acyl-CoA Synthetase Research Articles

Asiatic acid induces lung cancer toxicity by triggering SRC-mediated ferroptosis

Ferroptosis is a recently discovered form of regulated cell death that shows promise as a novel approach for inducing tumor cell death in cancer treatment, with significant research potential. Asiatic acid (AA), a key component of the traditional Chinese medicine Centella asiatica, has been identified as having potential therapeutic benefits for various diseases, particularly cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a challenging and prevalent form of cancer to treat. In our study, we utilized network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental methods to investigate the potential of AA in treating NSCLC and to elucidate its role in inhibiting cancer through the ferroptosis pathway. Through network pharmacology analysis, we identified that AA targets the core NSCLC protein SRC through the ferroptosis pathway. Our experiments demonstrated that treatment with AA led to increased iron accumulation, mitochondrial membrane potential, and expression of ferroptosis markers glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), and acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4 (ACSL4) in NSCLC cells, confirming the induction of ferroptosis. In conclusion, AA has the potential to target SRC and induce NSCLC cell death through the ferroptosis pathway, offering a promising approach for cancer treatment.

Protumoral lipid droplet-loaded macrophages are enriched in human glioblastoma and can be therapeutically targeted.

Glioblastoma presents a formidable clinical challenge because of its complex microenvironment. Here, we characterized tumor-associated foam cells (TAFs), a type of lipid droplet-loaded macrophage, in human glioblastoma. Through extensive analyses of patient tumors, together with in vitro and in vivo investigations, we found that TAFs exhibit distinct protumorigenic characteristics related to hypoxia, mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, and impaired phagocytosis, and their presence correlates with worse outcomes for patients with glioma. We further demonstrated that TAF formation is facilitated by lipid scavenging from extracellular vesicles released by glioblastoma cells. We found that targeting key enzymes involved in lipid droplet formation, such as diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase or long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase, effectively disrupted TAF functionality. Together, these data highlight TAFs as a prominent immune cell population in glioblastoma and provide insights into their contribution to the tumor microenvironment. Disrupting lipid droplet formation to target TAFs may represent an avenue for future therapeutic development for glioblastoma.

Ion Channel Piezo1 Induces Ferroptosis of Trabecular Meshwork Cells: A Novel Observation in the Pathogenesis in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma.

This study aims to elucidate the role of Piezo1, a mechanosensitive molecule, in trabecular meshwork cells (TMCs) in the context of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG), a leading cause of irreversible visual impairment. Dysfunction of the trabecular meshwork (TM) is a key factor in the elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) observed in POAG, yet the specific mechanisms leading to TM dysfunction are not fully understood. We performed cell stretching on human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMCs) and pharmacologically activated HTMCs with Yoda1 to study the role of Piezo1 in HTMCs. We focused on assessing cell viability, mitochondrial changes, lipid peroxidation, and the expression of ferroptosis-related targets such as acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). Cell stretching induces ferroptosis in HTMCs, and this phenomenon is reversed by Piezo1 knockdown. Additionally, pharmacological activation of Piezo1 also leads to ferroptosis in HTMCs. Furthermore, inhibiting the JNK/p38 signaling pathway was found to mitigate the ferroptotic response induced by Yoda1, thereby confirming that Piezo1 induces ferroptosis in TMCs through this pathway. Notably, our experiments suggest that Yoda1 may trigger ferroptosis in the TM of mouse eyes. Our findings demonstrate that the Piezo1 pathway is a crucial mediator of ferroptosis in TMCs, providing new insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of glaucoma, particularly POAG. This study highlights the potential of targeting the Piezo1 pathway as a therapeutic approach for mitigating TM dysfunction and managing POAG.

