Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2026.113365
Koffi Vincent Messanh, Mohammad Muhie Ddine, Veronica Ambrosini, Catherine Riou
Botrytis cinerea (B. cinerea) is a fungus with a high mutation rate and infects more than 200 plant species, causing significant yield losses. Therefore, new strategies to fight against this ubiquitous phytopathogen are highly sought after. In this context, antimicrobial Photodynamic Treatment (aPDT) using the natural chlorophyllin named E140 as a photosensitizer is considered to be a good and efficient approach to limit B. cinerea growth and its spore germination and viability while limiting its mutational power. In this study, we showed that E140 tested at 100 μM under a 16 h photoperiod significantly slowed down B. cinerea mycelium growth without affecting spore germination. Moreover, as E140 was localized in the hyphal cell wall structure, this could explain the reduced septal length and width under a 16 h photoperiod, leading to a global reduction in mycelial growth. Unexpectedly, E140 was shown to reduce the expression of two virulence genes (BcBac and BcBcg3) and, on detached grapevine leaves, to increase the expression of general defense genes such as PR1, PR3, and PR4. Stilbene synthase (STS) and heat shock hypersensitive response (HSR1). Furthermore, as we also showed in this study, E140 did not alter the development of grapevine plantlets and had no toxic effect on housefly maggots. Thus, water-soluble standalone E140 could be considered as a fungistatic molecule that is also able to alter Botrytis virulence and induce plant protection, suggesting a great new potential of E140 for further applications in viticulture and agriculture.
灰霉病菌(Botrytis cinerea, B. cinerea)是一种突变率高的真菌,侵染200多种植物,造成严重的产量损失。因此,对抗这种无处不在的植物病原体的新策略备受追捧。在这种情况下,利用天然叶绿素E140作为光敏剂进行抗菌光动力处理(aPDT)被认为是一种良好而有效的方法,可以限制灰绿杆菌的生长、孢子萌发和活力,同时限制其突变能力。在本研究中,我们发现E140在100 μM条件下,在16 h的光周期下显著减缓了灰葡萄球菌菌丝的生长,但不影响孢子的萌发。此外,由于E140定位于菌丝细胞壁结构,这可以解释在16 h光周期下,菌丝间隔长度和宽度减小,导致菌丝生长整体减少。出乎意料的是,E140降低了两个毒力基因(BcBac和BcBcg3)的表达,并且在离体葡萄叶片上,增加了一般防御基因(如PR1、PR3和PR4)的表达。二苯乙烯合成酶(STS)与热休克超敏反应(HSR1)。此外,正如我们在本研究中所表明的那样,E140不会改变葡萄藤植株的发育,对家蝇蛆也没有毒性作用。因此,水溶性E140可以被认为是一种能够改变葡萄孢毒力和诱导植物保护的抑菌分子,这表明E140在葡萄栽培和农业中的进一步应用具有巨大的新潜力。
{"title":"Bi-functional activity of chlorophyllin: Antifungal action against Botrytis cinerea and induction of grapevine defense genes","authors":"Koffi Vincent Messanh, Mohammad Muhie Ddine, Veronica Ambrosini, Catherine Riou","doi":"10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2026.113365","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2026.113365","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Botrytis cinerea (B. cinerea)</em> is a fungus with a high mutation rate and infects more than 200 plant species, causing significant yield losses. Therefore, new strategies to fight against this ubiquitous phytopathogen are highly sought after. In this context, antimicrobial Photodynamic Treatment (aPDT) using the natural chlorophyllin named E140 as a photosensitizer is considered to be a good and efficient approach to limit <em>B. cinerea</em> growth and its spore germination and viability while limiting its mutational power. In this study, we showed that E140 tested at 100 μM under a 16 h photoperiod significantly slowed down <em>B. cinerea</em> mycelium growth without affecting spore germination. Moreover, as E140 was localized in the hyphal cell wall structure, this could explain the reduced septal length and width under a 16 h photoperiod, leading to a global reduction in mycelial growth. Unexpectedly, E140 was shown to reduce the expression of two virulence genes (<em>BcBac</em> and <em>BcBcg</em>3) and, on detached grapevine leaves, to increase the expression of general defense genes such as <em>PR1</em>, <em>PR3,</em> and <em>PR4.</em> Stilbene synthase (<em>STS</em>) and heat shock hypersensitive response (<em>HSR1)</em>. Furthermore, as we also showed in this study, E140 did not alter the development of grapevine plantlets and had no toxic effect on housefly maggots. Thus, water-soluble standalone E140 could be considered as a fungistatic molecule that is also able to alter Botrytis virulence and induce plant protection, suggesting a great new potential of E140 for further applications in viticulture and agriculture.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology","volume":"275 ","pages":"Article 113365"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145929215","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2026.113368
Andrey V. Belashov , Anna A. Zhikhoreva , Zhenlong Huang , Fangrui Lin , Irina V. Semenova , Oleg S. Vasyutinskii , Junle Qu
The paper presents time-resolved fluorescence analysis of methylene blue (MB) in solutions and in living cells in vitro. The analysis of MB fluorescence lifetime in solutions of different pH, viscosity and polarity revealed its independence on acidity and viscosity and linear rise with decreasing polarity. Moreover, MB binding to albumin and DNA did not affect its fluorescence lifetime. The obtained dependence of MB fluorescence lifetime on the Lippert-Mataga polarity parameter enabled analysis of polarity distributions in living cells. Fluorescence-lifetime images of MB fluorescence in cancerous HeLa and pseudo-normal bEnd.3 cells provided clear double-exponential signals, which were suggested to be due to diversity of polarity in different cell compartments. The longer fluorescence lifetime and its contribution were shown to differ in cells of different lines, that allowed us to suggest that polarity of low-polar structures and their amount differ in cells of these lines. In cells of both lines the fluorescence lifetimes in nuclei were shorter than those in cytoplasm. The combined analysis of fluorescence lifetimes and phasor plot coordinates allowed for segmentation of the intracellular area to regions of different polarity corresponding to nuclei and cytoplasm with the accuracy of about 90%, and to reveal differences in cells of the two lines.
