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Shazia Ansari¹, Gursimran Singh¹, Jemimol Solomon¹, Simranpreet Kaur¹, Khadga Raj Aran^1,2,*

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.11, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.082358 - 19 October 2026
Abstract Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s Disease (PD), and Multiple sclerosis (MS) represent a growing global health burden characterized by progressive neuronal loss, chronic neuroinflammation, immune dysregulation, and metabolic dysfunction. Increasing evidence highlights the gut-brain-immune axis as a critical regulator of disease susceptibility and progression. Microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetate, propionate, and butyrate, act as key postbiotic mediators that link intestinal microbial activity to the central nervous system. SCFAS modulates neurodegenerative pathways by regulating glial activation, inflammatory signaling, barrier integrity, and epigenetic and metabolic processes. Altered SCFAS production is consistently associated More >

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748

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Giuliana Colonna Soldavini^1,2,#, María Belén Gomez^1,#, Jeremias Martin Cuello^1,2, Martín Gabriel Codagnone^1,2, Analía Gabriela Reinés^1,2,*

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.11, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.082340 - 19 October 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advanced Cell Signaling Pathways in Health and Disease)
Abstract Astrocytes and microglia are key regulators of neuronal and synaptic function through dynamic interactions with neurons and with each other. Under pathological conditions, these interactions become dysregulated, promoting reactive glial states characterized by the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6, as well as complement components such as C1q and C3, reactive oxygen species, and other inflammatory mediators that disrupt synaptic homeostasis and neuronal stability. In this review, we examine the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neuron-glia and astrocyte-microglia communication in physiological and neuroinflammatory conditions. We discuss how glial-derived factors influence synaptic remodeling, More >

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1769

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526

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Carmen Rubio^1,#, Norma Serrano-García^1,#, Ángel Lee², Javier Pérez-Villavicencio^1,3, Omar Villa-Robledo^1,4, Rodrigo Mercado Pimentel⁵, Héctor Romo-Parra^1,6, Moisés Rubio-Osornio^7,*

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.11, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.081478 - 19 October 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Transporters and Channels in Brain Physiology: From Molecular Biophysics to Cellular Dynamics)
Abstract Epilepsy is sustained by a self-reinforcing triad of ion channel dysfunction, mitochondrial impairment, and oxidative stress that lowers seizure threshold and drives epileptogenesis. This review examines how genetic channelopathies and redox-dependent post-translational modifications of voltage-gated sodium, calcium, and potassium channels disrupt excitatory–inhibitory balance, and how electron transport chain dysfunction amplifies reactive oxygen species, compromises adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent membrane stability, and activates mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1. Key convergences include oxidative ion channel modification, ATP-sensitive potassium channel impairment, synaptic lipid peroxidation, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic transporter dysfunction. Temporal lobe epilepsy is characterized by focal mitochondrial More >

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1769

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722

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Hassan Ali^1,2,3, Tsvetelina Velikova^3,*, Petya Marinova³

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.11, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.081372 - 19 October 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Gut Microbiota, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Health and Disease)
Abstract The gut microbiota, oxidative stress, and extracellular vesicles (EVs) form an interdependent triad essential for gastrointestinal homeostasis and systemic health. This narrative review summarizes the molecular crosstalk among these components in inflammation and disease. Literature was retrieved from PubMed and Scopus using relevant keywords and reference screening. Gut microbes regulate redox balance through metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids and modulation of host reactive oxygen species (ROS) production via mitochondrial pathways and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. Dysbiosis has been associated with excessive ROS generation, impaired antioxidant defenses, and activation of redox-sensitive signaling pathways,… More >

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1626

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524

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José Manuel Pérez de la Lastra^1,*, Celia María Curieses Andrés², Elena Bustamante Munguira², Celia Andrés Juan³, Eduardo Pérez Lebeña⁴

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.11, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.080868 - 19 October 2026
Abstract Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) orchestrates antioxidant defence, electrophile detoxification, and stress recovery across tissues. This paper frames chronic disease vulnerability through the lens of NRF2 insufficiency, defined as reduced functional output of the antioxidant response element programme. We describe the mechanisms that blunt NRF2 signalling, including genetic variation in NFE2L2 and Keap1, epigenetic repression, post-translational degradation routes, and cumulative exposome pressures. Downstream consequences include impaired glutathione-centred buffering, mitochondrial dysfunction, proteostasis failure, inflammatory amplification, and heightened susceptibility to regulated cell death. Using an organ-by-endotype approach, we map recurring patterns across lung, liver, and More >

