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PubMed2025

MicroRNA-122 overexpression suppresses the colon cancer cell proliferation by downregulating the astrocyte elevated gene-1/metadherin oncoprotein.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate essential cellular functions, such as cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, invasion, and programmed cell death, and therefore, alterations in miRNAs can contribute to carcinogenesis. Previous studies have shown that miRNA-122 is abundant in the liver and regulates cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. However, the expression pattern and mechanism of actions of miR-122 remain primarily unknown in colon cancer. METHODS: In this study, we analyzed The Cancer Genome Atlas Colon Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-COAD) database to assess the clinical significance of astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1)/metadherin (MTDH) and miR-122 in colon cancer. MiR-122 overexpression studies were performed in HCT116, SW480, and SW620 cell lines. Dual-luciferase assay was carried out to confirm the interaction between AEG-1 and miR-122. In vivo-JetPEI-transfection reagent was used for in-vivo transient transfection of miR-122 in the AOM/DSS-induced colon tumor mouse model. RESULTS: Our results demonstrate that miR-122 was downregulated in colon cancer cells, and it influences the expressions of apoptotic factors and inflammatory cytokines. MiR-122 overexpression in HCT116, SW480, and SW620 cells showed upregulation of Caspase 3, Caspase 9, and BAX and decreased expression of BCL2, which are pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic members that maintain a ratio between cellular survival and cell death. In vivo transient transfection of miR-122 mimic in AOM/DSS induced colon tumor mouse model showed less inflammation and disease activity. The TCGA-COAD data indicated that AEG-1 expression was higher in patients with low expression of miR-122 and lower AEG-1 expression in patients with higher expression miR-122. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the key role of miR-122 in the high grade of colonic inflammation, and possibly in colon cancer, and the use of miR-122 mimic might be a therapeutic option.

MicroRNAs↗

PubMed2026

Acupoint Selection Patterns and Potential Mechanisms of Acupuncture in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Combined Data Mining and Network Pharmacology Study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the core acupoint prescription and Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade-dependent compatibility patterns of acupuncture for KOA through complex network analysis, and to predict the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the core prescription via network pharmacology. METHODS: Literature was retrieved from PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and SinoMed (inception to September 3, 2025). Frequency, association rule, complex network, and K-L grade subgroup analyses were applied. Potential targets of the core prescription were identified via network pharmacology and intersected with disease targets from OMIM, Therapeutic Target, GeneCards, and DrugBank. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed to explore the potential molecular mechanisms. RESULTS: We included 522 studies, yielding 582 prescriptions involving 123 acupoints. The core prescription comprised 24 acupoints, including Dubi (ST35), Neixiyan (EX-LE4), Liangqiu (ST34), Xuehai (SP10), Zusanli (ST36), Yanglingquan (GB34), Yinlingquan (SP9), among others. K-L subgroup analysis revealed ST35, GB34, SP9, and SP10 as universal core acupoints. The mild-to-moderate subgroup mainly used local acupoints, while the moderate-to-severe subgroup centered on ST35, with increased distal acupoint usage and higher degree values. Network pharmacology analysis identified 77 overlapping targets. Core targets included tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin 6 (IL6), interleukin 1 beta (IL1B), tumor protein p53 (TP53), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1), caspase 3 (CASP3), and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), which were enriched in inflammation and immunity, cartilage metabolism, and tissue repair pathways. CONCLUSION: The core acupoint prescription for KOA features local acupoints combined with distal ones, exhibiting distinct patterns across K-L grades. Our computational findings suggest that core acupoints may potentially delay knee joint degeneration by synergistically regulating inflammation, cartilage metabolism, apoptosis, and tissue repair, although these predictions require experimental validation. These findings provide preliminary evidence and a theoretical basis for standardized clinical point selection and further mechanistic research.

