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BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.4, pp. 519-538, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.061470 - 30 April 2025
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Genetic Biomarkers of Cancer: Insights into Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms)
Abstract Nucleosomes play a vital role in chromatin organization and gene regulation, acting as key hubs that interact with various chromatin-associated factors through diverse binding mechanisms. Recent research has highlighted the prevalence of mutations in linker histones across different types of cancer, emphasizing their critical involvement in cancer progression. These cancer-associated mutations in linker histones have been shown to disrupt nucleosome stacking and the formation of higher-order chromatin structures, which in turn significantly affect epigenetic regulatory processes. In this review, we provide a comprehensive analysis of how cancer-associated linker histone mutations alter their physicochemical properties, influencing More >

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318

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BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.4, pp. 539-562, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.059970 - 30 April 2025
Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver tumor and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. The phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is critically involved in HCC pathogenesis, stimulating uncontrolled cell proliferation, survival, and tumor progression. The overactivation of this pathway is strongly linked to poor prognosis, making it a crucial target for therapeutic intervention. The oncogenic roles of PI3K/AKT/mTOR components in HCC have been highlighted, noting that class I PI3K deregulation, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) upregulation, and mTOR overexpression could be associated… More >

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253

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BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.4, pp. 563-578, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.062176 - 30 April 2025
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Macrophages and Microglia Dysfunction in Systemic and Neurodegenerative Diseases: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets)
Abstract Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a naturally occurring endogenous peptide widely distributed in excitable tissues, such as the heart and brain. Over the years, several beneficial effects of carnosine have been discussed well in scientific literature. In particular, this dipeptide is well-known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aggregation activities. It is of great interest in the context of numerous systemic and neurodegenerative diseases, besides performing important “side activities” such as metal chelation and pH-buffering. Despite a plethora of preclinical and clinical data supporting carnosine’s therapeutic potential, researchers are still searching for new pharmacological targets that better highlight More >

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313

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BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.4, pp. 579-605, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.060045 - 30 April 2025
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Stem Cells Therapy in Health and Disease)
Abstract Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) are cancer cells with self-renewal and tumorigenesis abilities. CSCs in tumor tissues are the leading cause of tumor progression, recurrence, and drug resistance. CSCs have distinct metabolic features that contribute to maintaining their self-renewal and stemness. Phospholipids are essential components of cell membranes and play fundamental roles in cellular activities. CSCs have abnormal phospholipid metabolism, which affects their self-renewal, differentiation, invasion, and drug resistance. Compared with non-CSCs, the phospholipid metabolism of CSCs mainly focused on significantly increased fatty acid (FAs) and phospholipids synthesis, phospholipid unsaturation, and lipolysis-fatty acid oxidation (FAO). In More >

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BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.4, pp. 607-627, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.061606 - 30 April 2025
Abstract The high prevalence of obesity and associated nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the population determines the increased interest in identifying molecular targets for regulating the processes underlying these pathologies. The search for new endogenous bioregulators of lipid metabolism and their inclusion in therapeutic regimens for the treatment of patients is becoming a potentially promising direction in science and medicine. Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) is an endogenous lipid mediator capable of exerting multiple hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects mediated by agonism with receptors of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) family (PPAR-α and PPAR-γ). This review focuses on More >

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250

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BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.4, pp. 629-646, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.062525 - 30 April 2025
Abstract Introduction: Hyperthyroidism is known to affect various physiological systems, including the immune system. Thyroid hormones (THs) play a crucial role in regulating immune function, and alterations in THs levels can lead to immune dysregulation. Objective: Currently, we aimed to elucidate the effects of hyperthyroidism on immune function in BALB/c mice, with a focus on anatomical and histological changes in lymphoid organs, the immune response to mitogenic stimulation, mitochondrial dynamics, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Methods: Hyperthyroidism was induced in BALB/c mice by administering thyroxine (T4; 14 mg/L) in their drinking water for 30 days. Thyroid… More >

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102

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BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.4, pp. 647-663, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.062137 - 30 April 2025
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Molecular Mechanisms of Natural Compounds in Cell Signaling and Cancer Therapy)
Abstract Background: Picropodophllotoxin (PPT), a principal component of Podophyllum hexandrum root, demonstrates various beneficial biological activities in multiple cancer types, including antitumor and antiproliferative properties. Despite its known effects, the specific mechanisms by which PPT induces apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells lack full clarification. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the role of PPT in inducing apoptosis in OSCC cells by targeting signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and to investigate the underlying molecular pathways. Methods: Human OSCC cell lines (HN22 and HSC4) were treated with PPT. Cell viability, colony formation, and apoptotic… More >

