Role of lysosomes in physiological activities, diseases, and therapy

NLRP3 inflammasome and gut microbiota-brain axis: A new perspective on white matter injury after intracerebral hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage is the most dangerous subtype of stroke, characterized by high mortality and morbidity rates, and frequently leads to significant secondary white matter injury. In recent decades, studies have revealed that gut microbiota can communicate bidirectionally with the brain through the gut microbiota-brain axis. This axis indicates that gut microbiota is closely related to the development and prognosis of intracerebral hemorrhage and its associated secondary white matter injury. The NACHT, LRR, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays a crucial role in this context. This review summarizes the dysbiosis of gut microbiota following intracerebral hemorrhage and explores the mechanisms by which this imbalance may promote the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. These mechanisms include metabolic pathways (involving short-chain fatty acids, lipopolysaccharides, lactic acid, bile acids, trimethylamine-N-oxide, and tryptophan), neural pathways (such as the vagus nerve and sympathetic nerve), and immune pathways (involving microglia and T cells). We then discuss the relationship between the activated NLRP3 inflammasome and secondary white matter injury after intracerebral hemorrhage. The activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome can exacerbate secondary white matter injury by disrupting the blood-brain barrier, inducing neuroinflammation, and interfering with nerve regeneration. Finally, we outline potential treatment strategies for intracerebral hemorrhage and its secondary white matter injury. Our review highlights the critical role of the gut microbiota-brain axis and the NLRP3 inflammasome in white matter injury following intracerebral hemorrhage, paving the way for exploring potential therapeutic approaches.

Microenvironment responsive nanomedicine for acute pancreatitis treatment

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an acute inflammation of the pancreas, which is considered a prevalent gastrointestinal emergency characterized by rapid progression and significant mortality. Currently available medications primarily serve as adjunctive therapies, yielding suboptimal therapeutic outcomes. Consequently, there remains a dearth of specific and efficient treatment modalities for AP. In recent years, nanomedicine-based treatment strategies have exhibited significant potential as drug therapy approaches for pancreatitis. The distinctive features of the AP microenvironment encompass aberrant activation of pancreatic enzymes, oxidative stress induced by elevated reactive oxygen species levels, and excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines; these factors offer promising targeted sites for early diagnosis and treatment using nanomedicine. This article comprehensively delineates the pathological microenvironmental characteristics associated with AP while highlighting the application of microenvironment-responsive strategies in nanodrug delivery systems for its treatment, thereby providing insights into future prospects.

The balancing act between lipid droplets and lysosomes for membrane functionality in age-related neurodegeneration and inflammation

Age-related neurodegenerative disorders are often associated with disruptions in lipid metabolism. A critical aspect is the impairment of the interaction between lipid droplets (LDs) and lysosomal function, leading to the accumulation of toxic lipid species. This accumulation triggers cellular stress, inflammation, and defective waste processing within cells, disrupting cellular homeostasis and amplifying neuroinflammatory processes. Recent studies have shown that alterations in phospholipid and fatty acid homeostasis drive neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, exacerbating neurodegenerative processes. This review focuses on the role of neuropathy target esterase (PNPLA6/NTE) and NTE-related esterase (PNPLA7/NRE) in lipid metabolism, highlighting how dysregulation of these enzymes contributes to neurodegeneration, inflammation, and lysosomal dysfunction. Additionally, we discuss the involvement of lipid rafts, sphingolipids, and phospholipase enzymes, particularly PLA2 family members, in cellular signaling and membrane dynamics. By examining the relationship between lipid metabolism, inflammatory signaling, and lysosomal storage disorders, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of how LDs and lysosomes interact to influence cellular homeostasis in neurodegenerative conditions, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies addressing lipid dysregulation in age-related neurological disorders.

Engineered cell membrane vesicles loaded with lysosomophilic drug for acute myeloid leukemia therapy via organ-cell-organelle cascade-targeting

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) presents significant treatment challenges due to the severe toxicities and limited efficacy of conventional therapies, highlighting the urgency for innovative approaches. Organelle-targeting therapies offer a promising avenue to enhance therapeutic outcomes while minimizing adverse effects. Herein, inspired that primary AML cells are enriched with lysosomes and sensitive to lysosomophilic drugs (e.g., LLOMe), we developed a smart nanodrug (Cas-CMV@LM) including the engineered cell membrane vesicles (CMVs) nanocarrier and the encapsulated drug cargo LLOMe (LM). Briefly, the nanodrug with organ-cell-organelle cascade-targeting function could firstly home to the bone marrow guided by CMVs derived from CXCR4-overexpressing bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC), subsequently target leukemia cells via CD33 and CD123 aptamers anchored on the vesicles, eventually precisely attack the lysosomes of leukemia cells. Consequently, Cas-CMV@LM specifically inhibited leukemia cell proliferation and triggered necroptosis in vitro. Importantly, the cascade-targeting nanodrug displayed high biosafety and significantly impeded leukemia progression in AML patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model. Collectively, this study provides a paradigm for precision leukemia treatment from the perspective of targeting organelle-lysosome.

Autophagy in Acute Lung Injury

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a critical condition marked by rapid-onset respiratory failure due to extensive inflammation and increased pulmonary vascular permeability, often progressing to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with high mortality. Autophagy, a cellular degradation process essential for removing damaged organelles and proteins, plays a crucial role in regulating lung injury and repair. This review examines the protective role of autophagy in maintaining cellular function and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in ALI. It underscores the necessity of precise regulation to fully harness the therapeutic potential of autophagy in this context. We summarize the mechanisms by which autophagy influences lung injury and repair, discuss the interplay between autophagy and apoptosis, and examine potential therapeutic strategies, including autophagy inducers, targeted autophagy signaling pathways, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory drugs, gene editing, and stem cell therapy. Understanding the role of autophagy in ALI could lead to novel interventions for improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality rates associated with this severe condition.

Fluorescent probes for lysosomes, mitochondria, and lipid droplets: precision design, dynamic microenvironment monitoring, and heterogeneity exploration

Organelles are essential for regulating cellular physiological processes and maintaining homeostasis. Disruption of their functions can lead to cellular dysfunction and contribute to various diseases. Advances in fluorescent materials and imaging technologies have significantly enhanced the development of probes for detecting organelle-specific parameters and studying their heterogeneity. This review summarizes the design strategies, response mechanisms, and applications of fluorescent probes targeting three key organelles - lysosomes, mitochondria, and lipid droplets - in microenvironmental sensing and heterogeneity analysis, as developed by our group and others. In addition, the challenges faced by organelle imaging and the outlook for future development are also discussed, aiming to inspire further innovation in the design and application of organelle-specific fluorescent probes.

A Nanosystem Alleviates Severe Acute Pancreatitis via Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging and Enhancing Mitochondrial Autophagy

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a life-threatening condition characterized by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and impaired mitochondrial function, resulting from disrupted autophagic flux. Current clinical treatment for SAP fails to address the condition comprehensively, with the treatment targeting only a single pathogenesis. Herein, we report an innovative acid-responsive biomimetic nanozyme. This system features a hollow Prussian blue (PB) core, serving as an ROS scavenger encapsulated within a porous ZIF-8 shell, enabling the efficient delivery of celastrol that activates autophagic flux. Encased in a macrophage membrane, this system selectively targets inflamed pancreatic tissues and is readily internalized by pancreatic acinar cells. This dual-scavenging mechanism effectively attenuates inflammatory cytokine levels and restores mitochondrial homeostasis in three distinct SAP mouse models. Overall, this study presents a promising synergistic strategy for the dual scavenging of damaged mitochondria and ROS, offering a novel therapeutic approach to the treatment of SAP.

