Pub Date : 2025-11-17DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2025.152297
Yali He , Jianxiao Xing , Junqin Li , Kaiming Zhang , Xinhua Li
Psoriasis is a chronic,immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder characterized by recurrent thick plaque. As an alarmin of inflammation, the importance of S100A8 and S100A9 have already been confirmed to be associated with the development of chronic inflammation in diseases. However, the precise mechanisms of S100A8 and S100A9 in psoriasis remain unclear. Therefore,the aim of this study was to elucidate the effects and underlying mechanisms of S100A8 and S100A9 in psoriasis. In this study, we found that both S100A8 and S100A9 were highly expressed in cells treated with M5—a cytokine mixture containing IL-1α, IL-17A, IL-22, oncostatin M, and TNF-α—as well as in a mouse model of imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis. Meanwhile, S100A8 and S100A9 knockdown in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) inhibited the proliferation of NHEK cells in psoriasis. To further investigate the effects of S100A8 and S100A9 on psoriatic inflammation, T cells were co-cultured with S100A8 and S100A9 knockdown NHEK cells, and S100A8 and S100A9 promoted the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by T cells through activation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB signaling pathway. In particular, when the S100A8 and S100A9 inhibitor paquinimod was added to a mouse model of imiquimot-induced psoriasis, psoriatic dermatitis and inflammatory factors were reduced, and the expression of TLR4/NF-κB was also significantly reduced. In conclusion, this study illustrated that S100A8 and S100A9 participates in the pathogenesis of psoriasis by activating TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways, thereby promoting psoriasis-associated skin inflammation, which suggested the potential role of S100A8 and S100A9 in the development of psoriasis and provided new insight into targeted therapies.
{"title":"S100A8 and S100A9-mediated keratinocyte affecting T lymphocyte immune imbalance through TLR4/NF-κ B in psoriasis","authors":"Yali He , Jianxiao Xing , Junqin Li , Kaiming Zhang , Xinhua Li","doi":"10.1016/j.acthis.2025.152297","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acthis.2025.152297","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Psoriasis is a chronic,immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder characterized by recurrent thick plaque. As an alarmin of inflammation, the importance of S100A8 and S100A9 have already been confirmed to be associated with the development of chronic inflammation in diseases. However, the precise mechanisms of S100A8 and S100A9 in psoriasis remain unclear. Therefore,the aim of this study was to elucidate the effects and underlying mechanisms of S100A8 and S100A9 in psoriasis. In this study, we found that both S100A8 and S100A9 were highly expressed in cells treated with M5—a cytokine mixture containing IL-1α, IL-17A, IL-22, oncostatin M, and TNF-α—as well as in a mouse model of imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis. Meanwhile, S100A8 and S100A9 knockdown in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) inhibited the proliferation of NHEK cells in psoriasis. To further investigate the effects of S100A8 and S100A9 on psoriatic inflammation, T cells were co-cultured with S100A8 and S100A9 knockdown NHEK cells, and S100A8 and S100A9 promoted the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by T cells through activation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB signaling pathway. In particular, when the S100A8 and S100A9 inhibitor paquinimod was added to a mouse model of imiquimot-induced psoriasis, psoriatic dermatitis and inflammatory factors were reduced, and the expression of TLR4/NF-κB was also significantly reduced. In conclusion, this study illustrated that S100A8 and S100A9 participates in the pathogenesis of psoriasis by activating TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways, thereby promoting psoriasis-associated skin inflammation, which suggested the potential role of S100A8 and S100A9 in the development of psoriasis and provided new insight into targeted therapies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":6961,"journal":{"name":"Acta histochemica","volume":"127 4","pages":"Article 152297"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145547789","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most prevalent histological subtype of renal malignancy, associated with poor prognosis in advanced stages. Emerging evidence highlights the potential tumor-suppressive role of the anti-aging protein Klotho (KL) and its cofactor, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), both of which are implicated in phosphate metabolism and cellular homeostasis.
Methods
Using immunofluorescence and quantitative image analysis, we assessed KL and FGF23 protein levels in 20 ccRCC specimens stratified by tumor grade, alongside adjacent normal tissue. Publicly available RNA-seq and survival data from the TCGA-KIRC cohort were analyzed to complement our findings.
