Glycolysis

Mitochondrial dysfunction: the hidden catalyst in chronic kidney disease progression

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a global health epidemic, with approximately one-third of affected individuals ultimately necessitating renal replacement therapy or transplantation. The kidney, characterized by its exceptionally high energy demands, exhibits significant sensitivity to alterations in energy supply and mitochondrial function. In CKD, a compromised capacity for mitochondrial ATP synthesis has been documented. As research advances, the multifaceted roles of mitochondria, extending beyond their traditional functions in oxygen sensing and energy production, are increasingly acknowledged. Empirical studies have demonstrated a strong association between mitochondrial dysfunction and the pathogenesis of fibrosis and cellular apoptosis in CKD. Targeting mitochondrial dysfunction holds substantial therapeutic promise, with emerging insights into its epigenetic regulation in CKD, particularly involving non-coding RNAs and DNA methylation. This article presents a comprehensive review of contemporary research on mitochondrial dysfunction in relation to the onset and progression of CKD. It elucidates the associated molecular mechanisms across various renal cell types and proposes novel research avenues for CKD treatment.

Annexin A2 binds the 3'-UTR of H2AX mRNA and regulates histone-H2AX-derived hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha activation

Annexin A2 (Anxa2), a multifunctional protein with RNA-binding capabilities, is frequently overexpressed in various tumors, and its expression is highly correlated with malignant progression. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that Anxa2 was co-expressed with glycolytic genes, suggesting its potential role as a regulator of glycolysis. RNA-protein interaction assay revealed that Anxa2 interacted with 3'-UTR of H2AX mRNA and protected it from miRNA-mediated degradation. Up-regulated Histone-H2AX enhances the expression of glycolytic genes including GLUT1, HK2, PGK1, ENO1, PKM2, GAPDH and LDHA via stabilizing hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1α), thereby accelerating lactic acid production and secretion. (20S) G-Rh2, a natural compound targeting Anxa2, significantly interfered the Anxa2-H2AX mRNA interaction, and inhibited subsequent glycolysis progression. We propose that Anxa2 acts as a novel regulator in glycolysis via enhancing H2AX expression, and (20S) G-Rh2 may exert its anti-cancer activity by targeting Anxa2-H2AX-HIF1α-glycolysis axis in human hepatoma HepG2 cells.

Glycolytic dysregulation in Alzheimer's disease: unveiling new avenues for understanding pathogenesis and improving therapy

Alzheimer's disease poses a significant global health challenge owing to the progressive cognitive decline of patients and absence of curative treatments. The current therapeutic strategies, primarily based on cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists, offer limited symptomatic relief without halting disease progression, highlighting an urgent need for novel research directions that address the key mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease. Recent studies have provided insights into the critical role of glycolysis, a fundamental energy metabolism pathway in the brain, in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Alterations in glycolytic processes within neurons and glial cells, including microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, have been identified as significant contributors to the pathological landscape of Alzheimer's disease. Glycolytic changes impact neuronal health and function, thus offering promising targets for therapeutic intervention. The purpose of this review is to consolidate current knowledge on the modifications in glycolysis associated with Alzheimer's disease and explore the mechanisms by which these abnormalities contribute to disease onset and progression. Comprehensive focus on the pathways through which glycolytic dysfunction influences Alzheimer's disease pathology should provide insights into potential therapeutic targets and strategies that pave the way for groundbreaking treatments, emphasizing the importance of understanding metabolic processes in the quest for clarification and management of Alzheimer's disease.

Nutritional strategies in oncology: The role of dietary patterns in modulating tumor progression and treatment response

Dietary interventions can influence tumor growth by restricting tumor-specific nutritional requirements, altering the nutrient availability in the tumor microenvironment, or enhancing the cytotoxicity of anticancer drugs. Metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells, as a significant hallmark of tumor progression, has a profound impact on immune regulation, severely hindering tumor eradication. Dietary interventions can modify tumor metabolic processes to some extent, thereby further improving the efficacy of tumor treatment. In this review, we emphasize the impact of dietary patterns on tumor progression. By exploring the metabolic differences of nutrients in normal cells versus cancer cells, we further clarify how dietary patterns influence cancer treatment. We also discuss the effects of dietary patterns on traditional treatments such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and the gut microbiome, thereby underscoring the importance of precision nutrition.

Harnessing the power: the role of dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria in microbial fuel cells

Dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria (DMRB) have been considered very important contributors in developing and operating microbial fuel cells that represent one promising technology for waste treatment and sustainable energy generation. In keeping with this spirit, this review paper will scrutinise the elementary mechanisms whereby the unique metabolic processes of DMRB enable their role in facilitating the extracellular transmission of electrons to the anode from organic substrates. Important species like Shewanella and Geobacter are referred to because of their contributions toward improving the stability and efficiency of MFCs. The paper also discusses the benefits of using DMRB, such as their potential in bioremediation and increased electron transfer efficiency. Difficulties examined include preserving microbial stability, competing with other species, and improving operating conditions. The recent developments in materials science, genetic engineering, and integration with other renewable technologies are discussed to demonstrate the potential for future breakthroughs. The last section of this paper discusses the wider implications of DMRB in developing MFC technology for energy and environmental applications.

Community succession and protein enhancement in a mixed methanotroph-microalgae system with stepwise increase of ammonium loading - Inhibition and adaptation

The integration of methanotrophs and microalgae in coculture systems presents a promising approach for sustainable biogas valorization and single-cell protein (SCP) production, offering dual benefits of greenhouse gas mitigation and nutrient recovery from waste streams. However, the resilience and metabolic interplay of these consortia under ammonium stress, common in industrial wastewater, remain poorly understood, limiting their scalability. This study systematically investigated the performance of a microalgae-methanotroph consortium under stepwise ammonium concentrations (130, 200 and 260 mg NH4+-N/L). The system demonstrated remarkable acclimation, achieving stable biogas conversion with 95.8 ± 5.3 mg CO2-C/(L·day) and 109.0 ± 11.4 mg CH4-C/(L·day) even at highest ammonium concentration. The SCP content increased from 32 % to over 52 % of cell dry weight with yield peaking at 90 mg/(L·day) under 200 mg N/L. A microbial community shift from Methylosinus to ammonia-tolerant Methylococcus dominance underpinned functional stability. Metagenomic analyses revealed ammonium-driven metabolic adaptations: extracellular substance secretion reprograms under stress, nitrogen assimilation was enhanced via glutamine synthetase, and antioxidant defenses were activated. Network analysis highlighted intensified competition (31 % negative correlations) under stress, yet key synergies within coculture system sustained carbon and nitrogen metabolism. These findings resolve knowledge gaps in ammonium-stressed consortia dynamics and provide insights for engineering systems to advancing the circular bioeconomy.

Impact of mtG3PDH inhibitors on proliferation and metabolism of androgen receptor-negative prostate cancer cells: Role of extracellular pyruvate

Mitochondrial glycerol 3-P dehydrogenase (mtG3PDH) plays a significant role in cellular bioenergetics by serving as a rate-limiting element in the glycerophosphate shuttle, which connects cytosolic glycolysis to mitochondrial oxidative metabolism. mtG3PDH was identified as an important site of electron leakage leading to ROS production to the mitochondrial matrix and intermembrane space. Our research focused on the role of two published mtG3PDH inhibitors (RH02211 and iGP-1) on the proliferation and metabolism of PC-3 and DU145 prostate cancer cells characterized by different mtG3PDH activities. Since pyruvate as a substrate of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) may represent an escape mechanism for the recycling of cytosolic NAD+ via the glycerophosphate shuttle, we investigated the effect of pyruvate on the mode of action of the mtG3PDH inhibitors. Extracellular pyruvate weakened the growth-inhibitory effects of RH02211 and iGP-1 in PC-3 cells but not in DU145 cells, which correlated with higher H-type LDH and lower mitochondrial glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase in DU145 cells. In the pyruvate-low medium, the strength of inhibition was more pronounced in PC-3 cells, characterized by higher mtG3PDH activities compared to DU145 cells. Pyruvate conversion rates (production in pyruvate-low and consumption in pyruvate-high PC-3 cells) were not impaired by RH02211 and iGP-1, suggesting that the conversion of extracellular pyruvate to lactate was not the primary factor responsible for the weakening effect of extracellular pyruvate on the RH02211-induced inhibition of PC-3 proliferation. In pyruvate-high PC-3 cells, the intracellular glycerol-3-P and dihydroxyacetone-P concentrations were consistent with an inhibition of mtG3PDH. In contrast, in pyruvate-low cells, the concentrations of these metabolites suggested an activation of mtG3PDH in parallel with an impairment of cytosolic G3PDH by RH02211. Of all metabolic characterizations recorded in this study (fluxes, intracellular intermediates, O2 consumption and H2O2 production), the decrease in glutaminolysis correlated best with the RH02211-induced inhibition of proliferation in pyruvate-low and pyruvate-high PC-3 cells.

