{"title":"Single-cell RNA sequencing in ovarian cancer: Current progress and future prospects","authors":"Chong Zhi-Xiong","doi":"10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2025.01.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2025.01.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ovarian cancer is one of the most prevalent gynaecological malignancies. The rapid development of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has allowed scientists to use this technique to study ovarian cancer development, heterogeneity, and tumour environment. Although multiple original research articles have reported the use of scRNA-seq in understanding ovarian cancer and how therapy resistance occurs, there is a lack of a comprehensive review that could summarize the findings from multiple studies. Therefore, this review aimed to fill this gap by comparing and summarizing the results from different studies that have used scRNA-seq in understanding ovarian cancer development, heterogeneity, tumour microenvironment, and treatment resistance. This review will begin with an overview of scRNA-seq workflow, followed by a discussion of various applications of scRNA-seq in studying ovarian cancer. Next, the limitations and future directions of scRNA-seq in ovarian cancer research will be presented.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54554,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Biophysics & Molecular Biology","volume":"195 ","pages":"Pages 100-129"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142959069","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Christian Brabant , Germain Honvo , Céline Demonceau , Ezio Tirelli , François Léonard , Olivier Bruyère
{"title":"Effects of extremely low frequency magnetic fields on animal cancer and DNA damage: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Christian Brabant , Germain Honvo , Céline Demonceau , Ezio Tirelli , François Léonard , Olivier Bruyère","doi":"10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.12.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.12.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the carcinogenic effects of extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) by analyzing animal and comet assay studies. We have performed a global meta-analysis on all the animal studies on the relation between ELF-MF and cancer incidence and separate meta-analyses on the incidence of cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, breast cancer, brain cancer and DNA damage assessed with the comet assay. Of the 5145 references identified, 71 studies have been included in our systematic review and 22 studies in our meta-analyses. Our global meta-analysis indicated that ELF-MF exposure had no significant impact on the incidence of cancers in rodents (19 studies, OR = 1.10; 95% CI 0.91–1.32). However, our separate meta-analyses showed that ELF-MF increased the odds of developing leukemia in mice (4 studies, OR = 4.45; 95% CI 1.90–10.38) but not in rats. Our systematic review also suggests that ELF-MF can damage DNA in certain cell types like brain cells. Nevertheless, a meta-analysis on three comet assay studies indicated that ELF-MF did not increase DNA damage in neuroblastoma cells (SMD = −0.08; 95% CI -0.18-0.01). Overall, our results suggest that exposure to ELF-MF does not represent a major hazard for mammals and the carcinogenic effects of these magnetic fields could be limited to leukemia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54554,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Biophysics & Molecular Biology","volume":"195 ","pages":"Pages 137-156"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142923928","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aysin Erboz , Elif Kesekler , Pier Luigi Gentili , Vladimir N. Uversky , Orkid Coskuner-Weber
{"title":"Electromagnetic radiation and biophoton emission in neuronal communication and neurodegenerative diseases","authors":"Aysin Erboz , Elif Kesekler , Pier Luigi Gentili , Vladimir N. Uversky , Orkid Coskuner-Weber","doi":"10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.12.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.12.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The intersection of electromagnetic radiation and neuronal communication, focusing on the potential role of biophoton emission in brain function and neurodegenerative diseases is an emerging research area. Traditionally, it is believed that neurons encode and communicate information via electrochemical impulses, generating electromagnetic fields detectable by EEG and MEG. Recent discoveries indicate that neurons may also emit biophotons, suggesting an additional communication channel alongside the regular synaptic interactions. This dual signaling system is analyzed for its potential in synchronizing neuronal activity and improving information transfer, with implications for brain-like computing systems. The clinical relevance is explored through the lens of neurodegenerative diseases and intrinsically disordered proteins, where oxidative stress may alter biophoton emission, offering clues for pathological conditions, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The potential therapeutic use of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is also examined for its ability to modulate biophoton activity and mitigate oxidative stress, presenting new opportunities for treatment. Here, we invite further exploration into the intricate roles the electromagnetic phenomena play in brain function, potentially leading to breakthroughs in computational neuroscience and medical therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54554,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Biophysics & Molecular Biology","volume":"195 ","pages":"Pages 87-99"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142900472","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Trees suck. Notes on the physics of transpiration in trees","authors":"Harvey R. Brown, Adrian P. Sutton","doi":"10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.12.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.12.