Materials Today Bio
·
2022
·
IF 10.761
Xi He,Wenbin Liu,Yanling Liu,Kai Zhang,Yan Sun,Pengfei Lei,Yihe Hu
Bone nonunion or delayed union, caused by stripping or injuring of periosteum, is the most common sequelae of segmental bone defects. The preservation of periosteum, or the use of periosteal grafts, can significantly improve the integration of bone graft, speeding up the process of bone reconstruction. However, in most cases, periosteum cannot be preserved with bioactivity. Thus, it is pivotal to develop artificial periosteum. In this study, artificial periosteum of PLGA/MgO/Quercetin was prepared by electrospinning. PLGA/MgO/Quercetin membranes were shown to have a highly porous surface and microstructure, as observed by scanning electron microscopy. Along with excellent biocompatibility, PLGA/MgO/Quercetin membranes promoted cell proliferation and migration, as well as osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs (Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells) in a dose-dependent manner through the activation of Wnt/β-Catenin pathway. The PLGA/MgO/Quercetin membranes, with an appropriate concentration of quercetin (<1 wt%), promoted EPCs (Endothelial progenitor cells) angiogenesis. In a subcutaneous implantation model and rat skull defect model, optimal osteogenesis and angiogenesis function were observed for the PLGA/20 wt% MgO/0.1 wt% Quercetin membrane. In conclusion, PLGA/MgO membranes, with an appropriate concentration of quercetin, show a variety of biological activities and are promising materials for the generation of artificial periosteum.
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高影响因子
Molecular Medicine Reports
·
2023
·Vol. 28
·期 3
·1-14
·
IF 3.4
Gui-Bo Liu,Yong-Xia Cheng,Hua-Min Li,Yong Liu,Li-Xin Sun,Qi Wu,Shang-Fu Guo,Ting-Ting Li,Chuan-Ling Dong,Ge Sun
Adipose tissue‑derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) differentiate into cardiomyocytes and may be an ideal cell source for myocardial regenerative medicine. Ghrelin is a gastric‑secreted peptide hormone involved in the multilineage differentiation of MSCs. To the best of our knowledge, however, the role and potential downstream regulatory mechanism of ghrelin in cardiomyocyte differentiation of ADMSCs is still unknown. The mRNA and protein levels were measured by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blotting. Immunofluorescence staining was used to show the expression and cellular localization of cardiomyocyte markers and β‑catenin. RNA sequencing was used to explore the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that regulated by ghrelin. The present study found that ghrelin promoted cardiomyocyte differentiation of ADMSCs in a concentration‑dependent manner, as shown by increased levels of cardiomyocyte markers GATA binding protein 4, α‑myosin heavy chain (α‑MHC), ISL LIM homeobox 1, NK2 homeobox 5 and troponin T2, cardiac type. Ghrelin increased β‑catenin accumulation in nucleus and decreased the protein expression of secreted frizzled‑related protein 4 (SFRP4), an inhibitor of Wnt signaling. RNA sequencing was used to determine the DEGs regulated by ghrelin. Functional enrichment showed that DEGs were more enriched in cardiomyocyte differentiation‑associated terms and Wnt pathways. Dead‑box helicase 17 (DDX17), an upregulated DEG, showed enhanced mRNA and protein expression levels following ghrelin addition. Overexpression of DDX17 promoted protein expression of cardiac‑specific markers and β‑catenin and enhanced the fluorescence intensity of α‑MHC and β‑catenin. DDX17 upregulation inhibited protein expression of SFRP4. Rescue assay confirmed that the addition of SFRP4 partially reversed ghrelin‑enhanced protein levels of cardiac‑specific markers and the fluorescence intensity of α‑MHC. In conclusion, ghrelin promoted cardiomyocyte differentiation of ADMSCs by DDX17‑mediated regulation of the SFRP4/Wnt/β‑catenin axis.
