The incidence of brain tumors and other neurodegenerative diseases has been increasing, whereas the treatment opportunities are limited. Brain delivery of the therapeutics has been restricted because of the presence of blood-brain barrier (BBB). Only molecules of molecular weight <400 Da and lipid-soluble are able to cross the BBB making it hard for the treatment. This demands the development of effective nano-carriers that can penetrate the BBB and deliver the therapeutics more efficiently and site specifically. Dendrimers are highly branched polymers having unique structural and functional properties, emerging as the promising carriers for delivering chemotherapy and gene therapy to the central nervous system (CNS). This review comprehensively explores the development of dendrimers, mechanisms in delivering therapeutic agents to the brain across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the progress over past years in utilizing the dendrimers for brain delivery of therapeutics.
{"title":"Dendrimer-based therapeutics in neurological disorders: Innovations and clinical prospects","authors":"Karthikeya Lalitha Siddhartha Pallem, Anjali Jain, Anurag Aswal, Smita Jain, Umesh Gupta","doi":"10.1016/j.bbagen.2026.130903","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbagen.2026.130903","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The incidence of brain tumors and other neurodegenerative diseases has been increasing, whereas the treatment opportunities are limited. Brain delivery of the therapeutics has been restricted because of the presence of blood-brain barrier (BBB). Only molecules of molecular weight <400 Da and lipid-soluble are able to cross the BBB making it hard for the treatment. This demands the development of effective nano-carriers that can penetrate the BBB and deliver the therapeutics more efficiently and site specifically. Dendrimers are highly branched polymers having unique structural and functional properties, emerging as the promising carriers for delivering chemotherapy and gene therapy to the central nervous system (CNS). This review comprehensively explores the development of dendrimers, mechanisms in delivering therapeutic agents to the brain across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the progress over past years in utilizing the dendrimers for brain delivery of therapeutics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8800,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. General subjects","volume":"1870 4","pages":"Article 130903"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145951245","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-03DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2026.130901
Haibin Yan , Xinyuan Wang , Yifei Mo , Yinan Huang , Zheng Fu , Lufan Xie
Background
Anoikis resistance and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) promote breast cancer spread. There is a positive correlation between twist family BHLH transcription factor 1 (Twist1) and anoikis resistance. Given the demonstrated therapeutic effect of β-elemene treatment on breast cancer, its effects on Twist1 and anoikis became the focus of our research.
Methods
Breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-157 and MDA-MB-231, were treated with 25 and 50 μM concentrations of β-elemene. Breast cancer cell lines with insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) overexpression and Twist1 knockdown were successfully constructed to further explore the relevant mechanisms. Cell viability and apoptosis were detected by cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) method and fluorescent staining, respectively. Scratch assay for the detection of cell migration ability. The expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9, MMP2, vimentin, N-cadherin, E-cadherin, Twist1, IGF1 and other related proteins were measured by western blot.
Results
β-elemene reduced cell viability and produced anoikis in a concentration-dependent manner. β-elemene decreased the expressions of MMP9 and MMP2, inhibited vimentin, N-cadherin, Twist1, IGF1 expressions and cell migration ability, and up-regulated E-cadherin. The overexpression of IGF1 reversed the regulatory effects of β-elemene on cell survival, anoikis, cell migration and associated protein expressions, but the knockdown of Twist1 can counteract the impact of IGF1 overexpression.
Conclusion
β-elemene modulates anoikis and EMT in breast cancer cells via the IGF1/Twist1 signaling pathway, offering novel insights for breast cancer therapy.
