Akash S. Mali¹, Debanjan Das², Denise Greco¹, Petr Telensky¹, Jiri Novotny^1,*

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.9, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.080886 - 26 August 2026

Abstract Background: Opioids can modulate mitochondrial redox homeostasis and autophagy and are implicated in the regulation of key physiological and pathological processes, including aging, cellular metabolism, and tumorigenesis. The study aimed to investigate how opioid receptor agonists influence lipopolysaccharide-induced senescence in microglia. Methods: C8-B4 microglial cells were either left untreated or pretreated with different opioid agonists and subsequently exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Colorimetric assays, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and Western blotting were used to assess cellular senescence, autophagy-associated changes, reactive oxygen species, and calcium levels, as well as the expression of selected marker proteins and signaling molecules. Results:… More > Graphic Abstract

Lichun Zhong^1,#, Dijia Wu^2,#, Sirui Zhang², Wenjing Liu², Faping Wang^3,*, Fengming Luo^3,*

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.9, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.078898 - 26 August 2026

Abstract Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an age-associated, progressive fibrotic interstitial lung disease with limited disease-modifying therapies and poor long-term outcomes. Increasing evidence indicates that senescence of alveolar type II epithelial (AT2) cells is not merely a bystander phenomenon but a central driver of epithelial dysfunction, failed alveolar regeneration, and fibrotic remodeling. In this narrative review, we summarize recent mechanistic, single-cell, epigenetic, and translational studies that have reshaped the epithelial-centered model of IPF. We first outline normal AT2 biology and the regenerative AT2-to-AT1 trajectory, and then discuss how telomere dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial injury, DNA More >

Xinyao Li¹, Dongyang Sun¹, Yunong Zhou², Yong Li³, Jie Ma⁴, Xuena Yu¹, Zhi Huang¹, Fen Zhang^1,*, Bo Sun^1,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.95, No.7, 2026, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.082599 - 30 July 2026

Abstract Baby mustard is rich in nutrients; however, it is prone to postharvest yellowing and wilting, which leads to the loss of nutritional components. Folic acid, an important water-soluble vitamin, exhibits substantial physiological antioxidant activity. This study explored the impact of folic acid immersion treatments on the visual quality and health-promoting compounds of baby mustard stored at 20°C. The results showed that, compared with other concentrations, 5 mg L⁻¹ folic acid treatment (F5) was the most effective in improving baby mustard storability. In terms of appearance and sensory acceptability, the F5 treatment was more effective than 0… More >

Ling He, Shun Tao, Qian Wang, Yu-Pei Yin, Xin-Yu He, Shuo Shi, Chun-Yan Wang^*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.95, No.6, 2026, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.081349 - 29 June 2026

Abstract As essential regulatory proteins, WRKY transcription factors participate in the regulation of plant growth, development and stress resistance; however, the functions of LoWRKY22 in the ‘Siberia’ cultivar of Lilium remain uncharacterized. In this study, LoWRKY22 was cloned and subjected to comprehensive functional analyses. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that LoWRKY22 belongs to the WRKY-IIe type subgroup, featuring a conserved WRKY domain and a C2H2-type zinc finger motif, indicating evolutionary conservation with WRKY homologs from Arabidopsis thaliana. Subcellular localization and transactivation assays confirmed its nuclear localization and transcriptional activation activity, supporting its role as a transcriptional regulator. Structural characterization of the LoWRKY22… More >

Beata Franczyk¹, Anna Bajer^1,#, Anna Bulicz^1,#, Mikołaj Grabarczyk^1,#, Paulina Jakubowska^1,#, Katarzyna Krawiranda^1,#, Natalia Kustosik^1,#, Przemysław Kuzar^1,#, Klaudia Leszto^1,#, Maja Mejza^1,#, Weronika Mstowska^1,#, Jacek Rysz², Ewelina Młynarska^1,*

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.7, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.075767 - 29 June 2026