Results
Immunofluorescence analysis of 20 ccRCC samples and matched normal tissues revealed consistently low Klotho expression with no significant differences across tumor grades. However, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed that high KL mRNA expression was significantly associated with improved overall survival and disease-free survival, highlighting its role as a protective prognostic biomarker. Multivariate Cox regression confirmed KL as an independent predictor of better overall survival. In contrast, FGF23 protein levels were significantly elevated in ccRCC samples, particularly in high-grade tumors, despite minimal expression in control tissue and no significant differences at the mRNA level in the TCGA cohort. Notably, patients with detectable FGF23 expression had significantly worse survival outcomes, and multivariate analysis identified elevated FGF23 as an independent risk factor for poor prognosis. Age and tumor stage also remain strong prognostic determinants in our models.
Conclusions
These findings suggest a dichotomous role for KL and FGF23 in ccRCC, with KL functioning as a favorable prognostic factor and FGF23 potentially contributing to disease progression and early relapse. Further mechanistic studies are warranted to elucidate their interplay and evaluate their utility as biomarkers or therapeutic targets in renal cancer.
{"title":"Immunofluorescent characterization of Klotho and FGF23 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma: A pilot study","authors":"Anita Racetin , Nela Kelam , Merica Glavina Durdov , Katarina Vukojević","doi":"10.1016/j.acthis.2025.152298","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acthis.2025.152298","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background/objectives</h3><div>Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most prevalent histological subtype of renal malignancy, associated with poor prognosis in advanced stages. Emerging evidence highlights the potential tumor-suppressive role of the anti-aging protein Klotho (KL) and its cofactor, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), both of which are implicated in phosphate metabolism and cellular homeostasis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Using immunofluorescence and quantitative image analysis, we assessed KL and FGF23 protein levels in 20 ccRCC specimens stratified by tumor grade, alongside adjacent normal tissue. Publicly available RNA-seq and survival data from the TCGA-KIRC cohort were analyzed to complement our findings.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Immunofluorescence analysis of 20 ccRCC samples and matched normal tissues revealed consistently low Klotho expression with no significant differences across tumor grades. However, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed that high <em>KL</em> mRNA expression was significantly associated with improved overall survival and disease-free survival, highlighting its role as a protective prognostic biomarker. Multivariate Cox regression confirmed <em>KL</em> as an independent predictor of better overall survival. In contrast, FGF23 protein levels were significantly elevated in ccRCC samples, particularly in high-grade tumors, despite minimal expression in control tissue and no significant differences at the mRNA level in the TCGA cohort. Notably, patients with detectable <em>FGF23</em> expression had significantly worse survival outcomes, and multivariate analysis identified elevated <em>FGF23</em> as an independent risk factor for poor prognosis. Age and tumor stage also remain strong prognostic determinants in our models.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These findings suggest a dichotomous role for KL and FGF23 in ccRCC, with KL functioning as a favorable prognostic factor and FGF23 potentially contributing to disease progression and early relapse. Further mechanistic studies are warranted to elucidate their interplay and evaluate their utility as biomarkers or therapeutic targets in renal cancer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":6961,"journal":{"name":"Acta histochemica","volume":"127 4","pages":"Article 152298"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145516944","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-06DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2025.152296
Wang Jia , Yonggui Wu
IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a prevalent glomerular disease characterized by mesangial deposition of IgA1-containing immune complexes, yet its underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In this study, we integrated bioinformatics analyses of two public datasets (GSE104948 and GSE93798) to identify key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with IgAN. Periostin (POSTN) emerged as a hub gene, exhibiting significant upregulation in IgAN samples and correlating with histopathological severity. Functional enrichment revealed that overlapping DEGs are involved in extracellular matrix organization, immune response, and signaling pathways relevant to renal pathology. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analyses confirmed increased POSTN and decreased GPX4 expression in renal biopsies from IgAN patients, indicating enhanced ferroptosis. In vitro, IgA1 stimulation of human mesangial cells (HMCs) elevated POSTN expression and induced ferroptosis, evidenced by increased oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and reduced cell viability. Knockdown of POSTN ameliorated these effects by restoring glutathione levels and reducing lipid peroxidation, while POSTN overexpression exacerbated ferroptosis. Notably, treatment with the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 reversed POSTN-induced cellular damage. Our findings suggest that POSTN promotes IgAN progression by facilitating ferroptosis through GPX4 downregulation, highlighting a novel pathogenic mechanism. Targeting POSTN-mediated ferroptosis may provide promising therapeutic strategies for IgAN. This study advances our understanding of IgAN molecular pathology and offers potential biomarkers and intervention targets to improve patient outcomes.
