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Search Results (1,339)

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Keywords = Wnt/β-catenin signaling

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26 pages, 588 KB  
Review
Medical Cannabis and the Hallmarks of Cancer: A Critical Narrative Review
by Diana Russo, Rute Fernandes, Valéria Tavares, Ana Agrelo and Rui Medeiros
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(17), 7549; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27177549 (registering DOI) - 23 Aug 2026
Abstract
Cancer remains a highly complex and heterogeneous disease, causing major morbidity and mortality worldwide despite advances in diagnosis and treatment. The hallmarks of cancer enlighten the biological mechanisms supporting tumourigenesis and malignant evolution, while helping to identify potential therapeutic targets. Medical cannabis has [...] Read more.
Cancer remains a highly complex and heterogeneous disease, causing major morbidity and mortality worldwide despite advances in diagnosis and treatment. The hallmarks of cancer enlighten the biological mechanisms supporting tumourigenesis and malignant evolution, while helping to identify potential therapeutic targets. Medical cannabis has mostly been used in oncology for supportive care, but increasing preclinical evidence suggests interference with cancer-related signalling pathways. This narrative review summarizes the current evidence on cannabinoids, in particular the phytocannabinoids cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), framing their prospective anticancer effects in the hallmarks of cancer. Preclinical studies imply that CBD exerts antiproliferative effects by modulating oncogenic signalling pathways, including EGFR, PI3K/AKT, RAS/RAF/ERK, mTOR and Wnt/β-catenin, while also influencing tumour suppressor pathways involving p53, p21 and p27, causing cell cycle arrest. CBD has additionally been shown to promote programmed cell death via mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagy, altering cancer metabolism as well. Furthermore, CBD has shown anti-invasive and antiangiogenic properties and also appears to modulate immune responses and interactions with the tumour microenvironment, including emerging links with the microbiome. Overall, cannabinoids exhibit biologically plausible antitumour activity across multiple cancer hallmarks and may present promising candidates for combination therapeutic strategies. Nonetheless, the current evidence remains predominantly preclinical, and robust translational studies and clinical trials are needed to clarify their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles, determine their clinical efficacy and safety while assessing their potential integration into multimodal cancer treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Hallmarks and Therapeutic Strategies in Cancer)
50 pages, 8599 KB  
Review
Dietary Regulation of Intestinal Stem Cell Function: Nutrient-Sensing, Microbiota-Mediated, and Regenerative Mechanisms from a Dietetic Perspective
by Elif Akbaş, Beyza Nur Gürgen, Ece Akgül, Esra Günay, Burçak Tok, Ecem Ozduran, Saliha Ersoy Yalçın, Sena Cihan Çağatay, Zeynep Büşra Aksoy, Duygu Ağagündüz and Bence Raposa
Biomedicines 2026, 14(8), 1873; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14081873 - 21 Aug 2026
Viewed by 95
Abstract
The intestinal epithelium is a dynamic tissue renewed by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) within the crypt niche. ISC behavior is regulated not only by intrinsic genetic programs but also by dietary composition, nutrient availability, microbial metabolites, and feeding rhythms. This narrative review synthesizes [...] Read more.
