Open Access
ARTICLE
Gerardo Ramírez-Mejía1,#, Sofía Plata-Burgos1,#, Raquel Cuevas-Díaz Duran2, Adrian Ledesma-Beiza1, Cynthia Sámano1, Thalía Estefanía Sánchez-Correa3, Ernesto Soto-Reyes1,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.075061
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Cellular Mechanisms in Neurodegeneration, Injury, and Regeneration)
Abstract Objectives: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor characterized by extensive transcriptional and epigenetic dysregulation. Brother of the Regulator of Imprinted Sites (BORIS/CTCFL) has been implicated in oncogenic transcriptional programs in several cancers, but its role in GBM remains poorly defined. This study aimed to characterize BORIS-associated transcriptional programs in GBM and to assess their functional relevance using integrative computational and experimental approaches. Methods: Transcriptomic data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-GBM and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTex) brain cortex were analyzed following batch correction, differential expression analysis, and gene ontology enrichment. TCGA-GBM samples were… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Kai Tang1, Shengxing Lu1, Cuie He2, Ruozeng Rong1,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.072154
Abstract Objectives: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a highly prevalent male malignancy with limited efficacy in advanced stages. Dysregulated modulation of necroptosis was reported to be tightly correlated with PCa initiation and progression. Herein, we aimed to identify necroptosis-associated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and delineate their functional roles in PCa through an integrated approach combining bioinformatic analyses and in vitro experimental validation. Methods: RNA sequencing data and corresponding clinical information of PCa were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Differentially expressed necroptosis-related genes (NRGs) and lncRNAs were screened, and necroptosis activity was assessed by single-sample gene set… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
YUANHONG MAO#, YUNLAN YANG#, KUN YANG§, YONGQIANG SUN, KUN YANG*,,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.075138
Abstract Objective: Intestinal barrier disruption is a critical event in sepsis and ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury. Enteric glial cells (EGCs) maintain barrier integrity by secreting glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). This study aimed to determine whether Dexmedetomidine (Dex) protects the intestinal barrier via α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR) signaling in EGCs. Methods: An in vitro EGC-intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) co-culture system and a murine intestinal I/R model were established. EGCs were selectively ablated in vivo using benzalkonium chloride (BAC). Barrier integrity was evaluated by transmembrane electrical resistance (TEER) and plasma FITC-dextran permeability. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Western blotting… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
JINGFEI SHI#, YI DING#, HUI LU*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.073956
Abstract Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Soluble interleukin-2 receptor alpha (sIL-2Rα) has been implicated in MS pathogenesis, but its mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigates how sIL-2Rα exacerbates MS by modulating microglial activation and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model. Methods: Female C57BL/6J mice were induced with EAE and treated with sIL-2Rα. Clinical symptoms, histopathology, and molecular changes were analyzed. Microglial activation was assessed via immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and RNA sequencing. In vitro, ADCC-mediated oligodendrocyte injury was evaluated using More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Abdullah Alattar1, Reem Alshaman1, Fawaz E. Alanazi1, Yusuf S. Althobaiti2, Ghareb M. Soliman3, Waleed Salman Khubrni1, Howaida S. Ali4, Fawad Ali Shah5,6,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.074865
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Neuroinflammation and Neuroprotection in CNS Diseases: From Mechanisms to Therapeutic Targets)
Abstract Objectives: Permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) can lead to hippocampal damage through multiple linked pathways such as reactive oxidative stress (ROS), neuroinflammation mediated by NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), and glutamate excitotoxicity involving N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits 2a and 2b (NR2a/NR2b) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR/GluR1). The hippocampus, which is essential for memory and cognition, is at a substantial risk of ischemic degeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective potential of melatonin in regulating these… More >
Graphic Abstract
Open Access
REVIEW
ANDREA DE MATTHAEIS1, LAURA REHAK2,*, MARIA BIANCHI3, ROSSANA PUTZULU3, NICOLA PICCIRILLO3,4, GIULIO MACCAURO1
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.073783
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Tissue Regeneration and Vascularization: From Stem Cells to Functional Tissues)