KOA↗

PubMed2025

Network pharmacology combined with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry method to explore the mechanism of Shizhi Fang in treating uric acid nephropathy mice.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the potential mechanisms of Shizhi Fang (SZF, ) in the treatment of uric acid nephropathy (UAN). METHODS: SZF-containing serum was prepared from six male rats and analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Network pharmacology was employed was integrated with UPLC-Q-TOF-MS to predict SZF targets for the treatment of UAN, which were subsequently validated through in vivo experiments. Sixty male Bagg Albino Laboratory-Bred Mouse, substrain c mice were randomly allocated into six groups: Normal, Model, Febuxostat, and three SZF dosage groups. Except for the Normal group, all mice were administered potassium oxonate (250 mg/kg) and adenine (50 mg/kg) via gavage to induce UAN. Four hours post-administration, the Febuxostat group received Febuxostat (6 mg/kg), while the SZF groups received low (0.234 g/kg), medium (0.468 g/kg), or high (0.936 g/kg) doses of SZF. The Normal and Model groups were given an equivalent volume of saline. All treatments were conducted over a period of four weeks. Urine and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis, and kidney tissues were subjected to histopathological examination and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Nine prototype compounds and 30 metabolites were identified in SZF serum. Network pharmacology analysis revealed 195 drug targets and 1608 disease targets, with 76 common drug-disease targets, including signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src (SRC), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), Caspase 3, and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) as key targets. Gene Ontology analysis identified 325 biological processes, 48 cellular components, and 72 molecular functions, while Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis identified 113 pathways. Molecular docking demonstrated strong binding affinities between active compounds and their targets. In the animal study, SZF treatment alleviated pathological damage and improved serum and urine biochemical markers compared to the Model group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.001). Western blot analysis showed a significant reduction in phosphorylated-STAT3, phosphorylated-SRC, MMP9, TLR4, and Caspase3 expression in renal tissues of SZF-treated mice (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: SZF may exert therapeutic effects on UAN through multiple targets and pathways.

Animals↗

PubMed2025

Multi-Omics Platforms Reveal Synergistic Intestinal Toxicity in Tilapia from Acute Co-Exposure to Polystyrene Microplastics, Sulfamethoxazole, and BDE153.

Polystyrene microplastic (MP) and its co-existing contaminants may exert different toxic effects on its surrounding aquatic organisms. In order to detect the intestinal harmful responses, tilapia were subjected to exposure with 75 nm of MPs, 100 ng·L-1 of sulfamethoxazole (SMZ), 5 ng·L-1 of BDE153, and combinations thereof over periods of 2, 4, and 8 days. Enzymatic assays, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics were employed to evaluate intestinal histopathological effects. Results showed that significant reductions were observed in ATP, ROS, SOD, EROD, lipid metabolism-related enzymes, pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα and IL-1β), and apoptosis marker caspase 3 across all groups at day 8. Histological evaluation revealed diminished goblet cell density, with distinct vacuole formation in the BDE153+MPs group. KEGG pathway analysis highlighted disruptions in endocytosis, MAPK signaling, phagosome formation, and actin cytoskeleton regulation. Proteomic findings indicated notable enrichment in endocytosis (decreased sorting nexin-2; increased Si:dkey-13a21.4), MAPK/PPAR signaling, protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum (Sec61 subunit gamma), and cytoskeletal modulation (reduced fibronectin; elevated activation peptide fragment 1), with or without SMZ and BDE153. Metabolomic profiling showed significant alterations in ABC transporters, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, protein digestion and absorption, and linoleic acid metabolism. In summary, these findings suggest that BDE153 and MPs synergistically exacerbate intestinal damage and gene/protein expression over time, while SMZ appears to exert an antagonistic, mitigating effect.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Proteolytic activation of executioner caspase-3 and -7 regulates different physiological processes in mice.

Caspase-3 (CASP3) and caspase-7 (CASP7) are the two major executioner caspases that are proteolytically activated by upstream initiator caspases. They possess almost indistinguishable activity, which has led to the overall view that these caspases have functionally redundant roles. Here, we generate knock-in mice expressing cleavage-resistant CASP3(D175A) or CASP7(D198A). Our results show that proteolytic activation of CASP3 and CASP7 is decisive for their activity in vivo and controls redundant processes during embryonic development as combined expression of both CASP3(D175A) and CASP7(D198A) causes embryonic lethality. In adult mice, however, activation of CASP3 and CASP7 controls different processes in different tissues, without the involvement of apoptosis. While CASP7 activation is required for male fertility by controlling spermatogenesis, CASP3 activation appears crucial for lymphoid tissue development by regulating interferon signalling. Our findings shed light on emerging roles of caspases in non-apoptotic processes and provide impetus for reconsidering their involvement in physiological and pathological conditions.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

A Real-Time Image-Based Co-Culture Assay to Quantify Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte-Mediated Apoptotic Killing of Patient-Derived Tumor Organoids.

