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Liu H, Jin C, Xia N, Dong Q. Overexpression of aquaporin-1 plays a vital role in proliferation, apoptosis, and pyroptosis of Wilms' tumor cells. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:85. [PMID: 38334883 PMCID: PMC10858134 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05616-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nephroblastoma, also known as Wilms' tumor (WT), is an embryonic malignant tumor and one of the most common malignant tumors in the abdominal region of children. The exact role and underlying mechanisms of aquaporin-1 (AQP1) in the occurrence and development of nephroblastoma remain unclear. METHODS After overexpression of AQP1, cell proliferation was assessed using the CCK-8 proliferation assay and EdU staining. Flow cytometry was employed to assess cell apoptosis, and Western blotting (WB) analysis was conducted to validate the expression of relevant protein markers. mRNA sequencing (mRNA-Seq) was performed on WT cells overexpressing AQP1 to predict and characterize the associated mechanisms. Transmission electron microscopy was utilized to observe changes in the ultrastructure of WT cells undergoing apoptosis and pyroptosis following AQP1 overexpression. Functional in vivo validation was conducted through animal experiments. RESULTS We validated that overexpression of AQP1 inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis and pyroptosis both in vitro and in vivo. mRNA-Seq analysis of WT cells with AQP1 overexpression suggested that these effects might be mediated through the inhibition of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Additionally, we discovered that overexpression of AQP1 activated the classical pyroptosis signaling pathway dependent on caspase-1, thereby promoting pyroptosis in WT. CONCLUSION These findings highlight the important functional role of AQP1 in the pathobiology of nephroblastoma, providing novel insights into the development of this disease. Moreover, these results offer new perspectives on the potential therapeutic targeting of AQP1 as a treatment strategy for nephroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Liu
- Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Chen Jin
- Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Nan Xia
- Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Qian Dong
- Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China.
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Liu H, Jin C, Yang X, Xia N, Guo C, Dong Q. Identification of key genes and validation of key gene aquaporin 1 on Wilms' tumor metastasis. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16025. [PMID: 37904849 PMCID: PMC10613441 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Wilms' tumor (WT) is one of the most common solid tumors in children with unsatisfactory prognosis, but few molecular prognostic markers have been discovered for it. Many genes are associated with the occurrence and prognosis of WT. This study aimed to explore the key genes and potential molecular mechanisms through bioinformatics and to verify the effects of aquaporin 1 (AQP1) on WT metastasis. Methods Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were generated from WT gene expression data sets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Gene functional enrichment analysis was carried out with the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). A protein-protein interaction network (PPI) was constructed and visualized by the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) database and Cytoscape software. Minimal Common Oncology Data Elements (MCODE) was used to detect the important modules in the PPI network, and the important nodes (genes) in the PPI module were sorted by CytoHubba. RT-qPCR was performed to validate the expression of the key genes in WT. Wound healing and Transwell assays were used to detect the cell migration and invasion abilities of AQP1-overexpressing cells. Phalloidin-iFlour 488 was used to stain the cytoskeleton to observe how AQP1 overexpression affects cytoskeletal microfilament structure. Results A total of 73 co-expressed DEGs were chosen for further investigation. The importance of homeostasis and transmembrane transport of ions and water were highlighted by functional analysis. Gene regulatory network and PPI network were predicted. MCODE plug identified two important modules. Finally, top five key genes were identified using CytoHubba, including Renin (REN), nephrosis 2 (NPHS2), Solute Carrier Family 12 Member 3 (SLC12A3), Solute Carrier Family 12 Member 1 (SLC12A1) and AQP1. The five key genes were mainly enriched in cell volume and ion homeostasis. RT-qPCR confirmed the expression of the five key genes in WT. AQP1 was validated to be expressed at significantly lower levels in WT than in normal tissue. AQP1 overexpression significantly reduced the migratory and invasive capacity of Wit-49 cells, as evidenced by reducing the scratch healing rate and the number of perforated control cells by Wit-49 cells. AQP1 overexpression also reduced the expression of biomarkers of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation, decreased levels of vimentin and N-cadherin and increased expression of E-cadherin, resulting in decreased formation of conspicuous lamellipodial protrusions, characteristic of diminished WT cell invasion and migration. Conclusion Our study reveals the key genes of WT. These key genes may provide novel insight for the mechanism and diagnosis of WT. AQP1 overexpression inhibited invasion, migration, EMT, and cytoskeletal rearrangement of WT cells, indicating that AQP1 plays a role in the pathogenesis of WT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Liu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Chen Jin