Bempedoic Acid, the First-in-Class Oral ATP Citrate Lyase Inhibitor with Hypocholesterolemic Activity: Clinical Pharmacology and Drug–Drug Interactions

Bempedoic acid is a new drug that improves the control of cholesterol levels, either as monotherapy or in combination with existing lipid-lowering therapies, and shows clinical efficacy in cardiovascular disease patients. Thus, patients with comorbidities and under multiple therapies may be eligible for bempedoic acid, thus facing the potential problem of drug–drug interactions (DDIs). Bempedoic acid is a prodrug administered orally at a fixed daily dose of 180 mg. The dicarboxylic acid is enzymatically activated by conjugation with coenzyme A (CoA) to form the pharmacologically active thioester (bempedoic acid–CoA). This process is catalyzed by very-long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSVL1), expressed almost exclusively at the hepatic level. Bempedoic acid–CoA is a potent and selective inhibitor of ATP citrate lyase (ACL), a key enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway of cholesterol and fatty acids. The drug reduces low-density lipoprotein–cholesterol (LDL-C) (20–25%), non-high-density lipoprotein–cholesterol (HDL-C) (19%), apolipoprotein B (apoB) (15%), and total cholesterol (16%) in patients with hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia. The drug has a favorable pharmacokinetics profile. Bempedoic acid and its metabolites are not substrates or inhibitors/inducers of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) involved in drug metabolism. On the other hand, bempedoic acid–glucuronide is a substrate for organic anion transporter 3 (OAT3). Bempedoic acid and its glucuronide are weak inhibitors of the OAT2, OAT3, and organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1) and 1B3 (OATP1B3). Thus, bempedoic acid could inhibit (perpetrator) the hepatic uptake of OATP1B1/3 substrate drugs and the renal elimination of OAT2 and OAT3 substrates and could suffer (victim) the effect of OAT3 transporter inhibitors, reducing its renal elimination. Based on these pharmacological characteristics, here, we describe the potential DDIs of bempedoic acid with concomitant medications and the possible clinical implications.

Ante-mortem glutathione peroxidase 4 inhibition by RSL3 affects post-mortem meat quality in broiler chickens

ABSTRACT 1. This study investigated the role of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), a key regulator of ferroptosis, a form of programmed cell death, in muscle biochemistry and meat quality, utilising broiler chickens whose ante-mortem GPX4 activity was inhibited pharmacologically. 2. Male broilers were divided into two groups, each receiving ante-mortem administration of the GPX4 inhibitor, Ras-selective lethal 3 (RSL3), or a vehicle only. After slaughter, breast muscles were collected and stored for 48 h. The expressions of ferroptosis-related genes, glutathione levels, pH, colour and water-holding capacity were evaluated at multiple time points during the storage period. 3. The RSL3 treatment decreased the expression of GPX4 and ferritin heavy chain 1, which are negative regulators of ferroptosis, while it increased the expression of a ferroptosis accelerator, acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4. The ratio of reduced to oxidised glutathione was significantly decreased in the RSL3 group. The RSL3 treatment decelerated post-mortem pH decline and colour changes, such as a decrease in L* and an increase in a* were observed in the RSL3 group. In addition, the RSL3 group showed increased levels of water-holding capacity. 4. These findings suggested that ante-mortem GPX4 activity plays a role in determining meat quality, implying the possible involvement of ferroptosis in the mechanism by which skeletal muscle is converted after slaughter into meat that is eaten.

Reduced glutathione attenuates pediatric sepsis-associated encephalopathy by inhibiting inflammatory cytokine release and mitigating lipid peroxidation-induced brain injury.

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a severe complication of sepsis. Reduced glutathione (GSH) has antioxidant properties and is used as a neuroprotective agent in some studies. However, research on the application of exogenous GSH in the treatment of SAE is limited. This study aimed to determine the effects of exogenous GSH in pediatric SAE patients and mice. We evaluated clinical parameters, inflammatory factors, and oxidative stress before and after GSH treatment. The clinical trials demonstrated that GSH treatment improved brain damage markers (S-100 beta protein, brain fatty acid-binding protein), increased neurological status scores (Glasgow coma scale), and reduced Pediatric Risk of Mortality III scores in children with SAE. GSH treatment also significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory factors (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α) and decreased lipid peroxidation (superoxide dismutase). Additionally, GSH reduced lipid peroxidation resulting from abnormal lipid metabolism, as indicated by the levels of acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4, lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 3, and glutathione peroxidase 4. In-vivo experiments showed that the neuroprotective effect of GSH was dose-dependent, with better effects observed at medium and high doses. Furthermore, GSH alleviated brain damage, suppressed the release of inflammatory factors, and inhibited lipid peroxidation in SAE mice. The animal experiments also showed that GSH reduces lipid peroxidation through the 15-lipoxygenase/phosphatidylethanolamine binding protein 1/glutathione peroxidase 4 pathway. Our study suggests that exogenous GSH has neuroprotective effects in pediatric SAE. These findings provide a basis for the potential use of GSH as a therapeutic method for SAE.