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高影响因子
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
·
2023
·Vol. 50
·期 6
·4791-4798
·
IF 2.8
Cai Zhijun,Luo Qibiao,Yang Xi,Pu Luqiao,Zong Haiyang,Shi Rongmao,He Pengju,Xu Yongqing,Li Yang,Zhang Jianping
Background Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the initiating factor of adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS), and ADS further accelerates IVDD, creating a vicious cycle. Nevertheless, the role of the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway in ADS combined with IVDD (ADS-IVDD) remains a mystery. Accordingly, this study was proposed to investigate the effect of axial stress on the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) isolated from DS-IVDD patients. Methods Normal NPCs (N-NPC) were purchased and the NPCs of young (25–30 years; Y-NPC) and old (65–70 years; O-NPC) from ADS-IVDD patients were primary cultured. After treatment of NPC with overloaded axial pressure, CCK-8 and Annexin V-FITC kits were applied for detecting proliferation and apoptosis of N-NPC, Y-NPC and O-NPC, and western blotting was performed to assess the expression of Wnt 3a, β-Catenin, NPC markers and apoptosis markers (Bax, Bcl2 and Caspase 3). Results N-NPC, Y-NPC and O-NPC were mainly oval, polygonal and spindle-shaped with pseudopods, and the cell morphology tended to be flattened with age. N-NPC, Y-NPC and O-NPC were capable of synthesizing proteoglycans and expressing the NPC markers (Collagen II and Aggrecan). Notably, the expression of Wnt 3a, β-Catenin, Collagen II and Aggrecan was reduced in N-NPC, Y-NPC and O-NPC in that order. After overload axial stress treatment, cell viability of N-NPC and Y-NPC was significantly reduced, and the percentage of apoptosis and expression of Wnt 3a and β-Catenin were significantly increased. Conclusions Overloaded axial pressure activates the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway to suppress proliferation and facilitate apoptosis of NPC in ADS-IVDD patients.
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高影响因子
PHYTOMEDICINE
·
2024
·
IF 6.7
Yiren Yang,Pengyu Liu,Yue Jin,Huilin Zhu,Miao Wang,Xiaowen Jiang,Huiyuan Gao
Background Conventional chemotherapy medications are inadequate for managing the primary or acquired drug resistance, high toxicity, and adverse effects of colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment. Ursolic acid (UA) and Solasodine (Sol) are natural compounds found in a wide variety of traditional medicinal plants, as well as in many fruits and vegetables, such as Actinidia arguta (Sieb. & Zucc) Planch and Solanum nigrum L.. These compounds exhibit significant anti-tumor activity. Recent investigations have demonstrated that a combination strategy using natural products exhibits greater potential in CRC treatment compared to a single-drug strategy. Purpose This study aimed to elucidate the potential of UA-Sol synergy against CRC and to investigate the mechanism of action involved in inducing apoptosis and inhibiting metastasis through the AKT1/ERK1/2-GSK-3 β - β -catenin axis. Methods The optimal ratio of UA-Sol and its synergistic effects were explored using an MTT assay combined with the technique of Chou Talalay. The effects of UA-Sol on the apoptosis, autophagy, and metastasis of CRC cells were assessed using Annexin V-FITC/PI, TUNEL, Immunofluorescence, Wound healing, Transwell migration, and western blotting. The core mechanism of action of UA-Sol against CRC was investigated employing network pharmacology prediction combined with CETSA and plasmid transfection. Finally, in vivo validation was conducted using mouse xenograft tumor and lung metastasis models. Results The combination of UA and Sol synergistically inhibited CRC cell viability at a molar ratio of 6:24. UA-Sol induced the expression of pro-apoptotic and autophagy genes such as Bax/Bcl-2 and LC3, ultimately leading to apoptosis and autophagy in CRC cells in vitro . In addition, this combination inhibited MMP-9 and promoted the expression of the adhesion protein E-cadherin, thereby inhibiting CRC cell metastasis. Mechanistically, UA-Sol regulated the expression of a downstream protein GSK-3 β by targeting AKT1 and ERK1/2 inhibition. This induced a cross-talk between the MAPK cascade pathway and the PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby inhibiting the nuclear translocation of β -catenin and participating in the regulation of CRC cell processes. Conclusion UA-Sol inhibited the AKT1/ERK1/2-GSK-3 β - β -catenin axis to induce apoptosis, autophagy and anti-metastasis by targeting AKT1 and ERK1/2 inhibition. This dual-target drug combination strategy provides promising insights into the development of novel, safe, and efficient drugs for the treatment of CRC.
