Molecular Biology Reports最新文献

{"title":"METTL3-mediated N6-methyladenosine modification of UHRF1 promotes osteosarcoma malignancy through silencing SFRP1 via DNA methylation.","authors":"Kaishan Ye, Haiyu Zhou, Yulong Ma, Wenxiang Shen","doi":"10.1007/s11033-026-12882-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-026-12882-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Osteosarcoma (OS) ranks among the most frequently diagnosed primary malignant bone neoplasms. Secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1) functions as a tumor suppressor across multiple cancer types. Nevertheless, the precise molecular mechanisms governing SFRP1 dysregulation in OS remain incompletely understood. This study aims to characterize the functional role of SFRP1 in OS malignancy and dissect the molecular mechanisms governing its regulation.</p><p><strong>Methods and results: </strong>The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blotting assay showed that SFRP1 expression was significantly downregulated in human OS cells relative to normal osteoblasts. Lentivirus mediated overexpression of SFRP1 substantially inhibited the viability, proliferation, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as well as tumor growth in xenograft tumor model. A methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) assay revealed pronounced hypermethylation of the SFRP1 promoter region in OS cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experiments further demonstrated that UHRF1 regulates SFRP1 expression through promoter methylation. The m⁶A modification level of UHRF1 was determined using methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP). Notably, both the levels of m⁶A modification of UHRF1 and the expression of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) were significantly elevated in human OS cells compared with normal osteoblasts. Knockdown of METTL3 significantly reduced the m⁶A levels of ubiquitin-like containing PHD and RING finger domains 1 (UHRF1) mRNA, accelerated UHRF1 mRNA decay, restored SFRP1 expression, and attenuated OS cell viability, proliferation, invasion, and EMT.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>METTL3-mediated m⁶A modification of UHRF1 drives OS malignancy via DNA methylation-dependent silencing of SFRP1.</p>","PeriodicalId":18755,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Biology Reports","volume":"53 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149298757","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":"Multifaceted HPV16 E2 as a potential therapeutic target for cervical cancer and beyond.","authors":"Xingyu Mo, Hanmeng Wang, Zhenlei Wang, Yuanyuan Xiao, Shuangyang Tang, Le Li","doi":"10.1007/s11033-026-12813-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-026-12813-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause a variety of epithelial lesions, including the malignant proliferation of host cells and even cervical cancer. HPV E2 can play an important role in regulating viral gene expression, viral replication and transcription, and also can participate in the isolation of viral genome during cell division. HPV16 E2 protein is highly expressed in low-differentiated cervical lesion cells, but decreased or disappeared with the increase of cervical lesion grade. As both the initiation protein for DNA replication and the major transcriptional regulator for HPV16 gene expression, E2 protein may play a key role in the viral life cycle. HPV16 E2 protein as a sequence specific DNA binding protein, can bind with the specific DNA recognition sequence on the promoters of E6 and E7 oncogenes, and then inhibit the transcription and expression of E6 and E7 oncogenes, thus inducing cell apoptosis and suppressing tumor formation. Therefore, therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring or enhancing HPV16 E2 function may hold promise for the prevention and treatment of HPV-related cancers, including (i) gene-therapy-mediated E2 restoration; (ii) direct delivery of E2 protein; (iii) E2 stabilization through modulation of interacting pathways (e.g., TopBP1, Brd4); and (iv) E2-based therapeutic vaccines. These approaches may exert antitumor effects by repressing E6/E7 oncogenes, regulating the cell cycle, inhibiting cell proliferation, and inducing apoptosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":18755,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Biology Reports","volume":"53 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149298781","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":"Occurrence of carbapenemase genes and phenotypic colistin resistance in wastewater from Kütahya, Türkiye.","authors":"Elif Aydin","doi":"10.1007/s11033-026-12960-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-026-12960-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global threat that requires coordinated, international action. Recent work highlights how AMR in surface waters affects ecosystems, agriculture, and human health within a One Health framework. The spread of resistance is driven by widespread antibiotic use, self-medication, and inadequate treatment. This study evaluated microbial density and the prevalence of carbapenemase and colistin resistance genes in wastewater treatment plants in Kütahya, Turkey, incorporating seasonal variation.</p><p><strong>Methods and results: </strong>Using conventional and molecular microbiology approaches qualitative and targeted qPCR analysis a total of 60 wastewater samples were screened for key resistance determinants. Multiple carbapenemase genes were detected, including bla_OXA-23, bla_OXA-58, bla_OXA-48, bla_OXA-51, bla_VIM, bla_KPC, bla_NDM, and bla_IMP, with bla_OXA-23 and bla_OXA-58 being the most frequent. Numerical differences in resistance-gene detection frequencies were observed between the two sampling periods; however, these differences were not statistically significant. bla_OXA-23, bla_OXA-58, and bla_VIM predominated in summer, whereas bla_OXA-23, bla_OXA-58, and bla_KPC were more common in winter. Mobilized colistin resistance genes (mcr) mcr-1 to mcr-5 were not detected in any of the 60 wastewater samples under the assay conditions used, while the number of detected resistance genes per sample ranged from zero to seven.