Triptolide inhibits ovarian cancer growth and metastasis via reprogramming of tumor-associated macrophages
For full text please see pdf.
Cell Stress
Cell Stress (CES) emerges as a peer-reviewed publishing platform for high-impact research. CES publishes articles of extraordinary novelty and significance, including research papers and reviews that cover heterogenous topics in the field of cellular pathophysiology.
MicroRNA as key players in skin regeneration and anti-aging pathways
Azizi et al.For full text please see pdf.
Stress management by benzodiazepines in septic shock and critical illness: mechanistic and clinical evidence supporting alternative sedative strategies
Lambertucci et al.For full text please see pdf.
Triptolide inhibits ovarian cancer growth and metastasis via reprogramming of tumor-associated macrophages
Chen et al.For full text please see pdf.
The IRE1α-XBP1s-NFκB axis controls cell survival and epithelial differentiation under osmotic stress through arachidonic acid metabolism activation
Parra et al.Arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism plays a critical role in renal cell osmoadaptation. We recently demonstrated that hypertonicity induces the expression and activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). On one hand, AA released by cPLA2 enhances triacylglyceride (TG) synthesis and accumulation. On the other hand, AA is converted into prostaglandins (PG) through cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) activity. Both processes are required for renal cell survival under osmotic stress. However, the mechanisms by which hypertonicity induces cPLA2 expression remain poorly understood. Given that we previously shown that hypertonicity regulates TG synthesis through the IRE1α-XBP1s branch of the unfolded protein (…)
Multifaceted role of CNPY2 beyond ER stress: Disease implications and therapeutic potential
Ebadollahibaruq et al.This review meticulously dissects CNPY2’s structural characteristics, expression patterns, and biological functions across various disorders, emphasizing its role on tumor initiation, microenvironmental stress, and chemoresistance, and evaluating its potential as a therapeutic target.
Antifungal peptides: from modes of action to synergistic and immunologic potential
Carmona-Gutierrez et al.Reversal of Cushing syndrome by antibody-mediated neutralization of ACBP/DBI
Shen et al.For full text please see pdf.
Cold exposure reinstates NAD+ levels and attenuates hepatocellular carcinoma
Grazioso et al.INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary malignant tumor that arises from hepatocytes, the main functional cells of the liver 1. It is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with
Endogenous plasma resuspension of peripheral blood mononuclear cells prevents preparative-associated stress that modifies polyA-enriched RNA responses to subsequent acute stressors
Li et al.INTRODUCTION Cells are impacted by complex and co-occurring stresses throughout a life-course. Our goal was to generate physiologically relevant models of acute cellular stress, initially in relation to 3’ untranslated regions (3’UTRs), as these can
Neuroglobin-enriched secretome provides neuroprotection against hydrogen peroxide and mitochondrial toxin-induced cellular stress
Bastari et al.INTRODUCTION Cellular response to stress relies on evolutionary conserved mechanisms aimed at maintaining homeostasis and facilitating adaptation to new cellular environments 1. Under stressful conditions, post-mitotic neurons are hardly replaced. Rather, mature neurons exhibit two
Stress granules formation in HEI-OC1 auditory cells and in H4 human neuroglioma cells secondary to cisplatin exposure
Abdelrasol, Chopra et al.INTRODUCTION Cellular stress is an inherent and inevitable aspect of cell physiology, prompting cells to adapt to environmental changes. Among the distinctive intracellular adaptive responses that have been characterized in intricate molecular detail in response
Dynamics of cell membrane lesions and adaptive conductance under the electrical stress
Silkunas et al.Exceeding physiological limits of the cell membrane potential compromises structural integrity, enabling the passage of normally impermeant solutes and disrupting cell function. Electropermeabilization has been studied extensively at the cellular scale, but not at the individual membrane lesion level. We employed fast total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) imaging of Ca2+ entry transients to discern individual lesions in a hyperpolarized cell membrane and characterize their focality, thresholds, electrical conductance, and the lifecycle. A diffuse and momentary membrane permeabilization without a distinct pore formation was observed already at a -100 mV threshold. Polarizing down to -200 mV created focal pores with a low 50- to 300-pS conductance, which disappeared instantly once the hyperpolarization was removed. Charging to – 240 mV created high-conductance (> 1 nS) pores which persisted for seconds even at zero membrane potential. With (…)
MiR-200c reprograms fibroblasts to recapitulate the phenotype of CAFs in breast cancer progression
