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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2026

Deficiency of AP1M2 Causes a New Autoinflammatory Disease With Colitis.

OBJECTIVE: This study was the first to identify the biallelic loss-of-function variant in AP1M2 as the cause of autoinflammatory disease with colitis and aimed to elucidate the pathogenesis of AP1M2 deficiency in mice and humans. METHODS: We collected a blood sample and serum sample from a patient for genetic diagnosis and determination of inflammatory cytokines, respectively. Ap1m2-deficient mice on the C57BL/6 background and DLD-1 cells were used to dissect the functional role of Ap1m2 in serum and intestines. Stereo-seq was performed on Ap1m2-/- and Ap1m2-/-::Tnfr1-/- mouse samples to investigate the regulatory role of Tnfr1 signaling in the pathogenesis of Ap1m2 deficiency-caused intestinal inflammation. Superrevolution imaging and clathrin-coated vesicle enrichment were used to explore the molecular mechanism by which AP1M2 suppresses NF-κB activation and chemokine production. RESULTS: Ap1m2-/- mice exhibited elevated chemokine production in serum and spontaneously developed intestinal inflammation, which phenocopies the patient with the AP1M2 variant. Mechanistically, the deficiency of intestinal epithelial specific AP1M2 expression resulted in accumulation of TNFR1-signaling downstream proteins, including RIPK1, TBK1, IKKα/β, and NEMO, leading to enhanced NF-κB activation and subsequent chemokine overproduction. Tnfr1 knockout rescued gastrointestinal inflammation induced by Ap1m2 deficiency through suppressing NF-κB activation and chemokine production. CONCLUSION: This study identifies the deficiency of AP1M2 as the cause of a new autoinflammatory disease with colitis and highlights the critical function of AP-1 in suppressing NF-κB activation and chemokine production.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

OLR1 drives gastric cancer progression through NF-κB activation and immunosuppressive macrophage polarization.

Gastric cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, and the identification of clinically relevant biomarkers is critical for improving patient outcomes. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (OLR1) has been implicated in tumor progression; however, its role in gastric cancer and the tumor microenvironment remains unclear. OLR1 expression and clinical significance were analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and validated in gastric cancer cell lines. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments, together with in vitro and in vivo assays, were performed to investigate the biological functions and underlying mechanisms of OLR1 in gastric cancer progression. OLR1 was significantly upregulated in gastric cancer and associated with unfavorable prognosis. Functional analyses demonstrated that OLR1 promoted gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration, and tumor growth. Mechanistically, OLR1 activated NF-κB signaling and facilitated macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype, thereby contributing to a protumorigenic microenvironment. OLR1 promotes gastric cancer progression through activation of NF-κB signaling and modulation of macrophage polarization. These findings identify OLR1 as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for gastric cancer.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Frequent mutations in the BIRC3 gene promote metastatic potential of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells through the TRAF2-NF-κB pathway.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a head and neck cancer characterized by highly locoregionally invasive behavior attributable to the latent infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and genomic instability. It is well established that EBV-encoded oncogenic molecules actively contribute to the malignant behavior of NPC cells. However, the mechanism by which aberrant genomic alterations enable NPC cells to become aggressive remains largely unknown. In the present study, whole-exome sequencing (WES) revealed that the gene encoding the baculoviral IAP repeat-containing 3 (BIRC3) protein was frequently mutated in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) but not in paired primary tumor cells from patients with metastatic NPC. A minigene assay indicated that the c.637 A > G mutation disrupted normal mRNA splicing, resulting in the partial deletion of Exons 2 and 3 and altered stability of BIRC3 mRNA. In vitro experiments demonstrated that ectopic expression of the BIRC3c.637A>G mutant enhanced NPC cell invasive properties, including proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, overexpression of wild-type BIRC3 promoted invasive characteristics in NPC cells through the TRAF2-NF-κB signaling axis. In summary, BIRC3 acts as a regulator of the malignant features of NPC cells. Frequent BIRC3 mutations in CTCs, such as the c.637 A > G mutation, further enhance the metastatic potential of disseminated NPC cells by inducing aberrant alternative splicing. These findings suggest the therapeutic feasibility of targeting the BIRC3/TRAF2/NF-κB axis in the treatment of NPC.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

Elucidation of the immunotoxicity of PEDOT: PSS on RAW264.7 macrophages by oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and NF-κB pathway activation.

