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39 pages, 14568 KB  
Review
Drosophila melanogaster Models for Natural Product Discovery: Cross-Disease Conserved Signaling Networks and a Generalizable Translational Pipeline
by Ying Li, Nana He, Mingxiang Chang and Yiwen Wang
Biology 2026, 15(17), 1447; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15171447 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster shares approximately 75% of human disease-related genes and possesses sophisticated genetic toolkits, including GAL4/UAS, CRISPR-Cas9, and RNA interference (RNAi), making it a rapid, cost-effective, and genetically tractable in vivo platform for natural products (NPs) discovery. This review systematically summarizes the modeling [...] Read more.
Drosophila melanogaster shares approximately 75% of human disease-related genes and possesses sophisticated genetic toolkits, including GAL4/UAS, CRISPR-Cas9, and RNA interference (RNAi), making it a rapid, cost-effective, and genetically tractable in vivo platform for natural products (NPs) discovery. This review systematically summarizes the modeling strategies, pathological mechanisms, and therapeutic applications of Drosophila models for six major human diseases, including type 2 diabetes, nephrolithiasis, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Cross-disease analysis identifies five evolutionarily conserved signaling networks—IIS/PI3K/Akt/FOXO, JNK/JAK/STAT, Nrf2/Keap1, mTOR/TORC1, and IMD/Toll—as common molecular targets of bioactive NPs, providing a unified mechanistic framework for understanding their multi-target pharmacological activities and broad therapeutic potential. Critically, we propose a generalizable integrated stepwise pipeline: high-throughput fly screening of crude extracts, bioassay-guided isolation of active monomers, genetic mechanistic dissection via RNAi and mutant rescue, and layered validation in human cells and selective mammalian models. This pipeline addresses key challenges in NPs research, including the identification of bioactive constituents and mechanistic validation, while improving screening efficiency and translational potential. Overall, this review establishes a multi-disease-applicable framework linking disease modeling, conserved signaling mechanisms, and translational pharmacology, providing practical guidance for future mechanism-driven NP discovery and preclinical development using Drosophila. By leveraging Drosophila genetics to bridge evolutionary conservation and human pathology, this framework offers a powerful, paradigm-shifting strategy to accelerate mechanism-driven NP discovery and preclinical development. Full article
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18 pages, 6727 KB  
Article
CRISPR-Mediated POSTN Editing Modulates Proliferation, Apoptosis, and Molecular Profiles of Primary Rabbit Hair Follicle Stem Cells via the cAMP/PKA/CREB Signaling Pathway
by Jiawei Cai, Bohao Zhao, Aoyun Fan, Yang Chen and Xinsheng Wu
Cells 2026, 15(17), 1516; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15171516 - 23 Aug 2026
Abstract
Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) are critical for hair follicle (HF) morphogenesis and cyclic hair regeneration. Periostin (POSTN), an extracellular matrix protein involved in tissue development and skin cell regulation, remains poorly characterized in HFSCs. In this study, we constructed CRISPR/Cas9 vectors targeting [...] Read more.
Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) are critical for hair follicle (HF) morphogenesis and cyclic hair regeneration. Periostin (POSTN), an extracellular matrix protein involved in tissue development and skin cell regulation, remains poorly characterized in HFSCs. In this study, we constructed CRISPR/Cas9 vectors targeting POSTN and validated their editing efficiency in primary HFSCs. POSTN editing significantly suppressed cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. Transcriptomic analysis identified 988 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) enriched in immune responses and MAPK, PI3K–Akt, and cAMP pathways. Metabolomic analysis revealed 98 differential metabolites (DMs) associated with nucleotide metabolism and FoxO, AMPK, and cAMP pathways. Integrated multi-omics analysis showed extensive correlations between DEGs and DMs, and highlighted the cAMP pathway as the core regulatory axis. Western blot (WB) validation confirmed that POSTN editing reduced PKA and CREB phosphorylation, indicating inhibition of the cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling. These findings demonstrate that POSTN regulates HFSCs’ proliferation and apoptosis partially via the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway, providing novel insights into the functional regulation of HFSCs. Full article
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16 pages, 9794 KB  
Article
Pungenin Promotes Hair Growth in Mouse Models of Androgenic Alopecia Through Transcriptional Regulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Axis
by Wencai Zhai, Jun Yang, Lei Zhang, Zikai Lin, Wendi Xie, Shaohong Wen and Gang Li
Molecules 2026, 31(16), 2864; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31162864 - 17 Aug 2026
Viewed by 169
Abstract
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of hair loss, characterized by the progressive miniaturization of hair follicles driven by dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-mediated androgen receptor signaling. Current pharmacotherapies remain limited in efficacy and are often associated with undesirable side effects. Pungenin, a phenolic [...] Read more.
