Search Results (1,381)

Background/Objectives: The primary mechanisms driving UV-induced carcinogenesis include DNA damage leading to mutations, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation that can cause inflammation, immunosuppression, alteration of the structure of proteins, including transcription factors, and carcinogenesis through epigenetic modifications. Curcumin has the potential to inhibit DNA-methyltransferases (DNMTs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs), but this has not been examined yet at the gene-expression level. In this article, we aimed to explore the potential protective effect of curcumin against UV radiation-induced DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, HDAC5, and HDAC6 expression in immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT), hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2), and lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cells. Methods: Cells were exposed to UV-B radiation for different periods and treated with curcumin at different concentrations to evaluate dose-related trends in DNMT and HDAC gene expression compared with untreated UV-exposed cells. Results: UV exposure increased the DNMT and HDAC gene expression levels in the examined cells dose-dependently. Curcumin exposure resulted in decreased mRNA expression levels of DNMT and HDAC gene expression. In our experimental setup curcumin modulated the transcription of DNMT and HDAC genes in A549 and HaCaT cells in a dose-dependent manner. In HepG2 cells, UV-B induced a less pronounced, but still significant, increase in the examined gene expression levels. This effect was also dose-dependently decreased by curcumin, although less markedly. Conclusions: Future studies are warranted to examine if curcumin combined with other chemopreventive agents through the HDAC and DNMT inhibitory activity at the gene expression level can exert a synergistic effect and may potentially supplement cancer therapeutic strategies. Full article

Tetrahydrocarbazole (THCz) is a privileged scaffold validated by clinically approved drugs such as ondansetron, frovatriptan, and ramatroban and exhibits diverse bioactivities including antimicrobial, antitumor, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective effects. Despite extensive structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies, a systematic integration of findings across different therapeutic targets has been lacking. This review provides a comprehensive SAR dissection of THCz derivatives across key targets (bacterial sliding clamp, BTK, HDAC, AMPK, etc.), analyzing how modifications at key positions of the core scaffold (N-9, C-1, and C-6) influence potency and selectivity. Notably, we highlight four emerging design paradigms: pharmacophore hybridization, conformational constraint, cross-target SAR decoding, and precision intervention. By consolidating fragmented knowledge into a practical cross-target SAR matrix, this review offers a strategic framework for the rational design of next-generation THCz-based therapeutics. Full article

There is no approved drug therapy for schwannomas associated with NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2-SWN). Neither life-saving surgical resection or radiation are curative and can compound the debilitating neurological effects of the schwannomas. We previously identified fimepinostat, a dual histone deacetylase (HDAC)/phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, as a promising drug candidate with pro-apoptotic effects on NF2-related schwannomas. This preclinical study used the pharmaceutical formulation of fimepinostat to confirm its efficacy in schwannomas and identify pro-apoptotic signaling pathways. Fimepinostat was tested in human schwannoma model cells, patient-derived primary vestibular and non-vestibular schwannoma cells, and in a sciatic nerve allograft model. The signaling pathways leading to caspase-3-dependent apoptosis were elucidated using immune assays, flow cytometry, imaging, proteome, and acetylome analysis. Acute exposure to fimepinostat led to p21-dependent cell cycle inhibition, upregulation of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor 2 (TRAIL R2), and downregulation of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1), Yes-associated protein (YAP), and inhibitors of apoptosis. Moreover, fimepinostat downregulated cytokine and chemokine secretion increased by merlin loss in schwannoma cells. Fimepinostat is a promising new drug intervention for NF2-SWN patients with the potential to promote tumor regression. Full article