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872

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Yi Lu^1,#, Lixiang Wang^1,#, Jiaheng Xu^1,#, Heru Wang¹, Jiayu Li¹, Wanshun Li¹, Xinyi Su¹, Hongyu Li², Deyu Zhang^1,*, Zhendong Jin^1,*, Haojie Huang^1,*

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.11, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.082978 - 19 October 2026
Abstract Autophagy and oxidative stress form a bidirectional and dynamic regulatory network governing cell fate. Dysregulation of this crosstalk contributes to the pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancer, neurodegeneration, inflammation, metabolic disorders, and aging. Therefore, a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the interplay between autophagy and oxidative stress provides a theoretical foundation for developing therapeutic strategies targeting this axis. This review synthesizes recent literature on the underlying molecular mechanisms. Oxidative stress drives autophagic initiation through multiple interconnected pathways, including direct oxidative modification of core autophagy-related proteins, modulation of canonical signaling cascades, activation of nuclear More >

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936

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Yiting Zhao, Lei Gao^*

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.11, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.083060 - 19 October 2026
Abstract Metformin is widely recognized for its pleiotropic effects on aging hallmarks, yet the evidence remains descriptive and mechanistically fragmented. This is a mechanism-focused narrative review; the evidence is illustrative rather than being systematically retrieved. We critically evaluate the proposed geroprotective mechanisms of metformin, including AMP-activated protein kinase activation (AMPK), mitochondrial complex I inhibition, senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) suppression, and epigenetic modulation. While ample data support these pathways in preclinical models, resolving the relative contribution of these pathways requires: (i) locus-specific analysis of context-dependent H3K27me3 regulation (reported as both increased and decreased), and (ii) direct testing More >

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1079

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ARTICLE

Xu Chen^*, Zhen Wang, Qing Hu

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.11, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.084368 - 19 October 2026
Abstract Background: G protein subunit alpha 13 (GNA13) plays a role in the progression of many malignant tumors, but its expression in esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) cells and impact on their biological behavior are unknown. This research aims to clarify the functions and mechanisms of GNA13 on the malignant phenotype of ESCA cells. Methods: GNA13 expression in ESCA tissues and cells was assessed using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. Sh-GNA13 was transfected into ESCA cells (TE-1 and KYSE-150) to assess the efficiency of GNA13 silencing. The effects of GNA13 silencing on cell viability,… More >

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356

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ARTICLE

Jiawei Liu^1,2,3,#, Tao Huang^2,3,#, Qi You², Yuxiang Cao⁴, Shaojin Zhu^2,3,*, Feng Liu^1,5,*

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.11, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.085464 - 19 October 2026
Abstract Background: Circular RNAs have emerged as important regulators of non-small cell lung cancer progression through competing endogenous RNA networks, but the specific role and mechanism of CircATRNL1 in NSCLC remain unclear. This study investigates the mechanistic role of CircATRNL1 in the malignant progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Gene expression levels in NSCLC cell lines were quantified using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Functional assays, including Western blot analysis of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins, wound-healing assays, and Transwell migration and invasion assays, were performed to assess the effects of CircATRNL1 on cellular motility and… More >

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1000

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335

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ARTICLE

Jingjing Wu, Jing Wang, Yufeng Wan^*, Yue Li^*

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.11, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.086220 - 19 October 2026
Abstract Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory airway disease frequently complicated by glucocorticoid (GC) resistance. This study investigated whether lncRNA UFC1 regulates cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced inflammation, apoptosis, and GC resistance through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling. Methods: To simulate cellular damage and GC insensitivity in vitro, U937 cells were subjected to CSE stimulation. The influence of lncRNA UFC1 silencing on cell survival, inflammatory responses, apoptosis, and GC responsiveness was evaluated through a combination of Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot, flow… More >

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249

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Zheng Zhang^1,2, Qingchun Huang^1,*

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.11, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.083358 - 19 October 2026
Abstract Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disabling autoimmune disease where methotrexate resistance, driven by Specificity protein 1 (Sp1)-mediated upregulation of dihydrofolate reductase, poses a key clinical challenge. Preliminary network pharmacology analysis identified Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) as a high-confidence target of luteolin in RA. Given that Sp1 is a known transcriptional activator of DHFR, we further investigated whether luteolin modulates the DHFR-Sp1 axis, thereby prompting this study to explore its potential in overcoming Methotrexate (MTX) resistance. Methods: An MTX-resistant human fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) model was established in vitro to investigate whether luteolin can reverse MTX resistance and elucidate… More >

