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Current Issues in Molecular Biology

Current Issues in Molecular Biology is an international, scientific, peer-reviewed, open access journal on molecular biology, published monthly online by MDPI (from Volume 43 Issue 1-2021).

Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PMC, PubMed, Embase, CAPlus / SciFinder, FSTA, AGRIS, and other databases.
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 17.8 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.7 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2025).
Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review, and reviewer names are published annually in the journal.

Impact Factor: 3.0 (2024); 5-Year Impact Factor: 3.2 (2024)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 1467-3045

Latest Articles

40 pages, 15185 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Extract of Periplaneta americana (L.) Promotes Hair Regrowth in Mice with Alopecia by Regulating the FOXO/PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway and Skin Microbiota

by Tangfei Guan, Xin Yang, Canhui Hong, Zehao Zhang, Peiyun Xiao, Yongshou Yang, Chenggui Zhang and Zhengchun He

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(8), 619; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080619 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025

Alopecia, a prevalent dermatological disorder affecting over half of the global population, is strongly associated with psychological distress. Extracts from Periplaneta americana (L. PA), a medicinal insect resource, exhibit pharmacological activities (e.g., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, microcirculation improvement) that align with core therapeutic targets for [...] Read more.

Alopecia, a prevalent dermatological disorder affecting over half of the global population, is strongly associated with psychological distress. Extracts from Periplaneta americana (L. PA), a medicinal insect resource, exhibit pharmacological activities (e.g., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, microcirculation improvement) that align with core therapeutic targets for alopecia. This study aimed to systematically investigate the efficacy and mechanisms of PA extracts in promoting hair regeneration. A strategy combining network pharmacology prediction and in vivo experiments was adopted. The efficacy of a Periplaneta americana extract was validated by evaluating hair regrowth status and skin pathological staining in C57BL/6J mice. Transcriptomics, metabolomics, RT-qPCR, and 16s rRNA techniques were integrated to dissect the underlying mechanisms of its hair-growth-promoting effects. PA-011 significantly promoted hair regeneration in depilated mice via multiple mechanisms: enhanced skin superoxide dismutase activity and upregulated vascular endothelial growth factor expression; modulated FOXO/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and restored skin microbiota homeostasis; and accelerated transition of hair follicles from the telogen to anagen phase. PA-011 exerts hair-promoting effects through synergistic modulation of FOXO/PI3K/AKT signaling and the skin microbiome. As a novel therapeutic candidate, it warrants further systematic investigation for clinical translation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment of Skin and Sexually Transmitted Diseases)

18 pages, 2745 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Obesity-Induced MASLD Is Reversed by Capsaicin via Hepatic TRPV1 Activation

by Padmamalini Baskaran, Ryan Christensen, Kimberley D. Bruce and Robert H. Eckel

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(8), 618; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080618 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025

Background and Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a progressive liver disorder associated with metabolic risk factors such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. If left untreated, the accumulation of excess hepatic fat can lead to inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a progressive liver disorder associated with metabolic risk factors such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. If left untreated, the accumulation of excess hepatic fat can lead to inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and ultimately liver failure. Capsaicin (CAP), the primary pungent compound in chili peppers, has previously been shown to prevent weight gain in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity models. In this study, we investigated the potential of dietary CAP to prevent HFD-induced MASLD. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were fed an HFD (60% kcal from fat) with or without 0.01% CAP supplementation for 26 weeks. We evaluated CAP’s effects on hepatic fat accumulation, inflammation, and mitochondrial function to determine its role in preventing MASLD. Results: CAP acts as a potent and selective agonist of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel. We confirmed TRPV1 expression in the liver and demonstrated that CAP activates hepatic TRPV1, thereby preventing steatosis, improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and enhancing fatty acid oxidation. These beneficial effects were observed in wild-type but not in TRPV1 knockout mice. Mechanistically, CAP-induced TRPV1 activation promotes calcium influx and activates AMPK, which leads to SIRT1-dependent upregulation of PPARα and PGC-1α, enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis and lipid metabolism. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that dietary CAP prevents MASLD through TRPV1 activation. TRPV1 signaling represents a promising therapeutic target for the prevention and management of MASLD in individuals with metabolic disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanisms and Pathophysiology of Obesity)

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17 pages, 2085 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multifunctional Dermatological Effects of Whole-Plant Bassia scoparia Extract: Skin Repair and Protection

by Seogyun Jeong, Hye-Been Kim, Dong-Geol Lee, Eunjin Park, Seoyeon Kyung, Seunghyun Kang, Dayeon Roo, Sang Hyun Moh, Sung Joo Jang, Jihyeon Jang, HyungWoo Jo and Sanghun Lee

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(8), 617; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080617 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025

Bassia scoparia (Syn. Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad.) is a medicinal plant whose fruit, Kochiae Fructus, has been extensively studied for its dermatological applications. This study focused on extracts from the whole plant B. scoparia (WPBS), excluding fruits, to address the research gap [...] Read more.