{"title":"Time-resolved fluorescence imaging of methylene blue reveals heterogeneous polarity in living cells","authors":"Andrey V. Belashov , Anna A. Zhikhoreva , Zhenlong Huang , Fangrui Lin , Irina V. Semenova , Oleg S. Vasyutinskii , Junle Qu","doi":"10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2026.113368","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2026.113368","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The paper presents time-resolved fluorescence analysis of methylene blue (MB) in solutions and in living cells in vitro. The analysis of MB fluorescence lifetime in solutions of different pH, viscosity and polarity revealed its independence on acidity and viscosity and linear rise with decreasing polarity. Moreover, MB binding to albumin and DNA did not affect its fluorescence lifetime. The obtained dependence of MB fluorescence lifetime on the Lippert-Mataga polarity parameter enabled analysis of polarity distributions in living cells. Fluorescence-lifetime images of MB fluorescence in cancerous HeLa and pseudo-normal bEnd.3 cells provided clear double-exponential signals, which were suggested to be due to diversity of polarity in different cell compartments. The longer fluorescence lifetime and its contribution were shown to differ in cells of different lines, that allowed us to suggest that polarity of low-polar structures and their amount differ in cells of these lines. In cells of both lines the fluorescence lifetimes in nuclei were shorter than those in cytoplasm. The combined analysis of fluorescence lifetimes and phasor plot coordinates allowed for segmentation of the intracellular area to regions of different polarity corresponding to nuclei and cytoplasm with the accuracy of about 90%, and to reveal differences in cells of the two lines.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology","volume":"275 ","pages":"Article 113368"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145979333","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2026-01-03DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2025.113352
Jiaqi Zhang , Xueli Jia , Qitian Fu , Xiaofeng Bai , Jun Wang , Yi Qin , Jie Yang , Fengwei Qi , Yao Pan
Background
Skin aging arises from both intrinsic processes and extrinsic factors, with ultraviolet (UV) radiation being the primary extrinsic cause of photoaging. However, the molecular mechanisms that differentiate these processes across the human lifespan remain incompletely characterized.
Objective
This study aimed to comprehensively compare the dynamic transcriptomic profiles of photoaged (neck, high UV exposure) and intrinsically aged (chest, low UV exposure) skin across three age groups (young, middle-aged, elderly), and to integrate these findings with biophysical skin measurements.
Methods
We performed transcriptomic analysis on skin biopsies from the neck and chest of 30 healthy female volunteers (n = 10 per age group). This was followed by differential gene expression, Gene Ontology (GO), and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. The molecular findings were then correlated with an extensive panel of biophysical skin parameters assessing barrier function, elasticity, pigmentation, and microstructure.
Results
Photoaged neck skin exhibited accelerated age-dependent transcriptomic dysregulation, marked by enrichment in pathways related to DNA damage response (e.g., CHEK1), stress signaling (e.g., MAPK/STK3), metabolic reprogramming (e.g., AMPK/PPARG), and oncogenic transformation (e.g., WNT10B). A persistent pseudo-inflammatory state, mirrored by herpes simplex virus 1 infection pathway enrichment, was also observed. Notably, sirtuin expression (SIRT1, SIRT5) was severely depleted in photoaged skin, with SIRT1 specifically linked to attenuated AMPK signaling in middle age. In contrast, intrinsic aging in chest skin involved a more gradual decline in homeostatic processes like metabolism and immune vigilance. Comparative analysis further revealed UV-specific disruption in gap junction assembly and cytoskeletal organization, and in elderly skin, activation of pathways associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, canonical correlation analysis (CCA) confirmed strong links between key gene expression patterns (e.g., FGFBP1 with erythema, CHEK1 with age) and clinical skin aging phenotypes.
