualization, trophoblast invasion, and the proper functioning of decidual immune cells during a healthy pregnancy. Yet, in cases of SM, there is a dysregulation of the mTOR/autophagy axis in decidual stromal cells or immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have highlighted the potential benefits of low-dose rapamycin in managing SM. However, given mTOR's critical role in energy metabolism, inhibiting it could potentially harm the pregnancy. Moreover, while low-dose rapamycin has been deemed safe for treating recurrent implant failure, its potential teratogenic effects remain uncertain due to insufficient data. In summary, rapamycin represents a double-edged sword in the treatment of SM, balancing its impact on autophagy and immune regulation. Further investigation is warranted to fully understand its implications.

Hemocompatibility studies in nanotoxicology: Hemolysis or eryptosis? (A review)

Hemocompatibility evaluation is an important step in nanotoxicological studies. It is generally accepted that nanomaterials promote lysis of erythrocytes, blood clotting, alter phagocytosis, and upregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, there are no standardized guidelines for testing nanomaterials hemocompatibility despite the fact that nanomaterials enter the bloodstream and interact with blood cells. In this review, the current knowledge on the ability of nanomaterials to induce distinct cell death modalities of erythrocytes is highlighted primarily focusing on hemolysis and eryptosis. This review aims to summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying erythrotoxicity of nanomaterials and critically compare the sensitivity and efficiency of hemolysis or eryptosis assays for nanomaterials blood compatibility testing. The list of eryptosis-inducing nanomaterials is growing, but it is still difficult to generalize how physico-chemical properties of nanoparticles affect eryptosis degree and molecular mechanisms involved. Thus, another aim of this review is to raise the awareness of eryptosis as a nanotoxicological tool to encourage the corresponding studies. It is worthwhile to consider adding eryptosis to in vitro nanomaterials hemocompatibility testing protocols and guidelines.

Apoptosis in post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis and mechanisms for failed of inflammation resolution

Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis is a condition resulting from infection by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. The main mechanism involves the formation of immune complexes formed in the circulation or in situ on the glomerular basement membrane, which activates complement and causes various inflammatory processes. Cellular mechanisms have been reported in the induction of kidney damage represented by the infiltration of innate cells (neutrophils and monocyte/macrophages) and adaptive cells (CD4 + lymphocytes and CD8 + lymphocytes) of the immune system. These cells induce kidney damage through various mechanisms. It has been reported that nephritogenic antigens are capable of inducing inflammatory processes early, even before the formation of immune complexes. Usually, this disease progresses towards clinical and renal normalization; however, in a smaller number of patients, it evolves into chronicity and persistent kidney damage. Hypotheses have been proposed regarding the mechanisms underlying this progression to chronicity including failure to induce apoptosis and failure to phagocytose apoptotic cells, allowing these cells to undergo membrane permeabilization and release pro-inflammatory molecules into the environment, thereby perpetuating renal inflammation. Other mechanisms involved include persistent infection, genetic background of the host's complement system, tubulointerstitial changes, and pre-existing kidney damage due to old age and comorbidities.

Identification of PSMD11 as a novel cuproptosis- and immune-related prognostic biomarker promoting lung adenocarcinoma progression

BACKGROUND

Due to the unfavorable prognosis associated with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), the development of targeted therapies and immunotherapies is essential. Cuproptosis, an emerging form of regulated cell death, is implicated in mitochondrial metabolism and is induced by copper ions. This study aimed to explore the prognostic value of cuproptosis- and immune-related genes (CIRGs) in LUAD.

METHODS

We used The Cancer Genome Atlas database to develop a prognostic prediction model for LUAD patients based on eight CIRGs. Using Cox regression analysis, we determined that the CIRG signature is a reliable, independent prognostic factor. We further identified PSMD11 as a critical CIRG and performed immunohistochemistry to study the protein expression levels of PSMD11 in LUAD tissues. We also investigated the impact of PSMD11 on the biological behavior of lung cancer cell lines.

RESULTS

We found that patients with low PSMD11 expression levels displayed an improved prognosis compared with those with high PSMD11 expression levels. Overexpression of PSMD11 enhanced proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth of lung carcinoma cell line A549, while PSMD11 knockdown diminished proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth of lung carcinoma cell line PC9. Additionally, we discovered that PSMD11 expression was positively correlated with the infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and the increased expression of immunosuppressive molecules.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that PSMD11 may serve as a valuable prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for LUAD.

Targeting regulated cell death (RCD) in hematological malignancies: Recent advances and therapeutic potential

Regulated cell death (RCD) is a form of cell death that can be regulated by numerous biomacromolecules. Accumulating evidence suggests that dysregulated expression and altered localization of related proteins in RCD promote the development of cancer. Targeting subroutines of RCD with pharmacological small-molecule compounds is becoming a promising therapeutic avenue for anti-tumor treatment, especially in hematological malignancies. Herein, we summarize the aberrant mechanisms of apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, PANoptosis, and ferroptosis in hematological malignancies. In particular, we focus on the relationship between cell death and tumorigenesis, anti-tumor immunotherapy, and drug resistance in hematological malignancies. Furthermore, we discuss the emerging therapeutic strategies targeting different RCD subroutines. This review aims to summarize the significance and potential mechanisms of RCD in hematological malignancies, along with the development and utilization of pertinent therapeutic strategies.

Ferroptosis in health and disease

Ferroptosis is a pervasive non-apoptotic form of cell death highly relevant in various degenerative diseases and malignancies. The hallmark of ferroptosis is uncontrolled and overwhelming peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in membrane phospholipids, which eventually leads to rupture of the plasma membrane. Ferroptosis is unique in that it is essentially a spontaneous, uncatalyzed chemical process based on perturbed iron and redox homeostasis contributing to the cell death process, but that it is nonetheless modulated by many metabolic nodes that impinge on the cells' susceptibility to ferroptosis. Among the various nodes affecting ferroptosis sensitivity, several have emerged as promising candidates for pharmacological intervention, rendering ferroptosis-related proteins attractive targets for the treatment of numerous currently incurable diseases. Herein, the current members of a Germany-wide research consortium focusing on ferroptosis research, as well as key external experts in ferroptosis who have made seminal contributions to this rapidly growing and exciting field of research, have gathered to provide a comprehensive, state-of-the-art review on ferroptosis. Specific topics include: basic mechanisms, in vivo relevance, specialized methodologies, chemical and pharmacological tools, and the potential contribution of ferroptosis to disease etiopathology and progression. We hope that this article will not only provide established scientists and newcomers to the field with an overview of the multiple facets of ferroptosis, but also encourage additional efforts to characterize further molecular pathways modulating ferroptosis, with the ultimate goal to develop novel pharmacotherapies to tackle the various diseases associated with - or caused by - ferroptosis.