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Cohesion Theory of the ascent of water in trees is a quiet triumph of modern science. Besides hydrodynamics, the physics of transpiration involves capillarity, evaporation and osmosis — phenomena which all have a history of considerable theoretical confusion. The aim of this paper is to supplement existing accounts of this physics in the plant science literature.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54554,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Biophysics & Molecular Biology","volume":"195 ","pages":"Pages 71-86"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142900474","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":"Research progress on N6-Methyladenosine modification in angiogenesis, vasculogenic mimicry, and therapeutic implications in breast cancer","authors":"Jiachen Weng , Yisi Shan , Qingyu Chang, Chenyan Cao, Xuemin Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.12.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.12.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>N<sup>6</sup>-methyladenosine (m<sup>6</sup>A) modification is the most common epitranscriptomic modification in eukaryotic RNA and has garnered extensive attention in the context of breast cancer research. The m<sup>6</sup>A modification significantly impacts tumorigenesis and tumor progression by regulating RNA stability, splicing, translation, and degradation. In this review we summarize recent advances in understanding the roles of m<sup>6</sup>A modification in the mechanisms underlying angiogenesis and vasculogenic mimicry in breast cancer. We review how m<sup>6</sup>A modification and associated transcripts influence relevant factors by affecting key factors and signaling pathways, highlighting the interactions among m<sup>6</sup>A “writers,” “erasers,” and “readers,” and their overall impact on tumor angiogenesis and vasculogenic mimicry, as well as potential new therapeutic targets.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54554,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Biophysics & Molecular Biology","volume":"195 ","pages":"Pages 57-70"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142878509","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Seyedeh Elham Norollahi , Saman Morovat , Arman Keymoradzadeh , Arman Hamzei , Morteza Modaeinama , Nazanin Soleimanmanesh , Yasaman Soleimanmanesh , Ali Najafizadeh , Elahe Bakhshalipour , Babak alijani , Ali Akbar Samadani
{"title":"Transforming agents: The power of structural modifications in glioblastoma multiforme therapy","authors":"Seyedeh Elham Norollahi , Saman Morovat , Arman Keymoradzadeh , Arman Hamzei , Morteza Modaeinama , Nazanin Soleimanmanesh , Yasaman Soleimanmanesh , Ali Najafizadeh , Elahe Bakhshalipour , Babak alijani , Ali Akbar Samadani","doi":"10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.12.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.12.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Glioblastoma (GBM) is a very deadly type of brain tumor with a poor prognosis and a short survival rate. Recent advancements in understanding GBM's molecular and genetic characteristics have led to the development of various therapeutic and diagnostic strategies. Key elements such as microRNAs, lncRNAs, exosomes, angiogenesis, and chromatin modifications are highlighted, alongside significant epigenetic alterations that impact therapy and diagnosis. Despite these advancements, molecular classifications have not improved patient outcomes due to intratumoral diversity complicating targeted therapies. In this article, it is tried to emphasize the potential of investigating the epigenetic landscape of GBM, particularly identifying patients with diffuse hypermethylation at gene promoters associated with better outcomes. Integrating epigenetic and genetic data has enhanced the identification of glioma subtypes with high diagnostic precision. The reversibility of epigenetic changes offers promising therapeutic prospects, as recent insights into the “epigenetic orchestra” suggest new avenues for innovative treatment modalities for this challenging cancer. In this review article, we focus on the roles of translational elements and their alterations in the context of GBM diagnosis and therapy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54554,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Biophysics & Molecular Biology","volume":"195 ","pages":"Pages 41-56"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142866301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chang-Xing Li, Zi-Xu Zhao, Dan-Bo Su, Da-Chuan Yin, Ya-Jing Ye
{"title":"In vitro regulation of collective cell migration: Understanding the role of physical and chemical microenvironments","authors":"Chang-Xing Li, Zi-Xu Zhao, Dan-Bo Su, Da-Chuan Yin, Ya-Jing Ye","doi":"10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.11.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.11.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Collective cell migration is the primary mode of cellular movement during embryonic morphogenesis, tissue repair and regeneration, and cancer invasion. Distinct from single-cell migration, collective cell migration involves complex intercellular signaling cascades and force transmission. Consequently, cell collectives exhibit intricate and diverse migration patterns under the influence of the microenvironment <em>in vivo</em>. Investigating the patterns and mechanisms of collective cell migration within complex environmental factors <em>in vitro</em> is essential for elucidating collective cell migration <em>in vivo</em>. This review elucidates the influence of physical and chemical factors <em>in vitro</em> microenvironment on the migration patterns and efficiency of cell collectives, thereby enhancing our comprehension of the phenomenon. Furthermore, we concisely present the effects of characteristic properties of common biomaterials on collective cell migration during tissue repair and regeneration, as well as the features and applications of tumor models of different dimensions (2D substrate or 3D substrate) <em>in vitro</em>. Finally, we highlight the challenges facing the research of collective cell migration behaviors <em>in vitro</em> microenvironment and propose that modulating collective cell migration may represent a potential strategy to promote tissue repair and regeneration and to control tumor invasion and metastasis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54554,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Biophysics & Molecular Biology","volume":"195 ","pages":"Pages 23-40"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142755574","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A review on salt-induced DNA compaction and charge inversion","authors":"Khadka B. Chhetri","doi":"10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.11.