Conclusion
Our study provides a high-resolution molecular map of human skin aging, demonstrating that UV radiation does not merely accelerate but fundamentally rewires the aging network, driving pathways distinct from intrinsic aging. Key identified drivers include sirtuin depletion, aberrant stress signaling, and a chronic pseudo-inflammatory response, offering novel targets for anti-photoaging interventions.
{"title":"Ultraviolet radiation reshapes the transcriptomic landscape of human skin aging: Insights from a multi-age comparative study","authors":"Jiaqi Zhang , Xueli Jia , Qitian Fu , Xiaofeng Bai , Jun Wang , Yi Qin , Jie Yang , Fengwei Qi , Yao Pan","doi":"10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2025.113352","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2025.113352","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Skin aging arises from both intrinsic processes and extrinsic factors, with ultraviolet (UV) radiation being the primary extrinsic cause of photoaging. However, the molecular mechanisms that differentiate these processes across the human lifespan remain incompletely characterized.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to comprehensively compare the dynamic transcriptomic profiles of photoaged (neck, high UV exposure) and intrinsically aged (chest, low UV exposure) skin across three age groups (young, middle-aged, elderly), and to integrate these findings with biophysical skin measurements.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We performed transcriptomic analysis on skin biopsies from the neck and chest of 30 healthy female volunteers (<em>n</em> = 10 per age group). This was followed by differential gene expression, Gene Ontology (GO), and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. The molecular findings were then correlated with an extensive panel of biophysical skin parameters assessing barrier function, elasticity, pigmentation, and microstructure.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Photoaged neck skin exhibited accelerated age-dependent transcriptomic dysregulation, marked by enrichment in pathways related to DNA damage response (e.g., CHEK1), stress signaling (e.g., MAPK/STK3), metabolic reprogramming (e.g., AMPK/PPARG), and oncogenic transformation (e.g., WNT10B). A persistent pseudo-inflammatory state, mirrored by herpes simplex virus 1 infection pathway enrichment, was also observed. Notably, sirtuin expression (SIRT1, SIRT5) was severely depleted in photoaged skin, with SIRT1 specifically linked to attenuated AMPK signaling in middle age. In contrast, intrinsic aging in chest skin involved a more gradual decline in homeostatic processes like metabolism and immune vigilance. Comparative analysis further revealed UV-specific disruption in gap junction assembly and cytoskeletal organization, and in elderly skin, activation of pathways associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, canonical correlation analysis (CCA) confirmed strong links between key gene expression patterns (e.g., FGFBP1 with erythema, CHEK1 with age) and clinical skin aging phenotypes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our study provides a high-resolution molecular map of human skin aging, demonstrating that UV radiation does not merely accelerate but fundamentally rewires the aging network, driving pathways distinct from intrinsic aging. Key identified drivers include sirtuin depletion, aberrant stress signaling, and a chronic pseudo-inflammatory response, offering novel targets for anti-photoaging interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology","volume":"275 ","pages":"Article 113352"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145897903","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-12-22DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2025.113347
Ruining Liu , Shuang Ge , Jinyuan Sun , Yi Liu , Liping Sun , Yang Yu , Deqing Wang
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains challenging due to drug resistance and relapse, and novel therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. Here, we demonstrated that ultraviolet-treated riboflavin (RF-UV) elicited strong antileukemia effects in AML cell lines and primary patient samples, while showing minimal toxicity in normal cells. Mechanistically, inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory Complex I by RF-UV elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and resulted in ROS-mediated apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Crucially, in vivo research showed RF-UV considerably slowed the development of AML and extended the survival time of mice. Our research unveiled the clinical application potential of RF-UV as a complex I inhibitor in leukemia treatment.