The intestinal epithelium is a dynamic tissue renewed by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) within the crypt niche. ISC behavior is regulated not only by intrinsic genetic programs but also by dietary composition, nutrient availability, microbial metabolites, and feeding rhythms. This narrative review synthesizes mechanisms through which diet influences ISC self-renewal, proliferation, differentiation, metabolic programming, and regenerative capacity. Dietary patterns exert context-dependent effects: caloric restriction, fasting, and structured feeding–fasting cycles may enhance epithelial regeneration through nutrient-sensing pathways, mitochondrial adaptation, and circadian regulation, whereas Western-type and high-fat diets may promote niche remodeling, inflammation, metabolic reprogramming, and tumorigenic risk. Macronutrients regulate ISC fate through carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid sensing, fatty acid oxidation, and lipid-derived signaling molecules. Micronutrients, including vitamins A, D, and B and minerals such as iron, zinc, selenium, and magnesium, contribute to epithelial differentiation, redox balance, and barrier integrity. Phytochemicals may modulate ISC function through Wnt/β-catenin, Nrf2, SIRT1, and epigenetic pathways or by stabilizing the epithelial microenvironment. The gut microbiota mediates diet–ISC interactions via short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, indole derivatives, and other metabolites. However, human evidence remains limited, and studies integrating human organoids, single-cell analyses, metabolomics, and chrononutrition are needed to inform personalized nutritional strategies for intestinal health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular and Translational Medicine)
23 pages, 11636 KB  
Review
From FGFR3 Hyperactivation to Disease-Modifying Therapy in Pediatric Achondroplasia: Molecular Mechanisms, Clinical Evidence, and Emerging Treatments
by Rebecca Cristiana Șerban, Andreea Mitut-Veliscu, Alexandra Dumitra, Liana Marica, Cristina Popescu, Andrei Costache, Șerban Teona, Anca-Lelia Riza, Rodica Dirnu, Renata-Maria Varut and Ioana Streață
Children 2026, 13(8), 1121; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13081121 - 21 Aug 2026
Viewed by 135
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Achondroplasia is the most common genetic skeletal dysplasia associated with disproportionate short stature and is primarily caused by gain-of-function variants in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) gene. Constitutive FGFR3 activation disrupts growth plate homeostasis and endochondral ossification through complex alterations [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Achondroplasia is the most common genetic skeletal dysplasia associated with disproportionate short stature and is primarily caused by gain-of-function variants in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) gene. Constitutive FGFR3 activation disrupts growth plate homeostasis and endochondral ossification through complex alterations in chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation, hypertrophy, extracellular matrix organization, and intracellular signaling. The increasing understanding of these mechanisms has enabled the transition from exclusively supportive management toward disease-modifying and precision-based therapeutic strategies. This narrative review aimed to critically synthesize current evidence on the genetic basis, molecular pathogenesis, growth plate abnormalities, and current and emerging targeted therapies in achondroplasia. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection, with Google Scholar used as a supplementary source, together with manual screening of the reference lists of relevant original studies, clinical trials, reviews, consensus documents, and clinical guidelines. The principal literature search covered publications from January 2010 to March 2026, while selected seminal primary studies published before 2010 were included when necessary to document the original identification of pathogenic FGFR3 variants and foundational mechanisms of FGFR3-mediated growth plate regulation. Particular emphasis was placed on FGFR3 variants, receptor activation mechanisms, growth plate dysfunction, intracellular signaling pathways, vosoritide, C-type natriuretic peptide-based therapies, FGFR3 inhibitors, ligand–receptor blockade, drug repurposing, Wnt/β-catenin modulation, and gene-based therapeutic approaches. Results: Achondroplasia is characterized by marked molecular homogeneity, with the recurrent p.Gly380Arg substitution accounting for most cases. Mutant FGFR3 displays sustained activity through partial ligand independence, enhanced receptor dimerization and kinase activation, increased receptor stability, and reduced degradation. Excessive signaling through MAPK/ERK, STAT, PI3K/AKT, IHH/PTHrP, and related pathways impairs chondrocyte proliferation and hypertrophic differentiation, alters extracellular matrix turnover, disrupts primary cilium function, and reduces longitudinal bone growth. Vosoritide provides clinical proof that pharmacological modulation of FGFR3-related signaling can improve growth velocity. Additional therapeutic strategies under clinical or preclinical investigation include long-acting CNP analogues, selective FGFR inhibitors, decoy receptors, RNA aptamers, repurposed drugs, Wnt/DKK1 pathway modulation, and gene- or enhancer-targeted interventions. Conclusions: Achondroplasia is increasingly understood as a disorder of dysregulated growth plate signaling rather than solely a condition of reduced stature. Although vosoritide has established the feasibility of disease-modifying treatment, substantial uncertainty remains regarding final adult height, skeletal proportionality, cranio-spinal development, orthopedic outcomes, and long-term safety. Future progress will depend on mechanistically informed therapeutic combinations, improved biomarkers, advanced cellular and animal models, and long-term clinical and real-world evidence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pediatric Genetic Disorders)
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22 pages, 8914 KB  
Review
Polyphosphate in Bone Tissue Engineering: From Molecular Mechanisms to Material Design
by Zhangling Nie, Bingqiang Lu, Valentina K. Krut’ko, Anatoly I. Kulak and Feng Chen
J. Funct. Biomater. 2026, 17(8), 422; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb17080422 - 21 Aug 2026
Viewed by 221
Abstract
Polyphosphate (PolyP) is an inorganic polymer composed of orthophosphate units linked by high-energy phosphate anhydride bonds, widely found in various organisms from bacteria to mammals. In recent years, PolyP has attracted widespread attention in the field of bone tissue engineering due to its [...] Read more.
