Open Access
REVIEW
YATING WEI1, HONGKANG YAO1, XIAN SHI2, HONG CHEN3, RONGZONG YE4,*, CHAOQIAN LI1,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.072780
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advanced Cell Signaling Pathways in Health and Disease)
Abstract Atherosclerosis, characterized by the formation of fibrofatty lesions in the arterial wall, remains a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. Emerging evidence highlights the critical regulatory roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) in atherogenesis. LncRNAs can function as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) by sponging miRNAs, thereby modulating the expression of downstream target mRNAs. This review summarizes current knowledge on lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks and their functional roles in the three major cell types involved in atherosclerotic plaque development: endothelial cells (ECs), vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and macrophages. In ECs, these networks More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Silvia Carloni1,*, Maria Gemma Nasoni1, Serafina Perrone2, Erik Bargagni1, Carla Gentile3, Walter Manucha4, Russel J. Reiter5, Francesca Luchetti1,*, Walter Balduini1,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.073776
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Melatonin and Mitochondria: Exploring New Frontiers)
Abstract Mitochondria are central regulators of cellular energy metabolism, redox balance, and survival, and their dysfunction contributes to neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases, as well as aging. Beyond its role as a circadian hormone, melatonin is now recognized as a key modulator of mitochondrial physiology. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms by which melatonin can preserve mitochondrial function through multifaceted mechanisms. Experimental evidence shows that melatonin enhances the activity of electron transport chain (ETC) complexes, stabilizes the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ), and prevents cardiolipin (CL) peroxidation, thereby limiting permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening and… More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Antonio Magan-Fernández1, Sarmad Muayad Rasheed Al-Bakri1, Marco Bonilla2,*, Francisco Mesa1
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.073576
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: NETs: A Decade of Pathological Insights and Future Therapeutic Horizons)
Abstract Objectives: Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have emerged as critical effectors in immune defense but also as potential drivers of tissue damage in chronic inflammatory diseases. Their role in periodontitis, a highly prevalent condition characterized by dysregulated host–microbe interactions, remains incompletely defined. This systematic review aimed to synthesize, for the first time, ex vivo human evidence on the presence, activity, and clinical significance of NETs in periodontitis. Methods: A comprehensive search of Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus was conducted up to August 2025. Eligible studies included ex vivo human investigations assessing NETs or NET markers in gingival… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Helen Fenske1, Ingrid R. Niesman2,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.071078
Abstract Objective: Tyrosinase is the rate-limiting enzyme in the generation of melanin. The feline tyrosinase mutation, G302R, confers temperature-sensitive loss of function, resulting in the familiar Siamese cat phenotype. Crystal or cryoEM structures are elusive for any mammalian tyrosinase to date. Protein misfolding is suggested as a basis for phenotypes resulting from mutant tyrosinases, but this hypothesis needs structural confirmation. Our objective for this study is to confirm misfolding of mutant tyrosinase as a basis for temperature-sensitive phenotypes compared to catalytic dysfunction that may be responsible for other tyrosinase mutant breed phenotypes. Methods: We have employed… More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Gizem Kaynar Beyaz1,*, Ahmet Kirbas2, Sevgi Kalkanli Tas1
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.072368
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Mechanisms Driving COPD, Atherosclerosis, and Cardiovascular Disease: From Pathogenesis to Therapeutic Innovations)
Abstract Peripheral artery disease (PAD) remains a significant global health issue, with current treatments primarily focused on relieving symptoms and addressing macrovascular issues. However, critical immunoinflammatory mechanisms are often overlooked. Recent evidence suggests that monocyte phenotypic plasticity plays a central role in PAD development, affecting atherogenesis, plaque progression, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and chronic ischemic remodeling. This narrative review aims to summarize the latest advances (2023–2025) in understanding monocyte diversity, functional states, and their changes throughout different stages of PAD. We discuss both established and emerging biomarkers, such as circulating monocyte subset proportions, functional assays, immune checkpoint expression, More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Chang-Eui Hong1,2,3, Su-Yun Lyu1,2,3,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.072360
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Natural Product-Based Anticancer Drug Discovery)