Rebalancing redox homeostasis: A pivotal regulator of the cGAS-STING pathway in autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases (ADs) arise from the breakdown of immune tolerance to self-antigens, leading to pathological tissue damage. Proinflammatory cytokine overproduction disrupts redox homeostasis across diverse cell populations, generating oxidative stress that induces DNA damage through multiple mechanisms. Oxidative stress-induced alterations in membrane permeability and DNA damage can lead to the recognition of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and micronuclei-DNA (MN-DNA) by DNA sensors, thereby initiating activation of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway. While previous reviews have characterized cGAS-STING activation in autoimmunity, the reciprocal regulation between redox homeostasis and cGAS-STING activation remains insufficiently defined. This narrative review examines oxidative stress-mediated DNA damage as a critical driver of pathological cGAS-STING signaling and delineates molecular mechanisms linking redox homeostasis to autoimmune pathogenesis. Furthermore, we propose therapeutic strategies that combine redox restoration with the attenuation of aberrant cGAS-STING activation, thereby establishing a mechanistic foundation for precision interventions in autoimmune disorders. METHODS: The manuscript is formatted as a narrative review. We conducted a comprehensive search strategy using electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar and Web of Science. Various keywords were used, such as "cGAS-STING," "Redox homeostasis," "Oxidative stress," "pentose phosphate pathway," "Ferroptosis," "mtDNA," "dsDNA," "DNA damage," "Micronuclei," "Reactive oxygen species," "Reactive nitrogen species," "Nanomaterial," "Autoimmune disease," "Systemic lupus erythematosus," "Type 1 diabetes," "Rheumatoid arthritis," "Multiple sclerosis," "Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis," "Psoriasis," etc. The titles and abstracts were reviewed for inclusion into this review. After removing duplicates and irrelevant studies, 174 articles met inclusion criteria (original research, English language).

M2 macrophage-derived exosome facilitates aerobic glycolysis and osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs by regulating TRIM26-induced PKM ubiquitination

BACKGROUND

Our previous findings revealed that exosomes derived from M2-polarized macrophages enhance the osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs), and identified key microRNAs (miRNAs) using high-throughput miRNA sequencing. Therefore, the present study aimed to elucidate the role and underlying molecular mechanism by which exosomes derived from M2 macrophages mediate the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs.

METHODS

Following lentiviral-mediated modulation of miR-6879-5p in both hPDLSCs and M2 macrophage-derived exosomes, RT-qPCR, western blotting, and Alizarin Red staining were applied to assess alterations in osteogenic markers, including ALP, OCN, Collagen I, and RUNX2, as well as mineralized nodule formation in hPDLSCs. Immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry (IP-MS) was employed to identify proteins interacting with miR-6879-5p target genes in hPDLSCs.

RESULTS

Knockdown of miR-6879-5p in the exosomes reduced the expression of osteogenic markers and inhibited calcified nodule formation in hPDLSCs. Overexpression of TRIM26 attenuated the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs, an effect that was reversed by miR-6879-5p overexpression. IP-MS identified 410 TRIM26-interacting proteins in hPDLSCs. These proteins were associated with ubiquitination, aerobic glycolysis, and amino acid metabolism. The hub proteins in the TRIM26-associated PPI network included RPL and RPS family proteins, as well as glycolysis-associated proteins. CO-IP confirmed an interaction between TRIM26 and PKM, and showed that TRIM26 increased PKM ubiquitination. Overexpression of PKM rescued TRIM26-mediated suppression of osteogenic marker expression and mineralized nodule formation in hPDLSCs.

CONCLUSION

miR-6879-5p carried by M2 macrophage-derived exosomes promotes osteogenic differentiation and aerobic glycolysis in hPDLSCs via modulating TRIM26-mediated ubiquitination of PKM.

A physio-chemical mathematical model of the effects of blood analysis delay on acid-base, metabolite and electrolyte status: evaluation in blood from critical care patients

OBJECTIVES

Measurements of acid-base status are performed quickly after blood sampling avoiding errors. This necessitates rapid sample transport which can be problematic. This study measures blood sampled in critically ill patients over 180 min and proposes a mathematical physio-chemical model to simulate changes.

METHODS

Eleven blood samples were taken from 30 critically ill patients and measured at baseline (2 samples) and 36, 54, 72, 90, 108, 126, 144, 162, and 180 min. A mathematical model was proposed including red blood cell metabolism, carbon dioxide diffusion, electrolyte distribution and water transport. This model was used to simulate values of plasma pH, pCO2, pO2, SO2, glucose, lactate, Na+ and Cl- during analysis delay. Simulated and measured values were compared using Bland-Altman and correlation analysis, and goodness of model fits evaluated with chi-squared.

RESULTS

The mathematical model provided a good fit to data in 29 of 30 patients with no significant differences (p>0.1) between simulated and measured plasma values. Differences were (bias±SD): pH 0.000 ± 0.012, pCO2 0.00 ± 0.24 kPa, lactate -0.10 ± 0.23 mmol/L, glucose 0.00 ± 0.34 mmol/L, Cl- -0.2 ± 1.21 mmol/L, Na+ 0.0 ± 1.0 mmol/L, pO2 0.0 ± 0.44 kPa, SO2 -0.6 ± 5.5 %, with these values close to manufacturers' measurement errors. All linear correlations had R2>0.86. Simulations of pH, PCO2, glucose and lactate could be performed from baseline values without patient specific parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper illustrates that analysis delay can be accurately simulated with a mathematical model of physio-chemistry. While further evaluation is necessary, this may indicate a role for this model in clinical practice to simulate analysis delay.

OGT Enhances Adriamycin Resistance of Breast Cancer by Promoting Glycolysis through MDM4 Upregulation in an O-GlcNAcylation-Dependent Manner

Adriamycin (ADR) is a chemotherapy drug for breast cancer, and its resistance is a major obstacle in the clinical treatment of breast cancer. O-GlcNAcylation is a post-translational modification that impacts chemotherapy resistance in cancers. This present study aims to investigate the mechanism of O-GlcNAcylation-mediated ADR resistance in breast cancer. Cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis were performed to evaluate ADR resistance in breast cancer cells. O-GlcNAcylation, OGA and OGT levels in patients, and breast cancer cells resistant to ADR or not were detected by western blot and quantitative real-time PCR. Glycolysis of ADR-resistant cells was evaluated by measurement of glucose and lactic acid levels, and extracellular acidification rate and oxygen consumption rate. The underlying mechanism was explored by western blot and pathway enrichment analysis. Effects of OGT in vivo were assessed by xenograft tumor model. Results showed that OGT protein and mRNA levels were increased in MCF-7R and BT-549R cells and tumors of ADR-resistant patients with breast cancer. Moreover, O-GlcNAcylation was increased in ADR-resistant breast cancer cells. OGT knockdown inhibited glycolysis and O-GlcNAcylation and protein level of MDM4 at S96 site. Notably, MDM4 overexpression restored glycolysis in MCF-7R and BT-549R cells inhibited by OGT knockdown. Additionally, OGT knockdown inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Collectively, this study demonstrated that OGT promote breast cancer resistant to ADR through facilitating glycolysis in breast cancer cells by O-GlcNAcylation on MDM4. This study may provide a target for overcoming ADR resistance in breast cancer.