Abstract For over two decades, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been recognised as the cornerstone of orthobiologic treatments for musculoskeletal diseases. However, clinical evidence increasingly indicates that MSC engraftment in inflamed tissues is minimal and transient, with effects mainly driven by paracrine and immunomodulatory mechanisms induced by macrophage efferocytosis. This evolving paradigm emphasises the immune system as the central orchestrator of tissue repair. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) have emerged as potent effectors of regenerative inflammation, mediating apoptotic cell clearance through efferocytosis, facilitating the transition of macrophages from pro-inflammatory (M1) to reparative (M2) phenotypes, and releasing… More >
Open Access
REVIEW
YINGJIAN WANG1, CHEN JIN1, YIXUE QIN1, XINGHONG YAO2, YE ZENG1,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.076298
Abstract Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B1 (AKR1B1) was historically characterized as the first and generally rate-limiting enzyme of the polyol pathway and, consequently, was primarily implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Recent advances, however, have repositioned AKR1B1 as a pleiotropic signaling hub whose biological functions extend far beyond glucose metabolism. This review systematically integrates the complex regulatory network governing AKR1B1, including transcriptional control by tumor protein p53 (p53) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and its dual functionality as both a metabolic enzyme and a non-catalytic signaling scaffold. We elucidate its role More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Sebastián Jaurreteche1,2,*, María Luana Brajkovic2, María Victoria Del Rosal2, Graciela Venera3, Carlos Daniel De La Vega Elena4
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.073790
Abstract Protein misfolding has emerged as a central mechanism in the pathogenesis of human kidney diseases. Normally, proteins achieve their native conformation through highly regulated folding processes in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and cytoplasm, assisted by molecular chaperones and quality-control pathways. However, genetic variants, environmental stressors, or cellular overload can destabilize this system, resulting in unfolded or misfolded proteins that trigger aggregation, amyloid formation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). These events may ultimately lead to loss of function, gain of toxic function, and apoptosis. This review summarizes the structural basis… More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Michael I. Bukrinsky1, Alessio L. Ravani2, Anastasia V. Poznyak3,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.072752
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Molecular Basis for the Involvement of Inflammation and Lipids in Pathologies)
Abstract Atherosclerosis (AS) is a key contributor to ischemic heart disease, resulting in significant cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite advancements in managing conventional risk factors, including the utilization of statins, recurrent adverse cardiovascular events remain prevalent, emphasizing the need for novel therapeutic strategies. This review explores the critical role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD) and highlights potential atheroprotective approaches targeting inflammatory pathways. We discuss the multifaceted interplay between immune responses and AS, detailing the contributions of myeloid cells, T lymphocytes, and various cytokines in plaque formation and instability. Recent More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Shaoyu Hu1, Bingquan Li1, Jianfeng Ouyang1, Yue Meng2, Jian Ji3, Xiaofei Zheng4,*, Yongheng Ye1,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.071651
Abstract Objectives: Dysregulated osteoclast function contributes to skeletal diseases. However, the specific ubiquitination regulators of the osteoclastogenesis repressor MafB, particularly at the post-translational level, remain undefined. This study aims to identify ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) that deubiquitinate MafB and enhance its stability. Methods: We constructed a MafB-conjugated luciferase and overexpressed 40 individual USPs, measuring changes in luciferase activity. The identified USP was overexpressed in human CD14+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to evaluate its effect. Osteoclast differentiation was assessed through osteoclast marker Integrin alpha-V (CD51) staining and Western blot analysis. Co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) was performed to assess the interplay.… More >
Open Access
REVIEW
SHUYU YUAN1,#, GUOXIAO HAN1,#, HUIMIN QIU1, HENAN ZHENG2, RONGZHI FANG1, WANGMIAO XIE1, WANGUI YU1,*, XIAOCHUN PENG1,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.075338
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Gut Microbiota, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Health and Disease)
Abstract The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in maintaining host metabolic homeostasis. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is closely associated with metabolic disorders, including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). These alterations affect energy harvest, bile acid and short-chain fatty acid metabolism, intestinal barrier integrity, and low-grade inflammation, thereby contributing to insulin resistance and ectopic fat accumulation. In this narrative review, we summarize current knowledge on microbiome-host interactions in metabolic diseases, with a focus on energy metabolism, immune regulation, and inflammatory pathways. We further More >