Abstract Objective: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a major therapeutic challenge with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic anticancer effects of doxorubicin (DOX) combined with Viscum album L. var. coloratum agglutinin (VCA) and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms in TNBC cells. Methods: This study evaluated the synergistic effects and mechanisms of doxorubicin (DOX) and Viscum album L. var. coloratum agglutinin (VCA) combination in MDA-MB231 TNBC cells. Cell viability, oxidative stress markers, apoptosis-related proteins, cell migration, and proliferative recovery were assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitric oxide… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Luis Felipe HernáNdez-Ayala1, Russel J. Reiter2, Annia Galano1,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.071635
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Melatonin and Mitochondria: Exploring New Frontiers)
Abstract Objectives: Oxidative stress (OS) plays a pivotal role in chronic and neurodegenerative diseases, which has sparked interest in molecules that modulate redox-regulating enzymes. Melatonin and its metabolites exhibit antioxidant properties; however, their molecular mechanisms of enzymatic and transcriptional modulation remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate, through an exploratory in silico approach, the interactions of melatonin and related compounds with OS-related enzymes to generate hypotheses about their role in cellular redox control. Methods: A rational selection of antioxidant, pro-oxidant, and transcriptional targets was performed. Ligands were optimized at the DFT level (M05-2X/6-311+G(d,p)) and docked to OS… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Huiping Qiu1, Shaofang Huang2,*, Xin Xiong1, Li Zhang1
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.070402
Abstract Background: Pulmonary fibrosis is an irreversible lung disorder that currently has a limited number of effective therapeutic strategies. Taraxasterol (TAR), a bioactive triterpenoid isolated from plants used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. However, its precise role in pulmonary fibrosis remains incompletely defined. This study aimed to elucidate whether TAR alleviates pulmonary fibrosis by modulating Protein Phosphatase 2 Scaffold Subunit Abeta (PPP2R1B) expression. Methods: A bleomycin-induced murine model of pulmonary fibrosis and a transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) stimulated mouse lung fibroblast cell line (MLg) were established. To evaluate the effects of… More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Kawaljit Kaur*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.073252
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: The Role of γδ T Cells and iNKT Cells in Cancer: Unraveling Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential)
Abstract Gamma delta (γδ) T cells and invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are unconventional T cells with limited T cell receptor (TCR) diversity. Both can recognize lipid or non-peptide antigens, often through cluster of differentiation 1d (CD1d), rapidly produce cytokines, express natural killer (NK) cell markers, and are mainly found in mucosal and barrier tissues. Acting as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity, they show great promise for cancer immunotherapy. Developing γδ T and iNKT cells for treatment involves shared features like thymic origin, MHC-independent recognition, rapid cytotoxicity, low graft-vs.-host disease (GvHD) risk, ex vivo… More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Mayuri Shukla1, Soraya Boonmag2, Parichart Boontem1, Piyarat Govitrapong1,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.072557
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Melatonin and Mitochondria: Exploring New Frontiers)
Abstract Ischemic stroke is one of the major causes of long-term disability and mortality worldwide. It results from an interruption in the cerebral blood flow, triggering a cascade of detrimental events like oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, and apoptosis, causing neuronal injury and cellular death. Melatonin, a pleiotropic indoleamine produced by the pineal gland, has multifaceted neuroprotective effects on stroke pathophysiology. Interestingly, the serum melatonin levels are associated with peroxidation and antioxidant status, along with mortality score in patients with severe middle cerebral artery infarction. Melatonin exhibits strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties and preserves More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Min Ma1,2,3,#, Zhuxiu Wang4,#, Yan Cao4, Juanying Yang4, Zeliang Zhuang5, Linqian Shi4,*, Qian Gao4,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.071255
Abstract Objectives: Keratin 6A (KRT6A) has been implicated in the progression of multiple malignancies; however, its expression pattern and biological role in cervical cancer (CC) have not been elucidated. This study aims to investigate KRT6A expression in CC tissues and evaluate its effects on cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion, thereby assessing its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target. Methods: Differentially expressed genes were screened from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset (GSE9750) using the thresholds |log2FC| > 2 and false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate KRT6A protein expression in tumor… More >