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.11.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This review delves into the reversible process of DNA compaction, vital for cellular functions like replication and transcription. The study highlights how various cations assist in the condensation of DNA chains, highlighting their specificity. The impact of the ionic environment on chromatin characteristics is discussed, emphasizing the roles of mono- and divalent cations in neutralizing DNA charge and promoting compaction. Trivalent ions induce significant compaction, while divalent ions also contribute, albeit less strongly. Charge inversion, facilitated by high concentrations of multivalent counterions, affects DNA condensation dynamics. Manipulating solution pH and dielectric constant can alter charge inversion bidirectionally. The hydrophobic effect driven by organic cations plays a crucial role in DNA compaction. The review underscores the implications of charge inversion, including macroscopic phase separation and DNA precipitation, driven by the binding of cationic micelles to DNA.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54554,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Biophysics & Molecular Biology","volume":"195 ","pages":"Pages 15-22"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142694019","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Electrical impedance sensing in stem cell research: Insights, applications, and future directions","authors":"Hassan Moghtaderi , Saeed Mohahammadi , Golfam Sadeghian , Mahua Choudhury , Ahmed Al-Harrasi , Shaikh Mizanoor Rahman","doi":"10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.11.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.11.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The exceptional differentiation abilities of stem cells make them ideal candidates for cell replacement therapies. Considering their great potential, researchers should understand how stem cells interact with other cell types. The production of high-quality differentiated cells is crucial for favorable treatment and makes them an ideal choice for clinical applications. Label-free stem cell monitoring approaches are anticipated to be more effective in this context, as they ensure quality of differentiation while preserving the therapeutic potential. Electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) is a nonintrusive technique that enables cell quantification through continuous monitoring of adherent cell behavior using electronic transcellular impedance measurements. This technique also facilitates the study of cell growth, motility, differentiation, drug effects, and cell barrier functions. Therefore, numerous studies have identified ECIS as an effective method for monitoring stem cell quality and differentiation. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of ECIS's achievements in examining cell behaviors and the potential applications of ECIS arrays in preclinical stem cell research. Moreover, we highlight our present knowledge concerning ECIS's contributions in examining cell behaviors and speculate about the future uses of ECIS arrays in preclinical stem cell research. This review also aims to stimulate research on electrochemical biosensors for future applications in regenerative medicine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54554,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Biophysics & Molecular Biology","volume":"195 ","pages":"Pages 1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142669793","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A physical perspective on lithium therapy","authors":"Dana Kamp","doi":"10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.11.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.11.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lithium salts have strong medical properties in neurological disorders such as bipolar disorder and lithium-responsive headaches. They have recently gathered attention due to their potential preventive effect in viral infections. Though the therapeutic effect of lithium was documented by Cade in the late 1940s, its underlying mechanism of action is still disputed. Acute lithium exposure has an activating effect on excitable organic tissue and organisms, and is highly toxic. Lithium exposure is associated with a strong metabolic response in the organism, with large changes in phospholipid and cholesterol expression. Opposite to acute exposure, this metabolic response alleviates excessive cellular activity. The presence of lithium ions strongly affects lipid conformation and membrane phase unlike other alkali ions, with consequences for membrane permeability, buffer property and excitability. This review investigates how lithium ions affect lipid membrane composition and function, and how lithium response might in fact be the body’s attempt to counteract the physical presence of lithium ions at cell level. Ideas for further research in microbiology and drug development are discussed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54554,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Biophysics & Molecular Biology","volume":"194 ","pages":"Pages 55-74"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142638426","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}