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS) nanoparticles, widely used conductive polymers, pose environmental and health risks due to their nanoscale dispersion. However, the characteristics of PEDOT: PSS in aquatic systems and the underlying mechanisms of its toxicity in animal and cell models remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the toxicological effects of PEDOT: PSS nanoparticles on macrophages, with a focus on RAW 264.7 cells. After an acute exposure to PEDOT: PSS nanoparticles at different concentrations (5, 10, 20 μg/mL), we observed significant impairments in cell viability, proliferation, migration, adhesion, and phagocytosis, as well as morphological alterations. Concurrently, there was a marked upregulation of inflammatory markers, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), indicating the induction of oxidative stress and inflammation. Mechanistically, PEDOT: PSS nanoparticles activated the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, a key regulator of inflammatory responses, suggesting that they may mediate inflammatory responses and cell damage via activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings reveal the toxic mechanism of PEDOT: PSS nanoparticles in macrophages and provide new insights into their biological safety implications.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Network pharmacological and experimental validation of the mechanism of Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiang decoction regulating T helper cell 17/regulatory T cell balance to improve autoimmune hepatitis.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of action of Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiang decoction (, CGGD) in autoimmune hepatitis. METHODS: CGGD components and potential target genes were extracted from previously published databases. The autoimmune hepatitis (AIH)-related regulatory genes were obtained from the DisGeNET database. Intersections were taken, and enrichment analyses were performed on the extracted data. Concanavalin A (ConA)-induced AIH model mice were treated with CGGD via gavage. The results of network pharmacological analysis were experimentally validated. RESULTS: Network pharmacology revealed 228 genes at the intersection of AIH and CGGD. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed that CGGD primarily regulates the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway and cellular metabolism in AIH. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis revealed that CGGD modulates inflammation through transcription factor-mediated signaling pathways. As predicted, CGGD attenuated ConA-induced AIH in a dose-dependent manner by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Histopathological assessment confirmed the protective effects of CGGD against ConA-induced AIH. Further investigation revealed that CGGD regulated the T helper cell 17 (Th17)/regulatory T cell (Treg) balance by modulating the PI3K/Akt/ nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the therapeutic effect of CGGD on AIH through a combination of network pharmacological prediction and experimental validation. Its mechanism of action involves PI3K/Akt/ NF-κB-mediated regulation of Th17/Treg cells.

Animals↗

PubMed2025

Network pharmacology approach to unveiling the mechanism of berberine in the amelioration of morphine tolerance.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism underlying the effect of the Huanglian decoction (, HLD) on morphine tolerance (MT), using network pharmacology, and to verify these mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Available biological data on each drug in the HLD were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform. The target proteins of MT were retrieved from the GeneCards, PharmGkb, Therapeutic Target Database, DrugBank, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man databases. Information regarding MT and the drug targets was compared to obtain overlapping elements. This information was imported into the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins platform to obtain a protein-protein interaction network diagram. Then, a "component-target" network diagram was constructed using screened drug components and target information, viaCytoscape (Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, USA). The database for annotation, visualization, and integrated discovery was used for Gene Ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways analyses. Pathway information predicted by network pharmacology was verified using animal studies and cell experiments. RESULTS: Network pharmacology analysis identified 22 active compounds of HLD and revealed that HLD partially ameliorated MT by modulating inflammatory, apoptosis, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways. Berberine (BBR), one of the main components of HLD, inhibited the development of MT in mice. BBR reduced cell viability while increasing B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) protein expression and decreasing CD86, NF-κB, Bax, and Caspase-3 protein expression in brain vascular 2 (BV2) mcroglia cells treated with morphine. Additionally, BBR contributed to a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokine release and apoptotic cell number. CONCLUSIONS: BBR, a key component of HLD, effectively suppressed microglial activation and neuro-inflammation by regulating the NF-κB and apoptosis signaling pathways, thereby delaying MT. This study offers a novel approach to enhance the clinical analgesic efficacy of morphine.