Open Access
REVIEW
SEUNGIL KIM, GUN-DONG KIM*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.073781
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: NETs: A Decade of Pathological Insights and Future Therapeutic Horizons)
Abstract Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation or NETosis is a specialized innate immune process in which neutrophils release chromatin fibers decorated with histones and antimicrobial proteins. Although pivotal for pathogen clearance, aberrant NETosis has emerged as a critical modulator of acute and chronic respiratory pathologies, including acute respiratory distress syndrome, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Dysregulated NET release exacerbates airway inflammation by inducing epithelial injury, mucus hypersecretion, and the recruitment of inflammatory leukocytes, thereby accelerating tissue remodeling and functional decline. Mechanistically, NETosis is governed by peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 (PADI4)-mediated histone citrullination, NADPH oxidase-dependent reactive More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
WOO-GYUN CHOI, BYUNG JOO KIM*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.072715
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Natural Product-Based Anticancer Drug Discovery)
Abstract Objectives: Petasites japonicus (PJ) is a traditional medicinal herb widely used in East Asia for treating diverse ailments. However, its anticancer properties and underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. This study investigated the anticancer potential and molecular mechanisms of the methanol extract of Petasites japonicus (PJE) in human adenocarcinoma gastric stomach (AGS) cells. Methods: AGS cells were treated with various concentrations of PJE, and cell viability was measured using MTT and CCK-8 assays. Apoptotic cell death was evaluated by the cell cycle, caspase-3 and -9 activity assays, and western blotting. To elucidate the underlying signaling mechanisms, we… More >
Open Access
Ilhong Son1,2, Sun Jung Han2, Dong Hwan Ho1,3,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.071119
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: LRRK2 and Alpha-Synucleinopathy: Molecular Mechanisms in Neuroinflammation and Parkinson's Disease)
Abstract The potential of urinary biomarkers to facilitate non-invasive monitoring of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a promising avenue, offering insights into the complex pathophysiology of the disease. The aggregation of α-synuclein, a central feature of PD, can be detected in urine, providing a diagnostic clue. Mutations in the LRRK2 gene, associated with increased kinase activity, can be estimated through the measurement of phosphorylated LRRK2 (pS1292) in urine. Oxidative stress, a hallmark of PD, is reflected in elevated levels of oxidized DJ-1 (oxDJ-1) in urine. Beyond these core biomarkers, other urinary components like DOPA decarboxylase, acetyl phenylalanine, More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Douglas M. Ruden*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.072273
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Cellular Senescence in Health and Disease)
Abstract Stem cell fate decisions are increasingly understood through the dynamic interplay of two fundamental stress-adaptive programs: the integrated stress response (ISR) and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). These pathways act as a Yin–Yang system, balancing beneficial and detrimental outcomes across development, tissue homeostasis, and disease. On the yin (protective) side, transient ISR activation and acute SASP signaling foster adaptation, embryonic patterning, wound healing, and regeneration. On the yang (maladaptive) side, chronic ISR signaling and unresolved SASP output drive stem cell exhaustion, fibrosis, inflammation, and tumorigenesis. This duality highlights their roles as both guardians and disruptors More >
Graphic Abstract
Open Access
TOSHIYUKI HABU*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.071798
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advanced Cell Signaling Pathways in Health and Disease)
Abstract RING protein 213 (RNF213), the susceptibility gene for Moyamoya disease (MMD), possesses two active AAA+ ATPase (ATPases Associated with diverse cellular Activities) modules, a RING, and RNF213-ZNFX1 finger (RZ finger) domains. Several RNF213 variants have been reported in MMD patients, including the p.R4810K variant (rs112735431), which is a founder polymorphism associated with MMD in East Asia. To elucidate the function of RNF213 and its variant, we investigated the localization of RNF213 and the R4810K variant in this study. RNF213 induced circular hole structures near the nucleus, similar to lipid droplets (LDs), in U-2 OS cells. More >
Open Access
REVIEW
JOSé A. BOGA1,2, ANA COTO-MONTES2,3,*, RUSSEL J. REITER4
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.068245
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Melatonin and Mitochondria: Exploring New Frontiers)
Abstract Aerobic glycolysis, also known as the Warburg effect, and the accumulation of lactate that it causes, are increasingly recognized outside the field of oncology as triggers of chronic non-neoplastic disorders. This review integrates preclinical and clinical evidence to evaluate the ability of melatonin to reverse Warburg-effect-like metabolic reprogramming. Literature on neurodegeneration, age-related sarcopenia, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, heart failure and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has been reviewed and synthesised. In all of these conditions, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) inhibit the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. This diverts pyruvate away… More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Rasit Dinc1, Nurittin Ardic2,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.072337