Graphic Abstract
Open Access
ARTICLE
Lihua Wang1, Zhimin Zhang1,*, Tao Wang2,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.074782
Abstract Objectives: The discovery of novel molecular targets to enhance the osteogenesis of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (H-BMSCs) represents a promising strategy for preventing and treating osteoporosis. Thus, the primary objective of this study is to elucidate the mechanisms by which long non-coding RNA FOXD2-AS1 (lncRNA FOXD2-AS1) regulates early osteogenic differentiation in H-BMSCs, thereby identifying potential therapeutic targets. Methods: Lentivirus-mediated vectors were constructed to either overexpress or silence FOXD2-AS1 in H-BMSCs. The effects of FOXD2-AS1 on osteogenesis were subsequently assessed by analyzing osteogenic marker expression and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining. To clarify the role… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Chang-Eui Hong1,2,3, Su-Yun Lyu1,2,3,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.075574
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Natural Product-Based Anticancer Drug Discovery)
Abstract Objective: Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) contribute to chemoresistance in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), yet strategies to reprogram TAMs while enhancing chemotherapy efficacy remain limited. This study investigated whether Viscum album L. var. coloratum agglutinin (VCA) could sensitize TNBC cells to doxorubicin (DOX) and modulate TAM-mediated chemoresistance in three-dimensional (3D) co-culture models. Methods: MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells were co-cultured with RAW264.7 macrophages in collagen-embedded 3D spheroids. Spheroid viability was assessed using an ATP-based luminescent assay. Cytokine secretion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers were measured using ELISA and Western blotting. Drug synergy was evaluated using combination index (CI) calculations. Results: VCA-DOX More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Przemysław Piwowarczyk1, Justyna Woś1, Agata Szymańska1, Sylwia Chocholska2, Waldemar Tomczak2, Jacek Roliński1, Agnieszka Bojarska-Junak1,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.074128
（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 Objectives: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by progressive immune dysregulation. Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells support immune surveillance, but the clinical relevance of their regulatory subsets remains unclear. FoxP3+ regulatory iNKT cells (iNKTreg) and E4BP4+IL-10+ (iNKT10) cells may reflect immunoregulatory changes associated with disease progression. The study aimed to quantify circulating iNKTreg and iNKT10 subsets and monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSCs) in treatment-naïve CLL patients and evaluate their associations with disease characteristics and time to first treatment (TTFT). Methods: Peripheral blood samples from 60 untreated CLL patients and 20 healthy donors were analyzed by… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Jianfeng Wang#, Zhongqing Hu#, Jiandong Guo, Xin Jin, Lei Cai, Jian Li, Jinxi Zhang*, DONGAN HE*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.072227
Abstract Objectives: Therapeutic strategies for enhancing bone regeneration and combating osteoporosis remain a significant unmet medical need. This study aims to elucidate Lithospermic acid (LA)’s regulatory effects on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, investigating its viability as a bone-healing agent. Methods: This study employed various cellular and molecular biology experiments to assess the effects of LA on the viability, proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, differentiation, mineralization, and migration of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. Immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses were conducted to detect the expression of proteins related to the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, investigating the regulatory mechanisms by which LA promotes… More >
Graphic Abstract
Open Access
REVIEW
YIWEI HAO1,#, YAODONG PING2,#, YAN YANG3, CHENG QU3, YUAN CHEN1, XUEYAN JIANG1, RONG FU1, HAILONG ZHAO4,*, LEI YU4,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.074863
Abstract Myocardial ischemia, a core pathological process underlying diverse cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, poses a severe threat to global human health by frequently leading to acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and even sudden cardiac death. A comprehensive understanding of its intricate underlying pathogenic mechanisms is not only crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies but also essential for accelerating the translation of basic research findings into clinical practice. However, the complex regulatory networks that drive myocardial ischemia remain to be systematically clarified. These networks encompass the intricate interactions among multiple pathological processes, including energy… More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Yung-Chieh Huang1,2,3, Wen-Chien Cheng4,5, Ya-Hsuan Chao6, Tzu-Ting Chen7,*, Chi-Chen Lin8,9,10,11,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.072732