Berberine↗

PubMed2026

Transcriptomic Profiling Reveals NF-κB-Associated Immune Regulatory Signatures Underlying the Regenerative Effects of Hypoxia-Preconditioned Tendon Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles.

Remodeling of the immune microenvironment is a critical determinant of tissue regeneration, yet the molecular programs associated with the enhanced therapeutic activity of hypoxia-preconditioned extracellular vesicles remain incompletely defined. In this study, we investigated the regenerative and immunomodulatory effects of hypoxia-preconditioned tendon stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (Hypo-EVs) and employed transcriptomic profiling to identify molecular signatures associated with their biological activity. The therapeutic effects of Hypo-EVs were evaluated using a rat patellar tendon defect model and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Histological analysis, immunostaining, biomechanical testing, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction were performed to assess tendon healing and macrophage polarization, while RNA sequencing was conducted in macrophages treated with Hypo-EVs or normoxia-derived EVs, followed by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses. Hypo-EVs significantly alleviated local inflammatory responses, improved collagen organization and biomechanical properties of repaired tendons, and promoted macrophage polarization toward a reparative M2 phenotype both in vivo and in vitro. Consistent with these biological effects, transcriptomic profiling revealed extensive remodeling of inflammation-related gene expression programs, including significant suppression of NF-κB, TNF, IL-17, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathways. Integrative bioinformatic analyses identified an NF-κB-associated immune-regulatory signature that distinguished Hypo-EV-treated macrophages from those receiving normoxic EVs. Mechanistically, Hypo-EVs attenuated NF-κB activation, as evidenced by reduced phosphorylation of p65 and IκBα, whereas TNF-α-mediated NF-κB activation partially diminished their macrophage-repolarizing effects. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that hypoxic preconditioning enhances the immunomodulatory and regenerative functions of tendon stem cell-derived EVs. Transcriptomic analyses identified an NF-κB-associated immune-regulatory signature linked to the biological activity of Hypo-EVs, providing a molecular framework for understanding EV-mediated immune modulation and supporting the development of transcriptome-guided molecular signatures for regenerative therapies targeting tendon immune homeostasis.

Animals↗

PubMed2025

Spike protein-induced VSIR-ISX signaling disrupts metabolic homeostasis and promotes COVID-19-related immune dysfunction.

COVID-19 has caused millions of deaths worldwide since 2019. Vaccination has reduced both transmission and disease severity. However, emerging viral variants have weakened vaccine effectiveness, highlighting the need for new antiviral therapies. This study examines how the SARS-CoV-2-Spike protein (SARS-2-S) induces the VSIR-ISX signaling pathway, leading to metabolic disturbances that may worsen disease progression. Using RNA sequencing, we found that SARS-2-S expression in pulmonary cells activates genes involved in tryptophan and arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism, altering bioactive mediators like kynurenine and prostanoids, which are crucial for inflammation and immune responses. Mechanistically, the ACE2-MYD88 pathway, activated by SARS-2-S, enhances the VSIR-ISX axis through NF-κB signaling, driving these metabolic disruptions. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and genome sequencing revealed that ISX, activated via VSIR-MAPK signaling, upregulates enzymes involved in AA metabolism by binding directly to their gene promoters. Notably, disrupting the VSIR-ISX axis using shRNA interference or NF-κB inhibitors effectively mitigated these metabolic disturbances. Our findings suggest that the VSIR-ISX pathway could be a promising therapeutic target for treating COVID-19 by addressing virus-induced metabolic disruptions.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

TNF-NF-κB signaling mediates immune-biomineralization crosstalk during shell repair under ocean acidification in Mytilus edulis.