Polyphosphate (PolyP) is an inorganic polymer composed of orthophosphate units linked by high-energy phosphate anhydride bonds, widely found in various organisms from bacteria to mammals. In recent years, PolyP has attracted widespread attention in the field of bone tissue engineering due to its unique biological characteristics, possessing both osteoinductive activity and metabolic energy supply functions. This article systematically reviews the molecular structure, physicochemical properties, and multiple mechanisms by which PolyP promotes osteogenic differentiation, as well as biomaterial design strategies based on PolyP. PolyP can synergistically promote osteogenic differentiation through multiple mechanisms, including by acting as a phosphate donor, providing metabolic energy, regulating signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, and modulating the osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (OPG/RANKL) balance. In terms of material design, PolyP can form nano/microparticles with metal ions such as Ca2+, Sr2+, and Mg2+ and can also be compounded with polymers to construct various forms such as hydrogels, bone cement, and three-dimensional (3D)-printed scaffolds. Preclinical studies have shown that PolyP-incorporated materials exhibit excellent osteogenic performance and biocompatibility in bone defect repair, and preliminary clinical studies have also confirmed its feasibility. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current applications of PolyP-incorporated materials and delineate future directions, challenges, and necessary pathways for their clinical translation. Full article
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24 pages, 1736 KB  
Article
Berberine Enhances Radiosensitivity of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Concurrent with the Inhibition of DNA Repair, Stemness and Tumor Growth
by Deepali Mishra, Aishwarya Jaiswal, Aleena Sinha, Navneendra Singh and Rana P. Singh
Cancers 2026, 18(16), 2690; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18162690 - 19 Aug 2026
Viewed by 251
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The emergence of radioresistance is a major challenge in cancer treatment. Herein, we evaluated the radiosensitizing effects and associated molecular mechanisms of a small molecule, berberine, in HNSCC. Methods: HNSCC cells were treated with berberine, ionizing radiation (IR), and their combination. Radiosensitivity [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The emergence of radioresistance is a major challenge in cancer treatment. Herein, we evaluated the radiosensitizing effects and associated molecular mechanisms of a small molecule, berberine, in HNSCC. Methods: HNSCC cells were treated with berberine, ionizing radiation (IR), and their combination. Radiosensitivity was assessed using methods for clonogenic survival, proliferation, cell death, apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, DNA damage, and associated mechanisms. Spheroid models were employed to examine tumor growth and stemness-related markers. Therapeutic efficacy was further evaluated using the syngeneic MOC2 tumor syngraft mouse model. Results: The combination of berberine and IR significantly decreased the colony-forming ability, cell proliferation, and survival in UM-SCC-22B and MOC2 cells. Correspondingly, a decrease in the pro-survival signaling, EGFR, ERK1/2, mTOR, and STAT-3 was noted. The combination treatment increased sub-G1 cell population and apoptotic cell death with enhanced DNA damage, which was also associated with downregulation of DNA repair proteins. Spheroids showed disintegration and altered morphology in the combination treatment. This combination also inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling and reduced the expression of genes associated with stemness-related pluripotency. Berberine further enhanced DNA damage and reduced stemness in EGFR-knockdown cells. The berberine-IR combination not only inhibited the growth of syngeneic MOC2 tumors but also mitigated the toxicity associated with IR. The in vitro findings of reduced expression of stemness and DNA damage repair genes were also observed in tumors. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that berberine enhances the radiation response of HNSCC through perturbation of pro-survival signaling, DDR signaling and reduction of stemness-associated features, thereby enhancing the therapeutic efficacy. Full article
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23 pages, 1894 KB  
Article
An Integrated Consensus Machine Learning and Structure-Based Workflow for the Discovery of Novel Tankyrase 1 Inhibitors
by Marina Bilotta, Adriana Gargano, Roberta Rocca, Valentina Maggisano, Stefania Bulotta and Stefano Alcaro
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(8), 1310; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19081310 - 19 Aug 2026
Viewed by 178
Abstract
Background: Tankyrase 1 (TNKS1) is a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase involved in Wnt/β-catenin signaling, telomere maintenance, and genomic stability, making it an attractive therapeutic target in oncology. This study aimed to develop and apply an integrated computational workflow to identify novel TNKS1 inhibitor candidates. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background: Tankyrase 1 (TNKS1) is a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase involved in Wnt/β-catenin signaling, telomere maintenance, and genomic stability, making it an attractive therapeutic target in oncology. This study aimed to develop and apply an integrated computational workflow to identify novel TNKS1 inhibitor candidates. Methods: A curated dataset of experimentally validated TNKS1 inhibitors and property-matched DUD-E decoys was used to develop a consensus supervised machine learning (ML) model prioritization framework for ligand-based virtual screening, integrating Morgan fingerprints with three complementary classifiers. The model screened more than 700,000 compounds, and prioritized hits were evaluated by structure-based virtual screening (SBVS), Prime MM-GBSA binding free-energy refinement, and 500 ns molecular dynamics simulations (MDs). The top candidates were subsequently tested in an in vitro TNKS1 enzymatic inhibition assay. Results: The consensus ML framework prioritized 670 compounds, yielding five candidates for experimental testing. Compound 3 displayed the most favorable computational profile and was experimentally confirmed as a TNKS1 inhibitor candidate, exhibiting approximately 80% TNKS1 inhibition at 0.1 μM, whereas the remaining candidates showed only limited activity. Conclusions: The proposed workflow efficiently reduced a large chemical space to a focused set of TNKS1 inhibitor candidates while substantially reducing the experimental screening burden. Compound 3 represents a promising starting point for future structure–activity relationship studies and lead optimization in the context of TNKS1 inhibition. Moreover, this work highlights the value of integrating consensus ML, SBVS, and experimental validation to accelerate early-stage hit discovery for TNKS1 and other therapeutic targets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medicinal Chemistry)
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17 pages, 2233 KB  
Article
Distinct Transcriptional Programs Controlled by NR5A1 and β-Catenin in Adrenocortical Carcinoma
by João Carlos Degraf Muzzi, Bonald Cavalcante Figueiredo, Jean Silva de Souza Resende, Igor Samesima Giner, Mauro Antônio Alves Castro and Enzo Lalli
Med. Sci. 2026, 14(4), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci14040493 - 19 Aug 2026
Viewed by 183
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy in which overexpression of steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1/NR5A1) and aberrant activation of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling are important oncogenic events. However, the extent to which these regulatory axes converge or interact at the transcriptional level [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy in which overexpression of steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1/NR5A1) and aberrant activation of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling are important oncogenic events. However, the extent to which these regulatory axes converge or interact at the transcriptional level remains unclear. We investigated their relationship using bulk transcriptomic and regulatory-network approaches. Methods: Regulatory network inference using RTN/ARACNe was applied to the TCGA-ACC cohort. NR5A1 and β-catenin-associated TCF/LEF regulon activities were evaluated in perturbation datasets and tested for associations with CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP), overall survival, and gene-level interaction effects. Candidate modulators of NR5A1 activity were assessed using the MINDy algorithm. The effects of cBAF inhibition on NR5A1 regulon activity were also evaluated in H295R and CU-ACC1 cells. Results: NR5A1 knockdown repressed steroidogenic pathways, whereas β-catenin knockdown predominantly suppressed Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In TCGA-ACC, NR5A1 regulon activity was associated with CIMP-high status and overall survival. In contrast, β-catenin-related regulons were not significantly associated with CIMP-high status after adjustment for NR5A1 activity, and no significant multiplicative interaction effects were identified. Fewer than 3% of protein-coding genes showed improved fit in models including NR5A1 × TCF/LEF interaction terms, without enrichment for steroidogenic or Wnt/β-catenin-related pathways. CTNNB1 was identified as a statistically significant but low-ranking positive modulator of NR5A1 activity, whereas CTNNBIP1 was a top-decile negative modulator. cBAF inhibition was associated with NR5A1 regulon repression in both cell models. Conclusions: These findings indicate limited detectable global transcriptional convergence between NR5A1 and canonical β-catenin-related regulons in the evaluated bulk transcriptomic frameworks. Potential relationships between these pathways may depend on more localized, chromatin-dependent, protein-level, or context-specific regulatory mechanisms. NR5A1 regulon activity showed more consistent associations with CIMP-high status and clinical outcome than the β-catenin/TCF-LEF regulons in the evaluated TCGA-ACC models. The modulation patterns associated with CTNNB1 and CTNNBIP1, together with the repression of NR5A1 regulon activity following cBAF inhibition, raise the possibility that NR5A1 acts as a context-dependent regulatory node connecting oncogenic signaling and chromatin-remodeling mechanisms in ACC. These findings support further investigation into the role of chromatin-remodeling complexes in sustaining NR5A1-driven transcriptional programs in ACC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer and Cancer-Related Research)
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15 pages, 8927 KB  
Article
Localized Topical Melatonin Therapy Promotes Hair Regrowth in C57BL/6 Mice in Association with Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Activation
by Min-Wei Lee, Sheng-Chien Lin, Wen-Ying Chen, Chun-Jung Chen, Yu-Hsiang Kuan and Ming-Kun Hsieh
Cosmetics 2026, 13(4), 208; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics13040208 - 18 Aug 2026
Viewed by 249
Abstract
Melatonin, a methoxyindole synthesized by the pineal gland, is secreted in response to photoperiodic cues relayed from the retina through an endogenous circadian oscillator within the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Consequently, melatonin secretion regulates the circadian rhythm. Melatonin has been reported to have antioxidant, photoprotective, [...] Read more.