C/EBPα-mediated ACSL4-dependent ferroptosis exacerbates tubular injury in diabetic kidney disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a prevalent and debilitating complication of diabetes characterized by progressive renal function decline and a lack of effective treatment options. Here, we investigated the role of the transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPα) in DKD pathogenesis. Analysis of renal biopsy samples revealed increased C/EBPα expression in patients with DKD. Using RNA sequencing and proteomics, we explored the mechanisms through which the C/EBPα contributes to DKD. Our findings demonstrated that C/EBPα exacerbated tubular injury by promoting acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4)-dependent ferroptosis. We identified that C/EBPα upregulated ACSL4 expression by binding to its transcription regulatory sequence (TRS), leading to elevated lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. Furthermore, inhibition or genetic ablation of C/EBPα attenuated ferroptosis and mitigated tubular injury in DKD. These results highlighted the C/EBPα-ACSL4-ferroptosis pathway as a promising therapeutic target for DKD treatment.

Deciphering heart failure: an integrated proteomic and transcriptomic approach with experimental validation.

This study analyzed transcriptomic and proteomic data to identify molecular changes during heart failure (HF). Additionally,we embarked on an exploration of the prospect of therapeutic intervention through the manipulation of proteins implicated in ferroptosis. Three publicly available microarray datasets (GSE135055, GSE147236, GSE161472) profiling left ventricular samples from HF patients and healthy controls were obtained. Differentially expressed genes were identified in each dataset and cross-analyzed to determine shared gene signatures. Enrichment analysis of Gene Ontology (GO) terms, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, and gene set enrichment analysis were performed. Differentially expressed proteins were obtained from published proteomic studies and integrated with the transcriptomic results. To validate findings, a HF mouse model was generated and ferroptosis-related proteins were evaluated. Additionally, the effect of suppression of ferroptosis on hypoxia-induced ischemia model in HL-1 cardiomyocytes was assessed by knocking down Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) using small interfering RNA (siRNA).Cross-analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the GSE135055, GSE147236 and GSE161472 datasets revealed 224 up-regulated and 187 down-regulated potential genes which showed high enrichment in immune, inflammatory and metabolic pathways. Notably, four proteins, among them ACSL4, displayed consistent alterations at both the transcriptional and protein levels. In the HF mouse model, ACSL4 exhibited an elevation, whereas negative regulators of ferroptosis witnessed a decrement. Subsequently, knockdown of ACSL4 in a hypoxia-induced ischemic HL-1 cardiomyocyte cell model upregulated the expression of ferroptosis inhibitory protein and decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA)., and free iron and increased cell viability. Comprehensive multi-omics analysis revealed that the expression of the molecular target ACSL4 was increased in HF. Targeting ACSL4 to inhibit ferroptosis may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for HF treatment.

Overexpression of miR-451a Aggravates Renal Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury by Targeting KLF1-ACSL4 to Promote Ferroptosis

Ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) is a predominant factor leading to delayed graft function (DGF) following kidney transplantation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of renal IRI, with ferroptosis being a critical driving force throughout the process. In this study, we utilized bioinformatics methods to construct a network diagram of differentially expressed miRNAs, transcription factors (TFs), and ferroptosis-related genes. An I/R-induced renal injury model in mice and an in vitro H/R-induced HK-2 cell injury model were established. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis were used to measure the mRNA and miRNA levels in cells and tissues. The MDA concentration, iron levels, and GSH concentration were measured to evaluate the ferroptosis levels. CCK-8 assays were performed to assess cell viability. Luciferase reporter assays were conducted to validate the downstream targets of miRNA, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed to verify the interaction between TFs and mRNAs. Both the in vivo and in vitro results demonstrate that miR-451a was significantly enriched in the IRI renal tissues and cells, exacerbating ferroptosis. MiR-451a was found to reduce the expression of Kruppel-like factor 1 (KLF1) by directly binding to the 3′UTR of KLF1 mRNA. Additionally, KLF1 was identified as a negative transcription factor for acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4). We demonstrated that IRI induced the upregulation of miR-451a, which reduced KLF1 expression, thereby promoting ferroptosis by upregulating ACSL4 expression, ultimately aggravating IRI-induced renal damage.

