In 2012,the laboratories of Drs.Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna reported the repurposing of a bacterial adaptive immune system,known as CRISPR,as a programmable,RNA guided DNA editing system in eukaryotic c...In 2012,the laboratories of Drs.Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna reported the repurposing of a bacterial adaptive immune system,known as CRISPR,as a programmable,RNA guided DNA editing system in eukaryotic cells.Over the next 12 months,a tsunami of research papers emerged demonstrating the facile utilization of this newfound genome editing platform in a variety of cell types and animal models.Since 2013.展开更多
Any new report on the anticancer properties of natural products always awakens new satisfaction and hope about the role of the international scientific community in its continuous contributions to human health,particu...Any new report on the anticancer properties of natural products always awakens new satisfaction and hope about the role of the international scientific community in its continuous contributions to human health,particularly when those reports contribute to both the understanding and therapeutics of cancer.For many de-cades,natural products have been pivotal in drug discovery programs because they offer a diverse array of anticancer therapeutic possibilities.Recently,two manuscripts published in the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology added new data to the already extensive body of anticancer preclinical evidence for resvera-trol and senegenin,two compounds widely present in herbal preparations used in traditional Chinese medicine.The first one,with comprehensive and recognized anticancer properties,and the second one,shows a compelling body of evidence supporting its neuroprotective effects,but with emerging anticancer activities.Natural products have become key elements in the expanding and dynamic field of anticancer drug discovery.However,urgent and collective efforts are still needed to bridge the gap between preclinical and clinical research and thus bring new anticancer therapeutic breakthroughs.展开更多
Periodontitis has emerged as one of the most critical oral diseases, and research on this condition holds great importance for the advancement of stomatology. As the most authoritative national scientific research fun...Periodontitis has emerged as one of the most critical oral diseases, and research on this condition holds great importance for the advancement of stomatology. As the most authoritative national scientific research funding institution in China, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) has played a pivotal role in driving the progress of periodontal science by supporting research on periodontitis. This article provides a comprehensive review of the research and development progress related to periodontitis in China from 2014 to 2023, highlighting the significant contributions of the NSFC to this field. We have summarized the detailed funding information from the NSFC, including the number of applicant codes, funded programs and the distribution of funded scholars. These data illustrate the efforts of the NSFC in cultivating young scientists and building research groups to address key challenges in national scientific research. This study offers an overview of the current hot topics, recent breakthroughs and future research prospects related to periodontitis in China.展开更多
Optogenetics combines optics and genetic engineering to control specific gene expression and biological functions and has the advantages of precise spatiotemporal control,noninvasiveness,and high efficiency.Geneticall...Optogenetics combines optics and genetic engineering to control specific gene expression and biological functions and has the advantages of precise spatiotemporal control,noninvasiveness,and high efficiency.Genetically modified photosensory sensors are engineered into proteins to modulate conformational changes with light stimulation.Therefore,optogenetic techniques can provide new insights into oral biological processes at different levels,ranging from the subcellular and cellular levels to neural circuits and behavioral models.Here,we introduce the origins of optogenetics and highlight the recent progress of optogenetic approaches in oral and craniofacial research,focusing on the ability to apply optogenetics to the study of basic scientific neural mechanisms and to establish different oral behavioral test models in vivo(orofacial movement,licking,eating,and drinking),such as channelrhodopsin(ChR),archaerhodopsin(Arch),and halorhodopsin from Natronomonas pharaonis(NpHR).We also review the synergic and antagonistic effects of optogenetics in preclinical studies of trigeminal neuralgia and maxillofacial cellulitis.In addition,optogenetic tools have been used to control the neurogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells in translational studies.Although the scope of optogenetic tools is increasing,there are limited large animal experiments and clinical studies in dental research.Potential future directions include exploring therapeutic strategies for addressing loss of taste in patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),studying oral bacterial biofilms,enhancing craniomaxillofacial and periodontal tissue regeneration,and elucidating the possible pathogenesis of dry sockets,xerostomia,and burning mouth syndrome.展开更多
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the most common subtype of primary liver cancer with varied incidence and epidemiology worldwide.Sorafenib is still a recommended treatment for a large proportion of patients...BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the most common subtype of primary liver cancer with varied incidence and epidemiology worldwide.Sorafenib is still a recommended treatment for a large proportion of patients with advanced HCC.Different patterns of treatment responsiveness have been identified in differentiated hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells and metastatic HCC SNU449 cells.AIM To define the long non-codingRNA-microRNA-mRNA(lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA)predicted signatures related to selected hallmarks of cancer(apoptosis,autophagy,cell stress,cell dedifferentiation and invasiveness)in RNAseq studies using Sorafenib-treated HepG2 and SNU449 cells.Various available software analyses allowed us to establish the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axes following treatment in HepG2 and SNU449 cells.METHODS HepG2 and SNU449 cells were treated with Sorafenib(10μmol/L)for 24 hours.Total RNA,including small and long RNA,was extracted with a commercial miRNeasy kit.RNAseq was carried out for the identification of changes in lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axes.RESULTS MALAT,THAP9-AS1 and SNGH17 appeared to coordinately regulate miR-374b-3p and miR-769-5p that led to upregulation of SMAD7,TIRARP,TFAP4 and FAXDC2 in HepG2 cells.SNHG12,EPB41 L4A-AS1,LINC01578,SNHG12 and GAS5 interacted with let-7b-3p,miR-195-5p and VEGFA in SNU449 cells.The axes MALAT1/hsamir-374b-3p/SMAD7 and MALAT1/hsa-mir-769-5p/TFAP4 were of high relevance for Sorafenib response in HepG2 cells,whereas PVT1/hsa-miR-195-5p/VEGFA was responsible for the differential response of SNU449 cells to Sorafenib treatment.CONCLUSION Critical lncRNAs acting as sponges of miRNA were identified that regulated mRNA expression,whose proteins mainly increased the antitumor effectiveness of the treatment(SMAD7,TIRARP,TFAP4,FAXDC2 and ADRB2).However,the broad regulatory axis leading to increased VEGFA expression may be related to the side effect of Sorafenib in SNU449 cells.展开更多