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of hair loss, characterized by the progressive miniaturization of hair follicles driven by dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-mediated androgen receptor signaling. Current pharmacotherapies remain limited in efficacy and are often associated with undesirable side effects. Pungenin, a phenolic glucoside isolated from Picea wilsonii Mast., was investigated for its therapeutic efficacy in DHT-induced AGA model mice in this study. In primary mouse hair follicle cells exposed to DHT, pungenin mitigated cellular injury, restored normal morphology and viability, and significantly reduced the expression of type II 5α-reductase (Srd5α2). Topical treatment with pungenin markedly accelerated hair regeneration, as demonstrated by histological analysis and serum biochemical measurements. Transcriptomic profiling combined with network pharmacology suggested that the protective effects of pungenin are associated with transcriptional regulation of the PI3K/AKT/FoxO/mTOR axis, identifying 25 putative therapeutic targets, with qPCR further confirming the altered expression of key genes within this network. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that pungenin protects hair follicles against DHT-induced injury through suppression of Srd5α2 and transcriptional modulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis, supporting further preclinical evaluation of pungenin as a potential candidate for AGA management. Full article
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20 pages, 2030 KB  
Review
The Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator-1 Alpha in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Evidence
by Oyinlola Oluwunmi Olaokun and Folakemi Damilola Olaokun
Sci 2026, 8(8), 211; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci8080211 - 17 Aug 2026
Viewed by 267
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α), encoded by PPARGC1A, plays an important role in the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, metabolism, and energy balance. Alterations in PGC-1α function have been found in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), but molecular [...] Read more.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α), encoded by PPARGC1A, plays an important role in the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, metabolism, and energy balance. Alterations in PGC-1α function have been found in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), but molecular similarities in these pathologies have not been comprehensively studied yet. The current systematic review provides a synthesis of preclinical data on the role of PGC-1α in relation to T2DM and NDs. This study was performed in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and ScienceDirect were screened for studies published between January 2015 and March 2025. Preclinical studies, including in vivo animal studies with and without in vitro studies, were evaluated for risk of bias according to the SYRCLE checklist and modified CAMARADES checklist. Due to the high heterogeneity, data were qualitatively synthesized. Eleven preclinical studies met the inclusion criteria. Decreased PGC-1α signalling was indicated to be linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, glucose metabolism impairment, insulin resistance and neurodegeneration via AMPK, SIRT1, CREB, FOXO, PPARγ, Parkin/PARIS, and BDNF pathways. Pharmacological interventions and exercise support increased PGC-1α signalling, potentially improved mitochondrial functions and metabolism and facilitated neuronal survival. Though most studies had a low risk of bias, methodological limitations were quite prevalent. PGC-1α is a key molecular mediator between metabolic dysfunction and neurodegeneration and is a potential target for intervention. However, more rigorous translational and clinical studies are required for the validation of results. This systematic review has not been prospectively registered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Medicine and Healthcare)
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14 pages, 3081 KB  
Article
Seminal Vesicle Abnormalities and Exploratory miR-664-5p and FOXO Findings in Aged Mice Following Long-Term Butyl Benzyl Phthalate Exposure
by Seonhwa Hwang, Hyun Bon Kang, Dae Hyun Kim, Hyung Hoi Kim and Min Hi Park
Antioxidants 2026, 15(8), 1021; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15081021 - 17 Aug 2026
Viewed by 193
Abstract
Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), a widely used endocrine-disrupting chemical, has been associated with reproductive toxicity; however, its long-term effects during aging remain poorly understood. In the present study, we examined the effects of prolonged BBP exposure on the male reproductive system using naturally [...] Read more.
Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), a widely used endocrine-disrupting chemical, has been associated with reproductive toxicity; however, its long-term effects during aging remain poorly understood. In the present study, we examined the effects of prolonged BBP exposure on the male reproductive system using naturally aged C57BL/6J mice. Mice received BBP at 169 μg/kg/day in drinking water for 10 or 22 months and were analyzed at 24 months of age. No significant differences in body weight, food intake, or water consumption were observed among the experimental groups. Representative gross images showed apparent distension and dark-red discoloration of the seminal vesicles in BBP-exposed aged mice. Compared with Young mice, the BBP-exposed aged groups showed higher expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, SOD1, and SOD2 and lower CAT expression in the seminal vesicle. H2DCFDA fluorescence showed a non-significant increasing trend. Because an untreated age-matched Old group was not included in the seminal vesicle analyses, the effects of aging and BBP could not be distinguished. In contrast, the testis showed limited changes in inflammatory cytokine-, antioxidant enzyme-, and steroidogenesis-related gene expression and in H2DCFDA fluorescence relative to the untreated Old group. Exploratory miRNA sequencing of pooled testicular RNA and comparison with a TM3 Leydig cell dataset identified miR-664-5p as a candidate showing higher relative abundance in both datasets. TargetScan analysis predicted binding sites for miR-664-5p in FOXO1 and FOXO3. In BBP-treated TM3 cells, FOXO3 protein expression was decreased, and FOXO6 expression was increased, whereas FOXO1 showed no consistent dose-dependent change. These molecular findings do not establish direct regulation of FOXO proteins by miR-664-5p or explain the seminal vesicle findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oxidative Stress Induced by Environmental Pollutants)
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16 pages, 2398 KB  
Article
Transcriptomic Markers of Immunosenescence in Cynomolgus Macaques: A Pilot Study
by Viktoria M. Petrova, Dmitry V. Bulgin, Elena Yu. Radomskaya, Vsevolod A. Shevelov, Darya S. Zhukova, Olga. P. Chzhu, Andrey D. Manakhov, Alexander V. Popov and Stanislav A. Rybtsov
Genes 2026, 17(8), 944; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes17080944 - 13 Aug 2026
Viewed by 238
Abstract
Background: One of the key hallmarks of aging is the age-related decline in immune system function, accompanied by a chronic low-grade inflammation, or “inflammaging”. Simultaneously, a reduced capacity of immune cells to recognize and eliminate pathogens, along with immune exhaustion, is also defined [...] Read more.
Background: One of the key hallmarks of aging is the age-related decline in immune system function, accompanied by a chronic low-grade inflammation, or “inflammaging”. Simultaneously, a reduced capacity of immune cells to recognize and eliminate pathogens, along with immune exhaustion, is also defined as a sign of aging. Cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) belong to a group of non-human primates evolutionarily close to humans and are often used for preclinical research. Methods: In this study, we performed mRNA sequencing of bone marrow and peripheral blood samples from young (5 years old) and old (over 19–21 years old) cynomolgus macaques to identify key markers of immunosenescence. Results: Although an increase in p16 expression was detected, we did not observe the increase in the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) cytokines reported in previous studies. Instead, we observed a transcriptional profile characterized by increased lymphocyte cytotoxic activity combined with a decrease in proinflammatory signaling, reduced markers of myeloid cells, and lowered sensitivity to pathogen-associated patterns. Similar changes were detected in both blood and bone marrow: decreased expression of naive T-cell markers (CCR7, LEF1, SELL, and FOXO1), reduced markers of the myeloid lineage—neutrophils and monocytes (CD177, CD14, CD163, FPR1, FPR2, and CXCR1)—and downregulation of genes belonging to different pattern-recognition receptor families (TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6, TLR8, TLR10, IFIH1, CLEC4E, NOD2, NLRC4, NLRP12, NLRX1, and NAIP). In contrast, the group of old animals showed increased expression of markers associated with terminally differentiated cytotoxic lymphocytes (CD8+ T cells and NK cells): GZMB, PRF1, KLRK1, FASLG, TBX21, CCR5, and GNLY. Conclusions: Our findings offer new perspectives on the molecular mechanisms of age-associated immune dysregulation in non-human primates, serving as a baseline for selecting key candidate genes in subsequent functional investigations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)
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17 pages, 15985 KB  
Article
Guanxinning Tablet Ameliorates Erectile Dysfunction in Diabetes Mellitus Rats with Involvement of PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 Signaling Pathway Modulation
by Sheng Xin, Xiaming Liu, Jiaquan Mao, Bin Yang, Tao Wang, Xiaodong Song, Jihong Liu, Delin Ma and Wen Song
Biomedicines 2026, 14(8), 1787; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14081787 - 7 Aug 2026
Viewed by 333
