Research

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28 pages, 2327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Next-Generation Sequencing in the Assessment of the Transcriptomic Landscape of DNA Damage Repair Genes in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, Chronic Venous Disease and Lower Extremity Artery Disease

by Karol P. Ruszel, Daniel P. Zalewski, Andrzej Stępniewski, Dariusz Gałkowski, Jacek Bogucki, Marcin Feldo, Bartosz J. Płachno, Janusz Kocki and Anna Bogucka-Kocka

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(1), 551; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24010551 - 29 Dec 2022

Viewed by 2082

Abstract

Vascular diseases are one of the most common causes of death and morbidity. Lower extremity artery disease (LEAD), abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and chronic venous disease (CVD) belong to this group of conditions and exhibit various presentations and courses; thus, there is an [...] Read more.

Vascular diseases are one of the most common causes of death and morbidity. Lower extremity artery disease (LEAD), abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and chronic venous disease (CVD) belong to this group of conditions and exhibit various presentations and courses; thus, there is an urgent need for revealing new biomarkers for monitoring and potential treatment. Next-generation sequencing of mRNA allows rapid and detailed transcriptome analysis, allowing us to pinpoint the most pronounced differences between the mRNA expression profiles of vascular disease patients. Comparison of expression data of 519 DNA-repair-related genes obtained from mRNA next-generation sequencing revealed significant transcriptomic marks characterizing AAA, CVD and LEAD. Statistical, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), gene ontology (GO) and literature analyses were applied and highlighted many DNA repair and accompanying processes, such as cohesin functions, oxidative stress, homologous recombination, ubiquitin turnover, chromatin remodelling and DNA double-strand break repair. Surprisingly, obtained data suggest the contribution of genes engaged in the regulatory function of DNA repair as a key component that could be used to distinguish between analyzed conditions. DNA repair–related genes depicted in the presented study as dysregulated in AAA, CVD and LEAD could be utilized in the design of new biomarkers or therapies associated with these diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal and Plant Cell–Tissue, Organ Specialization and Function: Investigational, Experimental and Medical Aspects 3.0)

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23 pages, 3604 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Cosmetic and Dermatological Properties and Safety of Use of Model Skin Tonics with Kombucha-Fermented Red Berry Extracts

by Aleksandra Ziemlewska, Zofia Nizioł-Łukaszewska, Martyna Zagórska-Dziok, Magdalena Wójciak, Dariusz Szczepanek and Ireneusz Sowa

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(23), 14675; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232314675 - 24 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1856

Abstract

Kombucha is a health-promoting beverage that is produced by fermenting sweetened tea using symbiotic cultures of bacteria belonging to the genus Acetobacter, Gluconobacter, and yeast of the genus Saccharomyces. This study compared the cosmetic and dermatological properties of the extracts of the following [...] Read more.

Kombucha is a health-promoting beverage that is produced by fermenting sweetened tea using symbiotic cultures of bacteria belonging to the genus Acetobacter, Gluconobacter, and yeast of the genus Saccharomyces. This study compared the cosmetic and dermatological properties of the extracts of the following redberries: R. rubrum, F. vesca, and R. idaeus, and their ferments, which were obtained by fermentation for 10 and 20 days using tea fungus. For this purpose, the fermented and non-fermented extracts were compared in terms of their chemical composition using the HPLC/ESI-MS chromatographic method, demonstrating the high content of biologically active compounds that were present in the ferments. The antioxidant activity of the tested samples was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS tests, as well as by evaluating the scavenging of the external and intracellular free radicals. The cytotoxicity of the extracts and the ferments, as well as the cosmetic formulations, were also determined by conducting Alamar Blue and Neutral Red tests assessing the cell viability and metabolism using skin cell lines: fibroblasts and keratinocytes. In addition, application tests were conducted showing the positive effects of the model cosmetic tonics on the TEWL, the skin hydration, and the skin pH. The results indicate that both the extracts and the ferments that were obtained from kombucha can be valuable ingredients in cosmetic products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal and Plant Cell–Tissue, Organ Specialization and Function: Investigational, Experimental and Medical Aspects 3.0)

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14 pages, 2038 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Quality and Fertilizing Potential of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus L.) Epididymal Spermatozoa Stored in a Liquid State

by Anna Dziekońska, Magdalena Koziorowska-Gilun, Władysław Kordan, Nicoletta M. Neuman, Angelika M. Kotlarczyk and Anna J. Korzekwa