The lysosome-associated SLAMF7 inhibits the development of ovarian cancer by promoting lysosomal damage

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most severe cancers worldwide. Recent research suggests that the lysosomal pathway could be applied for early disease screening, prognosis evaluation, and adjuvant therapy. However, whether lysosome-related genes were applied for immune and prognosis prediction in OC remains unclear. RNA sequencing datasets, including clinical information of OC patients, were collected from TCGA and GEO databases. Lysosome-related prognostic genes and functional pathways in OC were identified using the lysosome dataset. The prognostic value of the most significant lysosome-related gene, SLAMF7, was estimated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Differences in genomic mutations, tumor microenvironment immune infiltration, and drug resistance were evaluated in the high/low SLAMF7 of OC patients. The effect of SLAMF7 overexpression on the malignant characteristics of OC was assessed using OC cell lines (HEY A8 and OVCAR3 cells) and a xenograft mouse model. Based on the functional prediction of lysosome-related genes, T cell activation, immune receptor activity, and lysosomal pathways were significantly enriched in OC. Dimensionality reduction analysis using the random survival forest method confirmed that SLAMF7 was the most significantly different lysosome-related prognostic gene in OC. SLAMF7 was downregulated in OC cells and was associated with poor prognosis in OC patients. Low SLAMF7 expression was positively associated with chemotherapy sensitivity, immune infiltration, and function in OC patients. Overexpression of SLAMF7 promoted the pro-CTSB and LAMP1 expression, and inhibited CTSD expression in HEY A8 and OVCAR3 cells. Overexpression of SLAMF7 inhibited proliferation and formation of subcutaneous tumors in nude mice. The lysosome-related gene SLAMF7 is downregulated in OC and could serve as a prognostic biomarker. Overexpression of SLAMF7 inhibited the malignant of OC cells and tumor formation.

Downregulation of ATP8B2 in atherosclerosis exacerbates foam cell-like pathological changes via impairing lysosomal membrane fusion

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis, a major cause of global mortality, involves the transformation of macrophages into foam cells, which is a key pathological process. This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that contribute to foam cell formation and the progression of atherosclerosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of transcriptome data to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with atherosclerosis. Using the human acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1, we established in vitro models of macrophages and foam cells to simulate the atherosclerotic microenvironment. Functional studies were conducted using siRNA-mediated knockdown, real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence imaging. Our results showed that ATP8B2 was significantly down-regulated in atherosclerotic foam cells. The downregulation of ATP8B2 led to impaired lysosomal membrane fusion, evidenced by an increase in CD63-positive compartments without a change in CD63 protein levels. Additionally, under starvation conditions, there was a significant accumulation of autophagosomes, indicating a defect in the autophagy-lysosomal pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

This study, for the first time, demonstrates that the downregulation of ATP8B2 exacerbates atherosclerosis by disrupting lysosomal membrane fusion, leading to lipid accumulation and foam cell formation. These findings provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and suggest that ATP8B2 could be a potential therapeutic target for the prevention or treatment of this disease.

Recovery of Lysosomal Acidification and Autophagy Flux by Attapulgite Nanorods: Therapeutic Potential for Lysosomal Disorders

Dysfunction of the lysosome and autophagy-lysosome pathway is closely associated with various diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), etc. Additionally, chloroquine is a clinically widely used drug for treating malaria and autoimmune diseases, but long-term or high-dose administration may lead to significant toxic side effects. Attapulgite (ATT), a natural nanomaterial with excellent adsorption capacity and biocompatibility, herein demonstrated a novel biological function in regulating the lysosomal and autophagy-lysosome pathway. ATT could be effectively internalized into lysosome-related acidic compartments. Further study revealed that ATT could restore lysosomal pH, activate cathepsin D, alleviate autophagy blockage in chloroquine-treated cells, and reduce chloroquine-elicited cell death. In a cell model related to Huntington's disease, treatment with ATT reinforced the degradation of the mutant huntingtin proteins by increasing cathepsin D maturation and autophagy flux. ATT could also promote lipid droplet clearance in hepatocytes with palmitic acid-induced steatosis, reduce hepatic lipid accumulation, and improve fasting blood glucose in high-fat-diet-induced NAFLD mice. These findings establish ATT as a lysosomal modulator, providing a foundation for its therapeutic potential in mitigating the adverse effects associated with long-term chloroquine use, especially improving neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders.

Rational Design of Fluoro-photoacoustic Probes for In Situ Imaging of Endogenous β-Galactosidase Activity and Autophagy

In situ tracking of lysosomal biomarkers has facilitated the unraveling of complex lysosome-associated biological processes and functions. Conventional lysosomal probes typically rely on amine-containing motifs for lysosomal accumulation; however, these motifs would impact lysosomal acidity and disrupt cellular homeostasis due to the proton buffering. To address these issues, this study reports a new strategy for constructing nonamino-dependent lysosomal tracking probes by incorporating an acid-responsive and noninvasive fluoro-photoacoustic scaffold HD-BTZ. Leveraging an ICT mechanism, the HD-BTZ scaffold could respond to the acid environment, enabling in situ visualization of lysosomal dynamics with minimal proton buffering effects. As a proof of concept, two activable molecular probes, HD-BTZ-gal and HD-BTZ-photo, were designed by integrating β-galactosidase's substrate or photolytic protecting groups into the HD-BTZ fluorophore scaffold for in situ tracking of β-galactosidase in lysosomes and lysosome-associated autophagy, respectively. The probes exhibit excellent dual-target activation properties, for which the HD-BTZ-gal probe enables in situ imaging of lysosomal β-galactosidase, while the HD-BTZ-photo probe could be employed for in situ tracking of autophagy by monitoring the dynamic changes in lysosomal pH in living cells. In vivo experiments showed that HD-BTZ-gal allowed for fluorescence/photoacoustic dual-mode imaging of chemotherapy-induced senescence in tumors, suggesting that this strategy could provide an effective approach for evaluating and monitoring age-related diseases.

A novel ratiometric luminescent probe based on a ruthenium(II) complex-rhodamine scaffold for ATP detection in cancer cells

Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) plays a pivotal role as an essential intermediate in energy metabolism, influencing nearly all biological metabolic processes. Cancer cells predominantly rely on glycolysis for ATP production, differing significantly from normal cells. Real-time in situ monitoring and rapid response to intracellular ATP levels offers more valuable insights into cancer cell physiology. Herein, we report a novel ratiometric luminescent probe, Ru-Rho, comprised of a ruthenium(II)-based complex and rhodamine 6G (Rho 6G) with excellent water solubility and photostability. Notably, Ru-Rho selectively responds to ATP at acidic conditions, matching the need of monitoring ATP under the acidic intracellular environment of cancer cells. Moreover, the fast ratiometric detection and imaging of ATP under single wavelength excitation improve the detection accuracy. Ru-Rho has been effectively utilized not only for ratio imaging ATP in cells and zebrafish, but also for assessing the efficacy of glycolysis-inhibiting anticancer drugs in intracellular levels, which accelerates the screening process for anticancer drugs and supports the development of new therapeutic agents. The design strategy based on transition metal ruthenium(II) complexes opens a new pathway for constructing ATP luminescent probes, allowing for better adaptation to complex detection requirements.

Electroacupuncture alleviates diesel exhaust particles-induced inflammatory response in lung through dopamine inhibition of NLRP3 signaling pathway

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) remains a major environmental problem both in China and worldwide. Extensive researches have indicated that PM2.5 exposure can lead to various adverse health effects through pulmonary and systemic inflammation, making it crucial to explore effective individual intervention strategies. Electroacupuncture, an ancient Chinese medical treatment, has been proven safe and effective for treating some diseases, however, its potential in preventing PM2.5-induced toxicity remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the potential of electroacupuncture in mitigating pulmonary inflammation induced by diesel exhaust particles (DEP). Electroacupuncture was administered 15 minutes before intratracheal instillation of DEP, and the results showed that it markedly reduced DEP-induced pulmonary inflammation, as evidenced by significantly decreased pro-inflammatory markers at both gene and protein levels in lung, via regulating the macrophage polarization. Further analysis indicated that electroacupuncture promoted the production and release of dopamine from the adrenal medulla of mice, which then translocated to lung via circulation and inhibited the pulmonary NLRP3/caspase-1 signaling pathway. In addition, the time effectiveness experiment suggested that the anti-inflammatory effect of electroacupuncture against DEP can last for 48 hours. These findings suggest that electroacupuncture holds potential as a therapeutic intervention for health issues caused by PM2.5 exposure.