Olfactory receptors are crucial for detecting odors and play a vital role in our sense of smell,influencing behaviors from food choices to emotional memories.These receptors also contribute to our perception of flavor...Olfactory receptors are crucial for detecting odors and play a vital role in our sense of smell,influencing behaviors from food choices to emotional memories.These receptors also contribute to our perception of flavor and have potential applications in medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring.The ability of the olfactory system to regenerate its sensory neurons provides a unique model to study neural regeneration,a phenomenon largely absent in the central nervous system.Insights gained from how olfactory neurons continuously replace themselves and reestablish functional connections can provide strategies to promote similar regenerative processes in the central nervous system,where damage often results in permanent deficits.Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning olfactory neuron regeneration could pave the way for developing therapeutic approaches to treat spinal co rd injuries and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease.Olfa ctory receptors are found in almost any cell of eve ry orga n/tissue of the mammalian body.This ectopic expression provides insights into the chemical structures that can activate olfactory receptors.In addition to odors,olfactory receptors in ectopic expression may respond to endogenous compounds and molecules produced by mucosal colonizing microbiota.The analysis of the function of olfactory receptors in ectopic expression provides valuable information on the signaling pathway engaged upon receptor activation and the receptor's role in proliferation and cell differentiation mechanisms.This review explo res the ectopic expression of olfa ctory receptors and the role they may play in neural regeneration within the central nervous system,with particular attention to compounds that can activate these receptors to initiate regenerative processes.Evidence suggests that olfactory receptors could serve as potential therapeutic targets for enhancing neural repair and recovery following central nervous system injuries.展开更多
Traumatic brain injury can be categorized into primary and secondary injuries.Secondary injuries are the main cause of disability following traumatic brain injury,which involves a complex multicellular cascade.Microgl...Traumatic brain injury can be categorized into primary and secondary injuries.Secondary injuries are the main cause of disability following traumatic brain injury,which involves a complex multicellular cascade.Microglia play an important role in secondary injury and can be activated in response to traumatic brain injury.In this article,we review the origin and classification of microglia as well as the dynamic changes of microglia in traumatic brain injury.We also clarify the microglial polarization pathways and the therapeutic drugs targeting activated microglia.We found that regulating the signaling pathways involved in pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory microglia,such as the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappa B,mitogen-activated protein kinase,Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription,phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B,Notch,and high mobility group box 1 pathways,can alleviate the inflammatory response triggered by microglia in traumatic brain injury,thereby exerting neuroprotective effects.We also reviewed the strategies developed on the basis of these pathways,such as drug and cell replacement therapies.Drugs that modulate inflammatory factors,such as rosuvastatin,have been shown to promote the polarization of antiinflammatory microglia and reduce the inflammatory response caused by traumatic brain injury.Mesenchymal stem cells possess anti-inflammatory properties,and clinical studies have confirmed their significant efficacy and safety in patients with traumatic brain injury.Additionally,advancements in mesenchymal stem cell-delivery methods—such as combinations of novel biomaterials,genetic engineering,and mesenchymal stem cell exosome therapy—have greatly enhanced the efficiency and therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells in animal models.However,numerous challenges in the application of drug and mesenchymal stem cell treatment strategies remain to be addressed.In the future,new technologies,such as single-cell RNA sequencing and transcriptome analysis,can facilitate further experimental studies.Moreover,research involving non-human primates can help translate these treatment strategies to clinical practice.展开更多
Background There is scarce data about comparisons between geriatric assessment tools in patients with aortic stenosis(AS).We aimed to describe the geriatric profile of patients with AS undergoing transcatheter aortic ...Background There is scarce data about comparisons between geriatric assessment tools in patients with aortic stenosis(AS).We aimed to describe the geriatric profile of patients with AS undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation(TAVI)and to analyze the ability of different tools for predicting clinical outcomes in this context.Methods This was a single center retrospective registry including patients with AS undergoing TAVI and surviving to hospital discharge.The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality or need for urgent readmission one year after TAVI.Results A total of 377 patients were included(mean age of 80.4 years).Most patients were independent or mildly dependent,with an optimal cognitive status.The proportion of frailty ranged from 17.6%to 49.8%.A total of 20 patients(5.3%)died and 110/377 patients(29.2%)died or were readmitted during follow up.Overall,most components of the geriatric assessment showed an association with clinical outcomes.Disability for instrumental activities showed a significant association with mortality and a strong association with the rate of mortality or readmission.The association between frailty and clinical outcomes was higher for short physical performance battery(SPPB),essential frailty toolset(EFT)and the frailty index based on comprehensive geriatric assessment(IF-VIG)and lower for Fried criteria and FRAIL scale.Conclusions AS patients from this series presented a good physical performance,optimal cognitive status and a reasonably low prevalence of frailty.The best predictive ability was observed for disability for instrumental activities and frailty as measured by the EFT,SPPB and the IF-VIG.展开更多
