Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive fatal disease characterized by the activation of lung fibroblasts (LFs). Wogonoside (WG), a natural compound with multiple pharmacologi Show more
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive fatal disease characterized by the activation of lung fibroblasts (LFs). Wogonoside (WG), a natural compound with multiple pharmacological properties including anti-fibrotic activities, shows promise in treating IPF. This study aims to investigate the pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms of WG on LF activation and the progression of IPF. Initially, we validated the anti-fibrotic properties of WG using a bleomycin (Bleomycin)-induced IPF model in mice, followed by RNA sequencing to identify its pharmacological targets. Subsequent in vitro experiments assessed the activities of key enzymes involved in the whole processes of glycolysis and lactic acid production, the changes of cellular energy metabolism and mitophagy-related pathways in LFs treated with transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) or WG. Finally, reverse validation experiments were performed by further administration of lactic acid or cyclosporin A (CsA) into mice. We demonstrated that WG reduced the production of lactic acid and the lactylation of lactate of snail homolog 1 (Snail1) at K9 site by promoting pyruvate kinase isozymes R/l (PKLR) and inhibiting glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), while triggered mitophagy and reduced reactive oxygen species production and mtDNA release by promoting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC1α) and PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1)/PARKIN pathways. These two processes compatibly inhibited the TGF-β transcription and ultimately LF activation, which were reversed by lactic acid supplementation or mitophagy depletion in mice. Overall, our findings first underscore the potential pharmacological benefits of WG in the treatment of IPF by impeding lactate accumulation and mitophagy damage, thereby providing a novel theoretical framework for therapies targeting pulmonary diseases. Show less
Accumulation of various genetics and epigenetics alterations are accepted to result in the initiation and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and its high metastasis is viewed as a critical Show more
Accumulation of various genetics and epigenetics alterations are accepted to result in the initiation and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and its high metastasis is viewed as a critical bottleneck leading to its treatment failure. Amongst them, the microRNAs arising from the lack of the antioxidant transcription factor Nrf2 lead to cancer metastasis. However, much less is known about the regulation of microRNAs by Nrf1, even though it acts as an essential determinon of cell homoeostasis by governing the transcriptional expression of those driver genes contributing to the EMT involved in its metastasis. In this study, distinct EMT phenotypes resulted from specific knockouts of Nrf1 and Nrf2 in HepG2 cells, as accompanied by their differential migratory and invasive capabilities. The Show less
Peritoneal metastasis (PM) in gastric cancer (GC) remains a formidable clinical challenge. Although exosomes are critical mediators of tumor-microenvironment communication, their mechanistic role in l Show more
Peritoneal metastasis (PM) in gastric cancer (GC) remains a formidable clinical challenge. Although exosomes are critical mediators of tumor-microenvironment communication, their mechanistic role in linking mesothelial-mesenchymal transition (MMT) to peritoneal dissemination remains poorly understood. This study elucidates a GC-derived exosomal microRNA (miRNA)-driven pathway that orchestrates peritoneal metastasis. Integrated exosomal miRNA sequencing and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) analysis identified miR-196a-5p as highly enriched in GC-derived exosomes. Functional assays, including in vitro co-culture experiments, and in vivo PM models, demonstrated that GC-derived exosomal miR-196a-5p directly induces MMT in peritoneal mesothelial cells (HMrSV5) and contributed to the formation of metastatic tumors. Mechanistically, miR-196a-5p binds the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of F-box protein 45 (FBXO45), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, suppressing its expression and thereby stabilizing snail family transcriptional repressor 1 (Snai1)-a key transcription factor in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (RIP seq), dual-luciferase reporter assays, co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP), and rescue experiments validated the miR-196a-5p/FBXO45/Snai1 axis. Notably, miR-196a-5p disrupts FBXO45-mediated Snai1 ubiquitination and degradation, promoting MMT-driven peritoneal niche remodeling and metastatic progression. These findings reveal a novel exosome-mediated mechanism underlying GC dissemination and highlight miR-196a-5p and FBXO45 as promising therapeutic targets for PM. Show less
Biliary atresia (BA) is a severe pediatric liver disease in which progressive liver fibrosis (LF) significantly affects the prognosis. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is considered a key facto Show more
Biliary atresia (BA) is a severe pediatric liver disease in which progressive liver fibrosis (LF) significantly affects the prognosis. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is considered a key factor in the development and progression of LF. This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of PEAK1-related kinase activating pseudokinase 1 (PRAG1) in the EMT-related LF process in BA. We found that the expression of PRAG1 was significantly elevated in both patients with BA and the bile duct ligation (BDL) model, and predominantly localized on biliary epithelial cells. Also, the expression of PRAG1 positively correlated with the cholangiocyte marker KRT19 and the mesenchymal marker ACTA2, and increased with the severity of fibrosis. In human intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells (HIBECs), PRAG1 promoted the expression of mesenchymal markers (VIM and ACTA2) and fibrosis markers (COL1A1 and FN1), inhibited the expression of the epithelial marker CDH1, and enhanced cell proliferation. The key factor of EMT-SNAIL1 presented increased expression and delayed degradation after overexpression of PRAG1. Moreover, we identified PRAG1 could bind with F-box protein 11 (FBXO11) and subsequently reversed FBXO11-mediated inhibition of SNAIL1 protein expression, cell proliferation, and the EMT phenotype. This study provides the potential role of PRAG1 in the mechanisms underlying the LF progression of BA. Show less
