Jun Li^1,#, Yang Chen^1,#, Zhijiao Hao², Zhiyong Zhang³, Jingyi Fan¹, Xiao Liu¹, Xueli Zhao³, Hongyan Zhang⁴, Chenpeng Wu^3,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.11, pp. 3523-3541, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.067535 - 22 October 2025

Abstract Background: Radiation sensitive 23 homolog B (RAD23B), a DNA repair-related protein, plays a contributory role in the development of multiple malignancies. This study aimed to explore the role of RAD23B in promoting colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: RAD23B was overexpressed in CRC cell lines SW480 and HCT-8, with empty vectors serving as controls. Invasion, cell proliferation, and migration were assessed using CCK-8 and Transwell assays. A xenograft mouse model was used to evaluate metastatic potential in vivo. Immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry (IP-MS) and transcriptomic analysis by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) were performed… More >

Gloria Krajnc¹, Lara Metlika², Uroš Potočnik^1,2,3, Boris Gole^2,*

BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.6, pp. 991-1017, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.063486 - 24 June 2025

Abstract Vedolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody and one of the safest biologics for the treatment of both forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. It targets the α4β7 integrin and blocks leukocyte trafficking to the gut. Regardless of its efficacy in many patients, non-response to vedolizumab treatment poses a significant clinical challenge. In this review, we synthesize recent findings on genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and cellular biomarkers of vedolizumab response, emphasizing their roles in predicting therapeutic outcomes and understanding non-responsiveness. Key insights include the identification of epigenetic and transcriptomic signatures, the involvement of More >

Iman Ezzat, Marisa Zallocchi^*

BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.5, pp. 789-811, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.062325 - 27 May 2025

Abstract Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane receptors that mediate bidirectional interactions between the intracellular cytoskeletal array and the extracellular matrix. These interactions are critical in tissue development and function by regulating gene expression and sustaining tissue architecture. In humans, the integrin family is composed of 18 alpha (α) and 8 beta (β) subunits, constituting 24 distinct αβ combinations. Based on their structure and ligand-binding properties, only a subset of integrins, 8 out of 24, recognizes the arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) tripeptide motif in the native ligand. One of the major RGD binding integrins is integrin alpha 8 beta 1 More >

AUGUSTO FUSCO¹, STEFANO BONOMI^2,*, LUCA PADUA^1,2

BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.1, pp. 1-5, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2024.058418 - 24 January 2025

Abstract Connective tissue is a dynamic structure that reacts to environmental cues to maintain homeostasis, including mechanical properties. Mechanical load influences extracellular matrix (ECM)—cell interactions and modulates cellular behavior. Mechano-regulation processes involve matrix modification and cell activation to preserve tissue function. The ECM remodeling is crucial for force transmission. Cytoskeleton components are involved in force sensing and transmission, affecting cellular adhesion, motility, and gene expression. Proper mechanical loading helps to maintain tissue health, while imbalances may lead to pathological processes. Active and passive movement, including manual mobilization, improves connective tissue elasticity, promotes ECM-cell homeostasis, and More > Graphic Abstract

HAIYING PANG^1,#, FENGBO WU^1,#, YU ZHANG¹, NAN ZHANG², CHUNTING WANG¹, QIU LI¹, GU HE^1,*, PENG ZHANG^3,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.2, pp. 443-464, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.043948 - 16 January 2025

Abstract Background: EMP2 is a tumor-associated membrane protein belonging to the GAS-3/PMP22 gene family. EMP2 expression demonstrates significant tissue specificity and heterogeneity in various human tissues and tumor tissues, where it may play a role in either promoting or inhibiting tumor growth. This study aimed to investigate the expression level, biological functions, and molecular mechanisms of EMP2 in liver cancer. Methods: we analyzed the mRNA expression levels of EMPs family genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and normal liver tissues based on the TCGA database and immunohistochemical analysis of tissue microarrays. Subsequently, we constructed HCC cell… More > Graphic Abstract