Angiogenesis,the expansion of pre-existing vascular networks,is crucial for normal organ growth and tissue repair,but is also involved in various pathologies,including inflammation,ischemia,diabetes,and cancer.In soli...Angiogenesis,the expansion of pre-existing vascular networks,is crucial for normal organ growth and tissue repair,but is also involved in various pathologies,including inflammation,ischemia,diabetes,and cancer.In solid tumors,angiogenesis supports growth,nutrient delivery,waste removal,and metastasis.Tumors can induce angiogenesis through proangiogenic factors including VEGF,FGF-2,PDGF,angiopoietins,HGF,TNF,IL-6,SCF,tryptase,and chymase.This balance is disrupted in tumors,and extracellular vesicles(EVs)contribute to this by transferring proangiogenic factors and increasing their expression in endothelial cells(ECs).Malignant melanoma,a particular type of skin cancer,accounts for only 1%of skin cancer cases but more than 75%of deaths.Its incidence has risen significantly,with a 40%increase between 2012 and 2022,especially in fair-skinned populations.Advanced metastatic stages have a high mortality due to delayed diagnosis.This review examines the molecular basis of angiogenesis in melanoma,focusing on melanoma-derived EVs and their possible use in new antiangiogenic therapies.展开更多
Although many causes of Alzheimer’s disease(AD)may exist,both the original amyloid cascade and tau hypotheses posit that abnormal misfolding and accumulation of amyloid-β(Aβ)and tau protein is the central event cau...Although many causes of Alzheimer’s disease(AD)may exist,both the original amyloid cascade and tau hypotheses posit that abnormal misfolding and accumulation of amyloid-β(Aβ)and tau protein is the central event causing the pathology.However,that conclusion could be only partly true,and there is conflicting evidence about the role of both proteins in AD,being able to precede and influence one another.Some researchers argue that these proteins are mere executors rather than primary causes of pathology.Therefore,there have been continuing refinements of both hypotheses,with alternative explanations proposed.Aβand tau proteins may be independently involved in specific neurotoxic pathways;yet there may be other crucial processes going on in early AD.Moreover,accumulating evidence suggests that Aβand tau act synergistically,rather than additively in disease onset(Jeremic et al.,2021,2023a).展开更多
In a recent case report in the World Journal of Clinical Cases,emphasized the crucial role of rapidly and accurately identifying pathogens to optimize patient treatment outcomes.Laboratory-on-a-chip(LOC)technology has...In a recent case report in the World Journal of Clinical Cases,emphasized the crucial role of rapidly and accurately identifying pathogens to optimize patient treatment outcomes.Laboratory-on-a-chip(LOC)technology has emerged as a transformative tool in health care,offering rapid,sensitive,and specific identification of microorganisms.This editorial provides a comprehensive overview of LOC technology,highlighting its principles,advantages,applications,challenges,and future directions.Success studies from the field have demonstrated the practical benefits of LOC devices in clinical diagnostics,epidemiology,and food safety.Comparative studies have underscored the superiority of LOC technology over traditional methods,showcasing improvements in speed,accuracy,and portability.The future integration of LOC with biosensors,artificial intelligence,and data analytics promises further innovation and expansion.This call to action emphasizes the importance of continued research,investment,and adoption to realize the full potential of LOC technology in improving healthcare outcomes worldwide.展开更多
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging malignancies to treat,with a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options.Despite the success of immunotherapy and targeted therapies for other cancers,these app...Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging malignancies to treat,with a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options.Despite the success of immunotherapy and targeted therapies for other cancers,these approaches have not yet transformed the treatment landscape for pancreatic cancer.The unique tumor microenvironment(TME)of pancreatic cancer,characterized by dense fibrotic stroma and immunosuppressive myeloid cells,poses significant barriers to effective immunotherapy.Current research highlights the need for an in-depth understanding of the TME and the development of strategies to overcome its immunosuppressive properties.Recent studies have explored various immunotherapeutic approaches,including immune checkpoint inhibitors,cancer vaccines,and adoptive cell therapies,some of which have shown promising results in preclinical and early clinical trials.Furthermore,combining immunotherapy with traditional treatments,such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy,has shown potential for enhancing antitumor efficacy,although targeted therapies for pancreatic cancer are still in their early stages and are being investigated for their ability to disrupt specific molecular pathways involved in tumor growth and survival.This review provides a comprehensive overview of the advances in immunotherapy and targeted therapies for pancreatic cancer,discussing the current state of research,clinical outcomes,and future directions for improving patient prognosis.展开更多
Mitochondria and mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane in neurodegenerative diseases:Mitochondria generate most of the chemical energy needed to power the biochemical reactions of cells,and thus are o...Mitochondria and mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane in neurodegenerative diseases:Mitochondria generate most of the chemical energy needed to power the biochemical reactions of cells,and thus are often referred to as the"powerhouse"of the cell.Nevertheless,this organelle is also involved in a pleth,ora of different cellular functions such as calcium(Ca^(2+))homeostasis,apoptosis,oxidative stress,and several metabolic pathways including oxidative phosphorylation,tricarboxylic acid cycle,andβ-oxidation of fatty acids.展开更多
Historically,"big pharma"did most central nervous system drug discovery R&D in-house.Yet,in modern times their"management reductionism"resulted in disappointing pipelines and pharma resided to(...Historically,"big pharma"did most central nervous system drug discovery R&D in-house.Yet,in modern times their"management reductionism"resulted in disappointing pipelines and pharma resided to(late)development,regulatory approval,and marketing(Thong,2015).This had significant consequences for financing and executing research,resulting in a larger role for funding by governments and patient-organizations and a shift of research to academia(Mazzucato,2013).展开更多
