Current protein & peptide science最新文献

{"title":"Multi-Target Antioxidant Potential of Tricin Against Parkinson's Disease- Linked Oxidative Stress.","authors":"Sushil Giri, Phool Chandra","doi":"10.2174/0113892037405800251209190725","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113892037405800251209190725","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Oxidative stress (OS) is a key factor in the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD). It is closely associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), neuroinflammation, and excitotoxicity mediated by nitric oxide (NO). These mechanisms underscore OS as a crucial therapeutic target. This study investigated the molecular interaction of tricin with OS-related targets and validated its antioxidant potential.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Nine protein targets were retrieved from RCSB-PDB, including Peroxisome Proliferator- Activated Receptor Gamma (PPAR-γ), Orphan Nuclear Receptor-Related 1 (NURR1), Lipoprotein- Associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), AKT1, Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Adenosine A2A Receptor (A2AR), Monoamine Oxidase B (MAO-B), and Catechol- O-Methyl-Transferase (COMT). Molecular docking simulations were conducted to assess binding affinities, and in vitro assays confirmed antioxidant activity against free radicals.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Tricin showed effective interactions with all nine targets. It exhibited potent interactions with PPAR-γ, Lp-PLA2, VEGF and COMT compared to their native ligands, with binding energies of -7.3, -8.1, -7.3, and -7.6 kcal/mol, respectively. Additionally, it displayed significant binding affinities for MAO-B, NURR1, AKT1, IL-6, and A2AR, with binding energies of -8.9, -7.1, -5.9, -6.7, and -7.7 kcal/mol, respectively. In vitro assays confirmed concentration-dependent scavenging, with effective inhibitory concentrations against 2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>These findings suggest that tricin may act as a multitarget antioxidant and modulator of OS-related pathways in PD.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The outcomes suggest that tricin could exert neuroprotective effects by inhibiting and scavenging OS and possibly acting on multiple PD-related targets.</p>","PeriodicalId":10859,"journal":{"name":"Current protein & peptide science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147834087","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Uncovering Herbivory Defense Responsive Proteins in Chickpea (Cicer spp.) Through Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics.","authors":"Alakesh Das, Arunima S, Prakash Jyoti Kalita, Jagdish Jaba, Debajit Das, Bidyut Kumar Sarmah, Sumita Acharjee","doi":"10.2174/0113892037437648260217065833","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113892037437648260217065833","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The legume pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera, is a major biotic constraint to chickpea production, causing substantial global yield losses. The downstream signaling pathways underlying host-insect interactions remain largely unexplored, yet understanding these processes is crucial for developing pest-resilient cultivars.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systems biology approach was employed to investigate the leaf proteome of 2 cultivated chickpea genotypes (JG 12 and JG 36) and 1 moderately tolerant wild genotype (ILWC 46) under simulated herbivory. This study aimed to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying plant defense against insect attack.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Proteomic profiling revealed 190-200, 170-210, and 170-200 total protein spots in ILWC 46, JG12, and JG 36, respectively. 76 Differentially Expressed Proteins (DEPs) were visually identified, of which 62 were selected for Mass Spectrometric (MS) analysis. ILWC 46 exhibited 22 DEPs (4 downregulated, 18 upregulated), JG 12 showed 23 DEPs (5 downregulated, 18 upregulated), and JG 36 had 17 DEPs (10 downregulated, 7 upregulated). Five proteins were common to JG 12 and JG 36.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Genotype-specific proteomic changes suggest variable defense responses: predominant upregulation in ILWC 46 indicates enhanced metabolic activity under stress, whereas JG 36's downregulation implies reduced adaptability. Functional categorization showed modulation of photosynthesis, primary metabolism, and stress-related proteins, highlighting energy reallocation and activation of defense pathways sustaining stress tolerance differences among genotypes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study provides a comprehensive proteomic perspective on chickpea defense responses to herbivory, highlighting candidate proteins and pathways for enhancing insect resistance in both cultivated and wild germplasm.</p>","PeriodicalId":10859,"journal":{"name":"Current protein & peptide science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147834233","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Activity of Luetzelburgia auriculata Lectin Against Leishmania major Promastigote Via Carbohydrate Recognition Domain.","authors":"Yasmim de A Grangeiro, Ana L E Santos, Flávia E V Barbosa, Luiz N A Vitor, Adrielle R Costa, Renato R Roma, Racquel O S Souza, Bruno A M Rocha, Cláudio G L Silva, Claudener S Teixeira","doi":"10.2174/0113892037412576251025091741","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113892037412576251025091741","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Leishmaniasis, an infectious disease, significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Current treatments primarily involve glucantime and amphotericin B. Although these drugs are effective, their limitations necessitate the exploration of alternative therapies. Lectins show promise in this context due to their established ability to interact with membrane glycans of various pathogens.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>Luetzelburgia auriculata agglutinin (LAA) exhibits binding affinity for galactose and lactose carbohydrates.