Previous researches have indicated the oncogenic effect of circCOL1A2 in several cancers, such as tongue squamous cell carcinoma, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer. Regrettably, the functions and Show more
Previous researches have indicated the oncogenic effect of circCOL1A2 in several cancers, such as tongue squamous cell carcinoma, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer. Regrettably, the functions and mechanisms of circCOL1A2 in lung cancer, a disease with the highest global incidence and mortality rates and with 85 % of cases classified as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), remain largely unexplored. Hsa_circ₀₀₈₁₁₁₁ (circCOL1A2) was identified from GSE236879 dataset of Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Its expression was validated in 37 paired samples of cancerous and adjacent normal tissues from NSCLC patients, as well as in cell lines. The function of hsa_circ₀₀₈₁₁₁₁ was analyzed using CCK-8, Matrigel transwell, Western blot, and immunofluorescence assays in vitro, and by conducting subcutaneous xenograft experiments in mouse. The underlying mechanisms were explored using bioinformatics analysis, RNA pull-down experiments, and RNA immunoprecipitation. High expression of hsa_circ₀₀₈₁₁₁₁ was observed in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. This was positively correlated with the TNM stage and lymph node metastasis of NSCLC patients. Hsa_circ₀₀₈₁₁₁₁ overexpression promoted the proliferation, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of NSCLC cells. Conversely, its downregulation showed the opposite effects. In vivo studies revealed that silencing hsa_circ₀₀₈₁₁₁₁ inhibited tumor growth, EMT, and MMP9 expression in tumor tissues. Mechanically, hsa_circ₀₀₈₁₁₁₁ enhanced Slug mRNA stability by interacting with the RNA-binding protein IGF2BP2. Taken together, hsa_circ₀₀₈₁₁₁₁ is an oncogenic circRNA that promotes NSCLC malignancy by regulating IGF2BP2-mediated Slug mRNA stability. Hsa_circ₀₀₈₁₁₁₁ has the potential to be a diagnostic and therapeutic target for NSCLC. Show less
β-Hydroxybutyrylation (Kbhb) modification regulates protein molecular fates in either physiology or pathology, including cancer. However, the function and regulatory mechanism of Kbhb remain completel Show more
β-Hydroxybutyrylation (Kbhb) modification regulates protein molecular fates in either physiology or pathology, including cancer. However, the function and regulatory mechanism of Kbhb remain completely unknown in cancer metastasis. Here, we report that β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is clinically associated with the progression of pancreatic cancer and functionally promotes pancreatic cancer cell metastasis. Mechanistically, BHB induces Kbhb modification of Snail at lysine 152 to enhance Snail stabilization, which is regulated by Kbhb modification enzyme CREB-binding protein (CBP), and subsequently prevents Snail degradation by blocking recognition of E3 ubiquitin ligases FBXL14. Furthermore, either targeting Snail Kbhb modification or CBP inhibitor decreases cancer metastasis and enhances the therapeutic efficacy of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer cells. Collectively, our study reveals that Kbhb of Snail is critical to promote metastasis and provides a potential therapeutic strategy. Show less
Abnormal zygotic genome activation (ZGA) during the early development of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos is one of the main reasons for the low cloning efficiency. The double homeobox (DU Show more
Abnormal zygotic genome activation (ZGA) during the early development of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos is one of the main reasons for the low cloning efficiency. The double homeobox (DUX) family, which includes important transcription factors in mammals, has been shown to play an important role in the ZGA process in mice. However, the role of DUXA, a member of the DUX family, in the early development of porcine somatic cloned embryos is unknown. Here, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and lentiviral infection technologies were used to construct stable DUXA knockout and overexpression cell lines for the production of SCNT embryos. Compared with that of wild-type (WT) SCNT embryos, the blastocyst rate of DUXA knockout embryos was significantly lower (P < 0.05), whereas the blastocyst rate of DUXA-overexpressing embryos was significantly greater (P < 0.05). Moreover, RT‒qPCR results revealed that DUXA knockout significantly reduced the expression levels of ZGA-related genes (TDG, SNAI1, RSRP1, TFAP2C, ZSCAN4, LEUTX, and KLF17) (P < 0.05). Additionally, in DUXA-overexpressing embryos, the mRNA levels of TDG, SNAI1, RSRP1, and TFAP2C significantly decreased (P < 0.05), whereas the ZSCAN4, LEUTX, and KLF17 mRNA levels increased (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that DUXA regulates the early development of porcine SCNT embryos by modulating the expression of ZGA-related genes. This research provides significant insights into the potential mechanisms of early embryo loss in porcine SCNT. Show less
Ischemic injury induces a partial mesenchymal shift in endothelial cells (ECs), contributing to impaired vascular regeneration. However, the molecular regulators of this transitional state remain poor Show more
