Gengyun Le-Chan, Sunny S K Chan, Cindy A Thomas-Charles, Yingcui Li, Kevin W-H Lo
{"title":"Therapeutic roles of hyaluronan and synthases in cartilage.","authors":"Gengyun Le-Chan, Sunny S K Chan, Cindy A Thomas-Charles, Yingcui Li, Kevin W-H Lo","doi":"10.1016/j.molmed.2025.09.010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmed.2025.09.010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hyaluronan synthases (HASs) are essential enzymes for hyaluronic acid (HA) production; a key component for joint lubrication and cartilage health. Dysregulated HA synthesis contributes to joint dysfunction. In this Forum, we discuss the role of HAS in matrix assembly, inflammation and the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA).</p>","PeriodicalId":23263,"journal":{"name":"Trends in molecular medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145275969","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Integrator 20th anniversary: a molecular machine indispensable in development and disease.","authors":"Mina M Tayari, Ramin Shiekhattar","doi":"10.1016/j.molmed.2025.09.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmed.2025.09.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Integrator complex, composed of at least 19 subunits, associates with RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) and exerts critical roles in transcriptional regulation. By interacting with the C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNAPII, it cleaves nascent RNA transcripts, leading to termination of non-productive transcription in protein-coding genes and processing of diverse noncoding RNAs. Beyond RNA cleavage, Integrator regulates transcription initiation, pause-release, and elongation, while also processing enhancer RNAs. It contributes to genome stability by modulating RNAPII activity during DNA damage and replication stress. Dysfunction of Integrator subunits has been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer, underscoring its broad physiological significance. This review highlights recent advances in structure and function that illuminate Integrator's essential roles in development, neurobiology, and disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":23263,"journal":{"name":"Trends in molecular medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145275907","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Microbiota: a dawn for cancer metastasis therapy.","authors":"Shenglong Xia, Dingjiacheng Jia, Liangjing Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.molmed.2025.09.008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmed.2025.09.008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Metastasis remains a major contributor to the poor prognosis for patients with cancer, primarily driven by dynamic interactions between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment. Accumulating evidence highlights the pivotal involvement of both gut microbiota and intratumoral bacteria in cancer progression and metastatic spread. Here, we review the intricate links between microbiota and cancer metastasis, elucidating the multifaceted mechanisms by which microbial communities modulate metastatic processes. We particularly focus on the role of microbial metabolites in cancer dissemination and discuss innovative therapeutic strategies targeting the microbiome. Targeting the gut microbiota and intratumoral microecology presents a promising avenue for novel interventions aimed at mitigating cancer metastasis.</p>","PeriodicalId":23263,"journal":{"name":"Trends in molecular medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145252700","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Timing matters: maternal milk IgG sets weaning threshold.","authors":"Ziad Al Nabhani","doi":"10.1016/j.molmed.2025.09.011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmed.2025.09.011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In a recent Science study, Shenoy et al. reveal that maternal milk IgG programs neonatal immunity in mice. During the first postnatal week, IgG forms complexes with gut microbes, calibrating T cell responses at weaning and establishing long-term tolerance, uncovering a critical early-life window that shapes lifelong immune function.</p>","PeriodicalId":23263,"journal":{"name":"Trends in molecular medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145252884","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yoji Hoshina, Tammy L Smith, Melissa A Wright, Gregory S Day, Maarten J Titulaer, Stacey L Clardy
{"title":"Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis: insights and future treatment directions.","authors":"Yoji Hoshina, Tammy L Smith, Melissa A Wright, Gregory S Day, Maarten J Titulaer, Stacey L Clardy","doi":"10.1016/j.molmed.2025.09.005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmed.2025.09.005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Two decades after the first recognition of anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis, advances have led to consensus-based diagnostic criteria and treatment recommendations, yet no FDA-approved therapies exist. Recent studies highlight limitations of serum-only antibody testing, importance of tailored tumor surveillance, and epidemiologic variation across racial and ethnic groups. Prognostic indicators, exemplified by the anti-NMDAR encephalitis 1-year functional status (NEOS) score, have refined outcome prediction. Although nearly 80% of patients achieve favorable functional outcomes, persistent neuropsychiatric and cognitive deficits may impact quality of life, highlighting the need for improved therapeutic strategies. Accordingly, randomized clinical trials are underway, including studies evaluating B cell- and interleukin-6 (IL-6)-targeted therapies, for anti-NMDAR encephalitis. This review synthesizes these developments and discusses current treatment approaches with a focus on emerging investigational therapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":23263,"journal":{"name":"Trends in molecular medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145252793","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Caroline Capdevielle, Sarah St-Amand, Mathieu Neault, Tanja A Gruber, Sonia Cellot, Frédérick A Mallette
