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Mutations in the acid β-glucocerebrosidase (GBA1) gene, responsible for the lysosomal storage disorder Gaucher's disease (GD), are the strongest genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD) known to date. Here we generate induced pluripotent stem cells from subjects with GD and PD harbouring GBA1 mutations, and differentiate them into midbrain dopaminergic neurons followed by enrichment using fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Neurons show a reduction in glucocerebrosidase activity and protein levels, increase in glucosylceramide and α-synuclein levels as well as autophagic and lysosomal defects. Quantitative proteomic profiling reveals an increase of the neuronal calcium-binding protein 2 (NECAB2) in diseased neurons. Mutant neurons show a dysregulation of calcium homeostasis and increased vulnerability to stress responses involving elevation of cytosolic calcium. Importantly, correction of the mutations rescues such pathological phenotypes. These findings provide evidence for a link between GBA1 mutations and complex changes in the autophagic/lysosomal system and intracellular calcium homeostasis, which underlie vulnerability to neurodegeneration.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/ncomms5028 | DOI Listing |
Mol Biol Rep
September 2025
Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, 140401, Punjab, India.
Neuroinflammation, a vital protective response for tissue homeostasis, becomes a detrimental force when chronic and dysregulated, driving neurological disorders like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases. Potassium (K) channels maintain membrane potential and cellular excitability in neurons and glia within the intricate CNS signaling network. Neuronal injury or inflammation can disrupt K channel activity, leading to hyperexcitability and chronic pain.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe present investigation elucidates the therapeutic potential of glycyrrhizin, the predominant triterpene saponin isolated from (licorice), in the management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disorder characterized by multisystemic involvement and therapeutic recalcitrance. Comprehensive interrogation of multiple disease-specific databases facilitated the identification of crucial SLE-associated molecular targets and hub genes, with MAPK1, MAPK3, TP53, JUN, and JAK2 demonstrating the highest degree of network centrality. Subsequent molecular docking simulations and binding affinity assessments revealed compounds with exceptional complementarity to these pivotal molecular targets, establishing as a pharmacologically promising botanical source and glycyrrhizin as its principal bioactive constituent meriting comprehensive mechanistic investigation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFZool Res
September 2025
State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Products Safety, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China.
Apoptosis preserves organismal homeostasis by selectively eliminating unnecessary or damaged cells, with accumulating evidence also suggesting that it activates regenerative pathways and facilitates tissue remodeling. To date, however, the regulatory mechanisms linking this form of programmed cell death to regeneration remain poorly defined, particularly in evolutionarily basal organisms. Using the sea cucumber ( ) as a model for intestinal regeneration, this study identified robust apoptotic activity across key regenerative stages.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Vis Exp
August 2025
Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine in Sports Science, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University; Bone and Joint Research Team of Degeneration and Injury, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences;
Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is a degenerative joint disease triggered by trauma or intense mechanical stress, leading to joint cartilage degeneration and functional impairment. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) contributes significantly to cartilage degradation following mechanical injury by activating its receptor, Prostaglandin E receptor 4 (EP4), on chondrocyte membranes. The homeostasis of articular cartilage primarily relies on the dynamic balance between cartilage degradation and repair, a process finely regulated by chondrocytes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFront Cell Dev Biol
August 2025
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a serious complication of diabetes, characterized by delayed wound healing, recurrent infection, and risk of amputation. Mitochondrial dysfunction has emerged as a central pathological mechanism underlying impaired wound healing. Persistent hyperglycemia triggers a cascade of mitochondrial abnormalities like disrupted calcium homeostasis, excessive ROS production, impaired autophagy, increased apoptosis, and imbalanced mitochondrial dynamics.
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