Melatonin Mitigates Lead-Induced Oxidative Stress and Modifies Phospholipid Profile in Tobacco BY-2 Suspension Cells

Many studies have shown that melatonin (an indoleamine) is an important molecule in plant physiology. It is known that this indoleamine is crucial during plant stress responses, especially by counteracting secondary oxidative stress (efficient direct and indirect antioxidant) and switching on different defense plant strategies. In this report, we present exogenous melatonin's potential to protect lipid profile modification and membrane integrity in Nicotiana tabacum L. line Bright Yellow 2 (BY-2) cell culture exposed to lead. There are some reports of the positive effect of melatonin on animal cell membranes; ours is the first to report changes in the lipid profile in plant cells. The experiments were performed in the following variants: LS: cells cultured on unmodified LS medium-control; (ii) MEL: BY-2 cells cultured on LS medium with melatonin added from the beginning of culture; (iii) Pb: BY-2 cells cultured on LS medium with Pb2+ added on the 4th day of culture; (iv) MEL+Pb: BY-2 cells cultured on LS medium with melatonin added from the start of culture and stressed with Pb2+ added on the 4th day of culture. Lipidomic analysis of BY-2 cells revealed the presence of 40 different phospholipids. Exposing cells to lead led to the overproduction of ROS, altered fatty acid composition and increased PLD activity and subsequently elevated the level of phosphatidic acid at the cost of dropping the phosphatidylcholine. In the presence of lead, double-bond index elevation, mainly by higher quantities of linoleic (C18:2) and linolenic (C18:3) acids in the log phase of growth, was observed. In contrast, cells exposed to heavy metal but primed with melatonin showed more similarities with the control. Surprisingly, the overproduction of ROS caused of lipid peroxidation only in the stationary phase of growth, although considerable changes in lipid profiles were observed in the log phase of growth-just 4 h after lead administration. Our results indicate that the pretreatment of BY-2 with exogenous melatonin protected tobacco cells against membrane dysfunctions caused by oxidative stress (lipid oxidation), but also findings on a molecular level suggest the possible role of this indoleamine in the safeguarding of the membrane lipid composition that limited lead-provoked cell death. The presented research indicates a new mechanism of the defense strategy of plant cells generated by melatonin.

The emerging role of regulated cell death in ischemia and reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury: current evidence and future perspectives

Renal ischemia‒reperfusion injury (IRI) is one of the main causes of acute kidney injury (AKI), which is a potentially life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate. IRI is a complex process involving multiple underlying mechanisms and pathways of cell injury and dysfunction. Additionally, various types of cell death have been linked to IRI, including necroptosis, apoptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis. These processes operate differently and to varying degrees in different patients, but each plays a role in the various pathological conditions of AKI. Advances in understanding the underlying pathophysiology will lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches that hold promise for improving outcomes for patients with AKI. This review provides an overview of the recent research on the molecular mechanisms and pathways underlying IRI-AKI, with a focus on regulated cell death (RCD) forms such as necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis. Overall, targeting RCD shows promise as a potential approach to treating IRI-AKI.

Emerging regulatory mechanisms in cardiovascular disease: Ferroptosis

Ferroptosis, distinct from apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, and other types of cell death, is a novel iron-dependent regulated cell death characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides and redox imbalance with distinct morphological, biochemical, and genetic features. Dysregulation of iron homeostasis, the disruption of antioxidative stress pathways and lipid peroxidation are crucial in ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is involved in the pathogenesis of several cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, ischemia-reperfusion injury, abdominal aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, and heart failure. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms that regulate ferroptosis in cardiovascular diseases will enhance the prevention and treatment of these diseases. This review discusses the latest findings on the molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis and its regulation in cardiovascular diseases, the application of ferroptosis modulators in cardiovascular diseases, and the role of traditional Chinese medicines in ferroptosis regulation to provide a comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and identify new prevention and treatment options.

Unraveling the intriguing interplay: Exploring the role of lncRNAs in caspase-independent cell death

Cell death plays a crucial role in various physiological and pathological processes. Until recently, programmed cell death was mainly attributed to caspase-dependent apoptosis. However, emerging evidence suggests that caspase-independent cell death (CICD) mechanisms also contribute significantly to cellular demise. We and others have reported and functionally characterized numerous long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that modulate caspase-dependent apoptotic pathways potentially in a pathway-dependent manner. However, the interplay between lncRNAs and CICD pathways has not been comprehensively documented. One major reason for this is that most CICD pathways have been recently discovered with some being partially characterized at the molecular level. In this review, we discuss the emerging evidence that implicates specific lncRNAs in the regulation and execution of CICD. We summarize the diverse mechanisms through which lncRNAs modulate different forms of CICD, including ferroptosis, necroptosis, cuproptosis, and others. Furthermore, we highlight the intricate regulatory networks involving lncRNAs, protein-coding genes, and signaling pathways that orchestrate CICD in health and disease. Understanding the molecular mechanisms and functional implications of lncRNAs in CICD may unravel novel therapeutic targets and diagnostic tools for various diseases, paving the way for innovative strategies in disease management and personalized medicine. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.

Novel Insights into the Links between N6-Methyladenosine and Regulated Cell Death in Musculoskeletal Diseases

Musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs), including osteoarthritis (OA), osteosarcoma (OS), multiple myeloma (MM), intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), osteoporosis (OP), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), present noteworthy obstacles associated with pain, disability, and impaired quality of life on a global scale. In recent years, it has become increasingly apparent that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a key regulator in the expression of genes in a multitude of biological processes. m6A is composed of 0.1-0.4% adenylate residues, especially at the beginning of 3'-UTR near the translation stop codon. The m6A regulator can be classified into three types, namely the "writer", "reader", and "eraser". Studies have shown that the epigenetic modulation of m6A influences mRNA processing, nuclear export, translation, and splicing. Regulated cell death (RCD) is the autonomous and orderly death of cells under genetic control to maintain the stability of the internal environment. Moreover, distorted RCDs are widely used to influence the course of various diseases and receiving increasing attention from researchers. In the past few years, increasing evidence has indicated that m6A can regulate gene expression and thus influence different RCD processes, which has a central role in the etiology and evolution of MSDs. The RCDs currently confirmed to be associated with m6A are autophagy-dependent cell death, apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, immunogenic cell death, NETotic cell death and oxeiptosis. The m6A-RCD axis can regulate the inflammatory response in chondrocytes and the invasive and migratory of MM cells to bone remodeling capacity, thereby influencing the development of MSDs. This review gives a complete overview of the regulatory functions on the m6A-RCD axis across muscle, bone, and cartilage. In addition, we also discuss recent advances in the control of RCD by m6A-targeted factors and explore the clinical application prospects of therapies targeting the m6A-RCD in MSD prevention and treatment. These may provide new ideas and directions for understanding the pathophysiological mechanism of MSDs and the clinical prevention and treatment of these diseases.

Regulation of regulated cell death by extracellular vesicles in acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease

The imbalance between proliferation and death of kidney resident cells is a crucial factor in the development of acute or chronic renal dysfunction. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is often associated with the rapid loss of tubular epithelial cells (TECs). Sustained injury leads to the loss of glomerular endothelial cells (GECs) and podocytes, which is a key mechanism in the pathogenesis of glomerular diseases. This irreversible damage resulting from progressive cell loss eventually leads to deterioration of renal function characterized by glomerular compensatory hypertrophy, tubular degeneration, and renal fibrosis. Regulated cell death (RCD), which involves a cascade of gene expression events with tight structures, plays a certain role in regulating kidney health by determining the fate of kidney resident cells. Under pathological conditions, cells in the nephron have been demonstrated to constitutively release extracellular vesicles (EVs) which act as messengers that specifically interact with recipient cells to regulate their cell death process. For therapeutic intervention, exogenous EVs have exhibited great potential for the prevention and treatment of kidney disease by modulating RCD, with enhanced effects through engineering modification. Based on the functional role of EVs, this review comprehensively explores the regulation of RCD by EVs in AKI and chronic kidney disease (CKD), with emphasis on pathogenesis and therapeutic intervention.