Understanding the functional capacity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) to recognize and eliminate autologous tumor cells is central to advancing personalized immunotherapy. The goal of this method is to provide an image-based, live-cell imaging protocol that measures TIL-mediated, caspase-3-dependent apoptotic killing against patient-derived tumor organoids (PDTOs) in real time. This method integrates established procedures for isolation and expansion of PDTOs and TILs with a standardized three-dimensional co-culture system and automated fluorescence-based apoptosis detection. Tumor organoids are plated in imaging-compatible 96-well plates and labeled with a red tumor marker, while expanded TILs are added at defined effector-to-target ratios in the presence of a caspase-3 activated green fluorescent substrate. Co-cultures are imaged every 4 h using a live-cell analysis system to capture phase-contrast and dual-fluorescence channels. Quantitative image analysis identifies red-positive tumor structures and calculates the proportion of red/green double-positive apoptotic tumor objects over time. Appropriate technical and biological replicates are incorporated, along with baseline, spontaneous apoptosis, negative and positive killing controls to ensure assay rigor. By preserving tumor heterogeneity within the PDTOs' three-dimensional architecture while enabling longitudinal quantification, this protocol provides a physiologically relevant system for functionally profiling patient-specific tumor-TIL interactions and investigating immunomodulatory agents that augment anti-tumor immunity.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

Mechanism of action of curculigoside ameliorating osteoporosis: an analysis based on network pharmacology and experimental validation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to predict and verify the mechanism of curculigoside in treating osteoporosis using network pharmacology, molecular docking technology, and micro-CT technology. METHODS: Herb databases were searched to identify and screen potential targets of curculigoside. The GeneCards platform was utilized to mine osteoporosis-related targets. Cytoscape 3.6.0 software was employed to construct a compound-target-disease network. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network for curculigoside in osteoporosis treatment was established, and core targets were screened. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment and GO biological process analyses were performed using the Metascape database. Finally, molecular docking and micro-CT were used to validate core targets relevant to osteoporosis. RESULTS: A total of 166 potential curculigoside targets and 4,313 osteoporosis-related targets were identified, with 91 common targets. Ten key targets, including matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)3, MMP9, interleukin (IL)-6, and caspase-3, were screened. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated involvement in 10 pathways, such as the Rap1 signaling pathway and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway. Molecular docking results demonstrated strong binding affinity between curculigoside and the core targets. Micro-CT analysis revealed that curculigoside not only improved BMD, BV/TV, BS/BV, and Tb.Th but also reduced Tb.Sp in osteoporotic bone. CONCLUSIONS: Curculigoside is likely to treat osteoporosis through targets such as MMP3, MMP9, IL-6, and caspase-3, acting on signaling pathways including Rap1 and TNF. These results indicate that curculigoside exhibits multitarget and multipathway characteristics in osteoporosis treatment, providing a theoretical basis for further clinical investigation.

Osteoporosis↗

PubMed2014

MiR-16 targets Bcl-2 in paclitaxel-resistant lung cancer cells and overexpression of miR-16 along with miR-17 causes unprecedented sensitivity by simultaneously modulating autophagy and apoptosis.