AIM To analyze the diagnostic performance of surveillance colonoscopy,computed tomography(CT),and tumor markers(TMs)in detecting CRC recurrence or metastasis during follow-up after CRC resection.Secondary objectives i...AIM To analyze the diagnostic performance of surveillance colonoscopy,computed tomography(CT),and tumor markers(TMs)in detecting CRC recurrence or metastasis during follow-up after CRC resection.Secondary objectives included degree of adherence to clinical practice guidelines surveillance recommendations and factors associated with adherence and all-cause and CRC mortality.METHODS The single-center retrospective cohort study including patients undergoing curative resection of stage I-III CRC during 2010-2015.Follow-up was performed using TMs every 6 months,yearly CT for 5 years,and colonoscopy at years 1 and 4.Demographic,primary tumor data,and results at follow-up were collected.RESULTS Of 574 included patients included,153 had recurrences or metastases.Of this group,136(88.9%)were diagnosed by CT,10(6.5%)by CT and colonoscopy,and 7(4.6%)by colonoscopy;only 67.8%showed TMs elevation.Adherence to follow-up recommendations was 68.8%for the first colonoscopy,74%for the first CT scan,and 96.6%for the first blood test;these values declined over time.Younger age at diagnosis[odds ratio(OR)0.93;95%CI:0.91-0.95],CRC stages I-II(OR 0.38;95%CI:0.24-0.61),and adherence to follow-up recommendations(OR 0.30;95%CI:0.20-0.46)were independently associated with lower risk for all-cause death at 5 years.CONCLUSION CT scan had the highest diagnostic yield.Adherence to follow-up recommendations was low and decreased during follow-up.Younger age at diagnosis,stage,and follow-up adherence were associated with lower 5-year mortality.展开更多
Objective Junctophilin-2(JPH2)is an essential structural protein that maintains junctional membrane complexes(JMCs)in cardiomyocytes by tethering the plasma membrane to the sarcoplasmic reticulum,thereby facilitating ...Objective Junctophilin-2(JPH2)is an essential structural protein that maintains junctional membrane complexes(JMCs)in cardiomyocytes by tethering the plasma membrane to the sarcoplasmic reticulum,thereby facilitating excitationcontraction(E-C)coupling.Mutations in JPH2 have been associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM),but the molecular mechanisms governing its membrane-binding properties and the functional relevance of its membrane occupation and recognition nexus(MORN)repeat motifs remain incompletely understood.This study aimed to elucidate the structural basis of JPH2 membrane association and its implications for HCM pathogenesis.Methods A recombinant N-terminal fragment of mouse JPH2(residues 1-440),encompassing the MORN repeats and an adjacent helical region,was purified under near-physiological buffer conditions.X-ray crystallography was employed to determine the structure of the JPH2 MORN-Helix domain.Sequence conservation analysis across species and junctophilin isoforms was performed to assess the evolutionary conservation of key structural features.Functional membrane-binding assays were conducted using liposome co-sedimentation and cell-based localization studies in COS7 and HeLa cells.In addition,site-directed mutagenesis targeting positively charged residues and known HCM-associated mutations,including R347C,was used to evaluate their effects on membrane interaction and subcellular localization.Results The crystal structure of the mouse JPH2 MORN-Helix domain was resolved at 2.6Å,revealing a compact,elongated architecture consisting of multiple tandem MORN motifs arranged in a curved configuration,forming a continuous hydrophobic core stabilized by alternating aromatic residues.A C-terminalα-helix further reinforced structural integrity.Conservation analysis identified the inner groove of the MORN array as a highly conserved surface,suggesting its role as a protein-binding interface.A flexible linker segment enriched in positively charged residues,located adjacent to the MORN motifs,was found to mediate direct electrostatic interactions with negatively charged phospholipid membranes.Functional assays demonstrated that mutation of these basic residues impaired membrane association,while the HCM-linked R347C mutation completely abolished membrane localization in cellular assays,despite preserving the overall MORN-Helix fold in structural modeling.Conclusion This study provides structural insight into the membrane-binding mechanism of the cardiomyocyte-specific protein JPH2,highlighting the dual roles of its MORN-Helix domain in membrane anchoring and protein interactions.The findings clarify the structural basis for membrane targeting via a positively charged linker and demonstrate that disruption of this interaction—such as that caused by the R347C mutation—likely contributes to HCM pathogenesis.These results not only enhance current understanding of JPH2 function in cardiac E-C coupling but also offer a structural framework for future investigations into the assembly and regulation of JMCs in both physiological and disease contexts.展开更多
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory brain networks,leading to aberrant homeostatic synaptic plasticity.AD has progressively been recognized as syna ptopathy ...Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory brain networks,leading to aberrant homeostatic synaptic plasticity.AD has progressively been recognized as syna ptopathy and syna ptic dysfunction has been identified as a key component of its pathogenesis (Schirinzi et al.,2020).Syna ptic dysfunction is believed to precede synapse loss,a primary biological correlate of cognitive decline in AD,inevita bly associated with neuronal death.展开更多
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons in the brainstem and spinal cord,leading to muscle weakness,para...Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons in the brainstem and spinal cord,leading to muscle weakness,paralysis,and respiratory failure (Morgan and Orrell,2016).展开更多
Endometrial thickness plays an important role in successful embryo implantation and normal pregnancy achievement.However,a thin endometrial layer(≤7 mm)may have a significant effect on microenvironment tolerance,whic...Endometrial thickness plays an important role in successful embryo implantation and normal pregnancy achievement.However,a thin endometrial layer(≤7 mm)may have a significant effect on microenvironment tolerance,which is further related to successful embryo implantation or conception,either naturally or after assisted reproductive technology.Moreover,this microenvironment tolerance shift induces hypoxic damage to endometrial epithelial cells(EECs),which results in altered signaling biomolecule secretion,including exosome content.In the context of endometrium regeneration,mesenchymal stromal cells(MSCs)and umbilical cord(UC)-derived stem cells have been applied in clinical trials with promising results.It has been recently shown that exosomes derived from hypoxic damaged EECs directly contribute to the increased migratory and regenerative abilities of UCs and MSCs.Specifically,microRNAs in exosomes secreted by the hypoxic damaged EECs,such as miR-214-5p and miR-21-5p,play a crucial role in the migratory capacity and differentiation ability of MSCs to EECs mediated through the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)signaling pathway.Taking into consideration the above information,UC-MSCs may be considered as a modern intervention for endometrial regeneration.展开更多
文摘In 2012,the laboratories of Drs.Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna reported the repurposing of a bacterial adaptive immune system,known as CRISPR,as a programmable,RNA guided DNA editing system in eukaryotic cells.Over the next 12 months,a tsunami of research papers emerged demonstrating the facile utilization of this newfound genome editing platform in a variety of cell types and animal models.Since 2013.