Pathophysiological mechanisms underlying increased circulating cardiac troponin in noncardiac surgery: a narrative review

Assay-specific increases in circulating cardiac troponin are observed in 20-40% of patients after noncardiac surgery, depending on patient age, type of surgery, and comorbidities. Increased cardiac troponin is consistently associated with excess morbidity and mortality after noncardiac surgery. Despite these findings, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. The majority of interventional trials have been designed on the premise that ischaemic cardiac disease drives elevated perioperative cardiac troponin concentrations. We consider data showing that elevated circulating cardiac troponin after surgery could be a nonspecific marker of cardiomyocyte stress. Elevated concentrations of circulating cardiac troponin could reflect coordinated pathological processes underpinning organ injury that are not necessarily caused by ischaemia. Laboratory studies suggest that matching of coronary artery autoregulation and myocardial perfusion-contraction coupling limit the impact of systemic haemodynamic changes in the myocardium, and that type 2 ischaemia might not be the likeliest explanation for cardiac troponin elevation in noncardiac surgery. The perioperative period triggers multiple pathological mechanisms that might cause cardiac troponin to cross the sarcolemma. A two-hit model involving two or more triggers including systemic inflammation, haemodynamic strain, adrenergic stress, and autonomic dysfunction might exacerbate or initiate acute myocardial injury directly in the absence of cell death. Consideration of these diverse mechanisms is pivotal for the design and interpretation of interventional perioperative trials.

Understanding the unique mechanism of ferroptosis: a promising therapeutic target

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death and is characterized by high concentrations of intracellular lipid peroxide and a redox imbalance in the cells. Ferroptosis shows distinct morphological and biological features compared with other prominent mechanisms of programmed cell death. The distinct characteristics of ferroptosis include the dysfunction of the lipid peroxide repair enzyme glutathione peroxidase 4, the presence of ferrous iron overload, and the lipid peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Several other metabolic pathways (including iron, lipid, and amino acid metabolism) and ferritinophagy, as well as transcription factors, can modulate ferroptosis. However, to date, the molecular mechanism of ferroptosis has not been elucidated. This review outlines the discovery, characterization, regulatory mechanisms, and crosstalk of ferroptosis. Further, we have noted the controversial elements in the ferroptosis-related mechanisms. Our inferences may provide a partial reference for developing strategies to regulate ferroptosis.

Ferroptosis in cancer: From molecular mechanisms to therapeutic strategies

Ferroptosis is a non-apoptotic form of regulated cell death characterized by the lethal accumulation of iron-dependent membrane-localized lipid peroxides. It acts as an innate tumor suppressor mechanism and participates in the biological processes of tumors. Intriguingly, mesenchymal and dedifferentiated cancer cells, which are usually resistant to apoptosis and traditional therapies, are exquisitely vulnerable to ferroptosis, further underscoring its potential as a treatment approach for cancers, especially for refractory cancers. However, the impact of ferroptosis on cancer extends beyond its direct cytotoxic effect on tumor cells. Ferroptosis induction not only inhibits cancer but also promotes cancer development due to its potential negative impact on anticancer immunity. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the role of ferroptosis in cancer is crucial for the successful translation of ferroptosis therapy from the laboratory to clinical applications. In this review, we provide an overview of the recent advancements in understanding ferroptosis in cancer, covering molecular mechanisms, biological functions, regulatory pathways, and interactions with the tumor microenvironment. We also summarize the potential applications of ferroptosis induction in immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and systemic therapy, as well as ferroptosis inhibition for cancer treatment in various conditions. We finally discuss ferroptosis markers, the current challenges and future directions of ferroptosis in the treatment of cancer.

Erythronecroptosis: an overview of necroptosis or programmed necrosis in red blood cells

Necroptosis is considered a programmed necrosis that requires receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3), and pore-forming mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) to trigger a regulated cell membrane lysis. Membrane rupture in necroptosis has been shown to fuel innate immune response due to release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Recently published studies indicate that mature erythrocytes can undergo necroptosis as well. In this review, we provide an outline of multiple cell death modes occurring in erythrocytes, discuss possible immunological aspects of diverse erythrocyte cell deaths, summarize available evidence related to the ability of erythrocytes to undergo necroptosis, outline key involved molecular mechanisms, and discuss the potential implication of erythrocyte necroptosis in the physiology and pathophysiology. Furthermore, we aim to highlight the interplay between necroptosis and eryptosis signaling in erythrocytes, emphasizing specific characteristics of these pathways distinct from their counterparts in nucleated cells. Thus, our review provides a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge of necroptosis in erythrocytes. To reflect critical differences between necroptosis of nucleated cells and necroptosis of erythrocytes, we suggest a term erythronecroptosis for necroptosis of enucleated cells.

Multi-omics comprehensive analyses of programmed cell death patterns to regulate the immune characteristics of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a heterogeneous cancer with high morbidity and mortality. Triggering the programmed cell death (PCD) to enhance the anti-tumor therapies is being applied in multiple cancers. However, the limited understanding of genetic heterogeneity in HNSCC severely hampers the clinical efficacy. We systematically analyzed 14 types of PCD in HNSCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We utilized ssGSEA to calculate the PCD scores and classify patients into two clusters. Subsequently, we displayed the genomic alteration landscape to unravel the significant differences in copy number alterations and gene mutations. Furthermore, we calculated the IC50 values of targeted drugs to predict the differences in sensitivity. To identify the immune-related prognostic types, we comprehensively estimated the relationship between immune indicators and all prognostic PCD in three datasets (TCGA, GSE65858, GSE41613). Finally, 7 regulators were filtered. Subsequently, we integrated 10 machine learning algorithms and 101 algorithm combinations to test the clinical predictive efficacy. Using WGCNA as a basis, we built a weighted co-expression network to identify modules involved in the immune landscape with different colors. Meanwhile, our results indicated that blue and red modules containing crucial regulators closely related to the CD4+, CD8+ T cells, TMB or PD-L1. FCGR2A from blue module, CSF2, INHBA, and THBS1 from the red module were determined. After verifying in vivo experiments, FCGR2A was identified as hub gene. In conclusion, our findings suggest a potential role of PCD in HNSCC, offering new insights into effective immunotherapy and anti-tumor therapies in HNSCC.