Trained immunity in diabetes: emerging targets for cardiovascular complications

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder primarily characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. Diabetes-induced inflammation significantly compromises cardiovascular health, greatly increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. The increasing prevalence of harmful lifestyle habits and overconsumption has contributed substantially to the global rise in diabetes-related cardiovascular diseases, creating a significant economic and healthcare burden. Although current therapeutic strategies focus on blood glucose control and metabolic regulation, clinical observations show that diabetic patients still face persistent residual risk of AS even after achieving metabolic stability. Recent studies suggest that this phenomenon is linked to diabetes-induced trained immunity. Diabetes can induce trained immunity in bone marrow progenitor cells and myeloid cells, thus promoting the long-term development of AS. This article first introduces the concept and molecular mechanisms of trained immunity, with particular emphasis on metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming, which plays a crucial role in sustaining chronic inflammation during trained immunity. Next, it summarizes the involvement of trained immunity in diabetes and its contribution to AS, outlining the cell types that can be trained in AS. Finally, it discusses the connection between diabetes-induced trained immunity and AS, as well as the potential of targeting trained immunity as an intervention strategy. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of trained immunity and their impact on disease progression may provide innovative strategies to address the persistent clinical challenges in managing diabetes and its complications.

Advances in the Study of Metabolic Reprogramming in Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies of the digestive system and is associated with a poor prognosis, particularly in advanced metastatic stages, where the 5-year survival rate is significantly low.

METHODS

Recent research has demonstrated that metabolic reprogramming-including alterations in glucose, lipid, and amino-acid metabolism-plays a critical role in both the development and progression of this disease. To gain deeper insights into these metabolic shifts, scientists have increasingly employed metabolomics, a non-invasive technique that detects and quantifies small molecules within cancerous tissues, thereby enhancing prognostic assessments.

AIM

Analyzing the metabolic profiles of gastric-cancer tissues can reveal significant changes in key metabolic pathways, which may open new avenues for targeted therapies and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

CONCLUSION

This article reviews recent advancements in the study of metabolic reprogramming in gastric cancer, aiming to identify potential therapeutic targets and offer new hope to patients.

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase/1,3-bisphosphoglycerate-NADH as key determinants in controlling human retinal endothelial cellular functions: Insights from glycolytic screening

Maintaining barrier integrity, along with cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix and the subsequent process of cell spreading, are essential functions of endothelial cells, including human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs). Disruptions in these processes can lead to vision-threatening conditions like diabetic retinopathy. However, the bioenergetic mechanisms that regulate HREC barrier function and cell spreading remain incompletely understood. This study investigates the role of lower glycolytic components in modulating these critical functions of HRECs. In vitro, Electric Cell-Substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS) technology was used to measure real-time changes in HREC barrier integrity (electrical resistance) and cell spreading (capacitance). Pharmacological inhibitors targeting lower glycolytic components were tested: heptelidic acid for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), NG-52 for phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), shikonin for pyruvate kinase M (PKM), galloflavin for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), AZD3965 for lactate transporter (MCT1), and MSDC-0160 for the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC). GAPDH knockdown was performed using siRNA, and cell viability was assessed via LDH release assays. For in vivo studies, wild-type C57BL/6J mice received intravitreal injections of heptelidic acid, while control mice received the vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide). Retinal vascular permeability was assessed by fluorescein angiography (FA) and retinal albumin leakage. The most significant decrease in electrical resistance and increase in capacitance of HRECs were observed following the dose-dependent inhibition of GAPDH and the resulting reduction in 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate (1,3-BPG) and NADH by heptelidic acid. LDH level analysis at 24 to 48 h post-treatment with heptelidic acid (1 and 10 μM) showed no significant difference compared to controls, indicating that the observed disruption of HREC functionality was not due to cell death. Supporting these findings, inhibition of downstream glycolytic steps that result in the accumulation of 1,3-BPG and NADH, such as treatment with NG-52 for PGK or shikonin for PKM, led to a significant increase in electrical resistance and a decrease in cell capacitance. Furthermore, GAPDH knockdown via siRNA also led to a significant decrease in cellular resistance in HRECs. In vivo, FA imaging demonstrated that intravitreal injection of heptelidic acid led to significant retinal vascular leakage, as further supported by increased albumin extravasation in treated eyes. Conversely, pharmacological inhibition of other lower glycolytic components, including LDH, MCT, and MPC, did not significantly alter HREC barrier function or spreading behavior. This study highlights the distinct roles of lower glycolytic components in regulating HREC functionality. GAPDH and its downstream products (1,3-BPG and NADH) are shown to play a pivotal role in maintaining barrier integrity and promoting HREC adhesion and spreading. These findings guide the development of targeted interventions that modulate HREC bioenergetics to treat endothelial dysfunction in various retinal disorders, while minimizing potential adverse effects on healthy endothelial cells.

Physiological and molecular mechanisms of nitrogen in alleviating drought stress in Phoebe bournei

To explore the mechanisms by which nitrogen alleviates drought stress in Phoebe bournei, this study integrated drought treatment with exogenous nitrogen application to assess physiological characteristics and employed transcriptome sequencing to decipher transcriptional responses. The results indicated that nitrogen fertilizer mitigated leaf wilting in P. bournei under drought stress and significantly enhanced leaf dry weight, fresh weight, thickness, and chlorophyll content. Furthermore, nitrogen improved photosynthesis by inhibiting stomatal closure, enhancing light energy absorption, and accelerating electron transport in PSII. 11 photosynthesis-related genes, including PFP, TRY, LQY, FTSH, FRO, CURT, PETF, ATPF, PETA, CRRSP, and MEN and 17 carbohydrate metabolism-associated genes, such as PWD, GBE1, GAPA, PFKA, RFS, ISA, GLGC, PGK, ALDO, GUX, RX9, MIOX, HCT, BAM, MPFP, and ERNI exhibited differential expression in response to nitrogen. Moreover, nitrogen treatment significantly modulated plant hormone metabolism, with 44 upregulated and 14 downregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) primarily associated with jasmonic acid (JA) synthesis and signaling. These findings provide new insights into enhancing the drought tolerance of P. bournei in the context of global climate change.

New mesenchymal stem/stromal cell-based strategies for osteoarthritis treatment: targeting macrophage-mediated inflammation to restore joint homeostasis

Macrophages are pivotal in osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis, as their dysregulated polarization can contribute to chronic inflammatory processes. This review explores the molecular and metabolic mechanisms that influence macrophage polarization and identifies potential strategies for OA treatment. Currently, non-surgical treatments for OA focus only on symptom management, and their efficacy is limited; thus, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have gained attention for their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory capabilities. Emerging evidence suggests that small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) derived from MSCs can modulate macrophage function, thus offering potential therapeutic benefits in OA. Additionally, the transfer of mitochondria from MSCs to macrophages has shown promise in enhancing mitochondrial functionality and steering macrophages toward an anti-inflammatory M2-like phenotype. While further research is needed to confirm these findings, MSC-based strategies, including the use of sEVs and mitochondrial transfer, hold great promise for the treatment of OA and other chronic inflammatory diseases.

Metabolic Reprogramming in HIV+ CD4+ T-Cells: Implications for Immune Dysfunction and Therapeutic Targets in M. tuberculosis Co-Infection

Background/Objectives: HIV and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) co-infection presents a major global health burden. The immune response to M.tb is largely orchestrated by cluster of differentiation 4-positive (CD4+) T cells, with CD8+ T cells playing an auxiliary role. This study aims to investigate the immunometabolic response of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to M.tb antigens, analysed using metabolomics, to elucidate metabolic shifts that may influence immune function in an HIV+ environment. Methods: Whole blood samples from newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve HIV+ individuals were stimulated with M.tb antigens early secreted antigenic target 6 (ESAT-6) and culture filtrate protein 10 (CFP-10) using the QuantiFERON® (QFT) Gold Plus assay. Following incubation, plasma samples were analysed through untargeted nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy. Metabolomic data were processed using MetaboAnalyst, with differential metabolites identified through multivariate statistical analyses. Results: Metabolic profiling of PBMCs revealed distinct differences in response to M.tb antigens between CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ T-cell activation. CD4+ T cells exhibited enhanced glycolysis, with elevated levels of metabolites that are linked largely to the Warburg effect. Additionally, vitamin D levels were found to correlate with certain metabolites, suggesting a role in modulating immune responses. Conclusions: These findings suggest a complex interplay between immune cell metabolism and activation in HIV+ individuals. The study demonstrates that HIV and M.tb co-infection significantly influences the broader metabolic profile of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), highlighting the altered metabolic pathways that are critical in immune responses and disease progression. These findings contribute to the understanding of immunometabolism in co-infection and emphasise the need for further research into targeted metabolic interventions.