文摘Any new report on the anticancer properties of natural products always awakens new satisfaction and hope about the role of the international scientific community in its continuous contributions to human health,particularly when those reports contribute to both the understanding and therapeutics of cancer.For many de-cades,natural products have been pivotal in drug discovery programs because they offer a diverse array of anticancer therapeutic possibilities.Recently,two manuscripts published in the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology added new data to the already extensive body of anticancer preclinical evidence for resvera-trol and senegenin,two compounds widely present in herbal preparations used in traditional Chinese medicine.The first one,with comprehensive and recognized anticancer properties,and the second one,shows a compelling body of evidence supporting its neuroprotective effects,but with emerging anticancer activities.Natural products have become key elements in the expanding and dynamic field of anticancer drug discovery.However,urgent and collective efforts are still needed to bridge the gap between preclinical and clinical research and thus bring new anticancer therapeutic breakthroughs.
文摘Periodontitis has emerged as one of the most critical oral diseases, and research on this condition holds great importance for the advancement of stomatology. As the most authoritative national scientific research funding institution in China, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) has played a pivotal role in driving the progress of periodontal science by supporting research on periodontitis. This article provides a comprehensive review of the research and development progress related to periodontitis in China from 2014 to 2023, highlighting the significant contributions of the NSFC to this field. We have summarized the detailed funding information from the NSFC, including the number of applicant codes, funded programs and the distribution of funded scholars. These data illustrate the efforts of the NSFC in cultivating young scientists and building research groups to address key challenges in national scientific research. This study offers an overview of the current hot topics, recent breakthroughs and future research prospects related to periodontitis in China.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82370991)the Health Department of Zhejiang Province(Nos.2021KY194 and 2022KY872),China.
文摘Optogenetics combines optics and genetic engineering to control specific gene expression and biological functions and has the advantages of precise spatiotemporal control,noninvasiveness,and high efficiency.Genetically modified photosensory sensors are engineered into proteins to modulate conformational changes with light stimulation.Therefore,optogenetic techniques can provide new insights into oral biological processes at different levels,ranging from the subcellular and cellular levels to neural circuits and behavioral models.Here,we introduce the origins of optogenetics and highlight the recent progress of optogenetic approaches in oral and craniofacial research,focusing on the ability to apply optogenetics to the study of basic scientific neural mechanisms and to establish different oral behavioral test models in vivo(orofacial movement,licking,eating,and drinking),such as channelrhodopsin(ChR),archaerhodopsin(Arch),and halorhodopsin from Natronomonas pharaonis(NpHR).We also review the synergic and antagonistic effects of optogenetics in preclinical studies of trigeminal neuralgia and maxillofacial cellulitis.In addition,optogenetic tools have been used to control the neurogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells in translational studies.Although the scope of optogenetic tools is increasing,there are limited large animal experiments and clinical studies in dental research.Potential future directions include exploring therapeutic strategies for addressing loss of taste in patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),studying oral bacterial biofilms,enhancing craniomaxillofacial and periodontal tissue regeneration,and elucidating the possible pathogenesis of dry sockets,xerostomia,and burning mouth syndrome.
基金Supported by Instituto de Salud Carlos III(ISCiii),No.PI19/01266 and No.PI22/00857Consejería de Salud y Familias(Junta de Andalucía),No.PI-0216-2020 and No.PIP-0215-2020Biomedical Research Network Center for Liver and Digestive Diseases(CIBERehd)founded by the ISCIII and co-financed by European Regional Development Fund“A way to achieve Europe”ERDF.
文摘BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the most common subtype of primary liver cancer with varied incidence and epidemiology worldwide.Sorafenib is still a recommended treatment for a large proportion of patients with advanced HCC.Different patterns of treatment responsiveness have been identified in differentiated hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells and metastatic HCC SNU449 cells.AIM To define the long non-codingRNA-microRNA-mRNA(lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA)predicted signatures related to selected hallmarks of cancer(apoptosis,autophagy,cell stress,cell dedifferentiation and invasiveness)in RNAseq studies using Sorafenib-treated HepG2 and SNU449 cells.Various available software analyses allowed us to establish the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axes following treatment in HepG2 and SNU449 cells.METHODS HepG2 and SNU449 cells were treated with Sorafenib(10μmol/L)for 24 hours.Total RNA,including small and long RNA,was extracted with a commercial miRNeasy kit.RNAseq was carried out for the identification of changes in lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axes.RESULTS MALAT,THAP9-AS1 and SNGH17 appeared to coordinately regulate miR-374b-3p and miR-769-5p that led to upregulation of SMAD7,TIRARP,TFAP4 and FAXDC2 in HepG2 cells.SNHG12,EPB41 L4A-AS1,LINC01578,SNHG12 and GAS5 interacted with let-7b-3p,miR-195-5p and VEGFA in SNU449 cells.The axes MALAT1/hsamir-374b-3p/SMAD7 and MALAT1/hsa-mir-769-5p/TFAP4 were of high relevance for Sorafenib response in HepG2 cells,whereas PVT1/hsa-miR-195-5p/VEGFA was responsible for the differential response of SNU449 cells to Sorafenib treatment.CONCLUSION Critical lncRNAs acting as sponges of miRNA were identified that regulated mRNA expression,whose proteins mainly increased the antitumor effectiveness of the treatment(SMAD7,TIRARP,TFAP4,FAXDC2 and ADRB2).However,the broad regulatory axis leading to increased VEGFA expression may be related to the side effect of Sorafenib in SNU449 cells.