NINJ1 regulates ferroptosis via xCT antiporter interaction and CoA modulation

Ninjurin-1 (NINJ1), initially identified as a stress-induced protein in neurons, recently emerged as a key mediator of plasma membrane rupture during apoptosis, necrosis, and pyroptosis. However, its involvement in ferroptosis remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that NINJ1 also plays a crucial role in ferroptosis, but through a distinct mechanism. NINJ1 knockdown significantly protected cancer cells against ferroptosis induced by xCT inhibitors but no other classes of ferroptosis-inducing compounds (FINs). Glycine, known to inhibit canonical NINJ1-mediated membrane rupture in other cell deaths, had no impact on ferroptosis. A compound screen revealed that NINJ1-mediated ferroptosis protection can be abolished by pantothenate kinase inhibitor (PANKi), buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), and diethylmaleate (DEM). These results suggest that this ferroptosis protection is mediated via Coenzyme A (CoA) and glutathione (GSH), both of which were found to be elevated upon NINJ1 knockdown. Furthermore, we discovered that NINJ1 interacts with the xCT antiporter, which is responsible for cystine uptake for the biosynthesis of CoA and GSH. The removal of NINJ1 increased xCT levels and stability, enhanced cystine uptake, and contributed to elevated CoA and GSH levels, collectively contributing to ferroptosis protection. These findings reveal that NINJ1 regulates ferroptosis via a non-canonical mechanism, distinct from other regulated cell deaths.

Knockdown of angiopoietin-like 4 suppresses sepsis-induced acute lung injury by blocking the NF-κB pathway activation and hindering macrophage M1 polarization and pyroptosis

OBJECTIVE

Sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening disease. Macrophage pyroptosis has been reported to exert function in ALI. We aimed to investigate the mechanisms of ANGPTL4-mediated cell pyroptosis in sepsis-induced ALI, thus providing new insights into the pathogenesis and prevention and treatment measures of sepsis-induced ALI.

METHODS

In vivo animal models and in vitro cell models were established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) method and lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophages RAW264.7. ANGPTL4 was silenced in CLP mice or macrophages, followed by the determination of ANGPTL4 expression in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) or macrophages. Lung histopathology was observed by H&E staining, with pathological injury scores evaluated and lung wet and dry weight ratio recorded. M1/M2 macrophage marker levels (iNOS/CD86/Arg1), inflammatory factor (TNF-α/IL-6/IL-1β/iNOS) expression in BALF, cell death and pyroptosis, NLRP3 inflammasome, cell pyroptosis-related protein (NLRP3/Cleaved-caspase-1/caspase-1/GSDMD-N) levels, NF-κB pathway activation were assessed by RT-qPCR/ELISA/flow cytometry/Western blot, respectively.

RESULTS

ANGPTL4 was highly expressed in mice with sepsis-induced ALI, and ANGPTL4 silencing ameliorated sepsis-induced ALI in mice. In vivo, ANGPTL4 silencing repressed M1 macrophage polarization and macrophage pyroptosis in mice with sepsis-induced ALI. In vitro, ANGPTL4 knockout impeded LPS-induced activation and pyroptosis of M1 macrophages and hindered LPS-induced activation of the NF-κB pathway in macrophages.

CONCLUSION

Knockdown of ANGPTL4 blocks the NF-κB pathway activation, hinders macrophage M1 polarization and pyroptosis, thereby suppressing sepsis-induced ALI.

Trauma-induced innate immune activation and disseminated intravascular coagulation

Dysregulated innate immunity participates in the pathomechanisms of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in trauma-induced coagulopathy. Accidental and regulated cell deaths and neutrophil extracellular traps release damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), such as histones, nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, and high-mobility group box 1, into circulation immediately after trauma. DAMP-induced inflammation activation releases tissue factor-bearing procoagulant extracellular vesicles through gasdermin D-mediated pore formation and plasma membrane rupture by regulated cell death. DAMPs also evoke systemic inflammation, platelet, coagulation activation, and impaired fibrinolysis associated with endothelial injury, leading to the dysfunction of anticoagulation systems, which are the main pathophysiological mechanisms of DIC. All these processes induce systemic thrombin generation in vivo, not restricted to the injury sites immediately after trauma. Thrombin generation at the site of injury stops bleeding and maintains homeostasis. However, DIC associated with endothelial injury generates massive thrombin, enhancing protease-activated, receptor-mediated bidirectional interplays between inflammation and coagulation, aggravating the diverse actions of thrombin and disturbing homeostasis. Insufficiently regulated thrombin causes disseminated microvascular thrombosis, resulting in tissue hypoxia due to reduced oxygen delivery, and mitochondrial dysfunction due to DAMPs causes tissue dysoxia. In addition, DAMP-induced calcium influx and overload, as well as neutrophil activation, play a role in endothelial cell injury. Tissue hypoxia and cytotoxicity result in multiple organ dysfunction in DIC after trauma. Controls against dysregulated innate immunity evoking systemic inflammation, thrombin generation, and cytotoxicity are key issues in improving the prognosis of DIC in trauma-induced coagulopathy.

Ferroptosis and its modulators: A raising target for cancer and Alzheimer's disease

The process of ferroptosis, a recently identified form of regulated cell death (RCD) is associated with the overloading of iron species and lipid-derived ROS accumulation. Ferroptosis is induced by various mechanisms such as inhibiting system Xc, glutathione depletion, targeting excess iron, and directly inhibiting GPX4 enzyme. Also, ferroptosis inhibition is achieved by blocking excessive lipid peroxidation by targeting different pathways. These mechanisms are often related to the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. Fundamentally distinct from other forms of cell death, such as necrosis and apoptosis, ferroptosis differs in terms of biochemistry, functions, and morphology. The mechanism by which ferroptosis acts as a regulatory factor in many diseases remains elusive. Studying the activation and inhibition of ferroptosis as a means to mitigate the progression of various diseases is a highly intriguing and actively researched topic. It has emerged as a focal point in etiological research and treatment strategies. This review systematically summarizes the different mechanisms involved in the inhibition and induction of ferroptosis. We have extensively explored different agents that can induce or inhibit ferroptosis. This review offers current perspectives on recent developments in ferroptosis research, highlighting the disease's etiology and presenting references to enhance its understanding. It also explores new targets for the treatment of cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

Destabilizing the genome as a therapeutic strategy to enhance response to immune checkpoint blockade: a systematic review of clinical trials evidence from solid and hematological tumors

Background: Genomic instability is increased alterations in the genome during cell division and is common among most cancer cells. Genome instability enhances the risk of initial carcinogenic transformation, generating new clones of tumor cells, and increases tumor heterogeneity. Although genome instability contributes to malignancy, it is also an "Achilles' heel" that constitutes a therapeutically-exploitable weakness-when sufficiently advanced, it can intrinsically reduce tumor cell survival by creating DNA damage and mutation events that overwhelm the capacity of cancer cells to repair those lesions. Furthermore, it can contribute to extrinsic survival-reducing events by generating mutations that encode new immunogenic antigens capable of being recognized by the immune system, particularly when anti-tumor immunity is boosted by immunotherapy drugs. Here, we describe how genome-destabilization can induce immune activation in cancer patients and systematically review the induction of genome instability exploited clinically, in combination with immune checkpoint blockade. Methods: We performed a systematic review of clinical trials that exploited the combination approach to successfully treat cancers patients. We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Clinicaltrials.gov, and publication from the reference list of related articles. The most relevant inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed clinical trials published in English. Results: We identified 1,490 studies, among those 164 were clinical trials. A total of 37 clinical trials satisfied the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The main outcome measurements were overall survival and progression-free survival. The majority of the clinical trials (30 out of 37) showed a significant improvement in patient outcome. Conclusion: The majority of the included clinical trials reported the efficacy of the concept of targeting DNA repair pathway, in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors, to create a "ring of synergy" to treat cancer with rational combinations.