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Overall, the results indicate that wastewater treatment systems may represent important environmental reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance determinants, raising concerns regarding their potential dissemination into receiving environments and underscoring the need for continued surveillance and effective wastewater management.</p>","PeriodicalId":18755,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Biology Reports","volume":"53 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149298833","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":"Genomic epidemiology of human parvovirus B19 in Southern Brazil, 2015-2024.","authors":"Tatiana Schaffer Gregianini, Thales de Lima Bermann, Érica Möllman, Fernanda Martiny, Helena Costa Munhós, Amanda Pellenz Ruivo, Milena Bauermann, Lara Crescente, Juliana Patzer, Ludmila Fiorenzano Baethgen, Zenaida Nunes, Gabriel da Luz Wallau, Ana Beatriz Gorini Veiga, Richard Steiner Salvato","doi":"10.1007/s11033-026-13080-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-026-13080-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) causes erythema infectiosum and, in severe cases, has been associated with hydrops fetalis and transient aplastic crises. Despite its clinical importance, particularly in vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals, epidemiological and genomic data on B19V remain limited.</p><p><strong>Methods and results: </strong>We investigated 4,118 samples collected from patients with exanthematous illness in Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil, between 2015 and 2024 using serological and molecular testing, and developed an amplicon-based whole-genome sequencing protocol for B19V, generating 47 near-complete genomes. B19V was detected across all age groups, with a higher frequency among females (62.4%), and among adults aged 21-40 years. Viral circulation was detected year-round, with a modest increase in July and a more pronounced peak in September, consistent with Southern Hemisphere winter seasonality. Forty-one genomes from the 46 included in the dated phylogeny clustered in a single well-supported clade containing sequences from other Brazilian states, with Rio Grande do Sul sequences interspersed rather than forming a single lineage derived from one introduction. The remaining five genomes clustered with sequences from other regions of Brazil and Argentina. This phylogenetic pattern reflects sustained endemic circulation through repeated local transmission and is not adequately captured by current genotype-level classification systems.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings of this study expand the genomic understanding of B19V in South America and provide important insights into its molecular epidemiology, seasonal patterns, and evolutionary history in Southern Brazil.</p>","PeriodicalId":18755,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Biology Reports","volume":"53 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149298774","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":"Berberine improves cognitive impairment in diabetic mice by mitigating 4-HNE-induced oxidative stress and enhancing hippocampal insulin sensitivity.","authors":"Mrinal Gupta, Mohammad Rumman, Abbas Ali Mahdi, Shivani Pandey","doi":"10.1007/s11033-026-13042-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-026-13042-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Berberine (BBR), a component of the Chinese herb, is used for treating diabetes and diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction (DACD), although the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Diabetes is a metabolic disease that raises the risk of developing cognitive impairment. The hippocampus within the forebrain has large number of insulin receptors linked to cognitive function and is crucial in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders. Herein, we examined whether BBR could improve DACD and explored the possible underlying mechanisms.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Streptozotocin (STZ) was used to induce diabetes in mice. BBR was administered before and after STZ administration for 4 weeks. The impact of BBR on 4-hydroxy 2-nonenal (4-HNE) adducts formation in diabetic mice was analyzed. Further, insulin signaling pathway was assessed to uncover the underlying molecular mechanism of BBR.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>BBR significantly ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in diabetic mice by decreasing 4-HNE adduct formation while increasing the levels of insulin and insulin receptor in the hippocampus of diabetic mice, indicating increased insulin uptake in the brain. BBR treatment increased the mRNA levels of PI3K, AKT, mTOR, and S6 kinase in the diabetic mice hippocampus, while decreasing BAD and NF-κB mRNA levels and tau hyperphosphorylation. Moreover, BBR increased the mRNA levels of CREB and CBP in the diabetic mice confirming the neuro-regenerative role of BBR.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>BBR improves hippocampal insulin resistance by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and improving tau hyperphosphorylation in diabetic mice. Our study highlights a novel therapeutic target in DACD and a new mechanism of action of BBR.</p>","PeriodicalId":18755,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Biology Reports","volume":"53 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149298859","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":"HPV-associated extracellular vesicles and the tumor microenvironment: mechanisms of immune modulation and translational implications.","authors":"Masoud Goodarzi, Parisa Shiri Aghbash, Hossein Bannazadeh Baghi","doi":"10.1007/s11033-026-13091-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-026-13091-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Human papillomavirus infections are a major cause of cervical cancer and are also associated with several anogenital and oropharyngeal malignancies. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types and sustained expression of viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 contribute to malignant transformation. Extracellular vesicles are increasingly recognized as important mediators of intercellular communication and can transfer proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and other regulatory molecules between cells. HPV-associated changes in EV cargo, such as viral transcripts, may influence immune and stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment. Experimental studies have implicated HPV-associated EVs in the regulation of dendritic cell function, macrophage polarization, T-cell responses, immune checkpoint signaling, chronic inflammation, and mechanisms related to viral persistence and immune evasion. Cell-based and preclinical studies also suggest that EVs released by HPV-positive tumor cells may contribute to related disorders including angiogenesis and metastatic progression. On the other hand, human studies have primarily provided observational evidence linking EV-associated molecular profiles with HPV status or disease characteristics. Beyond these mechanistic insights, a growing body of work explores the translational potential of EVs, including their use as liquid-biopsy biomarkers and as engineered delivery platforms such as Nefmut-based vesicles carrying HPV16 E7 that elicit protective CD8 + T-cell responses in preclinical models. This narrative review, with emphasis on tumor-immune interactions, and also discusses emerging diagnostic and therapeutic applications together with the methodological and clinical barriers that must be addressed before EV-based strategies can be translated into routine practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":18755,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Biology Reports","volume":"53 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149298814","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":"Virulence and genetic determinants of Staphylococcus spp. in human mastitis: a prevalence study.","authors":"Mansi Patel, Pratiksha Gondkar, Khushal Patel","doi":"10.1007/s11033-026-13017-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-026-13017-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Lactational mastitis is a common inflammatory breast disease affecting breastfeeding women and is associated with Staphylococcus spp. Increasing antimicrobial resistance and virulence among these pathogens complicate treatment and emphasize the need for accurate laboratory diagnostic methods. This study investigated the microbiological profile, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence characteristics of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from lactational mastitis and evaluated the correlation between phenotypic and molecular detection of major virulence and methicillin-resistance determinants.</p><p><strong>Methods and results: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted in central Gujarat, India, using 180 human milk samples collected from 150 women with lactational mastitis and 30 healthy lactating controls. Somatic cell count, bacterial isolation, biochemical identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, haemolysis, slime production, biofilm assays, polymerase chain reaction detection of the hla, icaA, and mecA genes, and phylogenetic analysis were performed. All mastitis samples exhibited somatic cell counts exceeding 1,000 cells/µL, whereas healthy controls remained below this threshold (p < 0.001). Staphylococcus spp. accounted for 89.4% of isolates. The icaA, hla, and mecA genes were detected in 76.39%, 54.65%, and 46.58% of isolates, respectively. Phenotypically, biofilm formation, alpha-haemolysis, and cefoxitin resistance were observed in 72.67%, 52.79%, and 37.88% of isolates, respectively. Excellent agreement was observed between the corresponding phenotypic and molecular findings, with κ values of 0.89 for icaA/biofilm formation, 0.97 for hla/alpha-haemolysis, and 0.89 for mecA/cefoxitin resistance.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Elevated somatic cell count effectively distinguished mastitis from healthy controls. The high prevalence of virulent and antimicrobial-resistant Staphylococcus spp., particularly mecA-positive isolates, underscores the need for continuous surveillance, targeted antimicrobial therapy, and cost-effective phenotypic screening to support routine clinical diagnosis and epidemiological monitoring.</p>","PeriodicalId":18755,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Biology Reports","volume":"53 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149298851","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":"Comparative analysis of production and kinetic assay conditions and parameters for SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro): a systematic review.","authors":"Matheus Ferroni Schwartz, Aisel Valle Garay, Amanda Araújo Souza, Napoleão Fonseca Valadares, Sonia Maria de Freitas","doi":"10.1007/s11033-026-12966-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-026-12966-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 plays a crucial role in the viral replication cycle and is a key target for COVID-19 antiviral drugs. In this review, we conducted an extensive bibliographic search on the main challenges and experimental limitations reported in the production and biochemical characterization of the Mpro. A large variability in the kinetic parameters was revealed, which compromises comparisons across various studies and the evaluation of inhibitor efficacy. The studies indicate that these discrepancies are mainly associated with experimental limitations, such as low substrate solubility, optical irregularity due to the inner-filter effect, and variations in the oligomeric state of Mpro. This review summarizes and discusses the different strategies for Mpro expression in Escherichia coli and purification, with emphasis on obtaining an N-terminal tag-free enzyme, essential for homodimerization into a highly active form for structural and functional characterization. The main FRET-based substrates used in enzymatic assays were compiled and analyzed, as well as alternative methodologies for assessing Mpro enzymatic activity. Furthermore, the effects of assay conditions, such as buffer composition, pH, and the presence of reducing agents were addressed. The intrinsic structural features of Mpro that impact its catalytic function are discussed, including functional asymmetry in substrate binding and the positive allosteric cooperation between monomers. Overall, this review provides a critical and integrated perspective on the main experimental limitations in the production and characterization of Mpro, applicable to other proteases, contributing to the standardization of approaches and advances in the development of more effective inhibitors.