Jinhui Che^1,2, Zhiyuan Chen¹, Feng Zhang^3,4, Shuo Zhu², Shengya Cao⁵, Ou Li¹, Rong Li^4,*, Jun Zheng^3,4,*, Yubin Liu^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.7, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2026.067443 - 16 June 2026

Abstract Objective: Advanced liver cancer, a highly lethal and increasingly prevalent malignancy, frequently develops sorafenib resistance, with aberrant mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism implicated in its pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate their interplay and assess combination therapies against sorafenib-resistant liver cancer. Methods: Mitochondrial morphology was assessed using immunofluorescent staining. Besides, the mitochondrial metabolic profile was evaluated by measuring the oxygen consumption rate, glucose uptake, and lactate production. Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) expression was determined through immunohistochemical staining, western blotting, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cell counting, colony formation, and cell cycle assays were conducted to… More >

Moo Hyun Kim¹, Yongdae Yoon², Chang Wan Kim¹, Jun-Won Lee³, Bhupendra Regmi², Saher Fatima², Moon Young Kim^2,3, Soon Koo Baik^2,3, Pil Young Jung^1,*, Young Woo Eom^2,*

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.6, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.076364 - 09 June 2026

Abstract Background: Although transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) drives hepatic stellate cell activation and fibrogenesis, the mechanisms by which 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) modulates these processes in TGF-β1-activated hepatic stellate cells remain to be determined. Therefore, we investigated whether TPA alleviates fibrosis in TGF-β1-treated hepatic stellate cells and regulates both canonical and non-canonical pathways. Further, we assessed whether inhibitors of these pathways similarly affect proliferation and fibrosis in LX-2 cells. Methods: LX-2 hepatic stellate cells were used as the experimental model. Cells were treated with TPA, TGF-β, or TGF-β plus TPA, and Yes-associated protein (YAP) and protein kinase B (PKB;… More >

Xing-Guo Li^1,2,3,#, Lu-Kai Wang^4,#, Fu-Ming Tsai⁵, Hsueh-Chun Wang^1,*

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.6, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.075492 - 09 June 2026

Abstract Itaconate, produced by aconitate decarboxylase 1 (ACOD1, also known as IRG1), acts as a key immunometabolite that inhibits succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and can engage reduction-oxidation (redox)-sensitive signaling programs. This review summarizes the emerging, context-dependent roles of the ACOD1-itaconate axis in cancer, while critically distinguishing between the effects of endogenous itaconate and its cell-permeable derivatives. In tumor cells, endogenous ACOD1 expression or uptake via solute carrier family 13 member 3 (SLC13A3) alters oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis. In the tumor microenvironment, myeloid-derived itaconate contributes to immune tolerance by reducing dendritic-cell cross-priming and limiting CD8⁺ T-cell metabolic activity. Moreover, More >

Xuechun Liao^1,#, Xiaoxiao Chen^2,#, Shulan Wei¹, Qiong Li¹, Yanqin Zhao¹, Yuying Xiao¹, Qi Zhou¹, Jianping Chen^1,*, Jinlei He^1,*

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.077240 - 13 May 2026

Abstract Objective: Immune checkpoint blockade holds therapeutic potential in visceral leishmaniasis; its underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential and underlying immune mechanisms of Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) blockade in experimental visceral leishmaniasis. Methods: BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania donovani received anti-PD-1 antibody at 35–44 days post-infection. Parasite burden in target organs, serum antibodies, hepatopathology, and transcriptome of the liver were analyzed. T cell exhaustion, activation, apoptosis, and inflammation genes were quantified in target organs. Results: PD-1 blockade reduced splenic parasite load (reduction rate = 82.6%, ***p < 0.001), enhanced hepatic granulomatous… More > Graphic Abstract

Zhiye Zhou^1,2, Jianan Chen³, Qiang Zhu^3,*

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.076758 - 13 May 2026

Abstract Background: Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) are promising for dental tissue regeneration. Dioscin (Dio), a natural compound, has various biological activities, but its effects on hDPSCs are unclear. This study aims to systematically elucidate the effects of Dio on promoting the osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: Characterized hDPSCs were treated with Dio. Cell viability, proliferation, osteogenic differentiation (alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, Alizarin Red S (ARS)), and migration (Transwell) were assessed. Mitophagy (fluorescence, Western blot for PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase (PRKN), microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain… More > Graphic Abstract

