Journal Description

Cells

Cells is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on cell biology, molecular biology, and biophysics, published semimonthly online by MDPI. The Spanish Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SEBBM), Nordic Autophagy Society (NAS), Spanish Society of Hematology and Hemotherapy (SEHH) and Society for Regenerative Medicine (Russian Federation) (RPO) are affiliated with Cells and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges.

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), PubMed, MEDLINE, PMC, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Cell Biology) / CiteScore - Q1 (General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology)
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 17.5 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.8 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024).
Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Sections: published in 21 topical sections.
Companion journal: Organoids.

Impact Factor: 5.1 (2023); 5-Year Impact Factor: 6.0 (2023)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2073-4409

Latest Articles

18 pages, 3724 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Epstein-Barr Virus BARF1 Is Expressed in Lung Cancer and Is Associated with Cancer Progression

by Julio C. Osorio, Alvaro Armijo, Francisco J. Carvajal, Alejandro H. Corvalán, Andrés Castillo, Ezequiel M. Fuentes-Pananá, Carolina Moreno-León, Carmen Romero and Francisco Aguayo

Cells 2024, 13(18), 1578; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13181578 - 19 Sep 2024

Abstract

Background: Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is involved in the development of lymphomas, nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC), and a subgroup of gastric carcinomas (GC), and has also been detected in lung carcinomas, even though the role of the virus in this malignancy has not yet been established. BamH1-A Rightward Frame 1 (BARF1), a suggested exclusive epithelial EBV oncoprotein, is detected in both EBV-associated GCs (EBVaGC) and NPC. The expression and role of BARF1 in lung cancer is unknown. Methods: A total of 158 lung carcinomas including 80 adenocarcinomas (AdCs) and 78 squamous cell carcinomas (SQCs) from Chilean patients were analyzed for EBV presence via polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Immunohistochemistry (IHC), or chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH). The expression of BARF1 was evaluated using Reverse Transcription Real-Time PCR (RT-qPCR). Additionally, A549 and BEAS-2B lung epithelial cells were transfected with a construct for ectopic BARF1 expression. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) were evaluated. Results: We found that EBV was present in 37 out of 158 (23%) lung carcinomas using PCR. Considering EBV-positive specimens using PCR, IHC for Epstein–Barr nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) detected EBV in 24 out of 30 (80%) cases, while EBERs were detected using CISH in 13 out of 16 (81%) cases. Overall, 13 out of 158 (8%) lung carcinomas were shown to be EBV-positive using PCR/IHC/CISH. BARF1 transcripts were detected in 6 out of 13 (46%) EBV-positive lung carcinomas using RT qPCR. Finally, lung cells ectopically expressing BARF1 showed increased migration, invasion, and EMT. Conclusions. EBV is frequently found in lung carcinomas from Chile with the expression of BARF1 in a significant subset of cases, suggesting that this viral protein may be involved in EBV-associated lung cancer progression. Full article

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3 pages, 2111 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Cao et al. Tubeimoside-1 Inhibits Glioblastoma Growth, Migration, and Invasion via Inducing Ubiquitylation of MET. Cells 2019, 8, 774

by Jiangjun Cao, Erhu Zhao, Qingzong Zhu, Juanli Ji, Zekun Wei, Bo Xu and Hongjuan Cui

Cells 2024, 13(18), 1577; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13181577 - 19 Sep 2024

Abstract

In the Correspondence information of the original publication [...] Full article

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15 pages, 1718 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sulfated Bile Acids in Serum as Potential Biomarkers of Disease Severity and Mortality in COVID-19

by Emanuele Porru, Rossana Comito, Nicolò Interino, Andrea Cerrato, Marco Contoli, Paola Rizzo, Matteo Conti, Gianluca Campo, Savino Spadaro, Cristiana Caliceti, Federico Marini, Anna L. Capriotti, Aldo Laganà and Aldo Roda

Cells 2024, 13(18), 1576; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13181576 - 19 Sep 2024