A. NOEL GRAVINA^1,2, NOELIA D´ELÍA^1,2, LUCIANO A. BENEDINI^2,3,*, PAULA MESSINA^1,2

BIOCELL, Vol.48, No.11, pp. 1517-1520, 2024, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2024.055513 - 07 November 2024

Abstract This article navigates the relationship between biomaterials and osteogenic cell adhesion, highlighting the importance of mimicking the physiological response for bone tissue regeneration. Within this spirit is an initial description of the interaction between osteoblasts and osteoprogenitor cells with the extracellular matrix, explaining the leading role of integrins and cadherins in cell adhesion, and the intracellular signaling pathways elicited. Additionally, there is a focus on the strategies of advanced biomaterials that foster osteogenesis by replicating the native environment, taking advantage of these known specific signaling pathways. The final remarks lay on the need for careful More >

JINXIA CHEN^1,2,3,#, SULI DAI^1,2,#, GENG ZHANG^4,5, SISI WEI^1,2, XUETAO ZHAO³, YANG ZHENG^1,2, YAOJIE WANG^1,2, XIAOHAN WANG^1,2, YUNJIANG LIU^4,5,*, LIANMEI ZHAO^1,2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.32, No.11, pp. 1791-1802, 2024, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.049348 - 16 October 2024

Abstract Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous, recurring cancer characterized by a high rate of metastasis, poor prognosis, and lack of efficient therapies. KBU2046, a small molecule inhibitor, can inhibit cell motility in malignant tumors, including breast cancer. However, the specific targets and the corresponding mechanism of its function remain unclear. Methods: In this study, we employed (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H tetrazolium) (MTS) assay and transwell assay to investigate the impact of KBU2046 on the proliferation and migration of TNBC cells in vitro. RNA-Seq was used to explore the targets of KBU2046 that inhibit the motility of TNBC.… More > Graphic Abstract

Huiyan Liang¹, Wei Fang¹, Xiqiao Feng^1,*

The International Conference on Computational & Experimental Engineering and Sciences, Vol.29, No.2, pp. 1-1, 2024, DOI:10.32604/icces.2024.012719

Abstract Cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions play a pivotal role in many functions of cells, for example, sensing, signaling, migration, and gene expression. The spatial-temporal dynamic evolution of cell–substrate adhesions involves complicated mechano-bio-chemical coupling mechanisms of integrin, adaptor and signaling proteins, and the interplay between the cytoskeleton and ECM as well. In this paper, we establish a multiscale dynamic model of cell–substrate interfaces considering intermolecular force transmission pathways, i.e., intra- and extra-cellular bond dynamics, and mechanochemical coupling regulations. To illustrate its applications, this model is used to reproduce several adhesion-related experimental phenomena of cells, including substrate rigidity… More >

MAGDALENA RUDZIŃSKA-RADECKA^*

BIOCELL, Vol.46, No.8, pp. 1893-1901, 2022, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2022.019724 - 22 April 2022

Abstract Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (KIRC) is the most common and aggressive malignancy subtype of renal neoplasm that arises from proximal convoluted tubules. It is characterized by poor clinical outcomes and high mortality of patients due to the lack of specific biomarkers for varying stages of the disease and no effective treatment. Proteases are associated with the development of several malignant tumors in humans by their ability to degrade extracellular matrices, facilitating metastasis. Herein, differentially expressed genes in KIRC cases compared to healthy kidneys were screened out from the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA)… More >

CHEN CAI¹, HAO SUN², LIANG HU³, ZHICHAO FAN^1,*

BIOCELL, Vol.45, No.2, pp. 229-257, 2021, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2021.014338 - 19 February 2021

Abstract Integrin molecules are transmembrane αβ heterodimers involved in cell adhesion, trafficking, and signaling. Upon activation, integrins undergo dynamic conformational changes that regulate their affinity to ligands. The physiological functions and activation mechanisms of integrins have been heavily discussed in previous studies and reviews, but the fluorescence imaging techniques –which are powerful tools for biological studies– have not. Here we review the fluorescence labeling methods, imaging techniques, as well as Förster resonance energy transfer assays used to study integrin expression, localization, activation, and functions. More >