Crystal structure of the 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA synthetase (ADP-forming) from nitrosopumilus maritimus

The 3-hydroxypropionate/4-hydroxybutyrate (3HP/4HB) cycle from ammonia-oxidizing Thaumarchaeota is currently considered the most energy-efficient aerobic carbon fixation pathway. The Nitrosopumilus maritimus 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA synthetase (ADP-forming; Nmar_0206) represents one of several enzymes from this cycle that exhibit increased efficiency over crenarchaeal counterparts. This enzyme reduces energy requirements on the cell, reflecting thaumarchaeal success in adapting to low-nutrient environments. Here we show the structure of Nmar_0206 from Nitrosopumilus maritimus SCM1, which reveals a highly conserved interdomain linker loop between the CoA-binding and ATP-grasp domains. Phylogenetic analysis suggests the widespread prevalence of this loop and highlights both its underrepresentation within the PDB and structural importance within the (ATP-forming) acyl-CoA synthetase (ACD) superfamily. This linker is shown to have a possible influence on conserved interface interactions between domains, thereby influencing homodimer stability. These results provide a structural basis for the energy efficiency of this key enzyme in the modified 3HP/4HB cycle of Thaumarchaeota.

Ferroptosis Mediated Inflammation Promotes Pulmonary Hypertension.

Mitochondrial dysfunction, characterized by impaired lipid metabolism and heightened reactive oxygen species generation, results in lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is an inflammatory mode of cell death that promotes complement activation and macrophage recruitment. In pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), pulmonary arterial endothelial cells exhibit cellular phenotypes that promote ferroptosis. Moreover, there is ectopic complement deposition and inflammatory macrophage accumulation in the pulmonary vasculature. However, the effects of ferroptosis inhibition on these pathogenic mechanisms and the cellular landscape of the pulmonary vasculature are incompletely defined. Multiomics and physiological analyses evaluated how ferroptosis inhibition-modulated preclinical PAH. The impact of adeno-associated virus 1-mediated expression of the proferroptotic protein ACSL (acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member) 4 on PAH was determined, and a genetic association study in humans further probed the relationship between ferroptosis and pulmonary hypertension. Ferrostatin-1, a small-molecule ferroptosis inhibitor, mitigated PAH severity in monocrotaline rats. RNA-sequencing and proteomics analyses demonstrated that ferroptosis was associated with PAH severity. RNA-sequencing, proteomics, and confocal microscopy revealed that complement activation and proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines were suppressed by ferrostatin-1. In addition, ferrostatin-1 combatted changes in endothelial, smooth muscle, and interstitial macrophage abundance and gene activation patterns as revealed by deconvolution RNA-sequencing. Ferroptotic pulmonary arterial endothelial cell damage-associated molecular patterns restructured the transcriptomic signature and mitochondrial morphology, promoted the proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, and created a proinflammatory phenotype in monocytes in vitro. Adeno-associated virus 1-Acsl4 induced an inflammatory PAH phenotype in rats. Finally, single-nucleotide polymorphisms in 6 ferroptosis genes identified a potential link between ferroptosis and pulmonary hypertension severity in the Vanderbilt BioVU repository. Ferroptosis promotes PAH through metabolic and inflammatory mechanisms in the pulmonary vasculature.

Liver iron stores and effectors of ferroptosis are dependent on age and sex.

Ferroptosis is a form of cell death characterized by a pro-oxidative cellular milieu and iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Ferroptosis has been implicated in various forms of liver injury, in keeping with the major role of the liver in iron metabolism. Limited research has addressed potential differences in ferroptosis mediators with age and sex, especially in an in vivo model. The goal of this investigation was to evaluate hepatic labile iron and mediators of ferroptosis with ageing in both sexes. Because female animals generally display greater antioxidant defences than males, we hypothesized that females would display a phenotype resistant to ferroptosis. Here, we determined iron contents, protein expression of ferroptosis mediators and measures of oxidative injury in liver samples from 12- and 24-month-old male and female Fischer 344 rats. In comparison to males, the livers of female rats at both ages contained more non-haem iron, which was associated with greater ferritin heavy chain expression and attenuated expression of transferrin receptor-1. In female rats, the 24-month-old group had higher contents of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances compared with their 12-month-old counterparts, yet similar contents of labile iron. These results suggest a disconnect between labile iron contents and oxidative injury with age. Female animals also displayed greater expression of acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), a modulator of ferroptosis, and greater abundance of high molecular weight 4-hydroxnonenal-modified proteins. These results demonstrate clear differences in iron and ferroptosis mediators between sexes and suggest that female rats of this strain might be more susceptible to ferroptosis.