The Mechanisms of Regulated Cell Death: Structural and Functional Proteomic Pathways Induced or Inhibited by a Specific Protein-A Narrative Review

Billions of cells die in us every hour, and our tissues do not shrink because there is a natural regulation where Cell Death (CD) is balanced with cell division. The process in which cells eliminate themselves in a controlled manner is called Programmed Cell Death (PCD). The PCD plays an important role during embryonic development, in maintaining homeostasis of the body's tissues, and in the elimination of damaged cells, under a wide range of physiological and developmental stimuli. A multitude of protein mediators of PCD have been identified and signals have been found to utilize common pathways elucidating the proteins involved. This narrative review focuses on caspase-dependent and caspase-independent PCD pathways. Included are studies of caspase-dependent PCD such as Anoikis, Catastrophe Mitotic, Pyroptosis, Emperitosis, Parthanatos and Cornification, and Caspase-Independent PCD as Wallerian Degeneration, Ferroptosis, Paraptosis, Entosis, Methuosis, and Extracellular Trap Abnormal Condition (ETosis), as well as neutrophil extracellular trap abnormal condition (NETosis) and Eosinophil Extracellular Trap Abnormal Condition (EETosis). Understanding PCD from those reported in this review could shed substantial light on the processes of biological homeostasis. In addition, identifying specific proteins involved in these processes is mandatory to identify molecular biomarkers, as well as therapeutic targets. This knowledge could provide the ability to modulate the PCD response and could lead to new therapeutic interventions in a wide range of diseases.

Metal-based nanoparticles in cancer therapy: Exploring photodynamic therapy and its interplay with regulated cell death pathways

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) represents a non-invasive treatment strategy currently utilized in the clinical management of selected cancers and infections. This technique is predicated on the administration of a photosensitizer (PS) and subsequent irradiation with light of specific wavelengths, thereby generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) within targeted cells. The cellular effects of PDT are dependent on both the localization of the PS and the severity of ROS challenge, potentially leading to the stimulation of various cell death modalities. For many years, the concept of regulated cell death (RCD) triggered by photodynamic reactions predominantly encompassed apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy. However, in recent decades, further explorations have unveiled additional cell death modalities, such as necroptosis, ferroptosis, cuproptosis, pyroptosis, parthanatos, and immunogenic cell death (ICD), which helps to achieve tumor cell elimination. Recently, nanoparticles (NPs) have demonstrated substantial advantages over traditional PSs and become important components of PDT, due to their improved physicochemical properties, such as enhanced solubility and superior specificity for targeted cells. This review aims to summarize recent advancements in the applications of different metal-based NPs as PSs or delivery systems for optimized PDT in cancer treatment. Furthermore, it mechanistically highlights the contribution of RCD pathways during PDT with metal NPs and how these forms of cell death can improve specific PDT regimens in cancer therapy.

A bibliometric analysis of the research hotspots and frontiers related to cell death in spinal cord injury

Background

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe central nervous trauma that can cause serious consequences. Cell death is emerging as a common pathogenesis after SCI. In the last two decades, numerous studies have been published in the field of cell death after SCI. However, it is still rare to find relevant bibliometric analyses. This bibliometric study aims to visually represent global research trends in the field of cell death after SCI.

Methods

Bibliometric data were sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and R software ("bibliometrix" package) were used to analyze and visualize bibliometric data. Annual scientific production, countries/regions, institutions, authors, journals, highly cited papers, keywords, and literature co-citation were evaluated to determine research performance.

Results

An analysis of 5,078 publications extracted from the WoSCC database revealed a fluctuating yet persistent growth in the field of cell death after SCI over the past 23 years. China and the United States, contributing 69% of the total publications, were the main driving force in this field. The Wenzhou Medical University from China contributed to the most papers. In terms of authors, Salvatore Cuzzocrea from the University of Messina had the highest number of publications. The "Journal of Neurotrauma" was the top journal in terms of the number of publications, however, the "Journal of Neuroscience" was the top journal in terms of the number of citations. The theme of the highly cited articles mainly focused on the mechanism of cell death after SCI. The keyword and literature co-citation analysis mainly focused on the mode of cell death, mechanism research of cell death, and functional recovery after SCI.

Conclusion

This study analyzes the research hotspots, frontiers, and development trends in the field of cell death after SCI, which is important for future studies.

Golgi Protein 73 Promotes LPS-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction via Mediating Myocardial Apoptosis and Autophagy

ABSTRACT

Sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction represents a major cause of high mortality in intensive care units with limited therapeutic options. Golgi protein 73 (GP73) has been implicated in various diseases. However, the role of GP73 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cardiac dysfunction is unclear. In this study, we established a sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction model by LPS administration in wild-type and GP73 knockout ( GP73-/- ) mice. We found that GP73 was increased in LPS-treated mouse hearts and LPS-cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs). Knockout of GP73 alleviated myocardial injury and improved cardiac dysfunction. Moreover, depletion of GP73 in NRCMs relieved LPS-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and activated myocardial autophagy. Therefore, GP73 is a negative regulator in LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction by promoting cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inhibiting cardiomyocyte autophagy.

Dissecting cell death pathways in fed-batch bioreactors

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are widely used for production of biologics including therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. Cell death in CHO cells is a significant factor in biopharmaceutical production, impacting both product yield and quality. Apoptosis has previously been described as the major form of cell death occurring in CHO cells in bioreactors. However, these studies were undertaken when less was known about non-apoptotic cell death pathways. Here, we report the occurrence of non-apoptotic cell death in an industrial antibody-producing CHO cell line during fed-batch culture. Under standard conditions, crucial markers of apoptosis were not observed despite a decrease in viability towards the end of the culture; only by increasing stress within the system did we observe caspase activation indicative of apoptosis. In contrast, markers of parthanatos and ferroptosis were observed during standard fed-batch culture, indicating that these non-apoptotic cell death pathways contribute to viability loss under these conditions. These findings pave the way for targeting non-conventional cell death pathways to improve viability and biologic production in CHO cells.

Stimuli-responsive nanodelivery systems for amplifying immunogenic cell death in cancer immunotherapy

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a special pattern of tumor cell death, enabling to elicit tumor-specific immune response via the release of damage-associated molecular patterns and tumor-associated antigens in the tumor microenvironment. ICD-induced immunotherapy holds the promise for completely eliminating tumors and long-term protective antitumor immune response. Increasing ICD inducers have been discovered for boosting antitumor immunity via evoking ICD. Nonetheless, the utilization of ICD inducers remains insufficient owing to serious toxic reactions, low localization efficiency within the tumor microenvironmental niche, etc. For overcoming such limitations, stimuli-responsive multifunctional nanoparticles or nanocomposites with ICD inducers have been developed for improving immunotherapeutic efficiency via lowering toxicity, which represent a prospective scheme for fostering the utilization of ICD inducers in immunotherapy. This review outlines the advances in near-infrared (NIR)-, pH-, redox-, pH- and redox-, or NIR- and tumor microenvironment-responsive nanodelivery systems for ICD induction. Furthermore, we discuss their clinical translational potential. The progress of stimuli-responsive nanoparticles in clinical settings depends upon the development of biologically safer drugs tailored to patient needs. Moreover, an in-depth comprehending of ICD biomarkers, immunosuppressive microenvironment, and ICD inducers may accelerate the advance in smarter multifunctional nanodelivery systems to further amplify ICD.