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Based on these properties, this study evaluated the in vitro anti-promastigote potential of LAA in L. major strains. Promastigotes were incubated with different concentrations of LAA (5- 320 μg/mL), and cell viability was determined using Neubauer chamber counting. After determining the 24-hour IC₅₀ of LAA, we examined the contribution of the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) to the lectin's activity. To explore possible mechanisms underlying its effects, fluorescence assays were performed using 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH₂-DA) and propidium iodide (PI). Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate the morphological changes induced by LAA in promastigotes. Additionally, the effects of combining LAA with amphotericin B and glucantime on promastigote forms were assessed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>LAA inhibited the growth of promastigote forms of Leishmania major in a time- and concentration- dependent manner, with IC₅₀ values of 82 μg/mL at 24 h, 25 μg/mL at 48 h, and 20 μg/mL at 72 h. Fluorescence assays indicated that the lectin stimulates reactive oxygen species production and compromises parasite membrane integrity.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This effect is likely associated with LAA's ability to interact with glycans from L. major. Furthermore, evidence suggests that LAA exerts a modulatory effect when co-administered with amphotericin B, enhancing the drug's activity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Overall, our results indicate that LAA is a promising alternative for the treatment of cutaneous Leishmaniasis caused by L. major. However, further in vivo studies are required to elucidate its mechanisms of action in a biological system.</p>","PeriodicalId":10859,"journal":{"name":"Current protein & peptide science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147833831","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Relationship between S100A9 Protein Levels and Diabetic Retinopathy among Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Ji Jin, Fangfang Ji, Ji Zhang","doi":"10.2174/0113892037399996251201114724","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113892037399996251201114724","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The global prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing, significantly affecting individuals' quality of life. While traditional symptomatic treatments have demonstrated some therapeutic benefits, their efficacy remains limited. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between S100A9 protein levels and diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes through a meta- analysis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive review of studies was conducted using databases, such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov, with the search terms (\"S100A9\" OR \"S100a9\" OR \"s100a9\") and (\"diabetic retinopathy\" OR \"DR\"), up to March 20th, 2024. Review Manager 5.4 was used to synthesize the findings, assess publication bias, and perform sensitivity analyses.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Five studies were included, comprising 194 patients with diabetes in the experimental group and 111 participants without diabetes in the control group. Comparison of S100A9 protein levels between patients with type 2 diabetes and non-diabetic controls revealed significant differences, indicating elevated S100A9 levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>These findings suggest that increased S100A9 protein levels may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes and its complications, including diabetic retinopathy. Upregulation of S100A9 could serve as a potential biomarker for early diagnosis and a target for therapeutic intervention. However, limitations of this study include the small sample size and variability in methodologies across the included studies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Elevated S100A9 protein levels are associated with type 2 diabetes and its complications, highlighting its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target. Further research is needed to validate these findings and assess the clinical utility of targeting S100A9 in type 2 diabetes management.</p>","PeriodicalId":10859,"journal":{"name":"Current protein & peptide science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147765087","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Targeting Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis with Antimicrobial Peptides: Opportunities and Challenges.","authors":"Asad Ahmad, Rufaida Wasim, Anas Islam, Akash Srivastava","doi":"10.2174/0113892037433604260409094048","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113892037433604260409094048","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>One of the main causes of infectious disease-related deaths globally is Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB). Novel treatment strategies are now much more urgent due to the emergence of Extensively Drug-Resistant (XDR) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as TB adjunctive therapeutic agents, with an emphasis on their immunomodulatory and direct antimycobacterial effects.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A summary of how antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) work was carried out, including how they can damage bacterial membranes and obstruct intracellular processes. Furthermore, the review evaluated how AMPs affect host immune responses, including enhanced phagosome-lysosome fusion, induction of autophagy, and cytokine production.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Many AMPs have shown strong antimycobacterial activity in vitro and in vivo, including defensins, cathelicidins (like LL-37), and synthetic analogues. Even with these encouraging outcomes, issues such as peptide stability and efficient delivery still stand in the way of clinical use. Potential remedies for these restrictions are offered by advances in peptide engineering, nanoparticle- based delivery methods, and structure-activity relationship (SAR) research.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Recent advances in peptide engineering, nanoparticle-based delivery systems, and structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies offer promising strategies to overcome the limitations associated with AMP stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery. These developments significantly enhance the translational potential of AMPs for TB therapy.