Ocean acidification (OA) impairs biomineralization in bivalves, but its effects on immune-biomineralization crosstalk during shell repair remain unknown. Here, we exposed adult Mytilus edulis bearing standardized shell perforations to three pH levels (8.1, 7.9, and 7.7) for up to 40 days. OA slowed early repair and caused microstructural disorganization and an approximately 87% reduction of compressive strength at pH 7.7, yet the damaged area appeared largely closed by day 15, suggesting a decoupling between morphological closure and functional recovery. In addition, transcriptomic profiling of hemocytes and mantle tissue, based on an average of 6.5 Gb of clean reads per sample mapped to the M. edulis reference genome (NCBI Assembly GCF_000511035.1), revealed that these shell-level defects were accompanied by coordinated immune and metabolic reprogramming. Hemocytes, the primary immune effector cells of bivalves, exhibited pH- and time-dependent shifts with moderate acidification (pH 7.9) promoting inflammatory transcripts, whereas severe acidification (pH 7.7) suppressed these signals while upregulating stress-associated pathways; both treatments consistently downregulated lysosomal proteases and NF-κB negative regulators. The mantle, a primarily mineralizing organ, paradoxically upregulated immune-related genes while suppressing oxidative phosphorylation and extracellular matrix pathways. This tissue-level imbalance, with hemocytes recruited but functionally constrained and mantle metabolically suppressed yet immunologically activated, points to TNF-NF-κB pathway modulation as a key mediator of shell repair under acidification. Our findings demonstrate that visible shell closure masks underlying structural and mechanical failure, and that immune regulation, rather than simple suppression or activation, critically shapes the repair outcome. These results advocate for multifunctional indicators beyond closure area to assess shell integrity in acidified marine environments.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

The Triad of NF-κB, HIF-1α, and Oxidative Stress in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Pathogenesis, Clinical Challenges, and Therapeutic Potential of CIGB-552 in Liver Transplantation.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a formidable oncological challenge characterized by complex molecular pathogenesis and limited therapeutic outcomes, particularly in the context of liver transplantation. As the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, HCC poses significant clinical challenges that demand innovative therapeutic approaches. Central to HCC development and progression is a pathogenic triad comprising nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and oxidative stress-three interconnected pathways that drive inflammation, angiogenesis, metabolic reprogramming, and cell survival. This comprehensive review examines the molecular mechanisms underlying this triad in HCC pathogenesis across different etiological contexts, including viral hepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We critically analyse the unique clinical challenges posed by HCC in liver transplantation recipients, particularly the paradoxical requirement for immunosuppression alongside antitumor immunity, and constraints surrounding immunotherapy application. Furthermore, we present CIGB-552, a novel peptide therapeutic targeting COMMD1 (Copper Metabolism MURR1 Domain-containing protein 1), as a promising dual-function agent capable of simultaneously disrupting the pathogenic triad through NF-κB inhibition, HIF-1α suppression, and strategic modulation of oxidative stress via SOD1 regulation. The multimodal mechanism of CIGB-552 offers a theoretically rational therapeutic approach for HCC management in both pre-transplant and post-transplant settings. Clinical validation in the transplantation setting is required.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

Deubiquitinase-dependent transcriptional silencing controls inflammation.

Transcriptional control is crucial for the regulation of inflammation. While it is well-established that inducible transcriptional repressors are synthesized de novo through signal-dependent transcriptional upregulation, it remains unclear whether post-translational modification mechanisms, such as deubiquitination, also contribute to this process. We previously identified developmentally silenced sine oculis (SIX) transcription factors that are reactivated to control inflammatory gene transcription in differentiated immune cells under chronic microbial infections. However, the molecular mechanisms by which this transcriptional silencing process is regulated remain unclear. Here, we report that USP2, a deubiquitinase localized in the nucleus and induced by inflammatory signals, stabilizes SIX proteins through deubiquitination under inflammatory conditions. Consequently, the USP2-SIX complex acts in concert to control NF-κB-mediated inflammatory gene transcription by directly targeting gene promoters. Supporting this mechanism, Usp2-/- mice exhibit higher mortality during H1N1 infections, which phenocopies Six1-/- mice, attributed to elevated levels of life-threatening inflammatory mediators and exacerbated pathology. This study establishes a deubiquitinase-dependent transcriptional control of the inflammatory response to prevent immunopathology, offering new therapeutic avenues for combating infectious diseases.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Ribosomal protein S3: a critical regulator of human disease mechanisms.