Abstract

The fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues. Since the pandemic’s onset, several biomarkers have been proposed to assess the diagnosis and prognosis of this disease. This research aimed to identify potential disease severity biomarkers in serum samples of patients with COVID-19 during the disease course. Data were collected using untargeted and targeted mass spectrometry methods. The results were interpreted by performing univariate and multivariate analyses. Important metabolite classes were identified by qualitative untargeted metabolomics in 15 serum samples from survivors of COVID-19. Quantitative targeted metabolomics on a larger patient cohort including 15 non-survivors confirmed serum 3-sulfate bile acids (i.e. GLCA-3S) were significantly increased in non-survivors compared to survivors during the early disease stage (p-value < 0.0001). Notably, it was associated with a higher risk of mortality (odds ratio of 26). A principal component analysis showed the ability to discriminate between survivors and non-survivors using the BA concentrations. Furthermore, increased BA-S is highly correlated with known parameters altered in severe clinical conditions. Full article

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3 pages, 983 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Dong et al. Smurf1 Suppression Enhances Temozolomide Chemosensitivity in Glioblastoma by Facilitating PTEN Nuclear Translocation. Cells 2022, 11, 3302

by Lei Dong, Yang Li, Liqun Liu, Xinyi Meng, Shengzhen Li, Da Han, Zhenyu Xiao and Qin Xia

Cells 2024, 13(18), 1575; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13181575 - 19 Sep 2024

Abstract

In the original publication [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Double-Strand DNA Break Repair and Human Disease II)

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30 pages, 2044 KiB

Open AccessReview

Metabolic Reprogramming in Glioblastoma Multiforme: A Review of Pathways and Therapeutic Targets

by Ashley Irin Cortes Ballen, Maryam Amosu, Surya Ravinder, Joey Chan, Emre Derin, Hasan Slika and Betty Tyler

Cells 2024, 13(18), 1574; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13181574 - 19 Sep 2024

Abstract

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive and highly malignant primary brain tumor characterized by rapid growth and a poor prognosis for patients. Despite advancements in treatment, the median survival time for GBM patients remains low. One of the crucial challenges in understanding and treating GBMs involves its remarkable cellular heterogeneity and adaptability. Central to the survival and proliferation of GBM cells is their ability to undergo metabolic reprogramming. Metabolic reprogramming is a process that allows cancer cells to alter their metabolism to meet the increased demands of rapid growth and to survive in the often oxygen- and nutrient-deficient tumor microenvironment. These changes in metabolism include the Warburg effect, alterations in several key metabolic pathways including glutamine metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, increased uptake and utilization of glutamine, and more. Despite the complexity and adaptability of GBM metabolism, a deeper understanding of its metabolic reprogramming offers hope for developing more effective therapeutic interventions against GBMs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Glioblastoma: What Do We Know?)

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20 pages, 1993 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cannabinol (CBN) Influences the Ion Channels and Synaptic-Related Genes in NSC-34 Cell Line: A Transcriptomic Study

by Alessandra Trainito, Claudia Muscarà, Agnese Gugliandolo, Luigi Chiricosta, Stefano Salamone, Federica Pollastro, Emanuela Mazzon and Simone D’Angiolini

Cells 2024, 13(18), 1573; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13181573 - 19 Sep 2024

Abstract

Neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and schizophrenia are associated with altered neuronal excitability, resulting from dysfunctions in the molecular architecture and physiological regulation of ion channels and synaptic transmission. Ion channels and synapses are regarded as suitable therapeutic targets in modern pharmacology. Cannabinoids have received great attention as an original therapeutic approach for their effects on human health due to their ability to modulate the neurotransmitter release through interaction with the endocannabinoid system. In our study, we explored the effect of cannabinol (CBN) through next-generation sequencing analysis of NSC-34 cell physiology. Our findings revealed that CBN strongly influences the ontologies related to ion channels and synapse activity at all doses tested. Specifically, the genes coding for calcium and potassium voltage-gated channel subunits, and the glutamatergic and GABAergic receptors (Cacna1b, Cacna1h, Cacng8, Kcnc3, Kcnd1, Kcnd2, Kcnj4, Grik5, Grik1, Slc17a7, Gabra5), were up-regulated. Conversely, the genes involved into serotoninergic and cholinergic pathways (Htr3a, Htr3b, Htr1b, Chrna3, Chrnb2, Chrnb4), were down-regulated. These findings highlight the influence of CBN in the expression of genes involved into ion influx and synaptic transmission. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ion Channel Involvement in Neurological and Neuromuscular Disorders)

