Advances in Cell and Molecular Biology
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Editor
Dr. Luis Felipe Jiménez-García
Dr. Luis Felipe Jiménez-García
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Collection Editor
Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán C.P. 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico
Interests: microbes; ultrastructure; cell biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Topical Collection Information
Dear Colleagues,
The Topic Collection “Advances in Cell and Molecular Biology” in IJMS welcomes original research, reviews, and short communication papers covering a broad range of topics that include:
- Emerging single-cell analysis technologies;
- Epigenetic modifications;
- Non-coding RNA molecules;
- Cellular metabolism in disease;
- Novel therapeutic targets;
- CRISPR gene editing;
- Stem cells in regenerative medicine;
- Microbiome influence;
- Cancer biology;
- Immunology;
- Cell structure and ultrastructure.
Various interdisciplinary approaches such as genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, and functional genomics are also highlighted. The aim of this collection is to provide an opportunity for researchers to exchange ideas, promote collaboration, and share the latest scientific discoveries in this dynamic and exciting field of cell and molecular biology. Innovative methods and cutting-edge technologies are welcomed, and the published works will contribute to the scientific community, leading to future progress and advancements in the field.
Dr. Luis Felipe Jiménez-García
Collection Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the collection website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript.
There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this
open access journal. For details about the APC please see here.
Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's
English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- cell biology
- stem cells DNA
- RNA
- amino acid
- proteins
- enzyme regulation
- sequencing analysis
- epigenetics
- proteomics
- bioinformatics
Published Papers (5 papers)
2025
Open AccessReview
Redox Regulation of Endogenous Gasotransmitters in Vascular Health and Disease
by
Giang-Huong Vu and Cuk-Seong Kim
Viewed by 252
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H
2S), nitric oxide (NO), and carbon monoxide (CO) are now recognized as key gasotranmitters that regulate vascular function, contributing to vasodilation, angiogenesis, inflammation control, and oxidative balance. Initially regarded as toxic gases, they are produced on demand by specific
[...] Read more.
Hydrogen sulfide (H
2S), nitric oxide (NO), and carbon monoxide (CO) are now recognized as key gasotranmitters that regulate vascular function, contributing to vasodilation, angiogenesis, inflammation control, and oxidative balance. Initially regarded as toxic gases, they are produced on demand by specific enzymes, including cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Their activity is tightly controlled by redox-sensitive pathways. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), particularly superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, modulate gasotransmitter biosynthesis at the transcriptional and post-translational levels. Moreover, ROS affect gasotransmitter availability through oxidative modifications, including thiol persulfidation, nitrosative signaling, and carbonylation. This redox regulation ensures a tightly coordinated response to environmental and metabolic cues within the vascular system. This review synthesizes the current understanding of redox–gasotransmitter interactions, highlighting how ROS modulate the vascular roles of H
2S, NO, and CO. Understanding these interactions provides critical insights into the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and offers potential redox-targeted therapies.
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Open AccessReview
Long Noncoding RNAs as Emerging Regulators of Seed Development, Germination, and Senescence
by
Adrian Motor, Marta Puchta-Jasińska, Paulina Bolc and Maja Boczkowska
Viewed by 1128
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of gene expression during seed development and physiology. This review examines the diverse roles of lncRNAs in key stages of seed development, including embryogenesis, maturation, dormancy, germination, and aging. It integrates the current understanding
[...] Read more.
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of gene expression during seed development and physiology. This review examines the diverse roles of lncRNAs in key stages of seed development, including embryogenesis, maturation, dormancy, germination, and aging. It integrates the current understanding of the biogenesis and classification of lncRNAs, emphasizing their functional mechanisms in seeds, particularly those acting in
cis and
trans. These mechanisms include the scaffolding of polycomb and SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes, the guidance of RNA-directed DNA methylation, the ability to function as molecular decoys, and the modulation of small RNA pathways via competitive endogenous RNA activity. This review highlights the regulatory influence of lncRNAs on abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellin (GA) signaling pathways, as well as light-responsive circuits that control dormancy and embryonic root formation. Endosperm imprinting processes that link parental origin to seed size and storage are also discussed. Emerging evidence for epitranscriptomic modifications, such as m6A methylation, and the formation of LncRNA–RNA-binding protein condensates that maintain resting states and coordinate reserve biosynthesis are also reviewed. Advances in methodologies, including single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, nascent transcription, direct RNA sequencing, and RNA–chromatin interaction mapping, are expanding the comprehensive lncRNA landscape during seed development and germination. These advances facilitate functional annotation. Finally, possible translational research applications are explored, with a focus on developing lncRNA-based biomarkers for seed vigor and longevity.
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Open AccessArticle
Anti-HMGB1 Antibody Therapy Ameliorates Spinal Cord Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury in Rabbits
by
Genya Muraoka, Yasuhiro Fujii, Keyue Liu, Handong Qiao, Dengli Wang, Daiki Ousaka, Susumu Oozawa, Shingo Kasahara and Masahiro Nishibori
Viewed by 751
Abstract
Spinal cord ischemia–reperfusion (SCI/R) injury remains a major clinical challenge with limited therapeutic options. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a proinflammatory mediator released during cellular stress, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of ischemia–reperfusion-induced neural damage. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective
[...] Read more.
