{"title":"RIPK3 in necroptosis and cancer","authors":"Michael J. Morgan , You-Sun Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.mocell.2025.100199","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mocell.2025.100199","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Receptor-interacting protein kinase-3 is essential for the cell death pathway called necroptosis. Necroptosis is activated by the death receptor ligands and pattern recognition receptors of the innate immune system, leading to significant consequences in inflammation and in diseases, particularly cancer. Necroptosis is highly proinflammatory compared with other modes of cell death because cell membrane integrity is lost, resulting in releases of cytokines and damage-associated molecular patterns that potentiate inflammation and activate the immune system. We discuss various ways that necroptosis is triggered along with its potential role in cancer and therapy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18795,"journal":{"name":"Molecules and Cells","volume":"48 5","pages":"Article 100199"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143516211","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ki Yeon Koo , Kwanho Moon , Hwa Seob Song, Min-Sik Lee
{"title":"Metabolic regulation by p53: Implications for cancer therapy","authors":"Ki Yeon Koo , Kwanho Moon , Hwa Seob Song, Min-Sik Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.mocell.2025.100198","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mocell.2025.100198","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The tumor suppressor p53, long known for its roles in maintaining genomic integrity and suppressing tumorigenesis, has recently been recognized as a key regulator of cellular metabolism. Here, we review p53’s emerging metabolic functions, highlighting its ability to orchestrate glucose, amino acid, and lipid metabolism. By promoting oxidative phosphorylation while inhibiting glycolysis and anabolic pathways, wild-type p53 counters metabolic reprogramming characteristic of cancer cells, such as the Warburg effect, and protects cells from mild cellular stresses. In contrast, mutant p53 disrupts these processes, fostering metabolic adaptations that support tumor progression. These findings pave the way for therapeutic approaches targeting p53-driven metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18795,"journal":{"name":"Molecules and Cells","volume":"48 4","pages":"Article 100198"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143476762","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Current advances and future directions in targeting histone demethylases for cancer therapy","authors":"June-Ha Shin , Hye-Been Yoo , Jae-Seok Roe","doi":"10.1016/j.mocell.2025.100192","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mocell.2025.100192","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Epigenetic regulators, known as “writers,” erasers,” and “readers,” are essential for controlling gene expression by adding, removing, or recognizing post-translational modifications to histone tails, respectively. These regulators significantly affect genes involved in cancer initiation and maintenance. Recently, several clinical strategies targeting these epigenetic enzymes have emerged and some trials have demonstrated promising results for cancer treatment. Histone lysine demethylases (KDMs) yield distinct transcriptional outcomes that depend on the position of the methylated lysine and the specific genotype or lineage of the cancer cells. Due to their diverse roles in transcription, KDMs offer valuable opportunities for precision oncology, allowing treatments to be tailored to meet individual patient needs. This review emphasizes our current understanding of the functional relationship between KDMs and cancer as well as the development and application of small-molecule compounds that target KDMs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18795,"journal":{"name":"Molecules and Cells","volume":"48 3","pages":"Article 100192"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143408714","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Soohyeong Kim , Wonseok Lee , Hugh I. Kim , Min Kyung Kim , Tae Su Choi
{"title":"Recent advances and future challenges in predictive modeling of metalloproteins by artificial intelligence","authors":"Soohyeong Kim , Wonseok Lee , Hugh I. Kim , Min Kyung Kim , Tae Su Choi","doi":"10.1016/j.mocell.2025.100191","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mocell.2025.100191","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Metal coordination is essential for structural/catalytic functions of metalloproteins that mediate a wide range of biological processes in living organisms. Advances in bioinformatics have significantly enhanced our understanding of metal-binding sites and their functional roles in metalloproteins. State-of-the-art computational models developed for metal-binding sites seamlessly integrate protein sequence and structural data to unravel the complexities of metal coordination environments. Our goal in this mini-review is to give an overview of these tools and highlight the current challenges (predicting dynamic metal-binding sites, determining functional metalation states, and designing intricate coordination networks) remaining in the predictive models of metal-binding sites. Addressing these challenges will not only deepen our knowledge of natural metalloproteins but also accelerate the development of artificial metalloproteins with novel and precisely engineered functionalities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18795,"journal":{"name":"Molecules and Cells","volume":"48 4","pages":"Article 100191"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143408715","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The role of transcription factors in prostate cancer progression","authors":"Jongeun Lee , Yoontae Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.mocell.2025.100193","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mocell.2025.100193","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies in men, with most cases initially responding to androgen deprivation therapy. However, a significant number of patients eventually develop castration-resistant prostate cancer, an aggressive form of the disease. Although androgen receptor (AR) pathway inhibitors target AR signaling, and have extended survival in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer, prolonged treatment can lead to the emergence of neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), a lethal subtype characterized by the expression of neuroendocrine markers and reduced AR activity. The transition from adenocarcinoma to NEPC is driven by lineage plasticity, wherein cancer cells adopt a neuroendocrine phenotype to evade treatment. Consequently, NEPC patients face poor clinical outcomes and limited effective treatment options. To improve outcomes, it is crucial to understand the molecular mechanisms driving NEPC development. In this review, we highlight the role of transcription factors in this process and explore their potential as therapeutic targets.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18795,"journal":{"name":"Molecules and Cells","volume":"48 4","pages":"Article 100193"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143408718","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sun Young Joo , Hyehyun Min , Jung Ah Kim , Se Jin Kim , Seung Hyun Jang , Ho Lee , Kyu Min Kim , Je Kyung Seong , Jae Young Choi , Jinsei Jung , Jinwoong Bok , Heon Yung Gee
{"title":"Biallelic variants of SEMA3F are associated with nonsyndromic hearing loss","authors":"Sun Young Joo , Hyehyun Min , Jung Ah Kim , Se Jin Kim , Seung Hyun Jang , Ho Lee , Kyu Min Kim , Je Kyung Seong , Jae Young Choi , Jinsei Jung , Jinwoong Bok , Heon Yung Gee","doi":"10.1016/j.mocell.2025.100190","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mocell.2025.100190","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>It is crucial to manage hearing loss and its associated public health impacts. In this study, we aimed to understand the role of Sema3f in the development and maintenance of the auditory system. Inner ear-specific <em>Sema3f</em> knockout mice exhibited hearing loss at 8 weeks with an elevated threshold for auditory brainstem response and an absent threshold for distortion product optoacoustic emission tests. Additionally, an increased number of outer hair cells and abnormal patterns of spiral ganglion neuron projections in the outer hair cell regions were observed. Through the analyses of sequencing data from 558 families with hearing loss, we identified biallelic variants of <em>SEMA3F</em>, which encodes semaphorin-3F, in one of the families. In the family, the proband showed profound progressive nonsyndromic hearing loss with congenital onset. In vitro analysis revealed that the identified missense variants decreased the furin-mediated processing of SEMA3F and abolished the cellular abilities of SEMA3F, which collapsed the filamentous actin cytoskeleton in human umbilical vein-derived endothelial cells. Our data suggest that <em>SEMA3F</em> is essential for normal hearing and is associated with nonsyndromic hearing loss in humans.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18795,"journal":{"name":"Molecules and Cells","volume":"48 3","pages":"Article 100190"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143256124","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A brief guide for gene delivery to the brain using adeno-associated viral vectors","authors":"Seungwan Han , Eun Mo Yang , Eun-Mi Hur","doi":"10.1016/j.mocell.2025.100189","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mocell.2025.100189","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The advent of recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vector-mediated gene delivery has accelerated the comprehensive analysis and manipulation of the nervous system owing to its ability to regulate gene expression in a spatiotemporal manner, thereby facilitating the study of brain physiology and the investigation of the pathophysiology of neurological disorders. Here, we provide a concise guide to stereotaxic gene delivery into the mouse brain using rAAV vectors. Key considerations for designing a customized rAAV vector are discussed, along with an overview of the surgical procedures of intracranial stereotaxic injection. This article aims to assist neuroscientists in establishing experimental setups for genetic manipulation in the mouse brain.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18795,"journal":{"name":"Molecules and Cells","volume":"48 3","pages":"Article 100189"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143189868","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hien Thi Le , Jiyoung Yu , Hee Sung Ahn , Mi-Jeong Kim , In Gyeong Chae , Hyun-Nam Cho , Juhee Kim , Hye-Kyung Park , Hyuk Nam Kwon , Han-Jung Chae , Byoung Heon Kang , Jeong Kon Seo , Kyunggon Kim , Sung Hoon Back
{"title":"eIF2α phosphorylation-ATF4 axis-mediated transcriptional reprogramming mitigates mitochondrial impairment during ER stress","authors":"Hien Thi Le , Jiyoung Yu , Hee Sung Ahn , Mi-Jeong Kim , In Gyeong Chae , Hyun-Nam Cho , Juhee Kim , Hye-Kyung Park , Hyuk Nam Kwon , Han-Jung Chae , Byoung Heon Kang , Jeong Kon Seo , Kyunggon Kim , Sung Hoon Back","doi":"10.1016/j.mocell.2024.100176","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mocell.2024.100176","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) phosphorylation, which regulates all 3 unfolded protein response pathways, helps maintain cellular homeostasis and overcome endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress through transcriptional and translational reprogramming. However, transcriptional regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis by eIF2α phosphorylation during ER stress is not fully understood. Here, we report that the eIF2α