Ischemic injury induces a partial mesenchymal shift in endothelial cells (ECs), contributing to impaired vascular regeneration. However, the molecular regulators of this transitional state remain poorly defined. To address this, we performed circular RNA profiling of endothelial cells under ischemic-like conditions and identified a marked upregulation of a circular RNA, named circATXN1. Functional studies revealed that circATXN1 knockdown modulates endothelial phenotype and vascular response after ischemia. Functional studies have shown that knockdown of circATXN1 can regulate the endothelial cell phenotype and vascular response after ischemia. Mechanistically, circATXN1 knockdown enhances the demethylase protein ALKBH5 to reduce the RNA methylation level of the key transcription factor SLUG, thereby stabilizing SLUG. In animal models, suppression of circATXN1 enhances angiogenesis and improves recovery following ischemic injury. Here, we show that circATXN1 regulates partial endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and angiogenesis by controlling SLUG mRNA methylation dynamics, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in ischemic disease. Show less
The natural compound pterostilbene (PTE) has multiple cardiovascular protective effects. However, its effects on pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)-associated vascular remodeling remain to be eluci Show more
The natural compound pterostilbene (PTE) has multiple cardiovascular protective effects. However, its effects on pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)-associated vascular remodeling remain to be elucidated. This study investigated the effects of PTE on monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH in rats Experimental PAH was established by subcutaneous injection of MCT (50 mg/kg) in Sprague-Dawley rats, which were then randomly divided into vehicle or PTE (15 mg/kg via gavage) treatment groups. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) was modeled in hPAECs by treating with transforming growth factor-β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β in combination. In rats with MCT-induced PAH, administration of PTE resulted in a reduction in right ventricular systolic pressure, thereby alleviating right ventricular hypertrophy. This was accompanied by mitigation of the remodeling of pulmonary arteries. PTE mitigates MCT-induced PAH and vascular remodeling in rats, at least in part, by inhibiting HMGA-mediated EndMT, suggesting that PTE may be a useful complementary medicine in the treatment of PAH. Show less
Sijie Gu, Haoran Feng, Xiaomei Li+10 more · 2025 · Molecular therapy : the journal of the American Society of Gene Therapy · Elsevier · added 2026-04-24
Preventing the progression from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a considerable clinical challenge. In this study, we elucidate the role of WNT5A in accelerating the A Show more
Preventing the progression from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a considerable clinical challenge. In this study, we elucidate the role of WNT5A in accelerating the AKI-to-CKD transition and its underlying mechanisms. Renal biopsies from patients with AKI showed marked upregulation of WNT5A and its receptor, CD146, in proximal tubules, with higher expression in patients with CKD progression. In murine AKI models, Wnt5a knockdown attenuated CKD progression. Conversely, proximal tubular overexpression of Wnt5a exacerbated renal fibrosis in ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) mice, which was alleviated by Box5, a specific WNT5A antagonist. In vitro, WNT5A overexpression in transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-stimulated HK-2 cells promoted CD146 upregulation, activated JNK phosphorylation, and enhanced SNAI1 expression. The genetic silencing of WNT5A/CD146 and JNK inhibition suppresses SNAI1 expression and attenuates fibrotic responses. Mechanistically, JNK-mediated c-JUN phosphorylation promoted its interaction with KLF5 at the SNAI1 promoter, driving renal fibrosis. Elevated serum levels of soluble CD146 correlated with renal function in patients with AKI and were higher in patients exhibiting CKD progression. Inhibition of WNT5A could serve as a therapeutic target for delaying renal fibrosis in AKI progression. Show less
Numerous studies have shown that exposure to cadmium [Cd(II)] contributes to the development of cancers in the lung and other organs. Cd(II) compounds are classified as confirmed human carcinogens; ho Show more
Numerous studies have shown that exposure to cadmium [Cd(II)] contributes to the development of cancers in the lung and other organs. Cd(II) compounds are classified as confirmed human carcinogens; however, the mechanisms underlying Cd(II)-induced carcinogenesis remain poorly understood. Small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1), a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), has been identified as an oncogene. In this study, we investigated the role of SNHG1 in the invasion and migration of Cd(II)-transformed cells. Our findings revealed that SNHG1 expression was significantly elevated in Cd(II)-transformed cells compared to their passage-matched normal BEAS-2B counterparts. Silencing SNHG1 reduced the invasive and migratory capacities of Cd(II)-transformed cells and inhibited malignant transformation induced by long-term Cd exposure. Notably, ectopic expression of SNHG1 alone in BEAS-2B cells was sufficient to drive malignant transformation and enhance invasion and migration, underscoring its oncogenic potential. SRY-box 2 (Sox2), a transcription factor implicated in cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, was found to be upregulated in Cd(II)-transformed cells, while SNHG1 knockdown led to decreased Sox2 protein levels. Similarly, ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1), a key regulator of cytoskeletal dynamics linked to tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis, was also elevated in Cd(II)-transformed cells. Knockdown of SNHG1 reduced Rac1 protein levels, and Rac1 knockout significantly suppressed invasion and migration. Additionally, we observed increased expression of Slug, a key transcription factor invovlved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and decreased expression of its downstream target E-cadherin in Cd(II)-transformed cells. Collectively, these results demonstrate that elevated SNHG1 promotes the expression of Sox2, Rac1, and Slug, thereby driving the invasive and migratory behavior of Cd(II)-transformed cells. Show less