Background: Inhibition of histone deacetylase is a highly sought-after objective in the fight against cancer. Thus, the development of innovative HDAC inhibitors with significantly higher potency than SAHA against specific cancer cell types represents complex and demanding work. Method: The utilization of the underexplored and privileged scaffold 4-chlorothieno[2,3-b]pyridine as a cap tethering diverse aliphatic and aromatic linkers, followed by the screening of both cellular and enzymatic activities, is undertaken in this study. Results: Compounds 7a and 9a demonstrated impressive mean GI₅₀ values of 2.15 µM and 1.89 µM, respectively. Both compounds reduced caspase-3 levels in RPMI-8226 cells, suggesting induction of apoptosis. Compound 7a showed remarkable IC₅₀ values of 0.37 µM, 0.58 µM, and 0.70 µM against HDACs 1, 4, and 6, respectively, consistent with the cellular assay. Additionally, compound 7a exhibited a selectivity index of 11 for RPMI-8226 cells over PBMCs, reflecting its high selectivity and potential safety. Moreover, ADMET prediction tools indicated that compounds 7a and 9b may have more favorable pharmacokinetic properties than the gold-standard HDAC inhibitor, SAHA. Conclusions: Further study and exploration of the derivatives of compounds 7a and 9a can lead to further advancement in the development of potent HDAC inhibitor anticancer drugs. Full article

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is the most prevalent pathogen associated with subclinical mastitis, which significantly impacts dairy farming worldwide. Fluctuations in reproductive hormones, such as bovine prolactin (bPRL) and 17β-estradiol (E2), are known to compromise the innate immune response (IIR) of the mammary gland (MG). In this study, we evaluated the effects of bPRL and E2 on the effector response of primary bovine macrophages, isolated from lactating Holstein cows, challenged with S. aureus. We demonstrated that physiological concentrations of bPRL (5 ng/mL) and E2 (50 pg/mL) induced differential changes in the expression of pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines, chemokines (IL-8), antimicrobial peptides (BNBD10 and S100A7), and miRNAs (miR-451, miR-155, miR-7863, miR-146a, miR-21a, Let-7a-5p, miR-30b, and miR-23a) in S. aureus-challenged macrophages. Moreover, these hormones promoted global histone H3 acetylation and the epigenetic H3K9ac mark without affecting H3K9me2 levels. Hormonal treatment also modulated histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity. Furthermore, hormonal treatment altered macrophage chemotaxis and phagocytosis. In conclusion, bPRL and E2 modulate the effector functions of bovine macrophages during S. aureus infection. This process could be associated with the regulation of histone H3 modifications, such as H3K9ac, in IIR-related genes. Full article

As a widely available dietary supplement, γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) exhibits potential for early intervention against Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study demonstrates that GABA alleviates AD neuroinflammation, and its suppression of astrocytic pro-inflammatory cytokine expression through histone deacetylase (HDAC2/3) inhibition contributes to this effect. Here, in both the cerebral cortex of AD mice and Aβ-exposed U251 cells, pro-inflammatory cytokines and HDAC2/3 expression levels were elevated, whereas the levels of creatine phosphate (CP), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (CEBPα) and microRNA34a (miR-34a) were decreased. GABA treatment counteracted these alterations. Silencing HDAC2 or HDAC3 suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines. Transfection with miR-34a mimics suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines and HDAC2/3 expression in U251 cells, while miR-34a inhibitors had the opposite effect. A luciferase reporter assay confirmed HDAC2 as a direct miR-34a target via 3′UTR binding. Knockdown of CEBPα suppressed miR-34a expression, thereby elevating HDAC2/3 and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in U251 cells. In CP-treated U251 cells, CEBPα and miR-34a expression was elevated, while pro-inflammatory cytokine and HDAC2/3 expression was down-regulated. In conclusion, GABA alleviates neuroinflammation in AD model mice. This effect may be partially attributed to its suppression of astrocyte-derived pro-inflammatory cytokine expression via HDAC2/3 inhibition. The CP/CEBPα/miR-34a pathway mediates the inhibitory effect of GABA on HDAC2/3 expression. Full article

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by progressive degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, leading to motor dysfunction and compensatory postsynaptic dopamine receptor alterations. Valproic acid (VPA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, has shown neuroprotective properties; however, its dose-dependent effects on dopaminergic integrity and dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) regulation remain unclear. Adult male Wistar rats received VPA (200 or 400 mg/kg, p.o.) or vehicle for 20 days prior to unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesioning. Motor performance was evaluated using the beam balance test, exploratory behavior in the open field, striatal dopamine levels by PLC-electrochemical detection, and D2R protein expression by Western blot. The 6-OHDA lesion induced marked motor deficits, reduced striatal dopamine content, and significantly increased D2R expression. VPA at 200 mg/kg produced only minor, non-significant effects. In contrast, VPA at 400 mg/kg preserved motor performance, attenuated dopamine depletion, and normalized striatal D2R expression. These findings demonstrate a clear dose-dependent neuroprotective effect of VPA and indicate that stabilization of postsynaptic D2R expression accompanies preservation of dopaminergic terminals in the 6-OHDA rat model. Full article

