Sugey Vásquez-Hernández, Joaquín Adolfo Montes-Molina^*, Federico Antonio Gutierrez-Miceli, Nancy Ruiz-Lau, Victor Manuel Ruiz-Valdiviezo, Carlos Alberto Lecona-Guzmán^*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.95, No.3, 2026, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.076451 - 31 March 2026

Abstract Agave americana L. is potentially a source of functional and nutritive compounds. However, its yield has been compromised by vascular wilt, which is associated with the presence of the Fusarium oxysporum. In response to this phytosanitary problem, the implementation of efficient methods to mitigate the damage. Biotechnological techniques offer a viable alternative to improve and increase the production of species of interest via genetic improvement. By use of mutagenic chemical agents, these techniques have been consolidated as a powerful tool to induce genetic variability and select genotypes with greater tolerance to pathogens. In this study, we evaluated… More >

Semin Lee^1,2,#, Minjun Kim^3,4,#, Seungmin Lee^2,5, Jiyun Yoo^1,5, Soo Seok Hwang^6,7, Seongchan Kim⁸, Seung Pil Yun^9,10, Dong Kyu Choi^11,12,*, Sangdun Choi^13,14,*, Hyuk-Kwon Kwon^1,2,5,*

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.3, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.074555 - 23 March 2026

Abstract Objective: Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent due to its ability to damage DNA in the treatment of cancer. However, its clinical application is often limited by adverse effects on normal tissues, especially the kidneys. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate its side effects. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying cisplatin-induced DNA damage and apoptosis in human renal epithelial cells, with a focus on key signaling pathways and mediators that drive nephrotoxicity. Methods: To explore these mechanisms, human proximal tubule epithelial… More >

Alessio L. Ravani¹, Michael I. Bukrinsky², Anastasia V. Poznyak^3,*

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.3, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.074266 - 23 March 2026

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 >

Jingfei Shi^#, Yi Ding^#, Hui Lu^*

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.3, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.073956 - 23 March 2026

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 >

Chung-Che Tsai^1,#, Chih-Hung Lin^2,#, Katherine Lin^3,4, Jia Hong Hubert Chen^4,5, Ying Jie Celia Chen^4,5, Ilyssa Ting-Ying Chang^3,4, Hsu-Hung Chang⁶, Jin-Yin Chang⁷, Tin-Yi Chu⁸, Po-Chih Hsu^4,8,*, Chan-Yen Kuo^8,*

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.3, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.073698 - 23 March 2026

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

Yiran Dong¹, Jingyue Wang¹, Jiayang Chen², Liang Mo², Yong You^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.4, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2026.075191 - 23 March 2026

Abstract Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), the most prevalent histological subtype of lung cancer, remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality due to late diagnosis, metastasis, and therapy resistance. The aim of the study is to investigate the role of Kinetochore Scaffold 1 (KNL1) in promoting LUAD progression and its underlying molecular regulatory mechanisms. Methods: KNL1 mRNA expression levels across 33 cancer types were analyzed using bioinformatics analysis based on the TCGA database. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to assess KNL1 expression in LUAD and normal tissues. Stable KNL1-knockdown and KNL1-overexpressing LUAD cell lines were established using lentiviral… More >

Saad Alobid^1,#, Hussam Albassam^1,#, Tebyan O. Mirgany², Faris Almutairi¹, Mohammed Mufadhe Alanazi¹, Ahmed H. Bakheit², Hanadi H. Asiri², Eram Eltahir³, Gamaleldin I. Harisa^3,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.4, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.073371 - 23 March 2026

Abstract Objective: Glioblastoma (GB) therapy is challenged by tumor heterogeneity and multidrug resistance (MDR), highlighting the need for effective therapies. This study aimed to explore the combined anticancer effects of Sunitinib (SNB) and Fenofibrate (FEN) on U87 cells. Methods: U87 cells were exposed to SNB, FEN, or their combination for 24 h, followed by evaluations of cell viability, migration, and clonogenic survival using MTT, scratch, and colony formation assays. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were quantified via the 2^′, 7^′-dichlorofluorescein assay, while mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was assessed using JC-1 red/green fluorescence. Molecular docking was performed to… More > Graphic Abstract

Yen-Pin Chen^1,2,3, Rathinasamy Baskaran⁴, Hema Sri Devi⁴, Chaouhan Hitesh Singh⁴, Yu-Jung Lin^4,5, Marthandam Asokan Shibu⁶, Wei-Wen Kuo⁷, Shih-Chieh Liao⁸, Ming-Cheng Chen⁹, Tso-Fu Wang¹⁰, Chi-Cheng Li¹¹, Tsung-Jung Ho¹², Tzu-Ching Shih¹³, Shinn-Zong Lin^14,15,16,*, Chih-Yang Huang^4,17,18,19,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.4, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2026.073080 - 23 March 2026

Abstract Objective: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that play a key role in the development of chemoresistance in various cancer types, including colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we aimed to study the underlying mechanisms of miRNA in chemotherapy-resistant CRC. Methods: LoVo CRC cell line was exposed to oxaliplatin at an increased dose, and cells were cultured in the presence of oxaliplatin to develop LoVoOXR cells. Microarray and Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR), western blot, and transwell assay were used to evaluate the chemoresistance in LoVo^OXR CRC cells. Results: Microarray and qRT-PCR analysis showed… More >

Daniel Burg¹, Aryeh Babkoff¹, Omer Or², Noam Olshinka², Jonathan Abraham Demma³, Mohamad Adila^1,3, Marc Wygoda⁴, Philip Blumenfeld⁴, Judith Diment⁵, Masha Galiner⁶, Yusef Azraq⁶, Daniela Katz^1,7, Petachia Reissman⁸, Sadie Ostrowicki⁹, Gabriella Sebbag¹⁰, Narmine Elkhateeb^1,11, Anat Hershko Moshe^1,11, Dania Jaber^1,11, Adi Hollander^1,11, Limor Rubin^1,11, Aviad Zick^1,12,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.4, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2026.070233 - 23 March 2026

Abstract Background: —Synovial sarcoma is a rare soft tissue sarcoma. Treatment of synovial sarcoma includes surgery, radiation, pazopanib, and chemotherapy. Targeted therapies, such as B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) inhibitors, are emerging as a potential treatment option. We describe the sixth case of a BRAF^V600E synovial sarcoma, the first extra-thoracic case. This case is the first to show a complete pathological response to BRAF & mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors. Case description: —We treated a 22-year-old male with a left groin BRAF^V600E synovial sarcoma with doxorubicin, Ifosphamide & Sodium 2-Mercaptoethanesulfonate. When we identified BRAF^V600E in the tumor,… More >

Shaimaa R. Ahmed^1,*, Omnia M. Hendawy², Sumera Qasim², Hanan Khojah³, Ambreen Malik Uttra⁴

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.95, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.075718 - 28 February 2026

Abstract The study evaluated the skin anti-aging activity of Astragalus sarcocolla leaves extract (ASE) by assessing its antioxidant and inhibitory effect activity on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase in relation to its chemical composition. Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS) identified 27 metabolites (15 flavonoids, 8 phenolic acids and their derivatives, and 4 coumarins). ASE showed strong antioxidant capacity in DPPH (IC₅₀ value of 26.05 µg/mL) and FRAP (2433 µM FeSO₄/g extract) assays. The extract inhibited MMP-1 and MMP-9 in a concentration-dependent manner and suppressed collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase activities (IC₅₀ = 35.038, 40.748, 61.389,… More > Graphic Abstract