{"title":"Targeting the IGF1/Twist1 axis: A novel mechanism for β-elemene-induced anoikis and EMT inhibition in breast cancer cells","authors":"Haibin Yan , Xinyuan Wang , Yifei Mo , Yinan Huang , Zheng Fu , Lufan Xie","doi":"10.1016/j.bbagen.2026.130901","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbagen.2026.130901","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Anoikis resistance and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) promote breast cancer spread. There is a positive correlation between twist family BHLH transcription factor 1 (Twist1) and anoikis resistance. Given the demonstrated therapeutic effect of β-elemene treatment on breast cancer, its effects on Twist1 and anoikis became the focus of our research.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-157 and MDA-MB-231, were treated with 25 and 50 μM concentrations of β-elemene. Breast cancer cell lines with insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) overexpression and Twist1 knockdown were successfully constructed to further explore the relevant mechanisms. Cell viability and apoptosis were detected by cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) method and fluorescent staining, respectively. Scratch assay for the detection of cell migration ability. The expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9, MMP2, vimentin, N-cadherin, E-cadherin, Twist1, IGF1 and other related proteins were measured by western blot.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>β-elemene reduced cell viability and produced anoikis in a concentration-dependent manner. β-elemene decreased the expressions of MMP9 and MMP2, inhibited vimentin, N-cadherin, Twist1, IGF1 expressions and cell migration ability, and up-regulated E-cadherin. The overexpression of IGF1 reversed the regulatory effects of β-elemene on cell survival, anoikis, cell migration and associated protein expressions, but the knockdown of Twist1 can counteract the impact of IGF1 overexpression.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>β-elemene modulates anoikis and EMT in breast cancer cells via the IGF1/Twist1 signaling pathway, offering novel insights for breast cancer therapy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8800,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. General subjects","volume":"1870 3","pages":"Article 130901"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145905532","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The gut metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is found to be elevated at high levels not only in the serum but also in the cerebrospinal fluid of humans. Elevated TMAO levels are associated with several human diseases, including cardiovascular complications, cognitive impairment, acute pancreatitis, cancer, and chronic kidney disease. Research on TMAO has also received significant attention due to its association with sudden cardiac arrest. Therefore, understanding the common molecular insight into the association of TMAO with these diseases has been an important intellectual curiosity. Although inflammation and oxidative stress are commonly regarded as hallmarks of TMAO-induced pathology, recent advances have further opened up a new dimension of its role in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR). In the present manuscript, we attempted to present a novel mechanism wherein TMAO-UPR axis may underlie the pathogenesis of various human diseases by influencing specific signaling molecules (FOXO1, CREB, TLR4, SIRT1 and mTOR). These studies highlight strategies aimed at targeting TMAO-UPR axis could be promising for the therapeutic intervention of diseases caused by elevated TMAO.
{"title":"Trimethylamine N-oxide participates in human diseases by causing endoplasmic reticulum stress","authors":"Kritika Kumari , Anuja Arora , Nalini Natarajan , Nasim Akhtar Ansari , Laishram Rajendrakumar Singh","doi":"10.1016/j.bbagen.2025.130900","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbagen.2025.130900","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The gut metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is found to be elevated at high levels not only in the serum but also in the cerebrospinal fluid of humans. Elevated TMAO levels are associated with several human diseases, including cardiovascular complications, cognitive impairment, acute pancreatitis, cancer, and chronic kidney disease. Research on TMAO has also received significant attention due to its association with sudden cardiac arrest. Therefore, understanding the common molecular insight into the association of TMAO with these diseases has been an important intellectual curiosity. Although inflammation and oxidative stress are commonly regarded as hallmarks of TMAO-induced pathology, recent advances have further opened up a new dimension of its role in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR). In the present manuscript, we attempted to present a novel mechanism wherein TMAO-UPR axis may underlie the pathogenesis of various human diseases by influencing specific signaling molecules (FOXO1, CREB, TLR4, SIRT1 and mTOR). These studies highlight strategies aimed at targeting TMAO-UPR axis could be promising for the therapeutic intervention of diseases caused by elevated TMAO.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8800,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. General subjects","volume":"1870 2","pages":"Article 130900"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145846352","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-20DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2025.130896
Lie Deng, JinHui Ruan, YunYan Li
Background
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) represents one of the most prevalent and lethal malignancies, accounting for a significant proportion of cancer-associated deaths worldwide. The persistently unfavorable clinical outcomes associated with this disease highlight the critical demand for identifying innovative molecular markers and developing targeted therapeutic interventions. The chaperonin-containing TCP-1 subunit 7 (CCT7) has been implicated in carcinogenesis across malignancies, but its specific role in LUAD pathogenesis and clinical utility remains poorly defined.