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78

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BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.4, pp. 665-680, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.063296 - 30 April 2025
Abstract Objective: This study examines the significance and functions of CLDN9 in gastric cancer (GC), intending to identify novel targets for diagnosis and treatment. Methods: CLDN9 expression in GC tissues and cell lines was investigated in TCGA data, with analysis with Western blotting, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemical analyses. Correlations between clinicopathological characteristics, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were assessed with Cox regression. The effect of CLDN9 knockdown/overexpression on tumorigenic functions (proliferation, migration, and invasion) was assessed using CCK-8, colony formation, and Transwell assays. Tumor-bearing assays were performed to verify the impact of CLDN9 knockdown on… More >

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61

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BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.4, pp. 681-700, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.062144 - 30 April 2025
Abstract Objectives: SLFN11 (Schlafen-11) enhances sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents (DDAs) and DNA damage response (DDR) inhibitors in various cancer types. However, its function in pancreatic cancer (PC) remains largely unknown. This research aims to investigate the expression patterns of SLFN11 and other SLFN family members in PC and their correlation with drug sensitivity. Methods: SLFN11 expression and genetic alterations were analyzed using publicly available datasets (TCGA and GTEx). Functional studies, including cell cycle, apoptosis assays, and proliferation assays, were performed in SLFN11-knockdown and SLFN11-knockout (KO) PC cells. The relationship between SLFN11 expression and drug responsiveness was assessed via the CellMiner… More >

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107

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BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.4, pp. 701-720, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.061289 - 30 April 2025
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Subcellular Organelles and Cellular Molecules: Localization, Detection, Prediction, and Diseases)
Abstract Background: Dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in antigen presentation and regulating adaptive immune responses in asthma pathophysiology. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Methods: Bioinformatics analysis of the GSE27011 dataset identified differentially expressed genes associated with pediatric asthma. An ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma mouse model and an Rfx5 knockdown model were established. RFX5 expression was assessed in DCs from patients with asthma and asthmatic mouse lung tissues using qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. The regulatory effects of regulatory factor X5 (RFX5) on histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2), class II major histocompatibility complex transactivator… More >

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75

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BIOCELL, Vol.47, No.2, pp. 239-244, 2023, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2023.025357
Abstract An organism’s survival depends on its ability to adapt to stress. Mitochondria are the cellular integrators of environmental stressors that ultimately translate their responses at the organismal level, and are thus central to the process whereby organisms adapt to their respective environments. Mitochondria produce molecular energy via oxidative phosphorylation that then allows cells to biosynthetically respond and adapt to changes in their environment. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are by-products of oxidative phosphorylation that can be either beneficial or damaging, depending on the context; ROS are hence both the conveyors of environmental stress as well as More >

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BIOCELL, Vol.47, No.1, pp. 51-69, 2023, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2022.023392
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Cellular and Molecular Toxicology in Reproductive and Developmental Biology)
Abstract Exposure to some toxic compounds causes structural and behavioral anomalies associated with the neurons in the later stage of life. Those toxic compounds are termed as a neurotoxicant, which can be a physical factor, a toxin, an infection, radiation, or maybe a drug. The incongruities caused due to a neurotoxicant further depend on the toxicity of the compound. More importantly, the neurotoxicity of the compound is associated with the concentration and the time point of exposure. The neurodevelopmental defect appears depending on the toxicity of the compound. A neurodevelopmental defect may be associated with a More >

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BIOCELL, Vol.47, No.11, pp. 2321-2334, 2023, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2023.043796
Abstract The biointerface dynamics influence any cancer spreading through the epithelium since it is documented in the early stages some malignancies (like epithelial cancer). The altered rearrangement of epithelial cells has an impact on the development of cancer. Therefore, it is necessary to comprehend the underlying biological and physical mechanisms of this biointerface dynamics for early suppression of cancer. While the biological mechanisms include cell signaling and gene expression, the physical mechanisms are several physical parameters such as the epithelial-cancer interfacial tension, epithelial surface tension, and compressive stress accumulated within the epithelium. Although the segregation of… More >