A variety of death modes of neutrophils and their role in the etiology of autoimmune diseases

Neutrophils are important in the context of innate immunity and actively contribute to the progression of diverse autoimmune disorders. Distinct death mechanisms of neutrophils may exhibit specific and pivotal roles in autoimmune diseases and disease pathogenesis through the orchestration of immune homeostasis, the facilitation of autoantibody production, the induction of tissue and organ damage, and the incitement of pathological alterations. In recent years, more studies have provided in-depth examination of various neutrophil death modes, revealing nuances that challenge conventional understanding and underscoring their potential clinical utility in diagnosis and treatment. This review explores the multifaceted processes and characteristics of neutrophil death, with a focus on tailored investigations within various autoimmune diseases. It also highlights the potential interplay between neutrophil death and the landscape of autoimmune disorders. The review encapsulates the pertinent pathways implicated in various neutrophil death mechanisms across diverse autoimmune diseases while also charts possible avenues for future research.

Ferroptosis, Metabolic Rewiring, and Endometrial Cancer

Ferroptosis is a newly discovered form of regulated cell death. The main feature of ferroptosis is excessive membrane lipid peroxidation caused by iron-mediated chemical and enzymatic reactions. In normal cells, harmful lipid peroxides are neutralized by glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). When GPX4 is inhibited, ferroptosis occurs. In mammalian cells, ferroptosis serves as a tumor suppression mechanism. Not surprisingly, in recent years, ferroptosis induction has gained attention as a potential anticancer strategy, alone or in combination with other conventional therapies. However, sensitivity to ferroptosis inducers depends on the metabolic state of the cell. Endometrial cancer (EC) is the sixth most common cancer in the world, with more than 66,000 new cases diagnosed every year. Out of all gynecological cancers, carcinogenesis of EC is mostly dependent on metabolic abnormalities. Changes in the uptake and catabolism of iron, lipids, glucose, and glutamine affect the redox capacity of EC cells and, consequently, their sensitivity to ferroptosis-inducing agents. In addition to this, in EC cells, ferroptosis-related genes are usually mutated and overexpressed, which makes ferroptosis a promising target for EC prediction, diagnosis, and therapy. However, for a successful application of ferroptosis, the connection between metabolic rewiring and ferroptosis in EC needs to be deciphered, which is the focus of this review.

Apoptosis and its pathways as targets for intracellular pathogens to persist in cells

Apoptosis is a finely programmed process of cell death in which cells silently dismantle and actively participate in several operations such as immune response, differentiation, and cell growth. It can be initiated by three main pathways: the extrinsic, the perforin granzyme, and the intrinsic that culminate in the activation of several proteins in charge of tearing down the cell. On the other hand, apoptosis represents an ordeal for pathogens that live inside cells and maintain a strong dependency with them; thus, they have evolved multiple strategies to manipulate host cell apoptosis on their behalf. It has been widely documented that diverse intracellular bacteria, fungi, and parasites can interfere with most steps of the host cell apoptotic machinery to inhibit or induce apoptosis. Indeed, the inhibition of apoptosis is considered a virulence property shared by many intracellular pathogens to ensure productive replication. Some pathogens intervene at an early stage by interfering with the sensing of extracellular signals or transduction pathways. Others sense cellular stress or target the apoptosis regulator proteins of the Bcl-2 family or caspases. In many cases, the exact molecular mechanisms leading to the interference with the host cell apoptotic cascade are still unknown. However, intense research has been conducted to elucidate the strategies employed by intracellular pathogens to modulate host cell death. In this review, we summarize the main routes of activation of apoptosis and present several processes used by different bacteria, fungi, and parasites to modulate the apoptosis of their host cells.

Ferroptosis in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure

Heart failure has become a public health problem that we cannot avoid choosing to face in today's context. In the case of heart failure, pathological cardiac hypertrophy plays a major role because of its condition of absolute increase in ventricular mass under various stresses. Ferroptosis, it could be defined as regulatory mechanisms that regulate cell death in the absence of apoptosis in iron-dependent cells. This paper introduces various new research findings on the use of different regulatory mechanisms of cellular ferroptosis for the treatment of heart failure and cardiac hypertrophy, providing new therapeutic targets and research directions for clinical treatment. The role and mechanism of ferroptosis in the field of heart failure has been increasingly demonstrated, and the relationship between cardiac hypertrophy, which is one of the causes of heart failure, is also an area of research that we should focus on. In addition, the latest applications and progress of inducers and inhibitors of ferroptosis are reported in this paper, updating the breakthroughs in their fields.

Molecular mechanism and potential therapeutic targets of necroptosis and ferroptosis in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative condition, is defined by neurofibrillary tangles, amyloid plaques, and gradual cognitive decline. Regardless of the advances in understanding AD's pathogenesis and progression, its causes are still contested, and there are currently no efficient therapies for the illness. The post-mortem analyses revealed widespread neuronal loss in multiple brain regions in AD, evidenced by a decrease in neuronal density and correlated with the disease's progression and cognitive deterioration. AD's neurodegeneration is complicated, and different types of neuronal cell death, alone or in combination, play crucial roles in this process. Recently, the involvement of non-apoptotic programmed cell death in the neurodegenerative mechanisms of AD has received a lot of attention. Aberrant activation of necroptosis and ferroptosis, two newly discovered forms of regulated non-apoptotic cell death, is thought to contribute to neuronal cell death in AD. In this review, we first address the main features of necroptosis and ferroptosis, cellular signaling cascades, and the mechanisms involved in AD pathology. Then, we discuss the latest therapies targeting necroptosis and ferroptosis in AD animal/cell models and human research to provide vital information for AD treatment.

Ferroptosis in epithelial ovarian cancer: a burgeoning target with extraordinary therapeutic potential

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is universally acknowledged as a terrifying women killer for its high mortality. Recent research advances support that ferroptosis, an emerging iron-dependent type of regulated cell death (RCD) triggered by the excessive accumulation of lipid peroxides probably possesses extraordinary therapeutic potential in EOC therapy. Herein, we firstly provide a very concise introduction of ferroptosis. Special emphasis will be put on the ferroptosis's vital role in EOC, primarily covering its role in tumorigenesis and progression of EOC, the capability of reversing chemotherapy resistance, and the research and development of related therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, the construction of ferroptosis-related prognostic prediction systems, and mechanisms of ferroptosis resistance in EOC are also discussed. Finally, we propose and highlight several important yet unanswered problems and some future research directions in this field.

Programmed Cell Death in Unicellular Versus Multicellular Organisms

Programmed cell death (self-induced) is intrinsic to all cellular life forms, including unicellular organisms. However, cell death research has focused on animal models to understand cancer, degenerative disorders, and developmental processes. Recently delineated suicidal death mechanisms in bacteria and fungi have revealed ancient origins of animal cell death that are intertwined with immune mechanisms, allaying earlier doubts that self-inflicted cell death pathways exist in microorganisms. Approximately 20 mammalian death pathways have been partially characterized over the last 35 years. By contrast, more than 100 death mechanisms have been identified in bacteria and a few fungi in recent years. However, cell death is nearly unstudied in most human pathogenic microbes that cause major public health burdens. Here, we consider how the current understanding of programmed cell death arose through animal studies and how recently uncovered microbial cell death mechanisms in fungi and bacteria resemble and differ from mechanisms of mammalian cell death.