{"title":"Ultraviolet-treated riboflavin induces ROS-mediated apoptosis via inhibiting mitochondrial complex I in acute myeloid leukemia","authors":"Ruining Liu , Shuang Ge , Jinyuan Sun , Yi Liu , Liping Sun , Yang Yu , Deqing Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2025.113347","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2025.113347","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains challenging due to drug resistance and relapse, and novel therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. Here, we demonstrated that ultraviolet-treated riboflavin (RF-UV) elicited strong antileukemia effects in AML cell lines and primary patient samples, while showing minimal toxicity in normal cells. Mechanistically, inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory Complex I by RF-UV elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and resulted in ROS-mediated apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Crucially, in vivo research showed RF-UV considerably slowed the development of AML and extended the survival time of mice. Our research unveiled the clinical application potential of RF-UV as a complex I inhibitor in leukemia treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology","volume":"274 ","pages":"Article 113347"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145827953","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-12-11DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2025.113339
Xiang-Yi Zhao , Min Yan , Liang Zheng , Chang-Long Gou , Qi Huang , Liu-Gen Li , Xin-Ran Yu , Jing-Yu Lu , Cui Hu , Si-Han Zhang , Cunqing Kong , Fan Leng , Tong-Fei Li
The regulation of mitochondrial membrane proteins is of crucial significance for breast cancer therapy. TOM70, which located in mitochondria outer membrane, could import MIC family molecules to preserve mitochondrial homeostasis. However, there are few agents targeting TOM70. Therein, the effects of curcumin and it's mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) on the TOM70 and mitochondrial function for breast cancer treatment were investigated. The 4 T1 and MDA-MB-231 cells were utilized as the breast cancer cells. The 4 T1 cell-bearing mice were constructed as the breast cancer animal model. The anti-cancer efficacy was validated using the CCK-8, Annexin-V/PI staining, colony formation. The associated molecules were detected by Western blots (WB), RT-qPCR, and Immunohistochemistry (IHC). The target was verified by molecular docking, CETSA, and DARTS. The mitochondrial proteins and DNA were extracted for the MIC60 and mtDNA damage detection. Curcumin treatment showed poor efficacy in the breast cancer model, as characterized by cell viability, apoptosis, proliferation of breast cancer cells, and the growth of tumor grafts in mice. However, curcumin-mediated PDT inhibited breast cancer in vitro and in vivo. Further exploration identified curcumin bond to TOM70, which is highly expressed in breast cancer, thereby activating it. But curcumin-induced PDT inactivated TOM70 through generated reactive oxygen species (ROS), which in turn interfered with the binding of MIC60 and its translocation into mitochondria. Curcumin-triggered PDT led to severe mitochondrial damage compared with the curcumin treatment, which could be blocked by the N-Acetylcysteine (NAC). Additional TOM70 rescue dampened curcumin PDT-mediated mitochondrial damage and anti-breast cancer efficacy. To summarize, the present research identifies curcumin-induced PDT inactivated TOM70, thereby attenuating MIC60 import, leading to mitochondrial damage against breast cancer. We propose a novel approach to tumor treatment through the regulation of mitochondrial membrane proteins using the phytomedicine-driven PDT.
线粒体膜蛋白的调控对乳腺癌的治疗具有重要意义。TOM70位于线粒体外膜,可导入MIC家族分子维持线粒体稳态。然而,很少有靶向TOM70的药物。本文研究了姜黄素及其介导的光动力疗法(PDT)对乳腺癌TOM70和线粒体功能的影响。4个T1细胞和MDA-MB-231细胞作为乳腺癌细胞。构建4只T1细胞小鼠作为乳腺癌动物模型。通过CCK-8、Annexin-V/PI染色、菌落形成验证其抗癌效果。Western blots (WB)、RT-qPCR和免疫组化(IHC)检测相关分子。通过分子对接、CETSA、dart等方法对该靶点进行了验证。提取线粒体蛋白和DNA进行MIC60和mtDNA损伤检测。姜黄素治疗在乳腺癌模型中效果不佳,表现为细胞活力、凋亡、乳腺癌细胞增殖和小鼠肿瘤移植物生长。然而,姜黄素介导的PDT在体外和体内均能抑制乳腺癌。进一步探索发现姜黄素与TOM70结合,TOM70在乳腺癌中高度表达,从而激活TOM70。但姜黄素诱导的PDT通过产生活性氧(ROS)使TOM70失活,进而干扰MIC60的结合及其转运到线粒体。与姜黄素治疗相比,姜黄素引发的PDT导致严重的线粒体损伤,这可以被n-乙酰半胱氨酸(NAC)阻断。额外的TOM70救援抑制姜黄素pdt介导的线粒体损伤和抗乳腺癌疗效。综上所述,本研究发现姜黄素诱导的PDT灭活TOM70,从而减弱MIC60的输入,导致乳腺癌的线粒体损伤。我们提出了一种通过使用植物药驱动的PDT调节线粒体膜蛋白来治疗肿瘤的新方法。
{"title":"Curcumin-mediated photodynamic action disturbs TOM70-depedent MIC60 import to damage mitonchondria against breast cancer","authors":"Xiang-Yi Zhao , Min Yan , Liang Zheng , Chang-Long Gou , Qi Huang , Liu-Gen Li , Xin-Ran Yu , Jing-Yu Lu , Cui Hu , Si-Han Zhang , Cunqing Kong , Fan Leng , Tong-Fei Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2025.113339","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2025.113339","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The regulation of mitochondrial membrane proteins is of crucial significance for breast cancer therapy. TOM70, which located in mitochondria outer membrane, could import MIC family molecules to preserve mitochondrial homeostasis. However, there are few agents targeting TOM70. Therein, the effects of curcumin and it's mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) on the TOM70 and mitochondrial function for breast cancer treatment were investigated. The 4 T1 and MDA-MB-231 cells were utilized as the breast cancer cells. The 4 T1 cell-bearing mice were constructed as the breast cancer animal model. The anti-cancer efficacy was validated using the CCK-8, Annexin-V/PI staining, colony formation. The associated molecules were detected by Western blots (WB), RT-qPCR, and Immunohistochemistry (IHC). The target was verified by molecular docking, CETSA, and DARTS. The mitochondrial proteins and DNA were extracted for the MIC60 and mtDNA damage detection. Curcumin treatment showed poor efficacy in the breast cancer model, as characterized by cell viability, apoptosis, proliferation of breast cancer cells, and the growth of tumor grafts in mice. However, curcumin-mediated PDT inhibited breast cancer in vitro and in vivo. Further exploration identified curcumin bond to TOM70, which is highly expressed in breast cancer, thereby activating it. But curcumin-induced PDT inactivated TOM70 through generated reactive oxygen species (ROS), which in turn interfered with the binding of MIC60 and its translocation into mitochondria. Curcumin-triggered PDT led to severe mitochondrial damage compared with the curcumin treatment, which could be blocked by the N-Acetylcysteine (NAC). Additional TOM70 rescue dampened curcumin PDT-mediated mitochondrial damage and anti-breast cancer efficacy. To summarize, the present research identifies curcumin-induced PDT inactivated TOM70, thereby attenuating MIC60 import, leading to mitochondrial damage against breast cancer. We propose a novel approach to tumor treatment through the regulation of mitochondrial membrane proteins using the phytomedicine-driven PDT.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology","volume":"274 ","pages":"Article 113339"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145794102","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-11-30DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2025.113329