Epigenetic and stress-response pathways play central roles in cancer progression and represent attractive therapeutic targets. In this study, a series of dipyridothiazine–1,2,3-triazole hybrids bearing p-fluorophenyl and p-trifluoromethylphenyl substituents was synthesized via efficient dipolar cycloaddition reactions. Structural characterization was performed using ¹H, ¹³C, and ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Anticancer activity was evaluated using WST-1 and MTT assays against human cancer cell lines SNB-19 (glioblastoma), C32 (amelanotic melanoma), A549 (lung carcinoma), and MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 (breast cancer), as well as normal HFF-1 fibroblasts and HaCaT keratinocytes, with doxorubicin and cisplatin as reference drugs. The hybrids TDT2b and TDT3b containing a p-trifluoromethylphenyl moiety showed the highest cytotoxicity and cancer cell selectivity. RT-qPCR analysis of H3, TP53, CDKN1A, BCL-2, and BAX expression for the lead compound TDT2b revealed modulation of chromatin organization, p53-dependent stress responses, apoptosis, and cell cycle regulation. Molecular docking studies with human histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) demonstrated favorable binding of TDT2b and TDT3b, supporting their role as potential epigenetic anticancer agents. Full article

Background/Objectives: Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is a genetic syndrome caused by pathogenic NF1 variants encoding neurofibromin, a Ras GTPase activating protein. Individuals with NF1 develop peripheral nerve sheath tumors called neurofibromas. Approximately 50% of NF1 patients develop plexiform neurofibromas (pNFs) which have up to 13% lifetime risk of transformation into malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). Current therapeutic strategies emphasize surgical resection with wide margins, radiation, and traditional chemotherapy for unresectable MPNSTs. However, NF1 patients diagnosed with MPNSTs have 5-year survival rates as low as 16%. The two recently FDA-approved drugs for pNFs, the MEK inhibitors selumetinib and mirdametinib, are not used to prevent or treat MPNSTs. Methods: The MEK inhibitor trametinib and the dual HDAC/PI3K inhibitor fimepinostat were assessed for growth inhibitory effects in nine unique patient-derived MPNST cell lines, as both drugs have preclinical efficacy in other Schwann cell-derived tumors. Results: Trametinib, which is approved for malignant melanomas, promoted cell death in 7/9 MPNST cell lines with a geometric mean GI50 = 17 nM. When directly compared to selumetinib and mirdametinib in a subset of four MPNST cell lines, trametinib had the lowest mean GI50 (trametinib = 38 nM, mirdametinib = 1.6 µM, selumetinib = 4.9 µM). Trametinib was also superior to selumetinib and mirdametinib in blocking ERK1/2 phosphorylation for 24 h. Fimepinostat promoted cell death in all cell lines with a geometric mean GI50 = 17 pM. Conclusions: These studies demonstrate in vitro efficacy for two candidate MPNST therapeutics which could reduce tumor burden and metastasis in NF1 patients. Full article