Methods
We evaluated CCT7 expression in LUAD using TCGA, GSE118370, CPTAC, and HPA datasets, correlating it with clinicopathological features and survival outcomes. Functional assays (cell cycle analysis, proliferation, colony formation) in A549/H1229 cells, single-cell RNA sequencing, miRNA regulatory studies, and drug sensitivity analyses (GDSC/CTRP) were performed to explore its mechanisms and clinical potential.
Results
CCT7 was significantly upregulated in LUAD at both mRNA and protein levels, associating with advanced pathological stages, lymph node metastasis, and poor survival (AUC > 0.5 for 1-, 3-, and 5-year outcomes). It promoted LUAD proliferation via the FOXM1-POLE2 pathway, with knockdown inducing M-phase arrest. CCT7 shaped an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (reduced CD8+ T cells, elevated Th2 cells) and enhanced crosstalk between tumor cells and stromal/immune populations. Hsa-miR-145-5p negatively regulated CCT7. High CCT7 correlated with increased tumor mutational burden and sensitivity to FK866/Vorinostat, but resistance to Erlotinib.
Conclusion
CCT7 acts as an independent prognostic biomarker in LUAD, driving progression through cell cycle regulation, microenvironment remodeling, and immune modulation. It holds promise as a therapeutic target and guide for personalized LUAD treatment.
{"title":"Exploring the role of CCT7 in prognosis, cell cycle regulation, and immune microenvironment remodeling of lung adenocarcinoma based on multi-omics datasets and functional experiments","authors":"Lie Deng, JinHui Ruan, YunYan Li","doi":"10.1016/j.bbagen.2025.130896","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbagen.2025.130896","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) represents one of the most prevalent and lethal malignancies, accounting for a significant proportion of cancer-associated deaths worldwide. The persistently unfavorable clinical outcomes associated with this disease highlight the critical demand for identifying innovative molecular markers and developing targeted therapeutic interventions. The chaperonin-containing TCP-1 subunit 7 (CCT7) has been implicated in carcinogenesis across malignancies, but its specific role in LUAD pathogenesis and clinical utility remains poorly defined.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We evaluated CCT7 expression in LUAD using TCGA, GSE118370, CPTAC, and HPA datasets, correlating it with clinicopathological features and survival outcomes. Functional assays (cell cycle analysis, proliferation, colony formation) in A549/H1229 cells, single-cell RNA sequencing, miRNA regulatory studies, and drug sensitivity analyses (GDSC/CTRP) were performed to explore its mechanisms and clinical potential.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>CCT7 was significantly upregulated in LUAD at both mRNA and protein levels, associating with advanced pathological stages, lymph node metastasis, and poor survival (AUC > 0.5 for 1-, 3-, and 5-year outcomes). It promoted LUAD proliferation via the FOXM1-POLE2 pathway, with knockdown inducing M-phase arrest. CCT7 shaped an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (reduced CD8+ T cells, elevated Th2 cells) and enhanced crosstalk between tumor cells and stromal/immune populations. Hsa-miR-145-5p negatively regulated CCT7. High CCT7 correlated with increased tumor mutational burden and sensitivity to FK866/Vorinostat, but resistance to Erlotinib.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>CCT7 acts as an independent prognostic biomarker in LUAD, driving progression through cell cycle regulation, microenvironment remodeling, and immune modulation. It holds promise as a therapeutic target and guide for personalized LUAD treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8800,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. General subjects","volume":"1870 2","pages":"Article 130896"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145809193","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
β-Sitosterol, a naturally occurring plant sterol, has attracted significant interest due to its potential health benefits. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms through which β-sitosterol influences lifespan and healthspan in C. elegans. LC-MS analysis revealed that wide range of protein targets associated with longevity, neuronal regulation, and innate immunity pathways. In vivo experimental validation demonstrated that β-sitosterol significantly extended the lifespan of C. elegans by downregulating critical aging-related genes such as acn-1 and daf-2 while simultaneously upregulating the longevity-promoting gene daf-16. Additionally, β-sitosterol induced notable metabolic changes, including elevated levels of oleic acid, and influenced developmental processes by modulating the mir-61-5p/col-19 signalling axis. The compound also affected locomotory behaviour by engaging the serotonin signalling pathway through genes such as tph-1, kpc-1, and rho-1. Furthermore, β-sitosterol enhanced innate immunity by increasing the expression of antimicrobial peptide genes. Computational analyses suggested that β-sitosterol possesses favorable drug-like properties, reinforcing its potential as a therapeutic agent. Our findings highlight the beneficial effects of β-sitosterol, and its promise as a natural compound for promoting both longevity and healthspan in model organisms through proteomics and metabolomics approaches.