Removing Barriers to Tumor 'Oxygenation': Depleting Glutathione Nanozymes in Cancer Therapy

Nanozymes are nanomaterials capable of mimicking natural enzyme catalysis in the complex biological environment of the human body. Due to their good stability and strong catalytic properties, nanozymes are widely used in various fields of biomedicine. Among them, nanozymes that trigger intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels for cancer therapy have gained significant attention. However, the 'explosion' of ROS in tumor cells was prevented by the high levels of glutathione (GSH) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). GSH, a prominent endogenous antioxidant, increases the resistance of tumor cells to oxidative stress by scavenging ROS. Certain nanozymes can deplete intracellular GSH levels by mimicking GSH oxidase (GSHOx), GSH peroxidase (GPx) or by interfering with the reduction of oxidized glutathione (GSSG). On the one hand, elevated the level of intracellular ROS and induced lipid peroxidation reaction leading to ferroptosis. On the other hand, it creates favorable conditions for the treatment of tumors with photodynamic therapy (PDT), sonodynamic therapy (SDT), chemodynamical therapy (CDT) and targeted therapy. In this paper, we present a comprehensive analysis of GSH-depleting nanozymes reported in recent years, including classification, mechanism, responsiveness to TME and their roles in cancer therapy, and look forward to future applications and developments.

Ribosomal protein S3A (RPS3A), as a transcription regulator of colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1), promotes glioma progression through regulating the recruitment and autophagy-mediated M2 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages

Dysregulated expression of ribosomal protein S3A (RPS3A) is associated with the tissue infiltration of immune-related cells in a variety of cancers. However, the role of RPS3A in immune cell infiltration in glioma remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the role of RPS3A in the glioma immune microenvironment. RPS3A expression was detected in tumor tissues from patients with glioma. U251 cells were transfected with RPS3A shRNA (sh-RPS3A) and overexpression vector (pcDNA-RPS3A) and then co-cultured with PMA-induced THP-1 cells. Cell viability, invasion, and apoptosis were detected by Edu staining, Transwell, and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression of tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) M1 and M2 markers was detected with RT-qPCR. Next, the interaction between RPS3A and E4 transcription factor 1 (E4F1) was verified by Co-IP analysis, and the binding of E4F1 to colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) promoter was verified by ChIP analysis. Overexpression vectors of CSF1 and E4F1 were used to treat sh-RPS3A-transfected U251 cells for reversal experiments. Finally, U251 cells transfected with sh-RPS3A adenovirus vectors were subcutaneously injected into nude mice to construct a xenograft tumor model, and the growth and metastasis of glioma in vivo were monitored. RPS3A was significantly upregulated in glioma tissues. Overexpression of RPS3A promoted glioma cell proliferation and invasion and inhibited apoptosis. Moreover, overexpression of RPS3A promoted TAM proliferation, invasion, and M2 polarization. Silencing RPS3A had the opposite effect. Silencing RPS3A inhibited autophagy in U251 cells, whereas rapamycin, an activator of autophagy, reversed the inhibitory effect of RPS3A silencing on TAM M2 polarization. Meanwhile, RPS3A promoted its expression by interacting with E4F1, and E4F1 promoted CSF1 transcriptional activation. Overexpression of CSF1 promoted the proliferation and invasion of U251 cells and reversed the inhibitory effect of RPS3A silencing on TAM proliferation and invasion, but had no effect on TAM M2 polarization. The results of in vivo experiments showed that knockdown of RPS3A significantly inhibited glioma tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. This study revealed that RPS3A recruited TAMs by upregulating E4F1-mediated transcription activation of CSF1, and promoted the M2 polarization of TAMs through autophagy, promoting glioma cell malignant growth and tumor progression.

The physiological characteristics of inward rectifying potassium channel Kir4.2 and its research progress in human diseases

Kir4.2 is a member of the inward rectifying potassium channel family, encoded by the KCNJ15 gene. The Kir4.2 protein is expressed in various organs including the kidneys, liver, pancreas, bladder, stomach, and lungs. Kir4.2 not only forms functional homomeric channels, but also heteromeric channels with Kir5.1. An increasing number of studies indicate that the function of the Kir4.2 channel should not be underestimated. Kir4.2 participates in cell electrotaxis chemotaxis by sensing extracellular electric fields and functions as a K + sensor in the proximal tubules of the kidney, playing a crucial role in maintaining acid-base and potassium balance. This article provides a comprehensive review of the main physiological characteristics of the Kir4.2 channel, the various pathological processes it is involved in, and the human diseases resulting from Kir4.2 dysfunction.

Correlation of organelle interactions in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Organelles, despite having distinct functions, interact with each other. Interactions between organelles typically occur at membrane contact sites (MCSs) to maintain cellular homeostasis, allowing the exchange of metabolites and other pieces of information required for normal cellular physiology. Imbalances in organelle interactions may lead to various pathological processes. Increasing evidence suggests that abnormalorganelle interactions contribute to the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the key role of organelle interactions in NAFLD has not been fully evaluated and researched. In this review, we summarize the role of organelle interactions in NAFLD and emphasize their correlation with cellular calcium homeostasis, lipid transport, and mitochondrial dynamics.

Decoding immune cell dynamics in ischemic stroke: insights from single-cell RNA sequencing analysis

Background

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a leading cause of adult disability worldwide. The inflammatory processes involved are complex, making it challenging to fully understand the pathological mechanisms of IS. Phagocytosis plays an important role in eliminating neurotoxic or damaged neurons resulting from inflammatory responses. This study employed bioinformatics methods to analyze single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data to investigate the cell types and molecular biological processes involved in IS.

Methods

scRNA-seq data for IS were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Following sample screening and reprocessing, 5,582 single cells were identified from healthy controls and patients with IS. Uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) was utilized to further explore the cellular composition in IS. Functional enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes was conducted to identify transcriptional regulators, whereas cell developmental trajectories were predicted to uncover potential cell fate decisions. iTALK was employed to identify potential ligand-receptor axes within the cell-type immune microenvironment of IS.

Results

Based on scRNA-seq data analysis, we identified four cell types and their associated subclusters, along with genes exhibiting significant differential expression within these subclusters. Phagocytosis was significantly enriched in cell types linked to IS, while the differentiation trajectories of subpopulations in IS was different. Additionally, multiple receptor-ligand axes were identified, indicating diverse interactions within the immune microenvironment of IS.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that phagocytosis in IS cell types critically influences disease progression. It also predicted the trajectories of infarct cells. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying IS and highlight potential pathways for therapeutic intervention.

ARL8B regulates lysosomal function and predicts poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma

Adenosine 5'-diphosphate ribosylation factor-like 8B (ARL8B), a small GTPase, is involved in lysosome motility. Our study investigates the role of ARL8B in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using in vitro and in vivo experiments, bioinformatics, and clinical data. We found that ARL8B expression is abnormally elevated in HCC and correlates with poor prognosis. ARL8B knockdown triggered lysosomal dysfunction-manifesting as abnormal morphology, decreased pH, reduced hydrolase activity, and impaired autophagic degradation-which subsequently led to cell cycle arrest and reduced cell viability. Additionally, tumors with high ARL8B expression (ARL8Bhigh) exhibited notable differences in tumor microenvironment composition compared to those with low ARL8B expression (ARL8Blow). ARL8Bhigh HCCs had significantly increased infiltration of NFKBIZ+/HIF1A+ and VEGFA+/SPP1+ neutrophils. EcoTyper analysis indicated that ARL8Bhigh HCCs had a lower proportion of carcinoma ecotype 6, a cellular ecosystem common in normal tissues but rare in tumors. Bioinformatics and real-world analysis showed a positive correlation between ARL8B and PD-L1 expression. Patients with high ARL8B expression exhibited increased sensitivity to sorafenib and immune checkpoint blockade therapy. In conclusion, our findings identify ARL8B as a key lysosomal regulator associated with tumor microenvironment composition in HCC, suggesting its potential as both a therapeutic target and a biomarker for predicting treatment response.