{"title":"POSTN promotes ferroptosis and contributes to the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy via GPX4 downregulation","authors":"Wang Jia , Yonggui Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.acthis.2025.152296","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acthis.2025.152296","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a prevalent glomerular disease characterized by mesangial deposition of IgA1-containing immune complexes, yet its underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In this study, we integrated bioinformatics analyses of two public datasets (GSE104948 and GSE93798) to identify key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with IgAN. Periostin (POSTN) emerged as a hub gene, exhibiting significant upregulation in IgAN samples and correlating with histopathological severity. Functional enrichment revealed that overlapping DEGs are involved in extracellular matrix organization, immune response, and signaling pathways relevant to renal pathology. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analyses confirmed increased POSTN and decreased GPX4 expression in renal biopsies from IgAN patients, indicating enhanced ferroptosis. In vitro, IgA1 stimulation of human mesangial cells (HMCs) elevated POSTN expression and induced ferroptosis, evidenced by increased oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and reduced cell viability. Knockdown of POSTN ameliorated these effects by restoring glutathione levels and reducing lipid peroxidation, while POSTN overexpression exacerbated ferroptosis. Notably, treatment with the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 reversed POSTN-induced cellular damage. Our findings suggest that POSTN promotes IgAN progression by facilitating ferroptosis through GPX4 downregulation, highlighting a novel pathogenic mechanism. Targeting POSTN-mediated ferroptosis may provide promising therapeutic strategies for IgAN. This study advances our understanding of IgAN molecular pathology and offers potential biomarkers and intervention targets to improve patient outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":6961,"journal":{"name":"Acta histochemica","volume":"127 4","pages":"Article 152296"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145462918","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2025.152295
Jianguo Zhou , Qinglin Liu , Rui Qian, Shiwei Liu, Weiquan Hu, Zhenyu Liu
{"title":"Retraction notice to \" Paeonol antagonizes oncogenesis of osteosarcoma by inhibiting the function of TLR4/MAPK/NF-?B pathway\" [Acta Histochem. 122 (2020) 151455]","authors":"Jianguo Zhou , Qinglin Liu , Rui Qian, Shiwei Liu, Weiquan Hu, Zhenyu Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.acthis.2025.152295","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acthis.2025.152295","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":6961,"journal":{"name":"Acta histochemica","volume":"127 4","pages":"Article 152295"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145211295","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-23DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2025.152293
Cheng-Ya Song , Tian-Yi Zhou , Han-Bo Shi , Xin-Yi Li , Kan Hong
Skeletal muscle, which accounts for nearly 40 % of total body mass, serves as the primary effector organ for locomotion, metabolism, and thermoregulation. Skeletal muscle atrophy, a common condition associated with aging, disease, and disability, significantly compromises patients’ quality of life. This review focuses on the occurrence and progression of skeletal muscle atrophy. Forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) is a key regulatory factor that mediates pathological mechanisms through multidimensional molecular networks. It influences skeletal muscle metabolism via post-translational modifications (PTMs), dysregulated autophagy, an imbalanced inflammatory microenvironment, and the regulation of satellite cell function. Therapeutic strategies targeting FoxO1, such as resveratrol-induced SIRT1 activation and miR-486 mimics, have shown promising results in preclinical models. This review highlights the central role of FoxO1 in molecular pathways, proposes a potential framework for addressing muscle atrophy, and offers new insights into the treatment of sarcopenia and related diseases.
{"title":"FoxO1 in skeletal muscle atrophy: Multifaceted regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities","authors":"Cheng-Ya Song , Tian-Yi Zhou , Han-Bo Shi , Xin-Yi Li , Kan Hong","doi":"10.1016/j.acthis.2025.152293","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acthis.2025.152293","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Skeletal muscle, which accounts for nearly 40 % of total body mass, serves as the primary effector organ for locomotion, metabolism, and thermoregulation. Skeletal muscle atrophy, a common condition associated with aging, disease, and disability, significantly compromises patients’ quality of life. This review focuses on the occurrence and progression of skeletal muscle atrophy. Forkhead box protein O1 (<em>FoxO1</em>) is a key regulatory factor that mediates pathological mechanisms through multidimensional molecular networks. It influences skeletal muscle metabolism via post-translational modifications (PTMs), dysregulated autophagy, an imbalanced inflammatory microenvironment, and the regulation of satellite cell function. Therapeutic strategies targeting <em>FoxO1</em>, such as resveratrol-induced <em>SIRT1</em> activation and miR-486 mimics, have shown promising results in preclinical models. This review highlights the central role of <em>FoxO1</em> in molecular pathways, proposes a potential framework for addressing muscle atrophy, and offers new insights into the treatment of sarcopenia and related diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":6961,"journal":{"name":"Acta histochemica","volume":"127 4","pages":"Article 152293"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145118327","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study aimed to investigate whether cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-derived chemokine C-C motif ligand 5 (CCL5) promotes breast cancer (BC) cell metastasis by enhancing aerobic glycolysis via upregulation of IP3R.