Melatonin, a methoxyindole synthesized by the pineal gland, is secreted in response to photoperiodic cues relayed from the retina through an endogenous circadian oscillator within the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Consequently, melatonin secretion regulates the circadian rhythm. Melatonin has been reported to have antioxidant, photoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and wound-healing properties. It has also been reported to promote hair growth, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we explored the potential molecular mechanisms of melatonin-induced hair growth by using an in vivo C57BL/6 mouse model. We observed morphological changes in the dorsal area and changes in the hair cycle and anagen induction were observed through hematoxylin–eosin staining. The molecular mechanisms were explored using Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay. Our findings indicate that topical melatonin promotes anagen entry and hair regrowth in C57BL/6 mice, accompanied by the modulation of Wnt/β-catenin-related signaling proteins. The decrease in grayscale value, increase in hair length and skin thickness and histological change in hair follicles in the melatonin-treated group indicated hair regrowth in the dorsal skin of mice. Moreover, the expression of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was remarkably regulated. These findings further our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying topical melatonin-induced hair growth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cosmetic Dermatology)
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19 pages, 24103 KB  
Article
Indoxyl Sulfate Promotes Vascular Calcification in Association with Oxidative Stress and Activation of ERK and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathways
by Yi-Cheng Wang, I-Min Su, Chung-Jen Lee, Tsung-Jui Wu and Bang-Gee Hsu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(16), 7314; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27167314 - 16 Aug 2026
Viewed by 151
Abstract
Vascular calcification (VC) is a major complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that is strongly associated with cardiovascular mortality. While indoxyl sulfate (IS), a protein-bound uremic toxin, has been implicated in the progression of VC, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated [...] Read more.
Vascular calcification (VC) is a major complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that is strongly associated with cardiovascular mortality. While indoxyl sulfate (IS), a protein-bound uremic toxin, has been implicated in the progression of VC, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated the procalcific effects of IS using a two-step nephrectomy-induced CKD mouse model and cultured vascular smooth muscle cells. In vivo, progressive renal impairment was associated with elevated circulating IS levels and enhanced VC. In vitro, IS dose- and time-dependently induced calcium deposition, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and upregulated osteogenic markers, including runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), and osteocalcin (OCN), whereas N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) partially attenuated IS-induced ROS accumulation and cell injury. Mechanistically, IS exposure activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Wnt/β-catenin signaling while suppressing nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-related antioxidant responses, as reflected by reductions in the phosphorylated Nrf2 (pNrf2) to total Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. Pharmacological inhibition of ERK and Wnt/β-catenin signaling attenuated IS-induced osteogenic responses. These findings indicate that IS promotes VC in association with increased oxidative stress, activation of ERK and Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and impaired Nrf2-related antioxidant defense. These integrated findings provide mechanistic insight into IS-associated VC and highlight oxidative stress-related signaling networks as potential therapeutic targets in CKD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chronic Kidney Disease: Underlying Molecular Mechanisms—2nd Edition)
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21 pages, 1237 KB  
Review
Colorectal Cancer and the Enigma Surrounding Non-Canonical Wnt Signaling
by Katsuhiro Kita
Cancers 2026, 18(16), 2618; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18162618 - 14 Aug 2026
Viewed by 356
Abstract
Since the discovery of truncated mutations of adenomatous polyposis coli proteins in familial adenoma patients in 1991, the mechanism of cytosolic β-catenin regulation has been intensively studied, and now it is very well known that the central role of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin is [...] Read more.