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14 pages, 4636 KiB

Open AccessArticle

α-Parvin Expression in Breast Cancer Tissues: Correlation with Clinical Parameters and Prognostic Significance

by Midori Takeda, Hiroaki Ito, Keisuke Kitahata, Sota Sato, Akira Nishide, Kanae Gamo, Shunsuke Managi, Tohru Tezuka, Akihiko Yoshizawa and Minsoo Kim

Cells 2024, 13(18), 1572; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13181572 - 19 Sep 2024

Abstract

Stromal cells play a critical role in the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer (BC), as they are recruited by tumor cells and regulate the metastatic spread. Though high expression of α-parvin, a member of the parvin family of actin-binding proteins, is reported to be associated with a poor prognosis and metastasis in several cancers, its role in carcinogenesis has not been thoroughly explored. Therefore, we aimed to examine the expression of α-parvin in BC patients by compartmentalizing and quantifying tissues to determine whether α-parvin can be a potential therapeutic target. We performed immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of α-parvin in BC tissues, and the IHC scores were calculated in the overall tissue, stroma, and epithelium using image analysis software. The expression of α-parvin was significantly higher in BC tissues (p = 0.0002) and BC stroma (p < 0.0001) than in normal tissues. Furthermore, all α-parvin scores were significantly positively correlated with the proliferation marker Ki67. The overall and stroma scores are associated with the tumor, (lymph) node, and metastasis (TNM) classification, stage, and grade. These results suggest that high expression of α-parvin in stroma is associated with BCs and might be a new predictive marker for diagnosing BC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Harnessing the Tumor Microenvironment and Signaling Pathways for Precision Cancer Therapy)

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13 pages, 5930 KiB

Open AccessArticle

RNA-Seq Analysis Revealed circRNAs Associated with Resveratrol-Induced Apoptosis of Porcine Ovarian Granulosa Cells

by Huibin Zhang, Haibo Ye, Hanyu Zhou, Yangguang Liu, Fan Xie, Qianqian Wang, Zongjun Yin and Xiaodong Zhang

Cells 2024, 13(18), 1571; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13181571 - 19 Sep 2024

Abstract

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of circular non-coding RNAs that play essential roles in the intricate and dynamic networks governing cell growth, development, and apoptosis. Resveratrol (RSV), a non-flavonoid polyphenol, is known to participate in follicular development and ovulation. In our previous research, we established a model using porcine ovarian granulosa cells (POGCs) treated with resveratrol, which confirmed its regulatory effects on long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) within these cells. However, the influence of resveratrol on circRNA expression has not been thoroughly investigated. To explore how resveratrol affects circRNA levels in POGCs, we designed an experiment with three groups: a control group (CON, n = 3, 0 μM RSV), a low-dose RSV group (LOW, n = 3, 50 μM RSV), and a high-dose RSV group (HIGH, n = 3, 100 μM RSV) for circRNA sequencing. We identified a total of 10,045 candidate circRNAs from POGCs treated with different concentrations of resveratrol (0, 50, and 100 μM). Differential expression analysis indicated that 96 circRNAs were significantly altered in the LOW vs. CON group, while 109 circRNAs showed significant changes in the HIGH vs. CON group. These circRNAs were notably enriched in biological processes associated with cell metabolism, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Functional enrichment analysis of the host genes revealed their involvement in critical signaling pathways, including mTOR, AMPK, and apoptosis pathways. Additionally, we identified potential miRNA sponge candidates among the differentially expressed circRNAs, particularly novel_circ_0012954 and novel_circ_0004762, which exhibited strong connectivity within miRNA-target networks. Our findings provide valuable insights into the regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs in the context of resveratrol-induced apoptosis in POGCs, highlighting their potential as innovative therapeutic targets in reproductive biology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Reproductive Cells and Development)

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2 pages, 2371 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Hussain et al. Starvation Protects Hepatocytes from Inflammatory Damage through Paradoxical mTORC1 Signaling. Cells 2023, 12, 1668

by Iqra Hussain, Harini K. Sureshkumar, Michael Bauer and Ignacio Rubio

Cells 2024, 13(18), 1570; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13181570 - 19 Sep 2024