Bassia scoparia (Syn. Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad.) is a medicinal plant whose fruit, Kochiae Fructus, has been extensively studied for its dermatological applications. This study focused on extracts from the whole plant B. scoparia (WPBS), excluding fruits, to address the research gap regarding the medicinal properties of non-fruit parts. The diverse skin benefits of WPBS, including its anti-photoaging, moisturizing, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic effects, were investigated. The WPBS extract enhanced the viability of keratinocytes (HaCaT) without inducing cytotoxic effects. WPBS significantly reduced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) levels and increased collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1) levels (p < 0.01) in fibroblasts exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, indicating strong anti-photoaging effects. WPBS upregulated skin hydration markers such as aquaporin-3 (AQP3) and hyaluronan synthase-3 (HAS3) and effectively accelerated fibroblast wound closure compared to the positive control. Furthermore, WPBS substantially downregulated the expression of inflammatory (COX-2 and IL-1β) and angiogenic markers (VEGF). Transcriptome analysis (RNA-seq) confirmed that WPBS suppressed inflammation-related and UV-induced gene expression pathways. Overall, these findings expand the therapeutic scope of B. scoparia beyond its traditional fruit use and suggest that WPBS is a promising botanical ingredient for various skin applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment of Skin and Sexually Transmitted Diseases)

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18 pages, 7672 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Subtypes and Biomarkers of Ulcerative Colitis Revealed by Sphingolipid Metabolism-Related Genes: Insights from Machine Learning and Molecular Dynamics

by Quanwei Li, Junchen Li, Shuyuan Liu, Yunshu Zhang, Jifeng Liu, Xing Wan and Guogang Liang

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(8), 616; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080616 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease associated with disrupted lipid metabolism. This study aimed to uncover novel molecular subtypes and biomarkers by integrating sphingolipid metabolism-related genes (SMGs) with machine learning approaches. Using data from the GEO and GeneCards databases, 29 [...] Read more.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease associated with disrupted lipid metabolism. This study aimed to uncover novel molecular subtypes and biomarkers by integrating sphingolipid metabolism-related genes (SMGs) with machine learning approaches. Using data from the GEO and GeneCards databases, 29 UC-related SMGs were identified. Consensus clustering was employed to define distinct molecular subtypes of UC, and a diagnostic model was developed through various machine learning algorithms. Further analyses—including functional enrichment, transcription factor prediction, single-cell localization, potential drug screening, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations—were conducted to investigate the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic prospects of the identified genes in UC. The analysis revealed two molecular subtypes of UC: C1 (metabolically dysregulated) and C2 (immune-enriched). A diagnostic model based on three key genes demonstrated high accuracy in both the training and validation cohorts. Moreover, the transcription factor FOXA2 was predicted to regulate the expression of all three genes simultaneously. Notably, mebendazole and NVP-TAE226 emerged as promising therapeutic agents for UC. In conclusion, SMGs are integral to UC molecular subtyping and immune microenvironment modulation, presenting a novel framework for precision diagnosis and targeted treatment of UC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intestinal Inflammation: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Strategies)

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14 pages, 1320 KiB

Open AccessReview

Elucidating the Role of CNOT2 in Regulating Cancer Cell Growth via the Modulation of p53 and c-Myc Expression

by Jihyun Lee, Ju-Ha Kim, Yu Jin Lee, Je Joung Oh, Yeo Jeong Han and Ji Hoon Jung

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(8), 615; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080615 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025

CNOT2, a central component of the CCR4-NOT transcription complex subunit 2, plays a pivotal role in the regulation of gene expression and metabolism. CNOT2 is involved in various cellular processes, including transcriptional regulation, mRNA deadenylation, and the modulation of mRNA stability. CNOT2 [...] Read more.