phosphorylation-activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) axis is required for the expression of multiple transcription factors, including nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and its target genes responsible for mitochondrial homeostasis during ER stress. eIF2α phosphorylation-deficient (<em>A/A</em>) cells displayed dysregulated mitochondrial dynamics and mitochondrial DNA replication, decreased expression of oxidative phosphorylation complex proteins, and impaired mitochondrial functions during ER stress. ATF4 overexpression suppressed impairment of mitochondrial homeostasis in <em>A/A</em> cells during ER stress by promoting the expression of downstream transcription factors and their target genes. Our findings underscore the importance of the eIF2α phosphorylation-ATF4 axis for maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis through transcriptional reprogramming during ER stress.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18795,"journal":{"name":"Molecules and Cells","volume":"48 2","pages":"Article 100176"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11786836/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142932314","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Myung Shin Lee , Jae Whan Kim , Don Gueu Park , Hansol Heo , Juyeong Kim , Jung Han Yoon , Jaerak Chang
{"title":"Autophagic signatures in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from Parkinson's disease patients","authors":"Myung Shin Lee , Jae Whan Kim , Don Gueu Park , Hansol Heo , Juyeong Kim , Jung Han Yoon , Jaerak Chang","doi":"10.1016/j.mocell.2024.100173","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mocell.2024.100173","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor impairments and the accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein. Dysregulation of the autophagy-lysosomal pathway (ALP), responsible for degrading misfolded proteins, has been implicated in PD pathogenesis. However, current diagnostic approaches rely heavily on motor symptoms, which occur due to substantial neurodegeneration, limiting early detection and intervention. This study investigated the potential of ALP-associated proteins in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as diagnostic biomarkers for early-stage PD. Quantitative analysis revealed a significant reduction in optineurin levels in PBMCs from PD patients, and the expression levels of various ALP-associated proteins were tightly correlated, suggesting a coordinated dysregulation of the pathway. Correlation analyses revealed associations between ALP-associated features and clinical characteristics, such as age of onset and motor impairment. Furthermore, the study identified multiple positive correlations among ALP-associated proteins and functional readouts, highlighting the interconnectivity within the pathway. Notably, a PBMC biomarker model incorporating lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 and optineurin exhibited high diagnostic accuracy (86%) in distinguishing PD patients from controls. These findings highlight the potential of ALP-associated protein signatures in PBMCs as novel diagnostic biomarkers for early detection and intervention in PD, offering insights into the systemic manifestations of the disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18795,"journal":{"name":"Molecules and Cells","volume":"48 2","pages":"Article 100173"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11786884/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142895808","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hee-Su Shin , Hyejin Kim , Soon-Gyu Kwon , Hayyoung Lee , Jie-Oh Lee , Young Sang Kim
{"title":"Tumor cells ectopically expressing the membrane-bound form of IL-7 develop an antitumor immune response efficiently in a colon carcinoma model","authors":"Hee-Su Shin , Hyejin Kim , Soon-Gyu Kwon , Hayyoung Lee , Jie-Oh Lee , Young Sang Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.mocell.2024.100175","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mocell.2024.100175","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Various approaches employing cytokines and cytokine gene–modified tumor cells have been explored to induce antitumor responses, yet their widespread application has been limited due to efficacy concerns and adverse effects. In this study, interleukin-7 was engineered for expression both as a natural secretory form (sIL-7) and as a membrane-bound form fused with the B7.1 type I transmembrane protein (mbIL-7/B7) on CT26 colon cancer cells. Analysis of the resulting cell clones demonstrated that ectopically expressed sIL-7 and mbIL-7/B7 both retained similar capacities to induce the expansion and activation of CD8<sup>+</sup> T cells and to enhance antitumor responses in vitro. While the sIL-7 or mbIL-7/B7 clones showed similar growth in culture, the mbIL-7/B7 clone exhibited lower tumorigenicity in mice compared with the sIL-7 clone or wild-type CT26 cells. Specifically, the mbIL-7/B7 clone failed to form tumors in approximately 60% of the mice injected with it. Moreover, 80% of mice that rejected the mbIL-7/B7 clone developed long-term systemic immunity against CT26 cells. Analysis of immune cells within the tumor masses revealed significant increases in CD4<sup>+</sup> T cells, CD8<sup>+</sup> T cells, and dendritic cells in tumors formed by the mbIL-7/B7 clone compared to those formed by the sIL-7 clone. These findings suggest that the membrane-bound form of IL-7 with B7.1 is more effective than the secretory form in establishing antitumor immunity within the tumor microenvironment. Our strategy of expressing the mbIL-7/B7 chimera holds promise as a novel approach for tumor therapy, particularly in cases requiring IL-7 supplementation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18795,"journal":{"name":"Molecules and Cells","volume":"48 2","pages":"Article 100175"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142914973","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}