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(23), 14591; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232314591 - 23 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1252

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the quality and fertilizing potential of red deer epididymal spermatozoa stored in a liquid state for up to 11 days (D11). In Experiment 1, sperm quality was determined. In Experiment 2, the efficiency of in [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to assess the quality and fertilizing potential of red deer epididymal spermatozoa stored in a liquid state for up to 11 days (D11). In Experiment 1, sperm quality was determined. In Experiment 2, the efficiency of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and artificial insemination (AI) of stored sperm were evaluated. An analysis of sperm quality on D5 of storage revealed a decrease (p < 0.05) in motility and morphology, and a higher proportion of apoptotic spermatozoa. On D1, D7 and D10, the total motility of sperm for IVF and AI was determined to be 82.6%, 71.0% and 64.8%, respectively. The results of IVF and AI demonstrated that the fertilizing potential of spermatozoa differs between days of storage. The percentage of blastocysts was higher when oocytes were fertilized on D1 (17.4 %) compared to D7 (8.5%) and D10 sperm (10.5%). Differences were noted in the pregnancy rates of inseminated hinds. The insemination with D1, D7 and D10 sperm led to live births (33% from D7 and D10). The results indicate that the quality of red deer epididymal spermatozoa remains satisfactory during ten days of storage in a liquid state, and that these spermatozoa maintain their fertility potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal and Plant Cell–Tissue, Organ Specialization and Function: Investigational, Experimental and Medical Aspects 3.0)

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10 pages, 2149 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gene Variants Related to Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Diseases May Correlate with Severe Outcome of COVID-19

by Mateusz Sypniewski, Zbigniew J. Król, Joanna Szyda, Elżbieta Kaja, Magdalena Mroczek, Tomasz Suchocki, Adrian Lejman, Maria Stępień, Piotr Topolski, Maciej Dąbrowski, Krzysztof Kotlarz, Angelika Aplas, Michał Wasiak, Marzena Wojtaszewska, Paweł Zawadzki, Agnieszka Pawlak, Robert Gil, Paula Dobosz and Joanna Stojak

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(15), 8696; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23158696 - 04 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2036

Abstract

Background: Severe outcomes of COVID-19 account for up to 15% of all cases. The study aims to check if any gene variants related to cardiovascular (CVD) and pulmonary diseases (PD) are correlated with a severe outcome of COVID-19 in a Polish cohort of [...] Read more.

Background: Severe outcomes of COVID-19 account for up to 15% of all cases. The study aims to check if any gene variants related to cardiovascular (CVD) and pulmonary diseases (PD) are correlated with a severe outcome of COVID-19 in a Polish cohort of COVID-19 patients. Methods: In this study, a subset of 747 samples from unrelated individuals collected across Poland in 2020 and 2021 was used and whole-genome sequencing was performed. Results: The GWAS analysis of SNPs and short indels located in genes related to CVD identified one variant significant in COVID-19 severe outcome in the HADHA gene, while for the PD gene panel, we found two significant variants in the DRC1 gene. In this study, both potentially protective and risk variants were identified, of which variants in the HADHA gene deserve the most attention. Conclusions: This is the first study reporting the association between the HADHA and DRC1 genetic variants and COVID-19 severe outcome based on the cohort WGS analysis. Although all the identified variants are localised in introns, they may be correlated and therefore inherited along with other risk variants, potentially causative to severe outcome of COVID-19 but not discovered yet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal and Plant Cell–Tissue, Organ Specialization and Function: Investigational, Experimental and Medical Aspects 3.0)

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14 pages, 2923 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Niacin Improves Intestinal Health through Up-Regulation of AQPs Expression Induced by GPR109A

by Shilong Liu, Yueqin Qiu, Fang Gu, Xiaoming Xu, Shansen Wu, Zhenhao Jin, Li Wang, Kaiguo Gao, Cui Zhu, Xuefen Yang and Zongyong Jiang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(15), 8332; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23158332 - 28 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2849