Lysosomes: guardians and healers within cells- multifaceted perspective and outlook from injury repair to disease treatment

Lysosomes, as crucial organelles within cells, carry out diverse biological functions such as waste degradation, regulation of the cellular environment, and precise control of cell signaling. This paper reviews the core functions and structural characteristics of lysosomes, and delves into the current research status of lysosomes damage repair mechanisms. Subsequently, we explore in depth the close association between lysosomes and various diseases, including but not limited to age-related chronic diseases, neuro-degenerative diseases, tumors, inflammation, and immune imbalance. Additionally, we also provide a detailed discussion of the application of lysosome-targeted substances in the field of regenerative medicine, especially the enormous potential demonstrated in key areas such as stem cell regulation and therapy, and myocardial cell repair. Though the integration of multidisciplinary research efforts, we believe that lysosomes damage repair mechanisms will demonstrate even greater application value in disease treatment and regenerative medicine.

Logic-Gated DNA Intelligent Nanorobots for Cellular Lysosome Interference and Enhanced Therapeutics

Environment-recognizing DNA nanodevices have proven promising for cellular manipulation and disease treatment, whereas how to sequentially respond to different cellular microenvironments remains a challenge. To this end, here we elaborate a logic-gated intelligent DNA nanorobot (Gi-DR) for the cascade response to inter- and intra-cellular microenvironments, thereby achieving lysosome-targeted cargo delivery for subcellular interference and tumor treatment with enhanced efficacy. Utilizing G-quadruplexes to respond to high-level K+ in cancer cell surrounding, this Gi-DR nanorobot can activate an aptamer-based transmembrane DNA machine that delivers molecular payloads to cellular lysosome. Accordingly, the nanoassembly of Gi-DR is promoted by the folding of heterodimeric i-motifs in the acidic microenvironment. Such a design allows the extra-/intra-cellular behaviors of the Gi-DR nanorobot to be programmed by an YES-AND logic circuit, with environmental K+ and H+ as two inputs. As a consequence, DNA nanostrips are controllably formed in living cells, interfering with lysosomal function and thereby preventing cellular proliferation. Further, a therapeutic agent (i.e. ligand-drug conjugate) is delivered into target cancer cells for synergistic tumor treatment in vivo, exhibiting the super-enhanced cancer cell lethality and anti-tumor efficacy. It well illustrates that our designed logic-gated DNA nanorobot has broad application prospects in modulating cellular function and precision disease treatment.

Focus on the Forgotten Organelle: Regulation of Lysosomes in Skeletal Muscle

Research on the role of the lysosome as the terminal organelle in autophagy and in communicating with other organelles in skeletal muscle is in its infancy. We hypothesize that the lysosome can adapt positively to exercise to improve the clearance of cargo, like dysfunctional mitochondria, within muscle, representing an important therapy for protein homeostasis in aging and muscle disuse.

Exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics induces lysosomal enlargement and lipid droplet accumulation in KGN human ovarian granulosa cells

Given the ubiquitous presence of plastic products in daily life, human exposure to nanoplastics (NPs) is inevitable. Previous studies have suggested that exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) may contribute to reproductive disorders; however, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of PSNPs on KGN human ovarian granulosa cells. KGN cells were exposed to varying concentrations of PSNPs (0-400 μg/mL) for 48 h; alterations in cell survival and morphology were assessed to elucidate potential toxic effects. PSNPs were shown to enter KGN cells. Exposure to PSNPs did not induce significant changes in cytotoxicity, Calcein intensity, or active mitochondria levels in KGN cells. However, PSNP exposure did induce a dose-dependent increase in cytoplasmic vacuoles and an increase in total lysosome area and in the numbers of lipid droplets in KGN cells. Our findings provide compelling evidence that PSNPs can penetrate cell cytoplasm and induce toxicity, resulting in an elevation in the numbers of lysosomes and lipid droplets. This may represent one mechanism by which PSNPs exert damage on the reproductive system.

A Water-Soluble Small-Molecule Fluorescent Probe for Selective Imaging of Colorectal Cancer with High Biosafety

Early diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC), a malignant tumor with high incidence and mortality rates worldwide, can significantly reduce both its incidence and mortality. Among cancer diagnostic methods, tumor fluorescence imaging provides a non-invasive approach, eliminating the need for tissue biopsy and minimizing patient discomfort. In this study, we identified a water-soluble quinolinium molecular fluorescent probe (CYI), which exhibits a dose-dependent quantum yield in PBS solution, reaching 5.96% at a concentration of 20 µM. The results demonstrated that CYI selectively enters CRC cells and maintains stable fluorescence intensity within them by specifically targeting the mitochondria and lysosomes, leading to probe accumulation and enhanced intracellular fluorescence. Importantly, toxicity assays at both the cellular and animal levels confirmed that CYI is highly biocompatible at fluorescence imaging doses, with no toxic effects observed in normal colorectal cells or organisms. This study identifies CYI as a water-soluble molecular fluorescent probe with a high biosafety profile, excellent imaging stability, and preferential uptake by CRC cells, demonstrating strong potential for early CRC screening and in vivo monitoring.

Near-Infrared Fluorescent Lysosomal Viscosity Probe with Strong Solid Fluorescence for Rapid Imaging of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease of widespread concern worldwide, and there is an urgent need to develop sensitive methods for the rapid detection of RA. Previous studies have shown that RA is closely related to lysosomal dysfunction. Lysosomal viscosity is an important microenvironmental parameter reflecting the state of lysosomes, but due to the lack of probes to demonstrate the correlation between lysosomal viscosity and RA, the changes in lysosomal viscosity during RA remain unclear. For this purpose, we report herein a lysosome-targeted near-infrared fluorescent molecular rotor probe DSMP to investigate the correlation between lysosomal viscosity and RA. This probe utilizes dicyanomethylene-4H-benzothiopyran as an electron acceptor in the fluorophore and a piperazine unit as an electron donor and targeting group for lysosomes. In addition, DSMP shows strong solid fluorescence and a sensitive response to viscosity and can effectively target lysosomes to detect changes in lysosomal viscosity in live cells. Based on this, we established a mouse model of RA using λ-carrageenan. Mice imaging studies show that DSMP can quickly image RA, and RA tissues exhibit fluorescence signals significantly brighter than those of normal joint tissues. This indicates an increase in lysosomal viscosity during RA; therefore, lysosomal viscosity can serve as an indicator for rapid detection of RA, and DSMP can be an effective tool for RA imaging and research.

Self-Assembled Metal Complexes in Biomedical Research

Cisplatin is widely used in clinical cancer treatment; however, its application is often hindered by severe side effects, particularly inherent or acquired resistance of target cells. To address these challenges, an effective strategy is to modify the metal core of the complex and introduce alternative coordination modes or valence states, leading to the development of a series of metal complexes, such as platinum (IV) prodrugs and cyclometalated complexes. Recent advances in nanotechnology have facilitated the development of multifunctional nanomaterials that can selectively deliver drugs to tumor cells, thereby overcoming the pharmacological limitations of metal-based drugs. This review first explores the self-assembly of metal complexes into spherical, linear, and irregular nanoparticles in the context of biomedical applications. The mechanisms underlying the self-assembly of metal complexes into nanoparticles are subsequently analyzed, followed by a discussion of their applications in biomedical fields, including detection, imaging, and antitumor research.

