BioEssaysPub Date : 2025-08-01DOI: 10.1002/bies.70048
Jian Zeng, Xin'Ai Zhao, Jan U Lohmann
{"title":"The Hidden Architects: Nitric Oxide and Redox Dynamics in Plant Stem Cell Homeostasis.","authors":"Jian Zeng, Xin'Ai Zhao, Jan U Lohmann","doi":"10.1002/bies.70048","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/bies.70048","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Plant stem cell homeostasis is a tightly controlled process governed by a complex network of transcription factors, hormones, signaling molecules, and various environmental factors. Among these, nitric oxide (NO) and redox signaling have emerged as critical regulators. This review examines the multifaceted role of NO in maintaining plant stem cell homeostasis, focusing on its influence through redox dynamics, DNA methylation, and hormonal regulation. We also explore the intricate cross-talk between NO signaling and other key pathways, including environmental stimuli and the target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway, in balancing stem cell maintenance and differentiation within both shoot and root meristems. Additionally, we discuss NO's involvement in post-translational modifications and transcriptional regulation, offering insights into its broader role in plant growth and development.</p>","PeriodicalId":9264,"journal":{"name":"BioEssays","volume":" ","pages":"e70048"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144759238","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}
BioEssaysPub Date : 2025-07-23DOI: 10.1002/bies.70046
Hiromichi Fujino
{"title":"Butyrate, IL-4, and EP4 Receptors: A Triad of Colorectal Homeostasis, Protecting Against Onset of Cancer and IBD?","authors":"Hiromichi Fujino","doi":"10.1002/bies.70046","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/bies.70046","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this article, onset mechanisms of colorectal cancer and intestinal bowel diseases (IBD) are postulated to involve the aberrant expression/hyper-activation of E-type prostanoid 4 (EP4) receptors. Although prostaglandin E<sub>2</sub> and EP4 receptors are important factors for maintaining colorectal homeostasis, their mediated signaling is also considered to be involved in the etiology of severe intestinal diseases. To prevent uncontrollable activations of EP4 receptors, two safety factors are proposed: butyrate as an external safety factor and interleukin (IL)-4 as an internal safety factor. Thus, for maintaining vulnerable colorectal homeostasis, the levels of EP4 receptors, butyrate, and IL-4 are proposed as an important triad for protecting against development/onset risks of, at least, EP4 receptor-mediated cancer and IBD.</p>","PeriodicalId":9264,"journal":{"name":"BioEssays","volume":" ","pages":"e70046"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144688919","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}
BioEssaysPub Date : 2025-07-23DOI: 10.1002/bies.70044
Lana Kostic, Nick Barker
{"title":"Re-evaluating Stem Cell Roles in Homeostasis and Cancer of the Esophagus.","authors":"Lana Kostic, Nick Barker","doi":"10.1002/bies.70044","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/bies.70044","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The localization and identity of esophageal stem cells remain highly debated, prompting the emergence of several hypotheses. Although early models proposed a homogeneous basal progenitor layer, recent evidence suggests a heterogeneous pool of stem/progenitor cells with diverse phenotypic and functional characteristics. We present a perspective on this heterogeneity and its implications for both normal tissue maintenance and disease susceptibility. Esophageal cancers can emerge as a result of random mutations or the activity of cancer stem cells (CSCs). The multifaceted interactions between genetic predisposition and environmental influences demonstrate that cancer onset can be driven not only by cell phenotype but also by various external pressures. Advances in in vivo and in vitro models now offer valuable tools to explore these stem cell dynamics and may pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches in esophageal cancer treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":9264,"journal":{"name":"BioEssays","volume":" ","pages":"e70044"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144688921","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}
BioEssaysPub Date : 2025-07-23DOI: 10.1002/bies.70045
Dave Speijer
{"title":"Complex Interplay of Metabolic Substrates, Points of Entry into the Mitochondrial Electron Chain, and ROS Generation: A critical analysis of \"Active control of mitochondrial network morphology by metabolism-driven redox state\" by Singh et al. and studies replacing ETC components with yeast counterparts.","authors":"Dave Speijer","doi":"10.1002/bies.70045","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/bies.70045","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Recently, a fascinating, well-executed, molecular study regarding the direct influence of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation by the electron transport chain (ETC) on mitochondrial morphology in baker's yeast appeared in PNAS. The findings highlight some very interesting connections between the choice of metabolic substrates, points of entry into the ETC, ROS formation, efficiency of ATP generation, and mitochondrial structures. These reflect both ancient eukaryotic constraints and later specific adaptations of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, by not addressing these adaptations, the important wider implications of the article's findings run the risk of being overlooked. There are illuminating connections to the FADH<sub>2</sub>/NADH ratio concept and new studies replacing ETC components with yeast counterparts in diverse metazoan cells, which will also be discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":9264,"journal":{"name":"BioEssays","volume":" ","pages":"e70045"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144688920","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":"What Epigenetics Teaches Us About Neuron-Glioma Interactions.","authors":"Chaitali Chakraborty, Itzel Nissen, Silvia Remeseiro","doi":"10.1002/bies.70043","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/bies.70043","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Neuron-glioma interactions are critical drivers of glioma progression, with neuronal activity promoting tumor growth and invasion through paracrine signaling and direct synaptic input. Beyond well-established glutamatergic synapses, recent discoveries revealed that GABAergic interactions also contribute to glioma proliferation. Here, we focus on how glioma cells decode neuronal cues via epigenetic mechanisms, including enhancer reprogramming, chromatin remodeling, and rewiring of 3D genome organization, with transcriptions factors such as SMAD3 and PITX1 orchestrating transcriptional programs that sustain neuron-to-glioma communication. Additionally, recent integration of multi-omics data highlights gene regulatory networks linked to GABAergic signaling as contributors to glioblastoma (GB) pathogenesis. We also underscore the distinct roles of GABAergic signaling across glioma subtypes, noting that, in GB, GABA-related metabolic and paracrine mechanisms, rather than synaptic input, may drive tumor progression. Understanding how epigenetic reprogramming facilitates glioma integration into neural circuits opens new avenues to disrupt these malignant neuron-glioma interactions by targeting the epigenetic machinery.</p>","PeriodicalId":9264,"journal":{"name":"BioEssays","volume":" ","pages":"e70043"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144673931","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}