Impacts of Radiation on Metabolism and Vascular Cell Senescence

Significance: This review investigates how radiation therapy (RT) increases the risk of delayed cardiovascular disease (CVD) in cancer survivors. Understanding the mechanisms underlying radiation-induced CVD is essential for developing targeted therapies to mitigate these effects and improve long-term outcomes for patients with cancer. Recent Advances: Recent studies have primarily focused on metabolic alterations induced by irradiation in various cancer cell types. However, there remains a significant knowledge gap regarding the role of chronic metabolic alterations in normal cells, particularly vascular cells, in the progression of CVD after RT. Critical Issues: This review centers on RT-induced metabolic alterations in vascular cells and their contribution to senescence accumulation and chronic inflammation across the vasculature post-RT. We discuss key metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, lipid metabolism, glutamine metabolism, and redox metabolism (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide/Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+)/NADPH). We further explore the roles of regulatory proteins such as p53, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, and mammalian target of rapamycin in driving these metabolic dysregulations. The review emphasizes the impact of immune-vascular crosstalk mediated by the senescence-associated secretory phenotype, which perpetuates metabolic dysfunction, enhances chronic inflammation, drives senescence accumulation, and causes vascular damage, ultimately contributing to cardiovascular pathogenesis. Future Directions: Future research should prioritize identifying therapeutic targets within these metabolic pathways or the immune-vascular interactions influenced by RT. Correcting metabolic dysfunction and reducing chronic inflammation through targeted therapies could significantly improve cardiovascular outcomes in cancer survivors. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 00, 000-000.

Organic Bioelectronics in Microphysiological Systems: Bridging the Gap Between Biological Systems and Electronic Technologies

The growing burden of degenerative, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and cancerous diseases necessitates innovative approaches to improve our pathophysiological understanding and ability to modulate biological processes. Organic bioelectronics has emerged as a powerful tool in this pursuit, offering a unique ability to interact with biology due to the mixed ionic-electronic conduction and tissue-mimetic mechanical properties of conducting polymers (CPs). These materials enable seamless integration with biological systems across different levels of complexity, from monolayers to complex 3D models, microfluidic chips, and even clinical applications. CPs can be processed into diverse formats, including thin films, hydrogels, 3D scaffolds, and electrospun fibers, allowing the fabrication of advanced bioelectronic devices such as multi-electrode arrays, transistors (EGOFETs, OECTs), ion pumps, and photoactuators. This review examines the integration of CP-based bioelectronics in vivo and in in vitro microphysiological systems, focusing on their ability to monitor key biological events, including electrical activity, metabolic changes, and biomarker concentrations, as well as their potential for electrical, mechanical, and chemical stimulation. We highlight the versatility and biocompatibility of CPs and their role in advancing personalized medicine and regenerative therapies and discuss future directions for organic bioelectronics to bridge the gap between biological systems and electronic technologies.

Transcriptional analysis reveals antioxidant, ion transport, and glycolysis mechanisms in Litopenaeus vannamei gills involved in the response to high alkali stress

Saline-alkali aquacultural systems have an important role in improving the economic output of the aquacultural industry. However, the survival rate of shrimp in intensive aquacultural systems is affected by alkalinity fluctuations. This study explored the ion transport and molecular responses of the whiteleg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei to short-term high alkaline stress (96 h). The results showed that survival rate decreased significantly with time, hemolymph osmotic pressure and oxygen consumption dropped sharply after peaking at 48 h, and ammonia excretion followed a non-monotonic pattern, with an initial decline followed by a subsequent increase. Analysis of key physiological indicators revealed that urea nitrogen continued to accumulate, antioxidant (SOD and CAT) and glycolytic (PFK and LDH) enzymes were significantly activated, but ion regulatory enzymes (Na+/K+-ATPase) were severely suppressed. Gill histopathology showed typical injuries (such as gill filament shrinkage, vacuolation, and hemocytopenia). Furthermore, transcriptome analysis confirmed that high alkali stress activated insulin signaling pathway and glycolysis-related genes (e.g., upregulating PFK and GLUT expression). These results indicate that the high alkalinity causes an ion imbalance, changes the ammonia transport process, and activates the glycolysis pathway. These conclusions provide a theoretical basis for the subsequent development for the saline-alkaline aquacultural of Litopenaeus vannamei.

Pyruvate kinase modulates the link between β-cell fructose metabolism and insulin secretion

The intricate link between glucose metabolism, ATP production, and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GIIS) in pancreatic β-cells has been well established. However, the effects of other digestible monosaccharides on this mechanism remain unclear. This study examined the interaction between intracellular fructose metabolism and GIIS using MIN6-K8 β-cell lines and mouse pancreatic islets. Fructose at millimolar concentrations potentiated insulin secretion in the presence of stimulatory levels (8.8 mM) of glucose. This potentiation was dependent on sweet taste receptor-activated phospholipase Cβ2 (PLCβ2) signaling. Concurrently, metabolic tracing using 13C-labeled fructose and glucose in conjunction with biochemical analyses demonstrated that fructose blunted the glucose-induced increase in the ATP/ADP ratio. Mechanistically, fructose is substantially converted to fructose 1-phosphate (F1P) at the expense of ATP. F1P directly inhibited PKM2 (pyruvate kinase M2), thereby reducing the later glycolytic flux used for ATP production. Remarkably, F1P-mediated PKM2 inhibition was counteracted by TEPP-46, a small-molecule PKM2 activator. TEPP-46 restored glycolytic flux and the ATP/ADP ratio, leading to the enhancement of fructose-potentiated GIIS in MIN6-K8 cells, normal mouse islets, and fructose-unresponsive diabetic mouse islets. These findings reveal an antagonistic interplay between glucose and fructose metabolism in β-cells, highlighting PKM2 as a crucial regulator and broadening our understanding of the relationship between β-cell fuel metabolism and insulin secretion.

Targeted TPS Shooting Using Computer Vision to Generate Ensemble of Trajectories

This study presents a transition path sampling (TPS) procedure to create an ensemble of trajectories describing a chemical transformation from a reactant to a product state, augmented with a computer vision technique. A 3D convolutional neural network (CNN) sorts the slices of the TPS trajectories into reactant or product state categories, which aids in automatically accepting or rejecting a newly generated trajectory. Furthermore, information about the geometrical configuration of each slice enables one to calculate the percentage of reactant and product states within a specific shooting range. These statistics are used to determine the most appropriate shooting range and, if needed, to improve a shooting acceptance rate. To test the automated 3D CNN TPS technique, we applied it to collect an ensemble of the transition paths for the rate-limiting step of the Morita-Bayliss-Hillman (MBH) reaction.

Photobiomodulation modulates mitochondrial energy metabolism and ameliorates neurological damage in an APP/PS1 mousmodel of Alzheimer's disease

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease. Amyloid β-protein (Aβ) is one of the key pathological features of AD, which is cytotoxic and can damage neurons, thereby causing cognitive dysfunction. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a non-invasive physical therapy that induces changes in the intrinsic mechanisms of cells and tissues through low-power light exposure. Although PBM has been employed in the treatment of AD, the effect and precise mechanism of PBM on AD-induced neurological damage are still unclear.

METHODS

In vivo experiments, PBM (808 nm, 20 mW/cm2) was used to continuously interfere with APP/PS1 mice for 6 weeks, and then their cognitive function and AD pathological changes were evaluated. In vitro experiments, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce microglia to model inflammation, and the effect of PBM treatment on microglia polarization status and phagocytic Aβ ability was evaluated. Hexokinase 2 (HK2) inhibitor 3-bromopyruvate (3BP) was used to study the effect of PBM treatment on mitochondrial energy metabolism in microglia.