Mimicomes: Mimicking Multienzyme System by Artificial Design

Enzymes are widely distributed in organelles of cells, which are capable of carrying out specific catalytic reactions. In general, several enzymes collaborate to facilitate complex reactions and engage in vital biochemical processes within cells, which are also called cascade systems. The cascade systems are highly efficient, and their dysfunction is associated with a multitude of endogenous diseases. The advent of nanotechnology makes it possible to mimic these cascade systems in nature and realize partial functions of natural biological processes both in vitro and in vivo. To emphasize the significance of artificial cascade systems, mimicomes is first proposed, a new concept that refers to the artificial cascade catalytic systems. Typically, mimicomes are able to mimic specific natural biochemical catalytic processes or facilitate the overall catalytic efficiency of cascade systems. Subsequently, the evolution and development of different types of mimicomes in recent decades are elucidated exhaustedly, from the natural enzyme-based mimicomes (immobilized enzyme and vesicle mimicomes) to the nanozyme-based mimicomes and enzyme-nanozyme hybrid mimicomes. In conclusion, the remaining challenges in the design of multifunctional mimicomes and their potential applications are summarized, offering insights into their future prospects.

New insights into the relationship of mitochondrial metabolism and atherosclerosis

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are the number one killer of human health. In view of the important role of mitochondria in the formation and evolution of atherosclerosis, our manuscript aims to comprehensively elaborate the relationship between mitochondria and the formation and evolution of atherosclerosis from the aspects of mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondria-organelle interaction (communication), mitochondria and cell death, mitochondria and vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switch, etc., which is combined with genome, transcriptome and proteome, in order to provide new ideas for the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and the diagnosis and treatment of related diseases.

Anti-Tumor Strategies Targeting Nutritional Deprivation: Challenges and Opportunities

Higher and richer nutrient requirements are typical features that distinguish tumor cells from AU: cells, ensuring adequate substrates and energy sources for tumor cell proliferation and migration. Therefore, nutrient deprivation strategies based on targeted technologies can induce impaired cell viability in tumor cells, which are more sensitive than normal cells. In this review, nutrients that are required by tumor cells and related metabolic pathways are introduced, and anti-tumor strategies developed to target nutrient deprivation are described. In addition to tumor cells, the nutritional and metabolic characteristics of other cells in the tumor microenvironment (including macrophages, neutrophils, natural killer cells, T cells, and cancer-associated fibroblasts) and related new anti-tumor strategies are also summarized. In conclusion, recent advances in anti-tumor strategies targeting nutrient blockade are reviewed, and the challenges and prospects of these anti-tumor strategies are discussed, which are of theoretical significance for optimizing the clinical application of tumor nutrition deprivation strategies.

Synthesis, Anti-Inflammatory, and Molecular Docking Studies of New Heterocyclic Derivatives Comprising Pyrazole, Pyridine, and/or Pyran Moieties

Introduction: Inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a potential strategy in inflammation therapy. Thus, developing COX-2 inhibitors plays a pivotal role in efficient inflammation treatment. This study discloses the synthesis of new heterocyclic compounds incorporating pyridine, pyran, and/or pyrazole moieties as COX-2 inhibitors. Methods: In this study, the Claisen-Schmidt reaction of 1-(5-hydroxy-1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)ethan-1-one 1 and p-methoxybenzaldehyde in ethanol containing aqueous sodium hydroxide (10%) led to the formation of 1-(5-hydroxy-1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one) 2. The latter compound was allowed to react as a key precursor with various nucleophiles such as ethyl cyanoacetate, malononitrile, cyclohexanone, ethyl acetoacetate, hydrazine, cyano acid hydrazide, hydrazide, and/or thiosemicarbazide to yield new heterocyclic derivatives comprising pyridine, pyran, and/or pyrazole moieties 3-15, according to the Michael addition reaction. The newly synthesized compounds were depicted using spectroscopic techniques such as IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and MS. Moreover, their anti-inflammatory efficiency was in vitro evaluated by means of protein denaturation inhibition and cell membrane protection assay. Results: The results of 2-ΔΔct values of COX-2 expression for compounds 6, 11, 12, and 13 were 6.6, 2.9, 25.8, and 10.1, respectively. Therefore, compound 12, followed by 13, 11, and 6, showed potent anti-inflammatory properties by in vitro evaluation. Further, an in silico molecular docking study was performed on the best-docked compounds and reference drug (Diclofenac) to investigate their binding affinities against the active site of the target enzyme. The obtained results from the in silico study aligned with the biological evaluation. Conclusions: The studies open new doors for designing new heterocycles containing pyridine, pyran, and/or pyrazole moieties as potent anti-inflammatory agents.

MLKL as an emerging machinery for modulating organelle dynamics: regulatory mechanisms, pathophysiological significance, and targeted therapeutics

Mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) is a pseudokinase featured by a protein kinase-like domain without catalytic activity. MLKL was originally discovered to be phosphorylated by receptor-interacting protein kinase 1/3, typically increase plasma membrane permeabilization, and disrupt the membrane integrity, ultimately executing necroptosis. Recent evidence uncovers the association of MLKL with diverse cellular organelles, including the mitochondrion, lysosome, endosome, endoplasmic reticulum, and nucleus. Thus, this review mainly focuses on the regulatory functions, mechanisms, and targets of MLKL in organelles rather than necroptosis and summarize the medical significance in multiple diseases. On this basis, we conclude and analyze the current progress and prospect for the development of MLKL-related drugs, from natural products, small-molecule chemical compounds, to proteolysis-targeting chimera. This review is aimed to propel the development of MLKL as a valid drug target and the discovery of novel MLKL-related drugs, and promote their further applications.

Function of lamp2 Gene Response to Vibrio vulnificus Infection and LPS Stimulation in the Half-Smooth Tongue Sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis)

Lysosome-associated membrane glycoproteins (LAMPs), including lysosomal membrane protein 1 (Lamp1) and lysosomal membrane protein 2 (Lamp2), are involved in phagocytosis, chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA), and other pathways that interact with lysosomal activity. However, the role of Lamp2 in teleosts has not been clarified. In this study, we investigated the functions of lamp2 genes during Vibrio vulnificus infection. We achieved subcellular localization of the lamp2 gene at the cellular level and performed overexpression and RNA interference experiments followed by Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulation to probe the expression changes of related genes. Ultrapathology analysis of the head-kidney revealed an increase in lysosomes and the formation of autophagosomal vesicles after V. vulnificus infection, suggesting that lysosomes bind to autophagosomes. The lamp2 gene, encoding 401 amino acids in Cynoglossus semilaevis, was constitutively expressed in all examined tissues of healthy half-smooth tongue sole, with the highest expression in blood. A challenge test was conducted to assess the response of half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) to different concentrations of V. vulnificus. The results showed that the relative expression of lamp2 and its related genes-lc3, rab7, vamp8, atg14, stx17, snap29, ctsb, and ctsd-varied with time and concentration in the gill, spleen, head-kidney, blood, liver, and gut tissues. From the results of lamp2 gene overexpression and RNA interference experiments, it is hypothesized that lamp2 positively regulates lc3, rab7, vamp8, snap29, and stx17, and negatively regulates ctsd and ctsb. Our findings provide new primary data for the function of lamp2 gene in the half-smooth tongue sole., particularly its role in regulating the immune response against V. vulnificus.