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction (DMED) is characterized by severe endothelial and smooth-muscle dysfunction and reduced responsiveness to conventional therapy. Guanxinning tablet (GXN), a traditional Chinese medicine compound containing Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) and Ligusticum stratum (Chuanxiong), has vascular-protective and anti-oxidative properties, but [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction (DMED) is characterized by severe endothelial and smooth-muscle dysfunction and reduced responsiveness to conventional therapy. Guanxinning tablet (GXN), a traditional Chinese medicine compound containing Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) and Ligusticum stratum (Chuanxiong), has vascular-protective and anti-oxidative properties, but its effect on DMED remains unclear. This study evaluated whether GXN improves erectile function in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic rat model and explored the possible involvement of PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 signaling. Methods: STZ-induced diabetic rats with ED were treated with GXN. Artery pressure (AP) and intracavernous pressure (ICP) were measured to evaluate erectile dysfunction. Western blots, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, biochemical assays, TUNEL staining, RNA-seq, and in vitro HCMEC assays were performed to evaluate erectile effector cell function, oxidative stress, fibrosis, apoptosis, and PI3K/Akt/FOXO1-associated changes. Results: GXN improved erectile function in DMED rats and was associated with improved endothelial and smooth-muscle-related markers, reduced oxidative stress, attenuated fibrosis, and decreased apoptosis. RNA-seq and protein validation suggested that GXN treatment was associated with activation of PI3K/Akt/FOXO1-related signaling. In HCMECs, LY294002 (a PI3K inhibitor) partially reversed the GXN-associated improvement in cell viability and apoptosis-related markers. Conclusions: GXN ameliorated erectile dysfunction and tissue injury in STZ-induced type 1 diabetic rats, which were associated with PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 signaling. These findings support the potential of GXN as a traditional Chinese medicine compound for treating DMED. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Endocrinology and Metabolism Research)
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38 pages, 3770 KB  
Review
Oxidative Phosphorylation and Fatty Acid Oxidation Are Central to Mitochondrial Metabolism Rewiring in CML Stem/Progenitor Cell Survival
by Jelena Milenkovic, Dijana Stojanovic, Branka Djordjevic, Sanja Velickovic, Vladana Stojiljkovic, Milica Veljkovic and Maja Milojkovic
Pathophysiology 2026, 33(3), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathophysiology33030056 - 6 Aug 2026
Viewed by 203
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Quiescent leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are self-renewing, pluripotent cells that present a major obstacle to the successful curative treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). LSCs function independently of BCR::ABL1 signaling and persist following tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment. The mechanisms enabling LSC [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Quiescent leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are self-renewing, pluripotent cells that present a major obstacle to the successful curative treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). LSCs function independently of BCR::ABL1 signaling and persist following tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment. The mechanisms enabling LSC survival are a central focus of current CML research. This review details the complex relationship between signaling pathways and discusses recent advancements in energy metabolism research within the pathogenesis of CML. Discussion: Energy metabolism is critical to the biology of CML LSCs. These cells depend on oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and mitochondrial homeostasis, utilizing fatty acid oxidation as their primary ATP source. Research highlights significant alterations in signaling networks, marked by a dynamic interplay among dominant pathways within the CML clone. While TGF-β-FOXO signaling maintains the self-renewal capacity of quiescent LSCs, proliferating mature CML cells rely heavily on glycolysis and the PI3K/Akt pathway. Furthermore, unique metabolic traits of LSCs underscore the impact of leukemic cell–microenvironment interactions in fostering a permissive niche. Conclusions: Fatty acid oxidation is critical to the survival and self-renewal of CML LSCs. This adaptation of mitochondrial function is closely linked to signaling alterations and entails an adjustment of mitochondrial respiration alongside stimulated OXPHOS. Emerging research unveils many potential targets within metabolic signaling that can be exploited to overcome these survival mechanisms, highlighting the disruption of mitochondrial energy support as a promising strategy to selectively eradicate CML LSCs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms)
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18 pages, 3699 KB  
Article
An Exploratory Study on Transcriptomic Profiling of Circulating miRNA Associated with Hub Genes in the Development of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
by Yogesh Vetriselvan, Jayakumar Swetha, Manoranjani Murugan, Irisappan Ganesh, Vishnu Bhat Ballambattu, Pushpa Premanath Kotur, Deepa Shanmugam, Marcella Sherin Samuel and Sambandam Ravikumar
Non-Coding RNA 2026, 12(4), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/ncrna12040030 - 5 Aug 2026
Viewed by 259
Abstract
Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age, often associated with metabolic issues, causing infertility. Although it is common, the cause of PCOS remains unknown, and early diagnosis is challenging. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) serve as post-transcriptional [...] Read more.
Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age, often associated with metabolic issues, causing infertility. Although it is common, the cause of PCOS remains unknown, and early diagnosis is challenging. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) serve as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, play a significant role in PCOS development, and have emerged as biomarkers for reproductive and metabolic disorders. However, research on miRNA signatures in the Indian population is limited. This pilot exploratory study aims to compare the candidate differentially expressed miRNAs (DE miRNAs) in serum samples from individuals with and without PCOS using high-throughput miRNA sequencing. Methods: In the study, patients with PCOS and age-matched controls were included; small RNAs were isolated from their serum, libraries were prepared, and the libraries were analyzed by next-generation sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis, including miRBase annotation, differential expression analysis, target prediction, GO/KEGG enrichment, and hub gene network analysis, was performed. Results: A total of 967 miRNAs were identified, with seven showing differential expression (log2FC > 1, p < 0.05). Among these, six miRNAs of hsa-miR-219a-2-3p, hsa-mir-384, hsa-miR-149-5p, hsa-miR-3182, hsa-miR-3960, and hsa-miR-4508 were upregulated, whereas hsa-mir-139 was downregulated. Functional enrichment and hub gene analyses identified key targets, including TP53, FOXO1, HIF1A, and HDAC1, that are crucial to the cell cycle, insulin signaling, and hypoxia. Conclusions: These preliminary findings identify candidate serum miRNA signatures in Indian women that may be associated with PCOS’s reproductive and metabolic issues. These pilot study results suggest potential miRNAs and their target pathway links with PCOS that need validation in larger cohorts for diagnostic or therapeutic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Small Non-Coding RNA)
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30 pages, 5812 KB  
Article
Can Carica papaya Serve as an Adjunct to Semaglutide in Mitigating Diabetes-Induced Testicular Injury Through Modulation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Apoptosis, and the miR-34c/miR-155–SIRT1/FOXO1 Axis? An Experimental and Chem-Bio-Informatics Study
by Mohamed M. Zeweil, Asmaa F. Khafaga, Marium M. Shamaa, Wafaa Abdelaziz Emam, Amena Rezk Mohammed, Marwa Hassan Sedira, Safa H. Qahl, Fatma EL-Zahraa Abd El-Hakam, Shih-Min Hsia and Nadia M. Hamdy
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(15), 6956; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27156956 - 3 Aug 2026
Viewed by 443
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) induces significant endocrine disruption and oxidative stress (OS) within the testes, resulting in impaired spermatogenesis, increased sperm abnormalities, and compromised reproductive function. This study aimed to evaluate the combined protective effects of Semaglutide (SEM) combined with Carica papaya (papaya) juice [...] Read more.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) induces significant endocrine disruption and oxidative stress (OS) within the testes, resulting in impaired spermatogenesis, increased sperm abnormalities, and compromised reproductive function. This study aimed to evaluate the combined protective effects of Semaglutide (SEM) combined with Carica papaya (papaya) juice against type 2 diabetes-induced testicular damage in rats. Forty adult male albino rats were divided into four experimental groups: a control group, a Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic group, a diabetic group treated with SEM (0.3 mg/kg), and a diabetic group treated with SEM (0.3 mg/kg) in combination with 10% papaya juice, administered for eight weeks. Statistically significant superiority over SEM alone was observed for selected endpoints; the findings primarily support the potential of papaya as a dose-sparing adjunct rather than demonstrating uniformly enhanced efficacy. They significantly improved systemic metabolic parameters, as evidenced by reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and restoration of the lipid profile. Importantly, it also attenuated diabetes-induced testicular injury, as demonstrated by improved reproductive hormone