Reconfiguring the Escherichia coli Electron Transport Chain to Enhance trans-2-Decenoic Acid Production.

trans-2-Decenoic acid is a pivotal α,β-medium-chain unsaturated fatty acid that serves as an essential intermediary in the synthesis of 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid and various pharmaceutical compounds. Biosynthesis yield of trans-2-decenoic acid by decanoic acid has significantly improved in recent years; however, the oxidative stress of Escherichia coli at high fatty acid concentrations restricts the conversion rate. Here, we introduced a combination of rational design and metabolic rewiring of the E. coli electron transport chain (ETC) to improve trans-2-decenoic acid production. Overexpressing ubiquinone (UbQ) biosynthesis genes enhanced the expression of ETC complex III: UbQ to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Furthermore, applying rotenone to inhibit ETC complex I improved the electron transfer efficiency of complex II. The integration of Vitamin B5 and B2 into the fermentation process increased the activities of fatty acyl-CoA synthetase (MaMACS) and fatty acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (PpfadE). Finally, the constructed E. coli BL21(DE3)(ΔfadBJR/pCDFDuet-1-PpfadE-MaMACS/pRSFDuet-1-sumo-CtydiI-ubiI) strain exhibited a 51.50% decrease in ROS and a 93.33% enhancement in trans-2-decenoic acid yield, reaching 1.45 g/L after 66 h, which is the highest yield reported for flask fermentation. This study reports the feasibility of rewiring the ETC regulation and energy metabolism to improve α,β-UCA biosynthesis efficiency.

Identification and Functional Characterization of the FATP1 Gene from Mud Crab, Scylla paramamosain.

In mammals, fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1) plays important roles in cellular uptake and activation of long-chain fatty acid (LCFA), especially in processes of transportation, oxidation and triacylglycerol synthesis. However, the role of FATP1 in invertebrates, especially decapod crustaceans, is still poorly understood. In this study, the cDNA of a FATP1 gene from a decapod crustacean, mud crab Scylla paramamosain, was cloned and functionally characterized. The FATP1 gene encoded a polypeptide consisting of 643 amino acids that exhibits all the typical features of the FATP family and shares high homology with the other FATP orthologs of crustaceans. The relative mRNA expression levels of FATP1 were observed to be higher in metabolically active tissues such as hepatopancreas, stomach and gill than in other crab parts. Knockdown of the FATP1 mRNA in vivo significantly reduced triacylglycerols and total lipid levels in the hepatopancreas, accompanied by an increase in the expression of genes related to fatty acid transportation, allocation and hydrolysis, including long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 3/4 (ACSL3/4) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (CPT1), and a decrease in the expression of genes related to fatty acid synthesis such as acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) in the hepatopancreas. Furthermore, increased dietary n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) levels resulted in the up-regulation of the FATP1 expression in the hepatopancreas, accompanied by an increase in LC-PUFA content, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3), in both polar (PLs) and neutral lipids (NLs) in the hepatopancreas and muscles of crabs. These findings suggested that the FATP1 gene identified in S. paramamosain might play important roles in regulating long-chain fatty acid metabolism and deposition in crustaceans.

Role of ACSBG1 in Brain Lipid Metabolism and X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy Pathogenesis: Insights from a Knockout Mouse Model.