{"title":"β-Sitosterol extends lifespan and healthspan in Caenorhabditis elegans via multi-omics analysis of longevity, neuronal, and immune pathways","authors":"Thirumugam Gowripriya , Annadurai Hariharan , Radhakrishnan Yashwanth , Bhaskar James Prabhanand , Ramamurthi Suresh , Koilmani Emmanuvel Rajan , Jain Ankit , Krishnaswamy Balamurugan","doi":"10.1016/j.bbagen.2025.130899","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbagen.2025.130899","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>β-Sitosterol, a naturally occurring plant sterol, has attracted significant interest due to its potential health benefits. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms through which β-sitosterol influences lifespan and healthspan in <em>C. elegans</em>. LC-MS analysis revealed that wide range of protein targets associated with longevity, neuronal regulation, and innate immunity pathways. <em>In vivo</em> experimental validation demonstrated that β-sitosterol significantly extended the lifespan of <em>C. elegans</em> by downregulating critical aging-related genes such as <em>acn-1</em> and <em>daf-2</em> while simultaneously upregulating the longevity-promoting gene <em>daf-16</em>. Additionally, β-sitosterol induced notable metabolic changes, including elevated levels of oleic acid, and influenced developmental processes by modulating the <em>mir-61-5p/col-19</em> signalling axis. The compound also affected locomotory behaviour by engaging the serotonin signalling pathway through genes such as <em>tph-1, kpc-1,</em> and <em>rho-1</em>. Furthermore, β-sitosterol enhanced innate immunity by increasing the expression of antimicrobial peptide genes. Computational analyses suggested that β-sitosterol possesses favorable drug-like properties, reinforcing its potential as a therapeutic agent. Our findings highlight the beneficial effects of β-sitosterol, and its promise as a natural compound for promoting both longevity and healthspan in model organisms through proteomics and metabolomics approaches.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8800,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. General subjects","volume":"1870 2","pages":"Article 130899"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145793199","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-16DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2025.130897
Nguyen Khanh Toan , Manh Dat Duong , Nguyen Duy Phu , Le Viet Thanh , Sang-Gun Ahn
Aging is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and altered autophagic processes, particularly in secretory organs such as the salivary glands. In this study, we investigated metabolic changes and their interactions with mitophagy in primary salivary gland cells (PSGCs) from klotho-deficient (kl−/−) mice, a model of accelerated aging. We observed a significant reduction in both mitochondrial number and mitochondrial DNA copy number in the PSGCs of kl−/− mice compared with those of wild-type (WT) controls. In contrast, lysosomal abundance was markedly increased in PSGCs from kl−/− mice. Moreover, the expression of the autophagy marker LC3B was significantly upregulated in kl−/− PSGCs, and the expression of the mitophagy markers BNIP3 and NIX increased. Our metabolomic profiling revealed disrupted spermidine biosynthesis in the salivary glands of kl−/− mice. Interestingly, spermidine treatment in kl−/− PSGCs increased the number of mitochondria and suppressed mitophagy, as indicated by the reduced expression of BNIP3 and LC3B. Conversely, in WT PSGCs, spermidine induced the expression of autophagy and mitophagy markers, namely, BNIP3 and LC3B. These findings suggest that accelerated aging in mice impairs mitochondrial homeostasis and alters autophagy/mitophagy pathways in salivary gland cells, potentially through the dysregulation of spermidine metabolism. Our results provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of aging in salivary glands and reveal the potential role of polyamine metabolism in maintaining mitophagy during aging.