RESULTS

PBM further ameliorates AD-induced cognitive impairment by alleviating neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis, thereby attenuating nerve damage. In addition, PBM can also reduce neuroinflammation by promoting microglial anti-inflammatory phenotypic polarization; Promotes Aβ clearance by enhancing the ability of microglia to engulf Aβ. Among them, PBM regulates microglial polarization and inhibits neuronal apoptosis, which may be related to its regulation of mitochondrial energy metabolism, promotion of oxidative phosphorylation, and inhibition of glycolysis.

CONCLUSION

PBM regulates neuroinflammatory response and inhibits neuronal apoptosis, thereby repairing Aβ-induced neuronal damage and cognitive dysfunction. Mitochondrial energy metabolism plays an important role in PBM in improving nerve injury in AD mice. This study provides theoretical support for the subsequent application of PBM in the treatment of AD.

Platycodon grandiflorum exosome-like nanoparticles: the material basis of fresh platycodon grandiflorum optimality and its mechanism in regulating acute lung injury

BACKGROUND

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe respiratory disease accompanied by diffuse inflammatory responses induced by various clinical causes. Many fresh medicinal plants have shown better efficacy than their dried forms in preventing and treating diseases like inflammation. As a classical Chinese herb, platycodon grandiflorum (PG) has been demonstrated effective in treating pneumonia, but most of previous studies focused on the efficacy of processed or dried PG formats, while the specific benefits of its fresh form are still underexplored. Exosome-like nanoparticles derived from medicinal plants are expected to point out an important direction for exploring the material basis and mechanism of this fresh herbal medicine.

RESULTS

The fresh form of PG could effectively improve ALI induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), relieve lung histopathological injury and weight loss, and reduce levels of inflammatory factors in mice, exhibiting better efficacy than dried PG in the treatment of ALI. Further extraction and purification of PG exosome-like nanoparticles (PGLNs) demonstrated that PGLNs had good biocompatibility, with characteristics consistent with general exosome-like nanoparticles. Besides, proteomic analysis indicated that PGLNs were rich in a variety of proteins. Animal experiments showed that PGLNs improved the pathological changes in LPS-induced lung tissues, inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors and promoted the expression of anti-inflammatory factors, and exerted a regulatory effect on the polarization of lung macrophages. Cell experiments further confirmed that PGLNs could be effectively taken up by RAW264.7 cells and repolarize M1 macrophages into M2 type, therefore reducing the secretion of harmful cytokines. Moreover, non-targeted metabolomics analysis reveals that PGLNs reduce inflammation and control macrophage polarization in a manner closely linked to pathways including glycolysis and lipid metabolism, highlighting a potential mechanism by which PGLNs protect the lungs from inflammatory damage like ALI.

CONCLUSION

Fresh PG has better anti-inflammatory and repair effects than its dried form. As one of the most effective active substances in fresh PG, PGLNs may regulate macrophage inflammation and polarization by regulating metabolic pathways including lipid metabolism and glycolysis, so as to reduce inflammation and repair lung injury.

Alternative NADH dehydrogenase: A complex I backup, a drug target, and a tool for mitochondrial gene therapy

Alternative NADH dehydrogenase, also known as type II NADH dehydrogenase (NDH-2), catalyzes the same redox reaction as mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I. Specifically, it oxidizes reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) while simultaneously reducing ubiquinone to ubiquinol. However, unlike complex I, this enzyme is non-proton pumping, comprises of a single subunit, and is resistant to rotenone. Initially identified in bacteria, fungi and plants, NDH-2 was subsequently discovered in protists and certain animal taxa including sea squirts. The gene coding for NDH-2 is also present in the genomes of some annelids, tardigrades, and crustaceans. For over two decades, NDH-2 has been investigated as a potential substitute for defective complex I. In model organisms, NDH-2 has been shown to ameliorate a broad spectrum of conditions associated with complex I malfunction, including symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Recently, lifespan extension has been observed in animals expressing NDH-2 in a heterologous manner. A variety of mechanisms have been put forward by which NDH-2 may extend lifespan. Such mechanisms include the activation of pro-longevity pathways through modulation of the NAD+/NADH ratio, decreasing production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mitochondria, or then through moderate increases in ROS production followed by activation of defense pathways (mitohormesis). This review gives an overview of the latest research on NDH-2, including the structural peculiarities of NDH-2, its inhibitors, its role in the pathogenicity of mycobacteria and apicomplexan parasites, and its function in bacteria, fungi, and animals.

Identifying ENO1 as a protein target of chlorogenic acid to inhibit cellular senescence and prevent skin photoaging in mice

Cellular senescence plays a critical role in repeated ultraviolet (UV) exposure-induced skin photoaging. Currently, from the perspective of regulating senescent cells, potent compounds or reliable protein targets that could effectively prevent skin photoaging have not yet been reported. Herein, we demonstrated that chlorogenic acid (CGA) significantly inhibited UVA-induced senescence of human dermis skin fibroblasts (HDF) cells by screening the natural product library. The activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) result revealed that Enolase 1 (ENO1) is one of the direct targets of CGA in HDF cells. Further mechanism research indicated that CGA covalently binds to ENO1, and prevented UVA-induced cellular senescence by suppressing the activity of ENO1 protein to block the glycolytic pathway. Importantly, we found that CGA dose-dependently reduced the skin wrinkle score, alleviated skin pathological features and inhibited senescent characteristics in a photoaging mouse model. The proteomic analysis revealed that CGA treatment effectively inhibited senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) secretion and glycolysis in skin samples of mice. Collectively, our study not only demonstrated that inhibiting cell senescence is an effective anti-skin photoaging strategy, but also revealed that ENO1 is a promising protein target to prevent photoaging.

Metabolic reprogramming shapes post-translational modification in macrophages

Polarized macrophages undergo metabolic reprogramming, as well as extensive epigenetic and post-translational modifications (PTMs) switch. Metabolic remodeling and dynamic changes of PTMs lead to timely macrophage response to infection or antigenic stimulation, as well as its transition from a pro-inflammatory to a reparative phenotype. The transformation of metabolites in the microenvironment also determines the PTMs of macrophages. Here we reviewed the current understanding of the altered metabolites of glucose, lipids and amino acids in macrophages shape signaling and metabolism pathway during macrophage polarization via PTMs, and how these metabolites in some macrophage-associated diseases affect disease progression by shaping macrophage PTMs.

Immune cell metabolic dysfunction in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multi-system disorder characterized histopathologically by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. While the etiology of PD remains multifactorial and complex, growing evidence suggests that cellular metabolic dysfunction is a critical driver of neuronal death. Defects in cellular metabolism related to energy production, oxidative stress, metabolic organelle health, and protein homeostasis have been reported in both neurons and immune cells in PD. We propose that these factors act synergistically in immune cells to drive aberrant inflammation in both the CNS and the periphery in PD, contributing to a hostile inflammatory environment which renders certain subsets of neurons vulnerable to degeneration. This review highlights the overlap between established neuronal metabolic deficits in PD with emerging findings in central and peripheral immune cells. By discussing the rapidly expanding literature on immunometabolic dysfunction in PD, we aim to draw attention to potential biomarkers and facilitate future development of immunomodulatory strategies to prevent or delay the progression of PD.

Caveolae: Metabolic Platforms at the Crossroads of Health and Disease

Caveolae are small flask-shaped invaginations of the plasma membrane enriched in cholesterol and sphingolipids. They play a critical role in various cellular processes, including signal transduction, endocytosis, and mechanotransduction. Caveolin proteins, specifically Cav-1, Cav-2, and Cav-3, in addition to their role as structural components of caveolae, have been found to regulate the activity of signaling molecules. A growing body of research has highlighted the pivotal role of caveolae and caveolins in maintaining cellular metabolic homeostasis. Indeed, studies have demonstrated that caveolins interact with the key components of insulin signaling, glucose uptake, and lipid metabolism, thereby influencing energy production and storage. The dysfunction of caveolae or the altered expression of caveolins has been associated with metabolic disorders, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and ocular diseases. Remarkably, mutations in caveolin genes can disrupt cellular energy balance, promote oxidative stress, and exacerbate metabolic dysregulation. This review examines current research on the molecular mechanisms through which caveolae and caveolins regulate cellular metabolism, explores their involvement in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders, and discusses potential therapeutic strategies targeting caveolin function and the stabilization of caveolae to restore metabolic homeostasis.