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xia Yang
- Institute of Digital Medicine and Computer-Assisted Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Nan Xia
- Institute of Digital Medicine and Computer-Assisted Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Chunzhi Guo
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Affiliated Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Qian Dong
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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Shetty SS, Sharma M, Fonseca FP, Jayaram P, Tanwar AS, Kabekkodu SP, Kapaettu S, Radhakrishnan R. Signaling pathways promoting epithelial mesenchymal transition in oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma. JAPANESE DENTAL SCIENCE REVIEW 2020; 56:97-108. [PMID: 32874377 PMCID: PMC7452314 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdsr.2020.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical process that occurs during the embryonic development, wound healing, organ fibrosis and the onset of malignancy. Emerging evidence suggests that the EMT is involved in the invasion and metastasis of cancers. The inflammatory reaction antecedent to fibrosis in the onset of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) and the role of EMT in its malignant transformation indicates a hitherto unexplored involvement of EMT. This review focuses on the role of EMT markers which are regulators of the EMT mediated complex network of molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of OSF and OSCC. Further the gene enrichment analysis and pathway analysis supports the association of the upregulated and downregulated genes in various EMT regulating pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smitha Sammith Shetty
- Department of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Melaka Manipal Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Mohit Sharma
- Department of Oral Pathology, Sudha Rustagi College of Dental Sciences and Research, Faridabad 121004, India
| | - Felipe Paiva Fonseca
- Department of Oral Surgery and Pathology, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Pradyumna Jayaram
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Ankit Singh Tanwar
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Shama Prasada Kabekkodu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Satyamoorthy Kapaettu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Raghu Radhakrishnan
- Department of Oral Pathology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
- Corresponding author.
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Xu Y, Nowrangi D, Liang H, Wang T, Yu L, Lu T, Lu Z, Zhang JH, Luo B, Tang J. DKK3 attenuates JNK and AP-1 induced inflammation via Kremen-1 and DVL-1 in mice following intracerebral hemorrhage. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:130. [PMID: 32331523 PMCID: PMC7181567 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01794-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most devastating stroke subtype, with a poor prognosis and few proven treatments. Neuroinflammation is associated with ICH-induced brain injury and unfavorable outcomes. There is growing evidence that Dickkopf (DKK) 3 plays a key role in the adaptive anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective responses following intracerebral hemorrhage. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of DKK3 against brain edema and neuroinflammation in a mice model of ICH. METHODS Male, adult CD1 mice were subjected to sham or ICH surgery using a collagenase injection model. ICH animals received either recombinant DKK3, Kremen-1 siRNA, or DVL-1 siRNA. The neurobehavioral deficits were evaluated at 24 h, 72 h, and 28 days after ICH induction. Western blot and immunofluorescence were employed to examine the expression and localization of DKK3, Kremen-1, Dishevelled-1 (DVL-1), c-JUN N-terminal kinase (JNK), Activator protein-1 (AP-1), cleaved caspase-1, NF-κB, and IL-1β in the brain. RESULTS The expression of endogenous DKK3 and DVL-1 was transiently decreased after ICH compared to that in the sham group. Compared to the mice of ICH, exogenous rDKK3 administration reduced the brain water content and affected the neurological functions in ICH mice. Moreover, DKK3 was colocalized with Kremen-1 in microglia. Using a Kremen-1 or DVL-1 siRNA-induced in vivo knockdown approach, we demonstrated that the effects of DKK3 against ICH were mediated, at least partly, by the Kremen-1 and DVL-1 pathways. CONCLUSIONS DKK3 improves the neurological outcomes, potentially by decreasing JNK/AP-1-mediated inflammation, thereby ameliorating the short- and long-term sequelae after ICH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Non-coding RNA Transformation Research of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, China
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Physiology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 11041 Campus St, Risley Hall, Room 219, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
- Department of Neurology, Wannan Medical College First Affiliated Hospital, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, China
| | - Derek Nowrangi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Physiology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 11041 Campus St, Risley Hall, Room 219, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Hui Liang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Zhejiang, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tian Wang