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FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
·
2017
·
IF 3.778
Xiayun Yang,Shusheng Tang,Chongshan Dai,Daowen Li,Shen Zhang,Sijun Deng,Yan Zhou,Xilong Xiao
Quinocetone (QCT) has been used as an animal feed additive in China since 2003. However, investigations indicate that QCT has potential toxicity due to the fact that it shows cytotoxicity, genotoxicity , hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and immunotoxicity in vitro and animal models. Although QCT-induced mitochondrial apoptosis has been established, the molecular mechanism remains unclear. This study was aimed to investigate the role of voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) oligomerization and Wnt/β-catenin pathway in QCT-induced mitochondrial apoptosis. The results showed VDAC inhibitor 4, 4-diisothiocyano stilbene-2, 2-disulfonic acid (DIDS) partly compromised QCT-induced cell viability decrease (from 34.1% to 68.5%) and mitochondrial apoptosis accompanied by abating VDAC1 oligomerization, cytochrome c (Cyt c ) release and the expression levels of cleaved caspase-9, -3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Meanwhile, overexpression VDAC1 exacerbated QCT-induced VDAC1 oligomerization and Cyt c release. In addition, lithium chloride (LiCl), an activator of Wnt/β-catenin pathway, markedly attenuated QCT-induced mitochondrial apoptosis by partly restoring the expression levels of Wnt1 and β-catenin. Finally, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger N -acetyl- l -cysteine (NAC) obviously blocked QCT-induced VDAC1 oligomerization and the inhibition of Wnt1/β-catenin pathway. Taken together, our results reveal that QCT induces mitochondrial apoptosis by ROS-dependent promotion of VDAC1 oligomerization and suppression of Wnt1/β-catenin pathway.
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高影响因子
JOURNAL OF NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
·
2024
·Vol. 22
·期 1
·1-16
·
IF 10.6
Wang Liming,Chen Jun,Song Jia,Xiang Yingyue,Yang Mengmeng,Xia Longqing,Yang Jingwen,Hou Xinguo,Chen Li,Wang Lingshu
Background The use of stem cell-derived exosomes (Exos) as therapeutic vehicles is receiving increasing attention. Exosome administration has several advantages over cell transplantation, thus making exosomes promising candidates for large-scale clinical implementation and commercialization. However, exosome extraction and purification efficiencies are relatively low, and therapeutic heterogeneity is high due to differences in culture conditions and cell viability. Therefore, in this study, we investigated a priming procedure to enhance the production and therapeutic effects of exosomes from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSCs). After preconditioning hucMSCs with agonists/inhibitors that target the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, we assessed both the production of exosomes and the therapeutic efficacy of the optimized exosomes in the context of diabetic wound healing, hoping to provide a safer, more stable and more effective option for clinical application. Results The Wnt signalling pathway agonist CHIR99021 increased exosome production by 1.5-fold without causing obvious changes in the characteristics of the hucMSCs or the size of the exosome particles. Further studies showed that CHIR99021 promoted the production of exosomes by facilitating exocytosis. This process was partly mediated by SNAP25. To further explore whether CHIR99021 changed the cargo that was loaded into the exosomes and its therapeutic effects, we performed proteomic and transcriptomic analyses of exosomes from primed and control hucMSCs. The results showed that CHIR99021 significantly upregulated the expression of proteins that are associated with cell migration and wound healing. Animal experiments confirmed that, compared to control hucMSC-derived exosomes, CHIR99021-pretreated hucMSC-derived exosomes (CHIR-Exos) significantly accelerated wound healing in diabetic mice, enhanced local collagen deposition, promoted angiogenesis, and reduced chronic inflammation. Subsequent in vitro experiments confirmed that the CHIR-Exos promoted wound healing by facilitating cell migration, inhibiting oxidative stress-induced apoptosis, and preventing cell cycle arrest. Conclusions The Wnt agonist CHIR99021 significantly increased exosome secretion by hucMSCs, which was partly mediated by SNAP25. Notably, CHIR99021 treatment also significantly increased the exosomal levels of proteins that are associated with wound healing and cell migration, resulting in enhanced acceleration of wound healing. All of these results suggested that pretreatment of hucMSCs with CHIR99021 not only promoted exosome production but also improved the exosome therapeutic efficacy, thus providing a promising option for large-scale clinical implementation and commercialization. Graphical Abstract
