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A guide to selecting high-performing renewable antibodies for KIF5A (Q12840) across western blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence.

Kinesin Family Member 5A (KIF5A) is an important protein for anterograde cellular transport. We characterized ten commercially available research antibodies against KIF5A for use in western blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence using a standardized workflow. Antibody performance was assessed by comparing signal in a wild-type cell line and its corresponding knockout derivative. This work is part of a broader collaborative public-good initiative to improve biomedical research by systematically evaluating commercial antibodies against human proteins and openly sharing the data as a resource for the scientific community. We encourage readers to use this report as a guide for selecting antibodies best suited to their specific applications.

Kinesins

A guide to selecting high-performing antibodies for Syntenin-1 (O00560) for use in western blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence.

Syntenin-1 is the Syndecan-binding protein 1 and a PDZ domain-containing adaptor protein that regulates diverse cellular processes through its interactions with transmembrane receptors, cytoskeletal components, and signaling molecules. Here we have characterized twelve Syntenin-1 commercial antibodies for western blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence using a standardized experimental protocol based on comparing read-outs in knockout cell lines and isogenic parental controls. These studies are part of a larger, collaborative initiative seeking to address antibody reproducibility issues by characterizing commercially available antibodies for human proteins and publishing the results openly as a resource for the scientific community. While the use of antibodies and protocols vary between laboratories, we encourage readers to use this report as a guide to select the most appropriate antibodies for their specific needs.

Syntenins

A guide to selecting high-performing antibodies for DJ-1 ( PARK7) (Q99497) for use in western blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence.

DJ-1 is a multifunctional protein that plays a pivotal role in cellular protection against oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. Mutations in the PARK7 gene are associated with early-onset familial Parkinson's disease. Here we have characterized sixteen DJ-1 commercial antibodies for western blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence using a standardized experimental protocol based on comparing read-outs in knockout cell lines and isogenic parental controls. These studies are part of a larger, collaborative initiative seeking to address antibody reproducibility issues by characterizing commercially available antibodies for human proteins and publishing the results openly as a resource for the scientific community. While the use of antibodies and protocols vary between laboratories, we encourage readers to use this report as a guide to select the most appropriate antibodies for their specific needs.

Protein Deglycase DJ-1

A guide to selecting high-performing antibodies for TMEM175 (UniProt ID: Q9BSA9) for use in western blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence.

TMEM175 is the pore-forming subunit of a lysosomal K+ channel complex that regulates lysosomal pH stability and membrane potential. To further investigate its cellular functions and implications in neurodegenerative diseases, antibody reagents are needed. Here we have characterized six TMEM175 commercial antibodies for western blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence using a standardized experimental protocol based on comparing read-outs in knockout cell lines and isogenic parental controls. These studies are part of a larger, collaborative initiative seeking to address antibody reproducibility issues by characterizing commercially available antibodies for human proteins and publishing the results openly as a resource for the scientific community. While use of antibodies and protocols vary between laboratories, we encourage readers to use this report as a guide to select the most appropriate antibodies for their specific needs.

Humans

Founder Homozygous Nonsense CREB3 Variant and Variable-Onset Retinal Degeneration.

IMPORTANCE: Uncovering the genetic basis of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) can enhance both diagnostic accuracy and the development of targeted treatment strategies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between a homozygous nonsense variant in CREB3 with IRDs. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Thirteen patients with a clinical diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa or cone-rod degeneration were analyzed by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and whole-exome sequencing (WES). Clinically, patients presented with 2 main phenotypes, rod-cone and cone-rod dystrophies, demonstrating variable electrophysiological and fundoscopic findings. Expression analysis was performed on patient-derived skin fibroblasts using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis, and by interrogating previously published retinal single-cell RNA sequence data. Immunohistochemistry staining was performed on wild-type mouse retinal sections using an anti-CREB3 antibody. Patients with variable phenotypes of IRDs were recruited from 3 medical centers in Israel and Italy. Ophthalmologists clinically diagnosed patients at the relevant medical centers and referred them for genetic screening. WES and WGS were performed at different national and international centers, and the findings of the previously unreported gene were shared between investigators. EXPOSURES: CREB3 and IRDs. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The main outcome was evidence supporting an association between CREB3 and IRD. Measures included WES, WGS, and immunohistochemistry staining. RESULTS: A founder homozygous nonsense variant in CREB3 (c.881G>A, p.Trp294*) was identified in 13 patients from 4 unrelated families; 12 descendent from North-African Jewish origins and 1 from Italian origins. All patients manifested retinal degeneration with varying ages at onset. In patient-derived fibroblasts, the variant mRNA transcript generated a truncated CREB3 protein. Expression analysis and immunohistochemistry staining revealed CREB3 RNA and protein expression in various retinal cell types, indicating its vital role in photoreceptor function. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study found an association between CREB3 and IRDs. CREB3 was previously shown to be upregulated following ultraviolet radiation. This might contribute to the extensive clinical variability observed in this relatively large cohort of homozygous patients with the same truncated variant.