CNOT2, a central component of the CCR4-NOT transcription complex subunit 2, plays a pivotal role in the regulation of gene expression and metabolism. CNOT2 is involved in various cellular processes, including transcriptional regulation, mRNA deadenylation, and the modulation of mRNA stability. CNOT2 specifically contributes to the structural integrity and enzymatic activity of the CCR4-NOT complex with transcription factors and RNA-binding proteins. Recent studies have elucidated its involvement in cellular differentiation, immune response modulation, and the maintenance of genomic stability. Abnormal regulation of CNOT2 has been implicated in a spectrum of pathological conditions, including oncogenesis, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic dysfunctions. This review comprehensively examines the interplay between CNOT2 and p53, elucidating their collaborative and antagonistic interactions in various cellular contexts. CNOT2 is primarily involved in transcriptional regulation, mRNA deadenylation, and the modulation of mRNA stability, thereby influencing diverse biological processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. Conversely, p53 is renowned for its role in maintaining genomic integrity, inducing cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and senescence in response to cellular stress and DNA damage. Emerging evidence suggests that CNOT2 can modulate p53 activity through multiple mechanisms, including the regulation of p53 mRNA stability and the modulation of p53 target gene expression. The dysregulation of CNOT2 and p53 interactions has been implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of various cancers, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets. Additionally, CNOT2 regulates c-Myc, a well-known oncogene, in cancer cells. This review shows the essential roles of CNOT2 in maintaining cancer cellular homeostasis and explores its interactions within the CCR4-NOT complex that influence transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation. Furthermore, we investigate the potential of CNOT2 as a biomarker and therapeutic target across various disease states, highlighting its significance in disease progression and treatment responsiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology)

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35 pages, 3988 KiB

Open AccessReview

Oxidative–Inflammatory Crosstalk and Multi-Target Natural Agents: Decoding Diabetic Vascular Complications

by Jingwen Liu, Kexin Li, Zixin Yi, Saqirile, Changshan Wang and Rui Yang

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(8), 614; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080614 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide and its prevalence continues to rise. Chronic hyperglycemia exposes patients to severe complications. Among these, diabetic vascular lesions are the most destructive. Their primary driver is the synergistic interaction [...] Read more.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide and its prevalence continues to rise. Chronic hyperglycemia exposes patients to severe complications. Among these, diabetic vascular lesions are the most destructive. Their primary driver is the synergistic interaction between hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. This review systematically elucidates how multiple pathological pathways—namely, metabolic dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and epigenetic reprogramming—cooperate to drive oxidative stress and inflammatory cascades. Confronting this complex pathological network, natural products, unlike conventional single-target synthetic drugs, exert multi-target synergistic effects, simultaneously modulating several key pathogenic networks. This enables the restoration of redox homeostasis and the suppression of inflammatory responses, thereby improving vascular function and delaying both microvascular and macrovascular disease progression. However, the clinical translation of natural products still faces multiple challenges and requires comprehensive mechanistic studies and rigorous validation to fully realize their therapeutic potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology)

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12 pages, 1094 KiB

Open AccessReview

DJ-1 Serves as a Central Regulator of Diabetes Complications

by Feng Zhou, Jia-Bin Zhou, Tian-Peng Wei, Dan Wu and Ru-Xing Wang

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(8), 613; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080613 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025

Diabetes mellitus poses a significant global health challenge, primarily due to its chronic metabolic dysregulation, leading to widespread tissue and organ damage. This systemic impact results in a range of complications that markedly reduce patients’ quality of life. Therefore it is critical to [...] Read more.

Diabetes mellitus poses a significant global health challenge, primarily due to its chronic metabolic dysregulation, leading to widespread tissue and organ damage. This systemic impact results in a range of complications that markedly reduce patients’ quality of life. Therefore it is critical to understand the mechanisms underlying these complications. DJ-1 (also known as PARK7) is a highly conserved multifunctional protein involved in antioxidative defense, metabolic equilibrium, and cellular survival. Recent studies have highlighted that DJ-1 is critically involved in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetic complications, including macrovascular issues like cardiovascular disease and microvascular conditions such as diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy, suggesting that it may serve as a promising therapeutic target. Importantly, drugs targeting DJ-1 have shown therapeutic effects. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current under-standing of DJ-1’s role in diabetes-related complications, emphasizing recent research advances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology)

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24 pages, 3915 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prothrombotic Genetic Mutations Are Associated with Sub-Clinical Placental Vascular Lesions: A Histopathological and Morphometric Study

by Viorela-Romina Murvai, Anca Huniadi, Radu Galiș, Gelu Florin Murvai, Timea Claudia Ghitea, Alexandra-Alina Vesa and Ioana Cristina Rotar

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(8), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080612 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025

Background: Inherited thrombophilia is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor to placental vascular pathology and adverse pregnancy outcomes. While the clinical implications are well-established, fewer studies have systematically explored the histopathological changes associated with specific genetic mutations in thrombophilic pregnancies. Materials and Methods: [...] Read more.

