Junbo Xiao , Yi Han , Kezhen Liu , Xiaotong Wang , Shizhe Li , Jun Yi , Xiaowei Liu
{"title":"Post-translational modifications: Bridging viral infections and inflammatory bowel disease","authors":"Junbo Xiao , Yi Han , Kezhen Liu , Xiaotong Wang , Shizhe Li , Jun Yi , Xiaowei Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.mam.2025.101417","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mam.2025.101417","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Macrophages are key innate immune cells that defend against pathogens, maintain tissue homeostasis, and regulate inflammation. A complex network of post-translational modifications (PTMs) controls the flexibility and adaptability of macrophage functions. These modifications change the structure, function, location, and interactions of proteins through covalent mechanisms such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, acetylation, and glycosylation. This enables macrophages to respond quickly and accurately to changes in their microenvironment. Dysregulated macrophage function is pivotal to the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the resultant outcomes following viral infections. Recent evidence suggests that macrophage PTMs provide a mechanistic link between IBD and viral infection. Viral infections may accelerate disease onset or exacerbate IBD activity. Viruses exploit the PTM machinery of host cells for their replication and immune evasion. This review discusses how PTM changes in macrophages caused by viral infections can lead to a long-lasting, pro-inflammatory state that could tip the balance of intestinal immunity toward chronic IBD. We elucidate the functions of traditional PTMs such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, acetylation, and glycosylation, in conjunction with emerging modifications such as lactylation and citrullination (deimination). We emphasize their distinct roles in both antiviral responses and IBD pathogenesis, while also exploring therapeutic strategies targeting PTM pathways.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49798,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Aspects of Medicine","volume":"106 ","pages":"Article 101417"},"PeriodicalIF":10.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145245808","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hossein D. Banadaki , Alejandro Garanto , Rob W.J. Collin
{"title":"Antisense oligonucleotides for inherited retinal diseases: a comprehensive review","authors":"Hossein D. Banadaki , Alejandro Garanto , Rob W.J. Collin","doi":"10.1016/j.mam.2025.101416","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mam.2025.101416","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a genetically and clinically heterogeneous group of disorders that cause progressive vision loss and often lead to blindness. The complexity of these conditions arises from pathogenic variants in over 330 different genes, making the development of effective treatments highly challenging. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for IRDs, offering precise regulation of transcript expression and composition. Unlike traditional gene augmentation therapies, ASOs provide a flexible and sequence-specific strategy by modulating splicing patterns, blocking translation, or promoting RNA degradation. Advancements in ASO chemistry, including backbone and sugar modifications, have significantly improved their uptake, stability, specificity, and therapeutic efficacy, facilitating their application in a variety of diseases. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of ASO-based strategies for IRDs, touching upon their mechanisms of action, chemical modifications, delivery strategies, and current clinical advancements. Additionally, we discuss the challenges that remain, such as off-target effects, delivery barriers, and long-term safety concerns, while highlighting future innovations that may enhance the efficacy and safety of ASOs and broaden their clinical applicability. As ASO-based therapies continue to progress through preclinical and clinical development, they hold significant potential to reshape the therapeutic landscape for IRDs, offering personalized and targeted treatments for patients with these devastating conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49798,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Aspects of Medicine","volume":"106 ","pages":"Article 101416"},"PeriodicalIF":10.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145214227","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Emerging and Re-emerging viral infections and their ocular manifestations: A focus on ocular neovascularization","authors":"Dan Li , Qing Ye , Jianhao Bai , Wencui Wan","doi":"10.1016/j.mam.2025.101396","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mam.2025.101396","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Emerging and re-emerging viral infections represent a significant and escalating global health concern, frequently associated with a spectrum of systemic complications. Among these, ocular manifestations are increasingly recognized, contributing substantially to visual morbidity. The present review aims to provide an overview of the ocular sequelae of major emerging and re-emerging viral pathogens, highlighting their suggested and established roles in ocular