Humans

Expression of ZNF804A in human brain and alterations in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder: a novel transcript fetally regulated by the psychosis risk variant rs1344706.

IMPORTANCE: The single-nucleotide polymorphism rs1344706 in the zinc finger protein 804A gene (ZNF804A) shows genome-wide association with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Little is known regarding the expression of ZNF804A and the functionality of rs1344706. OBJECTIVES: To characterize ZNF804A expression in human brain and to investigate how it changes across the life span and how it is affected by rs1344706, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Molecular and immunochemical methods were used to study ZNF804A messenger RNA (mRNA) and ZNF804A protein, respectively. ZNF804A transcripts were investigated using next-generation sequencing and polymerase chain reaction-based methods, and ZNF804A protein was investigated using Western blots and immunohistochemistry. Samples of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and inferior parietal lobe tissue were interrogated from 697 participants between 14 weeks' gestational age and age 85 years, including patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Quantitative measurements of ZNF804A mRNA and immunoreactivity, and the effect of diagnosis and rs1344706 genotype. RESULTS: ZNF804A was expressed across the life span, with highest expression prenatally. An abundant and developmentally regulated truncated ZNF804A transcript was identified, missing exons 1 and 2 (ZNF804AE3E4) and predicted to encode a protein lacking the zinc finger domain. rs1344706 influenced expression of ZNF804AE3E4 mRNA in fetal brain (P&#x2009;=&#x2009;.02). In contrast, full-length ZNF804A showed no association with genotype (P&#x2009;>&#x2009;.05). ZNF804AE3E4 mRNA expression was decreased in patients with schizophrenia (P&#x2009;=&#x2009;.006) and increased in those with major depressive disorder (P&#x2009;<&#x2009;.001), and there was a genotype-by-diagnosis interaction in bipolar disorder (P&#x2009;=&#x2009;.002). ZNF804A immunoreactivity was detected in fetal and adult human cerebral cortex. It was localized primarily to pyramidal neurons, with cytoplasmic as well as dendritic and nuclear staining. No differences in ZNF804A-immunoreactive neurons were seen in schizophrenia or related to rs1344706 (P&#x2009;>&#x2009;.05). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: rs1344706 influences the expression of ZNF804AE3E4, a novel splice variant. The effect is limited to fetal brain and to this isoform. It may be part of the mechanism by which allelic variation in ZNF804A affects risk of psychosis. ZNF804A is translated in human brain, where its functions may extend beyond its predicted role as a transcription factor.

Adolescent

Multidimensional Proteomics Reveals the Pro-apoptotic Mechanism of Platycodin D: Targeting RFC4 to Regulate the Notch Signaling Axis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Platycodin D (PD), a major bioactive saponin isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Platycodon grandiflorus, has shown promising therapeutic potential against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the functional mechanisms of PD in NSCLC progression remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the pharmacological mechanism of PD against NSCLC. Thermal proteome profiling approach, molecular docking, cellular thermal shift assay and peptide-centric local stability assay were employed to identify the potential binding target of PD. Subsequent Western Blot and immunoprecipitation-Western Blot experiments were conducted to investigate the downstream signaling pathways of the target. Furthermore, proteomic and ubiquitinomic profiling of PD-treated cells were performed to investigate its functions on global. replication factor C subunit 4 (RFC4) was identified as a potential binding target of PD by thermal proteome profiling and their binding sites were further exposed by peptide-centric local stability assay. PD-RFC4 complex promotes the degradation of Notch1 and Notch3 by reducing nuclear entry of their domains. Compared with control treatment, the differentially expressed proteins induced by PD were found to be primarily involved in ferroptosis, ubiquitination, platinum drug resistance, and ribosome-related processes. The ubiquitin proteome analysis revealed that proteins associated with the Notch pathway underwent ubiquitin modifications. PD binds to RFC4 and inhibits its activity, leading to downregulation of the Notch signaling pathway, ultimately triggering cancer cell apoptosis. PD is a natural product with potential therapeutic value for NSCLC.