{"title":"BH3 mimetic therapies for CBFA2T3::GLIS2 pediatric acute megakaryoblastic leukemia.","authors":"Caroline Capdevielle, Sarah St-Amand, Mathieu Neault, Tanja A Gruber, Sonia Cellot, Frédérick A Mallette","doi":"10.1016/j.molmed.2025.09.006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmed.2025.09.006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pediatric acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL) associated with the CBFA2T3::GLIS2 (CG2) gene fusion is distinctive by virtue of its aggressiveness and ability to transform normal cells in a single event. The dismal therapeutic response of children to this disease has stimulated comprehensive studies on the molecular mechanism of CG2-driven tumorigenesis. In this Opinion, we highlight various investigative strategies, used in parallel by multiple independent research teams, that point to a specific dependence of CG2-expressing leukemias on the B cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) family of antiapoptotic proteins. We propose that this intrinsic feature renders these leukemias particularly vulnerable to BCL-2 homology 3 (BH3) mimetics.</p>","PeriodicalId":23263,"journal":{"name":"Trends in molecular medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145245423","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Science captured by storytelling: the oxidative stress narrative.","authors":"Nikos V Margaritelis, Michalis G Nikolaidis","doi":"10.1016/j.molmed.2025.09.004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmed.2025.09.004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The oxidative stress paradigm stands as a textbook example of how a simplified, early, and appealing scientific concept can become canonized and then resist revision. What began as a plausible heuristic about oxidative stress evolved into a research agenda and a pervasive cultural script.</p>","PeriodicalId":23263,"journal":{"name":"Trends in molecular medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145226004","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mariana Lapo Pais, Miguel Castelo-Branco, Joana Gonçalves
{"title":"Brain-related sexual dimorphism in tuberous sclerosis complex: an overlooked matter.","authors":"Mariana Lapo Pais, Miguel Castelo-Branco, Joana Gonçalves","doi":"10.1016/j.molmed.2025.01.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.molmed.2025.01.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Biological sex strongly impacts tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) symptoms like epilepsy and autism. However, the mechanisms driving this influence remain largely unknown. Here, we discuss how sex-specific changes in brain synapses and neural networks may drive these differences, offering insights that could be crucial for developing targeted therapies for TSC.</p>","PeriodicalId":23263,"journal":{"name":"Trends in molecular medicine","volume":" ","pages":"882-884"},"PeriodicalIF":13.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143024941","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chenyu Huang, Yue Shao, Jianbo Bai, Yi Zhao, Rei Ogawa
{"title":"Fibroproliferative conditions: the 3R approach bridging fibrosis and tumors.","authors":"Chenyu Huang, Yue Shao, Jianbo Bai, Yi Zhao, Rei Ogawa","doi":"10.1016/j.molmed.2025.03.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.molmed.2025.03.009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Soft-tissue fibroproliferative conditions (FPCs) affect many organs. All demonstrate the accumulation of (myo)fibroblasts and extracellular matrix. Currently, FPCs are classified according to the affected body site/organ. To promote research into the etiological mechanisms that drive pathological FPCs, we propose a new, more clinically grounded, FPC classification that is based on the intent and severity of the fibroproliferation. There are three categories: responsive, replacement, and reconstructive FPCs. Reconstructive FPCs (e.g., keloids) have quasi-neoplastic behaviors, including local invasiveness, and serve as a bridge between fibrosis and cancers. Comparisons of reconstructive FPCs to both cancers and the other FPC categories may help elucidate their pathogenic cellular properties, microenvironmental components, and intracellular-signaling mechanisms. Thus, the new FPC classification may promote research in the fibrosis field.</p>","PeriodicalId":23263,"journal":{"name":"Trends in molecular medicine","volume":" ","pages":"925-935"},"PeriodicalIF":13.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144038586","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ilaria Dorigatti, Katy A M Gaythorpe, Victoria M Cox, Francis A Windram, Lauren Cator
{"title":"Priorities for modelling arbovirus transmission under climate change.","authors":"Ilaria Dorigatti, Katy A M Gaythorpe, Victoria M Cox, Francis A Windram, Lauren Cator","doi":"10.1016/j.molmed.2025.05.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.molmed.2025.05.010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The transmission potential of arboviruses is extremely sensitive to environmental conditions. This sensitivity is due to both their intimate relationship with ectothermic vectors and, in many cases, also to the involvement of multiple host species in zoonotic transmission cycles. Here, we review how climate change will alter the transmission ecology and risk of these important infections. The challenge of predicting how climate change will impact these systems is daunting, but the need for tools to manage arbovirus risk under climate change is urgent and imperative. We argue that the development of climate-driven mechanistic models of disease transmission informed by empirical surveillance data is urgently needed to inform future responses and for generating the evidence that policy needs to tackle this global public health risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":23263,"journal":{"name":"Trends in molecular medicine","volume":" ","pages":"885-894"},"PeriodicalIF":13.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144317971","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}