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403

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ARTICLE

Yiren Jiao^1,*, Lingbo Cao², Jing Xu¹, Hongkai Sun¹, Jia Shi³, Xiaoli Ma¹, Zehao Wang^1,*, Baozhen Zhou^1,*

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.11, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.083738 - 19 October 2026
Abstract Background: The inhibitor of MyoD family (Mdfi) has been characterized as a myogenic repressor that regulates transcription factor activity through cytoplasmic retention; however, its specific function in myoblast proliferation remains poorly understood. This study aimed to elucidate the precise role of Mdfi in regulating myoblast cell cycle progression and proliferation using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9)-mediated gene editing. Methods: We employed the CRISPR/Cas9 system to construct Mdfi-knockout (Mdfi^−/−) C2C12 cell lines. Cell cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry, proliferation was assessed by EdU incorporation assays, and molecular mechanisms were investigated through… More >

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1143

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414

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Andrew Scarborough¹, Yvoni Kyriakidou¹, Derek C. Lee², Tomás Duraj², Thomas N. Seyfried², Isabella D. Cooper^1,*

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.6, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.074152
Abstract The global rise in chronic, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is inextricably linked to metabolic dysfunction, with hyperinsulinaemia acting as a potent upstream driver of ageing and age-related disease. Some of the most burdensome diseases of our time, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), are largely underpinned by insulin resistance as part of a broader system of metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction. These pathologies are particularly pronounced in the developed world, where obesity and other lifestyle-related conditions are major contributors to disease burden and premature mortality. As an upstream… More >

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10177

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2397

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Stephanie Seneff^1,*, Greg Nigh², Anthony M. Kyriakopoulos^3,4

BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.9, pp. 1545-1572, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.066687
Abstract Deuterium is a heavy isotope of hydrogen, with an extra neutron, endowing it with unique biophysical and biochemical properties compared to hydrogen. The ATPase pumps in the mitochondria depend upon proton motive force to catalyze the reaction that produces ATP. Deuterons disrupt the pumps, inducing excessive reactive oxygen species and decreased ATP synthesis. The aim of this review is to develop a theory that mitochondrial dysfunction due to deuterium overload, systemically, is a primary cause of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The gut microbes supply deuterium-depleted short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) to the colonocytes, particularly butyrate, and… More >

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1832

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Russel J. Reiter^1,*, Ramaswamy Sharma^2,*, Walter Manucha³, Walter Balduini⁴, Doris Loh⁵, Demetrios A. Spandidos⁶, Alejandro Romero⁷, Vasiliki E. Georgakopoulou⁸, Wei Zhu⁹

BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.11, pp. 2033-2067, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.067661
Abstract The development of cancer cell resistance to conventional treatments continues to be a major obstacle in the successful treatment of tumors of many types. The discovery of a highly efficient direct and indirect free radical scavenger, melatonin, in the mitochondrial matrix may be a factor in determining both the occurrence of cancer cell drug insensitivity as well as radioresistance. This relates to two of the known hallmarks of cancer, i.e., exaggerated free radical generation in the mitochondria and the development of Warburg type metabolism (glycolysis). The hypothesis elaborated in this report assumes that the high… More >

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1741

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Carmen Rubio^1,#, Norma Serrano-GarcíA^1,#, Elisa Taddei¹, Eduardo CastañEda², HéCtor Romo^1,3, MoiséS Rubio-Osornio^4,*

BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.8, pp. 1391-1412, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.066320
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Mitochondrial Dynamics and Oxidative Stress in Disease: Cellular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets)
Abstract Rotenone is a lipophilic herbicide extensively utilized in experimental neurodegenerative models because of its capacity to disrupt complex I of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. This inhibition results in reduced ATP synthesis, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and mitochondrial malfunction, which instigates oxidative stress and cellular damage, critical elements in neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In addition to causing direct neuronal injury, rotenone significantly contributes to the activation of glial cells, specifically microglia and astrocytes. Activated microglia assumes a proinflammatory (M1) phenotype, distinguished by the… More >

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2349

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LIUJIE CHEN^1,#, LILI DUAN^1,2,#, JIA LI^1,2, JUN CHEN^1,2, DUANFANG LIAO³, NONGYUE HE⁴, KAI LI^1,3, ZHENG HU^1,2,*

BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.1, pp. 21-43, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2024.056698
Abstract Nucleic acid analysis is a key technique that enables accurate detection of various microorganisms. Conventional nucleic acid testing typically requires access to specialized laboratories, equipment, and trained personnel, which hinders the widespread use of on-site testing for DNA and RNA targets. However, integrating gene editing technology with traditional nucleic acid detection methods, especially isothermal amplification technology, can help overcome the limitations associated with on-site testing. This combination can accomplish precise and swift detection of nucleic acid sequences, offering a robust tool for on-site detection. The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/CRISPR-associated proteins (CRISPR/Cas) technology, which More >