Shu Zhou , Yujie Ouyang , Yibo Hu , Xixia Dai , Ling Jiang , Chuhan Fu , Yaqing Wen , Jiangfeng Huang , Keyi Zhang , Jing Chen , Qinghai Zeng
Background
Abnormal melanogenesis is a fundamental biological process underlying pigmentary disorders. While several solute carrier (SLC) transporters have been implicated in its regulation, the functions of many SLCs members remain poorly characterized.
Methods
We delineated transcriptional features of melanocytes with high melanogenic activity using single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing. Key SLC genes associated with melanogenesis were identified and prioritized using machine learning and Mendelian randomization analyses, followed by in vitro functional validation.
Results
Integrated multi-omics analysis identified SLC6A15 as a potential regulator of melanogenesis. SLC6A15 knockdown in MNT1 cells and primary melanocytes reduced melanin synthesis and downregulated key melanogenesis-related genes (e.g., MITF, TYR, DCT). Fontana–Masson staining and tyrosinase activity assays confirmed a marked decrease in melanin deposition and TYR activity in SLC6A15-depleted cells. UVB exposure upregulated SLC6A15, whereas SLC6A15 silencing abrogated the UVB-induced increase in pigmentation. Mechanistically, SLC6A15 knockdown reduced intracellular phenylalanine levels, indicating a role for SLC6A15-mediated phenylalanine transport in melanogenesis. Mendelian randomization further suggested that genetically higher phenylalanine levels are associated with an increased risk of melasma (OR = 6.02).
Conclusions
Our findings identify SLC6A15 as a potential key regulator of melanogenesis through the transport of phenylalanine.
{"title":"UVB enhances SLC6A15-mediated phenylalanine transport to promote melanogenesis","authors":"Shu Zhou , Yujie Ouyang , Yibo Hu , Xixia Dai , Ling Jiang , Chuhan Fu , Yaqing Wen , Jiangfeng Huang , Keyi Zhang , Jing Chen , Qinghai Zeng","doi":"10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2025.113329","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2025.113329","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Abnormal melanogenesis is a fundamental biological process underlying pigmentary disorders. While several solute carrier (SLC) transporters have been implicated in its regulation, the functions of many SLCs members remain poorly characterized.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We delineated transcriptional features of melanocytes with high melanogenic activity using single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing. Key SLC genes associated with melanogenesis were identified and prioritized using machine learning and Mendelian randomization analyses, followed by in vitro functional validation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Integrated multi-omics analysis identified SLC6A15 as a potential regulator of melanogenesis. SLC6A15 knockdown in MNT1 cells and primary melanocytes reduced melanin synthesis and downregulated key melanogenesis-related genes (e.g., MITF, TYR, DCT). Fontana–Masson staining and tyrosinase activity assays confirmed a marked decrease in melanin deposition and TYR activity in SLC6A15-depleted cells. UVB exposure upregulated SLC6A15, whereas SLC6A15 silencing abrogated the UVB-induced increase in pigmentation. Mechanistically, SLC6A15 knockdown reduced intracellular phenylalanine levels, indicating a role for SLC6A15-mediated phenylalanine transport in melanogenesis. Mendelian randomization further suggested that genetically higher phenylalanine levels are associated with an increased risk of melasma (OR = 6.02).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Our findings identify SLC6A15 as a potential key regulator of melanogenesis through the transport of phenylalanine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology","volume":"274 ","pages":"Article 113329"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145691532","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-12-05DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2025.113334
Jihad M. El-Sayed , Sally M. Khadrawy , Hanaa M. Mohamed , Magdy Sayed Aly , Abdelwahab Khalil , Dina Sabry , Tarek Mohamed
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition characterized by joint degradation and systemic manifestations, which increase the risk of mortality and disability. This study compared the effects of bee venom (BV; subcutaneously administered at 1 mg/kg) and femtosecond laser irradiation (FSL; 830 nm wavelength, 200 mW power, 120 s exposure time, 0.8 cm2 beam area with a 0.5 cm radius, 0.25 W/cm2 power density, and 30 J/cm2 energy dose), either individually or in combination, on arthritic rats. Forty-two adult male Wistar rats were allocated into seven groups. Groups 1–3 served as the negative control, BV, and FSL groups, respectively, while group 4 functioned as the arthritic model group that received 100 μL/rat of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in the right hind paw. Groups 5–7 included arthritic rats treated with BV, FSL, or their combination, respectively. Histological examination of RA development, showing synovitis, cellular infiltration, and cartilage degeneration. Treatment with BV injections and FSL irradiation significantly reduced right hind paw edema, improved histological abnormalities, and reduced serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and rheumatoid factor (RF), alongside decreased tissue expressions of TNF-α, NF-KB, and IL-6 in the affected ankle joints. Moreover, both treatments mitigated oxidative stress, reduced DNA damage, and regulated PI3K/AKT/mTOR and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. Collectively, FSL, either alone or in combination with BV, demonstrated a superior capacity for cartilage regeneration and tissue repair. This highlights BV and FSL as a promising RA therapy, addressing underlying mechanisms beyond symptom relief.