{"title":"Spermidine deficiency induces BNIP3/LC3B-mediated mitophagy in the salivary glands of accelerated aging mice","authors":"Nguyen Khanh Toan , Manh Dat Duong , Nguyen Duy Phu , Le Viet Thanh , Sang-Gun Ahn","doi":"10.1016/j.bbagen.2025.130897","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbagen.2025.130897","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aging is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and altered autophagic processes, particularly in secretory organs such as the salivary glands. In this study, we investigated metabolic changes and their interactions with mitophagy in primary salivary gland cells (PSGCs) from klotho-deficient (kl−/−) mice, a model of accelerated aging. We observed a significant reduction in both mitochondrial number and mitochondrial DNA copy number in the PSGCs of kl−/− mice compared with those of wild-type (WT) controls. In contrast, lysosomal abundance was markedly increased in PSGCs from kl−/− mice. Moreover, the expression of the autophagy marker LC3B was significantly upregulated in kl−/− PSGCs, and the expression of the mitophagy markers BNIP3 and NIX increased. Our metabolomic profiling revealed disrupted spermidine biosynthesis in the salivary glands of kl−/− mice. Interestingly, spermidine treatment in kl−/− PSGCs increased the number of mitochondria and suppressed mitophagy, as indicated by the reduced expression of BNIP3 and LC3B. Conversely, in WT PSGCs, spermidine induced the expression of autophagy and mitophagy markers, namely, BNIP3 and LC3B. These findings suggest that accelerated aging in mice impairs mitochondrial homeostasis and alters autophagy/mitophagy pathways in salivary gland cells, potentially through the dysregulation of spermidine metabolism. Our results provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of aging in salivary glands and reveal the potential role of polyamine metabolism in maintaining mitophagy during aging.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8800,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. General subjects","volume":"1870 2","pages":"Article 130897"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145780083","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-16DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2025.130898
Krzysztof W. Fornalski
Cancer is a complex dissipative system operating far from equilibrium, characterized by increased entropy production compared to normal tissues. Traditional thermodynamic approaches often fail to capture its full dynamics. In this study, we apply non-equilibrium stochastic thermodynamics to analyze different stages of carcinogenesis: neoplastic transformation (using the Avrami–Dobrzyński approach), tumor growth (described by the Gompertz model), and metastasis, in relation to tumor entropy and self-organization. Our results reveal a relationship between entropy production and tumor expansion rate, indicating that cellular reproduction enhances entropy generation. We also examine the information entropy of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that restricting external energy intake does not halt tumor progression, underscoring the resilience of cancer as an autonomous physical system. These findings highlight the thermodynamic nature of cancer and suggest that metastasis is an inevitable consequence of entropy-driven evolution.
{"title":"Non-equilibrium thermodynamics of cancer: Entropy dynamics and metastatic growth","authors":"Krzysztof W. Fornalski","doi":"10.1016/j.bbagen.2025.130898","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbagen.2025.130898","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cancer is a complex dissipative system operating far from equilibrium, characterized by increased entropy production compared to normal tissues. Traditional thermodynamic approaches often fail to capture its full dynamics. In this study, we apply non-equilibrium stochastic thermodynamics to analyze different stages of carcinogenesis: neoplastic transformation (using the Avrami–Dobrzyński approach), tumor growth (described by the Gompertz model), and metastasis, in relation to tumor entropy and self-organization. Our results reveal a relationship between entropy production and tumor expansion rate, indicating that cellular reproduction enhances entropy generation. We also examine the information entropy of <em>hepatocellular carcinoma</em> cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that restricting external energy intake does not halt tumor progression, underscoring the resilience of cancer as an autonomous physical system. These findings highlight the thermodynamic nature of cancer and suggest that metastasis is an inevitable consequence of entropy-driven evolution.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8800,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. General subjects","volume":"1870 2","pages":"Article 130898"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145780065","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-09DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2025.130895
Wensheng Chen , Qingshui Wang , Shuyuan Li
Background
Lymph node metastasis is a critical prognostic factor in colorectal cancer (CRC). Identifying key genes associated with metastasis can improve risk stratification and treatment strategies. This study aimed to identify a gene signature related to lymph node metastasis and investigate the role of NPR3.