Sebastián Jaurreteche^1,2,*, María Luana Brajkovic², María Victoria Del Rosal², Graciela Venera³, Carlos Daniel De la Vega Elena⁴

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.073790 - 13 May 2026

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 >

Matthew Starr¹, Lori Unruh-Snyder^1,*, Luke Gatiboni¹, Koralalage Jayaratne²

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.95, No.4, 2026, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.072898 - 28 April 2026

Abstract Biostimulants, categorized as microbial or non-microbial, including humic substances, seaweed extracts, chitosan, or protein hydrolysates (PHs), have gained significant attention in modern agriculture for their ability to enhance crop productivity, improve nutrient use efficiency, and increase resilience to abiotic and biotic stresses, while reducing dependence on conventional agrochemicals. This review synthesizes the historical development, classification, mechanisms of action, and agronomic benefits of biostimulants, with a particular emphasis on PHs, which are mixtures of amino acids, peptides, and polypeptides derived from plant or animal proteins through enzymatic, chemical, or thermal hydrolysis. The concept of biostimulants has… More >

Ashuai Du^1,#, Dianbin Guo^2,#, Dongbo Yuan^3,#, Kai Li⁴, Yuanyuan Luo⁴, Songsong Tan³, Xuchao Dai⁴, Bo Yu⁵, Wanxiang You⁶, Junjie Zhao⁷, Bo Yan³, Kehua Jiang^3,*, Xiaofei Fan^2,*, Jianguo Zhu^3,*,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2026.076716 - 22 April 2026

Abstract Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used industrial chemical and endocrine-disrupting compound, and accumulating evidence suggests that it may contribute to prostate cancer progression; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular targets and signaling pathways underlying BPA-induced prostate cancer progression. Methods: In this study, an integrated strategy combining network toxicology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations was employed to identify potential BPA-related targets and signaling pathways involved in prostate cancer. Candidate targets were retrieved from public databases, followed by protein-protein interaction network analysis to screen key… More >

Laura Duzzi^1,#,*, Nora Möhn^1,#, Emily Narten¹, Janin Thomas¹, Susann Mahjoub¹, Lea Grote-Levi¹, Konstantin Jendretzky¹, Sandra Nay¹, Felix Konen¹, Jonas Wiegmann², Gernot Beutel², Tabea Fröhlich², Benjamin-Alexander Bollmann³, Thomas Wirth⁴, Imke von Wasielewski⁵, Florian H. Heidel², Ralf Gutzmer^5,6, Thomas Skripuletz^1,§, Philipp Ivanyi^2,§, the ICOG (Immune Cooperative Oncology Group)-Investigators⁷

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2026.074095 - 22 April 2026

Abstract Objectives: Since 2011, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have transformed the treatment of various cancers. However, our understanding of the autoimmune adverse events, particularly those affecting the nervous system, remains limited. These adverse events can cause significant disability or even death, yet there are currently no established guidelines or biomarkers to aid diagnosis and treatment. With this study, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of neurological adverse events and investigate potential predictive biomarkers. Methods: Between 19 December 2019 and 21 August 2021, 150 out of 543 ICI-treated cancer patients were eligible for our prospective monocentric… More >

Jun-Hui Chen¹, Si-Run Du¹, Chang Liu¹, Bei-Bei Liu¹, Hai-Ying Xu², Xin-Ying Ji², Bo Feng³, Chun-Zheng Ma³, Jun-Hui Guo^3,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2026.073484 - 22 April 2026

Abstract Esophageal cancer (EC) ranks among the most lethal gastrointestinal malignancies. Due to challenges in early diagnosis, molecular heterogeneity, and therapeutic resistance, patient prognosis remains extremely poor, necessitating the development of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. As a core effector of the Hippo signaling pathway, the potential significance of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) has garnered increasing attention. This paper aims to systematically summarize the multi-omics research, molecular mechanisms, and preclinical/translational evidence for YAP1, covering its activation pathways, biological functions, clinical significance, and therapeutic strategies. We elucidated YAP1’s multidimensional regulatory network in EC, including Hippo-dependent and -independent mechanisms, cross-regulation… More >