levels, enhanced sperm parameters, restoration of antioxidant defenses, modulation of inflammatory and apoptotic signaling, and marked histopathological recovery of seminiferous tubular architecture. Antioxidant markers revealed a notable reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) and cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), along with significant increases in reduced glutathione, catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Furthermore, a marked modulation of key pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic mediators was observed, including forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1), microRNA-155 (miR-155), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa B cell subunit 1 (NF-κB1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), caspase-3 (CASP3), and BCL2-Associated X Apoptosis Regulator (Bax), while a significant upregulation of sirtuin-1 (SIRT1), microRNA-34c (miR-34c), and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) was also detected. Histopathological assessments confirmed the restoration of normal testicular architecture in the treated groups. These findings indicate that the combination strategy may have the potential to achieve dose savings while maintaining efficacy comparable to the standard-dose SEM, through the enhancement of the antioxidant defenses, modulation of inflammation, and apoptosis, specifically via the modulation of the miR-34c/miR-155 and SIRT1/FOXO1 signaling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Informatics)
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17 pages, 3614 KB  
Article
Identification of Candidate miRNAs Associated with Shear Force and Intramuscular Fat in Pig Breeds
by Qi Zhang, Jing-Bo Zhang, Yun-Peng Zhang, Jing Xu, Suthar Teerath Kumar, Yuan Zhao and Shu-Min Zhang
Foods 2026, 15(15), 2693; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15152693 - 30 Jul 2026
Viewed by 309
Abstract
In this comparative study of 12 pigs (six Songlei black [SL] and six Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire [DLY]), small RNA sequencing was performed on longissimus dorsi muscle samples to identify miRNAs associated with meat quality traits. A total of 343 known and [...] Read more.
In this comparative study of 12 pigs (six Songlei black [SL] and six Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire [DLY]), small RNA sequencing was performed on longissimus dorsi muscle samples to identify miRNAs associated with meat quality traits. A total of 343 known and 191 novel miRNAs were identified, including 21 differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) between breeds. Enrichment analysis showed that their target genes were enriched in the PI3K-Akt, MAPK, and calcium signaling pathways. Integration of miRNA and transcriptome datasets identified a regulatory network comprising five key miRNAs (ssc-miR-10383, ssc-miR-127, ssc-miR-370, ssc-miR-874, and a novel miRNA, novel_494) and 32 target genes annotated to autophagy, AMPK, mTOR, and FoxO signaling pathways. All five miRNAs were negatively correlated with IMF content (r = −0.77 to −0.95) and positively correlated with shear force (r = 0.62 to 0.76). This study provides the first miRNA expression profile of the longissimus dorsi muscle in SL and DLY pigs. These findings suggest that coordinated miRNA regulation may contribute to breed-specific differences in fat deposition and meat tenderness, providing candidate biomarkers for improving pork quality. Full article
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26 pages, 5565 KB  
Article
Poecilobdella manillensis Bioactive Peptides Reduce Oxidative Stress and Regulate Metabolic Reprogramming via the IIS/FOXO Pathway to Improve Hypoxic Injury
by Jiahui Wang, Jieshu Li, Shuqi Li, Jinze Li, Zichen Lei, Jinchai Qi, Gengyang Liu, Zekun Yu, Yueying Yuan, Jing Han, Tao Ma and Yonggang Liu
Antioxidants 2026, 15(8), 936; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15080936 - 28 Jul 2026
Viewed by 283
Abstract
FOXO/DAF-16 is involved in stress resistance and metabolic regulation, but the molecular mechanisms of its interaction with hypoxia remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-hypoxic effects of Poecilobdella manillensis bioactive peptide (PMP) and to investigate whether IIS/FOXO acts as a key [...] Read more.