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Because of their distinct mechanisms of action and capacity to overcome drug resistance, AMPs offer a novel and promising approach to the treatment of tuberculosis. Global TB control efforts could be greatly aided by ongoing research into maximizing their safety and effectiveness.</p>","PeriodicalId":10859,"journal":{"name":"Current protein & peptide science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147721804","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"To Fold, Unfold, or Aggregate: The Induced Coaggregation Mechanism of Amyloidogenic Antimicrobial Peptides for Combating Bacterial Communities.","authors":"Oxana V Galzitskaya, Sergey V Kravchenko, Sergei Y Grishin, Anna V Glyakina, Viacheslav N Azev, Alexey K Surin","doi":"10.2174/0113892037404577251107093708","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113892037404577251107093708","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria worldwide has spurred the need for new treatment approaches. Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) are promising alternatives because of their broad-spectrum effects and novel action mechanisms. Among them, Amyloidogenic Antimicrobial Peptides (AAMPs) represent a novel approach that utilizes targeted coaggregation with essential bacterial proteins to disrupt cellular function. This study aimed to design and assess AAMPs that induce targeted coaggregation with bacterial ribosomal S1 protein, providing a potential alternative to traditional antibiotics.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Peptides were synthesized incorporating amyloidogenic sequences, TAT, and Antp fragments to enhance membrane penetration, and modified with non-standard amino acids for stability. ThT assays were performed in 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.5) with 150 mM NaCl at 37°C. Antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated through growth inhibition assays on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. MICs were determined via broth microdilution (two replicates).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The synthesized AAMPs successfully induced the formation of fibrils in bacterial S1 ribosomal proteins, demonstrating their ability to coaggregate with target proteins. In vitro testing confirmed that these peptides exhibited antimicrobial activity by inhibiting the growth of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This study demonstrates that AAMPs targeting bacterial ribosomal S1 proteins exhibit promising activity against pathogens such as S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. While these findings highlight the therapeutic potential of peptide-mediated coaggregation, further in vivo studies and safety assessments are required to evaluate their clinical applicability.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights the potential of amyloidogenic antimicrobial peptides targeting bacterial S1 ribosomal proteins as a novel strategy to combat bacterial pathogens.</p>","PeriodicalId":10859,"journal":{"name":"Current protein & peptide science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147721817","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Post-translational Modification that Shines in the Age of Viruses: ISGylation from a Structural Perspective.","authors":"Oktay Gocenler, Nilufer Cakir, Cansu Deniz Tozkoparan Ceylan, Çağdaş Dağ","doi":"10.2174/0113892037454020260318203401","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113892037454020260318203401","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Post-translational modifications (PTMs) orchestrate the dynamic functional landscape of proteins, governing cellular immunity, signaling, and stress responses. Among these modifications, ISGylation, a ubiquitin-like conjugation process driven by interferon signaling, has emerged as a pivotal regulator of antiviral defense. ISG15 (Interferon-stimulated gene 15) functions through covalent attachment of its protein product to target proteins or as a secreted immunomodulator. ISG15 plays a pivotal role in antiviral immunity and cellular stress responses via ISGylation. In this review, we present an integrative structural and evolutionary analysis of ISG15 and its conjugation/deconjugation machinery, highlighting key steps of the molecular basis of ISG15 and its function. Comparative analysis of Ubiquitin and Ubiquitin-like proteins reveals the evolutionary emergence of ISG15 as a distinct modifier. Structural modeling and visualization of ISG15 elucidates its enzymatic activation via the E1 enzyme UBA7 and its conjugation through the E2 enzyme UBCH8 and E3 ligase HERC5. Cryo-EM and modeled complexes provide detailed views of domain interactions and catalytic interfaces essential for ISG15 transfer. Furthermore, we identify flexible regions in the Ubiquitin-Fold Domains (UFD) of various E1 enzymes that may underlie substrate specificity. The interaction between ISG15 and its specific protease USP18, revealing conformational changes upon substrate binding that are likely critical for de-ISGylation. Together, our findings offer a comprehensive structural framework for understanding ISGylation, paving the way for targeted therapeutic strategies in immune modulation.</p>","PeriodicalId":10859,"journal":{"name":"Current protein & peptide science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147721834","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Aminated Polyrotaxanes as Next-Generation Excipients: Dual Roles in Stabilization and Drug Delivery of Injectable Biologics.","authors":"Shikha Baghel Chauhan, Indu Singh, Sanjoli Srivastava, Chirag Jain","doi":"10.2174/0113892037429522260317072733","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113892037429522260317072733","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The instability of injectable biologics, such as monoclonal antibodies, cytokines, and enzymes, has become a major challenge in modern pharmaceutical formulation. Traditional formulation additives like PEGs, polysorbate, and sugars cannot sufficiently stabilize biologics against thermal, mechanical, and interfacial stresses. This review discusses the potential of aminated polyrotaxanes (APRs) as a next-generation biologic formulation excipient for stabilizing biologics through supramolecular interactions between biologics and formulation additives.