文摘Olfactory receptors are crucial for detecting odors and play a vital role in our sense of smell,influencing behaviors from food choices to emotional memories.These receptors also contribute to our perception of flavor and have potential applications in medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring.The ability of the olfactory system to regenerate its sensory neurons provides a unique model to study neural regeneration,a phenomenon largely absent in the central nervous system.Insights gained from how olfactory neurons continuously replace themselves and reestablish functional connections can provide strategies to promote similar regenerative processes in the central nervous system,where damage often results in permanent deficits.Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning olfactory neuron regeneration could pave the way for developing therapeutic approaches to treat spinal co rd injuries and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease.Olfa ctory receptors are found in almost any cell of eve ry orga n/tissue of the mammalian body.This ectopic expression provides insights into the chemical structures that can activate olfactory receptors.In addition to odors,olfactory receptors in ectopic expression may respond to endogenous compounds and molecules produced by mucosal colonizing microbiota.The analysis of the function of olfactory receptors in ectopic expression provides valuable information on the signaling pathway engaged upon receptor activation and the receptor's role in proliferation and cell differentiation mechanisms.This review explo res the ectopic expression of olfa ctory receptors and the role they may play in neural regeneration within the central nervous system,with particular attention to compounds that can activate these receptors to initiate regenerative processes.Evidence suggests that olfactory receptors could serve as potential therapeutic targets for enhancing neural repair and recovery following central nervous system injuries.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Yunnan Province,No.202401AS070086(to ZW)the National Key Research and Development Program of China,No.2018YFA0801403(to ZW)+1 种基金Yunnan Science and Technology Talent and Platform Plan,No.202105AC160041(to ZW)the Natural Science Foundation of China,No.31960120(to ZW)。
文摘Traumatic brain injury can be categorized into primary and secondary injuries.Secondary injuries are the main cause of disability following traumatic brain injury,which involves a complex multicellular cascade.Microglia play an important role in secondary injury and can be activated in response to traumatic brain injury.In this article,we review the origin and classification of microglia as well as the dynamic changes of microglia in traumatic brain injury.We also clarify the microglial polarization pathways and the therapeutic drugs targeting activated microglia.We found that regulating the signaling pathways involved in pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory microglia,such as the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappa B,mitogen-activated protein kinase,Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription,phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B,Notch,and high mobility group box 1 pathways,can alleviate the inflammatory response triggered by microglia in traumatic brain injury,thereby exerting neuroprotective effects.We also reviewed the strategies developed on the basis of these pathways,such as drug and cell replacement therapies.Drugs that modulate inflammatory factors,such as rosuvastatin,have been shown to promote the polarization of antiinflammatory microglia and reduce the inflammatory response caused by traumatic brain injury.Mesenchymal stem cells possess anti-inflammatory properties,and clinical studies have confirmed their significant efficacy and safety in patients with traumatic brain injury.Additionally,advancements in mesenchymal stem cell-delivery methods—such as combinations of novel biomaterials,genetic engineering,and mesenchymal stem cell exosome therapy—have greatly enhanced the efficiency and therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells in animal models.However,numerous challenges in the application of drug and mesenchymal stem cell treatment strategies remain to be addressed.In the future,new technologies,such as single-cell RNA sequencing and transcriptome analysis,can facilitate further experimental studies.Moreover,research involving non-human primates can help translate these treatment strategies to clinical practice.
文摘Background There is scarce data about comparisons between geriatric assessment tools in patients with aortic stenosis(AS).We aimed to describe the geriatric profile of patients with AS undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation(TAVI)and to analyze the ability of different tools for predicting clinical outcomes in this context.Methods This was a single center retrospective registry including patients with AS undergoing TAVI and surviving to hospital discharge.The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality or need for urgent readmission one year after TAVI.Results A total of 377 patients were included(mean age of 80.4 years).Most patients were independent or mildly dependent,with an optimal cognitive status.The proportion of frailty ranged from 17.6%to 49.8%.A total of 20 patients(5.3%)died and 110/377 patients(29.2%)died or were readmitted during follow up.Overall,most components of the geriatric assessment showed an association with clinical outcomes.Disability for instrumental activities showed a significant association with mortality and a strong association with the rate of mortality or readmission.The association between frailty and clinical outcomes was higher for short physical performance battery(SPPB),essential frailty toolset(EFT)and the frailty index based on comprehensive geriatric assessment(IF-VIG)and lower for Fried criteria and FRAIL scale.Conclusions AS patients from this series presented a good physical performance,optimal cognitive status and a reasonably low prevalence of frailty.The best predictive ability was observed for disability for instrumental activities and frailty as measured by the EFT,SPPB and the IF-VIG.
基金supported by grants from the Jagiellonian University,Poland(N18/DBS/000007)the Polish National Science Centre(2018/31/N/NZ4/03787).