From Molecular Therapies to Lysosomal Transplantation and Targeted Drug Strategies: Present Applications, Limitations, and Future Prospects of Lysosomal Medications

Lysosomes are essential intracellular organelles involved in plentiful cellular processes such as cell signaling, metabolism, growth, apoptosis, autophagy, protein processing, and maintaining cellular homeostasis. Their dysfunction is linked to various diseases, including lysosomal storage disorders, inflammation, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative conditions, and aging. This review focuses on current and emerging therapies for lysosomal diseases (LDs), including small medicines, enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), gene therapy, transplantation, and lysosomal drug targeting (LDT). This study was conducted through databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and other research engines. To treat LDs, medicines target the lysosomal membrane, acidification processes, cathepsins, calcium signaling, mTOR, and autophagy. Moreover, small-molecule therapies using chaperones, macro-therapies like ERT, gene therapy, and gene editing technologies are used as therapy for LDs. Additionally, endosymbiotic therapy, artificial lysosomes, and lysosomal transplantation are promising options for LD management. LDT enhances the therapeutic outcomes in LDs. Extracellular vesicles and mannose-6-phosphate-tagged nanocarriers display promising approaches for improving LDT. This study concluded that lysosomes play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of numerous diseases. Thus, restoring lysosomal function is essential for treating a wide range of conditions. Despite endosymbiotic therapy, artificial lysosomes, lysosomal transplantation, and LDT offering significant potential for LD control, there are ample challenges regarding safety and ethical implications.

Update of Aging Hallmarks in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is an epithelial-driven interstitial lung disease of unknown etiology characterized by the excessive proliferation of fibroblast populations that synthesize large amounts of extracellular matrix. In this devastating disorder, all aging hallmarks appear prematurely or are altered. This review highlights key findings about IPF characteristics recently recognized as hallmarks of aging, including mechanical alterations, inflammaging, dysbiosis, alternative splicing, and disabled macroautophagy. It also revisits the classic hallmarks of aging, which encompass stem cell exhaustion, cellular senescence, and altered intercellular communication. Enhancing our understanding of the fundamental processes that underlie the altered hallmarks of aging in IPF may facilitate the development of innovative experimental strategies to improve therapeutic outcomes.

Macrophage Responses to Multicore Encapsulated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy

Macrophages are the primary cells responsible for nanoparticle processing and mediating host immunological biological outcomes. Their cellular response to nanoparticles is a vital constituent in the safety assessment of new designs for clinical application. An approach for the treatment of solid tumors was developed, based on magnetic hyperthermia, consisting of iron oxide multicore encapsulated nanoparticles named Sarah nanoparticles (SaNPs), and alternating magnetic field irradiation. SaNPs are intravenously injected, accumulate in the liver, spleen and in tumor tissue, where they are passively targeted to malignant cells via the Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effect and undergo selective heating. SaNP-induced responses after cellular uptake were investigated in murine RAW264.7 macrophages using a wide imaging approach. When activated, macrophages form different phenotypic populations with unique immune functions, however the mechanism/s by which these activated macrophages respond to nanoparticles is unclear. Unraveling these responses is important for the understanding of nanoparticle uptake, potential degradation, and clearance to address both toxicity and regulatory concerns, which was the aim of this study. The results demonstrated that SaNPs undergo internalization, localize within the lysosomal compartment while keeping their integrity, without intracellular toxic degradation, and are cleared with time. The production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activation, and cytokine secretion in macrophage conditioned medium (CM) were also evaluated. SaNPs effects were both time- and dose- dependent. High SaNP concentrations resulted in reduced RAW264.7 cell viability which correlated with SOD activation and was associated with ROS generation. Lower SaNP concentrations stimulated the time-dependent production of TNF-α. The expression of additional cytokines was also induced, potentially affecting cancer cell growth by CM from SaNP-activated macrophages supporting a potential antitumor effect. These results will help understand the fate of nanoparticles in vivo.

The critical role of NLRP3 in drug resistance of cancers: Focus on the molecular mechanisms and possible therapeutics

Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) is a member of the leucine-rich repeat-containing protein (NLR) canonical inflammasome family. It regulates the pathophysiology of cancer by facilitating immune responses and apoptotic proteins. Furthermore, it has been observed that chemotherapy activates NLRP3 in human malignancies. The secretion of IL-1β and IL-22 to promote cancer spread may be triggered by NLRP3 activation. Furthermore, earlier studies have exhibited that NLRP3 may cause medication resistance when used in cancer treatments given that cell viability may be regulated by NLRP3 depletion. Additionally, clinical studies have demonstrated correlation between NLRP3 expression, lymphogenesis, and cancer metastasis. Various NLRP3 agonists may cause the EMT process, stimulate IL-1β and Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and alter miRNA function in drug-resistant cells. This review seeks to clarify the possibility involvement of NLRP3-related pathways in the control of cancer cells' resistance to widely used treatment approaches, such as chemotherapy. In the end, an improved perception of the corresponding mechanisms behind NLRP3's tumor-supporting activities will help NLRP3-based treatments advance in the future.

Palm oil as part of a high-fat diet: advances and challenges, or possible risks of pathology?

Nutritional status disorders have the most significant impact on the development of cardiovascular and oncologic diseases; therefore, the interest in the study of palm oil as among the leading components of nutrition has been increasing. The data examined in this review were sourced from the Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubMed and PubMed Central, MEDLINE, CAPlus/SciFinder, and Embase databases; experts in the field; bibliographies; and abstracts from review analyses from the past 15 years. This review summarizes recent research data focusing on the quantitative and qualitative composition of nutrition of modern humans; concepts of the relationship between high-fat diets and disorders of insulin functioning and transport and metabolism of fatty acids; analyses of data regarding the palmitic acid (16:0) to oleic acid (18:1) ratio; and the effect of diet based on palm oil consumption on cardiovascular risk factors and lipid and lipoprotein levels. Several studies suggest a potential vector contributing to the transmission of maternal, high-fat-diet-induced, addictive-like behaviors and obesogenic phenotypes across generations. The relationship between cholesterol accumulation in lysosomes that may lead to lysosome dysfunction and inhibition of the autophagy process is analyzed, as is the progression of inflammatory diseases, atherosclerosis, nonalcoholic liver inflammation, and obesity with associated complications. Data are discussed from analyses of differences between rodent models and human population studies in the investigated different effects of palm oil consumption as a high-fat diet component. A conclusion is reached that the results cannot be generalized in human population studies because no similar effects were observed. Although there are numerous published reports, more studies are necessary to elucidate the complex regulatory mechanisms in digestive and nutrition processes, because there are great differences in lipoprotein profiles between rodents and humans, which makes it difficult to reproduce the pathology of many diseases caused by different types of the high-fat diet.

Lysosomal cation channel TRPML1 suppression sensitizes acute myeloid leukemia cells to chemotherapeutics by inhibiting autophagy

Despite the implementation of novel therapeutic regimens and extensive research efforts, chemoresistance remains a formidable challenge in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Notably, the involvement of lysosomes in chemoresistance has sparked interest in developing lysosome-targeted therapies to sensitize tumor cells to currently approved chemotherapy or as innovative pharmacological approaches. Moreover, as ion channels on the lysosomal membrane are critical regulators of lysosomal function, they present potential as novel targets for enhancing chemosensitivity. Here, we discovered that the expression of a lysosomal cation channel, namely transient receptor potential mucolipin 1 (TRPML1), was elevated in AML cells. Inhibiting TRPML1 individually does not impact the proliferation and apoptosis of AML cells. Importantly, inhibition of TRPML1 demonstrated the potential to modulate the sensitivity of AML cells to chemotherapeutic agents. Exploration of the underlying mechanisms revealed that suppression of TRPML1 impaired autophagy while concurrently increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ROS-mediated lipid peroxidation (Lipid-ROS) in AML cells. Finally, the knockdown of TRPML1 significantly reduced OCI-AML3 tumor growth following chemotherapy in a mouse model of human leukemia. In summary, targeting TRPML1 represents a promising approach for combination therapy aimed at enhancing chemosensitivity in treating AML.

Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge total saponins lower lipid via modulating MAOA activity to enhance defense mechanisms in mice and C. elegans

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Within Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge (AAB), the pivotal bioactive constituents are identified as Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge total saponins (ABS). In traditional pharmacology, ABS has exhibited notable anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and cardioprotective properties. Despite these observed effects, the specific protective mechanisms of ABS against metabolic diseases and improving the endocrine system remain largely uncharted.