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Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials
·
2019
·
IF 3.485
Tao Feng,Junjie Niu,Bin Pi,Yingjie Lu,Jinning Wang,Wen Zhang,Bin Li,Huilin Yang,Xuesong Zhu
High brittleness and lack osteogenesis are two major limitations of calcium phosphate cement (CPC) in application in bone defect reconstruction. Here we prepared a composite calcium phosphate cement by mixing N-acetyl cysteine loaded silk fibroin solution with α-tricalcium phosphate. In vitro cytology experiment revealed that SF-NAC/α-TCP could significantly increase the activity of exocrine ALP and up-regulated expression of bone-related genes. However, NAC up-regulated gene expression could be significantly suppressed by DKK1. We propose that NAC functioning as osteogenic factor by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway may be the possible mechanism of up-regulation of osteogenic genes. Bone regeneration in vivo shown in a rat femur defect was enhanced by the addition of NAC in SF/α-TCP. In addition, the combination intensity of cement-bone interface was improved. The combination SF-NAC/α-TCP might be developed into a promising tool for bone tissue repair in the clinic.
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Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
·
2022
·
IF 7.31
Chao Sun,Lei Wang,Dan-dan Du,Jian-bo Ji,Xiao-xia Yang,Bing-fang Yu,Peng-fei Shang,Xiu-Li Guo
Downregulated DSC2 involved in the metastasis of cancers. Unfortunately, its role on the development of gastric cancer (GC) and the potential mechanisms remain unclear. Bioinformatics analysis, Western blot, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry were performed to detect the DSC2 levels of human GC and normal stomach tissues. The role of DSC2 and the downstream signaling in gastric carcinogenesis were explored by using GC specimens, GC cells with different DSC2 expression, inhibitors, and mouse metastasis models. We found that the level of DSC2 decreased significantly in GC tissues and cells. Recovered DSC2 inhibited the invasion and migration of GC cells both in culture and in xenografts. Mechanistically, DSC2 could not only decrease Snail level and nuclear BRD4 level by forming DSC2/BRD4, but also inhibit nuclear translocation of β-catenin. We concluded that DSC2 inhibited the metastasis of GC, and the underlying mechanisms were closely related to the regulation on nuclear translocation of BRD4 and β-catenin. Our results suggest that DSC2 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for GC.
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高影响因子
Journal of Translational Medicine
·
2025
·Vol. 23
·期 1
·1-18
·
IF 7.5
Dong Rui,Li Meihui,Gu Xiu Feng,Gao Haiting,Wei Ziyi,Qi Houbao,Zhang Jun,Feng Qiang
Background Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that significantly impacts periodontal bone regeneration, yet the distinct biological features of osteoblasts in this condition remain poorly understood. This study aims to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying osteoblast dysfunction in periodontitis, with a focus on the role of Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) and its effector protein, D-galactose-binding periplasmic protein (Gbp).MethodSingle-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from human gingival tissues of periodontitis patients (PD) and healthy controls (HC) were analyzed to identify cellular heterogeneity and molecular pathways. An experimental periodontitis model in mice and primary osteoblast cultures were used to investigate the effects of Fn and Gbp on osteogenic differentiation. Transcriptomic analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were employed to explore the underlying mechanisms.Results scRNA-seq revealed a reduction in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and osteoblastic lineage cells in PD tissues, with significant downregulation of osteogenic pathways such as Wnt signaling. Fn infection induced alveolar bone destruction in vivo and inhibited osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization in vitro. Gbp, an Fn adhesin, similarly impaired osteogenic differentiation by downregulating key osteogenic genes and pathways. Transcriptomic analysis identified shared inflammatory and osteogenic pathways affected by Fn and Gbp, with NF-κB signaling activated and Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibited. Mechanistically, Gbp interacted with the host protein ANXA2, disrupting the ANXA2/GSK3β complex and inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling, a pivotal route for osteoblast differentiation. ANXA2 knockdown mitigated the Fn/Gbp-induced suppression of osteogenic activity, emphasizing its role in Fn-induced bone loss.Conclusion This study demonstrates that Fn and its effector Gbp disrupt osteogenic differentiation by inactivating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway binding to ANXA2.