文摘Angiogenesis,the expansion of pre-existing vascular networks,is crucial for normal organ growth and tissue repair,but is also involved in various pathologies,including inflammation,ischemia,diabetes,and cancer.In solid tumors,angiogenesis supports growth,nutrient delivery,waste removal,and metastasis.Tumors can induce angiogenesis through proangiogenic factors including VEGF,FGF-2,PDGF,angiopoietins,HGF,TNF,IL-6,SCF,tryptase,and chymase.This balance is disrupted in tumors,and extracellular vesicles(EVs)contribute to this by transferring proangiogenic factors and increasing their expression in endothelial cells(ECs).Malignant melanoma,a particular type of skin cancer,accounts for only 1%of skin cancer cases but more than 75%of deaths.Its incidence has risen significantly,with a 40%increase between 2012 and 2022,especially in fair-skinned populations.Advanced metastatic stages have a high mortality due to delayed diagnosis.This review examines the molecular basis of angiogenesis in melanoma,focusing on melanoma-derived EVs and their possible use in new antiangiogenic therapies.
基金supported by grants PID2020-115823-GB100 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033SBPLY/21/180501/000150 funded by JCCM/ERDF-A way of making Europe+1 种基金2022-GRIN-34354 grant by UCLM/ERDF intramural funding to LJDJDNL.DJ held a predoctoral fellowship granted by UCLM/ESF“Plan Propio de Investigación.”。
文摘Although many causes of Alzheimer’s disease(AD)may exist,both the original amyloid cascade and tau hypotheses posit that abnormal misfolding and accumulation of amyloid-β(Aβ)and tau protein is the central event causing the pathology.However,that conclusion could be only partly true,and there is conflicting evidence about the role of both proteins in AD,being able to precede and influence one another.Some researchers argue that these proteins are mere executors rather than primary causes of pathology.Therefore,there have been continuing refinements of both hypotheses,with alternative explanations proposed.Aβand tau proteins may be independently involved in specific neurotoxic pathways;yet there may be other crucial processes going on in early AD.Moreover,accumulating evidence suggests that Aβand tau act synergistically,rather than additively in disease onset(Jeremic et al.,2021,2023a).
文摘In a recent case report in the World Journal of Clinical Cases,emphasized the crucial role of rapidly and accurately identifying pathogens to optimize patient treatment outcomes.Laboratory-on-a-chip(LOC)technology has emerged as a transformative tool in health care,offering rapid,sensitive,and specific identification of microorganisms.This editorial provides a comprehensive overview of LOC technology,highlighting its principles,advantages,applications,challenges,and future directions.Success studies from the field have demonstrated the practical benefits of LOC devices in clinical diagnostics,epidemiology,and food safety.Comparative studies have underscored the superiority of LOC technology over traditional methods,showcasing improvements in speed,accuracy,and portability.The future integration of LOC with biosensors,artificial intelligence,and data analytics promises further innovation and expansion.This call to action emphasizes the importance of continued research,investment,and adoption to realize the full potential of LOC technology in improving healthcare outcomes worldwide.
文摘Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging malignancies to treat,with a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options.Despite the success of immunotherapy and targeted therapies for other cancers,these approaches have not yet transformed the treatment landscape for pancreatic cancer.The unique tumor microenvironment(TME)of pancreatic cancer,characterized by dense fibrotic stroma and immunosuppressive myeloid cells,poses significant barriers to effective immunotherapy.Current research highlights the need for an in-depth understanding of the TME and the development of strategies to overcome its immunosuppressive properties.Recent studies have explored various immunotherapeutic approaches,including immune checkpoint inhibitors,cancer vaccines,and adoptive cell therapies,some of which have shown promising results in preclinical and early clinical trials.Furthermore,combining immunotherapy with traditional treatments,such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy,has shown potential for enhancing antitumor efficacy,although targeted therapies for pancreatic cancer are still in their early stages and are being investigated for their ability to disrupt specific molecular pathways involved in tumor growth and survival.This review provides a comprehensive overview of the advances in immunotherapy and targeted therapies for pancreatic cancer,discussing the current state of research,clinical outcomes,and future directions for improving patient prognosis.
基金supported by LifeArc Philanthropic Fund(P2019-0004)LifeArc Pathfinder Award+7 种基金along with Wellcome Trust Seed Award(109626/Z/15/Z)FA PESP-UoB Strategic Collaboration FundBirmingham Fellowship(to SS)grants from Laboratoire d'Excellence Revive(Investissement d'AvenirANR-10-LABX-73)the Region lle-de-France via doctoral school Innovation Therapeutique,du Fondamentalàl'Appliqué(ED569)from Universite Paris-Saclay(to LA)Medical Research Council(MRC)Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme(DPFS)grant(MR/P007732/1)(to TB)supported by the Association Fran?aise contre les Myopathies(AFM-Téléthon)。
文摘Mitochondria and mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane in neurodegenerative diseases:Mitochondria generate most of the chemical energy needed to power the biochemical reactions of cells,and thus are often referred to as the"powerhouse"of the cell.Nevertheless,this organelle is also involved in a pleth,ora of different cellular functions such as calcium(Ca^(2+))homeostasis,apoptosis,oxidative stress,and several metabolic pathways including oxidative phosphorylation,tricarboxylic acid cycle,andβ-oxidation of fatty acids.
基金funded by the FWO(1S34321N)the Fondation Charcot Stichting(to TV and RS)。
文摘Historically,"big pharma"did most central nervous system drug discovery R&D in-house.Yet,in modern times their"management reductionism"resulted in disappointing pipelines and pharma resided to(late)development,regulatory approval,and marketing(Thong,2015).This had significant consequences for financing and executing research,resulting in a larger role for funding by governments and patient-organizations and a shift of research to academia(Mazzucato,2013).
基金Supported by Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria ISABIAL,No.P42022-0275.