Since the discovery of truncated mutations of adenomatous polyposis coli proteins in familial adenoma patients in 1991, the mechanism of cytosolic β-catenin regulation has been intensively studied, and now it is very well known that the central role of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin is in colorectal cancer. However, Wnt signaling is very complicated because of the presence of almost 20 Wnt ligand genes, six Frizzled seven-transmembrane receptors, and three LRP co-receptors. In addition, research in the past two decades illuminated the existence of the other Wnt signaling—non-canonical Wnt signaling (Wnt/PCP and Wnt/Ca2+ pathways), and an increasing number of studies have shown the potential role of non-canonical Wnt signaling in cancer recently. One of the well-studied Wnt ligands in non-canonical Wnt signaling is Wnt-5a. However, the role of Wnt-5a and non-canonical pathways in cancer is mosaic—i.e., it may involve tumor-promoting or suppressing pathways. In certain cancers, non-canonical Wnt signaling may mainly act as a tumor promoter, yet the results are very controversial in colorectal cancer. Elucidating the role of non-canonical Wnt signaling in colorectal cancer may be very important to further reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, especially in patients who do not carry truncated mutations of adenomatous polyposis coli. In this review, I would like to mainly discuss the apparent controversy surrounding non-canonical Wnt signaling in colorectal cancer, and I would like to point out a few potential reasons contributing to the mysterious roles of Wnt5a-initiated non-canonical signaling in colorectal cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Malignancy: Epidemiology and Risk Factors)
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15 pages, 1149 KB  
Review
The Prorenin Receptor: Multitasking Its Way Through Cardiovascular, Metabolic and Renal Diseases
by Andrea S. Marrero-Bras, Sarah E. Thomas, Joshua D. Parquet, Zoe Vallotton, Bolu Adewale, Brianna Crabtree and Minolfa C. Prieto
Receptors 2026, 5(3), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/receptors5030026 - 11 Aug 2026
Viewed by 164
Abstract
The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) is a fundamental regulator of blood pressure, electrolyte balance, fluid homeostasis, and tissue remodeling. The discovery of the prorenin receptor (PRR), the protein encoded by the ATP6AP2 gene, has substantially expanded the classical RAAS paradigm by demonstrating that prorenin [...] Read more.
The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) is a fundamental regulator of blood pressure, electrolyte balance, fluid homeostasis, and tissue remodeling. The discovery of the prorenin receptor (PRR), the protein encoded by the ATP6AP2 gene, has substantially expanded the classical RAAS paradigm by demonstrating that prorenin possesses biological activity beyond its proteolytic conversion to renin. Binding of renin or prorenin to PRR enhances local angiotensin II (Ang II) generation while simultaneously initiating Ang II-independent intracellular signaling pathways, including ERK1/2, mitogen-activated protein kinases, PI3K/Akt, transforming growth factor-β, and nuclear factor-κB, thereby promoting inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, cellular proliferation, and extracellular matrix accumulation. Beyond its receptor function, PRR serves as an essential accessory component of the vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) complex, regulating vesicular acidification, lysosomal function, autophagy, protein trafficking, cellular metabolism, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. These diverse functions explain its indispensable role in embryonic development, cell differentiation, and tissue homeostasis, as evidenced by the embryonic lethality associated with ATP6AP2 gene deficiency. PRR is predominantly localized to intracellular organelles, including the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, endosomes, lysosomes, and autophagic vesicles, although membrane-bound and soluble forms also contribute to physiological and pathological processes. Increasing evidence implies dysregulated PRR signaling in the development and progression of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic disorders. This review summarizes current advances in PRR and soluble PRR biology, discusses unresolved mechanistic and translational questions, and evaluates the potential of PRR as a biomarker and therapeutic target for cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases. Full article
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21 pages, 2038 KB  
Review
Retinoic Acid Receptor γ Is a Ligand-Activated Gatekeeper to Stem Cell Developmental Progression
by William Eustace Basil Johnson, Caitlin McQueen and Geoffrey Brown
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(16), 7160; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27167160 - 11 Aug 2026
Viewed by 239
Abstract
RARγ is expressed during embryogenesis by stem/primitive progenitor cells, indicating a role in controlling their development. Supporting this view is that a physiological level of 10 nM of the RARγ agonist AGN205327 blocked stem/progenitor cell differentiation during zebrafish embryogenesis, mouse gastruloid development, and [...] Read more.