Background/Objectives: CEU-938, an innovative antimicrotubule prodrug bioactivated by cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), represents a promising targeted alternative for cancer cells overexpressing this enzyme. To optimize its clinical utility and minimize off-target effects in breast cancer (BC) patients, this study aims to identify predictive biomarkers of CEU-938 efficacy. Methods: The antiproliferative activity of CEU-938 was assessed across a panel of 39 human breast cancer and non-tumorigenic cell lines. Differential expression analyses were subsequently performed to distinguish CEU-938-responsive from non-responsive cell lines using a threshold of 1000 nM. Candidate biomarkers identified through this approach were then validated by RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses. Results: CEU-938 demonstrated marked and selective antiproliferative activity across molecular subtypes of human breast cancer, with efficacy observed in approximately 40% of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), 70% of estrogen receptor-positive (ER⁺), and 80% of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2⁺) breast cancer cell lines, while sparing non-tumorigenic human breast cells (MCF 10A, MCF-12A, 184B5). Differential expression analysis identified five candidate biomarkers associated with CEU-938 responsiveness, namely, FOXA1 (log2-fold change (LFC) = 3.1), RAB25 (LFC = 3.8), RHOV (LFC = 2.9), PRKCH (LFC = 1.6), and HDAC9 (LFC = −1.7). Among these, FOXA1 and RAB25 robustly validated by RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses, showing strong inverse correlations with CEU-938 sensitivity (Spearman correlation coefficients of −0.82 and −0.61, respectively, at the protein level). The predictive value of FOXA1 and RAB25 was further confirmed by Western blot analyses in two independent breast cell line models, the non-responsive MCF-12A and the responsive MDA-kb2. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings identify FOXA1 and RAB25 as robust predictive biomarkers of response to CEU-938. Notably, FOXA1 and RAB25 are strongly implicated in breast cancer biology, and FOXA1 has been directly linked to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), the main regulator of CYP1A1. These results position CEU-938 as a strong precision-therapy candidate that combines target selectivity, a favorable toxicity profile, and biomarker-enabled patient stratification, with potential clinical benefit in ER⁺ and HER2⁺ enriched tumors, as well as a subset of TNBC. Full article

Sulforaphane (SFN), an aliphatic isothiocyanate derived from cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, has emerged as a chemopreventive dietary agent. SFN exerts multifaceted anticancer effects through the activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)–antioxidant response element (ARE) pathways, inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and regulation of apoptosis and autophagy. Epidemiological studies have consistently associated cruciferous vegetable intake with reduced cancer risk, while mechanistic research has elucidated the capacity of SFN to modulate redox balance, detoxification pathways, and epigenetic processes. Recent clinical trials have further demonstrated its potential to reduce carcinogenic biomarker levels and support metabolic detoxification. This review integrates evidence from epidemiological observations, molecular mechanisms, and clinical studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of SFN in cancer prevention and therapy. Finally, translational challenges, including limited bioavailability, dose optimization, and standardization of broccoli-derived preparations, are discussed as critical factors for successfully translating SFN therapies from bench to bedside. Full article

The transition from energy sufficiency to deficiency triggers complex metabolic and immune adaptations that have traditionally been viewed through a reductionist pathological lens. During early lactation, coordinated mobilization of adipose tissue, muscle protein, and bone minerals supports milk synthesis, with ketogenesis specifically arising from hepatic oxidation of non–esterified fatty acids. This review introduces the Keto–Inflammatory Network (KIN), a novel framework positioning ketonemia as an evolutionarily conserved adaptive response rather than inherent metabolic dysfunction. The KIN integrates β–hydroxybutyrate (BHB) signaling with immune modulation, epigenetic regulation, circadian rhythms, and microbiota interactions. Through mechanisms including NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition, HDAC–mediated epigenetic modifications, and HCAR2 receptor activation, ketone bodies orchestrate anti–inflammatory responses while maintaining metabolic flexibility. Building upon important precedent work recognizing beneficial roles of ketones in ruminant metabolism, this review synthesizes recent advances in immunometabolism and systems biology into an integrated framework. The KIN encompasses calcium–ketone integration through the Calci–Keto–Inflammatory Code (CKIC), temporal regulation via the Ketoinflammatory Clock, and trans–kingdom signaling through microbiota interactions. In dairy cattle, this perspective reframes periparturient ketonemia as existing on a continuum from adaptive to pathological, with biological meaning determined by integrated metabolic–inflammatory patterns rather than absolute ketone concentrations. The CKIC paradigm, while requiring prospective validation, suggests novel therapeutic approaches leveraging ketone signaling for inflammatory diseases, autoimmune conditions, and metabolic disorders while challenging traditional threshold–based ketosis management strategies. This systems–level understanding opens new avenues for precision interventions that work with, rather than against, evolved adaptive mechanisms refined through millions of years of mammalian evolution. By distinguishing ketonemia (measurable ketone elevation) from pathological ketosis (dysregulated ketone accumulation), and by integrating evidence from both ruminant and monogastric models, this review provides a comprehensive framework for next–generation metabolic medicine. Full article