Saponins

MRI roadmap-guided transendocardial delivery of exon-skipping recombinant adeno-associated virus restores dystrophin expression in a canine model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) cardiomyopathy patients currently have no therapeutic options. We evaluated catheter-based transendocardial delivery of a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) expressing a small nuclear U7 RNA (U7smOPT) complementary to specific cis-acting splicing signals. Eliminating specific exons restores the open reading frame resulting in translation of truncated dystrophin protein. To test this approach in a clinically relevant DMD model, golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) dogs received serotype 6 rAAV-U7smOPT via the intracoronary or transendocardial route. Transendocardial injections were administered with an injection-tipped catheter and fluoroscopic guidance using X-ray fused with magnetic resonance imaging (XFM) roadmaps. Three months after treatment, tissues were analyzed for DNA, RNA, dystrophin protein, and histology. Whereas intracoronary delivery did not result in effective transduction, transendocardial injections, XFM guidance, enabled 30&#xb1;10 non-overlapping injections per animal. Vector DNA was detectable in all samples tested and ranged from <1 to >3000 vector genome copies per cell. RNA analysis, western blot analysis, and immunohistology demonstrated extensive expression of skipped RNA and dystrophin protein in the treated myocardium. Left ventricular function remained unchanged over a 3-month follow-up. These results demonstrated that effective transendocardial delivery of rAAV-U7smOPT was achieved using XFM. This approach restores an open reading frame for dystrophin in affected dogs and has potential clinical utility.

Animals

A Novel piRNA-Mediated Epigenetic Axis: piR-36241 Exacerbates Pulpitis by Silencing the Protective Receptor ADGRG2 in Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells.

BACKGROUND: Pulpitis, a prevalent inflammatory dental disease, primarily results from bacterial infection, yet its epigenetic regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNAs known to maintain genomic stability, have not been investigated in the context of pulpitis. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to profile piRNA expression patterns in pulpitis and to elucidate the functional role and underlying mechanism of a specific piRNA, piR-36241 and its target gene ADGRG2 in disease progression. METHODS: piRNA and mRNA sequencing were performed on pulp tissues from patients with irreversible pulpitis and healthy controls. Potential piRNA targets were predicted bioinformatically. The interaction between piR-36241 and the 3'UTR of ADGRG2, an orphan adhesion G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), was validated using dual-luciferase reporter assay, quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR), fluorescence in&#xa0;situ hybridization (FISH), Western blot (WB), hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE),&#xa0;immunohistochemistry (IHC) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Functional analyses were conducted in LPS-stimulated human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) through gain-of-function and rescue experiments. RESULTS: We identified a distinct piRNA expression profile in pulpitis, with 21 piRNAs differentially expressed. piR-36241 was notably upregulated. It directly targeted the 3'UTR of ADGRG2 and suppressed its expression. ADGRG2, hypothesised to exert protective and homeostatic functions, was downregulated in pulpitis tissues and LPS-induced HDPCs. Overexpression of piR-36241 inhibited ADGRG2 expression and promoted the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8). Conversely, knockdown of ADGRG2 similarly enhanced inflammatory responses. Rescue experiments demonstrated that piR-36241 primarily regulates inflammation through ADGRG2 silencing. CONCLUSION: Our study reveals a novel pathogenic axis in pulpitis whereby upregulation of piR-36241 exacerbates inflammatory progression by repressing the protective receptor ADGRG2. These findings provide the first evidence of piRNA-mediated epigenetic regulation in pulpitis and highlight the piR-36241/ADGRG2 pathway as a potential therapeutic target for preserving pulp vitality.

Humans

Localisation-Dependent Variations in Articular Cartilage ECM: Implications for Tissue Engineering and Cartilage Repair.

Articular cartilage (AC) is a specialised connective tissue covering joint surfaces. It enables smooth movement, distributes mechanical loads, and protects the underlying bone. In response to loading, AC adapts by modifying both its thickness and composition. AC is organised in different zones, with low cellularity and a high abundance of extracellular matrix (ECM). Mechanical overloading or immobilisation can lead to structural changes, potentially resulting in osteoarthritis (OA), for which no causal treatment currently exists. However, smaller defects can be treated using chondrocyte/cartilage transplantation or tissue engineering. A better understanding of the molecular composition of AC at different locations is essential to improve such therapeutic approaches. For this purpose, we performed a comprehensive analysis of porcine femoral knee cartilage at eight defined anatomical sites. Cartilage thickness and proteoglycan (PG) content were analysed histologically, while specific ECM proteins were assessed by proteomics and validated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Significant differences were identified, particularly between medial and lateral compartments, in terms of cartilage thickness, PG abundance, and ECM composition. Some proteins also showed zone-specific localisation patterns. These structural differences likely reflect adaptation to mechanical loading and should be considered to optimise future cartilage repair and tissue engineering strategies.