AIM TO STUDY

This work intends to shed light on the effects and intrinsic mechanisms of ABS on metabolic diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The characterization of ABS components was achieved through High-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (HPLC/MS). To evaluate ABS's anti-inflammatory efficacy, mouse macrophages underwent analysis using the Griess method. Induced differentiation of mouse fibroblasts was assessed through Oil Red O staining. In an obesity model with C57BL/6 N mice, ABS administration prompted measurements of glucose and insulin tolerance. Western blot analysis quantified lipolysis and anti-inflammatory protein expression. Nile red staining gauged body fat content in C. elegans post-ABS treatment. The mechanism of ABS action was elucidated through mRNA sequencing, further validated using RNA interference technology, and nematode mutants.

RESULTS

ABS showcased the ability to diminish Nitric Oxide (NO) production in inflammatory macrophages and shrink adipocyte lipid droplets. In mice experiments, ABS was effective in alleviating fat accumulation and affecting serum lipid metabolism in diabetic mice. It enhanced oral glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance while increasing lipolysis-associated protein expression. ABS notably reduced fat content in C. elegans. Mechanistically, ABS downregulated NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) and monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) expression while enhancing UGT, ilys-2, and ilys-3. Lipolysis emerged as a pivotal pathway for ABS in the therapeutic intervention of metabolic diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

Our investigation has revealed that ABS exert a role in combating metabolic diseases by enhancing the body's defense mechanisms. ABS activate the NLRP3-neurotransmitter-visceral adipose pathway in mice, thereby bolstering resistance and diminishing fat accumulation. In C. elegans, ABS downregulated the expression of MAOA, bolstered resistance, and augmented glucuronidase activity, consequently leading to a reduction in fat content.

Lysosome Functions in Atherosclerosis: A Potential Therapeutic Target

Lysosomes in mammalian cells are recognized as key digestive organelles, containing a variety of hydrolytic enzymes that enable the processing of both endogenous and exogenous substrates. These organelles digest various macromolecules and recycle them through the autophagy-lysosomal system. Recent research has expanded our understanding of lysosomes, identifying them not only as centers of degradation but also as crucial regulators of nutrient sensing, immunity, secretion, and other vital cellular functions. The lysosomal pathway plays a significant role in vascular regulation and is implicated in diseases such as atherosclerosis. During atherosclerotic plaque formation, macrophages initially engulf large quantities of lipoproteins, triggering pathogenic responses that include lysosomal dysfunction, foam cell formation, and subsequent atherosclerosis development. Lysosomal dysfunction, along with the inefficient degradation of apoptotic cells and the accumulation of modified low-density lipoproteins, negatively impacts atherosclerotic lesion progression. Recent studies have highlighted that lysosomal dysfunction contributes critically to atherosclerosis in a cell- and stage-specific manner. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of lysosomal biogenesis and its regulatory role in atherosclerotic lesions. Based on these lysosomal functions, we propose that targeting lysosomes could offer a novel therapeutic approach for atherosclerosis, shedding light on the connection between lysosomal dysfunction and disease progression while offering new insights into potential anti-atherosclerotic strategies.

DNA or not DNA -that is the question determining the design of platinum anticancer drugs

Platinum drugs are the most widely used chemotherapeutics to treat various tumors. Their primary mode of action is supposed to be inducing apoptosis of cancer cells via covalent binding to DNA. This mechanism has shackled the design of new platinum drugs for many years. Mounting evidence shows that many platinum complexes form non-covalent adducts with DNA or interact with proteins to exhibit significant antitumor activity, thus implying some distinct mechanisms from that of traditional platinum drugs. These unconventional examples indicate that covalent DNA binding is not the precondition for the antitumor activity of platinum complexes, and diversified reactions or interactions with biomolecules, organelles, signal pathways, or immune system could lead to the antitumor activity of platinum complexes. The atypical mechanisms break the classical DNA-only paradigm and structure-activity relationships, thus opening a wide avenue for the design of innovative platinum anticancer drugs.

Non-Canonical, Extralysosomal Activities of Lysosomal Peptidases in Physiological and Pathological Conditions: New Clinical Opportunities for Cancer Therapy

Lysosomes are subcellular compartments characterised by an acidic pH, containing an ample variety of acid hydrolases involved in the recycling of biopolymers. Among these hydrolases, lysosomal proteases have merely been considered as end-destination proteases responsible for the digestion of waste proteins, trafficked to the lysosomal compartment through autophagy and endocytosis. However, recent reports have started to unravel specific roles for these proteases in the regulation of initially unexpected biological processes, both under physiological and pathological conditions. Furthermore, some lysosomal proteases are no longer restricted to the lysosomal compartment, as more novel non-canonical, extralysosomal targets are being identified. Currently, lysosomal proteases are accepted to play key functions in the extracellular milieu, attached to the plasma membrane and even in the cytosolic and nuclear compartments of the cell. Under physiological conditions, lysosomal proteases, through non-canonical, extralysosomal activities, have been linked to cell differentiation, regulation of gene expression, and cell division. Under pathological conditions, these proteases have been linked to cancer, mostly through their extralysosomal activities in the cytosol and nuclei of cells. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive summary of our current knowledge about the extralysosomal, non-canonical functions of lysosomal proteases, both under physiological and pathological conditions, with a particular interest in cancer, that could potentially offer new opportunities for clinical intervention.

The lysosome-related characteristics affects the prognosis and tumor microenvironment of lung adenocarcinoma

Background

The lysosome plays a vitally crucial role in tumor development and is a major participant in the cell death process, involving aberrant functional and structural changes. However, there are few studies on lysosome-associated genes (LAGs) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods

Bulk RNA-seq of LUAD was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The lysosome risk signature was constructed after univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) cox regression analysis of the TCGA training set, and its capability was validated by additional validation sets from GEO. Single cell sequencing (scRNA) was obtained from GEO to analyze the differences of lysosome risk signature at the single-cell level and the differences in the function and pathway. In vitro experiments have validated the function of CTSH in LUAD.

Results

The risk signature contained seven key LAGs, and patients were categorized into high- and low-risk groups based on a specific calculation formula. The LAG risk signature, which accurately predicted the prognostic status of LUAD patients, was still regarded as an independent prognostic indicator in multifactorial cox regression analysis. Subsequently, the combination of the signature and key clinical information was used to construct a column-line diagram for clinical assessment, which had a high discriminatory power. Immune infiltration analysis from bulk RNA-seq and scRNA-seq indicated that the low-risk group was immune-activated and had a better benefit in the prediction of immunotherapy. Finally, we validated its role in inhibiting tumor proliferation and metastasis in LUAD cells by knockdown of CTSH.

Conclusion

We defined a new biomarker that provided unique insights for individualized survival prediction and immunotherapy recommendations for LUAD patients.

A bifunctional naphthalimide-based fluorescent probe for imaging lysosomal peroxynitrite and viscosity in living cells and zebrafish

Peroxynitrite (ONOO-) and viscosity are critical indicators of lysosome functionality, intimately linked to numerous diseases' pathophysiological processes. Hence, creating reliable analytical techniques to observe fluctuations in lysosomal ONOO- and viscosity is highly important. This study presents the development of a novel naphthalimide-based fluorescent probe, Nap-Cy, specifically designed to target lysosomes and simultaneously detect both ONOO- and viscosity. Nap-Cy displayed a near-infrared fluorescence "turn-on" response to viscosity (ranging from 1.0 to 1410 cp) with an approximately 400-fold increase in intensity. At the same time, it functioned as a ratiometric probe with high sensitivity for detecting ONOO-, featuring a quick response time of approximately 10 min, a low detection limit of 42 nM, a broad pH range (5-11), and excellent selectivity for ONOO- over other chemical and biological species. Additionally, Nap-Cy was successfully applied for fluorescence imaging to monitor ONOO- and viscosity variations in SH-SY5Y cells and zebrafish across multiple channels. This research introduces a valuable molecular probe for investigating the biological functions and interactions of ONOO- and viscosity within lysosomes.