文摘AIM To analyze the diagnostic performance of surveillance colonoscopy,computed tomography(CT),and tumor markers(TMs)in detecting CRC recurrence or metastasis during follow-up after CRC resection.Secondary objectives included degree of adherence to clinical practice guidelines surveillance recommendations and factors associated with adherence and all-cause and CRC mortality.METHODS The single-center retrospective cohort study including patients undergoing curative resection of stage I-III CRC during 2010-2015.Follow-up was performed using TMs every 6 months,yearly CT for 5 years,and colonoscopy at years 1 and 4.Demographic,primary tumor data,and results at follow-up were collected.RESULTS Of 574 included patients included,153 had recurrences or metastases.Of this group,136(88.9%)were diagnosed by CT,10(6.5%)by CT and colonoscopy,and 7(4.6%)by colonoscopy;only 67.8%showed TMs elevation.Adherence to follow-up recommendations was 68.8%for the first colonoscopy,74%for the first CT scan,and 96.6%for the first blood test;these values declined over time.Younger age at diagnosis[odds ratio(OR)0.93;95%CI:0.91-0.95],CRC stages I-II(OR 0.38;95%CI:0.24-0.61),and adherence to follow-up recommendations(OR 0.30;95%CI:0.20-0.46)were independently associated with lower risk for all-cause death at 5 years.CONCLUSION CT scan had the highest diagnostic yield.Adherence to follow-up recommendations was low and decreased during follow-up.Younger age at diagnosis,stage,and follow-up adherence were associated with lower 5-year mortality.
文摘Objective Junctophilin-2(JPH2)is an essential structural protein that maintains junctional membrane complexes(JMCs)in cardiomyocytes by tethering the plasma membrane to the sarcoplasmic reticulum,thereby facilitating excitationcontraction(E-C)coupling.Mutations in JPH2 have been associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM),but the molecular mechanisms governing its membrane-binding properties and the functional relevance of its membrane occupation and recognition nexus(MORN)repeat motifs remain incompletely understood.This study aimed to elucidate the structural basis of JPH2 membrane association and its implications for HCM pathogenesis.Methods A recombinant N-terminal fragment of mouse JPH2(residues 1-440),encompassing the MORN repeats and an adjacent helical region,was purified under near-physiological buffer conditions.X-ray crystallography was employed to determine the structure of the JPH2 MORN-Helix domain.Sequence conservation analysis across species and junctophilin isoforms was performed to assess the evolutionary conservation of key structural features.Functional membrane-binding assays were conducted using liposome co-sedimentation and cell-based localization studies in COS7 and HeLa cells.In addition,site-directed mutagenesis targeting positively charged residues and known HCM-associated mutations,including R347C,was used to evaluate their effects on membrane interaction and subcellular localization.Results The crystal structure of the mouse JPH2 MORN-Helix domain was resolved at 2.6Å,revealing a compact,elongated architecture consisting of multiple tandem MORN motifs arranged in a curved configuration,forming a continuous hydrophobic core stabilized by alternating aromatic residues.A C-terminalα-helix further reinforced structural integrity.Conservation analysis identified the inner groove of the MORN array as a highly conserved surface,suggesting its role as a protein-binding interface.A flexible linker segment enriched in positively charged residues,located adjacent to the MORN motifs,was found to mediate direct electrostatic interactions with negatively charged phospholipid membranes.Functional assays demonstrated that mutation of these basic residues impaired membrane association,while the HCM-linked R347C mutation completely abolished membrane localization in cellular assays,despite preserving the overall MORN-Helix fold in structural modeling.Conclusion This study provides structural insight into the membrane-binding mechanism of the cardiomyocyte-specific protein JPH2,highlighting the dual roles of its MORN-Helix domain in membrane anchoring and protein interactions.The findings clarify the structural basis for membrane targeting via a positively charged linker and demonstrate that disruption of this interaction—such as that caused by the R347C mutation—likely contributes to HCM pathogenesis.These results not only enhance current understanding of JPH2 function in cardiac E-C coupling but also offer a structural framework for future investigations into the assembly and regulation of JMCs in both physiological and disease contexts.
文摘Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory brain networks,leading to aberrant homeostatic synaptic plasticity.AD has progressively been recognized as syna ptopathy and syna ptic dysfunction has been identified as a key component of its pathogenesis (Schirinzi et al.,2020).Syna ptic dysfunction is believed to precede synapse loss,a primary biological correlate of cognitive decline in AD,inevita bly associated with neuronal death.
文摘Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons in the brainstem and spinal cord,leading to muscle weakness,paralysis,and respiratory failure (Morgan and Orrell,2016).
文摘Endometrial thickness plays an important role in successful embryo implantation and normal pregnancy achievement.However,a thin endometrial layer(≤7 mm)may have a significant effect on microenvironment tolerance,which is further related to successful embryo implantation or conception,either naturally or after assisted reproductive technology.Moreover,this microenvironment tolerance shift induces hypoxic damage to endometrial epithelial cells(EECs),which results in altered signaling biomolecule secretion,including exosome content.In the context of endometrium regeneration,mesenchymal stromal cells(MSCs)and umbilical cord(UC)-derived stem cells have been applied in clinical trials with promising results.It has been recently shown that exosomes derived from hypoxic damaged EECs directly contribute to the increased migratory and regenerative abilities of UCs and MSCs.Specifically,microRNAs in exosomes secreted by the hypoxic damaged EECs,such as miR-214-5p and miR-21-5p,play a crucial role in the migratory capacity and differentiation ability of MSCs to EECs mediated through the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)signaling pathway.Taking into consideration the above information,UC-MSCs may be considered as a modern intervention for endometrial regeneration.