BioEssaysPub Date : 2025-07-15DOI: 10.1002/bies.70040
Agnė Pociūtė, Augustas Pivoriūnas
{"title":"Glymphatic Transport as a Possible New Mechanism for the Long-Range Signaling of Extracellular Vesicles Through the CNS.","authors":"Agnė Pociūtė, Augustas Pivoriūnas","doi":"10.1002/bies.70040","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/bies.70040","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted by all types of cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and participate in intercellular communication in physiological and pathological settings. However, an emerging view of multidirectional communications is getting incredibly complex, and, in most cases, it is unclear whether EVs secreted by specific cell populations have specific cellular targets. Here we propose to discriminate between short- (adjacent cells) and long- (different brain regions) range signaling of the EVs in the CNS. We also hypothesize that besides its primary function of brain clearance, the glymphatic system can also serve for the long-range transport and signaling of the EVs throughout the CNS. In the first part of the review, we will describe currently available experimental models used for labeling and tracking cell-type specific EVs in the CNS. Then we will briefly overview the glymphatic system and discuss current evidence showing the physiological and pathological significance of long-range EV signaling in the CNS. Finally, we will provide a hypothetical model describing the possible role of the glymphatic system in the transport and long-range signaling of the EVs.</p>","PeriodicalId":9264,"journal":{"name":"BioEssays","volume":" ","pages":"e70040"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144636262","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}
BioEssaysPub Date : 2025-07-14DOI: 10.1002/bies.70041
David Morizet, Laure Bally-Cuif
{"title":"Reduced Adult Neurogenesis in Humans Results From a Tradeoff Rather Than Direct Negative Selection.","authors":"David Morizet, Laure Bally-Cuif","doi":"10.1002/bies.70041","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/bies.70041","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The reduction of adult neurogenesis in the human brain, compared to other vertebrate species, has been proposed to result from an active counter-selection to permit the stability of circuits needed for long-term memorization and higher cognitive abilities. Here, bringing forward behavior studies and evolution-based observations, we discuss the benefits of adult neurogenesis and data suggesting that its loss is unlinked with cognitive levels. Considering cell lineages and functional assays, we further note that human-specific genomic features (such as novel gene variants or regulatory sequences) frequently hit pathways that may lead to the premature exhaustion of embryonic neural progenitors after the developmental phase of cortex formation. We propose that reduced adult neurogenesis in humans may be a tradeoff for these changes, themselves selected for to permit the enlargement and complexification of the cerebral cortex during development.</p>","PeriodicalId":9264,"journal":{"name":"BioEssays","volume":" ","pages":"e70041"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144636263","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}
BioEssaysPub Date : 2025-07-11DOI: 10.1002/bies.70039
Birgit Strodel
{"title":"Chameleonic Nature of Aβ: Implications for Alzheimer's and Other Amyloid Diseases.","authors":"Birgit Strodel","doi":"10.1002/bies.70039","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/bies.70039","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), implicated in Alzheimer's disease, exhibits significant polymorphism. At the monomer level, Aβ can adopt disordered, helical, and β-hairpin structures, influenced by environmental conditions. Both oligomeric and fibrillar states, characterized by the prevalence of β-sheets, are polymorphic in the arrangement of β-strands. This chameleon-like behavior arises from Aβ's unique sequence and relatively flat energy landscape, which facilitates aggregation and may contribute to the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease, while also enabling disaggregation, thus slowing disease progression. In contrast, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, which is much rarer, progresses far more rapidly, likely due to the steeper energy landscape of the prion protein.</p>","PeriodicalId":9264,"journal":{"name":"BioEssays","volume":" ","pages":"e70039"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144607418","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}
BioEssaysPub Date : 2025-07-07DOI: 10.1002/bies.70037
Luca Masin, Anyi Zhang, Steven Bergmans, Lieve Moons
{"title":"New Energy Frontier for Regeneration: Non-Mitochondrial Pathways Fueling Injury-Induced Axonal Regrowth.","authors":"Luca Masin, Anyi Zhang, Steven Bergmans, Lieve Moons","doi":"10.1002/bies.70037","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/bies.70037","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The ability of the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) to regenerate its damaged axons is limited, in part because of its inability to muster the required energy production machinery to the axon to support the regrowth. Although mitochondria have long been considered the primary source of metabolic support, recent research has expanded the focus to include glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway, both of which contribute to local energy production and redox balance during regeneration. This review summarizes current advances in our understanding of these metabolic processes and integrates them into a conceptual framework that may inform further research and the development of strategies to enhance axon regeneration in the adult CNS.</p>","PeriodicalId":9264,"journal":{"name":"BioEssays","volume":" ","pages":"e70037"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144574855","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}