neovascularization (ONV). It discusses the virological and immunological mechanisms, including direct viral cytopathic effects, virally-induced inflammation, dysregulation of angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors (e.g., Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor), and activation of hypoxia-inducible pathways, which can contribute to neovascular processes in various ocular compartments such as the cornea, iris, retina, and choroid. The major viral agents addressed in this review are Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), West Nile virus (WNV), Dengue Virus (DENV), and other viruses with known or suspected ONV association. This study reviewed and summarized the literature regarding case reports and experimental models describing the association of these viral agents with ONV. Furthermore, it addresses diagnostic considerations and therapeutic strategies. Understanding the intricate interplay between these viral infections and ocular neovascular pathways is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic strategies to prevent vision loss in affected populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49798,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Aspects of Medicine","volume":"106 ","pages":"Article 101396"},"PeriodicalIF":10.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145202159","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Wang Shen , Yaohua Guo , Cheng Ai , Xuehai Wang , Gang Li
{"title":"The double-edged sword: How SARS-CoV-2 might fuel lung cancer: Investigating the potential oncogenic mechanisms of the novel coronavirus in lung carcinogenesis","authors":"Wang Shen , Yaohua Guo , Cheng Ai , Xuehai Wang , Gang Li","doi":"10.1016/j.mam.2025.101413","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mam.2025.101413","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has had far-reaching consequences beyond acute respiratory illness, with growing evidence suggesting potential long-term oncogenic effects. Lung cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, may intersect with COVID-19 through shared molecular pathways and altered disease dynamics. SARS-CoV-2 can exacerbate outcomes in existing cancer patients and potentially contribute to de novo lung carcinogenesis or accelerate progression via chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, immune dysregulation, cellular senescence, cell cycle disruption, metabolic reprogramming, and autophagy impairment. It has been proven that although the SARS virus is not capable of integrating into the host genome, it uses the mechanisms of other human oncoviruses to cause lung cancer. Post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis, observed in up to one-third of severe cases, may act as a tumor precursor bridge through sustained tissue remodeling, extracellular matrix stiffness, and hypoxia-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Epidemiological studies indicate increased cancer-related mortality, metastatic reactivation of dormant cancer cells, and diagnostic delays, shifting presentations toward advanced stages during the pandemic. Synergistic risk factors, including smoking, air pollution, occupational exposures, and genetic predispositions, may further amplify oncogenic potential. The convergence of viral, environmental, and host factors creates a critical need for vigilant surveillance, biomarker development, and preventive strategies. This study aims to synthesize current epidemiological evidence, elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 may influence lung carcinogenesis, and highlight clinical implications to guide future research, screening, and therapeutic interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49798,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Aspects of Medicine","volume":"106 ","pages":"Article 101413"},"PeriodicalIF":10.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145159378","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The bidirectional link between diabetes and pancreatic cancer: A diagnostic aid, risk factor, and potential target for future therapy","authors":"Kevin Verhoeff, A.M. James Shapiro","doi":"10.1016/j.mam.2025.101414","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mam.2025.101414","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Historically, patients with pancreatic cancer presented with hyperglycemia and glycemic intolerance, leading to a hypothesis that diabetes may be associated with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Nearly 50 years later, our understanding about the association and pathophysiological link between diabetes and PDAC continues to expand. What has been elucidated is that new-onset diabetes, especially in patients with weight loss or over the age of 50, may be an early clinical sign of PDAC. Additionally, long-standing diabetes remains an independent risk factor for development of PDAC. The pathophysiology of both new-onset and long-standing diabetes and PDAC is closely linked to non-alcoholic steatopancreatitis, the local inflammatory microenvironment, and metabolic alterations that bidirectionally arise from and worsen diabetes. This review summarizes current evidence evaluating the association between diabetes and pancreatic cancer. We also review the pathophysiology of this interaction, and discuss how understanding these mechanism may allow prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of pancreatic malignancy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49798,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Aspects of Medicine","volume":"106 ","pages":"Article 101414"},"PeriodicalIF":10.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145159379","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jiaqi Li , Qingqing Zhai , Wangzheqi Zhang , Yisheng Chen , Changli Wang , Xiaoming Deng , Haoling Zhang , Zhiheng Lin , Yalin Zhu