RARγ is expressed during embryogenesis by stem/primitive progenitor cells, indicating a role in controlling their development. Supporting this view is that a physiological level of 10 nM of the RARγ agonist AGN205327 blocked stem/progenitor cell differentiation during zebrafish embryogenesis, mouse gastruloid development, and adult chondro- and osteogenesis. Similarly, transgene expression of RARγ or the use of the RARγ agonist CD437 enhanced the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from human and mouse somatic cells. RARγ regulates many events that control the behavior of stem/progenitor cells regarding whether they develop to give rise to mature cells. RARγ positively regulates the expressions of NOTCH ligands and their receptors, transforming growth factors (TGFs), and molecules pertaining to cell identity, extracellular matrix communication, and all-trans retinoic acid synthesis and catabolism. The genes that are repressed by RARγ include RARγ, PPARγ, and RXRα. RARγ integrates into Wnt/β-catenin and TGFβ signaling by acting as a co-factor to the gene co-activator β-catenin and transcription factor Smad3, respectively. Within the cytoplasm, RARγ regulates Akt/NF-κB signaling. As a model, we propose that ATRA ligand-activated RARγ acts as a gatekeeper to stem cell developmental progression during embryogenesis and that this role extends to stem/progenitor cell homeostasis within adult tissues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Latest Review Papers in Molecular and Cellular Biology)
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45 pages, 1494 KB  
Review
Cancer Stem Cells in Colorectal Cancer: From Molecular Mechanisms to Diagnosis, Prognosis and Therapy Implications
by Dami Aiyejuto, Ananya Luthria, Thompson Hui and Anitha Kota Shenoy
Cancers 2026, 18(16), 2569; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18162569 - 10 Aug 2026
Viewed by 339
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality, with recurrence and treatment resistance as persistent challenges. Increasing evidence supports the cancer stem cell (CSC) model in CRC, in which a subpopulation of self-renewing colorectal cancer stem cells (CCSCs) sustains tumor growth, [...] Read more.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality, with recurrence and treatment resistance as persistent challenges. Increasing evidence supports the cancer stem cell (CSC) model in CRC, in which a subpopulation of self-renewing colorectal cancer stem cells (CCSCs) sustains tumor growth, metastasis, and therapy resistance. CCSCs are increasingly recognized as key drivers of tumor progression, therapeutic resistance, and relapse, and are increasingly being investigated not only as therapeutic targets but also as biomarkers with diagnostic and prognostic relevance in CRC. Multiple signaling pathways regulate CCSC maintenance and aggressive behavior, including Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK, NF-κB, and TGF-β signaling. These pathways form the basis of therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating stemness-associated pathways, with several CSC-focused agents and pathway inhibitors currently under translational and clinical investigation. In parallel, CCSC surface markers and molecular signatures are being explored as putative tools for early detection, minimal residual disease monitoring, and outcome prediction. However, successful translation of CSC-directed approaches into effective and safe clinical applications remains difficult. Tumor heterogeneity, CSC plasticity, compensatory signaling mechanisms, and the shared regulatory networks between malignant and normal intestinal stem cells pose substantial barriers. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying CCSC biology, discuss their diagnostic and prognostic implications. We also focus on clinical trials that apply CCSC-directed therapeutic, biomarker, and prevention strategies in CRC., Finally, we emphasize the lessons learned and the translational challenges, including the need for rigorously validated, CCSC-specific biomarkers, that continue to shape the development of these therapeutic and biomarker strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Clinical Therapy and Prognosis of Gastrointestinal Cancer)
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15 pages, 857 KB  
Review
Repigmentation Competence in Vitiligo: Integrating Immune, Regulatory, Regenerative, and Microenvironmental Axes
by Maria Efenesia Baffa, Roberto Maglie, Stefano Colabrese, Carlo Pipitò, Vincenzina Rubino, Sasha Visinoni, Lucrezia Cerchiai, Marzia Caproni and Emiliano Antiga
J. Pers. Med. 2026, 16(8), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16080418 - 6 Aug 2026
Viewed by 285
Abstract
Vitiligo is an autoimmune depigmenting disorder characterized by marked heterogeneity in therapeutic response, both between patients and among lesions within the same individual. While current therapies primarily target interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-driven inflammation, clinical outcomes remain variable and frequently incomplete, suggesting that additional lesion-specific biological [...] Read more.