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: NETs: A Decade of Pathological Insights and Future Therapeutic Horizons)
Abstract Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have emerged as key mediators of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), linking innate immune activation to vascular injury, thrombosis, and maladaptive remodeling. This review synthesizes recent insights into the molecular and cellular pathways driving NET formation, including post-translational modifications, metabolic reprogramming, inflammasome signaling, and autophagy. It highlights the role of NETs in atherosclerosis, thrombosis, myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, and hypertension, emphasizing common control points such as peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4)-dependent histone citrullination and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases 2 (NOX2)-mediated oxidative stress. Mechanistic interpretation of circulating biomarkers, including myeloperoxidase (MPO)-DNA complexes, citrullinated histone H3,… More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Virna Margarita Martín Giménez1, SebastiáN GarcíA MenéNdez2,3, Luiz Gustavo A. Chuffa4, Vinicius Augusto SimãO4, Russel J. Reiter5, Ramaswamy Sharma6, Walter Balduini7, Carla Gentile8, Walter Manucha2,3,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.071830
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Melatonin and Mitochondria: Exploring New Frontiers)
Abstract Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are characterized by progressive neuronal loss, which is closely linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. These pathologies involve a complex interplay of genetics, protein misfolding, and cellular stress, culminating in impaired energy metabolism, an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), and defective mitochondrial quality control. The accumulation of damaged mitochondria and dysregulation of pathways such as the Integrated Stress Response (ISR) are central to the pathogenesis of these conditions. This review explores the critical relationship between mitochondrial stress… More >
Open Access
COMMENTARY
Roland Mangold, Timea Teglas*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.069925
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Linking Nutrition to Brain Health and Cognitive Longevity)
Abstract The quality of life in older adulthood is greatly influenced by cognitive aging, which in turn is affected by nutrition, especially as it relates to hippocampal function. Although the link between hippocampal function and nutrition is defined, the exact mechanics are still unknown. The commentary addresses how docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) contributes to age-related cognitive decline and may play a role in promoting neurogenesis and neuroplasticity on the molecular level. The current challenge to our understanding is to investigate how DHA influences hippocampal function and cognitive aging, which would be possible and even more detailed with More >
Open Access
REVIEW
SANGGU KIM1, SEONGMO YANG1, SOOCHONG KIM1,2,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.072418
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine)
Abstract Regenerative medicine has attracted increasing attention across diverse organs, including the skin, musculoskeletal tissues, eye, and nervous system, where structural repair is limited. Among these, skin wound care is particularly urgent and challenging because diabetic ulcers, pressure injuries, and severe burns often resist standard dressings, debridement, and revascularization, resulting in infection, amputation, and high costs. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has gained value because platelets release coordinated growth factors and cytokines (e.g., platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor-β, vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, and insulin-like growth factor-1) that modulate hemostasis, inflammation, angiogenesis,… More >
Open Access
REVIEW
YANG-YANG SHUAI1,2, PEI-PEI WANG1, HAI-JUN ZHANG2, HUI AO1,*, WEI PENG1, HONG ZHANG1,2,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.071569
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Phytochemicals and Bioactive Monomers from Herbal Medicine: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms)
Abstract Breast cancer ranks first among cancer-related fatalities and is the most frequent cancer in women globally. ROS plays an important role in controlling the occurrence and progression of breast cancer. Increasing reports suggest that natural products and their derivatives are beneficial for the management of breast cancer via the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). A summary of the known patterns of natural products that modulate ROS against breast cancer will contribute to the discovery of more natural medicines for clinical applications and the development of new drugs. In this review, the pharmacological effects of More >
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