"Bubblegum" acyl-CoA synthetase (ACSBG1) is a pivotal player in lipid metabolism during mouse brain development, facilitating the activation of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) and their incorporation into lipid species that are crucial for brain function. ACSBG1 converts LCFA into acyl-CoA derivatives, supporting vital metabolic processes. Fruit fly mutants lacking ACSBG1 exhibited neurodegeneration and had elevated levels of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA), characteristics of human X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (XALD). To explore ACSBG1's function and potential as a therapeutic target in XALD, we created an ACSBG1 knockout (Acsbg1-/-) mouse and examined the effects on brain FA metabolism during development. Phenotypically, Acsbg1-/- mice resembled wild type (w.t.) mice. ACSBG1 expression was found mainly in tissue affected pathologically in XALD, namely the brain, adrenal gland and testis. ACSBG1 depletion did not significantly reduce the total ACS enzyme activity in these tissue types. In adult mouse brain, ACSBG1 expression was highest in the cerebellum; the low levels detected during the first week of life dramatically increased thereafter. Unexpectedly, lower, rather than higher, saturated VLCFA levels were found in cerebella from Acsbg1-/- vs. w.t. mice, especially after one week of age. Developmental changes in monounsaturated ω9 FA and polyunsaturated ω3 FA levels also differed between w.t. and Acsbg1-/- mice. ACSBG1 deficiency impacted the developmental expression of several cerebellar FA metabolism enzymes, including those required for the synthesis of ω3 polyunsaturated FA, precursors of bioactive signaling molecules like eicosanoids and docosanoids. These changes in membrane lipid FA composition likely affect membrane fluidity and may thus influence the body's response to inflammation. We conclude that, despite compelling circumstantial evidence, it is unlikely that ACSBG1 directly contributes to the pathology of XALD, decreasing its potential as a therapeutic target. Instead, the effects of ACSBG1 knockout on processes regulated by eicosanoids and/or docosanoids should be further investigated.

SlMYB72 interacts with SlTAGL1 to regulate the cuticle formation in tomato fruit.

The cuticle is the first physical barrier covering the surface of tomatoes and plays an important role in multiple stress responses. But the molecular regulatory networks of cuticle formation are not fully understood. In this study, we found that SlMYB72 can interact with SlTAGL1 to regulate the formation of fruit cuticle in tomato. Downregulating the expression of SlMYB72 inhibits the formation of fruit cuticle, resulting in a reduced fruit cuticle thickness, accelerated postharvest water loss, and increased susceptibility to Botrytis cinerea. RNA sequencing analysis showed that downregulation of the SlMYB72 gene decreased the expression levels of genes related to fatty acid and cuticle metabolism. SlMYB72 regulates the cuticle formation by directly binding to the promoter of long-chain acyl-coA synthetases (SlLACS1) and medium-chain alkane hydroxylase (SlMAH1). Moreover, SlMYB72 interacts with SlTAGL1, which can enhance the transcriptional activation of SlMYB72 on the SlMAH1 promoter. Overall, our study expands our understanding of the regulation of cuticle formation by SlMYB72 and provides new insights into fruit shelf life extension via manipulation of cuticle content.

Succinylated Type I Collagen Regulates Ferroptosis to Attenuate Skin Photoaging.

During the process of photoaging in the skin, Succinylated type I collagen has a significant effect on reversing the damage caused by UVB radiation, with the regulation of cellular ferroptosis being one of its important pathophysiological mechanisms. Specifically, Succinylated type I collagen reduces the expression of key cell cycle regulators P16, P21, and P53, as well as the ferroptosis-related factor Acyl-CoA Synthetase Long Chain Family Member 4 (ACSL4), induced by UVB radiation in cells and tissues. Meanwhile, it increases the expression of key factors Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and Solute Carrier Family 7 Member 11 (SLC7A11), which inhibit ferroptosis. Additionally, our study also reveals the impact of Succinylated type I collagen on the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells and tissues, directly affecting the cells' ability to cope with oxidative stress. This further suggests that Succinylated type I collagen may improve skin photoaging through various pathways, including regulating ferroptosis, antioxidation, promoting collagen synthesis, protecting the skin barrier, reducing pigmentation, and inhibiting inflammatory responses, contributing to maintaining healthy and youthful skin.

Oral Microbiome and CPT1A Function in Fatty Acid Metabolism in Oral Cancer.