Methods
Lentiviral vectors for CCL5 overexpression or knockdown were constructed, transfected into CAFs, and co-cultured with ZR-75–30 cells CCL5. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed by CCK-8, cloning assay and flow cytometry. Cell migration and invasion were verified by scratch assay and Transwell assay. Co-IP verified the interactions between CCL5 and IP3R. The kit detects aerobic glycolysis-related indexes. western bloting detects CCL5, IP3R, glycolysis-related proteins, EMT-related proteins and metastasis-related proteins.
Results
Knockdown of CCL5 in CAFs and co-culture with breast cancer cells resulted in decreased cell proliferation, migration, and invasionCCL5, increased apoptosis, and attenuated aerobic glycolysis. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays revealed direct protein-protein interactions between CCL5 and IP3RCCL5. IP3R overexpression following CCL5 knockdown rescued breast cancer cell proliferative viability CCL5, restoration of migration and invasion abilities, and enhanced aerobic glycolysis.
Conclusion
CAF-derived CCL5 enhanced aerobic glycolysis in breast cancer cells by up-regulating IP3R expression, which in turn promoted their metastasis.
Data Availability
The data used to support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.
{"title":"Cancer-associated fibroblast-derived CCL5 enhanced aerobic glycolysis through upregulation of IP3R to promote breast cancer cell metastasis","authors":"Mingxiang Zhang , Zhengzhi Zhu , Guang Yang , Yongyun Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.acthis.2025.152292","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acthis.2025.152292","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>This study aimed to investigate whether cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-derived chemokine C-C motif ligand 5 (CCL5) promotes breast cancer (BC) cell metastasis by enhancing aerobic glycolysis via upregulation of IP3R.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Lentiviral vectors for CCL5 overexpression or knockdown were constructed, transfected into CAFs, and co-cultured with ZR-75–30 cells CCL5. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed by CCK-8, cloning assay and flow cytometry. Cell migration and invasion were verified by scratch assay and Transwell assay. Co-IP verified the interactions between CCL5 and IP3R. The kit detects aerobic glycolysis-related indexes. western bloting detects CCL5, IP3R, glycolysis-related proteins, EMT-related proteins and metastasis-related proteins.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Knockdown of CCL5 in CAFs and co-culture with breast cancer cells resulted in decreased cell proliferation, migration, and invasionCCL5, increased apoptosis, and attenuated aerobic glycolysis. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays revealed direct protein-protein interactions between CCL5 and IP3RCCL5. IP3R overexpression following CCL5 knockdown rescued breast cancer cell proliferative viability CCL5, restoration of migration and invasion abilities, and enhanced aerobic glycolysis.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>CAF-derived CCL5 enhanced aerobic glycolysis in breast cancer cells by up-regulating IP3R expression, which in turn promoted their metastasis.</div></div><div><h3>Data Availability</h3><div>The data used to support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":6961,"journal":{"name":"Acta histochemica","volume":"127 4","pages":"Article 152292"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145118326","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain cholinergic nuclei (BFCN) and neostriatum (CPu) play key roles in learning, attention, and motor control. The loss of cholinergic neurons causes major neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular diversity of choline acetyltransferase immunoreactive (ChAT-ir) neurons in these brain regions. We performed immunohistochemistry to determine the co-expression of ChAT-ir neurons with two neuropeptides, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and cholecystokinin (CCK), as well as three calcium-binding proteins, such as calbindin, calretinin, and parvalbumin, in the adult mouse brain. The results showed that ChAT, calbindin, CGRP and CCK were strongly expressed in the BFCN, including medial septal nucleus (MS), nucleus of vertical limb and horizontal limb of the diagonal band of Broca (VDB and HDB), substantia innominata basal part (SIB), and in the caudate putamen (CPu). CGRP and CCK showed a high immunoreactive co-expression with ChAT, especially in the HDB and CPu. Calbindin immunoreactivity was widely present and coincided with ChAT in the VDB, HDB, and CPu. However, calretinin immunoreactivity showed a selective co-expression with ChAT in the VDB, SIB, and CPu. Although parvalbumin immunoreactivity was observed throughout the BFCN and CPu, but there was no co-expression between ChAT and parvalbumin. The neurochemical diversity of ChAT-ir neurons in the BFCN and neostriatum suggests the specialized functions of cholinergic neurons across different circuits, especially by modulating CGRP, CCK, or calbindin. These results could provide new insight into cholinergic modulation throughout the BFCN and striatum.