Non-small cell lung cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers as per as the mortality and occurrence is concerned. Paclitaxel based chemotherapeutic regimes are now used as an important option for the treatment of lung cancer. However, resistance of lung cancer cells to paclitaxel continues to be a major clinical problem nowadays. Despite impressive initial clinical response, most of the patients eventually develop some degree of paclitaxel resistance in the course of treatment. Previously, utilizing miRNA arrays we reported that downregulation of miR-17 is at least partly involved in the development of paclitaxel resistance in lung cancer cells by modulating Beclin-1 expression [1]. In this study, we showed that miR-16 was also significantly downregulated in paclitaxel resistant lung cancer cells. We demonstrated that anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was directly targeted miR-16 in paclitaxel resistant lung cancer cells. Moreover, in this report we showed that the combined overexpression of miR-16 and miR-17 and subsequent paclitaxel treatment greatly sensitized paclitaxel resistant lung cancer cells to paclitaxel by inducing apoptosis via caspase-3 mediated pathway. Combined overexpression of miR-16 and miR-17 greatly reduced Beclin-1 and Bcl-2 expressions respectively. Our results indicated that though miR-17 and miR-16 had no common target, both miR-16 and miR-17 jointly played roles in the development of paclitaxel resistance in lung cancer. miR-17 overexpression reduced cytoprotective autophagy by targeting Beclin-1, whereas overexpression of miR-16 potentiated paclitaxel induced apoptotic cell death by inhibiting anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2.

3' Untranslated Regions↗

PubMed2026

miR-197 Targets NLRP3 3' UTR and Correlates with NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-18 Signaling in Hyperoxia-Stimulated Neonatal BPD Mouse Model.

Reduced circulating miR-197 was previously observed in preterm infants who later developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), but its relationship with NLRP3 inflammasome signaling remains unclear. This study examined miR-197 expression, NLRP3 inflammasome-related markers, and the interaction between miR-197 and the NLRP3 3' UTR in a neonatal hyperoxia model. Neonatal C57BL/6J mice were exposed to 60% oxygen or room air from birth, and lung tissues were collected on postnatal days 1, 7, 14, and 21. Lung injury and alveolar development were assessed by histology, radial alveolar count, mean linear intercept, and lung wet-to-dry ratio. miR-197 and NLRP3 expression and NF-κB-, caspase-1-, and IL-18-related proteins were evaluated by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. A dual-luciferase reporter assay in MLE12 cells tested the interaction between miR-197 and the NLRP3 3' UTR. Hyperoxia increased lung wet-to-dry ratios and mean linear intercept, reduced radial alveolar count, and caused progressive alveolar simplification. miR-197 expression decreased, whereas NLRP3 mRNA increased, at all examined time points; NLRP3 protein and inflammasome-related protein changes were most evident from postnatal day 7 onward. The miR-197 mimic reduced luciferase activity in the wild-type but not mutant NLRP3 3' UTR reporter. These findings show that neonatal hyperoxia is associated with reduced miR-197 and increased NLRP3/inflammasome-related signaling and support a sequence-specific interaction between miR-197 and the NLRP3 3' UTR, although causal regulation in vivo requires further investigation.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Network pharmacology insights into the mechanistic basis of Taohe Chengqi Decoction in the treatment of constipation.

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder associated with impaired motility, inflammation, and altered neuro-intestinal regulation. Taohe Chengqi Decoction, a classical prescription from Shang Han Lun, has been widely applied in the treatment of constipation, yet its pharmacological mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. We integrated systems pharmacology and network analysis to elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms of Taohe Chengqi Decoction against constipation. Active compounds and their putative targets were retrieved from traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology and PubChem, while constipation-related genes were collected from GeneCards and OMIM. Shared targets were identified and subsequently analyzed using STRING to construct a protein-protein interaction network. Hub proteins were ranked by degree centrality. A drug-disease-target network was built to map the interactions between Taohe Chengqi Decoction and constipation. Gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analyses were performed to uncover functional modules and signaling pathways. A total of 188 common targets were identified. Protein-protein interaction network analysis highlighted AKT1, interleukin-6 (IL6), IL1B, and JUN as hub proteins, suggesting central roles in regulating inflammation, apoptosis, and signal transduction. Additional nodes with high connectivity, such as caspase-3, PTGS2, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, estrogen receptor 1, and epidermal growth factor receptor, were implicated in apoptosis, oxidative stress, and transcriptional regulation. The drug-disease-target network revealed a dense and highly interconnected structure, reflecting the multicomponent, multi-target nature of Taohe Chengqi Decoction. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment indicated significant involvement of the advanced glycation end-product binding to their receptor signaling pathway, along with IL-17, TNF, and HIF-1 pathways, underscoring the contribution of inflammatory and oxidative stress-related processes. This study, based on computational pharmacology analysis, predicts that Taohe Chengqi Decoction may exert therapeutic effects on constipation through an integrated regulation involving multiple components, targets, and pathways. The potential mechanisms are likely associated with the modulation of inflammatory responses, apoptosis, and oxidative stress, with the advanced glycation end-product binding to their receptor signaling pathway possibly acting as a key mediator. These findings provide theoretical insights and future directions for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Taohe Chengqi Decoction against constipation.