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Physiology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 11041 Campus St, Risley Hall, Room 219, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Lingyan Yu
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Physiology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 11041 Campus St, Risley Hall, Room 219, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Tai Lu
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Physiology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 11041 Campus St, Risley Hall, Room 219, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Zhengyang Lu
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Physiology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 11041 Campus St, Risley Hall, Room 219, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - John H Zhang
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Physiology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 11041 Campus St, Risley Hall, Room 219, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Benyan Luo
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Zhejiang, 310003, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Jiping Tang
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Physiology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 11041 Campus St, Risley Hall, Room 219, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA.
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S N, Joshua E, K R, Thavarajah R, Rao UK. Loricrin expression and its implication in oral submucous fibrosis, hyperkeratosis and normal mucosa with association to habits - An immunohistochemical study. J Oral Biol Craniofac Res 2019; 9:226-231. [PMID: 31193624 DOI: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The coarse fibres of areca nut and the continuous friction from occluding teeth are major causes of mechanical stress to the oral mucosa in conditions like oral submucous fibrosis and frictional keratosis. The continuous micro trauma provided in areca nut chewers, creates an environment where the keratinocytes exhibit alteration. Loricrin, is expressed abundantly in keratinizing epithelium in response to mechanical stress. Their expression or absence could play a role in malignant transformation. This study attempts to assess the potential of Loricrin as an early diagnostic marker in patients with chewing habit. Methods 73 archival samples of formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissue specimens histopathologically confirmed, were segregated as normal mucosa 11, hyperkeratotic 32 and oral submucous fibrosis 30 and stained with antibodies to Loricrin and graded as negative, mild, moderate and intense based on the staining intensity. Pearson's chi square test was done for statistical analysis. Results Loricrin expression was observed in all groups with staining in the stratum granulosum showing a significant association to habits (P = 0.000). Conclusion This prominent staining indicates a compensatory cytoskeletal rearrangement of surface epithelium during cell division in early oral submucous fibrosis showing potential as an early marker of the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nithya S
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Ragas Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Elizabeth Joshua
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Ragas Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ranganathan K
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Ragas Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rooban Thavarajah
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Ragas Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Umadevi K Rao
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Ragas Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Pellicciari C. Histochemistry as a versatile research toolkit in biological research, not only an applied discipline in pathology. Eur J Histochem 2018; 62. [PMID: 30572698 PMCID: PMC6317132 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2018.3006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The impressive progress of histochemistry over the last 50 years has led to setting up specific and sensitive techniques to describe dynamic events, through the detection of specific molecules in the very place where they exist in live cells. The scientific field where histochemistry has most largely been applied is histopathology, with the aim to identify disease-specific molecular markers or to elucidate the etiopathological mechanisms. Numerous authors did however apply histochemistry to a variety of other research fields; their interests range from the microanatomy of animal and plant organisms to the cellular mechanisms of life. This is especially apparent browsing the contents of the histochemical journals where the articles on subjects other than pathology are the majority; these journals still keep a pivotal role in the field of cell and tissue biology, while being a forum for a diverse range of biologists whose scientific interests expand the research horizon of histochemistry to ever novel subjects. Thus, histochemistry can always receive inspiring stimuli toward a continuous methodological refinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Pellicciari
- University of Pavia, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani".