{"title":"Neurochemical heterogeneity of ChAT-immunoreactive neurons in the basal forebrain cholinergic nuclei and striatum in reference to CGRP, CCK, and calcium-binding proteins","authors":"Mirza Mienur Meher , Marya Afrin , Mir Rubayet Jahan , Kanako Nozaki , Koh-hei Masumoto , Akie Yanai , Md Nabiul Islam","doi":"10.1016/j.acthis.2025.152291","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acthis.2025.152291","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain cholinergic nuclei (BFCN) and neostriatum (CPu) play key roles in learning, attention, and motor control. The loss of cholinergic neurons causes major neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular diversity of choline acetyltransferase immunoreactive (ChAT-ir) neurons in these brain regions. We performed immunohistochemistry to determine the co-expression of ChAT-ir neurons with two neuropeptides, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and cholecystokinin (CCK), as well as three calcium-binding proteins, such as calbindin, calretinin, and parvalbumin, in the adult mouse brain. The results showed that ChAT, calbindin, CGRP and CCK were strongly expressed in the BFCN, including medial septal nucleus (MS), nucleus of vertical limb and horizontal limb of the diagonal band of Broca (VDB and HDB), substantia innominata basal part (SIB), and in the caudate putamen (CPu). CGRP and CCK showed a high immunoreactive co-expression with ChAT, especially in the HDB and CPu. Calbindin immunoreactivity was widely present and coincided with ChAT in the VDB, HDB, and CPu. However, calretinin immunoreactivity showed a selective co-expression with ChAT in the VDB, SIB, and CPu. Although parvalbumin immunoreactivity was observed throughout the BFCN and CPu, but there was no co-expression between ChAT and parvalbumin. The neurochemical diversity of ChAT-ir neurons in the BFCN and neostriatum suggests the specialized functions of cholinergic neurons across different circuits, especially by modulating CGRP, CCK, or calbindin. These results could provide new insight into cholinergic modulation throughout the BFCN and striatum.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":6961,"journal":{"name":"Acta histochemica","volume":"127 4","pages":"Article 152291"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145009844","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Amyloid β (Aβ) accumulation in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) contributes to cognitive impairment and neuronal damage. Urolithin A (UA), a gut microbiota–derived metabolite of ellagic acid, has been reported to cross the blood-brain barrier to exert anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation effects in the brain. However, the molecular mechanisms of UA in AD were still unclear. This study aims to explore the neuroprotective effect and mechanism of UA on APP/PS1 mice and Aβ1–42-injured N2a and PC12 cells.
Methods
In this study, Morris water maze was used to detect the cognitive function. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the deposition of Aβ and the expression of voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) in the brains of APP/PS1 mice. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of VDAC1, AMPK pathway, PI3K pathway and autophagy-related proteins. CCK8 was used to detect the viability of Aβ1–42-injured cells.
Results
In this research, we found that UA improved cognitive dysfunction and reduced Aβ deposition in APP/PS1 mice. Furthermore, UA activated autophagy and upregulated the levels of autophagy-related proteins in both APP/PS1 mice and Aβ1–42-injured N2a and PC12 cells. At the same time, UA down-regulated the phosphorylation level of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and up-regulated the phosphorylation level of AMPK in APP/PS1 mice and Aβ1–42-injured N2a cells and PC12 cells. In addition, UA down-regulated VDAC1, consistent with the effect of VDAC1 antagonist DIDS (4′-diisothiocyano-2,2′-disulfonic acid stilbene). Importantly, the UA-induced activation of autophagy and modulation of the PI3K and AMPK pathways were reversed by VDAC1 overexpression.