The oral microbiome is crucial for human health. Although oral dysbiosis may contribute to oral cancer (OC), the detailed relationships between the microbiome and OC remain unclear. In this case-control study, we aimed to elucidate the connection between the oral microbiome and mechanisms potentially involved in oral cancer. The study analyzed 1022 oral saliva samples, including 157 from oral cancer patients and 865 from healthy controls, using 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) sequencing and a Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) model to identify four bacterial genera significantly associated with oral cancer. In patients with oral cancer, the relative abundance of Streptococcus and Parvimonas was higher; Corynebacterium and Prevotella showed decreased relative abundance; and levels of fatty acid oxidation enzymes, including Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A), long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase, acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, diacylglycerol choline phosphotransferase, and H+-transporting ATPase, were significantly higher compared to controls. Conversely, healthy controls exhibited increased levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and CD4+T-helper cell counts. Survival analysis revealed that higher abundance of Streptococcus and Parvimonas, which correlated positively with interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and CPT1A, were linked to poorer disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates, while Prevotella and Corynebacterium were associated with better outcomes. These findings suggest that changes in these bacterial genera are associated with alterations in specific cytokines, CPT1A levels, SCFAs in oral cancer, with lower SCFA levels in patients reinforcing this link. Overall, these microbiome changes, along with cytokine and enzyme alterations, may serve as predictive markers, enhancing diagnostic accuracy for oral cancer.

Long non-coding RNA MALAT1 triggers ferroptosis via interaction with FUS to enhance ACSF2 mRNA stabilization in septic acute kidney injury.

Septic acute kidney injury (AKI) is a fatal disease in the intensive care unit, with ferroptosis playing a crucial role in its pathogenesis. Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) has been implicated in septic-induced AKI inflammation and apoptosis. However, its regulatory role in ferroptosis and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In vivo and in vitro models of septic AKI were established using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge, respectively. Serum levels of creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and inflammatory cytokine in kidney tissues were determined by ELISA kits. Histopathological alterations and apoptosis were evaluated by HE staining and TUNEL. Ferroptosis was accessed by measuring MDA, GSH, Fe2+, total and lipid ROS levels, and mitochondrial ultrastructure changes. Target molecular levels were determined using RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Interactions among MALAT1, acyl-CoA synthetase family member 2 (ACSF2) and FUS RNA binding protein (FUS) were validated by RIP and RNA-pull down. MALAT1 level was significantly elevated in both in vivo and in vitro septic AKI models, of which knockdown impeded ferroptosis to alleviate septic AKI. Mechanistically, high MALAT1 expression increased ACSF2 mRNA stability via interaction with FUS. Rescue experiments showed that ACSF2 overexpression partially reversed the ferroptosis inhibition mediated by MALAT1 silencing. MALAT1 induces ferroptosis and exacerbates septic AKI by stabilizing ACSF2 mRNA with the assistance of FUS. These findings provide theoretical evidence for MALAT1 as a potential therapeutic target for septic AKI.

Cancer-associated fibroblast-secreted exosomal miR-454-3p inhibits lipid metabolism and ferroptosis in breast cancer by targeting ACSL4.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) participate in the development of the tumor microenvironment through the secretion of exosomes. Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) is an essential component of ferroptosis. However, the regulatory mechanism of ACSL4 in breast cancer remains unexplored. The study aimed to determine the influence of exosomal miR-454-3p from CAFs on lipid metabolism and ferroptosis. CAF-derived exosomes (CAF-exo) were isolated from breast cancer tissue of breast cancer patients and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Western blot. Luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) were used to demonstrate the relationship between miR-454-3p and ACSL4. Cell viability and ferroptosis-related markers were detected by CCK-8 and Western blot. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and iron levels were detected. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to assess miR-454-3p expression. miR-454-3p and ACSL4 levels were abnormally expressed in breast cancer tissues. CAF-exo significantly enhanced cell viability and GSH levels and suppressed MDA, and iron levels. CAF-exo upregulated ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression, and reduced ACSL4 levels. miR-454-3p was strongly expressed in CAF-exo, and exosomal miR-454-3p suppressed lipid metabolism and ferroptosis in breast cancer cells. The effects of miR-454-3p inhibitor on lipid metabolism and ferroptosis were eliminated by ACSL4 knockdown. CAF-secreted exosomal miR-454-3p inhibited lipid metabolism and ferroptosis by targeting ACSL4 in breast cancer. This study revealed a novel molecular mechanism that offers a potential therapeutic intervention in breast cancer treatment.