{"title":"Femtosecond laser and bee venom as promising anti-arthritic treatments: Modulation of JAK/STAT and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways in vivo","authors":"Jihad M. El-Sayed , Sally M. Khadrawy , Hanaa M. Mohamed , Magdy Sayed Aly , Abdelwahab Khalil , Dina Sabry , Tarek Mohamed","doi":"10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2025.113334","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2025.113334","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition characterized by joint degradation and systemic manifestations, which increase the risk of mortality and disability. This study compared the effects of bee venom (BV; subcutaneously administered at 1 mg/kg) and femtosecond laser irradiation (FSL; 830 nm wavelength, 200 mW power, 120 s exposure time, 0.8 cm<sup>2</sup> beam area with a 0.5 cm radius, 0.25 W/cm<sup>2</sup> power density, and 30 J/cm<sup>2</sup> energy dose), either individually or in combination, on arthritic rats. Forty-two adult male Wistar rats were allocated into seven groups. Groups 1–3 served as the negative control, BV, and FSL groups, respectively, while group 4 functioned as the arthritic model group that received 100 μL/rat of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in the right hind paw. Groups 5–7 included arthritic rats treated with BV, FSL, or their combination, respectively. Histological examination of RA development, showing synovitis, cellular infiltration, and cartilage degeneration. Treatment with BV injections and FSL irradiation significantly reduced right hind paw edema, improved histological abnormalities, and reduced serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and rheumatoid factor (RF), alongside decreased tissue expressions of TNF-α, NF-KB, and IL-6 in the affected ankle joints. Moreover, both treatments mitigated oxidative stress, reduced DNA damage, and regulated PI3K/AKT/mTOR and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. Collectively, FSL, either alone or in combination with BV, demonstrated a superior capacity for cartilage regeneration and tissue repair. This highlights BV and FSL as a promising RA therapy, addressing underlying mechanisms beyond symptom relief.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology","volume":"274 ","pages":"Article 113334"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145691448","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-12-26DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2025.113344
Hao Yang , Lulu Chen , Yanmin Wang , Meimei Zhang , Yanru Fan , Yu Huang , Qipeng Zhao
Ectoine (2b), a derivative of diamino acids, is widely acknowledged for its solute compatibility and finds extensive application in the formulation of cleaning products and cosmetics. At present, the production of ectoine predominantly depends on costly biotechnological fermentation methods. This study explores a novel method for the chemical synthesis of ectoine and its derivatives (2a-2e), employing diamino acid derivatives as starting materials, which achieved an impressive maximum yield of 98.18 %. The biological activities of these compounds, encompassing antioxidant, skin-whitening, and UV-protective effects, were systematically assessed. The results indicate that compounds 2a and 2b demonstrate comparable skin-whitening, antioxidant, and UV-protect.