Background: Inherited thrombophilia is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor to placental vascular pathology and adverse pregnancy outcomes. While the clinical implications are well-established, fewer studies have systematically explored the histopathological changes associated with specific genetic mutations in thrombophilic pregnancies. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study included two cohorts of placental samples collected between September 2020 and September 2024 at a tertiary maternity hospital. Group 1 included women diagnosed with hereditary thrombophilia, and Group 2 served as controls without known maternal pathology. Placentas were examined macroscopically and histologically, with pathologists blinded to group allocation. Histological lesions were classified according to the Amsterdam Consensus and quantified using a composite score (0–5) based on five key vascular features. Results: Placental lesions associated with maternal vascular malperfusion—including infarctions, intervillous thrombosis, stromal fibrosis, villous stasis, and acute atherosis—were significantly more frequent in the thrombophilia group (p < 0.05 for most lesions). A combination of well-established thrombophilic mutations (Factor V Leiden, Prothrombin G20210A) and other genetic polymorphisms with uncertain clinical relevance (MTHFR C677T, PAI-1 4G/4G) showed moderate-to-strong correlations with histopathological markers of placental vascular injury. A composite histological score ≥3 was significantly associated with thrombophilia (p < 0.001). Umbilical cord abnormalities, particularly altered coiling and hypertwisting, were also more prevalent in thrombophilic cases. Conclusions: Thrombophilia is associated with distinct and quantifiable placental vascular lesions, even in pregnancies without overt clinical complications. The use of a histological scoring system may aid in the retrospective identification of thrombophilia-related placental pathology and support the integration of genetic and histologic data in perinatal risk assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Molecular Medicine 2025)

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19 pages, 582 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Xylitol Antioxidant Properties: A Potential Effect for Inflammation Reduction in Menopausal Women?—A Pilot Study

by Ilona Górna, Magdalena Kowalówka, Barbara Więckowska, Michalina Banaszak, Grzegorz Kosewski, Olivia Grządzielska, Juliusz Przysławski and Sławomira Drzymała-Czyż

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(8), 611; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080611 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025

Introduction: Oxidative stress is a key factor in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases, especially in postmenopausal women. Xylitol, a sugar alcohol with potential antioxidant properties, may affect oxidative balance when used as a sugar substitute. Aim: This pilot study aimed to assess [...] Read more.

Introduction: Oxidative stress is a key factor in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases, especially in postmenopausal women. Xylitol, a sugar alcohol with potential antioxidant properties, may affect oxidative balance when used as a sugar substitute. Aim: This pilot study aimed to assess the effect of replacing sucrose with xylitol on serum antioxidant capacity in postmenopausal women. Methods: This study included 34 women aged 50 to 65 years who successively consumed 5 g/d, 10 g/d, and 15 g/d of xylitol. The dietary intervention lasted a total of 6 weeks, with each phase covering a 2-week period. Diet was assessed twice based on a 7-day dietary interview (Diet 6.0, NIZP–PZH, Warsaw). The material for this study was venous blood. Antioxidant capacity was determined using the DPPH radical scavenging method and the ABTS cation radical scavenging method. Results: In both methods, a significant increase in serum antioxidant potential was observed after replacing sugar with xylitol (p < 0.0001). An increase in the ability to neutralize free radicals was observed in almost all women studied. Additional analysis of the effect of selected nutrients on the obtained effects of the nutritional intervention showed that the most significant effect could potentially be exerted by manganese, maltose, sucrose, and mercury, and the strongest positive correlation was exerted by vitamin A, retinol, and vitamin E. Although the values obtained in the constructed models were not statistically significant, the large effect indicates potentially significant relationships that could have a significant impact on serum antioxidant potential in the studied group of women. Conclusions: The results suggest a potential role of xylitol in enhancing antioxidant defense mechanisms in menopausal women. Although the sample size was relatively small, this study was powered at approximately 80% to detect large effects, supporting the reliability of the observed results. Nevertheless, given the pilot nature of this study, further research with larger cohorts is warranted to confirm these preliminary observations and to clarify the clinical significance of xylitol supplementation in populations exposed to oxidative stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Products in Inflammatory Diseases)