Abstract

(1) Background: Changes in the expression of aquaporins (AQPs) in the intestine are proved to be associated with the attenuation of diarrhea. Diarrhea is a severe problem for postweaning piglets. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether niacin could alleviate diarrhea in weaned [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Changes in the expression of aquaporins (AQPs) in the intestine are proved to be associated with the attenuation of diarrhea. Diarrhea is a severe problem for postweaning piglets. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether niacin could alleviate diarrhea in weaned piglets by regulating AQPs expression and the underlying mechanisms; (2) Methods: 72 weaned piglets (Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire), 21 d old, 6.60 ± 0.05 kg) were randomly allotted into 3 groups for a 14-day feeding trial. Each treatment group included 6 replicate pens and each pen included 4 barrows (n = 24/treatment). Piglets were fed a basal diet (CON), a basal diet supplemented with 20.4 mg niacin/kg diet (NA) or the basal diet administered an antagonist for the GPR109A receptor (MPN). Additionally, an established porcine intestinal epithelial cell line (IPEC-J2) was used to investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanism of niacin on AQPs expression after Escherichia coli K88 (ETEC K88) treatment; (3) Results: Piglets fed niacin-supplemented diet had significantly decreased diarrhea rate, and increased mRNA and protein level of ZO-1, AQP 1 and AQP 3 in the colon compared with those administered a fed diet supplemented with an antagonist (p < 0.05). In addition, ETEC K88 treatment significantly reduced the cell viability, cell migration, and mRNA and protein expression of AQP1, AQP3, AQP7, AQP9, AQP11, and GPR109A in IPEC-J2 cells (p < 0.05). However, supplementation with niacin significantly prevented the ETEC K88-induced decline in the cell viability, cell migration, and the expression level of AQPs mRNA and protein in IPEC-J2 cells (p < 0.05). Furthermore, siRNA GPR109A knockdown significantly abrogated the protective effect of niacin on ETEC K88-induced cell damage (p < 0.05); (4) Conclusions: Niacin supplementation increased AQPs and ZO-1 expression to reduce diarrhea and intestinal damage through GPR109A pathway in weaned piglets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal and Plant Cell–Tissue, Organ Specialization and Function: Investigational, Experimental and Medical Aspects 3.0)

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13 pages, 1592 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Evaluation of the Impact of Pregnancy-Associated Factors on the Quality of Wharton’s Jelly-Derived Stem Cells Using SOX2 Gene Expression as a Marker

by Paulina Gil-Kulik, Małgorzata Świstowska, Arkadiusz Krzyżanowski, Alicja Petniak, Anna Kwaśniewska, Bartosz J. Płachno, Dariusz Galkowski, Anna Bogucka-Kocka and Janusz Kocki

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(14), 7630; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23147630 - 10 Jul 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1805

Abstract

SOX2 is a recognized pluripotent transcription factor involved in stem cell homeostasis, self-renewal and reprogramming. It belongs to, one of the SRY-related HMG-box (SOX) family of transcription factors, taking part in the regulation of embryonic development and determination of cell fate. Among other [...] Read more.

SOX2 is a recognized pluripotent transcription factor involved in stem cell homeostasis, self-renewal and reprogramming. It belongs to, one of the SRY-related HMG-box (SOX) family of transcription factors, taking part in the regulation of embryonic development and determination of cell fate. Among other functions, SOX2 promotes proliferation, survival, invasion, metastasis, cancer stemness, and drug resistance. SOX2 interacts with other transcription factors in multiple signaling pathways to control growth and survival. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of a parturient’s age, umbilical cord blood pH and length of pregnancy on the quality of stem cells derived from Wharton’s jelly (WJSC) by looking at birth weight and using SOX2 gene expression as a marker. Using qPCR the authors, evaluated the expression of SOX2 in WJSC acquired from the umbilical cords of 30 women right after the delivery. The results showed a significant correlation between the birth weight and the expression of SOX2 in WJSC in relation to maternal age, umbilical cord blood pH, and the length of pregnancy. The authors observed that the younger the woman and the lower the umbilical cord blood pH, the earlier the delivery occurs, the lower the birth weight and the higher SOX2 gene expression in WJSC. In research studies and clinical applications of regenerative medicine utilizing mesenchymal stem cells derived from Wharton’s Jelly of the umbilical cord, assessment of maternal and embryonic factors influencing the quality of cells is critical. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal and Plant Cell–Tissue, Organ Specialization and Function: Investigational, Experimental and Medical Aspects 3.0)

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16 pages, 1767 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Beyond GWAS—Could Genetic Differentiation within the Allograft Rejection Pathway Shape Natural Immunity to COVID-19?

by Joanna Szyda, Paula Dobosz, Joanna Stojak, Mateusz Sypniewski, Tomasz Suchocki, Krzysztof Kotlarz, Magdalena Mroczek, Maria Stępień, Dawid Słomian, Sławomir Butkiewicz, Paweł Sztromwasser, Jakub Liu and Zbigniew J. Król

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(11), 6272; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23116272 - 03 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2179

Abstract

COVID-19 infections pose a serious global health concern so it is crucial to identify the biomarkers for the susceptibility to and resistance against this disease that could help in a rapid risk assessment and reliable decisions being made on patients’ treatment and their [...] Read more.