Construction of lysosome-related prognostic signature to predict the survival outcomes and selecting suitable drugs for patients with HNSCC

Lysosomes are digestive organelles responsible for endocytosis and autophagy. Recently, the malignancy and invasiveness head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has been increasingly studied with the role of lysosomes. A list of lysosome-related genes were obtained from MSigDB. A Spearman correlation and univariate Cox regression analyses combined with differential expression analysis were conducted to detect differentially expressed lysosome-related genes related to prognosis. The prediction of prognostic signature was evaluated by plotting survival curve, ROC, and by developing a nomogram. Immune subtypes, infiltration of immune cells, GSVA, TIDE, IC50 of common chemotherapy and targeted therapy, GO, and KEGG function enrichment analyses were carried out to explore the immune microenvironment of the signature. We constructed a lysosome-related prognostic signature that could function as an independent prognostic indicator for patients with HNSCC. High-risk patients were better suited to receive Doxorubicin, Mitomycin C, Pyrimethamine, anti-PD-L1 and anti-CTLA-4 immunotherapy, whereas low-risk patients had sensitivity to Lapatinib. GO functional enrichment analysis showed that prognostic features were strongly associated with epidermis-related functions (e.g., epidermal cell differentiation, epidermal development, and keratinization). In addition, a KEGG function enrichment analysis revealed a potential relationship between the risk assessment model and cardiomyopathy. We constructed a prognostic signature based on lysosome-related genes and successfully predicted the survival outcome of HNSCC patients, which not only provides potential guidance for personalized treatment but also provides a new idea for precision treatment of HNSCC.

Mitochondria-Lysosome Contact Sites: Emerging Players in Cellular Homeostasis and Disease

Mitochondria and lysosomes regulate a multitude of biological processes that are essential for the maintenance of nutrient and metabolic homeostasis and overall cell viability. Recent evidence reveals that these pivotal organelles, similarly to others previously studied, communicate through specialized membrane contact sites (MCSs), hereafter referred to as mitochondria-lysosome contacts (or MLCs), which promote their dynamic interaction without involving membrane fusion. Signal integration through MLCs is implicated in key processes, including mitochondrial fission and dynamics, and the exchange of calcium, cholesterol, and amino acids. Impairments in the formation and function of MLCs are increasingly associated with age-related diseases, specifically neurodegenerative disorders and lysosomal storage diseases. However, MLCs may play roles in other pathological contexts where lysosomes and mitochondria are crucial. In this review, we introduce the methodologies used to study MLCs and discuss known molecular players and key factors involved in their regulation in mammalian cells. We also argue other potential regulatory mechanisms depending on the acidic lysosomal pH and their impact on MLC's function. Finally, we explore the emerging implications of dysfunctional mitochondria-lysosome interactions in disease, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets in cancer.

Engineering Stimuli-Responsive Materials for Precision Medicine

Over the past decade, precision medicine has garnered increasing attention, making significant strides in discovering new therapeutic drugs and mechanisms, resulting in notable achievements in symptom alleviation, pain reduction, and extended survival rates. However, the limited target specificity of primary drugs and inter-individual differences have often necessitated high-dosage strategies, leading to challenges such as restricted deep tissue penetration rates and systemic side effects. Material science advancements present a promising avenue for these issues. By leveraging the distinct internal features of diseased regions and the application of specific external stimuli, responsive materials can be tailored to achieve targeted delivery, controllable release, and specific biochemical reactions. This review aims to highlight the latest advancements in stimuli-responsive materials and their potential in precision medicine. Initially, we introduce disease-related internal stimuli and capable external stimuli, elucidating the reaction principles of responsive functional groups. Subsequently, we provide a detailed analysis of representative pre-clinical achievements of stimuli responsive materials across various clinical applications, including enhancements in the treatment of cancers, injury diseases, inflammatory diseases, infection diseases, and high-throughput microfluidic biosensors. Finally, we discuss some clinical challenges, such as off-target effects, long-term impacts of nano-materials, potential ethical concerns, and offer insights into future perspectives of stimuli-responsive materials.

Polarity-Targeted Carbon Dots for Mitochondria and Lysosomes Imaging

Normally, electrostatic-dependent mitochondria localization can cause a decrease/loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), leading to the corresponding abnormal behaviors. So, achieving subcellular organelle localization and imaging with as little interference on their physiological activity is of significance for understanding cell activity. Herein, we discover and demonstrate that "polarity" can independently act as a novel kind of target for labeling at the organelle level. On this basis, mitochondria and lysosomes are precisely fluorescently imaged by two kinds of polarity-targeted carbon dots (C-dots), respectively. The two C-dots, named C-dots-1 and C-dots-2, have almost identical size and morphology as well as surface chemistry. The subtle difference is their polarity property: both of them are amphiphilic, with 1.54 and 0.95 for the log P values. Different from commonly used cationic-based organelle probes, both of the two C-dots possess slightly negatively charged surfaces (ζ-potential values ∼ -2.5 to -7.5 mV) at physiological conditions. Interestingly, the C-dots-1 and C-dots-2 have the capacity for highly selectively labeling and imaging mitochondria and lysosomes, whether cancer cells or normal cells. Because the targeting processes do not rely on electrostatic attraction effects, the MMP is not changed during localization processes. So, the corresponding cell abnormal behaviors caused by MMP diminishing, for example, the autophagy phenomenon, can be effectively avoided.

The role of cGAS-STING signaling pathway in ferroptosis

The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway has been identified as a crucial mechanism in antiviral defense and innate immunity pathway. Ferroptosis, characterized by iron dependence and lipid peroxidation, represents a specialized form of cell death. A burgeoning collection of studies has demonstrated that the cGAS-STING signaling pathway participates in the homeostatic regulation of the organism by modulating ferroptosis-associated enzyme activity or gene expression. Consequently, elucidating the specific roles of the STING signaling pathway and ferroptosis in vivo is vital for targeted disease intervention. This review systematically examines the interactions between the cGAS-STING signaling pathway and ferroptosis, highlighting their influence on disease progression in the contexts of inflammation, injury, and cancerous cell dynamics. Understanding these interactions may provide novel therapeutic strategies. The STING pathway has been implicated in the regulation of various cell death mechanisms, including apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis. Our focus primarily addresses the role and mechanism of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway and ferroptosis in diseases, limiting discussion of other cell death modalities and precluding a comprehensive overview of the pathway's additional functions.

Development of a prognostic model based on lysosome-related genes for ovarian cancer: insights into tumor microenvironment, mutation patterns, and personalized treatment strategies

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer (OC) is often associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Given the crucial involvement of lysosomes in tumor advancement, lysosome-related genes (LRGs) hold promise as potential therapeutic targets.

METHODS

To identify differentially expressed lysosome-related genes (DE-LRGs), we performed a matching analysis between differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in OC and the pool of LRGs. Genes with prognostic significance were analyzed using multiple regression analyses to construct a prognostic risk signature. The model's efficacy was validated through survival analysis in various cohorts. We further explored the model's correlation with clinical attributes, tumor microenvironment (TME), mutational patterns, and drug sensitivity. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) validated gene expression in OC cells.

RESULTS

A 10-gene prognostic risk signature was established. Survival analysis confirmed its predictive accuracy across cohorts. The signature served as an independent prognostic element for OC. The high-risk and low-risk groups demonstrated notable disparities in terms of immune infiltration patterns, mutational characteristics, and sensitivity to therapeutic agents. The qRT-PCR results corroborated and validated the findings obtained from the bioinformatic analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

We devised a 10-LRG prognostic model linked to TME, offering insights for tailored OC treatments.