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13 pages, 3032 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combined Bioinformatic and Experimental Approaches to Analyze miR-182-3p and miR-24-3p Expression and Their Target Genes in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Iron Deficiency Anemia During Pregnancy

by Badr Alzahrani, Bisma Rauff, Aqsa Ikram and Mariya Azam

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(8), 610; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080610 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are the most common pregnancy-related conditions resulting in adverse maternal and fetal complications. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), particularly miR-182-3p and miR-24-3p, are promising biomarkers as they act as regulatory elements in various diseases; however, their roles [...] Read more.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are the most common pregnancy-related conditions resulting in adverse maternal and fetal complications. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), particularly miR-182-3p and miR-24-3p, are promising biomarkers as they act as regulatory elements in various diseases; however, their roles in GDM and IDA are unclear. The present study aimed to analyze the expression and functional relevance of miR-182-3p and miR-24-3p in GDM and IDA. Experimental validation via RT-PCR revealed significant upregulation of both miRNAs in GDM and IDA samples. We identified common target genes and signaling pathways associated with these miRNAs, using a combination of data mining, bioinformatic tools (miRDB, TargetScan, miRTarBase, and miRWalk), and differentially expressed gene (DEGs) analysis using the GEO, OMIM, MalaCards, and GeneCards datasets. GO and KEGG pathway analyses revealed that the shared miRNA–mRNA in target genes were enriched in insulin signaling, apoptosis, and inflammatory pathways—key mechanisms implicated in GDM and IDA. Furthermore, hub genes such as IRS1, PIK3CA, CASP3, MAPK7, and PDGFRB were identified, supporting their central role in metabolic dysregulation during pregnancy. These findings demonstrate the potential of miR-182-3p and miR-24-3p as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in managing GDM and IDA, offering new insights into the molecular interplay underlying pregnancy complications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Bioinformatics and Systems Biology)

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30 pages, 1351 KiB

Open AccessReview

Molecular Targets for Pharmacotherapy of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas

by Robert Sarna, Robert Kubina, Marlena Paździor-Heiske, Adrianna Halama, Patryk Chudy, Paulina Wala, Kamil Krzykawski and Ilona Nowak

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(8), 609; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080609 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) represent a heterogeneous group of tumors with a complex molecular profile. Despite therapeutic advances, patient prognosis remains poor, emphasizing the need for more effective treatment strategies. Traditional chemotherapy, with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), remains the gold [...] Read more.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) represent a heterogeneous group of tumors with a complex molecular profile. Despite therapeutic advances, patient prognosis remains poor, emphasizing the need for more effective treatment strategies. Traditional chemotherapy, with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), remains the gold standard but is limited by toxicity and tumor resistance. Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1), has improved overall survival, especially in patients with high PD-L1 expression. In parallel, targeted therapies such as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) inhibitors—which impair DNA repair and increase replication stress—have shown promising activity in HNSCC. Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors are also under investigation due to their potential to correct dysregulated cell cycle control, a hallmark of HNSCC. This review aims to summarize current and emerging pharmacotherapies for HNSCC, focusing on chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and PARP and CDK inhibitors. It also discusses the evolving role of targeted therapies in improving clinical outcomes. Future research directions include combination therapies, nanotechnology-based delivery systems to enhance treatment specificity, and the development of diagnostic tools such as PARP1-targeted imaging to better guide personalized treatment approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Challenges of Targeted Therapy of Cancers: 2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 1770 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inhibitory Effects of 3-Deoxysappanchalcone on Particulate-Matter-Induced Pulmonary Injury

by Chang-Woo Ryu, Jinhee Lee, Gyuri Han, Jin-Young Lee and Jong-Sup Bae

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(8), 608; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080608 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) exposure has been linked to increased lung damage due to compromised vascular barrier function, while 3-deoxysappanchalcone (3-DSC), a chalcone derived from Caesalpinia sappan, is known for its pharmacological benefits such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects; [...] Read more.

Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) exposure has been linked to increased lung damage due to compromised vascular barrier function, while 3-deoxysappanchalcone (3-DSC), a chalcone derived from Caesalpinia sappan, is known for its pharmacological benefits such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects; however, its potential role in mitigating PM_2.5-induced pulmonary damage remains unexplored. To confirm the inhibitory effects of 3-DSC on PM_2.5-induced pulmonary injury, this research focused on evaluating how 3-DSC influences PM_2.5-induced disruption of the barrier of the endothelial cells (ECs) in the lungs and the resulting pulmonary inflammation. Permeability, leukocyte migration, proinflammatory protein activation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and histology were assessed in PM_2.5-treated ECs and mice. This study demonstrated that 3-DSC effectively neutralized the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by PM_2.5 exposure in the lung endothelial cells, suppressing ROS-triggered p38 MAPK activation while enhancing Akt signaling pathways critical to preserving vascular barrier function. In animal models, 3-DSC administration markedly decreased vascular permeability, attenuated the influx of immune cells into the lung tissue, and lowered inflammatory mediators like cytokines in the airways of PM_2.5-exposed mice. These data suggest that 3-DSC might exert protective effects on PM_2.5-induced inflammatory lung injury and vascular hyperpermeability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacological Activities and Mechanisms of Action of Natural Products)