The precise involvement of Guanine Nucleotide-Binding Protein-Like 3-Like Protein (GNL3L) in lung cancer progression and invasion remains unclear. In this study, we explored the impact and underlying Show more
The precise involvement of Guanine Nucleotide-Binding Protein-Like 3-Like Protein (GNL3L) in lung cancer progression and invasion remains unclear. In this study, we explored the impact and underlying mechanisms of GNL3L on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), and evaluated the therapeutic potential of targeting GNL3L. Inhibition of GNL3L expression led to a notable decrease in the in vitro proliferation, migration, and invasion of A549 and H1299 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Meanwhile, GNL3L silencing could significantly reduce the tumor volume of the nude mice and improve the outcomes of tumor-bearing mice in vivo. Additionally, inhibition of GNL3L expression dramatically suppressed NF-κB activation and Slug, MMP2, and MMP9 expression. Overexpression of Slug or treatment of the GNL3L-deficient cells with NF-κB activator can partially restore the growth suppressed by GNL3L deficiency, and combined treatment with Slug overexpression and NF-κB activator could totally restore the suppressed cell growth caused by GNL3L deficiency. Moreover, the overexpression of MMP2 or MMP9 could partially enhance the reduced migration and invasion caused by GNL3L deficiency, and this GNL3L-deficiency-caused suppression of migration and invasion can be totally restored by the overexpression of MMP2 and MMP9 together. These results strongly indicated that GNL3L has the capability to activate the NF-κB and increase Slug, MMP2, and MMP9 expression, which in turn could stimulate the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung cancer cells. NF-κB activation and Slug, MMP2, and MMP9 expression enhanced by GNL3L, leading to the promotion of proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung cancer cells, indicating the therapeutic implications and potential significance of these pathways in the progression and invasion of NSCLCs that overexpress GNL3L protein. Show less
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common subtype of kidney cancer, exhibits notable metabolic reprogramming. We previously reported elevated HDAC7, a class II histone deacetylase, in c Show more
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common subtype of kidney cancer, exhibits notable metabolic reprogramming. We previously reported elevated HDAC7, a class II histone deacetylase, in ccRCC. Here, we demonstrate that HDAC7 promotes aggressive phenotypes and in vivo tumor progression in RCC. HDAC7 suppresses the expression of genes mediating branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism. Notably, lower expression of BCAA catabolism genes is strongly associated with worsened survival in ccRCC. Suppression of BCAA catabolism promotes expression of SNAIL1, a central mediator of aggressive phenotypes including migration and invasion. HDAC7-mediated suppression of the BCAA catabolic program promotes Show less
Xin-Lei Shen, Qing-Ru Zhu, Wen-Kai Yu+5 more · 2025 · Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica · added 2026-04-24
This study aimed to investigate the effect of saltwater stir-fried Plantaginis Semen(SPS) on renal fibrosis in rats and decipher the underlying mechanism. Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly Show more
This study aimed to investigate the effect of saltwater stir-fried Plantaginis Semen(SPS) on renal fibrosis in rats and decipher the underlying mechanism. Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into control, model, losartan potassium, and low-, medium-, and high-dose(15, 30, and 60 g·kg~(-1), respectively) SPS groups. Rats in other groups except the control group were subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO) to induce renal fibrosis, and the modeling and gavage lasted for 14 days. After 14 consecutive days of treatment, the levels of serum creatinine(Scr) and blood urea nitrogen(BUN) in rats of each group were determined by an automatic biochemical analyzer. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) and Masson staining were used to evaluate pathological changes in the renal tissue. Western blot and immunofluorescence assay were conducted to determine the protein levels of fibronectin(FN), collagen Ⅰ, vimentin, and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) in the renal tissue. The mRNA levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)-associated transcription factors including twist family bHLH transcription factor 1(TWIST1), snail family transcriptional repressor 1(SNAI1), and zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1(ZEB1), as well as inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), were determined by RT-qPCR. Human renal proximal tubular epithelial(HK2) cells exposed to transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) for the modeling of renal fibrosis were used to investigate the inhibitory effect of SPS on EMT. Network pharmacology and Western blot were employed to explore the molecular mechanism of SPS in alleviating renal fibrosis. The results showed that SPS significantly reduced Scr and BUN levels and alleviated renal injury and collagen deposition in UUO rats. Moreover, SPS notably down-regulated the protein levels of FN, collagen Ⅰ, vimentin, and α-SMA as well as the mRNA levels of SNAI1, ZEB1, TWIST1, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the kidneys of UUO rats and TGF-β-treated HK-2 cells. In addition, compared with Plantaginis Semen without stir-frying with saltwater, SPS showed increased content of specific compounds, which were mainly enriched in the mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) signaling pathway. SPS significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK) and p38 MAPK in the kidneys of UUO rats and TGF-β-treated HK2 cells. In conclusion, SPS can alleviate renal fibrosis by attenuating EMT through inhibition of the MAPK signaling pathway. Show less
Activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) plays an important role in tumor metastasis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of POU6F2 in conversion of hepatic stellate cells ( Show more
Activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) plays an important role in tumor metastasis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of POU6F2 in conversion of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into CAFs in liver metastasis of gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC). POU6F2 expression was examined by real-time PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical staining. The functional roles of POU6F2 in GAC liver metastasis were investigated both cellular experiments in vitro and in vivo using a mouse model of subcutaneous splenic injection. ChIP and ELISA assays were used to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of POU6F2 in liver metastasis of GAC. Here we reported that POU6F2 was upregulated in GAC tissue with liver metastasis, which predicted poor early liver metastasis. Upregulating POU6F2 promoted EMT, invasion and migration of GAC cells in vitro, and the liver metastasis of GAC cells in vivo. Mechanic investigation further revealed that upregulating POU6F2 promoted the invasion and metastasis of GAC by transcriptional upregulation of EMT-inducer SNAI1, and promoting the conversion of HSCs into CAFs dependent on transcriptional upregulation of IGF2-induced activation of PI3K/AKT signaling. Our findings uncover a novel dual mechanism by which POU6F2 promotes liver metastasis of GAC. Show less
Vaccinia-related kinase 1 (VRK1) is involved in numerous cellular processes, including DNA repair, cell cycle and cell proliferation. However, its roles and molecular mechanism underlying the progress Show more
Vaccinia-related kinase 1 (VRK1) is involved in numerous cellular processes, including DNA repair, cell cycle and cell proliferation. However, its roles and molecular mechanism underlying the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are yet largely unexplored. Here, we demonstrated that VRK1 expression is elevated in HCC tumor tissues, which is associated with high tumor stage and poor prognosis in HCC patients. In vitro and in vivo experiments manifested that VRK1 overexpression significantly promotes cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and tumor growth of HCC by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program. Mechanistically, immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry analysis determined that VRK1 interacts with CHD1L, which mediates the phosphorylation of CHD1L at serine 122 site. RNA-seq revealed that one of the key downstream target genes of VRK1 is SNAI1, by which VRK1 promotes EMT process and HCC progression. Furthermore, VRK1 upregulates SNAI1 expression through phosphorylating CHD1L. In conclusion, these findings suggested that VRK1/CHD1L/SNAI1 axis acts as a cancer-driving pathway to promote the proliferation and EMT of HCC, indicating that targeting VRK1 may be an attractive therapeutic strategy of HCC. Show less
Although the significance of metabolic remodelling in maintaining homeostasis at the maternal-foetal interface has been established, research on its implications in miscarriage remains limited. Immuno Show more
Although the significance of metabolic remodelling in maintaining homeostasis at the maternal-foetal interface has been established, research on its implications in miscarriage remains limited. Immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and western blotting were used to detect the expression of SNAI1 in miscarriage and normal villi. The function of the zinc-finger transcription factor SNAI1 was evaluated in three-dimensional (3D) trophoblast spheroids. Lactate production assays and western blotting were performed to investigate the effect of SNAI1 on lactate production and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1) expression. Immunofluorescence and western blotting were used to detect the effect of lactate on SNAI1 expression. Furthermore, the role of PDK1 in miscarriage was confirmed in clinical samples. The expression of SNAI1 is significantly downregulated in the villi of patients with miscarriages. SNAI1 promotes proliferation, invasion, and inhibits apoptosis of HTR8/SVneo 3D spheroids. The glycolytic enzyme PDK1 has been identified as a downstream target of SNAI1 and plays a crucial role in regulating lactate production in trophoblasts. Lactate upregulates SNAI1 expression and promotes its nuclear localisation. Furthermore, the expression of PDK1 was downregulated in the villi of patients with miscarriage. Trophoblast spheroids may serve as reliable models to investigate the placenta. The regulatory mechanisms mediated by SNAI1/PDK1 in miscarriage have been elucidated. We provide new clues regarding the mechanism of miscarriage from a metabolic perspective and present evidence supporting lactate as a potential diagnostic marker. Show less
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide due to its high aggressive potential and drug resistance. Previous studies have revealed an impor Show more
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide due to its high aggressive potential and drug resistance. Previous studies have revealed an important function of HECT And RLD Domain Containing E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase 5 (HERC5) in cancer. Six GEO gene microarrays identified HERC5 as a significant upregulated gene in OSCC tissues or cells (log2 Fold change > 1 and adj.p < 0.05). This study aimed to explore the role and underlying mechanisms of HERC5 in OSCC development. High HERC5 expression in OSCC tissues was confirmed by our hospital validation cohort and positively correlated with primary tumor stages. Subsequent functional studies demonstrated that knockdown of HERC5 inhibited the migratory and invasive capabilities with decrease of Vimentin and increase of E-cadherin in OSCC cells. In cisplatin treatment, cell survival rates were significantly reduced in HERC5-silencing OSCC cells, accompanied by the increase in cytotoxicity, DNA damage and apoptosis. OSCC cell-derived tumor xenograft displayed that HERC5 depletion inhibited pulmonary metastasis as well as restored the cisplatin-induced tumor burden. In line with this, overexpression of HERC5 yielded the opposite alterations both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, UDP-glucose 6-dehydrogenase (UGDH) was identified as a HERC5-binding protein. Cysteine residue at position 994 in the HECT domain of HERC5 catalyzed the conjugation of ubiquitin-like protein Interferon-induced 15 kDa protein (ISG15) to UGDH (ISGylation of UGDH) and facilitated its phosphorylation, therefore enhancing SNAI1 mRNA stability. SNAI1 depletion inhibited HERC5 overexpression-triggered invasion and cisplatin resistance of OSCC cells. Our study indicates that HERC5 may be a promising therapeutic target for OSCC. Show less