Abstract Cellular senescence and the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP) play both physiological and pathological roles in the cardiovascular system. While transient senescence aids regeneration, chronic accumulation of senescent cells promotes endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffening, and maladaptive cardiac remodeling. This review elucidates the pivotal role of the immune system in senescent cell clearance and explores how immunosenescence drives systemic low-grade inflammation. Significant emphasis is placed on emerging pharmacological strategies, specifically senolytics and senomorphics, assessing their capacity to restore cardiac function and attenuate atherosclerosis. Additionally, the utility of molecular biomarkers and diverse in vitro and in vivo models is analyzed More >

Douglas M. Ruden^*

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.072273 - 23 January 2026

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

Dong Hwan Ho^1,*, Minhyung Lee^2,3, Daleum Nam¹, Hyejung Kim¹, Janghwan Kim^2,3, Mi Kyoung Seo^4,5, Sung Woo Park^4,5, Ilhong Son^1,6,*

BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.7, pp. 1225-1244, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.065486 - 25 July 2025

Abstract Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease, characterized by symptoms like tremors, muscle rigidity, and slow movement. The main cause of these symptoms is the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in a brain area called the substantia nigra. Various genetic and environmental factors contribute to this neuronal loss. Once symptoms of PD begin, they worsen with age, which also impacts several critical cellular processes. Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a gene associated with PD. Certain mutations in LRRK2, such as G2019S, increase its activity, disrupting cellular mechanisms necessary for healthy neuron function, including… More >

YU ZHANG^1,2, QINGKUN WANG², YUE HAN², JUNJIE PIAO^2,*, XIUYING JIN^1,2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.8, pp. 1933-1945, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.063395 - 18 July 2025

Abstract Background: Colorectal adenocarcinoma (COAD) is one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies. There is a pressing need to recognize reliable biomarkers that can improve diagnostic accuracy, predict prognosis, and serve as effective molecular targets. Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) is an important antioxidant protein. Evidence demonstrates that abnormal expression of GPX4 is related to cancer initiation and progression. However, the role of GPX4 in COAD remains unclear. Methods: We employed bioinformatics analysis and conducted subsequent validation of biological processes, including cell counting kit-8 assay (CCK-8), colony formation assay, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine assay… More >

YOUYANG HU^1,#, YISHU LUO^1,#, TIANYUE XIE¹, YUEHUA CHEN^1,2, JUN ZHAO¹, WEICHAO JI³, ZHIWEI YAN³, SITONG QIU³, KEXIN GAO³, HAIXIA ZHU⁴, LIMIN MA^1,*, QIYOU YIN^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.7, pp. 1695-1708, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.060021 - 26 June 2025

Abstract Objective: Neuroblastoma (NB) is frequently associated with high-risk pediatric cases that demonstrate limited response to cisplatin, contributing to a poor prognosis. Recent studies have explored the role of tumor cell senescence in increasing sensitivity to this chemotherapy agent. This study aims to identify genes related to cell senescence in children diagnosed with NB, evaluate their influence on cisplatin sensitivity, and investigate potential strategies to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy. Methods: Gene expression profiles and clinical data were obtained for 498 NB patients from the GEO database (GSE49710). The study focused on identifying genes that were… More >

Federico Licastro^*

BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.6, pp. 981-989, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.062303 - 24 June 2025

Abstract Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease causing the most frequent form of dementia in old age. AD etiology is still uncertain and deposition of abnormal proteins in the brain along with chronic neuroinflammation have been suggested as pathogenic mechanisms of neuronal death. Infections by exogenous neurotropic virus, endogenous retrovirus reactivation, infections by other microbes, and air pollutants may either induce neurodegeneration or activate brain inflammation. Up to 8% of the human genome has a retroviral origin. These ancient retroviruses, also called human endogenous retroviruses, are associated with a clinical history of several neurodegenerative diseases.… More >