Extracellular Matrix

UBE2D4 Upregulation Promotes Cuproptosis Sensitivity in Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cuproptosis, a copper-dependent form of regulated cell death, represents a potential therapeutic vulnerability in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the regulatory mechanisms governing cuproptosis in CRC remain largely unknown. METHODS: UBE2D4 expression was analyzed in the TCGA-COAD cohort and validated in CRC cell lines (HCT116, HT29) and normal colon epithelial cells (FHC) by qRT-PCR and western blot. Paired CRC and adjacent normal tissues (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;5) were also examined by western blot. UBE2D4-knockdown HT29 cells were generated by transient siRNA transfection to assess cell viability (CCK-8), migration (wound healing assay), and expression of cuproptosis-related genes (DLAT, HSP70, LIAS) under copper overload conditions (elesclomol+CuSO4). RESULTS: UBE2D4 was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues and cell lines compared to normal controls. In paired clinical samples, western blot confirmed that UBE2D4 protein expression was elevated in tumor tissues, accompanied by increased DLAT, HSP70 and LIAS. Copper overload induced typical cuproptotic mitochondrial morphology and triggered a marked upregulation of UBE2D4, DLAT, and HSP70, alongside downregulation of LIAS. UBE2D4 silencing had no effect on baseline cell viability or migration but significantly rescued cells from copper-induced cytotoxicity. Genetically, UBE2D4 knockdown specifically attenuated the copper-induced elevation of DLAT, while restoring HSP70 and LIAS to near-baseline levels. CONCLUSION: These findings identify UBE2D4 as a genetically upregulated and functionally significant gene in colorectal cancer. Its upregulation correlates with altered expression of cuproptosis-related genes, particularly DLAT, suggesting that UBE2D4 expression status may represent a genetic determinant of cuproptosis sensitivity in CRC. This study provides a genetic basis for stratifying CRC patients who might benefit from copper-based therapeutic strategies.

Humans

CTSG Suppresses Breast Cancer Progression by Inhibiting the EGFR/ERK Signaling Pathway and Enhancing CD8&#x207a; T Cell Activation.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC), the most common female malignancy, has metastasis as its main cause of mortality. Cathepsin G (CTSG) is involved in tumorigenesis and immunity. This study explores the role of CTSG in BC progression and CD8 + T cell regulation. METHODS: Differentially expressed genes and proteins (DEGs/DEPs) were analyzed using Limma, and core genes were screened using Random Forest (RF) and Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). CTSG expression was analyzed using GSE36295, the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and western blot. Cell viability, proliferation, cell cycle, migration, and invasion were detected using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), 5&#x2011;Ethynyl&#x2011;2'&#x2011;deoxyuridine (EdU), flow cytometry, and Transwell assays, respectively. Sphere diameter was analyzed via sphere formation assay. Downstream mechanisms were examined using western blot, CCK8, flow cytometry, and Transwell assays. CD8 + T cell activity was examined using EdU, western blot, and flow cytometry. RESULTS: A total of 177 genes overlapped between GSE36295 DEGs and PDC000173 DEPs. CTSG was the hub gene identified by RF and LASSO. CTSG expression was significantly reduced in BC (P < 0.01). CTSG overexpression suppressed cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, sphere formation, and CD44 and CD133 expression (P < 0.01). CTSG up-regulation inhibited epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling axis and reduced cancer cell malignancy (P < 0.01). CTSG overexpression activated CD8 + T cells via EGFR/ERK inhibition, enhancing their cytotoxic effect on cancer cells (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: CTSG inhibits BC malignancy and enhances CD8 + T cell function via EGFR/ERK inhibition.

Humans

The impact of m6A methyltransferase METTL3 on airway remodeling in bronchial asthma.