Conclusion
These findings demonstrated that UA down-regulated VDAC1 played a key neuroprotective role on AD by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and activating the AMPK pathway to promote autophagy.
{"title":"Neuroprotective effect of Urolithin A via downregulating VDAC1-mediated autophagy in Alzheimer's disease","authors":"Bensi Zhang , Xiujun Zhang , Waleephan Treebupachatsakul , Rungusa Pantan , Natnicha Kampan , Manussabhorn Phatsara , Chun Shi , Suteera Narakornsak","doi":"10.1016/j.acthis.2025.152290","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acthis.2025.152290","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Amyloid β (Aβ) accumulation in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) contributes to cognitive impairment and neuronal damage. Urolithin A (UA), a gut microbiota–derived metabolite of ellagic acid, has been reported to cross the blood-brain barrier to exert anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation effects in the brain. However, the molecular mechanisms of UA in AD were still unclear. This study aims to explore the neuroprotective effect and mechanism of UA on APP/PS1 mice and Aβ<sub>1–42</sub>-injured N2a and PC12 cells.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this study, Morris water maze was used to detect the cognitive function. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the deposition of Aβ and the expression of voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) in the brains of APP/PS1 mice. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of VDAC1, AMPK pathway, PI3K pathway and autophagy-related proteins. CCK8 was used to detect the viability of Aβ<sub>1–42</sub>-injured cells.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In this research, we found that UA improved cognitive dysfunction and reduced Aβ deposition in APP/PS1 mice. Furthermore, UA activated autophagy and upregulated the levels of autophagy-related proteins in both APP/PS1 mice and Aβ<sub>1–42</sub>-injured N2a and PC12 cells. At the same time, UA down-regulated the phosphorylation level of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and up-regulated the phosphorylation level of AMPK in APP/PS1 mice and Aβ<sub>1–42</sub>-injured N2a cells and PC12 cells. In addition, UA down-regulated VDAC1, consistent with the effect of VDAC1 antagonist DIDS (4′-diisothiocyano-2,2′-disulfonic acid stilbene). Importantly, the UA-induced activation of autophagy and modulation of the PI3K and AMPK pathways were reversed by VDAC1 overexpression.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings demonstrated that UA down-regulated VDAC1 played a key neuroprotective role on AD by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and activating the AMPK pathway to promote autophagy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":6961,"journal":{"name":"Acta histochemica","volume":"127 4","pages":"Article 152290"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144921397","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-08-09DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2025.152279
Hong Zhi, Tana, Nigemutu Bai, Wuenbilige Bai, Bowen Bai, Suo Liu
Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) stands as one of the primary contributors to cancer-related mortality among men globally. It is reported that USP22 functions as an oncogene, while PNMA5 exhibits a significant pro-metastatic effect. This research investigation centered on examining the interplay between USP22 and PNMA5 and their collaborative role in enhancing PCa progression.
Methods: The expression of USP22 and PNMA5 in tissue was determined by IHC. The differential expression of cellular USP22 and PNMA5 were detected using qPCR and immunoblotting, respectively. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed by MTT and sphere-formation assay. Transwell and wound-healing assay were conducted to evaluate the metastatic ability. The interaction between USP22 and PNMA5 was detected by Co-IP and IP. A tumor-bearing mice model was established for in vivo detection.
Results: USP22 and PNMA5 were highly expressed in both PCa tumor tissues and cells. Knocking down USP22 or PNMA5 inhibited the migration and invasion of PCa cells. USP22 mediated the deubiquitination of PNMA5. PNMA5 overexpression reversed the decrease in cell viability and proliferation rate, as well as the diminished migration and invasion ability induced by USP22 knockdown.
Conclusion: USP22 promotes migration and invasion of PCa cells by regulating PNMA5 deubiquitination.