Drugs, Chinese Herbal↗

PubMed2026

Thyroxine enhances breast cancer cell survival and proliferation via TRβ1-Dependent PI3K/AKT signaling.

Thyroid hormones (TH) influence tumor biology through both genomic and non-genomic mechanisms. Specifically, thyroxine (T4) activates signaling pathways linked to cancer progression through interactions with nuclear receptors, such as TRβ1, and membrane receptors, including integrin αvβ3. Nevertheless, the precise role of T4 in breast cancer cell behavior and its underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. The effects of physiological concentrations of T4 (10-9 M) on proliferation, cell viability, apoptotic signaling, and activation of intracellular pathways were evaluated in human mammary cell lines. Tumor cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and the non-tumor mammary epithelial cell line MCF-10A were treated with T4 alone or in combination with the thyroid hormone receptor antagonist 1-850. Cell proliferation was measured using the MTT assay, and viability was determined by trypan blue exclusion. Protein expression and signaling pathways were analyzed by Western blot, including assessment of apoptotic markers (caspases, PARP, Bax, Bcl-2), PCNA, steroid hormone receptors, and signaling mediators such as PI3K, AKT, and ERK. Immunocytochemistry was used to evaluate TRβ1, integrin αvβ3, and Ki67 expression. T4 treatment increased proliferation and survival in hormone-sensitive tumor cells, accompanied by modulation of apoptosis-related proteins and activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. The antagonist 1-850 selectively attenuated TRβ1-dependent effects, enabling distinction between genomic and integrin-mediated mechanisms. These effects were observed exclusively in hormone-sensitive tumor cells. These findings support a role for T4 in breast cancer progression and identify TH-related signaling pathways as potential therapeutic targets.

Apoptosis↗

PubMed2026

Targeted proteomics of extreme vascular phenotypes in type 1 diabetes: the ESCAPER study.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), but a subset of individuals remains free from macrovascular or renal complications despite decades of hyperglycaemia and a significant risk factor burden. We used a targeted proteomic approach (Olink Cardiovascular panel III, targeting 92 proteins) to characterize the proteomic profile of cardiovascular resilience in T1D by comparing 92 patients with long-standing T1D (age 59.8 [53.2, 69.1], duration 40.0 [35.0, 45.2] years) free from macrovascular complications or nephropathy against a reference group of 57 T1D patients with accelerated vascular pathology (age 42.0 [32.0, 56.0], duration 22.0 [18.0, 27.0] years), proliferative retinopathy and/or nephropathy in relation to diabetes duration, termed Rapid Progressors (RP). Twenty proteins differed significantly between RP and Escapers (False Discovery Rate [FDR] < 0.05) after adjustment for age, sex, HbA1c, and eGFR: Caspase-3 was significantly higher in RP (Adjusted difference: + 2.12 Normalized Protein eXpression [NPX], p < 0.001). Proteins associated with platelet activation and leukocyte adhesion with increased levels in RP included Junctional Adhesion Molecule A (+ 1.40 NPX), Glycoprotein VI (GP6: + 1.29 NPX), and P-Selectin (+ 0.82 NPX) (all p < 0.001). PECAM-1 (+ 0.55 NPX) and TNFRSF14 (+ 0.43 NPX), were also elevated. RP also showed higher levels of metabolic and tissue-remodelling proteins; Transferrin Receptor (+ 0.53 NPX) and Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 (+ 0.52 NPX), as well as higher Bleomycin Hydrolase, Trefoil Factor 3, GDF-15, U-PAR, and Cystatin B. Conversely, von Willebrand Factor (vWF) levels (- 1.35 NPX, p < 0.001) and Paraoxonase 3 (PON3) was lower in RP (- 0.34 NPX, p = 0.003). In conclusion, escaping complications in long-term T1D appears to be associated with active molecular mechanisms. Progression is marked by apoptosis (Caspase-3), fibrosis (CHI3L1) and platelet activation (GP6), whereas resilience is associated with a distinct signature involving higher vWF and PON3. These findings highlight a profound biological divergence between extreme T1D phenotypes and provide a foundation for further research into vascular resilience.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Suppression of HIV-1 replication in CEM-A cell cultures by trans-splicing group I introns targeting PAS/PBS sequences and conditionally expressing ΔN-Bax.