COVID-19 infections pose a serious global health concern so it is crucial to identify the biomarkers for the susceptibility to and resistance against this disease that could help in a rapid risk assessment and reliable decisions being made on patients’ treatment and their potential hospitalisation. Several studies investigated the factors associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes that can be either environmental, population based, or genetic. It was demonstrated that the genetics of the host plays an important role in the various immune responses and, therefore, there are different clinical presentations of COVID-19 infection. In this study, we aimed to use variant descriptive statistics from GWAS (Genome-Wide Association Study) and variant genomic annotations to identify metabolic pathways that are associated with a severe COVID-19 infection as well as pathways related to resistance to COVID-19. For this purpose, we applied a custom-designed mixed linear model implemented into custom-written software. Our analysis of more than 12.5 million SNPs did not indicate any pathway that was significant for a severe COVID-19 infection. However, the Allograft rejection pathway (hsa05330) was significant (p = 0.01087) for resistance to the infection. The majority of the 27 SNP marking genes constituting the Allograft rejection pathway were located on chromosome 6 (19 SNPs) and the remainder were mapped to chromosomes 2, 3, 10, 12, 20, and X. This pathway comprises several immune system components crucial for the self versus non-self recognition, but also the components of antiviral immunity. Our study demonstrated that not only single variants are important for resistance to COVID-19, but also the cumulative impact of several SNPs within the same pathway matters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal and Plant Cell–Tissue, Organ Specialization and Function: Investigational, Experimental and Medical Aspects 3.0)

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17 pages, 11235 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Leydig Cells in Immunocastrated Polish Landrace Pig Testis: Differentiation Status and Steroid Enzyme Expression Status

by Piotr Pawlicki, Anna Galuszka, Laura Pardyak, Ryszard Tuz, Bartosz J. Płachno, Martyna Malopolska, Klaudia Dubniewicz, Ping Yang, Malgorzata Kotula-Balak and Kazimierz Tarasiuk

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(11), 6120; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23116120 - 30 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2045

Abstract

Porker immunocastration against gonadoliberin (GnRH) secretion has been utilized since 2009; however, consumers are still skeptical of it. This is due to not having full information available on the problem of a boar taint, as well as a lack of research on morphological [...] Read more.

Porker immunocastration against gonadoliberin (GnRH) secretion has been utilized since 2009; however, consumers are still skeptical of it. This is due to not having full information available on the problem of a boar taint, as well as a lack of research on morphological and molecular changes that may occur in the animal reproductive system and other body systems. The present study aimed to explore the functional status of steroidogenic Leydig cells of the testicular interstitial tissue in immunocastrated Polish Landrace pigs. Analyses were performed using Western blot, immunohistochemistry for relaxin (RLN), insulin-like 3 protein (INSL3), pelleted growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα), cytochrome P450scc, 3β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (3β-HSD, 17β-HSD), cytochrome P450arom, and 5α-reductase (5α-RED). Immunoassay ELISA was used to measure the androstenone, testosterone, and estradiol levels in the testis and serum of immunocastrates. We revealed disturbances in the distribution and expression of (i) RLN, indicating an inflammatory reaction in the interstitial tissue; (ii) INSL3 and PDGFRα, indicating alterations in the differentiation and function of fetal, perinatal, or adult Leydig cell populations; (iii) P450scc, 3β-HSD, 17β-HSD, P450arom, and 5α-RED, indicating disturbances in the sex steroid hormone production and disturbed functional status of Leydig cells; as well as (iv) decreased levels of androstenone, testosterone, and estradiol in testicular tissue and serum, indicating the dedicated action of Improvac to reduce boar taint at both the hypothalamic–hypophysis–gonadal axis and local level (Leydig cells). In summary, our study provides a significant portion of knowledge on the function of Leydig cells after immunocastration, which is also important for the diagnosis and therapy of testis dysfunction due to GnRH action failure and/or Leydig cell differentiational–functional alterations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal and Plant Cell–Tissue, Organ Specialization and Function: Investigational, Experimental and Medical Aspects 3.0)