Ribosomal protein S3 (RPS3) is an essential structural component of the 40S ribosomal subunit, yet growing evidence highlights crucial extraribosomal roles in genome maintenance, cell-cycle control, and immune signaling. Dysregulation of RPS3 contributes to diverse human disorders, including cancer, inflammatory diseases, neurodegeneration, and resistance to antimicrobial and anticancer therapies. As a cofactor of NF-κB and a participant in DNA damage responses, RPS3 occupies a node that integrates stress signaling with transcriptional reprogramming, enabling both protective and pathological outcomes. The present review critically evaluates mechanistic insights into RPS3 biology, emphasizing recent findings that delineate its context-dependent effects, discrepancies across models, and remaining gaps that restrict translational applications. Understanding these complexities is essential to assess RPS3's potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Magnolol Potentiates Sorafenib-induced Apoptosis and Inhibits Metastatic Signaling in Renal Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Sorafenib is a standard targeted therapy for renal cell carcinoma; however, resistance and limited efficacy remain clinical challenges. Magnolol, a bioactive compound derived from Magnolia officinalis, exhibits anti-cancer properties, and may enhance therapeutic responses. This study investigated whether magnolol potentiates the anti-tumor effects of sorafenib in murine renal carcinoma (Renca) cells and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cell viability was assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and drug interactions were analyzed using the Chou-Talalay method. Apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining, cell-cycle analysis, and caspase activation. Western blotting and flow cytometry were performed to examine apoptotic pathways and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/SRC proto-oncogene, non-receptor tyrosine kinase (SRC)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling. Transwell assays and protein expression profiling were used to analyze migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. RESULTS: Combination treatment synergistically reduced cell viability, with a combination index (CI) <1, and significantly enhanced apoptosis via activation of intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Co-treatment suppressed EGFR/SRC proto-oncogene, SRC/ NF-κB signaling and reduced migration, invasion, and EMT-associated markers. CONCLUSION: Magnolol enhances sorafenib efficacy by promoting apoptosis and inhibiting survival and metastatic signaling pathways in renal carcinoma cells.

Lignans↗

PubMed2026

Structural modeling and functional characterization of a novel gain-of-function TLR8 variant causing severe inflammatory syndrome.

With the increasing use of genetic sequencing to investigate inborn errors of immunity, rare variants are frequently identified, yet their clinical relevance often remains uncertain. Establishing pathogenicity requires a multidisciplinary approach that integrates genetic, structural, functional, and clinical data. Here, we used such a strategy to investigate a previously unreported hemizygous missense variant - alanine (A) to threonine (T) at residue 518 - in Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8), identified in 2 male siblings with recurrent infections and systemic inflammation, characterized by a proinflammatory immune signature and B cell dysregulation. Functional studies showed that the TLR8 A518T variant enhanced NF-κB activation and increased secretion of proinflammatory cytokines compared with WT TLR8 upon stimulation, consistent with a gain-of-function effect. Protein degradation and turnover assays revealed reduced abundance of the mutant TLR8 protein due to faster turnover and increased proteasomal degradation. Computational modeling predicted enhanced structural stabilization of the active TLR8 homodimer interface via additional water-mediated hydrogen bonds introduced by the A518T substitution. Together, these findings integrating structural modeling with functional assays identify a novel TLR8 ligand-specific gain-of-function mutation resulting in complex immunopathology in 2 siblings.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Therapeutic Potential of Terpenes in Lung Cancer: Modulation of 4-Oxo- Retinoic Acid, TNF-α, NF-κB, and HDAC2 Pathways.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) includes various epithelial malignancies, such as squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. Despite advancements in surgical resection, chemoradiotherapy, and multimodal therapies, NSCLC prognosis remains challenging due to its complex molecular landscape, drug resistance, and high treatment costs. Recent research highlights the potential of natural compounds, particularly terpenes and terpenoids, derived from essential oils (EOs), to enhance NSCLC treatment. These compounds exhibit anticancer properties and modulate key pathways like the 4-oxo-retinoic acid pathway, TNF-α signaling, NF-κB activation, and histone deacetylases (HDACs). Retinoids, a subclass of terpenes, show both chemopreventive and therapeutic benefits, especially when combined with other agents, though challenges in dosing and delivery methods limit their clinical application. Terpenes may also synergize with emerging therapies, such as antiangiogenic treatments and immunotherapy, to improve outcomes. Biomarkers, including genomic, epigenomic, and proteomic markers, play a critical role in predicting responses to terpene-based treatments, supporting personalized medicine. The integration of terpenes into existing regimens, in combination with conventional therapies, holds promise in overcoming clinical challenges, improving patient outcomes, and advancing natural compound use in modern oncology. Future research should focus on optimizing terpene therapies and addressing clinical hurdles.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

UHRF1 deficiency exacerbates intestinal inflammation by epigenetic modulation of NPY1R gene methylation.