Anti-HIV group I introns containing antisense guide sequences directed against the HIV-1 primer activation signal and primer-binding site (PAS/PBS) were designed and evaluated. Because PAS/PBS sequences are present in the viral RNA species examined, these RNAs can serve as trans-splicing substrates. The introns were active against both artificial target RNAs and viral RNA generated during infection. Cleavage and degradation of targeted viral RNA may have contributed to suppression, whereas inclusion of a 3' exon encoding the proapoptotic protein ΔN-Bax was associated with increased programmed cell death and may have augmented suppression of viral replication. In cultured CEM-A cells, transgene expression of these introns markedly suppressed HIV-1 replication, with p24 levels falling below the assay detection limit in selected clones. RESULTS: RT-PCR and sequence analysis detected splice products containing the expected PAS/PBS junctions. In the dual-luciferase assay, intron expression reduced normalized Gaussia luciferase signal by approximately 70% relative to the negative control. Qualitative Annexin V imaging and caspase-3 assays were consistent with infection-dependent apoptosis after ΔN-Bax splice-product formation. Transient expression of each intron in HEK293T cells followed by infection with VSV-G-pseudotyped HIV-1NL4-3 at an MOI of 2 reduced p24 levels by approximately 50% at 4 days post-infection. Construct 128L produced the strongest RT-PCR band under the tested conditions and was selected for subsequent experiments. A canonical splice product and a low-abundance noncanonical splice product were detected; both involved the intended HIV-derived target RNA, although transcriptome-wide off-target splicing was not assessed. Heterogeneous transformed HEK293T populations showed an approximately 2-log10 reduction in p24. In selected clonal HEK293T and CEM-A lines, p24 was below the assay detection limit at the measured endpoints, including up to 90 days after infection in some CEM-A clones. CONCLUSIONS: PAS/PBS-targeting group I introns suppressed HIV-1-associated p24 production in the tested cell-culture models. Linking the introns to a ΔN-Bax 3' exon was associated with infection-dependent apoptosis and may further limit viral replication and spread. The use of highly conserved, functionally constrained target sequences may reduce the likelihood of escape, but viral evolution and transcriptome-wide off-target effects were not assessed. This conditional death-upon-infection strategy warrants further evaluation in primary-cell and in vivo models.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

Streptococcus pyogenes EVs induce the alternative inflammasome via caspase-4/-5 in human monocytes.