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A detailed analysis was made on the chemistry, synthesis, and functionalization of APRs, including their physicochemical interactions with biologics, formulation adaptability, and biological activities. A comparison of APRs with traditional formulation additives was based on recent research findings on their biological activities, in vitro/in vivo results, and case studies on nanomedicine and regenerative therapy.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results showed that APRs exhibited better biologic stabilization ability compared to traditional formulation additives. Specifically, APRs demonstrated high retention of biologic activity (>90%) under freeze-thaw stress, improved syringeability in high-viscosity formulation systems, and improved pharmacokinetics in animal studies. APRs are biodegradable, less cytotoxic, and functionalizable for further biological activities.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>In contrast to traditional stabilizers, APRs provide multifunctional, intelligent, and biocompatible solutions with substantial advantages for aggregation suppression, depot formation, and long-term bioactivity maintenance. However, challenges persist for GMP processability and regulatory acceptance, which can be improved with the aid of AI design tools and excipient safety considerations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Aminated polyrotaxanes represent a groundbreaking step forward in the science of excipients for the stabilization and delivery of emerging biologics. The application of aminated polyrotaxanes to mAb and mRNA therapies is promising for clinical applicability and global impact.</p>","PeriodicalId":10859,"journal":{"name":"Current protein & peptide science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147721759","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Marine-Derived Quinolinone CHNQD-00603 Triggers Autophagy via Suppressing the AKT/ERK/mTOR Pathway to Reverse Senescence and Restore Osteogenic Potential in Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells.","authors":"Shengqian Li, Baoying Peng, Xiaoxia Yang, Wenhao Ren, Shaoming Li, Kai Sun, Keqian Zhi, Ling Gao, Jingjing Zheng","doi":"10.2174/0113892037439351260306075729","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113892037439351260306075729","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Cellular senescence of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs) acts as a primary driver of age-related bone loss. This study aimed to investigate the anti-senescence potential of CHNQD-00603, a marine-derived quinolone derivative, and its underlying molecular mechanism in BMSCs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>BMSCs isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats were induced to senesce using D-galactose and treated with CHNQD-00603. The study employed SA-β-gal staining, qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and transmission electron microscopy to evaluate cellular senescence, osteogenic differentiation, and autophagic flux. Key signaling pathways were analyzed through the phosphorylation status of AKT, ERK, and mTOR.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>CHNQD-00603 significantly reduced the proportion of SA-β-gal-positive cells (P < 0.001) and downregulated senescence markers p16 (P< 0.05) and p21 (P < 0.001). Concurrently, it restored osteogenic potential, increasing the expression of RUNX2 (P < 0.001), ALP (P < 0.01), OPN (P < 0.001), and OCN (P < 0.001). Mechanistically, CHNQD-00603 activated autophagy by inhibiting the AKT/ERK/mTOR pathway, as manifested by an increased LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, decreased p62 levels, and autophagosome accumulation.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>These findings highlight CHNQD-00603 as a dual regulator that suppresses senescence while promoting osteogenesis. Although the study is limited by a lack of in vivo validation, it effectively positions this marine-derived compound as a specific modulator of autophagy-dependent signaling.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>CHNQD-00603 mitigates BMSC senescence and restores osteogenic capacity by activating AKT/ERK/mTOR-mediated autophagy, making it a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of age-related skeletal disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":10859,"journal":{"name":"Current protein & peptide science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147618537","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Edible Insects and the Brain: Historical Human Use and the Potential Benefits of Bioactive Peptides.","authors":"Joyce Hellyen Santos Pereira, Bruna Kaicy Barbosa, Sérgio Henrique Santos","doi":"10.2174/0113892037441934260220071456","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0113892037441934260220071456","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Entomophagy is an ancient human strategy for obtaining nutritional value and treating diseases. In recent years, the importance of incorporating insects into the diet has increased as new studies demonstrate their numerous health benefits. This review examines the diversity of insect species consumed in various regions of the world, their nutritional significance, and the physiological properties of peptides derived from these organisms. It also discusses possible mechanisms underlying the observed health effects, including modulation of genes involved in lipid and oxidative metabolism, changes in interleukins involved in the inflammatory response, and inhibitory effects on α-amylase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), suggesting a possible influence on glucose metabolism. Furthermore, considering the increase in the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases and other brain disorders in recent decades, the review explores the potential of edible insects in neuroprotection and the treatment of brain-related disorders, highlighting the beneficial effects of consuming insects as a dietary supplement and obtaining bioactive peptides as a strategy to increase their acceptability for consumption by the population. Further clinical studies are needed to establish precise dosages and appropriate applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":10859,"journal":{"name":"Current protein & peptide science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147618541","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}