FOXO/DAF-16 is involved in stress resistance and metabolic regulation, but the molecular mechanisms of its interaction with hypoxia remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-hypoxic effects of Poecilobdella manillensis bioactive peptide (PMP) and to investigate whether IIS/FOXO acts as a key node in mediating the regulation of oxidative stress and metabolic reprogramming. In the chemical hypoxia model of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) induced by sodium sulfite, PMP treatment improved the survival status and movement, feeding, and reproductive ability of hypoxic C. elegans, and significantly increased their survival rate. It also reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipofuscin levels in C. elegans, enhancing their tolerance to oxidative and heat stress. In the terminal normobaric hypoxia mice model, PMP intervention prolonged the survival time of hypoxic mice, alleviated the damage of heart, lung, and brain tissues, and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione (GSH) levels, and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in serum and tissues of mice. 1H-NMR metabolomics analysis showed that PMP treatment reversed hypoxia-induced abnormalities in key metabolites such as glucose, lactic acid, glutamic acid, and taurine. Next, we utilized C. elegans mutants deficient in daf-2, age-1, akt-1, daf-16, and hsp-16.2, and further observed the nuclear translocation of DAF-16 in DAF-16::GFP C. elegans. The results showed PMP induced DAF-16 nuclear translocation and upregulated the expression of downstream SOD-3. Key metabolites representing antioxidant and energy metabolism were measured in the daf-16 mutant C. elegans. The results showed that PMP intervention failed to restore the levels of glucose, lactic acid, glutamic acid, and taurine in the mutant. Finally, 12 peptides containing antioxidant-related bioactive amino acid residues in PMP were screened by UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS and peptide biological activity prediction. Among them, molecular docking showed that KPPGP had a good binding with FOXO1. In conclusion, in C. elegans, PMP activated DAF-16/FOXO by inhibiting the Insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling (IIS) pathway and regulated redox homeostasis and metabolic reprogramming to resist hypoxia injury, and this protective effect was also observed in mouse models. IIS/FOXO can be used as a key node to regulate oxidative stress and energy metabolism under hypoxic conditions, and the identification of KPPGP provides insights into the screening and study of bioactive peptides in natural products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactivity Mechanisms of Antioxidant Compounds from Natural Products)
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27 pages, 5868 KB  
Article
Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis Reveals That Polystyrene Microplastics Exacerbate Cadmium-Induced Liver Damage in Mice Associated with AMPK-FOXO-Mediated Energy Metabolism Dysregulation
by Tong Guo, Yuxue Yang, Fuhao Chen, Haoran Deng, Hongchuan Deng, Xiaoyi Li, Zhuohang Wu, Aoxuan Jiang, Haocheng Huang, Guangneng Peng, Zhijun Zhong, Ziyao Zhou, Kun Zhang, Dechun Chen and Haifeng Liu
Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(8), 745; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13080745 - 28 Jul 2026
Viewed by 349
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) can adsorb and transport heavy metals, but their influence on cadmium (Cd)-induced hepatotoxicity in mammals remains unclear. Forty-eight male Kunming mice were assigned to control, Cd, MP, and Cd + MP groups and exposed by oral gavage for 42 days. Growth [...] Read more.
Microplastics (MPs) can adsorb and transport heavy metals, but their influence on cadmium (Cd)-induced hepatotoxicity in mammals remains unclear. Forty-eight male Kunming mice were assigned to control, Cd, MP, and Cd + MP groups and exposed by oral gavage for 42 days. Growth performance, liver injury, oxidative stress, and inflammation were assessed, and transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were integrated with qPCR, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number, and ATP measurements. Compared with Cd alone, combined exposure resulted in greater reductions in body weight gain, the liver index, and antioxidant enzyme activities, together with more severe hepatic lesions and higher levels of liver injury markers and inflammatory cytokines. Co-exposure also induced broader transcriptional and metabolic disturbances than Cd alone. Integrated omics analyses converged on the dysregulation of AMPK–FOXO signaling and related energy metabolic processes. qPCR confirmed more pronounced alterations in pathway-related genes after co-exposure, while reductions in mtDNA copy number and ATP content indicated aggravated mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired energy metabolism. Collectively, these results demonstrate that MPs exacerbate Cd-induced liver injury and suggest that disruption of AMPK–FOXO-associated energy metabolism is a key molecular feature underlying the enhanced hepatotoxicity observed under combined exposure. Full article
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25 pages, 32557 KB  
Article
Norcantharidin Ameliorates Experimental Ulcerative Colitis Through Epigenetic and Metabolic Reprogramming Involving IL-6/DNMT1/SOCS3 and AMPK/SIRT1/FOXO3a-Nrf2 Signaling
by Eman H. Yousef, Samia S. Hawas, Mohamed M. Salama, Mostafa E. Metawee, Hader I. Sakr, Sumaiah J. Alarfaj and Amany A. Alzokaky
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(15), 6666; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27156666 - 26 Jul 2026