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11 pages, 1144 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Chemical Compounds Released from Specific Osteoinductive Bioactive Materials Stimulate Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Migration

by Krzysztof Łukowicz, Barbara Zagrajczuk, Karolina Truchan, Łukasz Niedzwiedzki, Katarzyna Cholewa-Kowalska and Anna M. Osyczka

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(5), 2598; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23052598 - 26 Feb 2022

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Abstract

In this work, a poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)-based composite was enriched with one of the following sol-gel bioactive glasses (SBG) at 50 wt.%: A1—40 mol% SiO₂, 60 mol% CaO, CaO/SiO₂ ratio of 1.50; S1—80 mol% SiO₂, 20 mol% [...] Read more.

In this work, a poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)-based composite was enriched with one of the following sol-gel bioactive glasses (SBG) at 50 wt.%: A1—40 mol% SiO₂, 60 mol% CaO, CaO/SiO₂ ratio of 1.50; S1—80 mol% SiO₂, 20 mol% CaO, CaO/SiO₂ ratio of 0.25; A2—40 mol% SiO₂, 54 mol% CaO, 6 mol% P₂O₅, CaO/SiO₂ ratio of 1.35; S2—80 mol% SiO₂,16 mol% CaO, 4 mol% P₂O₅, CaO/SiO₂ ratio of 0.20. The composites and PLGA control sheets were then soaked for 24 h in culture media, and the obtained condition media (CM) were used to treat human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) for 72 h. All CMs from the composites increased ERK 1/2 activity vs. the control PLGA CM. However, expressions of cell migration-related c-Fos, osteopontin, matrix metalloproteinase-2, C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4, vascular endothelial growth factor, and bone morphogenetic protein 2 were significantly increased only in cells treated with the CM from the A1/PLGA composite. This CM also significantly increased the rate of human BMSC migration but did not affect cell metabolic activity. These results indicate important biological markers that are upregulated by products released from the bioactive composites of a specific chemical composition, which may eventually prompt osteoprogenitor cells to colonize the bioactive material and accelerate the process of tissue regeneration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal and Plant Cell–Tissue, Organ Specialization and Function: Investigational, Experimental and Medical Aspects 3.0)

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18 pages, 5954 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nuclear and Membrane Receptors for Sex Steroids Are Involved in the Regulation of Delta/Serrate/LAG-2 Proteins in Rodent Sertoli Cells

by Sylwia Lustofin, Alicja Kamińska, Małgorzata Brzoskwinia, Joanna Cyran, Małgorzata Kotula-Balak, Barbara Bilińska and Anna Hejmej

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(4), 2284; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23042284 - 18 Feb 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2264

Abstract

Delta/Serrate/LAG-2 (DSL) proteins, which serve as ligands for Notch receptors, mediate direct cell–cell interactions involved in the determination of cell fate and functioning. The present study aimed to explore the role of androgens and estrogens, and their receptors in the regulation of DSL [...] Read more.

Delta/Serrate/LAG-2 (DSL) proteins, which serve as ligands for Notch receptors, mediate direct cell–cell interactions involved in the determination of cell fate and functioning. The present study aimed to explore the role of androgens and estrogens, and their receptors in the regulation of DSL proteins in Sertoli cells. To this end, primary rat Sertoli cells and TM4 Sertoli cell line were treated with either testosterone or 17β-estradiol and antagonists of their receptors. To confirm the role of particular receptors, knockdown experiments were performed. mRNA and protein expressions of Jagged1 (JAG1), Delta-like1 (DLL1), and Delta-like4 (DLL4) were analyzed using RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Testosterone caused downregulation of JAG1 and DLL1 expression, acting through membrane androgen receptor ZRT- and Irt-like protein 9 (ZIP9) or nuclear androgen receptor (AR), respectively. DLL4 was stimulated by testosterone in the manner independent of AR and ZIP9 in Sertoli cells. The expression of all studied DSL proteins was upregulated by 17β-estradiol. Estrogen action on JAG1 and DLL1 was mediated chiefly via estrogen receptor α (ERα), while DLL4 was controlled via estrogen receptor β (ERβ) and membrane G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). To summarize, the co-operation of nuclear and membrane receptors for sex steroids controls DSL proteins in Sertoli cells, contributing to balanced Notch signaling activity in seminiferous epithelium. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal and Plant Cell–Tissue, Organ Specialization and Function: Investigational, Experimental and Medical Aspects 3.0)