Epigenetic modifications play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by mediating gene-environment interactions. We previously showed that UHRF1, a central regulator of DNA methylation, contributes to cancer progression; however, its function in IBD remains poorly understood. Here, we revealed that UHRF1 was frequently reduced in inflamed tissues of patients with IBD and that its deficiency exacerbated intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) damage. Through a multilevel approach incorporating human cell models and an intestinal epithelial-specific Uhrf1-KO mouse model, we established UHRF1 as a key mitigator of IBD progression. Mechanistically, UHRF1 bound to the NPY1R promoter, promoted its methylation, and led to transcriptional suppression. The NPY1R upregulation resulting from UHRF1 deficiency attenuated cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling in IECs, thereby enhancing NF-κB activation and subsequent proinflammatory responses, which compromised intestinal epithelial barrier integrity. Furthermore, we identified miR-141 as a negative regulator of NPY1R, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent. Collectively, our results identified the UHRF1/NPY1R regulatory axis as a critical epigenetic mechanism in intestinal inflammation and underscored its dual promise for IBD diagnostics and therapy.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Proteomic and Metabolomic Analysis of Immune-Related Adverse Events in Patients Treated with PD-1 Inhibitors.

As a class of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) blockade has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in the treatment of various malignancies. However, their clinical application is constrained by the high incidence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which arise from nonspecific immune activation and can affect multiple organ systems, with severe cases posing life-threatening risks. This study integrated high-throughput proteomic and metabolomic analyses to systematically characterize the molecular features associated with irAEs in cancer patients receiving PD-1 inhibitor therapy. The results showed that, following the first treatment, patients who developed irAEs exhibited potential involvement of the NF-κB pathway, along with lower baseline levels of SNRPA and higher expression of CD63. Metabolomic analyses further revealed that the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio was significantly elevated in the irAE group both at baseline and post-treatment compared with patients who did not develop irAEs. In addition, significant differences in the abundance of specific lipids were observed between the two groups prior to the administration of immunotherapy. Our findings provide exploratory insights into immune and metabolic alterations associated with PD-1 blockade treatment and may help generate hypotheses for future studies on early irAE risk assessment in cancer patients undergoing PD-1 blockade therapy.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Inflammatory Cytokines Impair Glucagon Expression and Secretion in Pancreatic α-Cells.

AIMS: Insulin resistance and obesity-associated inflammation are key drivers in the pathogenesis of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Whilst inflammatory cytokines are well known to impair β-cell function, their impact on pancreatic α-cells and glucagon (GCG) regulation remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ on GCG expression and secretion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The viability and endocrine function of α-cell line αTC1 and isolated islets were investigated by WST-1 assay, LDH assay, qRT-PCR, Western blot analysis and ELISA. The transcriptional activity of the GCG promoter was analysed by reporter gene assays. The cellular composition of isolated islets was assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: We found that exposure of the α-cell line αTC1 to a mix of these cytokines activates cellular stress responses characterised by induction of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B-cells (NF-κB) pathway and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. Moreover, cytokine treatment markedly reduced GCG gene expression and secretion through repression of GCG promoter activity. Mechanistically, this was associated with a disrupted transcriptional network. These findings were confirmed in isolated mouse islets, where cytokine exposure significantly reduced GCG expression and secretion in islets of both male and female donors. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these findings indicate that inflammatory cytokines are potent modulators of α-cell function as well as GCG secretion and provide novel insights into inflammation-driven dysregulation of the endocrine function of pancreatic islets.

Glucagon-Secreting Cells↗