</p>","PeriodicalId":18755,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Biology Reports","volume":"53 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149299042","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":"Context-dependent in transcriptional modulation of RhoA/ROCK1 expression under complete vs. deprived serum conditions in TNBC transduced cells.","authors":"Ezanee Azlina Mohamad Hanif, Ethar Ahmed Eltayeb Ahmed, Nurul Nadiah Ahmad Daud","doi":"10.1007/s11033-026-13061-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-026-13061-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Triple-negative breast cancer is a challenging type of cancer due to its high recurrence rate, early metastasis, and resistance to therapies. Understanding the key regulatory mechanism to the mentioned oncogenic features is crucial. One such factor being studied is transforming growth factor beta, which has dual roles in promoting tumor growth and controlling cell proliferation. Therefore, this study aims to observe the differential of downstream RhoA/ROCK1 changes and proliferative outcomes in established TNBC cell lines.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>MDA-MB-231 cells were transduced with lentivirus vectors harboring shRNA targeting different TGFβ isoforms: control cells transduced with non-targeting shRNA (shNT), shTGFβ1, shTGFβ2 and shTGFβ3 respectively. Transduction efficiency and target genes were assessed through RT-qPCR and cell survival capacity was assessed using colony forming assay.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The data showed an inverse TGFβ regulation axis between complete media (CM) and serum-derived (SR) condition. Knockdown of shTGFβ3 was inconclusive, therefore TGFβ3 mode of actions was not further assessed. The interference of baseline growth factor in the complete media condition shown enhanced recovery of cell clonogenic capacity amidst the depletion of TGFβ isoforms. A more stable observation was seen in the SR condition with downregulation of RhoA-ROCK1 expression and reduction of cell survival upon TGFβ isoform depletion. However, compensatory responses were observed in depleted shTGFβ2 whereby induction of clonogenic capacity was displayed in the transduced TNBC cell line.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Serum-derived condition approach provides a consistent readout to measure TGFβ. This provides a better overview of the TGFβ/RhoA/ROCK1 activation axis in TNBC cells. Extended assessments are warranted to fully validate the interaction between this non-canonical network in TNBC, which may be clinically relevant and serves as a new potential therapeutic strategy in TNBC.</p>","PeriodicalId":18755,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Biology Reports","volume":"53 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149299014","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":"A comprehensive review of mixed-species biofilm infections and innovative therapeutic strategies.","authors":"Mohsen Nazari, Romina Kardan, Amjad Ahmadi, Fatemeh Sadat Abolhasani, Jaber Hemmati","doi":"10.1007/s11033-026-12907-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-026-12907-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mixed-species biofilm infections are important causes of persistent and difficult-to-treat infections. Compared with monospecies biofilms, mixed-species communities contain microorganisms with different physiological and genetic characteristics that interact through metabolic cooperation, chemical signaling, competition, and modification of the local environment. These interactions, together with the EPS matrix, physiological heterogeneity, and HGT, can increase antimicrobial tolerance, contributing to treatment failure and infection recurrence. Polymicrobial biofilms are associated with chronic wounds, respiratory infections, catheter- and device-associated infections, and other persistent infections. However, treatment of polymicrobial biofilms remains challenging because their complex structure and interspecies interactions can reduce antimicrobial efficacy. This review summarizes the clinical significance, formation, and persistence of mixed-species biofilms and discusses recent therapeutic strategies for their control. We also discuss recent approaches for controlling polymicrobial biofilms, including natural compounds, QS inhibition, CRISPR-Cas-based approaches, biofilm matrix targeting, metabolic and nutrient disruption, nanotechnology, and phage therapy. Recent studies show that these approaches can inhibit biofilm formation, disrupt established biofilms, enhance antimicrobial activity, and selectively target specific microbial populations. However, their effectiveness varies with microbial composition, biofilm maturity, matrix characteristics, and treatment conditions. Overall, current evidence supports the development of targeted and combination-based strategies for mixed-species biofilms. Further studies using clinically relevant models are needed to exactly define treatment efficacy and support the translation of these approaches into clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":18755,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Biology Reports","volume":"53 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149298915","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}