BACKGROUND: Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) is known to play a role in asthma airway remodeling and cell proliferation. Adenylate kinase 4 (AK4) regulates the proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and exerts its effects through the protein kinase B (AKT) pathway. However, the role of METTL3 and AK4-AKT in bronchial smooth muscle cells remains unclear. METHODS: Systemic METTL3 knockout mice and a mouse model of asthma were established. Airway remodeling was assessed using pulmonary function tests, histopathological staining, and Western blot analysis. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to detect changes in gene expression following METTL3 knockdown. The 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay was used to evaluate cell proliferation. Finally, the expression levels of relevant proteins were validated by Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with the control model group, the METTL3 knockout group showed significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, decreased collagen fiber deposition, and attenuated airway smooth muscle hyperplasia. RNA-seq revealed that the expression of numerous proliferation-related genes, including AK4, was upregulated following METTL3 knockdown. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis indicated that these genes were primarily enriched in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway. The EdU assay demonstrated that METTL3 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation. Western blot validation showed increased AK4 expression in lung tissues of the METTL3 knockout group compared to the control group, while phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT) levels were reduced. CONCLUSIONS: METTL3 knockout inhibits airway smooth muscle hyperplasia and alleviates airway remodeling in asthma. This effect may be mediated through the regulation of AK4 and the AKT signaling pathway.

Airway Remodeling

MLL1 downregulation drives hair cell ferroptosis via mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum stress mechanisms through PERK-eIF2&#x3b1;-ATF4-Chop and PI3K/Akt-Lrp1 signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Sensorineural hearing loss is characterized by irreversible hair cell (HC) degeneration. Ferroptosis, which is marked by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and elevated levels of lipid peroxidation products, has been shown to contribute to drug-mediated auditory impairment. This study aimed to elucidate the role of mixed-lineage leukemia 1 (MLL1) in HC survival in the auditory system. METHODS: The HEI-OC1 auditory cell line and postnatal cochlear explants were evaluated using MM-102, a specific MLL1 histone methyltransferase inhibitor. Western blotting, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence were used to elucidate the role of MLL1 in regulating ferroptosis in HC injury. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to analyze the molecular mechanisms of MLL1 intervention in HC injury from an epigenetic perspective. RESULTS: Our findings demonstrated that immunofluorescence staining revealed a crucial role of MM-102 in promoting intracellular accumulation of lipid peroxides and ferrous ions. Subsequent analysis showed MLL1 downregulation-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, with transmission electron microscopy imaging confirming ultrastructural alterations in mitochondria and ER. Mechanistic investigations identified the PERK-eIF2&#x3b1;-ATF4-Chop signaling axis as the regulatory pathway, evidenced by Western blotting quantification of phosphorylated PERK (p-PERK), ATF4, and Chop levels. RNA-seq analysis revealed 741 differentially expressed genes (335 upregulated and 406 downregulated). Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis specifically highlighted significant enrichment of the PI3K/Akt-Lrp1 pathway, with corresponding activation patterns of phospho (p)-Akt and Lrp1 confirmed through Western blotting analysis. CONCLUSIONS: MLL1 downregulation initiates ferroptosis in cochlear HCs. This process is intrinsically associated with the activation of mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress. The study highlights the importance of MLL1 in HC survival, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for treating hearing loss.

Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

The astragaloside-brucea javanica oil nanoemulsion inhibiting the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma through CDK1- HOXC10-MTFR2 pathway.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate whether Astragaloside-Brucea javanica oil nanoemulsion (AS/BJO-NEs) inhibits the malignant progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to further explore its potential regulatory mechanisms. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to evaluate the expression of related pathway proteins in human OSCC and adjacent normal tissues. Stable OSCC cell lines with knockdown or overexpression of CDK1/HOXC10 were established. The effects of AS/BJO-NEs and the underlying mechanisms were assessed in vitro through colony formation, wound healing, and Transwell invasion assays, as well as RT-qPCR, western blot, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and dual-luciferase reporter assays. An OSCC subcutaneous xenograft model in nude mice was constructed for in vivo validation using RT-qPCR, western blot, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and IHC. RESULTS: Analysis of clinical samples revealed upregulated expression of CDK1, P-EZH2, HOXC10, MTFR2, and N-cadherin, alongside downregulated expression of H3K27me3 and E-cadherin in OSCC tissues. In vitro experiments confirmed that AS/BJO-NEs downregulated CDK1 in a concentration-dependent manner, subsequently reducing the expression of P-EZH2, HOXC10, and MTFR2, increasing H3K27me3 levels, and inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. H3K27me3 was enriched in the HOXC10 promoter region, and HOXC10 directly bound to and activated MTFR2 transcription. In vivo experiments demonstrated that AS/BJO-NEs effectively inhibited tumor growth, regulated molecules within this pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, whereas CDK1 overexpression counteracted these effects CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that AS/BJO-NEs exert anti-OSCC effects by inhibiting CDK1, downregulating HOXC10, thereby reducing MTFR2 expression, and suppressing cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and the EMT process.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck

Integrated network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation to reveal the potential mechanism of Ginsenoside Rg1 on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Ginsenoside Rg1 (GS Rg1), a natural flavonoid exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, holds significant potential for treatment chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects remain to be fully elucidated. This study aimed to explore the role and potential mechanism of GS Rg1 in the treatment of COPD using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation.Targets related to GS Rg1 and COPD were screened from public databases, and the potential common targets were then imported into the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed to identify key signaling pathways.&#xa0;Molecular docking was employed to predict the binding interactions between GS Rg1 and core targets. A BEAS-2B cell model induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS) and cigarette smoke extract(CSE) was used to explore the protective mechanisms of GS Rg1. Western blot analysis was conducted to validate the critical targets and pathways involved in the anti-COPD effects of GS Rg1. Network pharmacology analysis revealed 105 common targets between GS Rg1 and COPD.&#xa0;The EGFR/PI3K/AKT and EGFR/STAT3 signaling pathways were selected for further validation. GS Rg1 was demonstrated to effectively inhibit inflammation and mucus hypersecretion in vitro models of COPD. Western blot results showed that GS Rg1 treatment significantly downregulated the expression of proteins involved in the EGFR/PI3K/AKT and EGFR/STAT3 signaling pathway, consistent with the network pharmacology findings. CSE/LPS exposure induces inflammation and oxidative stress in COPD by disrupting the EGFR/PI3K/AKT and EGFR/STAT3 signaling pathways, and GS Rg1 significantly alleviates these effects, which may be partially through regulating the EGFR/PI3K/AKT and EGFR/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Ginsenosides

Comparative toxicoproteomics reveals distinct proteostasis and ribosomal stress signatures of CMIT and PHMG.

Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT) and polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG) are antimicrobial biocides associated with pulmonary toxicity, although their comparative cellular stress mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we investigated how CMIT and PHMG differentially alter the proteome of human alveolar epithelial A549 cells under subcytotoxic conditions. Cells were exposed to CMIT or PHMG, and global proteomic profiling was performed using label-free liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified at a 1% false discovery rate with an absolute log2 fold change &#x2265;1. Functional analyses were conducted using Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, and selected proteins were validated by western blotting. Comparative toxicoproteomics revealed distinct stress-response signatures induced by the two biocides. CMIT preferentially altered proteins associated with proteostasis, oxidative stress, and protein quality control, whereas PHMG was characterized by coordinated depletion of ribosome-associated and translation-related proteins. A total of 73 and 155 DEPs were identified in CMIT- and PHMG-treated cells, respectively, with 22 proteins shared between treatments. Western blotting confirmed PSMD3, TUBB2A, and GLRX1 as CMIT-responsive proteins and THRAP3, DHX15, and RPL4 as PHMG-responsive markers. These findings provide comparative mechanistic insight into how CMIT and PHMG induce distinct epithelial stress responses and identify candidate protein markers that may support future in vitro assessment of biocide-induced pulmonary toxicity.

CMIT

Quantitative proteomic analysis of the brain reveals the potential antidepressant mechanism of Jiawei Danzhi Xiaoyao San in a chronic unpredictable mild stress mouse model of depression.

OBJECTIVE: To reveal the antidepressant mechanisms of Jiawei DanZhiXiaoYaoSan (,JD) in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression in mice. METHODS: Using the CUMS mouse model of depression, the antidepressant effects of JD were assessed using the sucrose preference test (SPT), forced swimming test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST). Tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomic analysis of the brain was performed following JD treatment. Hierarchical clustering, Gene Ontology function annotation, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment, and protein-protein interactions (PPIs) were used to analyze differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), which were further validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. RESULTS: Behavioral tests confirmed the anti-depressant effects of JD, and bioinformatics analysis revealed 59 DEPs, including 33 up-regulated and 26 down-regulated proteins, between the CUMS and JD-M groups. KEGG and PPI analyses revealed that neuro-filament proteins and the Ras signaling pathway may be key targets of JD in the treatment of depression. qRT-PCR and Western blotting results demonstrated that CUMS reduced the protein expression of neurofilament light (NEFL) and medium (NEFM) and inhibited the phosphorylation of extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), whereas JD promoted the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and up-regulated the protein expression of NEFL and NEFM. CONCLUSIONS: The antidepressant mechanism of JD may be related to the up-regulation of p-ERK1/2 and neurofilament proteins.

Animals