{"title":"USP22-mediated PNMA5 deubiquitination promotes proliferation, migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells.","authors":"Hong Zhi, Tana, Nigemutu Bai, Wuenbilige Bai, Bowen Bai, Suo Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.acthis.2025.152279","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acthis.2025.152279","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Prostate cancer (PCa) stands as one of the primary contributors to cancer-related mortality among men globally. It is reported that USP22 functions as an oncogene, while PNMA5 exhibits a significant pro-metastatic effect. This research investigation centered on examining the interplay between USP22 and PNMA5 and their collaborative role in enhancing PCa progression.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The expression of USP22 and PNMA5 in tissue was determined by IHC. The differential expression of cellular USP22 and PNMA5 were detected using qPCR and immunoblotting, respectively. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed by MTT and sphere-formation assay. Transwell and wound-healing assay were conducted to evaluate the metastatic ability. The interaction between USP22 and PNMA5 was detected by Co-IP and IP. A tumor-bearing mice model was established for in vivo detection.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>USP22 and PNMA5 were highly expressed in both PCa tumor tissues and cells. Knocking down USP22 or PNMA5 inhibited the migration and invasion of PCa cells. USP22 mediated the deubiquitination of PNMA5. PNMA5 overexpression reversed the decrease in cell viability and proliferation rate, as well as the diminished migration and invasion ability induced by USP22 knockdown.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>USP22 promotes migration and invasion of PCa cells by regulating PNMA5 deubiquitination.</p>","PeriodicalId":6961,"journal":{"name":"Acta histochemica","volume":"127 3","pages":"152279"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144815475","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-23DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2025.152289
Qinan Yin , Shunshun Zhang , Mouna Ouchari , Pei Wang , Anshun Zhao , Li Zeng , Jingjing Wang , Kaiyuan Yao , Siya Tang , Haodi Ma , Anne-Catherine Girondin , Hecai Yang , Xuewei Zheng , Zhifeng Qu
Blood transfusions play a critical role in breast cancer management, particularly in addressing perioperative blood loss and chemotherapy-induced anemia. However, emerging evidence suggests that transfusions may adversely affect oncologic outcomes by inducing transfusion-related immunomodulation (TRIM) and altering the tumor microenvironment (TME). TRIM suppresses cytotoxic immune responses, potentially facilitating tumor progression—especially in aggressive subtypes such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and HER2-positive cancers. Additionally, transfusions can paradoxically exacerbate tumor hypoxia by increasing blood viscosity and impairing microvascular perfusion, thereby reducing the effectiveness of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. This review examines the dual role of blood transfusions in breast cancer, emphasizing both their clinical benefits and potential risks. We analyze their impact on treatment resistance and tumor progression and discuss strategies to mitigate associated risks, including leukoreduction, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), intravenous iron supplementation, and blood conservation techniques. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of personalized transfusion approaches guided by tumor subtype, immune status, and relevant biomarkers such as tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), PD-L1 expression, and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Future research should focus on optimizing transfusion timing, implementing biomarker-driven protocols, and developing immune-modulating interventions to counteract TRIM. A personalized, evidence-based transfusion strategy may ultimately enhance treatment efficacy and improve long-term outcomes in breast cancer care.
{"title":"Blood transfusion mediated tumor microenvironment remodeling in breast cancer","authors":"Qinan Yin , Shunshun Zhang , Mouna Ouchari , Pei Wang , Anshun Zhao , Li Zeng , Jingjing Wang , Kaiyuan Yao , Siya Tang , Haodi Ma , Anne-Catherine Girondin , Hecai Yang , Xuewei Zheng , Zhifeng Qu","doi":"10.1016/j.acthis.2025.152289","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acthis.2025.152289","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Blood transfusions play a critical role in breast cancer management, particularly in addressing perioperative blood loss and chemotherapy-induced anemia. However, emerging evidence suggests that transfusions may adversely affect oncologic outcomes by inducing transfusion-related immunomodulation (TRIM) and altering the tumor microenvironment (TME). TRIM suppresses cytotoxic immune responses, potentially facilitating tumor progression—especially in aggressive subtypes such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and HER2-positive cancers. Additionally, transfusions can paradoxically exacerbate tumor hypoxia by increasing blood viscosity and impairing microvascular perfusion, thereby reducing the effectiveness of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. This review examines the dual role of blood transfusions in breast cancer, emphasizing both their clinical benefits and potential risks. We analyze their impact on treatment resistance and tumor progression and discuss strategies to mitigate associated risks, including leukoreduction, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), intravenous iron supplementation, and blood conservation techniques. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of personalized transfusion approaches guided by tumor subtype, immune status, and relevant biomarkers such as tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), PD-L1 expression, and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Future research should focus on optimizing transfusion timing, implementing biomarker-driven protocols, and developing immune-modulating interventions to counteract TRIM. A personalized, evidence-based transfusion strategy may ultimately enhance treatment efficacy and improve long-term outcomes in breast cancer care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":6961,"journal":{"name":"Acta histochemica","volume":"127 4","pages":"Article 152289"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144889220","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}