Types of Cell Death from a Molecular Perspective

The former conventional belief was that cell death resulted from either apoptosis or necrosis; however, in recent years, different pathways through which a cell can undergo cell death have been discovered. Various types of cell death are distinguished by specific morphological alterations in the cell's structure, coupled with numerous biological activation processes. Various diseases, such as cancers, can occur due to the accumulation of damaged cells in the body caused by the dysregulation and failure of cell death. Thus, comprehending these cell death pathways is crucial for formulating effective therapeutic strategies. We focused on providing a comprehensive overview of the existing literature pertaining to various forms of cell death, encompassing apoptosis, anoikis, pyroptosis, NETosis, ferroptosis, autophagy, entosis, methuosis, paraptosis, mitoptosis, parthanatos, necroptosis, and necrosis.

Enhanced harvest performance predictability through advanced multivariate data analysis of mammalian cell culture particle size distribution

The industry's pursuit for higher antibody production has led to increased cell density cultures that impact the performance of subsequent product recovery steps. This increase in cell concentration has highlighted the critical role of solids concentration in centrifugation yield, while recent product degradation cases have shed light on the impact of cell lysis on product quality. Current methods for measuring solids concentration and cell lysis are not suited for early-stage high-throughput experimentation, which means that these cell culture outputs are not well characterized in early process development. This article describes a novel approach that leveraged the data from a widely-used automated cell counter (Vi-CELL™ XR) to accurately predict solids concentration and a common cell lysis indicator represented as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. For this purpose, partial least squares (PLS) models were derived with k-fold cross-validation from the particle size distribution data generated by the cell counter. The PLS models showed good predictive potential for both LDH release and solids concentration. This novel approach reduced the time required for evaluating the solids concentration and LDH for a typical high-throughput cell culture system (with 48 bioreactors in parallel) from around 7 h down to a few minutes.

NLRP3 inflammasome in cognitive impairment and pharmacological properties of its inhibitors

Cognitive impairment is a multifactorial and multi-step pathological process that places a heavy burden on patients and the society. Neuroinflammation is one of the main factors leading to cognitive impairment. The inflammasomes are multi-protein complexes that respond to various microorganisms and endogenous danger signals, helping to initiate innate protective responses in inflammatory diseases. NLRP3 inflammasomes produce proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin IL-1β and IL-18) by activating caspase-1. In this review, we comprehensively describe the structure and functions of the NLRP3 inflammasome. We also explore the intrinsic relationship between the NLRP3 inflammasome and cognitive impairment, which involves immune cell activation, cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, mitochondrial autophagy, and neuroinflammation. Finally, we describe NLRP3 inflammasome antagonists as targeted therapies to improve cognitive impairment.

Oxidative Stress and Potential Antioxidant Therapies in Vitiligo: A Narrative Review

Vitiligo is a chronic skin disorder characterised by the loss of melanocytes and subsequent skin depigmentation. Although many theories have been proposed in the literature, none alone explains the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Oxidative stress has been identified as a potential factor in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. A growing body of evidence suggests that antioxidant therapies may offer a promising approach to managing this condition. This review summarises the potential mechanisms of oxidative stress and the types of melanocyte death in vitiligo. We also provide a brief overview of the most commonly studied antioxidants. Melanocytes in vitiligo are thought to be damaged by an accumulation of reactive oxygen species to destroy the structural and functional integrity of their DNA, lipids, and proteins. Various causes, including exogenous and endogenous stress factors, an imbalance between prooxidants and antioxidants, disruption of antioxidant pathways, and gene polymorphisms, lead to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. Although necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and oxeiptosis are newer types of cell death that may contribute to the pathophysiology of vitiligo, apoptosis remains the most studied cell death mechanism in vitiligo. According to studies, vitamin E helps to treat lipid peroxidation of the skin caused by psoralen ultra-violet A treatment. In addition, Polypodium leucotomos increased the efficacy of psoralen ultra-violet A or narrow-band ultraviolet B therapy. Our review provides valuable insights into the potential role of oxidative stress in pathogenesis and antioxidant-based supporting therapies in treating vitiligo, offering a promising avenue for further research and the development of effective treatment strategies.

Palmelloid-like phenotype in the alga Raphidocelis subcapitata exposed to pollutants: A generalized adaptive strategy to stress or a specific cellular response?

This work focuses on the formation of palmelloid-like phenotype in the freshwater alga Raphidocelis subcapitata (formerly known as Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and Selenastrum capricornutum), when exposed to adverse conditions generated by the presence of organic [the antibiotic erythromycin (ERY) and the herbicide metolachlor (MET)] or inorganic [the heavy metals, cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn)] pollutants, at environmentally relevant concentrations. This alga in absence of stress or when exposed to ERY or Zn, up to 200 µg/L, essentially showed a single-nucleus state, although algal growth was reduced or stopped. R. subcapitata "switched" to a multinucleated state (palmelloid-like morphology) and accumulated energy-reserve compounds (neutral lipids) when stressed by 100-200 µg/L MET or 200 µg/L Cd; at these concentrations of pollutants, growth was arrested, however, the majority of the algal population (≥83 %) was alive. The formation of palmelloid-like phenotype, at sub-lethal concentrations of pollutants, was dependent on the pollutant, its concentration and exposure time. The multinucleated structure is a transitory phenotype since R. subcapitata population was able to revert to a single-nucleus state, with normal cell size, within 24-96 h (depending on the impact of the toxic in the alga), after being transferred to fresh OECD medium, without pollutants. The obtained results indicate that the formation of a palmelloid-like phenotype in R. subcapitata is dependent on the mode of action of toxics and their concentration, not constituting a generalized defense mechanism against stress. The observations here shown contribute to understanding the different strategies used by the unicellular alga R. subcapitata to cope with severe stress imposed by organic and inorganic pollutants.

Comparison of cytotoxic, apoptotic and oxidative properties of Akacid plus and chlorhexidine in corneal epithelial cell culture

PURPOSE

This study aims to compare the cytotoxic, apoptotic, and oxidative effects of a new cationic disinfectant, Akacid Plus, with chlorhexidine, on the human corneal epithelial cell line.

METHODS

Time-dependent cytotoxicity studies were performed with the Alamar Blue method. Apoptotic activity was investigated by flow cytometric methods. Reactive oxygen species levels were measured with the ROS cellular test kit. BAX, BCL2 and caspase 3, 9, 12 mRNA expressions were evaluated by PCR, as well as BAX and BCL2 protein expressions by Western-Blot.