Methods
We analyzed the GSE878211 dataset to identify differentially expressed genes in CRC tissues with and without lymph node metastasis. A lymph node metastasis-related gene signature (LNMRGS) was constructed using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression. The correlation between LNMRGS and clinical indicators, immune microenvironment, and signaling pathways was analyzed. The role of NPR3 was further investigated through in vitro and in vivo experiments.
Results
We identified 110 upregulated and 58 downregulated genes in CRC tissues with lymph node metastasis. The LNMRGS, consisting of Integrin Subunit Beta 3 (ITGB3), IQ Motif Containing with AAA Domain 1 (IQCA1), Angiopoietin-Like 4 (ANGPTL4), and Natriuretic Peptide Receptor 3 (NPR3), predicted overall survival in multiple datasets. High LNMRGS was associated with female sex, tumor recurrence, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and KRAS mutations. NPR3 knockdown inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo, and reduced chemoresistance to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and oxaliplatin.
Conclusion
The LNMRGS is a robust prognostic signature for CRC. NPR3 plays a key role in metastatic progression and chemoresistance, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target.
{"title":"NPR3 promotes colorectal cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and chemotherapy resistance","authors":"Wensheng Chen , Qingshui Wang , Shuyuan Li","doi":"10.1016/j.bbagen.2025.130895","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbagen.2025.130895","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Lymph node metastasis is a critical prognostic factor in colorectal cancer (CRC). Identifying key genes associated with metastasis can improve risk stratification and treatment strategies. This study aimed to identify a gene signature related to lymph node metastasis and investigate the role of NPR3.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We analyzed the GSE878211 dataset to identify differentially expressed genes in CRC tissues with and without lymph node metastasis. A lymph node metastasis-related gene signature (LNMRGS) was constructed using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression. The correlation between LNMRGS and clinical indicators, immune microenvironment, and signaling pathways was analyzed. The role of NPR3 was further investigated through in vitro and in vivo experiments.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We identified 110 upregulated and 58 downregulated genes in CRC tissues with lymph node metastasis. The LNMRGS, consisting of Integrin Subunit Beta 3 (ITGB3), IQ Motif Containing with AAA Domain 1 (IQCA1), Angiopoietin-Like 4 (ANGPTL4), and Natriuretic Peptide Receptor 3 (NPR3), predicted overall survival in multiple datasets. High LNMRGS was associated with female sex, tumor recurrence, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and KRAS mutations. NPR3 knockdown inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo, and reduced chemoresistance to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and oxaliplatin.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The LNMRGS is a robust prognostic signature for CRC. NPR3 plays a key role in metastatic progression and chemoresistance, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8800,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. General subjects","volume":"1870 2","pages":"Article 130895"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145740625","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-04DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2025.130894
Marina Hembecker , Diogo Henrique Kita , Azam Rashidian , Luis C. Vesga , Bruna Estelita Ruginsk , Arnold R. Romero Bohórquez , Stelia Carolina Mendez-Sanchez , Vinicius Goncalves Maltarollo , Fabiane Gomes de Moraes Rego , Geraldo Picheth , Antti Poso , Katalin Goda , Suresh V. Ambudkar , Vivian Rotuno Moure , Thales Kronenberger , Glaucio Valdameri
Cancer treatment is challenged by the emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR). MDR is often caused by the overexpression of certain ABC transporters, such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1) in the plasma membrane of tumor cells and tumor stem cells. Inhibition of ABC transporter-mediated efflux of anticancer drugs might be a plausible approach to overcome MDR. Here, we studied the interaction of 16 tetrahydroquinoline/4,5-dihydroisoxazole derivatives (A1 - D4) with human P-gp to identify and characterize new P-gp inhibitors. We found that compounds C1 and D1 inhibited the P-gp-mediated efflux of rhodamine 123 (R123), with IC50 values of 41.5 and 6.6 μM, respectively. Both compounds showed low cytotoxicity on NIH3T3 and NIH3T3-ABCB1 cells over a broad concentration range. Interestingly, C1 and D1 increased the ATPase activity of P-gp at sub-micromolar concentrations, showing EC50 values of 0.17 and 0.62 μM, respectively. However, thermal inactivation and UIC2 reactivity assays supported that, similar to potent P-gp inhibitors, C1 and D1 can hinder the dimerization of the nucleotide binding domains (NBDs), when applied at higher concentrations (≥10 μM). In addition, docking studies showed that D1 preferentially interacts with the central substrate binding cavity of P-gp. Finally, D1 chemosensitized drug-resistant KB-V1 cells overexpressing P-gp. In view of our previous findings that C1 and D1 also inhibit ABCG2 and MRP1, they can be considered as novel pan-ABC transporter inhibitors offering potential for treating chemotherapy-resistant tumors.