The sensing of Gram-negative Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) by the innate immune system has been extensively studied in the past decade. In contrast, recognition of Gram-positive EVs by innate immune cells remains poorly understood. Comparative genome-wide transcriptional analysis in human monocytes uncovered that S. pyogenes EVs induce proinflammatory signatures that are markedly distinct from those of their parental cells. Among the 209 genes exclusively upregulated by EVs, caspase-5 prompted us to study inflammasome signaling pathways in depth. We show that lipoteichoic acid (LTA), a structural component of Gram-positive bacterial membranes present on EVs from S. pyogenes and other Gram-positive species, is sensed by TLR2 which triggers the alternative inflammasome composed of NLRP3 and the inflammatory caspases-4/-5 to mount an IL-1β response without inducing cell death. For S. pyogenes, we identify TLR8 as a sensor to mediate caspase-4/-5-dependent IL-1β secretion. Notably, inflammasome activation by intact bacteria is independent of the global virulence regulator CovS in monocytes. Overall, our study highlights a new role for TLR2 and caspase-4/-5 in the recognition of Gram-positive EVs in human monocytes.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Magnolol Potentiates Sorafenib-induced Apoptosis and Inhibits Metastatic Signaling in Renal Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Sorafenib is a standard targeted therapy for renal cell carcinoma; however, resistance and limited efficacy remain clinical challenges. Magnolol, a bioactive compound derived from Magnolia officinalis, exhibits anti-cancer properties, and may enhance therapeutic responses. This study investigated whether magnolol potentiates the anti-tumor effects of sorafenib in murine renal carcinoma (Renca) cells and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cell viability was assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and drug interactions were analyzed using the Chou-Talalay method. Apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining, cell-cycle analysis, and caspase activation. Western blotting and flow cytometry were performed to examine apoptotic pathways and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/SRC proto-oncogene, non-receptor tyrosine kinase (SRC)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling. Transwell assays and protein expression profiling were used to analyze migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. RESULTS: Combination treatment synergistically reduced cell viability, with a combination index (CI) <1, and significantly enhanced apoptosis via activation of intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Co-treatment suppressed EGFR/SRC proto-oncogene, SRC/ NF-κB signaling and reduced migration, invasion, and EMT-associated markers. CONCLUSION: Magnolol enhances sorafenib efficacy by promoting apoptosis and inhibiting survival and metastatic signaling pathways in renal carcinoma cells.

Lignans↗

PubMed2026

Metabolic ketosis attenuates NLRP3 inflammasome activation and is associated with improvements in hepatic steatosis and liver stiffness in MASLD: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasingly recognized as a systemic metabolic-inflammatory disorder in which metabolic stress and innate immune activation, particularly through the NLRP3 inflammasome, contribute to disease progression. Metabolic ketosis, characterized by increased levels of circulating ketone bodies, especially β-hydroxybutyrate, has emerged as a promising strategy to modulate substrate utilization, inflammatory signaling, and hepatic injury. However, clinical evidence integrating molecular, metabolic, and hepatic outcomes remains limited. METHODS: In this pilot randomized controlled trial, 20 participants with newly diagnosed MASLD were randomly assigned to either a 3-month intervention with a daily C8-enriched medium-chain fatty acid formulation (m-CAP; meta-Capridin, providing approximately 20 g/day of C8) or a standardized low-carbohydrate dietary protocol. Metabolic indices, inflammatory mediators, adipokines, and hepatic enzymes were assessed. The expression of key inflammasome components (NLRP3, caspase-1, and ASC) was evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and hepatic steatosis and liver stiffness were measured via transient elastography. RESULTS: The C8-enriched intervention was associated with increased circulating β-hydroxybutyrate levels, indicating the achievement of nutritional ketosis. Changes over time were observed in metabolic parameters, including fasting serum glucose (p < 0.05), HOMA-IR (p < 0.05), body fat percentage (p < 0.05), and BMI (p < 0.05). Alterations in inflammatory mediators and adipokine-related outcomes were also observed following the intervention. At the molecular level, changes in inflammasome-related markers were detected, including caspase-1 mRNA expression (p < 0.05) and NLRP3 expression at the transcriptional (p < 0.05) and protein levels (p < 0.01), whereas ASC expression remained unchanged. Changes in hepatic steatosis (p < 0.01) and liver stiffness measurements were observed following the intervention. Given the absence of significant Group × Time interactions for several secondary outcomes, these findings should be interpreted as exploratory and hypothesis-generating. CONCLUSIONS: Induction of metabolic ketosis was associated with changes in metabolic, inflammatory, and hepatic parameters in patients with MASLD. The observed associations between ketosis, inflammasome-related markers, and noninvasive liver outcomes warrant further investigation of ketosis-based interventions as adjunctive approaches in MASLD. Larger and longer-term clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings and to determine whether short-term changes in liver stiffness reflect sustained alterations in hepatic status rather than structural fibrosis regression. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT); Unique identifier: IRCT20170315033086N12; Registration date: 19 September 2024; Registry URL: https://www.irct.ir. IRCT is a primary registry in the WHO Registry Network (https://www.who.int/tools/clinical-trials-registry-platform/network/primary-registries).