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CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics
·
2025
·Vol. 31
·期 5
·e70437
·
IF 5
Hai‐Qian Zhang,Yan Wang,Xiao Geng,Mingxin Dong,Ziwei Liu,Chengbiao Sun,Kaikai Yu,Wenwen Xin,Ye Xu,Na Xu,Wensen Liu
ANG‐modified liposomes encapsulating α‐melittin and resveratrol increase their blood–brain barrier penetration and GB cell selectivity. The combined treatment of α‐melittin with resveratrol markedly facilitates apoptosis and pyroptosis, and promotes the apoptosis–pyroptosis switch in the GB cells via downregulating the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling.
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高影响因子
ARCHIV DER PHARMAZIE
·
2025
·Vol. 358
·期 3
·e2400796
·
IF 3.6
Yating Guo,Meng Cao,Zhaohui Li,Hongfei Zhou,Zhuo Chen,Qianbin Li
Hyperactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has been widely recognized as a pathogenic mechanism for colorectal cancer (CRC). Based on a previously reported lead compound, iCRT14, a series of 2,4-thiazolidinedione derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated in vitro for their antiproliferative activity against colon cancer cells. Compound 15k exhibited the most potent activity against the HCT116 and SW480 cell lines. Compound 15k inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling by disrupting the protein–protein interactions between β-catenin and TCF4. Compound 15k simultaneously inhibited tubulin polymerization, disorganized the microtubule network, and arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase, offering an additional mechanism of action and 15k induced cell apoptosis by activating caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Additionally, compound 15k inhibited cell migration without affecting the levels of β-catenin protein. These results offer guidance for developing the current series as potential new anticancer therapeutics.
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高影响因子
LABORATORY INVESTIGATION
·
2023
·
IF 5
Ying Li,Yu Wang,Qinguang Zou,Shouqing Li,Fan Zhang
The transcription factor Krüppel-like factor (KLF) 3 is one of the members of the KLF family, which plays an important role in tumor progression. Nevertheless, the role of KLF3 in the growth and metastasis of gastric cancer (GC) still needs to be elucidated. Bioinformatics analysis showed that KLF3 was overexpressed in patients with GC, and the high expression of KLF3 was correlated with poor survival. KLF3 was also overexpressed in GC clinical samples and cell lines. In vitro functional role of KLF3 in GC cells was explored by a gain-of-function and loss-of-function assay. Overexpressed KLF3 promoted the cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of GC cells, whereas suppressed KLF3 inhibited these biological behaviors. The clinical samples and bioinformatics analysis showed that WNT1 was also highly expressed in GC tumor tissues and positively correlated with KLF3 expression. The luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation result confirmed that KLF3 could directly bind to the WNT1 promoter to increase the transcriptional activity of WNT1, thus regulating its expression. Overexpressed KLF3 enhanced the protein expression level of p-GSK3β(Ser9) and β-catenin, the key elements in the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway. Repression of KLF3 decreased the level of p-GSK3β(Ser9) and β-catenin. Immunofluorescence images showed that KLF3 promoted nuclear β-catenin accumulation. Inhibition of WNT1 attenuated the proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of KLF3-overexpressing GC cells. Moreover, the xenograft mouse model confirmed that KLF3 promotes GC tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Our results demonstrated that KLF3 activates the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway via WNT1 to promote GC tumor growth and metastasis, indicating that repression of KLF3 may act as a potential therapeutic target for patients with GC.
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