{"title":"The multifunctionality of the caspase family of proteases: A new perspective beyond cell death","authors":"Jiaqi Li , Qingqing Zhai , Wangzheqi Zhang , Yisheng Chen , Changli Wang , Xiaoming Deng , Haoling Zhang , Zhiheng Lin , Yalin Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.mam.2025.101411","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mam.2025.101411","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Caspase family proteases, as aspartate-specific cysteine proteases, have long been considered to function exclusively in programmed cell death. However, emerging evidence indicates that their functions extends well beyond apoptosis. Members of this family exhibit numerous non-cell death functions through dynamic regulation of activity gradients and spatiotemporal localization, participating extensively in physiological processes such as neuronal synaptic remodeling, immune homeostasis regulation, and metabolic reprogramming, thereby forming a functional continuum from the molecular to the system level. Based on these novel functions, we propose a function-oriented classification of caspases into three categories: homeostatic, defensive, and remodeling types, while revealing their cross-category functional overlap. In addition, the development of conformation-specific inhibitors and microenvironment-responsive delivery systems provides precise regulatory tools for targeted therapy. This paper systematically summarizes the non-apoptotic functions of the caspase family and proposes a \"spatiotemporal activity\" dynamic model, opening new avenues for tumor therapy, neurodegenerative disease intervention, and immune disorder regulation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49798,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Aspects of Medicine","volume":"106 ","pages":"Article 101411"},"PeriodicalIF":10.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145092931","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The ocular immune system and Flaviviruses: A crossroad between defense and disease","authors":"Yao Xu , Wei Zhu , Xiao-feng Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.mam.2025.101409","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mam.2025.101409","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Flaviviruses are emerging arthropod-borne viruses that cause severe endemic infections and epidemics on a global scale. Recent Zika virus outbreaks have highlighted a significant link between the virus and ocular abnormalities, increasing interest in the pathogenesis of Flaviviruses. Flavivirus pathogenesis involves a complex interplay between viral replication and immune responses, leading to a wide spectrum of human diseases. Flavivirus infections can cause ocular complications that are usually self-limiting but can result in irreversible visual impairment and vision loss. These complications can affect both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye, and symptoms can range from mild conjunctivitis to more severe conditions like uveitis and even the inflammation of the optic nerve. Ocular inflammation often arises from the immune system's response to viral infections. In ocular Flavivirus infections, the immune response aims to protect the eye, but it can sometimes lead to inflammation and tissue damage. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the major Flaviviruses (Zika, Dengue, Yellow Fever, and West Nile) reported to cause ocular manifestations in humans, with emphasis on viral immunopathogenesis. Hence, we discuss how Flaviviruses modulate immune responses and cause ocular manifestations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49798,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Aspects of Medicine","volume":"106 ","pages":"Article 101409"},"PeriodicalIF":10.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145081967","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nataliya V. Zharova , Filipp D. Mikhailidi , Darya A. Kabanova , Alena Y. Tatarintseva , Olga L. Polyakova , Yury O. Zharikov , Nikolai A. Zharov , Sergey N. Ryagin , André Pontes-Silva , Tatiana S. Zharikova