Genome-wide human genetic studies have identified inherited cis-regulatory loci variants that predispose to cancers. However, the mechanisms by which these germline variants influence cancer progressi Show more
Genome-wide human genetic studies have identified inherited cis-regulatory loci variants that predispose to cancers. However, the mechanisms by which these germline variants influence cancer progression, particularly through gene expression and proteostasis control, remain unclear. By analyzing genomic data from a gastric cancer (GC) case-control study (2,117 individuals), focusing on the ubiquitin-specific protease (USP) family, we identify the SNP rs72856331 (G>A) in the promoter region of the proto-oncogene USP47 as a putative susceptibility allele for GC. Mechanistically, the risk allele G is associated with enhanced USP47 expression, mediated by altered recruitment of the transcription factor GLI3 and changes in the epigenetic status at promoter. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated single-nucleotide conversion into risk allele G results in increased GLI3 binding and subsequent USP47 upregulation. The depletion of GLI3 results in a reduction of cancer-related phenotypes, similar to those observed following USP47 knockdown. Furthermore, we identify Snai1 as a deubiquitination target of USP47, explaining USP47-dependent activation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathway and tumor progression. Our findings identify an important genetic predisposition that implicates the perturbation of transcription and proteostasis programs in GC, offering insights into prevention and therapeutic strategies for genetically stratified patients. Show less
Fibrosis is the final common pathway leading to end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the function of protein palmitoylation in renal fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Show more
Fibrosis is the final common pathway leading to end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the function of protein palmitoylation in renal fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we observed that expression of the palmitoyltransferase ZDHHC18 was significantly elevated in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and folic acid-induced (FA-induced) renal fibrosis mouse models and was significantly upregulated in fibrotic kidneys of patients with CKD. Functionally, tubule-specific deletion of ZDHHC18 attenuated tubular epithelial cells' partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and then reduced the production of profibrotic cytokines and alleviated tubulointerstitial fibrosis. In contrast, ZDHHC18 overexpression exacerbated progressive renal fibrosis. Mechanistically, ZDHHC18 catalyzed the palmitoylation of HRAS, which was pivotal for its translocation to the plasma membrane and subsequent activation. HRAS palmitoylation promoted downstream phosphorylation of MEK/ERK and further activated Ras-responsive element-binding protein 1 (RREB1), enhancing SMAD binding to the Snai1 cis-regulatory regions. Taken together, our findings suggest that ZDHHC18 plays a crucial role in renal fibrogenesis and represents a potential therapeutic target for combating kidney fibrosis. Show less
The treatment of metastatic melanoma has long posed a complex challenge within clinical practice. Previous studies have found that EMT transcription factors are essential in the development of various Show more
The treatment of metastatic melanoma has long posed a complex challenge within clinical practice. Previous studies have found that EMT transcription factors are essential in the development of various cancers through their induction of EMT. Here, we demonstrate that Snail2 expression is dramatically increased in melanoma and is associated with an adverse prognosis. Elevated Snail2 in melanoma cells enhanced migratory and invasive capabilities in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, RNA-Seq analysis revealed a significant reduction of IGFBP3 expression in melanoma cells overexpressing Snail2. IGFBP3 might mitigate the Snail2's ability to promote melanoma metastasis via the PI3K-AKT pathway. Moreover, Snail2 and HDAC3 collaborate to suppress IGFBP3 transcription through H3K4 deacetylation and H4K5 delactylation. Additionally, the combination of HDAC3 and p-GSK-3β inhibitors significantly improved the treatment outcomes for lung metastasis in melanoma in vivo. The results of our study indicate that Snail2, HDAC3, and IGFBP3 play significant roles in melanoma progression and represent promising therapeutic targets. Show less
The functional and pharmacological significance of dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) in psychiatric and neurological disorders is well elucidated. However, the roles of DRD4 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remai Show more