RESULTS

At the fifth minute of the treatment, the viability was 68.15% with Akacid Plus and 43.95% with chlorhexidine. At the 15th minute, no significant difference was observed with both solutions. In the apoptotic evaluation, Akacid Plus significantly increased the early and late apoptotic activity in the cell line (p < 0.0001), while a significant increase was observed in late apoptosis and necrosis levels with chlorhexidine (p < 0.001). Chlorhexidine also induced gene expression of BAX, BCL2, caspase 3, 9 and BAX proteins (p < 0.05), while reducing protein expression of BCL2 (p < 0.001). Akacid Plus induced the gene expressions of BCL2, CASP3 and caspase 9, reduced gene expressions of BAX and caspase 12 and protein expression of BCL2 (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in the ROS level with both solutions (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Due to the widespread use of cationic polymers in ophthalmology, this new molecule with high antimicrobial activity and relatively low cytotoxicity may be of interest for clinical use. Further investigations are necessary to fully understand the ophthalmologic potential of this solution.

The romantic history of signaling pathway discovery in cell death: an updated review

Cell death is a fundamental physiological process in all living organisms. Processes such as embryonic development, organ formation, tissue growth, organismal immunity, and drug response are accompanied by cell death. In recent years with the development of electron microscopy as well as biological techniques, especially the discovery of novel death modes such as ferroptosis, cuprotosis, alkaliptosis, oxeiptosis, and disulfidptosis, researchers have been promoted to have a deeper understanding of cell death modes. In this systematic review, we examined the current understanding of modes of cell death, including the recently discovered novel death modes. Our analysis highlights the common and unique pathways of these death modes, as well as their impact on surrounding cells and the organism as a whole. Our aim was to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on cell death, with a focus on identifying gaps in our knowledge and opportunities for future investigation. We also presented a new insight for macroscopic intracellular survival patterns, namely that intracellular molecular homeostasis is central to the balance of different cell death modes, and this viewpoint can be well justified by the signaling crosstalk of different death modes. These concepts can facilitate the future research about cell death in clinical diagnosis, drug development, and therapeutic modalities.

Demonstration of iodide-dependent UVA-triggered growth inhibition in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells and identification of its suppressive molecules

Upon white light illumination, the growth of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was extremely impaired only in the presence of iodide ions, but not fluoride, chloride and bromide ions. Action spectroscopy revealed that the maximum wavelength of the light is around at 373 nm, corresponding to the UVA region. Using a genetic approach, several genes, including OPY1, HEM1, and PAU11, were identified as suppressors of this growth inhibition. This iodide-dependent UVA-triggered growth inhibition method, along with its suppressive molecules, would be beneficial for understanding cell growth processes in eukaryotes and can be utilized for medium sterilization using UVA light.

Dying for a cause: The pathogenic manipulation of cell death and efferocytic pathways

Cell death is a natural consequence of infection. However, although the induction of cell death was solely thought to benefit the pathogen, compelling data now show that the activation of cell death pathways serves as a nuanced antimicrobial strategy that couples pathogen elimination with the generation of inflammatory cytokines and the priming of innate and adaptive cellular immunity. Following cell death, the phagocytic uptake of the infected dead cell by antigen-presenting cells and the subsequent lysosomal fusion of the apoptotic body containing the pathogen serve as an important antimicrobial mechanism that furthers the development of downstream adaptive immune responses. Despite the complexity of regulated cell death pathways, pathogens are highly adept at evading them. Here, we provide an overview of the remarkable diversity of cell death and efferocytic pathways and discuss illustrative examples of virulence strategies employed by pathogens, including oral pathogens, to counter their activation and persist within the host.

Role and mechanism of ferroptosis in acute lung injury

Ferroptosis is a new non-apoptotic cell death caused by the accumulation of dysregulated metabolism of ferric iron, amino acids or lipid peroxidation. Increasing studies suggest that ferroptosis is involved in the acute lung injury (ALI). This article aims to review the role of ferroptosis in ALI. ALI is a common respiratory disease and presents a high mortality rate. Inhibiting cell ferroptosis of lung improves the ALI. In addition, several signaling pathways are related to ferroptosis in ALI, involving in iron homeostasis, lipid peroxidation, and amino acid metabolism. Moreover, there are various key factors to regulate the occurrence of ferroptosis in ALI, such as ACSL4, NRF2, and P53. The ACSL4 promotes the ferroptosis, while the NRF2 alleviates the ferroptosis in ALI. The main effect of P53 is to promote ferroptosis. Accordingly, ferroptosis is involved in ALI and may be an important therapeutic target for ALI.

Roles of pyroptosis in atherosclerosis pathogenesis

Pyroptosis is a pro-inflammatory type of regulated cell death (RCD) characterized by gasdermin protein-mediated membrane pore formation, cell swelling, and rapid lysis. Recent studies have suggested that pyroptosis is closely related to atherosclerosis (AS). Previous studies reported that pyroptosis involving endothelial cells (ECs), macrophages, and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) plays an important role in the formation and development of AS. Pyroptosis not only causes local inflammation but also amplifies the inflammatory response and it aggravates plaque instability, leading to plaque rupture and thrombosis, eventually resulting in acute cardiovascular events. In this review, we clarified some novel pathways and mechanics and presented some potential drugs.

Hijacking homeostasis: Regulation of the tumor microenvironment by apoptosis

Cancers are genetically driven, rogue tissues which generate dysfunctional, obdurate organs by hijacking normal, homeostatic programs. Apoptosis is an evolutionarily conserved regulated cell death program and a profoundly important homeostatic mechanism that is common (alongside tumor cell proliferation) in actively growing cancers, as well as in tumors responding to cytotoxic anti-cancer therapies. Although well known for its cell-autonomous tumor-suppressive qualities, apoptosis harbors pro-oncogenic properties which are deployed through non-cell-autonomous mechanisms and which generally remain poorly defined. Here, the roles of apoptosis in tumor biology are reviewed, with particular focus on the secreted and fragmentation products of apoptotic tumor cells and their effects on tumor-associated macrophages, key supportive cells in the aberrant homeostasis of the tumor microenvironment. Historical aspects of cell loss in tumor growth kinetics are considered and the impact (and potential impact) on tumor growth of apoptotic-cell clearance (efferocytosis) as well as released soluble and extracellular vesicle-associated factors are discussed from the perspectives of inflammation, tissue repair, and regeneration programs. An "apoptosis-centric" view is proposed in which dying tumor cells provide an important platform for intricate intercellular communication networks in growing cancers. The perspective has implications for future research and for improving cancer diagnosis and therapy.

cGAS-STING signaling in cell death: Mechanisms of action and implications in pathologies

Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) monitors dsDNA in the cytosol in response to pathogenic invasion or tissue injury, initiating cGAS-STING signaling cascades that regulate various cellular physiologies, including IFN /cytokine production, autophagy, protein synthesis, metabolism, senescence, and distinct types of cell death. cGAS-STING signaling is crucial for host defense and tissue homeostasis; however, its dysfunction frequently leads to infectious, autoimmune, inflammatory, degenerative, and cancerous diseases. Our knowledge regarding the relationships between cGAS-STING signaling and cell death is rapidly evolving, highlighting their essential roles in pathogenesis and disease progression. Nevertheless, the direct control of cell death by cGAS-STING signaling, rather than IFN/NF-κB-mediated transcriptional regulation, remains relatively unexplored. This review examines the mechanistic interplays between cGAS-STING cascades and apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagic/lysosomal cell death. We will also discuss their pathological implications in human diseases, particularly in autoimmunity, cancer, and organ injury scenarios. We hope that this summary will stimulate discussion for further exploration of the complex life-or-death responses to cellular damage mediated by cGAS-STING signaling.