AI-driven high-throughput droplet screening of cell-free gene expression

Cell-free gene expression (CFE) systems enable transcription and translation using crude cellular extracts, offering a versatile platform for synthetic biology by eliminating the need to maintain living cells. However, Such systems are constrained by cumbersome composition, high costs, and limited yields due to numerous additional components required to maintain biocatalytic efficiency. Here, we introduce DropAI, a droplet-based, AI-driven screening strategy designed to optimize CFE systems with high throughput and economic efficiency. DropAI employs microfluidics to generate picoliter reactors and utilizes a fluorescent color-coding system to address and screen massive chemical combinations. The in-droplet screening is complemented by in silico optimization, where experimental results train a machine-learning model to estimate the contribution of the components and predict high-yield combinations. By applying DropAI, we significantly simplified the composition of an Escherichia coli-based CFE system, achieving a fourfold reduction in the unit cost of expressed superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP). This optimized formulation was further validated across 12 different proteins. Notably, the established E. coli model is successfully adapted to a Bacillus subtilis-based system through transfer learning, leading to doubled yield through prediction. Beyond CFE, DropAI offers a high-throughput and scalable solution for combinatorial screening and optimization of biochemical systems.

The Role of Endothelial Cell Glycolysis in Schwann Cells and Peripheral Nerve Injury Repair: A Novel and Important Research Area

Endothelial cell glycolysis plays a novel and significant role in Schwann cells and peripheral nerve injury repair, which represents an emerging and important area of research. Glycolysis in endothelial cells is a conserved and tightly regulated biological process that provides essential energy (ATP) and intermediates by ultimately converting glucose into lactate. This metabolic pathway is crucial for maintaining the normal function of endothelial cells. During peripheral nerve injury repair, endothelial cell glycolysis influences the function of Schwann cells and the efficiency of nerve regeneration. Beyond glycolysis, endothelial cells also secrete various factors, including growth factors and extracellular vesicles, which further modulate Schwann cell activity and contribute to the repair process. This review will summarize the role of endothelial cell glycolysis in Schwann cell function and peripheral nerve injury repair, aiming to provide new insights for the development of novel strategies for peripheral nerve injury treatment.

Oxidative stress regulates the catalytic activity and mitochondrial localization of HK2 in trophoblast by regulating K346 lactylation

Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the most dangerous complications of pregnancy. The pathogenic mechanisms of this condition are not yet clear. Lysine lactylation (Kla) is a novel post-translational modification (PTM) reported recently. It remains to be determined whether Kla plays a role in the development of PE. Here, western blotting revealed that the placental Kla profile of PE was different from that of normal pregnancies, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) weakened the Kla level of trophoblast cells. High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) indicated that 333 Kla sites of 232 proteins were changed by Kla in BeWo cells (a trophoblast cell line) treated with H2O2, among which only HK2 showed a unique Kla site (K346) with down-regulated lactylation. Additionally, the inactive mutant HK2-K346 was associated with decreased hexokinase activity, lower affinity to voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1), and impaired cell proliferation. These findings demonstrate that lactylation is involved in the pathogenesis of PE and that lactylation of HK2-K346 could serve as a new connection between oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and the development of PE.

Bioelectromagnetism for Cancer Treatment-Modulated Electro-Hyperthermia

Bioelectromagnetism has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment by providing a noninvasive, targeted, and potentially more effective complement to traditional therapies. Among bioelectromagnetic techniques, modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) stands out due to its unique characteristics, which have been supported by experimental evidence and clinical validation. Unlike conventional hyperthermia methods, mEHT leverages nonthermal bioelectromagnetic processes, offering a distinct and promising approach in oncology. This differentiation underscores the broader potential for bioelectromagnetic applications in cancer treatment, paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies.

Immunomodulatory role of the stem cell circadian clock in muscle repair

Circadian rhythms orchestrate physiological processes such as metabolism, immune function, and tissue regeneration, aligning them with the optimal time of day (TOD). This study identifies an interplay between the circadian clock within muscle stem cells (SCs) and their capacity to modulate the immune microenvironment during muscle regeneration. We reveal that the SC clock triggers TOD-dependent inflammatory gene transcription after injury, particularly genes related to neutrophil activity and chemotaxis. These responses are driven by cytosolic regeneration of the signaling metabolite nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (oxidized form) (NAD+), as enhancing cytosolic NAD+ regeneration in SCs is sufficient to induce inflammatory responses that influence muscle regeneration. Mononuclear single-cell sequencing of the regenerating muscle niche further implicates the cytokine CCL2 in mediating SC-neutrophil cross-talk in a TOD-dependent manner. Our findings highlight the intersection between SC metabolic shifts and immune responses within the muscle microenvironment, dictated by circadian rhythms, and underscore the potential for targeting circadian and metabolic pathways to enhance tissue regeneration.

Lactate homeostasis is maintained through regulation of glycolysis and lipolysis

Lactate is among the highest flux circulating metabolites. It is made by glycolysis and cleared by both tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle oxidation and gluconeogenesis. Severe lactate elevations are life-threatening, and modest elevations predict future diabetes. How lactate homeostasis is maintained, however, remains poorly understood. Here, we identify, in mice, homeostatic circuits regulating lactate production and consumption. Insulin induces lactate production by upregulating glycolysis. We find that hyperlactatemia inhibits insulin-induced glycolysis, thereby suppressing excess lactate production. Unexpectedly, insulin also promotes lactate TCA cycle oxidation. The mechanism involves lowering circulating fatty acids, which compete with lactate for mitochondrial oxidation. Similarly, lactate can promote its own consumption by lowering circulating fatty acids via the adipocyte-expressed G-protein-coupled receptor hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 1 (HCAR1). Quantitative modeling suggests that these mechanisms suffice to produce lactate homeostasis, with robustness to noise and perturbation of individual regulatory mechanisms. Thus, through regulation of glycolysis and lipolysis, lactate homeostasis is maintained.

The role of astrocyte metabolic reprogramming in ischemic stroke (Review)

Ischemic stroke, a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide, is characterized by the sudden loss of blood flow in specific area of the brain. Intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator is the only approved pharmacological treatment for acute ischemic stroke; however, the aforementioned treatment has significant clinical limitations, thus there is an urgent need for the development of novel mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for ischemic stroke. Astrocytes, abundant and versatile cells in the central nervous system, offer crucial support to neurons nutritionally, structurally and physically. They also contribute to blood‑brain barrier formation and regulate neuronal extracellular ion concentrations. Accumulated evidence has revealed the involvement of astrocytes in the regulation of host neurotransmitter metabolism, immune response and tissue repair, and different metabolic characteristics of astrocytes can contribute to the process and development of ischemic stroke, suggesting that targeted regulation of astrocyte metabolic reprogramming may contribute to the treatment and prognosis of ischemic stroke. In the present review, the current understanding of the multifaceted mechanisms of astrocyte metabolic reprogramming in ischemic stroke, along with its regulatory factors and pathways, as well as the strategies to promote its polarization balance, which hold promise for astrocyte immunometabolism‑targeted therapies in the treatment of ischemic stroke, were summarized.