The functional and pharmacological significance of dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) in psychiatric and neurological disorders is well elucidated. However, the roles of DRD4 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear. This study observes a significant upregulation of DRD4 expression in clinical samples, which is negatively correlated with patient prognosis. In vitro, overexpression of DRD4 causes a constitutive activation of β-Arrestin2/PP2A/AKT independent of dopamine. Interestingly, this classical signaling pathway is not associated with the phenotype of DRD4-promoted migration and invasion in CRC cells. Instead, DRD4 interacts with transforming growth factor beta receptors (TGFBR1 and TGFBR2) to activate Smad2 phosphorylation and promote Smad2/Smad4 complex nucleus translocation. Then, SNAI1 and JAG1 are transcriptionally activated to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition and enhance the metastatic potential of CRC. Notably, the COOH-terminal domain is identified as the key intracellular region for the pro-metastatic roles of DRD4. Furthermore, treatment with a TGFBR1 inhibitor combined with a BMP inhibitor effectively counteracts the pro-metastatic effects induced by DRD4 both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, these findings uncover an unconventional role for DRD4 beyond its classic function as a neurotransmitter receptor. The intracellular signaling of DRD4 interacting with TGFBR1 can be targeted pharmacologically for CRC therapy. Show less
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a leading cause of cancer‑related death due to its aggressive nature and metastatic potential. The present study aimed to explore the expression of phospholipid phosphata Show more
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a leading cause of cancer‑related death due to its aggressive nature and metastatic potential. The present study aimed to explore the expression of phospholipid phosphatase 2 (PPAP2C) in LUAD, and its effect on cell migration and invasion, with a particular focus on its association with the ERK/JNK signaling pathway and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT). The expression of PPAP2C in LUAD was analyzed using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis was used to assess the correlation between PPAP2C and genes such as MAPK1, MAPK3, MAPK8, CDH1, CDH2 and SNAI1. Subsequently, the PPAP2C gene was silenced in A549 and H1299 LUAD cell lines using siRNA vectors, followed by assessments of gene expression, cell migration, invasion and protein interaction using reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR, western blotting, wound healing assay, Transwell invasion assay, molecular docking analysis, co‑immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence staining. The results showed that PPAP2C was significantly upregulated in LUAD tissues compared with that in normal tissues. In addition, high levels of PPAP2C were significantly correlated with MAPK3, MAPK8, CDH1 and SNAI1. Notably, PPAP2C silencing significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion. Additionally, it reduced the phosphorylation levels of ERK and JNK proteins. PPAP2C showed specific binding sites with ERK1, and co‑precipitated with ERK1 in both A549 and H1299 cells. Furthermore, PPAP2C silencing decreased the expression levels of N‑cadherin and Snail, while increasing E‑cadherin expression, thereby inhibiting EMT. In conclusion, PPAP2C may be highly expressed in LUAD tissues, and could promote cell migration and invasion by activating the ERK/JNK signaling pathway and inducing EMT. These findings provide a novel potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of LUAD. Show less
Amphiregulin (AREG) stimulates human epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cell invasion by downregulating E-cadherin expression. YAP is a transcriptional cofactor that has been shown to regulate tumorigene Show more
Amphiregulin (AREG) stimulates human epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cell invasion by downregulating E-cadherin expression. YAP is a transcriptional cofactor that has been shown to regulate tumorigenesis. This study aimed to examine whether AREG activates YAP in EOC cells and explore the roles of YAP in AREG-induced downregulation of E-cadherin and cell invasion. Analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) showed that upregulation of AREG and EGFR were associated with poor survival in human EOC. Treatment of SKOV3 human EOC cells with AREG induced the activation of YAP. In addition, AREG downregulated E-cadherin, upregulated Egr-1 and Slug, and stimulated cell invasion. Using gain- and loss-of-function approaches, we showed that YAP was required for the AREG-upregulated Egr-1 and Slug expression. Furthermore, YAP was also involved in AREG-induced downregulation of E-cadherin and cell invasion. This study provides evidence that AREG stimulates human EOC cell invasion by downregulating E-cadherin expression through the YAP/Egr-1/Slug signaling. Show less
Periodontitis (PD) is a chronic inflammatory disease in which oxidative stress plays a crucial role in its progression. Mitophagy eliminates damaged mitochondria and alleviates oxidative stress; howev Show more
Periodontitis (PD) is a chronic inflammatory disease in which oxidative stress plays a crucial role in its progression. Mitophagy eliminates damaged mitochondria and alleviates oxidative stress; however, its specific regulatory mechanisms in PD remain unclear. This study utilized single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data to identify core genes and investigate their potential roles. We utilized single-cell RNA sequencing data and applied 4 algorithms - area under the curve cell level enrichment, U-statistics-based single-cell signature scoring, single-sample gene set scoring, and AddModuleScore - to assess mitophagy activity and identify candidate genes. Subsequently, based on bulk RNA-seq data, 5 machine learning algorithms, including Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator Regression, random forest, Boruta, gradient boosting machine, and eXtreme Gradient Boosting, were employed to further screen core genes from the candidate gene set. Finally, immune infiltration analysis, cell communication analysis, and gene interaction network construction were integrated to systematically elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of core genes in the progression of PD. Single-cell RNA sequencing combined with multiple algorithms revealed significantly elevated mitophagy activity in PD tissues, particularly in monocytes/macrophages and endothelial cells. Additionally, we identified 4 core genes: BNIP3L, VPS13C, CTTN, and MAP1LC3B. BNIP3L and CTTN were downregulated in periodontitis, correlating negatively with disease prevalence, immune infiltration, and inflammatory pathways, whereas VPS13C and MAP1LC3B were upregulated, showing positive correlations. CellChat analysis highlighted monocytes/macrophages and endothelial cells with high core gene expression as key mediators of intercellular communication. This study identified BNIP3L, VPS13C, CTTN, and MAP1LC3B as core mitophagy-related genes associated with PD, and highlighted the pivotal roles of monocytes/macrophages and endothelial cells in disease progression. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of PD and offer a theoretical foundation for mitophagy-targeted diagnosis, biomarker identification, and precision therapy. Show less
Parkinson's Disease (PD), a prevalent neurodegenerative condition, is distinguished by its motor dysfunction. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), derived from PD patients, constitute an exquisite Show more
Parkinson's Disease (PD), a prevalent neurodegenerative condition, is distinguished by its motor dysfunction. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), derived from PD patients, constitute an exquisite investigative tool for elucidating the pathophysiology of the disease, assessing candidate therapeutics, and probing the potential for regenerative medicine approaches. The present study was designed to establish an iPSC line, designated TUSMi013-A, from the dermal fibroblasts of a 66-year-old female afflicted with PD, harboring mutations in VPS13C and TBP. This iPSC line offers a significant resource for the dissection of PD etiology and the innovation of novel therapeutic strategies. Show less
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The E3 ubiquitin ligase WWP2 has emerged as a critical regulator of tumor pathogenesis through its modulation o Show more
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The E3 ubiquitin ligase WWP2 has emerged as a critical regulator of tumor pathogenesis through its modulation of substrate ubiquitination. However, its specific mechanistic role in HCC remains poorly understood. In this study, we found that WWP2 was significantly up-regulated in HCC patients and associated with poor prognosis. Lentivirus-mediated knockdown of WWP2 induced cellular senescence and suppressed proliferation in HCC cell lines. Mechanistically, co-immunoprecipitation and ubiquitination assays identified WWP2 as a novel E3 ubiquitin ligase for p21 that promotes its K48-linked ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation, consequently accelerating cellular senescence and restraining HCC progression. Notably, we further discovered that CMTM6 directly interacts with WWP2, thereby stabilizing p21 by preventing its WWP2-mediated ubiquitination. Accordingly, the senescence and proliferation arrest induced by WWP2 deficiency were partially reversed by CMTM6 knockdown but enhanced by concurrent CMTM6 overexpression. This functional interplay was corroborated in vivo, as WWP2 depletion enhanced tumor cell senescence and suppressed tumor growth, an effect that was partially rescued by concurrent CMTM6 knockdown. Taken together, our findings establish the WWP2-CMTM6-p21 axis as a pivotal regulatory mechanism of cellular senescence in HCC and shed new light on senescence-related therapeutic strategies for HCC. Show less
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the main cause of blindness worldwide, and its prevalence rate is constantly rising. More in-depth exploration of its risk factors and pathogenic mechanisms is needed. Thi Show more
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the main cause of blindness worldwide, and its prevalence rate is constantly rising. More in-depth exploration of its risk factors and pathogenic mechanisms is needed. This study systematically identified potential therapeutic targets for DR by evaluating causal effects of 16,989 genes and 2,923 proteins on DR/subtypes via two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR), validated with colocalization/Summary-data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR). National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2010 cross-sectional data (weighted logistic/Restricted cubic spline (RCS)) pinpointed key risk factors; MR explored their links to DR subtypes. Bioinformatics (bulk and single-cell transcriptomics) analyzed molecular mechanisms of shared targets (gene expression, immune infiltration, pathway enrichment). Machine learning selected key targets for models. Finally, two-step mediation MR examined how targets regulate DR via risk factors. This study identified 64 core targets with causal links to DR. Subtype analysis revealed 2,128 causal genes and subtype-specific targets (e.g. 52 for background DR, 66 for proliferative DR). SMR validated these findings. NHANES data highlighted body mass index (BMI), stroke, hypertension (HBP), and C-reactive protein (CRP) as key DR risk factors, confirmed by MR. Transcriptomics identified 29 differentially expressed genes associated with both risk factors and DR, linked to immune cell regulation. Machine learning selected core targets (LY9, WWP2, etc.) and built a nomogram for DR risk prediction. Functional enrichment showed these targets enriched in chemokine/cytokine and immune-inflammatory pathways. Two-step mediation MR further revealed LY9, ARHGAP1, and WWP2 influence DR subtypes via regulating BMI, CRP, and HBP. This study systematically elucidates the key risk factors, potential molecular mechanisms, and core regulatory targets of DR through multi-omics integration, causal inference, and bioinformatics approaches. The results indicate that inflammation, immune dysregulation, and metabolic disorders play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of DR. Key genes such as LY9, ARHGAP1, and WWP2 could serve as potential intervention targets, offering theoretical foundations and strategic support for early warning and precision treatment of DR. Show less