Abstract

In the original publication [...] Full article

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17 pages, 2641 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis of Inhibitory and Activating Immune Checkpoints PD-1, PD-L1, CD28, and CD86 in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

by Linus Winter, Jutta Ries, Christoph Vogl, Leah Trumet, Carol Immanuel Geppert, Rainer Lutz, Marco Kesting and Manuel Weber

Cells 2024, 13(18), 1569; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13181569 - 18 Sep 2024

Abstract

The establishment of immunotherapy applying immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has provided an important new option for the treatment of solid malignant diseases. However, different tumor entities show dramatically different responses to this therapy. BCC responds worse to anti-PD-1 ICIs as compared to cSCC. Differential immune checkpoint expression could explain this discrepancy and, therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze activating and inhibitory immune checkpoints in cSCC and BCC tissues. Tissue microarrays of the invasive front as well as the tumor core of BCC and cSCC samples were used to evaluate PD-1, PD-L1, CD28, and CD86 expression and their topographic distribution profiles by chromogenic immunohistochemistry. QuPath was used to determine the labeling index. The expression of PD-1, PD-L1, and CD28 was significantly higher in both the tumor core and the invasive front of cSCC samples as compared to BCC (p < 0.001). In addition, the ratios of PD-L1/CD86 (p < 0.001) and CD28/CD86 (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in cSCC. The invasive front of both tumor entities showed higher expression levels of all immune markers compared to the tumor core in both tumor entities. The significantly higher expression of PD-1, PD-L1, and CD28 in cSCC, along with the predominance of the inhibitory ligand PD-L1 as compared to the activating CD86 in cSCC, provide a potential explanation for the better objective response rates to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy as compared to BCC. Furthermore, the predominant site of interaction between the immune system and the tumor was within the invasive front in both tumor types. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cellular Immunology)

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19 pages, 8042 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the New Cardiotonic Steroid γ-Benzylidene Digoxin 8 (BD-8) in Mice

by Davi Azevedo Ferreira, Anna Beatriz Araujo Medeiros, Mariana Mendonça Soares, Éssia de Almeida Lima, Gabriela Carolina Santos Lima de Oliveira, Mateus Bernardo da Silva Leite, Matheus Vieira Machado, José Augusto Ferreira Perez Villar, Leandro Augusto Barbosa, Cristoforo Scavone, Marcelo Tigre Moura and Sandra Rodrigues-Mascarenhas

Cells 2024, 13(18), 1568; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13181568 - 18 Sep 2024

Abstract

Cardiotonic steroids are known to bind to Na+/K+-ATPase and regulate several biological processes, including the immune response. The synthetic cardiotonic steroid γ-Benzylidene Digoxin 8 (BD-8) is emerging as a promising immunomodulatory molecule, although it has remained largely unexplored. Therefore, we tested the immunomodulatory potential of BD-8 both in vitro and in vivo. Hence, primary mouse macrophages were incubated with combinations of BD-8 and the pro-inflammatory fungal protein zymosan (ZYM). Nitric oxide (NO) production was determined by Griess reagent and cytokines production was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), reactive oxygen species (ROS), p-nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65), p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), and p-p38 were evaluated by flow cytometry. Macrophages exposed to BD-8 displayed reduced phagocytic activity, NO levels, and production of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β induced by ZYM. Furthermore, BD-8 diminished the expression of iNOS and phosphorylation of NF-κB p65, ERK, and p38. Additionally, BD-8 exhibited anti-inflammatory capacity in vivo in a carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema model. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the anti-inflammatory activity of BD-8 and further reinforce the potential of cardiotonic steroids and their derivatives as immunomodulatory molecules. Full article

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17 pages, 1051 KiB

Open AccessReview

Prospective Molecular Targets for Natural Killer Cell Immunotherapy against Glioblastoma Multiforme

by Luke C. Cooksey, Derek C. Friesen, Enrique D. Mangan and Porunelloor A. Mathew

Cells 2024, 13(18), 1567; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13181567 - 17 Sep 2024

Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common type of primary malignant brain tumor and has a dismal overall survival rate. To date, no GBM therapy has yielded successful results in survival for patients beyond baseline surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy. Immunotherapy has taken the oncology world by storm in recent years and there has been movement from researchers to implement the immunotherapy revolution into GBM treatment. Natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapies are a rising candidate to treat GBM from multiple therapeutic vantage points: monoclonal antibody therapy targeting tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-NK cell therapy, Bi-specific killer cell engagers (BiKEs), and more. NK therapies often focus on tumor antigens for targeting. Here, we reviewed some common targets analyzed in the fight for GBM immunotherapy relevant to NK cells: EGFR, HER2, CD155, and IL-13Rα2. We further propose investigating the Lectin-like Transcript 1 (LLT1) and cell surface proliferating cell nuclear antigen (csPCNA) as targets for NK cell-based immunotherapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Novel Advances in Cancer Immunology: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Applications)

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17 pages, 4521 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Recombinant Vitronectin Variant Supports the Expansion and Differentiation of Pluripotent Stem Cells in Defined Animal-Free Workflows

by Xi Lu, Eli Perr, Tahmina Naqvi, David Galitz, Marnelle Andersen, David Grabowski, Anthony Person, Alex Kalyuzhny and Kevin C. Flynn

Cells 2024, 13(18), 1566; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13181566 - 17 Sep 2024

Abstract

An essential aspect of harnessing the potential of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) and their derivatives for regenerative medicine is the development of animal-free and chemically defined conditions for ex vivo cultivation. PSCs, including embryonic and induced PSCs (iPSCs), are in the early stages of clinical trials for various indications, including degenerative diseases and traumatic injury. A key step in the workflows generating these cells for more widespread clinical use is their safe and robust ex vivo cultivation. This entails optimization of cell culture media and substrates that are safe and consistent while maintaining robust functionality. Here, we describe the design of a human vitronectin (hVTN) variant with improved manufacturability in a bacterial expression system along with improved function in comparison to wild-type VTN and other previously characterized polypeptide fragments. In conjunction with an animal component-free media formulation, our hVTN fragment provides animal-free conditions for the enhanced expansion of iPSCs. This hVTN variant also supports the reprogramming of PBMCs into iPSCs. Furthermore, we show that these iPSCs can be efficiently differentiated into the three major germ layers and cortical neurons, thereby closing the loop on a completely defined animal-free workflow for cell types relevant for regenerative medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Breakthroughs in Stem Cell Research)

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26 pages, 9444 KiB

Open AccessArticle

SIK2 Controls the Homeostatic Character of the POMC Secretome Acutely in Response to Pharmacological ER Stress Induction

by Mehmet Soner Türküner, Ayşe Yazıcı and Ferruh Özcan

Cells 2024, 13(18), 1565; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13181565 - 17 Sep 2024

Abstract

The neuronal etiology of obesity is centered around a diet-induced inflammatory state in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, which impairs the functionality of pro-opiomelanocortine neurons (POMCs) responsible for whole-body energy homeostasis and feeding behavior. Intriguingly, systemic salt inducible kinase 2 (SIK2) knockout mice demonstrated reduced food intake and energy expenditure along with modestly dysregulated metabolic parameters, suggesting a causal link between the absence of SIK2 activity in POMCs and the observed phenotype. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a comparative secretomics study from POMC neurons following pharmacologically induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induction, a hallmark of metabolic inflammation and POMC dysregulation in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. Our data provide significant in vitro evidence for the POMC-specific SIK2 activity in controlling energy metabolism and feeding in DIO mice by regulating the nature of the related POMC secretome. Our data also suggest that under physiological stress conditions, SIK2 may act as a gatekeeper for the secreted inflammatory factors and signaling molecules critical for cellular survival and energy homeostasis. On the other hand, in the absence of SIK2, the gate opens, leading to a surge of inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic cues concomitant with the dysregulation of POMC neurons. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neural Mechanisms of Eating Disorders and Obesity)

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12 pages, 1621 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in BDNF Concentration in Men after Foam Roller Massage

by Eugenia Murawska-Ciałowicz, Maria Ciałowicz, Adam Rosłanowski, Agnieszka Kaczmarek, Katarzyna Ratajczak-Wielgomas, Alicja Kmiecik, Aleksandra Partyńska, Piotr Dzięgiel and Waldemar Andrzejewski