LGALS4 inhibits glycolysis and promotes apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells via β‑catenin signaling

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Glycolysis serves a crucial role in the development of CRC. The aim of the present study was to investigate the function of lectin galactoside-binding soluble 4 (LGALS4) in the regulation of glycolysis and its therapeutic potential in CRC. In the present study, 175 overlapping differentially expressed genes were identified by comprehensive analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas database and the GSE26571 CRC dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. LGALS4 was identified as the central gene by prognostic analysis using the mimetic map construction method and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression. In vitro experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of LGALS4 overexpression on CRC cell phenotype and aerobic glycolysis, as well as its relationship with β-catenin signaling. LGALS4 was significantly downregulated in CRC, with an average 3-fold decrease compared with LGALS4 expression levels in normal tissues. LGALS4 was also significantly associated with patient survival. LGALS4 overexpression inhibited CRC cell growth, induced cell cycle arrest and enhanced 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced apoptosis. Specifically, LGALS4 overexpression resulted in a ~50% decrease in cell proliferation and a ~2-fold increase in apoptosis. In addition, LGALS4 overexpression inhibited aerobic glycolysis and reduced glucose-dependent and glycolytic activity in CRC cells. The downregulatory effect of LGALS4 on glycolysis-related genes was further enhanced by the addition of the β-catenin inhibitor XAV-939. LGALS4 expression decreased CRC progression by inhibiting glycolysis and affecting β-catenin signaling. Overexpression of LGALS4 reduced the proliferation and glycolytic capacity of CRC cells and also enhanced their sensitivity to 5-FU. These results may potentially provide new perspectives for CRC treatment and targets for future clinical intervention strategies.

Overview of Glycometabolism of Lactic Acid Bacteria During Freeze-Drying: Changes, Influencing Factors, and Application Strategies

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) play a vital role in food fermentation and probiotics microeconomics. Freeze-drying (FD) is a commonly used method for preserving LAB powder to extend its shelf life. However, FD induces thermal, osmotic, and mechanical stresses that can impact the glycometabolism of LAB, which is the process of converting carbohydrates into energy. This review explores the effect of FD on glycometabolism, factors influencing glycometabolism, and feasible strategies in the FD process of LAB. During the three stages of FD, freezing, primary drying or sublimation, and second drying, the glycolytic activity of LAB is disrupted in the freezing stage; further, the function of glycolytic enzymes such as hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, and pyruvate kinase is hindered, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production drops significantly in the sublimation stage; these enzyme activities and ATP production nearly cease and exopolysaccharide (EPS) synthesis alters during the secondary drying stage. Factors such as strain variations, pretreatment techniques, growth medium components, FD parameters, and water activity influence these changes. To counteract the effects of FD on LAB glycometabolism, strategies like cryoprotectants, encapsulation, and genetic engineering can help preserve their glycometabolic activity. These methods protect LAB from harsh FD conditions, safeguarding glycolytic flux and enzymatic processes involved in carbohydrate metabolism. A deeper understanding of these glycometabolic changes is essential for optimizing FD processes and enhancing the use of LAB in food, medicine, and biotechnology, ultimately improving their performance upon rehydration.

Decoding Sugars: Mass Spectrometric Advances in the Analysis of the Sugar Alphabet

Monosaccharides play a central role in metabolic networks and in the biosynthesis of glycomolecules, which perform essential functions across all domains of life. Thus, identifying and quantifying these building blocks is crucial in both research and industry. Routine methods have been established to facilitate the analysis of common monosaccharides. However, despite the presence of common metabolites, most organisms utilize distinct sets of monosaccharides and derivatives. These molecules therefore display a large diversity, potentially numbering in the hundreds or thousands, with many still unknown. This complexity presents significant challenges in the study of glycomolecules, particularly in microbes, including pathogens and those with the potential to serve as novel model organisms. This review discusses mass spectrometric techniques for the isomer-sensitive analysis of monosaccharides, their derivatives, and activated forms. Although mass spectrometry allows for untargeted analysis and sensitive detection in complex matrices, the presence of stereoisomers and extensive modifications necessitates the integration of advanced chromatographic, electrophoretic, ion mobility, or ion spectroscopic methods. Furthermore, stable-isotope incorporation studies are critical in elucidating biosynthetic routes in novel organisms.

Energy metabolism in health and diseases

Energy metabolism is indispensable for sustaining physiological functions in living organisms and assumes a pivotal role across physiological and pathological conditions. This review provides an extensive overview of advancements in energy metabolism research, elucidating critical pathways such as glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism, along with their intricate regulatory mechanisms. The homeostatic balance of these processes is crucial; however, in pathological states such as neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancer, extensive metabolic reprogramming occurs, resulting in impaired glucose metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction, which accelerate disease progression. Recent investigations into key regulatory pathways, including mechanistic target of rapamycin, sirtuins, and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, have considerably deepened our understanding of metabolic dysregulation and opened new avenues for therapeutic innovation. Emerging technologies, such as fluorescent probes, nano-biomaterials, and metabolomic analyses, promise substantial improvements in diagnostic precision. This review critically examines recent advancements and ongoing challenges in metabolism research, emphasizing its potential for precision diagnostics and personalized therapeutic interventions. Future studies should prioritize unraveling the regulatory mechanisms of energy metabolism and the dynamics of intercellular energy interactions. Integrating cutting-edge gene-editing technologies and multi-omics approaches, the development of multi-target pharmaceuticals in synergy with existing therapies such as immunotherapy and dietary interventions could enhance therapeutic efficacy. Personalized metabolic analysis is indispensable for crafting tailored treatment protocols, ultimately providing more accurate medical solutions for patients. This review aims to deepen the understanding and improve the application of energy metabolism to drive innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Alteration of mitochondrial function in arthropods during arboviruses infection: a review of the literature

Arthropods serve as vectors for numerous arboviruses responsible for diseases worldwide. Despite their medical, veterinary, and economic significance, the interaction between arboviruses and arthropods remains poorly understood. Mitochondria in arthropods play a crucial role by supplying energy for cell survival and viral replication. Some arboviruses can replicate within arthropod vectors without harming the host. Successful transmission depends on efficient viral replication in the vector's tissues, ultimately reaching the salivary glands for transmission to a vertebrate host, including humans, via blood-feeding. This review summarizes current knowledge of mitochondrial function in arthropods during arbovirus infection, highlighting gaps compared to studies in mammals and other pathogens relevant to arthropods. It emphasizes mitochondrial processes in insects that require further investigation to uncover the mechanisms underlying arthropod-borne transmission.

Effects of Alexandrium pacificum Exposure on Exopalaemon carinicauda: Hepatopancreas Histology, Antioxidant Enzyme Activity, and Transcriptome Analysis

Alexandrium pacificum, a dinoflagellate known for causing harmful algal blooms (HABs), has garnered significant attention due to its potential toxicity to marine ecosystems, fisheries, and human health. However, the effects of this toxin-producing alga on shrimp are not yet comprehensively understood. This study aimed to assess the hepatopancreas damage induced by A. pacificum in the economically important shrimp species E. carinicauda and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms through histology, antioxidant enzyme activity, and transcriptome analysis. The shrimp were assigned to either a control group or an exposed group, with the latter involving exposure to A. pacificum at a concentration of 1.0 × 104 cells/mL for 7 days. A histological analysis subsequently revealed pathological changes in the hepatopancreas tissue of the exposed group, including lumen expansion and the separation of the basement membrane from epithelial cells, while antioxidant enzyme activity assays demonstrated that exposure to A. pacificum weakened the antioxidant defense system, as evidenced by the reduced activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione, along with increased malondialdehyde levels. Transcriptome analysis further identified 663 significantly upregulated genes and 1735 significantly downregulated ones in the exposed group, with these differentially expressed genes being primarily associated with pathways such as protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, mitophagy, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, sphingolipid metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. This study provides novel insights into the toxicological effects of A. pacificum on aquatic organisms and enhances the current understanding of the ecotoxicological risks posed by HABs.

Succinylation enables IDE to act as a hub of larval tissue destruction and adult tissue reconstruction during insect metamorphosis

Metamorphosis is an important way for insects to adapt to the environment. In this process, larval tissue destruction regulated by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and adult tissue reconstruction regulated by insulin-like peptides (ILPs) occur simultaneously, but the detailed mechanism is still unclear. Here, the results of succinylome, subcellular localization, and protein interaction analysis show that non-succinylated insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) localizes in the cytoplasm, binds to insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2-like), and degrades it. When the metamorphosis is initiated, 20E up-regulated carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (Cpt1a) through transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 15 (KLF15), thus increasing the level of IDE succinylation on K179. Succinylated IDE translocated from cytoplasm to nucleus, combined with ecdysone receptor to promote 20E signaling pathway, causing larval tissue destruction, while IGF-2-like was released to promote adult tissue proliferation. That is, succinylation alters subcellular localization of IDE so that it can bind to different target proteins and act as a hub of metamorphosis.