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Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disorder associated with cytokine imbalance, epigenetic alterations, and metabolic–redox dysfunction. Despite the widespread use of mesalazine (5-ASA), therapeutic limitations remain. Norcantharidin (NCTD), a synthetic cantharidin analogue, may provide multi-target protection against UC. Experimental colitis was induced [...] Read more.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disorder associated with cytokine imbalance, epigenetic alterations, and metabolic–redox dysfunction. Despite the widespread use of mesalazine (5-ASA), therapeutic limitations remain. Norcantharidin (NCTD), a synthetic cantharidin analogue, may provide multi-target protection against UC. Experimental colitis was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by intrarectal administration of 4% acetic acid (AA). Rats received oral NCTD (10 mg/kg), 5-ASA (100 mg/kg), or their combination for 8 days. Disease severity was assessed by disease activity index, body weight, colon length, colon weight/length ratio, and histopathology. Colonic biomarkers were evaluated using ELISA, qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Fe2+ and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured as indicators of iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation. Molecular docking suggested that NCTD may adopt plausible binding poses within the binding pockets of AMPK, SIRT1, and DNMT1, providing structural support for potential protein–ligand interactions. NCTD significantly ameliorated AA-induced colitis, improving clinical and histological outcomes. These effects were associated with reduced IL-6, TNF-α, DNMT1, Fe2+, and MDA levels, restoration of SOCS3, activation of p-AMPK/SIRT1/FOXO3a signaling, and enhancement of Nrf2/HO-1 defenses. Combined NCTD/5-ASA treatment produced greater clinical and histological protection, with differential effects on molecular markers. Docking studies suggested favorable interactions of NCTD with AMPK, SIRT1, and DNMT1. NCTD treatment was associated with protection against experimental colitis, linked to modulation of inflammatory, epigenetic, metabolic, and antioxidant pathways. Full article
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42 pages, 1530 KB  
Review
Redox Homeostasis, Metabolic Pathways and Plasticity in Uveal Melanoma Compared to Other Cancers
by Mihai Adrian Păsărică, Paul Filip Curcă, Christiana Diana Maria Dragosloveanu, Cosmin Ionuț Nisipașu and George Cristian Curcă
Cancers 2026, 18(15), 2402; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18152402 - 25 Jul 2026
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: To date there is a lack of an integrative review literature on redox homeostasis, oxidative stress and the influence on metabolic pathways and plasticity in uveal melanoma (UM), since most literature findings are from cutaneous melanoma (CM), a genetically and behaviorally [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: To date there is a lack of an integrative review literature on redox homeostasis, oxidative stress and the influence on metabolic pathways and plasticity in uveal melanoma (UM), since most literature findings are from cutaneous melanoma (CM), a genetically and behaviorally distinct cancer. Furthermore, UM metabolic pathway comparison to other cancers could provide more insight into metastatic UM, a difficult-to-treat malignancy. Methods: A wide-ranging multi-step literature search of PubMed and Web of Science for redox balance, oxidative stress, antioxidants and metabolic plasticity in UM, with expanded search terms for connections with other cancers. Results: UM cells maintain redox homeostasis via several redox loops: glutathione, thioredoxin, peroxiredoxins, peroxisomal catalase and the mitochondrial antioxidative network. NADPH plays a key role in regenerating UM antioxidative capabilities. Key redox signaling pathways are the subject of ongoing research in UM: NRF2 signaling, AMPK, mTOR, MAPK, FoxO. These pathways are less studied versus CM and present behavior differences in UM. PON2, studied in CM, represents a literature gap in UM. Inside the tumoral microenvironment, UM presents high metabolic plasticity and easy switching from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Thus, UM eschews the classic Warburg effect loop and instead presents high oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) gene expression, which generates additional lactate, which in turn produces cascade reprogramming in the metabolic pathways and lactate metabolism particularities associated in experimental studies with immune-escape phenomena. Uveal melanoma’s OXPHOS capabilities confer survival advantages and subdivide tumoral populations into OXPHOS-high and OXPHOS-low variants. Glycolysis/OXPHOS metabolic plasticity is an ongoing research field in other cancers with common and different elements vs. UM: cutaneous melanoma, small cell lung carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma and glioblastoma. Uveal melanoma cells are susceptible to deleterious effects of prooxidants, a metabolic vulnerability which helps to create genetic pleomorphism, selecting higher proliferation and dissemination variants. Conclusions: Uveal melanoma is an oncogenic mutation and mitochondrial metabolism-driven malignancy, with metabolic connections to other malignancies. Emerging understanding of redox homeostasis, redox pathway signaling, mitochondrial oxidative and oncogenic metabolism could lead to better understanding of therapeutic response and new therapeutic targets. This review novelly integrates the general and CM redox literature with the UM literature, painting a complex redox signaling and metabolic plasticity picture of UM. Full article
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