Cells 2024, 13(18), 1564; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13181564 - 17 Sep 2024

Abstract

Massage is one of the oldest forms of therapy practiced since ancient times. Nowadays, it is used in sports practice, recovery from injury, or supportive therapy for various conditions. The practice of massage uses a variety of instruments that facilitate massaging while relieving the stress on the masseur. One of them is a foam roller. Although roller massage is widely used, there are still no scientific studies describing the biological mechanisms of its effects on the body. The purpose of our study was to analyze the effect of roller massage on BDNF levels in men undergoing self-massage 4x/week/7 weeks. The control group consisted of men who did not perform self-massage. Before the test and after the first, third, fifth, and seventh weeks of self-massage, the study participants’ blood was drawn, the serum BDNF was determined, and the results were subjected to analysis of variance by ANOVA test. After the first week of self-massage, an increase in BDNF concentration was observed in the self-massage group compared to the control group (p = 0.023). Similarly, changes were observed in week five (p = 0.044) and week seven (p = 0.046). In the massaged group, BDNF concentrations were significantly higher after the first week of self-massage compared to baseline. In the third week of the study, BDNF decreased to a value comparable to the baseline study, then increased significantly in the fifth and seventh weeks compared to the value recorded in the third week (p = 0.049 and p = 0.029). It was significantly higher in week seven compared to week five (p = 0.03). Higher concentrations of BDNF in subjects undergoing roller self-massage may be one of the biological mechanisms justifying the therapeutic effects of massage in both sports and clinical practice. Studies analyzing the stimulation of BDNF synthesis through various massage techniques should be performed on a larger group of healthy individuals, patients after trauma of multiple origins, and sick people with indications for therapeutic massage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Tissues and Organs)

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17 pages, 4454 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Nuclear Speckles Protein SRRM2 Is Exposed on the Surface of Cancer Cells

by Markus Kellner, Julia Hörmann, Susanne Fackler, Yuanyu Hu, Tielin Zhou, Lin Lu, Ibrahim Ilik, Tugce Aktas, Regina Feederle, Stefanie M. Hauck, Olivier Gires, Kathrin Gärtner, Lietao Li and Reinhard Zeidler

Cells 2024, 13(18), 1563; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13181563 - 17 Sep 2024

Abstract

The membrane composition of extracellular vesicles (EVs) largely reflects that of the plasma membrane of the cell of origin. We therefore hypothesized that EVs could be used for immunizations to generate monoclonal antibodies against well-known tumor antigens but possibly also against hitherto unknown tumor-associated target molecules. From an immunization experiment, we obtained a monoclonal antibody specific for SRRM2, an RNA-binding protein involved in splicing and a major component of nuclear speckles. Here, we used this antibody to demonstrate that SRRM2 is exposed on the surface of most cancer cell lines from various entities and, even more important, on cancer cells in vivo. Moreover, we demonstrated that SRRM2-specific CAR-T cells are functional in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, we identified SRRM2 as a promising new target molecule exposed on the cancer cell surface and showed that our SRRM2-specific antibody can be used as a basis for the development of new targeted cancer therapies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Cancer Immunity and Immunotherapy: Early Detection, Diagnosis, Systemic Treatments, Novel Biomarkers, and Resistance Mechanisms)

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17 pages, 9752 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Circulating Exosomal miRNA Profiles in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers

by Abeer A. I. Hassanin and Kenneth S. Ramos

Cells 2024, 13(18), 1562; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13181562 - 17 Sep 2024

Abstract

A growing number of studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) can exert oncogenic or tumor suppressor activities in a variety of cancers, including lung cancer. Given their presence in exosome preparations, microRNA molecules may in fact participate in exosomal intercellular transfers and signaling. In the present study, we examined the profile of 25 circulating exosomal microRNAs in ostensibly healthy controls compared to patients with squamous cell lung cancers (SQCLC) or lung adenocarcinomas (LUAD). Eight miRNAs, namely, miR-21-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-210-3p, miR-221-3p, Let-7b-5p, miR-146a-5p, miR-222-3p, and miR-9-5p, were highly enriched in the cohort and selected for further analyses. All miRNAs were readily detected in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients of both sexes at all cancer stages, and their levels in exosomes correlated with the clinicopathological characteristics of tumors. Thus, the presence of these miRNAs in circulating exosomes may contribute to the regulation of oncogenic activity in patients with NSCLC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extracellular Vesicles as Biomarkers for Human Disease)