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12 pages, 508 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bromelain Improves Hypothalamic Control of Energy Homeostasis in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Rats

by Raviye Ozen Koca, Mustafa Berk Basaran, Hatice Solak and Zulfikare Isik Solak Gormus

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(8), 607; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080607 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Obesity remains a major global health challenge with limited therapeutic options. Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme complex derived from pineapple, has been recognized for its natural anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous, and appetite-suppressing properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of bromelain on hypothalamic neuropeptides and [...] Read more.

Obesity remains a major global health challenge with limited therapeutic options. Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme complex derived from pineapple, has been recognized for its natural anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous, and appetite-suppressing properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of bromelain on hypothalamic neuropeptides and metabolic markers in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model in rats. Thirty-six male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups: standard diet (SD), standard diet with bromelain (SDBro), high-fat diet (HFD), and high-fat diet with bromelain (HFDBro). Obesity was induced by a 3-month HFD regimen, followed by bromelain supplementation (200 mg/kg/day, orally) for one month. Hypothalamic tissues were analyzed via ELISA for neuropeptide Y (NPY), pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R). While NPY levels showed no significant changes, POMC increased in the HFD and was normalized with bromelain. GLUT2 was downregulated in the HFD and significantly restored by bromelain. FGF2 levels remained unchanged. IGF1R was upregulated in the HFD but reduced by bromelain, with an unexpected increase in SDBro. Overall, bromelain partially reversed HFD-induced disruptions in hypothalamic energy-regulating pathways, particularly affecting GLUT2 and POMC. These findings highlight bromelain’s potential role in central metabolic regulation under dietary stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Bioorganic Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry)

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15 pages, 1899 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Heterologous Watermelon HSP17.4 Expression Confers Improved Heat Tolerance to Arabidopsis thaliana

by Yajie Hong, Yurui Li, Jing Chen, Nailin Xing, Wona Ding, Lili Chen, Yunping Huang, Qiuping Li and Kaixing Lu

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(8), 606; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080606 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Members of the heat shock protein 20 (HSP20) family of proteins play an important role in responding to various forms of stress. Here, the expression of ClaHSP17.4 was induced by heat stress in watermelon. Then, a floral dipping approach was used to introduce [...] Read more.

Members of the heat shock protein 20 (HSP20) family of proteins play an important role in responding to various forms of stress. Here, the expression of ClaHSP17.4 was induced by heat stress in watermelon. Then, a floral dipping approach was used to introduce the pCAMBIA1391b-GFP overexpression vector encoding the heat tolerance-related gene ClaHSP17.4 from watermelon into Arabidopsis thaliana, and we obtained ClaHSP17.4-overexpressing Arabidopsis plants. Under normal conditions, the phenotypes of transgenic and wild-type (WT) Arabidopsis plants were largely similar. Following exposure to heat stress, however, the germination rates (96%) of transgenic Arabidopsis plants at the germination stages were significantly higher than those of wild-type idopsis (17%). Specifically, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of transgenic Arabidopsis was half that of the control group, while the activities of peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were 1.25 times those of the control group after exposure to high temperatures for 12 h at the seedling stages. The proline content in ClaHSP17.4-overexpressing transgenic Arabidopsis increased by 17% compared to WT plants (* p < 0.05), while the soluble sugar content rose by 37% (* p < 0.05). These results suggest that ClaHSP17.4 overexpression indirectly improves the antioxidant capacity and osmotic regulatory capacity of Arabidopsis seedlings, leading to improved survival and greater heat tolerance. Meanwhile, the results of this study provide a reference for further research on the function of the ClHSP17.4 gene and lay a foundation for breeding heat-tolerant watermelon varieties and advancing our understanding of plant adaptation to environmental stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Multi-Omics for Functional Genomics Studies and Molecular Breeding)

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15 pages, 1218 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Risk of MASLD in Mongolians: Role of PNPLA3 and FTO SNPs

by Yumchinsuren Tsedendorj, Dolgion Daramjav, Yesukhei Enkhbat, Ganchimeg Dondov, Gantogtokh Dashjamts, Enkhmend Khayankhyarvaa, Amin-Erdene Ganzorig, Bolor Ulziitsogt, Tegshjargal Badamjav, Batbold Batsaikhan, Shiirevnyamba Avirmed and Tulgaa Lonjid

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(8), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080605 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Background: This study aimed to determine the association between PNPLA3 rs738409, rs2896019, and FTO rs9939609, rs17817449 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in Mongolian individuals. Methods: We conducted a case-control study, enrolling 100 MASLD patients and 50 [...] Read more.