Thermodynamics shape the in vivo enzyme burden of glycolytic pathways

Thermodynamically constrained reactions and pathways are hypothesized to impose greater protein demands on cells, requiring higher enzyme amounts to sustain a given flux compared to those with stronger thermodynamics. To test this, we quantified the absolute concentrations of glycolytic enzymes in three bacterial species -Zymomonas mobilis, Escherichia coli, and Clostridium thermocellum- which employ distinct glycolytic pathways with varying thermodynamic driving forces. By integrating enzyme concentration data with corresponding in vivo metabolic fluxes and ΔG measurements, we found that the highly favorable Entner-Doudoroff (ED) pathway in Z. mobilis requires only one-fourth the amount of enzymatic protein to sustain the same flux as the thermodynamically constrained pyrophosphate-dependent glycolytic pathway in C. thermocellum, with the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas (EMP) pathway in E. coli exhibiting intermediate thermodynamic favorability and enzyme demand. Across all three pathways, early reactions with stronger thermodynamic driving forces generally required lower enzyme investment than later, less favorable steps. Additionally, reflecting differences in glycolytic strategies, the highly reversible ethanol fermentation pathway in C. thermocellum requires 10-fold more protein to maintain the same flux as the irreversible, forward-driven ethanol fermentation pathway in Z. mobilis. Thus, thermodynamic driving forces constitute a major in vivo determinant of the enzyme burden in metabolic pathways.

Exploring glycolytic enzymes in disease: potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in neurodegeneration, cancer and parasitic infections

Glycolysis, present in most organisms, is evolutionarily one of the oldest metabolic pathways. It has great relevance at a physiological level because it is responsible for generating ATP in the cell through the conversion of glucose into pyruvate and reducing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) (that may be fed into the electron chain in the mitochondria to produce additional ATP by oxidative phosphorylation), as well as for producing intermediates that can serve as substrates for other metabolic processes. Glycolysis takes place through 10 consecutive chemical reactions, each of which is catalysed by a specific enzyme. Although energy transduction by glucose metabolism is the main function of this pathway, involvement in virulence, growth, pathogen-host interactions, immunomodulation and adaptation to environmental conditions are other functions attributed to this metabolic pathway. In humans, where glycolysis occurs mainly in the cytosol, the mislocalization of some glycolytic enzymes in various other subcellular locations, as well as alterations in their expression and regulation, has been associated with the development and progression of various diseases. In this review, we describe the role of glycolytic enzymes in the pathogenesis of diseases of clinical interest. In addition, the potential role of these enzymes as targets for drug development and their potential for use as diagnostic and prognostic markers of some pathologies are also discussed.

Changes in tumor and cardiac metabolism upon immune checkpoint

Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the leading causes of death in the Western world. The associated risk factors are increased by smoking, hypertension, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, aging, unbalanced diet, and alcohol consumption. Therefore, the study of cellular metabolism has become of increasing importance, with current research focusing on the alterations and adjustments of the metabolism of cancer patients. This may also affect the efficacy and tolerability of anti-cancer therapies such as immune-checkpoint inhibition (ICI). This review will focus on metabolic adaptations and their consequences for various cell types, including cancer cells, cardiac myocytes, and immune cells. Focusing on ICI, we illustrate how anti-cancer therapies interact with metabolism. In addition to the desired tumor response, we highlight that ICI can also lead to a variety of side effects that may impact metabolism or vice versa. With regard to the cardiovascular system, ICI-induced cardiotoxicity is increasingly recognized as one of the most life-threatening adverse events with a mortality of up to 50%. As such, significant efforts are being made to assess the specific interactions and associated metabolic changes associated with ICIs to improve both efficacy and management of side effects.

CPSF1 inhibition promotes widespread use of intergenic polyadenylation sites and impairs glycolysis in prostate cancer cells

Localized prostate cancer can be cured by radiation or surgery, but advanced prostate cancer continues to be a clinical challenge. Altered alternative polyadenylation occurs in numerous cancers and can downregulate tumor-suppressor genes and upregulate oncogenes. We found that the cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor (CPSF) complex factor CPSF1 is upregulated in patients with advanced prostate cancer, with high CPSF1 expression correlating with worse progression-free survival. Knockdown of CPSF1 selectively inhibited the growth of prostate cancer cells and reduced glycolytic output. Evaluating the changes in global poly(A) site usage in prostate cancer cells following CPSF1 knockdown revealed widespread usage of intergenic poly(A) sites distal to annotated 3' UTRs, which lengthened 3' UTRs and decreased levels of thousands of mRNAs, including key glycolysis genes. These findings uncover a role for CPSF1 in the suppression of intergenic poly(A) sites in prostate cancer and nominate CPSF1 as a therapeutic target in advanced prostate cancer.

Electrochemiluminescence Detecting and Imaging of Yeast Metabolism Indicated by Endogenetic Co-reactant

Glycolysis, a pivotal step in yeast metabolism, plays an indispensable role as a carbohydrate utilization process crucial for cellular survival. Developing advanced technologies to elucidate this fundamental physiological process holds significant scientific implications. Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) imaging exhibits the advantage of negligible background interference and facilitates straightforward visualization, thereby conferring significant value in biomolecular observation. In this study, we present an ECL imaging method for investigating yeast metabolism by utilizing the endogenetic NADH as an efficient coreactant for ECL generation. The yeast glycolysis process drives the conversion of NAD+ to NADH, resulting in enhanced ECL response as well as the increased brightness of ECL images that can be used for quantification of yeast activity. There was a linear correlation between the reciprocal of both the gray value of ECL image and yeast concentration within the range of 6.25 × 106 - 6.25 × 108 CFU/mL. Due to the highly efficient coreactant behavior of NADH, our method demonstrated excellent selectivity with minimal interference. Furthermore, we employed this approach to investigate some toxic inhibitors on yeast metabolism, yielding reliable results. This ECL imaging method not only avoids the use of additional coreactants but also provides a sensitive and intuitive approach for monitoring yeast metabolism, demonstrating great potential in revealing various complex biological processes.

Enhancing inhibitory effect in SMMC-7721 hepatoma cells through combined treatment of gallic acid and hUC-MSCs-Exos

BACKGROUND

Clinically, hepatoma patients are more frequently encountered in the intermediate and advanced stages. Consequently, the majority of patients miss out on the chance to undergo liver transplantation or radical surgery. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy often fall short of delivering satisfactory outcomes. The incidence and mortality rates for liver cancer approach nearly 100%. In recent years, both exosomes (Exos) and natural chemical compounds have demonstrated robust anti-cancer properties; however, the synergistic effect of their combination remains unexplored.

METHODS

Exos were extracted from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs). The impact of gallic acid (GA), hUC-MSCs-Exos, and their combined administration on the proliferation inhibition rate and apoptosis of SMMC-7721 hepatoma cells was assessed to ascertain the efficacy differences before and after the combined treatment. A combination of cells metabolomics and network pharmacology techniques was employed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of action. The pivotal targets associated with glycolysis, inflammation, and oxidative stress pathways were confirmed through ELISA assays.

RESULTS

The findings elucidate that GA profoundly impedes the proliferation of SMMC-7721 hepatoma cells and instigates apoptotic processes therein. While the impact of hUC-MSCs-Exos alone was inconspicuous, a notable augmentation in effect ensued upon their combined application. Concomitantly, a marked reduction was observed in the expressionlevels of key enzymes including HK, PFK, PK, LDH, TNF-α, IL-1β, CAT, SOD and GSH-Px in the malignant hepatocytes, while IL-6 and MDA exhibited heightened expression. Pathway enrichment analysis underscored selenocompound metabolism and cysteine and methionine metabolism as pivotal pathways.

CONCLUSION

The potentiated efficacy of GA conjunction with hUC-MSCs-Exos may be attributed to their synergistic modulation of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and glycolytic functions, thereby influencing selenocompound metabolism and cysteine and methionine metabolism. This study reveals the efficacy and mechanism of Exos and GA combined therapy for hepatoma, providing new methods and ideas for the clinical treatment of hepatoma.