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26 pages, 1286 KiB

Open AccessReview

Single-Cell Transcriptomics Applied in Plants

by Yanyan Sun, Jian Sun, Chunjing Lin, Jingyong Zhang, Hao Yan, Zheyun Guan and Chunbao Zhang

Cells 2024, 13(18), 1561; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13181561 - 17 Sep 2024

Abstract

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is a high-tech method for characterizing the expression patterns of heterogeneous cells in the same tissue and has changed our evaluation of biological systems by increasing the number of individual cells analyzed. However, the full potential of scRNA-seq, particularly in plant science, has not yet been elucidated. To explore the utilization of scRNA-seq technology in plants, we firstly conducted a comprehensive review of significant scRNA-seq findings in the past few years. Secondly, we introduced the research and applications of scRNA-seq technology to plant tissues in recent years, primarily focusing on model plants, crops, and wood. We then offered five databases that could facilitate the identification of distinct expression marker genes for various cell types. Finally, we analyzed the potential problems, challenges, and directions for applying scRNA-seq in plants, with the aim of providing a theoretical foundation for the better use of this technique in future plant research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant, Algae and Fungi Cell Biology)

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21 pages, 4443 KiB

Open AccessReview

Current Insights into Molecular Mechanisms and Potential Biomarkers for Treating Radiation-Induced Liver Damage

by Biki Saha, Sneha Pallatt, Antara Banerjee, Abhijit G. Banerjee, Rupak Pathak and Surajit Pathak

Cells 2024, 13(18), 1560; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13181560 - 16 Sep 2024

Abstract

Highly conformal delivery of radiation therapy (RT) has revolutionized the treatment landscape for primary and metastatic liver cancers, yet concerns persist regarding radiation-induced liver disease (RILD). Despite advancements, RILD remains a major dose-limiting factor due to the potential damage to normal liver tissues by therapeutic radiation. The toxicity to normal liver tissues is associated with a multitude of physiological and pathological consequences. RILD unfolds as multifaceted processes, intricately linking various responses, such as DNA damage, oxidative stress, inflammation, cellular senescence, fibrosis, and immune reactions, through multiple signaling pathways. The DNA damage caused by ionizing radiation (IR) is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of RILD. Moreover, current treatment options for RILD are limited, with no established biomarker for early detection. RILD diagnosis often occurs at advanced stages, highlighting the critical need for early biomarkers to adjust treatment strategies and prevent liver failure. This review provides an outline of the diverse molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for the development of RILD and points out all of the available biomarkers for early detection with the aim of helping clinicians decide on advance treatment strategies from a single literature recourse. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cellular Pathology)

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17 pages, 1054 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Role of MicroRNA in the Pathogenesis of Acute Kidney Injury

by Estera Bakinowska, Kajetan Kiełbowski and Andrzej Pawlik

Cells 2024, 13(18), 1559; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13181559 - 16 Sep 2024

Abstract

Acute kidney injury (AKI) describes a condition associated with elevated serum creatinine levels and decreased glomerular filtration rate. AKI can develop as a result of sepsis, the nephrotoxic properties of several drugs, and ischemia/reperfusion injury. Renal damage can be associated with metabolic acidosis, fluid overload, and ionic disorders. As the molecular background of the pathogenesis of AKI is insufficiently understood, more studies are needed to identify the key signaling pathways and molecules involved in the progression of AKI. Consequently, future treatment methods may be able to restore organ function more rapidly and prevent progression to chronic kidney disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small molecules that belong to the non-coding RNA family. Recently, numerous studies have demonstrated the altered expression profile of miRNAs in various diseases, including inflammatory and neoplastic conditions. As miRNAs are major regulators of gene expression, their dysregulation is associated with impaired homeostasis and cellular behavior. The aim of this article is to discuss current evidence on the involvement of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of AKI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Acute Kidney Injury: From Molecular Mechanisms to Diseases)

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