{"title":"Chemical synthesis and biological evaluation of Ectoine and its derivatives for skin-whitening, antioxidant, and UV-protective activities","authors":"Hao Yang , Lulu Chen , Yanmin Wang , Meimei Zhang , Yanru Fan , Yu Huang , Qipeng Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2025.113344","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2025.113344","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ectoine (<strong>2b</strong>), a derivative of diamino acids, is widely acknowledged for its solute compatibility and finds extensive application in the formulation of cleaning products and cosmetics. At present, the production of ectoine predominantly depends on costly biotechnological fermentation methods. This study explores a novel method for the chemical synthesis of ectoine and its derivatives (<strong>2a</strong>-<strong>2e</strong>), employing diamino acid derivatives as starting materials, which achieved an impressive maximum yield of 98.18 %. The biological activities of these compounds, encompassing antioxidant, skin-whitening, and UV-protective effects, were systematically assessed. The results indicate that compounds <strong>2a</strong> and <strong>2b</strong> demonstrate comparable skin-whitening, antioxidant, and UV-protect.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology","volume":"274 ","pages":"Article 113344"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145863214","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Vachellia gummifera (Willd.) Kyal. & Boatwr. (formerly known as Acacia gummifera) is a thorny, flowering plant endemic to Morocco. It was selected due to the limited research on its potential skin-protective properties, despite other species of the same genus being traditionally used to treat various skin ailments. In this study we annotated the phytochemical profile of its aqueous leaf extract using HPLC-MS/MS and evaluated its skin protective potential through in vitro assays, including antioxidant, anti-elastase, and anti-tyrosinase activities. Additionally, we assessed its protective potential against UVA-induced oxidative stress in immortalized human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT), along with the underlying signaling pathways. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed 48 metabolites, mainly flavonoids and their glycosides. The extract exhibited in vitro antioxidant activities with IC50 values of 30.96 ± 2.10 and 232.33 ± 8.40 μg/mL for DPPH and ABTS, respectively, and a FRAP activity of 8.42 ± 0.52 mM FeSO₄/g extract. It also demonstrated moderate anti-tyrosinase properties with an IC50 value of 369.23 ± 12.01 μg/mL. In silico analyses of most of the identified compounds did not predict any skin sensitization. Accordingly, when tested on HaCaT cells up to 400 μg/mL, the extract showed no cytotoxic effects, suggesting its biocompatibility. Cells pre-treated with the extract effectively mitigated UVA-induced cellular damage, as it significantly inhibited reactive oxygen species production and glutathione depletion, measured by DCFDA and DTNB assays, respectively. Furthermore, the extract modulated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway by inhibiting UVA-induced phosphorylation of p38. Finally, a molecular docking analyses identified citric acid, hydroxycinnamic acid pentosyl hexoside and myricetin malonyl hexoside as the enzymes exhibiting the highest binding affinity towards tyrosinase. These findings suggest that V. gummifera possesses promising antioxidant and anti-aging properties, with potential applications in skin care and photoprotection.
海葵(野生)Kyal。& Boatwr。(以前被称为金合欢gummifera)是一种摩洛哥特有的多刺开花植物。选择它是因为对其潜在的皮肤保护特性的研究有限,尽管同一属的其他物种传统上用于治疗各种皮肤疾病。在这项研究中,我们使用HPLC-MS/MS对其水叶提取物的植物化学特征进行了注释,并通过体外实验评估了其皮肤保护潜力,包括抗氧化、抗弹性酶和抗酪氨酸酶活性。此外,我们评估了其对永生化人角化细胞(HaCaT)抗uva诱导的氧化应激的保护潜力,以及潜在的信号通路。LC-MS/MS分析共发现48种代谢物,主要为黄酮类化合物及其苷类化合物。提取物对DPPH和ABTS的IC50值分别为30.96±2.10和232.33±8.40 μg/mL, FRAP活性为8.42±0.52 mM FeSO₄/g提取物。具有中等抗酪氨酸酶活性,IC50值为369.23±12.01 μg/mL。对大多数已确定的化合物的计算机分析不能预测任何皮肤致敏性。因此,当浓度达到400 μg/mL时,提取物对HaCaT细胞无细胞毒作用,表明其具有生物相容性。通过DCFDA和DTNB测定,用提取物预处理的细胞有效地减轻了uva诱导的细胞损伤,因为它显著抑制了活性氧的产生和谷胱甘肽的消耗。此外,提取物通过抑制uva诱导的p38磷酸化来调节丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(MAPK)途径。最后,通过分子对接分析,确定了柠檬酸、羟基肉桂酸戊酰基己糖和杨梅素丙二酰己糖是与酪氨酸酶结合亲和力最高的酶。这些研究结果表明,胶霉具有良好的抗氧化和抗衰老特性,在皮肤护理和光防护方面具有潜在的应用前景。
{"title":"Vachellia gummifera (Willd.) Kyal. & Boatwr. mitigates UVA-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT keratinocytes","authors":"Hassan Annaz , Paola Imbimbo , Mohamed A.O. Abdelfattah , Ismail Mahdi , Nidal Fahsi , Badreddine Drissi , Nawal Merghoub , Daria Maria Monti , Mansour Sobeh","doi":"10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2025.113341","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2025.113341","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Vachellia gummifera</em> (Willd.) Kyal. & Boatwr. (formerly known as <em>Acacia gummifera</em>) is a thorny, flowering plant endemic to Morocco. It was selected due to the limited research on its potential skin-protective properties, despite other species of the same genus being traditionally used to treat various skin ailments. In this study we annotated the phytochemical profile of its aqueous leaf extract using HPLC-MS/MS and evaluated its skin protective potential through <em>in vitro</em> assays, including antioxidant, anti-elastase, and anti-tyrosinase activities. Additionally, we assessed its protective potential against UVA-induced oxidative stress in immortalized human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT), along with the underlying signaling pathways. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed 48 metabolites, mainly flavonoids and their glycosides. The extract exhibited <em>in vitro</em> antioxidant activities with IC<sub>50</sub> values of 30.96 ± 2.10 and 232.33 ± 8.40 μg/mL for DPPH and ABTS, respectively, and a FRAP activity of 8.42 ± 0.52 mM FeSO₄/g extract. It also demonstrated moderate anti-tyrosinase properties with an IC<sub>50</sub> value of 369.23 ± 12.01 μg/mL. <em>In silico</em> analyses of most of the identified compounds did not predict any skin sensitization. Accordingly, when tested on HaCaT cells up to 400 μg/mL, the extract showed no cytotoxic effects, suggesting its biocompatibility. Cells pre-treated with the extract effectively mitigated UVA-induced cellular damage, as it significantly inhibited reactive oxygen species production and glutathione depletion, measured by DCFDA and DTNB assays, respectively. Furthermore, the extract modulated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway by inhibiting UVA-induced phosphorylation of p38. Finally, a molecular docking analyses identified citric acid, hydroxycinnamic acid pentosyl hexoside and myricetin malonyl hexoside as the enzymes exhibiting the highest binding affinity towards tyrosinase. These findings suggest that <em>V. gummifera</em> possesses promising antioxidant and anti-aging properties, with potential applications in skin care and photoprotection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology","volume":"274 ","pages":"Article 113341"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145834191","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-12-11DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2025.113330
Lee So Maeng , Jung Hwan Yoon , Bom Yee Chung , Kyung Jin Seo , Hae Kyung Lee , Moon Gyu Chung , Won Sang Park , Hiun Suk Chae
Background
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are chronic conditions influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Current treatments are costly and not universally effective. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of refined photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy by addressing limitations in light delivery and its impact on gut microbiota using a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model.
Methods
PBM therapy was administered using an 830 nm infrared LED with optimized light delivery protocols, including abdominal hair removal and a four-directional irradiation approach. DSS-induced colitis was established in mice, and therapeutic efficacy was assessed through histological analysis, transcriptomic profiling, immune marker expression, and gut microbiota diversity using 16S rRNA sequencing.
Results
PBM therapy significantly ameliorated DSS-induced colitis by reducing inflammatory cell infiltration, crypt damage, and ulceration (p < 0.05). Colon length was restored, and disease activity index scores were reduced (p < 0.001). Transcriptomic profiling revealed modulation of inflammatory pathways, including downregulation of NF-κB signaling and apoptosis-related genes. PBM decreased neutrophil activity (MPO levels) and immune cell marker expression while promoting gut microbiota richness (Chao1 index, p < 0.05). PBM-treated mice exhibited altered microbial composition with increased abundance of protective taxa such as Bacteroides.
Conclusions
Refined PBM therapy effectively alleviates DSS-induced colitis by modulating immune responses and gut microbiota composition. These findings highlight PBM as a promising non-invasive strategy for IBD management, warranting further translational studies.
{"title":"Refined photobiomodulation therapy ameliorates inflammatory bowel disease via modulation of immune pathways and gut microbiota","authors":"Lee So Maeng , Jung Hwan Yoon , Bom Yee Chung , Kyung Jin Seo , Hae Kyung Lee , Moon Gyu Chung , Won Sang Park , Hiun Suk Chae","doi":"10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2025.113330","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2025.113330","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are chronic conditions influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Current treatments are costly and not universally effective. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of refined photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy by addressing limitations in light delivery and its impact on gut microbiota using a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>PBM therapy was administered using an 830 nm infrared LED with optimized light delivery protocols, including abdominal hair removal and a four-directional irradiation approach. DSS-induced colitis was established in mice, and therapeutic efficacy was assessed through histological analysis, transcriptomic profiling, immune marker expression, and gut microbiota diversity using 16S rRNA sequencing.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>PBM therapy significantly ameliorated DSS-induced colitis by reducing inflammatory cell infiltration, crypt damage, and ulceration (<em>p</em> < 0.05). Colon length was restored, and disease activity index scores were reduced (<em>p</em> < 0.001). Transcriptomic profiling revealed modulation of inflammatory pathways, including downregulation of NF-κB signaling and apoptosis-related genes. PBM decreased neutrophil activity (MPO levels) and immune cell marker expression while promoting gut microbiota richness (Chao1 index, <em>p</em> < 0.05). PBM-treated mice exhibited altered microbial composition with increased abundance of protective taxa such as Bacteroides.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Refined PBM therapy effectively alleviates DSS-induced colitis by modulating immune responses and gut microbiota composition. These findings highlight PBM as a promising non-invasive strategy for IBD management, warranting further translational studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology","volume":"274 ","pages":"Article 113330"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145774920","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}