{"title":"Influence of microbiota composition on the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes: Physiological aspects","authors":"Nataliya V. Zharova , Filipp D. Mikhailidi , Darya A. Kabanova , Alena Y. Tatarintseva , Olga L. Polyakova , Yury O. Zharikov , Nikolai A. Zharov , Sergey N. Ryagin , André Pontes-Silva , Tatiana S. Zharikova","doi":"10.1016/j.mam.2025.101410","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mam.2025.101410","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The development of type 2 diabetes may be influenced by enterotypes and bacterial metabolites. The most important of these are short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which play a role in forming the gut-brain axis and in the process of lipogenesis. An increase in lipogenesis can lead to obesity. High levels of adipose tissue in the body trigger chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. This review examines how microbiota composition influences the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and the possibility of regulating microbiota through proper nutrition, fecal microbiota transplantation, and prebiotics and probiotics. Additionally, the review notes that an imbalance in the gut microbiota can contribute to diabetes progression and increase cancer risk through inflammatory and immune mechanisms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49798,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Aspects of Medicine","volume":"106 ","pages":"Article 101410"},"PeriodicalIF":10.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145050661","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Urogenital manifestations of SARS-CoV-2, MPXV and Zika virus: A comprehensive review","authors":"Yubin Li , Guanghan Fan , Huadong He","doi":"10.1016/j.mam.2025.101399","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mam.2025.101399","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The current century has been associated with the outbreaks of emerging and re-emerging viral infections such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), monkeypox virus (MPXV), and Zika virus (ZIKV). Although their common clinical manifestations are currently well-known, the urogenital system is gaining attention as a significant, though often underappreciated, anatomical site for emerging and re-emerging viral infections, disease development, and transmission. The present review aims to comprehensively discuss the urogenital complications linked to the infections caused by these viruses, with a primary focus on describing their suggested and established roles in the development of urogenital sequelae. It reviews various molecular and cellular mechanisms, such as direct viral pathogen cytopathic activity, virally-mediated inflammation, and the nephrotoxic side effects of specific medications, by which SARS-CoV-2, MPXV, and ZIKV may affect various parts of the urogenital system. In this context, SARS-CoV-2 uses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) for cell entry, which is frequently present in the urogenital tissues, resulting in urogenital injuries. Zika virus exhibits a distinct tropism for the male reproductive tract, demonstrating prolonged viral persistence in semen that facilitates sexual transmission and is linked to testicular damage and adverse congenital outcomes. The present study also addresses diagnostic considerations and therapeutic strategies in the context of urogenital sequelae associated with these viruses. Understanding the intricate molecular basis of these viral-caused sequelae is crucial for improving differential diagnosis and introducing targeted therapeutic strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49798,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Aspects of Medicine","volume":"106 ","pages":"Article 101399"},"PeriodicalIF":10.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145050659","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xiang Li , Rui Ding , Hui Wang , Sijing Chen , Xirui Fan , Yiyao Duan , Jun Hu , Hao Hu , Rui Wu , Rong Qin
{"title":"Research advancements on sumoylation in gastrointestinal cancers","authors":"Xiang Li , Rui Ding , Hui Wang , Sijing Chen , Xirui Fan , Yiyao Duan , Jun Hu , Hao Hu , Rui Wu , Rong Qin","doi":"10.1016/j.mam.2025.101401","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mam.2025.101401","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>SUMOylation is a critical post-translational modification that modulates protein activity, stability, and subcellular distribution through the covalent attachment of SUMO proteins (SUMO1-5) to specific targets. This process is mediated by a cascade of enzymes, including E1, E2, E3 ligases, and deSUMOylation enzymes, enabling precise control over diverse biological functions such as gene expression, cell cycle regulation, DNA damage repair, signaling cascades, and metabolic pathways.</div><div>Dysregulation of SUMOylation enzymes has been contributes to cancer initiation, and treatment resistance, by enhancing tumor cell motility, aggressiveness, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In gastrointestinal malignancies—including gastric, hepatic, colorectal, esophageal, gallbladder, and pancreatic cancers—SUMOylation drives tumor growth, metastasis, and invasiveness by reprogramming metabolic processes, signaling networks, and the surrounding tumor niche. Additionally, it contributes to resistance against chemotherapy and radiotherapy.</div><div>Understanding the molecular basis of SUMOylation not only underscores its significance in oncogenesis but also provides a foundation for developing novel anticancer therapies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49798,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Aspects of Medicine","volume":"106 ","pages":"Article 101401"},"PeriodicalIF":10.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145050660","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}