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Review

Jump to: Research

21 pages, 6042 KiB

Open AccessReview

3D Tumor Models in Urology

by Jochen Neuhaus, Anja Rabien, Annabell Reinhold, Lisa Koehler and Mandy Berndt-Paetz

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(7), 6232; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24076232 - 25 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2101

Abstract

Three-dimensional tumor models have become established in both basic and clinical research. As multicellular systems consisting of tumor and tumor-associated cells, they can better represent tumor characteristics than monocellular 2D cultures. In this review, we highlight the potential applications of tumor spheroids and [...] Read more.

Three-dimensional tumor models have become established in both basic and clinical research. As multicellular systems consisting of tumor and tumor-associated cells, they can better represent tumor characteristics than monocellular 2D cultures. In this review, we highlight the potential applications of tumor spheroids and organoids in the field of urology. Further, we illustrate the generation and characteristics of standardized organoids as well as membrane-based 3D in vitro models in bladder cancer research. We discuss the technical aspects and review the initial successes of molecular analyses in the three major urologic tumor entities: urinary bladder carcinoma (BCa), prostate carcinoma (PCa), and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal and Plant Cell–Tissue, Organ Specialization and Function: Investigational, Experimental and Medical Aspects 3.0)

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15 pages, 1419 KiB

Open AccessReview

WGS Data Collections: How Do Genomic Databases Transform Medicine?

by Zbigniew J. Król, Paula Dobosz, Antonina Ślubowska and Magdalena Mroczek

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(3), 3031; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24033031 - 03 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2863

Abstract

As a scientific community we assumed that exome sequencing will elucidate the basis of most heritable diseases. However, it turned out it was not the case; therefore, attention has been increasingly focused on the non-coding sequences that encompass 98% of the genome and [...] Read more.

As a scientific community we assumed that exome sequencing will elucidate the basis of most heritable diseases. However, it turned out it was not the case; therefore, attention has been increasingly focused on the non-coding sequences that encompass 98% of the genome and may play an important regulatory function. The first WGS-based datasets have already been released including underrepresented populations. Although many databases contain pooled data from several cohorts, recently the importance of local databases has been highlighted. Genomic databases are not only collecting data but may also contribute to better diagnostics and therapies. They may find applications in population studies, rare diseases, oncology, pharmacogenetics, and infectious and inflammatory diseases. Further data may be analysed with Al technologies and in the context of other omics data. To exemplify their utility, we put a highlight on the Polish genome database and its practical application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal and Plant Cell–Tissue, Organ Specialization and Function: Investigational, Experimental and Medical Aspects 3.0)

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17 pages, 1402 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Emerging Role of Cell Adhesion Molecules on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

by Jiang Liu, Junchao Zhang, Xun Fu, Shu Yang, Yan Li, Jianmin Liu, Michael E. DiSanto, Ping Chen and Xinhua Zhang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(3), 2870; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24032870 - 02 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1821

Abstract

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease in elderly men. It is characterized by prostatic enlargement and urethral compression and often causes lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTs) such as urinary frequency, urgency, and nocturia. Existing studies have shown that the pathological process [...] Read more.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease in elderly men. It is characterized by prostatic enlargement and urethral compression and often causes lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTs) such as urinary frequency, urgency, and nocturia. Existing studies have shown that the pathological process of prostate hyperplasia is mainly related to the imbalance of cell proliferation and apoptosis, inflammation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and growth factors. However, the exact molecular mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are a group of cell surface proteins that mediate cell–cell adhesion and cell migration. Modulating adhesion molecule expression can regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, EMT, and fibrotic processes, engaged in the development of prostatic hyperplasia. In this review, we went over the important roles and molecular mechanisms of cell adhesion molecules (mainly integrins and cadherins) in both physiological and pathological processes. We also analyzed the mechanisms of CAMs in prostate hyperplasia and explored the potential value of targeting CAMs as a therapeutic strategy for BPH. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal and Plant Cell–Tissue, Organ Specialization and Function: Investigational, Experimental and Medical Aspects 3.0)

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