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Natural and Synthetic Small Molecules in the Regulation of Immune Cell Functions)
Abstract Protein arginine deiminases (PADs) are key enzymes in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), catalyzing the conversion of arginine to citrulline in a process called citrullination. This post-translational modification is crucial to RA pathogenesis as it creates neo-antigens that trigger the production of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs). These ACPAs are highly specific to RA and often appear before clinical symptoms, making them valuable biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis. Beyond ACPA production, PADs, particularly PAD4, play a vital role in forming neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NETs contribute to inflammation and joint damage, further highlighting the importance… More >
Graphic Abstract
Open Access
REVIEW
Alessio L. Ravani1, Michael I. Bukrinsky2, Anastasia V. Poznyak3,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.074266
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Molecular Basis for the Involvement of Inflammation and Lipids in Pathologies)
Abstract Atherosclerosis (AS) remains a major contributor to cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality worldwide. Its development involves dysregulated lipid handling, persistent vascular inflammation, and endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction, influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Increasing evidence highlights a pivotal role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress as a molecular link between lipid dysregulation and inflammatory signaling in AS pathogenesis. ER stress is triggered by modified LDL, oxidized lipids, hyperhomocysteinemia, oxidative stress (OS), and disrupted calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis, leading to activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Core UPR mediators—inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1), protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK),… More >
Open Access
REVIEW
HUAN ZHOU1, JIAMI JIANG2, YUQING ZOU1, JIAHUI ZHANG1,*, ZHIWEI YU3,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.073989
Abstract Obesity-related asthma is a distinct clinical phenotype, characterized by severe respiratory symptoms, reduced responsiveness to conventional glucocorticoid therapy, and a significantly increase in disease burden. With the rising global prevalence of obesity, the number of individuals affected by obesity-related asthma is steadily growing, presenting a pressing public health issue. The pathogenesis of obesity-related asthma is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay of metabolic and immune pathways. Key mechanisms include dysregulated T-cell differentiation, pro-inflammatory macrophage polarization, oxidative stress, and altered cytokines and adipokines secretion, all contributing to airway inflammation and remodeling. Additionally, metabolic factors, such as adiposity… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Egor A. Turovsky*, Elena G. Varlamova
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.073728
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: MitoROS: Exploring Mitochondria and Oxidative Stress)
Abstract Objectives: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is highly resistant to apoptosis. This study investigates the role of Selenoprotein M (SELENOM), a redox-regulating protein, in the response of human glioblastoma A-172 cells to staurosporine (STS) and hyperthermia. Methods: A stable SELENOM-knockdown (SELENOM-KD) cell line was created. We measured reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), cell death, and apoptotic gene expression. Results: SELENOM-KD increased basal ROS levels and induced mitochondrial dysfunction. It sensitized cells to STS-induced apoptosis, enhancing the upregulation of pro-apoptotic genes. Conversely, under hyperthermia (42°C), SELENOM-KD cells exhibited significant thermoresistance, with 52% survival vs. 99% death More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Congwei You1,#, Anwen Yin2,#, Jia Xia3, Le Zhang4,*, Xiaolei Wang1,*, Yutong Hou4,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.072971
Abstract Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) have shown a marked global increase in prevalence, placing a substantial burden on public health and healthcare systems worldwide. Epidemiological data demonstrate a significant overlap between these two conditions, with further evidence from research identifying common pathophysiological features, such as lipid metabolism dysregulation, disrupted energy balance, and chronic systemic inflammation. Mitochondria are central to the pathophysiology of both diseases. In addition to their role in energy production, mitochondria are involved in numerous critical cellular processes, including biosynthesis, lipid metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, signal transduction, and More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Chung-Che Tsai1,#, Chih-Hung Lin2,#, Katherine Lin3,4, Jia Hong Hubert Chen4,5, Ying Jie Celia Chen4,5, Ilyssa Ting-Ying Chang3,4, Hsu-Hung Chang6, Jin-Yin Chang7, Tin-Yi Chu8, Po-Chih Hsu4,8,*, Chan-Yen Kuo8,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.073698
Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, most commonly driven by chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The HBV X protein (HBx) plays a central role in hepatocarcinogenesis by regulating transcription, signal transduction, epigenetic modification, and interactions with noncoding RNAs. This review summarizes current advances in HBx-mediated signaling pathways and mutation-specific functions, highlighting its potential as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target, and providing insights for future strategies in HCC treatment and HBV eradication. Activation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), cAMP response element binding protein/activating transcription factor More >
Graphic Abstract
Open Access
REVIEW
KAWALJIT KAUR*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.073340
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Novel Targeted Therapy in Oncology)
Abstract Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a pediatric brainstem tumor with a very poor prognosis, characterized by immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) that limits immune infiltration, including a significant reduction in circulating natural killer (NK) cells. This drop in NK cell levels and activity may promote tumor growth and immune evasion, making NK cells a promising target for immunotherapy. NK cells can attack and eliminate DIPG tumor cells, including glioma stem cells, while counteracting certain immune evasion strategies. Although the DIPG microenvironment and blood-brain barrier present challenges, NK cell-based therapies have shown encouraging tumor control and… More >
Open Access
REVIEW
ANNA PAWłOWSKA-ŁACHUT*, DOROTA SUSZCZYK, IWONA WERTEL
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.072104
（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 Ovarian cancer (OC) remains the most lethal gynecological malignancy, and it is characterized by high heterogeneity, early metastatic dissemination, and frequent recurrence within 12–18 months after primary therapy. Despite progress in clinical management and drug development, the mortality rate remains high, and the biological drivers of OC aggressiveness are not fully understood. A major contributor to therapeutic resistance and disease progression is the ovarian tumor microenvironment (TME), which supports tumor growth and immune evasion. Its complexity poses significant challenges to the development of effective therapies. Current treatments, especially in advanced or recurrent stages, have limited… More >
Open Access
REVIEW
JOONGBUM MOON1, JI HYEON AHN2, MOO-HO WON3,*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.072635
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Cellular and Molecular Insights into Brain Ischemic Insults)
Abstract Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury induces region-specific neuronal vulnerability within the hippocampus, with the cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) subfield particularly prone to delayed neuronal death. While intrinsic neuronal factors have been implicated, emerging evidence highlights the decisive contribution of astrocyte endfeet (AEF)—specialized perivascular structures that regulate ion and water homeostasis, glutamate clearance, and blood–brain barrier (BBB) stability. This review synthesizes structural and molecular alterations of AEF across the CA1–CA3 subfields following I/R and their correlation with neuronal fate. In CA1, AEF undergo early-onset swelling and detachment from the vascular basal lamina due to dysfunction of critical proteins… More >
Open Access
REVIEW
George Anderson*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.073221
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Melatonin and Mitochondria: Exploring New Frontiers)
Abstract As natural killer (NK) cells eliminate cancer cells and virus-infected cells, as well as modulate various other medical conditions, including aging-associated conditions such as neurodegenerative disorders, understanding NK cell regulation is of considerable clinical importance. This article reviews the role of circadian processes (melatonin and the cortisol system), aryl hydrocarbon receptor, and vagal nerve in the modulation of NK cell function, highlighting the importance of the endogenous mitochondrial melatonergic pathway in NK cells. As circadian and exogenous melatonin increase NK cell cytotoxicity, the presence of the endogenous melatonergic pathway may be of some importance not… More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Chanu Lee, Suhyun Che, Jea-Hyun Baek*
BIOCELL, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.073551
（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 The paradigm of cancer treatment has been reshaped by chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) αβ T cell therapy, yet its full potential remains constrained by fundamental limitations. While conventional CAR αβ T cells have achieved notable success in hematological malignancies, their broader application is hindered by the high cost and delays of autologous manufacturing, as well as the critical risk of graft-vs-host disease (GvHD). In addition, their efficacy against solid tumors is often compromised by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). As a promising solution, γδ T cells are being developed as an alternative CAR platform. Their… More >
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
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 >
Login
Register
Submit a Paper
Propose a Special lssue