Background: This study aimed to determine the association between PNPLA3 rs738409, rs2896019, and FTO rs9939609, rs17817449 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in Mongolian individuals. Methods: We conducted a case-control study, enrolling 100 MASLD patients and 50 subjects without MASLD. We used the PCR-RFLP technique on three genotype SNPs (rs738409, rs2896019 in PNPLA3, and rs9939609 in FTO). We analyzed liver function and lipid metabolism parameters in the peripheral blood of study participants. A p-value below 0.05 was considered a statistically significant result. Results: This study, which included 150 participants aged 23 to 75, had a mean age of 46.73 ± 11.45 years, with 40% of participants being male (60 individuals). We observed the rs738409 (G), rs2896019 (G), and rs9939609 (A) alleles at a statistically significantly enhanced frequency in the case group (32.5%, 33%, and 21%) compared to the control group (19%, 25%, and 19%), indicating an increased risk of MASLD. The FTO rs17817449 SNP did not show a significant difference between groups. PNPLA3 rs738409 GC/GG genotype (OR = 2.39, p = 0.019) and FTO rs9939609 AT/AA (OR = 2.55, p = 0.025) genotype showed a significant association with MASLD. In the evaluation of the FTO rs9939609, rs17817449, and PNPLA3 rs738409, rs2896019 single-nucleotide polymorphisms among the research individuals, 18.7% had no SNPs, 15.3% had one SNP, 29.3% had two SNPs, 25.3% had three SNPs, and 11.3% had four SNPs. The risk of MASLD increased significantly for individuals having four SNPs (OR = 4.23, p = 0.007). Conclusions: We found that PNPLA3 rs738409 GC/GG genotype and FTO rs9939609 AT/AA genotype are strongly associated with an increased risk of MASLD. Notably, individuals with a higher rate of SNP number, had a significantly higher risk of MASLD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Fatty Liver Disease: From Pathogenesis to Treatment, 2nd Edition)

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22 pages, 452 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Role of Tumor Microenvironment and Targeted Therapy in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

by Khalil Saleh, Ahmadreza Arbab, Nadine Khalife, Rita Khoury, Rebecca Ibrahim, Mohamad Ali Hachem, Cynthia Khalil, Cendrella Bou Orm, Joud Sawan, Geoffroy Lafarge, Nohad Masri, Zamzam Tikriti, Claude Chahine and Axel Le Cesne

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(8), 604; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080604 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in adults. It is characterized by the clonal proliferation of mature B cells. The tumor microenvironment (TME) seems to play a crucial role in the survival and proliferation of tumor cells. Multiple new classes [...] Read more.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in adults. It is characterized by the clonal proliferation of mature B cells. The tumor microenvironment (TME) seems to play a crucial role in the survival and proliferation of tumor cells. Multiple new classes of drugs had been approved for the management of patients with CLL, reshaping the treatment paradigm. The most important classes are Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors and BCL-2 inhibitors. Both of them are approved as a first-line treatment in patients with CLL requiring treatment. The role of BTK and BCL-2 in the signaling pathways of the TME is very important. The aim of this review is to summarize the major components of the TME and the available data regarding targeted therapies in CLL. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Challenges of Targeted Therapy of Cancers: 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 6096 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Functional Characterization of Two Glutamate Dehydrogenase Genes in Bacillus altitudinis AS19 and Optimization of Soluble Recombinant Expression

by Fangfang Wang, Xiaoying Lv, Zhongyao Guo, Xianyi Wang, Yaohang Long and Hongmei Liu

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(8), 603; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080603 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) is ubiquitous in organisms and crucial for amino acid metabolism, energy production, and redox balance. The gdhA and gudB genes encoding GDH were identified in Bacillus altitudinis AS19 and shown to be regulated by iron. However, their functions remain unclear. [...] Read more.

Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) is ubiquitous in organisms and crucial for amino acid metabolism, energy production, and redox balance. The gdhA and gudB genes encoding GDH were identified in Bacillus altitudinis AS19 and shown to be regulated by iron. However, their functions remain unclear. In this study, gdhA and gudB were analyzed using bioinformatics tools, such as MEGA, Expasy, and SWISS-MODEL, expressed with a prokaryotic expression system, and the induction conditions were optimized to increase the yield of soluble proteins. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that GDH is evolutionarily conserved within the genus Bacillus. GdhA and GudB were identified as hydrophobic proteins, not secreted or membrane proteins. Their structures were primarily composed of irregular coils and α-helices. SWISS-MODEL predicts GdhA to be an NADP-specific GDH, whereas GudB is an NAD-specific GDH. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that GdhA was expressed as a soluble protein after induction with 0.2 mmol/L IPTG at 24 °C for 16 h. GudB was expressed as a soluble protein after induction with 0.1 mmol/L IPTG at 16 °C for 12 h. The proteins were confirmed by Western blot and mass spectrometry. The enzyme activity of recombinant GdhA was 62.7 U/mg with NADPH as the coenzyme. This study provides a foundation for uncovering the functions of two GDHs of B. altitudinis AS19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Bioinformatics and Systems Biology)

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9 pages, 1157 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Center Degenerated Walking-Primer PCR: A Novel and Universal Genome-Walking Method

by Dandan Gao, Zhenkang Pan, Hao Pan, Yinwei Gu and Haixing Li

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(8), 602; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080602 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Enhancing the specificity and applicability of PCR-based genome-walking methods is highly desirable. A new and universal genome-walking tool, called center degenerated walking-primer PCR (CDWP-PCR), is presented in this study. CDWP-PCR involves adopting a center degenerated walking primer (cdWP) in the secondary/tertiary round of [...] Read more.

Enhancing the specificity and applicability of PCR-based genome-walking methods is highly desirable. A new and universal genome-walking tool, called center degenerated walking-primer PCR (CDWP-PCR), is presented in this study. CDWP-PCR involves adopting a center degenerated walking primer (cdWP) in the secondary/tertiary round of amplification. This cdWP is generated by degenerating the seven central nucleotides of the normal walking primer (nWP) used in primary PCR to NNNNNNN (where N includes the bases A, T, C, and G). Clearly, a partially complementary structure is formed between the two primers. Accordingly, the primary CDWP-PCR non-target products defined by the nWP are diluted in secondary/tertiary CDWP-PCR, as these non-targets have difficulty in annealing with the cdWP; conversely, the primary target product can still be efficiently amplified. The working performance of the proposed CDWP-PCR is verified through cloning of the unknown flanks of three known genes. All the clear DNA bands in the tertiary CDWP-PCRs are confirmed to be correct, and the largest DNA band is 8.0 kb. Overall, CDWP-PCR can be considered as a reliable supplement to existing genome-walking methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technological Advances Around Next-Generation Sequencing Application)

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16 pages, 591 KiB

Open AccessReview

Research Progress on Responses and Regulatory Mechanisms of Plants Under High Temperature

by Jinling Wang, Yaling Wang, Hetian Jin, Yingzi Yu, Kai Mu and Yongxiang Kang

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(8), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080601 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Global warming has resulted in an increase in the frequency of extreme high-temperature events. High temperatures can increase cell membrane permeability, elevate levels of osmotic adjustment substances, reduce photosynthetic capacity, impair plant growth and development, and even result in plant death. Under high-temperature [...] Read more.

Global warming has resulted in an increase in the frequency of extreme high-temperature events. High temperatures can increase cell membrane permeability, elevate levels of osmotic adjustment substances, reduce photosynthetic capacity, impair plant growth and development, and even result in plant death. Under high-temperature stress, plants mitigate damage through physiological and biochemical adjustments, heat signal transduction, the regulation of transcription factors, and the synthesis of heat shock proteins. However, different plants exhibit varying regulatory abilities and temperature tolerances. Investigating the heat-resistance and regulatory mechanisms of plants can facilitate the development of heat-resistant varieties for plant genetic breeding and landscaping applications. This paper presents a systematic review of plant physiological and biochemical responses, regulatory substances, signal transduction pathways, molecular mechanisms—including the regulation of heat shock transcription factors and heat shock proteins—and the role of plant hormones under high-temperature stress. The study constructed a molecular regulatory network encompassing Ca²⁺ signaling, plant hormone pathways, and heat shock transcription factors, and it systematically elucidated the mechanisms underlying the enhancement of plant thermotolerance, thereby providing a scientific foundation for the development of heat-resistant plant varieties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Plant Sciences)

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4 pages, 163 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue “Molecules at Play in Neurological Diseases”

by Dumitru Andrei Iacobas

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(8), 600; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080600 - 30 Jul 2025

Pending the approval of the Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), researchers can access clinicians’ tools to explore the molecular phenomena affected by neurological disorders in living humans [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecules at Play in Neurological Diseases)

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