Vitiligo is an autoimmune depigmenting disorder characterized by marked heterogeneity in therapeutic response, both between patients and among lesions within the same individual. While current therapies primarily target interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-driven inflammation, clinical outcomes remain variable and frequently incomplete, suggesting that additional lesion-specific biological factors contribute to repigmentation potential. In this narrative review, we propose the concept of repigmentation competence to describe the capacity of an individual lesion to achieve clinically meaningful repigmentation under therapy. We hypothesize that this competence emerges from the interaction of four interconnected biological axes: (i) cytokine network and immune memory, (ii) local immune regulation, (iii) regenerative capacity, and (iv) microenvironmental permissiveness. A targeted search of PubMed/MEDLINE and ClinicalTrials.gov up to March 2026 was conducted to identify translational studies, mechanistic models, and clinical trials relevant to these pathways. Evidence was synthesized thematically with emphasis on cytokine-mediated mechanisms and their interaction with regenerative and tissue-context processes. The IFN-γ/CXCL9/CXCL10 axis and tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) represent the most clinically validated drivers of disease persistence, as demonstrated by the therapeutic efficacy of JAK inhibitors, although immune suppression alone often fails to achieve complete or durable repigmentation. In contrast, regulatory pathways involving PD-1/PD-L1 signaling, regulatory T cells (Tregs), IL-10, TGF-β, and IL-2–based strategies remain biologically compelling but only partially translated into effective therapies. Regenerative capacity has also emerged as an important determinant of treatment response, with growing evidence supporting the role of melanocyte stem cell niches, follicular regeneration, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Accordingly, regenerative approaches such as non-cultured epidermal cell suspension (NCES) are increasingly being integrated into combination therapeutic strategies. The lesional microenvironment remains the least therapeutically developed axis despite growing experimental evidence supporting its importance in melanocyte survival and migration. Collectively, these observations suggest that the variable efficacy of current therapies may reflect different combinations of lesion-specific biological constraints. The emerging benefit of combination strategies may therefore derive not simply from additive effects, but from the simultaneous engagement of multiple axes involved in repigmentation competence. Our review supports a shift from a predominantly drug-centered model toward a lesion-oriented framework integrating immune, regenerative, regulatory, and microenvironmental determinants of response. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Personalized Medicine in Dermatology: Current Status and Challenges)
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Article
miR-Novel-80 Suppresses Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Replication by Targeting the Viral Nsp1 Gene and Downregulating Host CXXC Finger Protein 4
by Shuo Feng, Yiwen Pei, Xue Gao, Danjiao Yang, Jie Liu, Zijing Guo, Zhidong Zhang and Long Zhou
Animals 2026, 16(15), 2434; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16152434 - 6 Aug 2026
Viewed by 243
Abstract
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), caused by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), is a major infectious disease that poses a severe threat to the global swine industry. To investigate the role of miRNAs in the infection and susceptibility of PRRSV, [...] Read more.
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), caused by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), is a major infectious disease that poses a severe threat to the global swine industry. To investigate the role of miRNAs in the infection and susceptibility of PRRSV, four miRNA libraries were constructed and sequenced from PRRSV-infected and mock-infected of Tibetan pigs and Large White pigs at 7 days post-infection. A novel miRNA, miR-novel-80, was differentially expressed between PRRSV-infected and mock-infected porcine alveolar macrophages from 2 pig breeds. Importantly, the over-expression of miR-novel-80 inhibited the replication of a PRRSV-1 strain and multiple lineages (L1, L5, and L8) of PRRSV-2 strains in a dose-dependent manner. Bioinformatic predictions and experimental validation demonstrated that miR-novel-80 restricts viral replication through a dual antiviral mechanism. Directly, it targets the PRRSV nsp1-coding region within the ORF1a to suppress viral proliferation. Indirectly, miR-novel-80 specifically down-regulates the expression of host factor CXXC finger protein 4 (CXXC4). This reduction relieves the suppression of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which in turn activates NF-κB-dependent innate immune responses to further inhibit PRRSV infection. Collectively, this study investigates the biological characteristics of miR-novel-80 and unveils its underlying molecular mechanisms in restricting PRRSV infection in vitro. However, its biological function and anti-PRRSV therapeutic effect in vivo need further investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pigs)
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