Spinal cord ischemia–reperfusion (SCI/R) injury remains a major clinical challenge with limited therapeutic options. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a proinflammatory mediator released during cellular stress, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of ischemia–reperfusion-induced neural damage. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective potential of the anti-HMGB1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) in a rabbit model of SCI/R injury. Male New Zealand White rabbits were anesthetized and subjected to 11 min of abdominal aortic occlusion using a micro-bulldog clamp following heparinization. Anti-HMGB1 mAb or control IgG was administered intravenously immediately after reperfusion and again at 6 h post-reperfusion. Neurological function was assessed at 6, 24, and 48 h after reperfusion using the modified Tarlov scoring system. The rabbits were euthanized 48 h after reperfusion for spinal cord and blood sampling. Treatment with anti-HMGB1 mAb significantly improved neurological outcomes, reduced the extent of spinal cord infarction, preserved motor neuron viability, and decreased the presence of activated microglia and infiltrating neutrophils. Furthermore, it attenuated apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses in the spinal cord, and helped maintain the integrity of the blood–spinal cord barrier. These findings suggest that anti-HMGB1 mAb may serve as a promising therapeutic agent for SCI/R injury.
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Open AccessReview
Unraveling NETs in Sepsis: From Cellular Mechanisms to Clinical Relevance
by
Giulia Pignataro, Stefania Gemma, Martina Petrucci, Fabiana Barone, Andrea Piccioni, Francesco Franceschi and Marcello Candelli
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1311
Abstract
Sepsis is a clinical syndrome characterized by a dysregulated host response to infection, frequently resulting in septic shock and multi-organ failure. Emerging evidence highlights the critical role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in the pathophysiology of sepsis. NETs are extracellular structures composed of
[...] Read more.
Sepsis is a clinical syndrome characterized by a dysregulated host response to infection, frequently resulting in septic shock and multi-organ failure. Emerging evidence highlights the critical role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in the pathophysiology of sepsis. NETs are extracellular structures composed of chromatin DNA, histones, and granular proteins released by neutrophils through a specialized form of cell death known as NETosis. While NETs contribute to the containment of pathogens, their excessive or dysregulated production in sepsis is associated with endothelial damage, immunothrombosis, and organ dysfunction. Several NET-associated biomarkers have been identified, including circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA), histones, MPO-DNA complexes, and neutrophil elastase–DNA complexes, which correlate with the disease severity and prognosis. Therapeutic strategies targeting NETs are currently under investigation. Inhibition of NET formation using PAD4 inhibitors or ROS scavengers has shown protective effects in preclinical models. Conversely, DNase I therapy facilitates the degradation of extracellular DNA, reducing the NET-related cytotoxicity and thrombotic potential. Additionally, heparin and its derivatives have demonstrated the ability to neutralize NET-associated histones and mitigate coagulopathy. Novel approaches include targeting upstream signaling pathways, such as TLR9 and IL-8/CXCR2, offering further therapeutic promise.
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Open AccessArticle
TMAO Activates the NLRP3 Inflammasome, Disrupts Gut–Kidney Interaction, and Promotes Intestinal Inflammation
by
Leyao Fang, Junxi Shen, Nenqun Xiao and Zhoujin Tan
Viewed by 550
Abstract
Gut microbiota-derived trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) has been implicated in both intestinal and renal diseases; however, its specific role in modulating gut–kidney interactions remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of TMAO on gut–kidney crosstalk using a mouse model of diarrhea. Mice
[...] Read more.
Gut microbiota-derived trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) has been implicated in both intestinal and renal diseases; however, its specific role in modulating gut–kidney interactions remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of TMAO on gut–kidney crosstalk using a mouse model of diarrhea. Mice were divided into four groups: normal, model, TMAO, and TMAO + model. The normal group received sterile water, while the other groups were administered adenine +
Folium sennae, TMAO, or a combination of TMAO and adenine +
Folium sennae. Samples were collected to assess morphological changes in the colon and kidney, evaluate the colonic mucosal barrier and renal function, and measure NLRP3 inflammasome activity and inflammatory cytokine levels in colonic and renal tissues. TMAO levels and the gut microbiota composition were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. The model group exhibited altered stool morphology, which was further aggravated by TMAO intervention. Both the model and TMAO + model groups exhibited significant damage to intestinal and renal tissues, along with compromised intestinal mucosal barriers and impaired renal function compared to controls. Inflammatory markers were elevated in these groups, with the TMAO + model group showing the most pronounced increases. Correlation analysis indicated significant relationships among TMAO levels, inflammasome activation, and inflammatory cytokines. The genera
Mucispirillum and
Anaerotruncus negatively correlated with TMAO, whereas
Parabacteroides and
Parasutterella genera positively correlated with TMAO. In conclusion, TMAO plays a critical role in modulating gut–kidney crosstalk by promoting inflammation, disrupting mucosal and renal integrity, and altering the gut microbial ecosystem.
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