{"title":"Tetrahydroquinoline/4,5-dihydroisoxazoline derivatives counteract multidrug resistance in cancer cells by inhibiting P-glycoprotein (ABCB1)-mediated transport","authors":"Marina Hembecker , Diogo Henrique Kita , Azam Rashidian , Luis C. Vesga , Bruna Estelita Ruginsk , Arnold R. Romero Bohórquez , Stelia Carolina Mendez-Sanchez , Vinicius Goncalves Maltarollo , Fabiane Gomes de Moraes Rego , Geraldo Picheth , Antti Poso , Katalin Goda , Suresh V. Ambudkar , Vivian Rotuno Moure , Thales Kronenberger , Glaucio Valdameri","doi":"10.1016/j.bbagen.2025.130894","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbagen.2025.130894","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cancer treatment is challenged by the emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR). MDR is often caused by the overexpression of certain ABC transporters, such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1) in the plasma membrane of tumor cells and tumor stem cells. Inhibition of ABC transporter-mediated efflux of anticancer drugs might be a plausible approach to overcome MDR. Here, we studied the interaction of 16 tetrahydroquinoline/4,5-dihydroisoxazole derivatives (<strong>A1</strong> - <strong>D4</strong>) with human P-gp to identify and characterize new P-gp inhibitors. We found that compounds <strong>C1</strong> and <strong>D1</strong> inhibited the P-gp-mediated efflux of rhodamine 123 (R123), with IC<sub>50</sub> values of 41.5 and 6.6 μM, respectively. Both compounds showed low cytotoxicity on NIH3T3 and NIH3T3-<em>ABCB1</em> cells over a broad concentration range. Interestingly, <strong>C1</strong> and <strong>D1</strong> increased the ATPase activity of P-gp at sub-micromolar concentrations, showing EC<sub>50</sub> values of 0.17 and 0.62 μM, respectively. However, thermal inactivation and UIC2 reactivity assays supported that, similar to potent P-gp inhibitors, <strong>C1</strong> and <strong>D1</strong> can hinder the dimerization of the nucleotide binding domains (NBDs), when applied at higher concentrations (≥10 μM). In addition, docking studies showed that <strong>D1</strong> preferentially interacts with the central substrate binding cavity of P-gp. Finally, <strong>D1</strong> chemosensitized drug-resistant KB-V1 cells overexpressing P-gp. In view of our previous findings that <strong>C1</strong> and <strong>D1</strong> also inhibit ABCG2 and MRP1, they can be considered as novel pan-ABC transporter inhibitors offering potential for treating chemotherapy-resistant tumors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8800,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. General subjects","volume":"1870 2","pages":"Article 130894"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145696023","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-04DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2025.130893
Ahmed M. Abu-Dief , Samar B. Mohamed , Mehran Feizi-Dehnayebi , Inam Omar , Manara A. Ayoub , Maher Fathalla , Mahmoud Abd El Aleem Ali Ali El-Remaily
In this study, novel bioactive metal complexes of Cu (II), Co (II), and Ni (II) were synthesized using a guanidine-based ligand, 1,3-benzoxazole-2-yl-guanidine (L). The resulting coordination compounds [Cu(L)(CH₃COO)₂(H₂O)]·2H₂O, [Co(L)(NO₃)₂(H₂O)]·3H₂O, and [Ni(L)(NO₃)₂(H₂O)]·H₂O were comprehensively characterized using a range of physicochemical and spectroscopic techniques, including UV–visible spectrophotometry, FT-IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, molar conductance, MS analysis, TGA, and magnetic measurements. The collected data support the formation of octahedral geometries around the metal centers, highlighting the ligand's flexible coordination behavior. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed to optimize the molecular structures and support the experimental findings. Solution characterization established stoichiometric relationships, equilibrium constants, and pH-dependent properties, indicating their robustness in aqueous environments. The biological potential of the synthesized compounds was further evaluated through in vitro cytotoxicity assays (MTT) against HepG2 (liver), MCF-7 (breast), and HCT-116 (colon) cancer cell lines. Among the tested compounds, the Cu (II)-L complex exhibited the most pronounced antiproliferative activity, particularly against MCF-7 cells. Antioxidant capacity, assessed via DPPH radical scavenging assay, confirmed the strong free-radical neutralizing potential of the metal chelates. Antimicrobial investigations demonstrated broad-spectrum activity against various pathogenic strains, including S. marcescens, M. luteus, E. coli, C. albicans, A. flavus, and F. oxysporum. Notably, the copper complex exhibited significant antibacterial activity against M. luteus and potent antifungal effects against F.oxysporum. These effects highlight the therapeutic promise of guanidine-derived metal chelates as multifunctional agents with potential applications in anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial therapies.
{"title":"Development of benzoxazole-2-yl-guanidine based Cu (II), Co (II), and Ni (II) complexes: Structural features, physicochemical aspects underpinning their pharmaceutical potential supported with theoretical approaches","authors":"Ahmed M. Abu-Dief , Samar B. Mohamed , Mehran Feizi-Dehnayebi , Inam Omar , Manara A. Ayoub , Maher Fathalla , Mahmoud Abd El Aleem Ali Ali El-Remaily","doi":"10.1016/j.bbagen.2025.130893","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbagen.2025.130893","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, novel bioactive metal complexes of Cu (II), Co (II), and Ni (II) were synthesized using a guanidine-based ligand, 1,3-benzoxazole-2-yl-guanidine (L). The resulting coordination compounds [Cu(L)(CH₃COO)₂(H₂O)]·2H₂O, [Co(L)(NO₃)₂(H₂O)]·3H₂O, and [Ni(L)(NO₃)₂(H₂O)]·H₂O were comprehensively characterized using a range of physicochemical and spectroscopic techniques, including UV–visible spectrophotometry, FT-IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, molar conductance, MS analysis, TGA, and magnetic measurements. The collected data support the formation of octahedral geometries around the metal centers, highlighting the ligand's flexible coordination behavior. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed to optimize the molecular structures and support the experimental findings. Solution characterization established stoichiometric relationships, equilibrium constants, and pH-dependent properties, indicating their robustness in aqueous environments. The biological potential of the synthesized compounds was further evaluated through in vitro cytotoxicity assays (MTT) against HepG2 (liver), MCF-7 (breast), and HCT-116 (colon) cancer cell lines. Among the tested compounds, the Cu (II)-L complex exhibited the most pronounced antiproliferative activity, particularly against MCF-7 cells. Antioxidant capacity, assessed via DPPH radical scavenging assay, confirmed the strong free-radical neutralizing potential of the metal chelates. Antimicrobial investigations demonstrated broad-spectrum activity against various pathogenic strains, including <em>S. marcescens</em>, <em>M. luteus</em>, <em>E. coli</em>, <em>C. albicans, A. flavus</em>, and <em>F. oxysporum</em>. Notably, the copper complex exhibited significant antibacterial activity against <em>M. luteus</em> and potent antifungal effects against <em>F.oxysporum</em>. These effects highlight the therapeutic promise of guanidine-derived metal chelates as multifunctional agents with potential applications in anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial therapies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8800,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. General subjects","volume":"1870 2","pages":"Article 130893"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145686563","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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