Humans↗

PubMed2017

MicroRNA‑27a promotes tumorigenesis via targeting AKT in triple negative breast cancer.

Altered microRNA (miRNA/miR) expression regulates tumor development and progression in triple‑negative breast cancer (TNBC). The present study examined the effect of miR‑27a on proliferation, migration and invasion of TNBC cells in vitro and in vivo. An MTT assay was performed to examine the proliferation of MDA‑MB‑231 and MDA‑MB‑468 breast cancer cells with either overexpression of miR‑27a or downregulation of miR‑27a, in the presence or absence of radiation. The migratory and invasive abilities of MDA‑MB‑231 and MDA‑MB‑468 breast cancer cells were assessed by Transwell migration and Matrigel invasion assays. The protein expression levels were examined by western blotting. The caspase‑Glo3/7 assay was performed to examine the effect of miR‑27a on radiation‑induced apoptosis in MDA‑MB‑231 and MDA‑MB‑468 breast cancer cells. A luciferase assay was performed to evaluate the effect of miR‑27a on phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and B cell lymphoma (Bcl)‑2 associated X, apoptosis regulator (BAX) expression. Immunodeficient nude mice were used to examine tumor growth following injection of MDA‑MB‑231 breast cancer cells. miR‑27a promoted proliferation in vitro and in vivo, and enhanced migration and invasion in TNBC cells. miR‑27a improved the survival of TNBC cells following irradiation. miR‑27a inhibited radiation‑induced apoptosis in TNBC cells by regulation of caspase 3/7 and Bcl‑2 expression. Furthermore, the expression levels of PTEN and phosphorylated protein kinase B in MDA‑MB‑231 and MDA‑MB‑468 cells was altered following overexpression of miR‑27a. The luciferase assay demonstrated that miR‑27a regulated PTEN and BAX expression by binding to 3'‑untranslated regions. Overall, miR‑27a exhibits an essential role in tumor development and progression in TNBC and may be used as a potential biomarker to predict radiotherapy response and prognosis for the disease.

3' Untranslated Regions↗

PubMed2026

Norgestrel drives mitochondrial collapse and plasma membrane impairment in Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) sperm by triggering premature acrosome reaction.

The toxic mechanisms of norgestrel (NGT), an emerging marine pollutant, on the sperm from externally fertilized invertebrates remain elusive. This study employed an integrated physiological and multi-omics framework to elucidate how NGT (10 and 1000 ng/L) disrupts acrosome reaction (AR) signaling machinery, thereby impairing the functional integrity of Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas, also known as Magallana gigas) sperm. Exposure to NGT triggered a significant, dose-dependent premature AR, characterized by elevated acrosin activity and a loss of acrosomal integrity. Multi-omics integration supports a model in which this premature exocytosis is linked to signaling disturbances, including disruption of calcium signaling and reduced transcript abundance of calmodulin (CaM) and the primary recognition protein zonadhesin (Zan). This signaling interference induced an premature AR, subsequently driving a cascade of bioenergetic and structural failures. At the mitochondrial level, NGT induced abnormal mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening and elevated the transcript levels of antioxidant defense genes (e.g., peroxiredoxin-5, PRDX5). These alterations indicate the occurrence of mitochondrial collapse. Concurrently, scanning electron microscopy verified localized plasma membrane wrinkling and pore formation in sperm. In addition, NGT exposure decreased the transcript abundance of cytoskeleton-related genes, including solute carrier family 26 member 6 (SLC26A6), actin (ACT), and tubulin polymerization promoting protein family member 3 (TPPP3). These molecular changes further disrupted membrane phospholipid homeostasis, as represented by altered glycerophospholipid metabolism. At the same time, cumulative cellular stress was associated with decreased transcript abundance of cytoprotective factors (e.g., baculoviral IAP repeat-containing proteins, birc2) and changes in apoptosis-related genes consistent with activation of a caspase-8-mediated apoptotic programme. In conclusion, NGT, as a representative synthetic progestin, exerts reproductive toxicity by interfering with signaling mediators to induce premature AR, which subsequently exhausts metabolic energy and triggers plasma membrane impairment. These findings provide a critical mechanistic basis for the aquatic ecological risk assessment of synthetic progestins.

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