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Katase N, Nishimatsu SI, Yamauchi A, Yamamura M, Terada K, Itadani M, Okada N, Hassan NMM, Nagatsuka H, Ikeda T, Nohno T, Fujita S. DKK3 Overexpression Increases the Malignant Properties of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells. Oncol Res 2017; 26:45-58. [PMID: 28470144 PMCID: PMC7844562 DOI: 10.3727/096504017x14926874596386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
DKK3, a member of the dickkopf Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor family, is believed to be a tumor suppressor because of its reduced expression in cancer cells. However, our previous studies have revealed that DKK3 expression is predominantly observed in head and neck/oral squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC/OSCC). Interestingly, HNSCC/OSCC patients with DKK3 expression showed a high rate of metastasis and poorer survival, and siRNA-mediated knockdown of DKK3 in HNSCC-derived cancer cell lines resulted in reduced cellular migration and invasion. From these data, it was hypothesized that DKK3 might exert an oncogenic function specific to HNSCC. In the present research, the DKK3 overexpression model was established, and its influences were investigated, together with molecular mechanism studies. The DKK3 expression profile in cancer cell lines was investigated, including HNSCC/OSCC, esophageal, gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, prostatic, and lung cancers. DKK3 overexpression was performed in HNSCC-derived cells by transfection of expression plasmid. The effects of DKK3 overexpression were assessed on cellular proliferation, migration, invasion, and in vivo tumor growth. The molecular mechanism of DKK3 overexpression was investigated by Western blotting and microarray analysis. DKK3 overexpression significantly elevated cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as increased mRNA expression of cyclin D1 and c-myc. However, reporter assays did not show TCF/LEF activation, suggesting that the increased malignant property of cancer cells was not driven by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. For the investigation of the pathways/molecules in DKK3-mediated signals, the Western blot analyses revealed that phosphorylation of Akt (S473) and c-Jun (Ser63) was elevated. The application of a PI3K kinase inhibitor, LY294002, on HSC-3 DKK3 cells significantly decreased tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. From these results, we demonstrated that DKK3 might contribute to cellular proliferation, invasion, migration, and tumor cell survival in HNSCC cells through a mechanism other than the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, which might be attributed to PI3K–Akt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Katase
- Department of Oral Pathology and Bone Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichiro Nishimatsu
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | - Akira Yamauchi
- Department of Biochemistry, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yamamura
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kumiko Terada
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | - Masumi Itadani
- Department of Biochemistry, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | - Naoko Okada
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | | | - Hitoshi Nagatsuka
- Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Tohru Ikeda
- Department of Oral Pathology and Bone Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Nohno
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | - Shuichi Fujita
- Department of Oral Pathology and Bone Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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Pellicciari C. Is there still room for novelty, in histochemical papers? Eur J Histochem 2016; 60:2758. [PMID: 28076939 PMCID: PMC5381530 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2016.2758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Histochemistry continues to be widely applied in biomedical research, being nowadays mostly addressed to detect and locate single molecules or molecular complexes inside cells and tissues, and to relate structural organization and function at the high resolution of the more advanced microscopical techniques. In the attempt to see whether histochemical novelties may be found in the recent literature, the articles published in the European Journal of Histochemistry in the period 2014-2016 have been reviewed. In the majority of the published papers, standardized methods have been preferred by scientists to make their results reliably comparable with the data in the literature, but several papers (approximately one fourth of the published articles) described novel histochemical methods and procedures. It is worth noting that there is a growing interest for minimally-invasive in vivo techniques (magnetic resonance imaging, autofluorescence spectroscopy), which may parallel conventional histochemical analyses to acquire evidence not only on the morphological features of living organs and tissues, but also on their functional, biophysical and molecular characteristics. Thanks to this unceasing methodological refinement, histochemistry will continue to provide innovative applications in the biomedical field.
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