This work conducted a transcriptome analysis of canine intestinal epithelial cells (cIECs) treated with nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a physiologically active nucleotide with a pyridine base known for its anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects. In our experiment, cIECs were cultured and segregated into a control group (Ctrl) and an NMN-treated group. The finding demonstrated that NMN significantly affects cell proliferation in cIECs in comparison to the Ctrl. The transcriptome analysis indicated a high enrichment of genes associated with the cell cycle, proliferation, cellular senescence, and inflammatory pathways in NMN-treated cIECs, showing that NMN has the capacity to modify these biological processes. Compared to the Ctrl group, NMN treatment significantly increased ATP, SOD, CAT and GSH levels and decreased the activities of ROS and MDA. NMN treatment also significantly increased the activity of the relative complex I, III and V enzymes compared to the Ctrl group. Furthermore, the expression of MAPK13, EDN1, TNFAIP6, TNFSF15 and SLC7A11 were decreased significantly, while ACOX2, CPT1C, CCNA1 and CCNE1 were increased significantly in NMN-5μM treatment compared to Ctrl. NMN-treated significantly decreased the expression of Hdac2, Hdac6 and Hdac8, while increasing the expression of Kdm5a, Kdm5b and Kdm5c compared to the Ctrl group. Additionally, ChIP-qPCR use discovered that NMN-treatment significantly downregulated the enrichment of EDN-1 at target loci of NR4A1, SRC1, P300, Pol II and Ser5- Pol II compared to the Ctrl group. Expression of the NR4A1 gene suggests that its exert in biological activities by inhibiting inflammatory responses and anti-aging pathways. Then, we detected the transcriptional activation linked histone markers and found that H3K23ac and H3K27ac were significantly downregulated, while H3K27me3 was significantly upregulated in the NMN-treatment compared to the Ctrl group. We conclude that NMN regulates EDN-1 expression in cIECs through mechanisms involving NR4A1 and histone modifications, highlighting its potential role in canine intestinal health. Full article

Epilepsy is a heterogeneous neurological disorder with a strong genetic basis, yet recent evidence underscores the critical role of epigenetic mechanisms in its pathogenesis. This review synthesizes current knowledge on how chromatin remodeling, histone modifications, DNA methylation, and transcriptional regulation intersect with classical channelopathies and signaling pathways. We emphasize how epigenetic dysregulation contributes to neuronal excitability and network plasticity, particularly through interactions with mTOR, PI3K-AKT, and GABAergic signaling cascades. The convergence of genetic mutations and epigenetic modifications creates a dynamic landscape in which environmental factors can modify gene expression and contribute to the development of epilepsy. Emerging therapeutic strategies—including epigenetic drugs (HDAC inhibitors, DNMT inhibitors), CRISPR/dCas9-based epigenome editing, and multi-omics approaches—offer promising avenues for precision medicine. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in epilepsy, examining how these layers interact to produce disease phenotypes and discussing the therapeutic implications of this multilayered regulation. Full article

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive breast cancer subtypes due to its rapid growth, poor prognosis, and low response to chemotherapies owing to a lack of therapeutic targets and drug resistance. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) induce stromal changes that increase extracellular matrix density through the activity of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). HDACs are overexpressed in TNBC and have been linked to the activation and sustained activity of CAFs. Additionally, HDAC inhibitors decrease the fibroblastic activity. Objectives: We aimed to analyze the antifibrotic effect of the N-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-2-propylpentanamide (HO-AAVPA), an inhibitor of the HDAC1, 6, and 8 (iHDAC) on TNBC. Methods: The TNBC (4T1) cell line was inoculated under the dorsal skin in mice to develop a TNBC tumor. CAF’s activation was determined by measuring collagen-1 and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), as well as their association with the G-protein-coupled estrogenic receptor (GPER1) and HDAC1 expression. Results: Dose of 20 mg/kg of HO-AAVPA decreased tumor fibrosis by inducing decreased collagen-1 and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) levels and increased GPER1 expression. Moreover, HO-AAVPA reduced the activation and activity of CAFs. Conclusion: Our results support the notion that HDAC1 inhibition may be a novel approach to sensitizing resistant tumor cells to chemotherapy and radiotherapy by increasing GPER1 expression, and thus the use of antiproliferative GPER1 agonists/antagonists, at least in the early stages, without causing significant changes in liver function or morphological alterations. Full article