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4843

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2152

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Iman Ezzat, Marisa Zallocchi^*

BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.5, pp. 789-811, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.062325
Abstract Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane receptors that mediate bidirectional interactions between the intracellular cytoskeletal array and the extracellular matrix. These interactions are critical in tissue development and function by regulating gene expression and sustaining tissue architecture. In humans, the integrin family is composed of 18 alpha (α) and 8 beta (β) subunits, constituting 24 distinct αβ combinations. Based on their structure and ligand-binding properties, only a subset of integrins, 8 out of 24, recognizes the arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) tripeptide motif in the native ligand. One of the major RGD binding integrins is integrin alpha 8 beta 1 More >

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4774

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1437

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Virna Margarita Martín Giménez¹, SebastiáN GarcíA MenéNdez^2,3, Luiz Gustavo A. Chuffa⁴, Vinicius Augusto SimãO⁴, Russel J. Reiter⁵, Ramaswamy Sharma⁶, Walter Balduini⁷, Carla Gentile⁸, Walter Manucha^2,3,*

BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.12, pp. 2245-2282, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.071830
Abstract Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are characterized by progressive neuronal loss, which is closely linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. These pathologies involve a complex interplay of genetics, protein misfolding, and cellular stress, culminating in impaired energy metabolism, an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), and defective mitochondrial quality control. The accumulation of damaged mitochondria and dysregulation of pathways such as the Integrated Stress Response (ISR) are central to the pathogenesis of these conditions. This review explores the critical relationship between mitochondrial stress… More >

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4663

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1239

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VIRAAJ VISHNU PRASAD, JENNIFER SALLY SAMSON, VENKATACHALAM DEEPA PARVATHI^*

BIOCELL, Vol.48, No.5, pp. 693-706, 2024, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2024.048776
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Exploring the Cellular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases)
Abstract Physical activity and exercise have several beneficial roles in enhancing both physiological and psychological well-being of an individual. In addition to aiding the regulation of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, exercise can stimulate the synthesis of exerkine hormones in the circulatory system. Among several exerkines that have been investigated for their therapeutic potential, Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is considered the most promising candidate, especially in the management of neurodegenerative diseases. Owing to the ability of physical activity to enhance BDNF synthesis, several experimental studies conducted so far have validated this hypothesis and produced satisfactory results at More >

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1602

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YARA ALZGHOUL, HALA J. BANI ISSA, AHMAD K. SANAJLEH, TAQWA ALABDUH, FATIMAH RABABAH, MAHA AL-SHDAIFAT, EJLAL ABU-EL-RUB^*, FATIMAH ALMAHASNEH, RAMADA R. KHASAWNEH, AYMAN ALZU’BI, HUTHAIFA MAGABLEH

BIOCELL, Vol.48, No.4, pp. 559-569, 2024, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2024.048056
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Perspectives on Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine)
Abstract Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are ideal candidates for treating many cardiovascular diseases. MSCs can modify the internal cardiac microenvironment to facilitate their immunomodulatory and differentiation abilities, which are essential to restore heart function. MSCs can be easily isolated from different sources, including bone marrow, adipose tissues, umbilical cord, and dental pulp. MSCs from various sources differ in their regenerative and therapeutic abilities for cardiovascular disorders. In this review, we will summarize the therapeutic potential of each MSC source for heart diseases and highlight the possible molecular mechanisms of each source to restore cardiac function. More >

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4522

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1775

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JHILAM PRAMANIK^1,#, AKASH KUMAR², SARVESH RUSTAGI^3,#, MEHAK KATYAL⁴, SHEETAL THAKUR⁵, JUTISHNA BORA⁶, SUMIRA MALIK^6,7,*, ANCHAL TREHAN⁸, NAYAN TALUKDAR⁹, PETR SLAMA^10,*

BIOCELL, Vol.48, No.4, pp. 541-557, 2024, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2023.029031
Abstract Many phytochemicals and their derived metabolites produced by plants are extensively employed in commercial goods, pharmaceutical products as well as in the environmental and medical fields. However, these secondary metabolites obtained from plants are in low amounts, and it is difficult to synthesize them at the industrial level. Despite these challenges, they may be utilized for a variety of medicinal products that are either available in the market or are being researched and tested. Secondary metabolites are complex compounds that exhibit chirality. Further, under controlled conditions with elicitors, desired secondary metabolites may be produced from More >

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