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BIOCELL, Vol.47, No.4, pp. 677-695, 2023, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2023.026081
Abstract Indian medicinal plants are referred to as the “nectar of life” owing to their phytochemicals and bioactive complexes that are beneficial in treating diseases. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global health issue without any proper medication. The indigenous plants of India can be exploited to control the precise signs of SARS-CoV-2. The Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) has advised routine usage of medicinal plants for COVID-19. Medicinal plants like Zingiber officinalis, Azadirachta indica, Ocimum sanctum, Nigella sativa, Withania somnifera, Curcuma longa, Piper nigrum, Allium sativum, Tinospora cordifolia, etc. have More >

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905

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BIOCELL, Vol.47, No.2, pp. 245-260, 2023, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2023.025311
Abstract The association of gut microflora and human health is being increasingly recognized, and the impact of gut microflora on the host is well characterized, including the body’s energy metabolism and immune system maintenance. Several human diseases, including metabolic, autoimmune, obesity, hypothyroidism, and intestinal disorders, are closely associated with gut dysbiosis. Inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) are extensively utilized in numerous fields due to their distinctive, attractive physicochemical properties. Estimation of the potential impacts of NPs, with a high number of microorganisms inside the human body (microbiota) and its genomes (microbiome), represents one of the most important aspects… More >

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BIOCELL, Vol.47, No.1, pp. 91-107, 2023, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2023.024310
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Bioinformatics Study of Diseases)
Abstract In recent years, microbial metabolomics, a new field that has attracted wide attention, provides a map of metabolic pathways and clarifies the interaction mechanism between microorganisms and hosts. Many microorganisms are found in the human intestine, oral cavity, vagina, etc. Probiotics could maintain the good health of the host, while pathogens and an imbalance of bacterial flora lead to a series of diseases of the body and mind. Metabolomics is a science for qualitative and quantitative analysis of all metabolites in an organism or biological system, which could provide key information to understand the related… More >

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BIOCELL, Vol.47, No.1, pp. 81-89, 2023, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2023.024635
Abstract Bacterial endotoxins are a major concern in periodontal health and diseases owing to their structure and biological activity. With up-to-date knowledge of endotoxins and the recent findings about the influence of endotoxins in dental health, their probable mode of pathogenesis, and standard detection methods, this review analyzes the potential efficacy and benefits of probiotics in combination with conventional and contemporary treatment measures. In the oral cavity, Gram-negative bacteria are documented to predominate in the pulpal lesions with radiolucent areas and in the root canal with pulp necrosis, where they pose an absolute threat by promoting… More >

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BIOCELL, Vol.47, No.1, pp. 187-194, 2023, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2022.023030
Abstract Liver cancer is the seventh most common malignant tumor in the world and is the second highest cause of death due to cancer. Quercetin, a flavonoid with low toxicity, widely exists in various fruits and vegetables. It has the potential to be a therapeutic agent against various cancers. This study aimed to demonstrate the anti-tumor effect of quercetin on HepG2 cells. Quercetin suppressed the HepG2 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner in cell viability assay. Induction of cell apoptosis was confirmed by apoptotic cells population (sub-G1 peak) detected by flow cytometer. A decrease in mitochondrial More >

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BIOCELL, Vol.47, No.1, pp. 109-123, 2023, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2023.024620
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Bioinformatics Study of Diseases)
Abstract ATP binding cassette subfamily C member 8 (ABCC8) encodes a protein regulating the ATP-sensitive potassium channel. Whether the level of ABCC8 mRNA in lower grade glioma (LGG) correlates with immune cell infiltration and patient outcomes has not been evaluated until now. Comparisons of ABCC8 expression between different tumors and normal tissues were evaluated by exploring publicly available datasets. The association between ABCC8 and tumor immune cell infiltration, diverse gene mutation characteristics, tumor mutation burden (TMB), and survival in LGG was also investigated in several independent datasets. Pathway enrichment analysis was conducted to search for ABCC8-associated… More >

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1010

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BIOCELL, Vol.47, No.6, pp. 1225-1241, 2023, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2023.027884
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Bioinformatics Study of Diseases)
Abstract The advent of genomic big data and the statistical need for reaching significant results have led genome-wide association studies to be ravenous of a huge number of genetic markers scattered along the whole genome. Since its very beginning, the so-called genotype imputation served this purpose; this statistical and inferential procedure based on a known reference panel opened the theoretical possibility to extend association analyses to a greater number of polymorphic sites which have not been previously assayed by the used technology. In this review, we present a broad overview of the genotype imputation process, showing More >

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