Lin et al.Mesenchymal-epithelial plasticity driving cancer progression in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) is undetermined. This work identifies a subgroup of CAFs in human breast cancer exhibiting mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) or epithelial-like profile with high miR-200c expression. MiR-200c overexpression in fibroblasts is sufficient to drive breast cancer aggressiveness. Oxidative stress in the tumor microenvironment induces miR-200c by DNA demethylation. Proteomics, RNA-seq and functional analyses reveal that miR-200c is a novel positive regulator of NFκB-HIF signaling via COMMD1 downregulation and stimulates pro-tumorigenic inflammation and glycolysis. Reprogramming fibroblasts toward MET via miR-200c reduces stemness and induces (…)
A versatile method for the identification of senolytic compounds
Annunziata et al.The increased burden of senescent cells is as a well-established hallmark of aging and age-related diseases. This finding sparked significant interest in the identification of molecules capable of selectively eliminating senescent cells, so-called senolytics. Here, we fine-tuned a method for the identification of senolytics that is compatible with high-content fluorescence microscopy. We used spectral detector imaging to measure the emission spectrum of unlabeled control or senescent cells. We observed that senescent cells exhibited higher levels of autofluorescence than their non-senescent counterparts, particularly in the cytoplasmic region. Building on this result, we devised a senolytic assay based on co-culturing quiescent and senescent cells, fluorescently tagged in the nuclear region through the overexpression of H2B-GFP and H2B-RFP, respectively. We validated this approach by showing that first generation senolytics were effective in reducing the (…)
Chromatin assembly factor-1 preserves genome stability in ctf4∆ cells by promoting sister chromatid cohesion
Ghaddar et al.Chromatin assembly and the establishment of sister chromatid cohesion are intimately connected to the progression of DNA replication forks. Here we examined the genetic interaction between the heterotrimeric chromatin assembly factor-1 (CAF-1), a central component of chromatin assembly during replication, and the core replisome component Ctf4. We find that CAF-1 deficient cells as well as cells affected in newly-synthesized H3-H4 histones deposition during DNA replication exhibit a severe negative growth with ctf4∆ mutant. We dissected the role of CAF-1 in the maintenance of genome stability in ctf4∆ yeast cells. In the absence of CTF4, CAF-1 is essential for viability in cells experiencing replication problems, in cells lacking functional S-phase checkpoint or functional spindle checkpoint, and in cells lacking DNA repair pathways involving homologous recombination. We present evidence that CAF-1 affects cohesin association to chromatin in a (…)
The NLRC4 inflammasome requires IRF8-dependent production of NAIPs
Lee et al.Inflammasomes orchestrate cellular responses to pathogen- or danger-associated molecular patterns by controlling the activation of caspase-1. Inflammasome activation results in enzymatically active caspase-1, which mediates the maturation and release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and
Targeting LRH-1/NR5A2 to treat type 1 diabetes mellitus
Cobo-Vuilleumier et al.The liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1) is a member of the NR5A family of nuclear receptors that plays a pivotal role in early embryonic development while later on it specifies the endodermal lineage. In adults, LRH-1
Nucleolar Stress: hallmarks, sensing mechanism and diseases
Yang et al.The nucleolus is a prominent subnuclear compartment, where ribosome biosynthesis takes place. Recently, the nucleolus has gained attention for its novel role in the regulation of cellular stress. Nucleolar stress is emerging as a new concept, which is characterized by diverse cellular insult-induced abnormalities in nucleolar structure and function, ultimately leading to activation of p53 or other stress signaling pathways and alterations in cell behavior. Despite a number of comprehensive reviews on this concept, straightforward and clear-cut way criteria for a nucleolar stress state, regarding the factors that elicit this state, the morphological and functional alterations as well as the rationale for p53 activation are still missing. Based on literature of the past two decades, we herein summarize the evolution of the concept and provide hallmarks of nucleolar stress. Along with updated information and thorough discussion of existing confusions in the field, we pay particular attention to the current understanding of the sensing mechanisms (…)
Calling RNF168 to action
Nowsheen and Lou– [table id=103 /] – It is interesting to note that MDC1 acts as a node for the recruitment of both RNF8 and L3MBTL2 and brings these two factors into proximity. As we and others
Exosomal secretion of truncated cytosolic lysyl-tRNA synthetase induces inflammation during cell starvation
Kim et al.Kim et al. (2017) reveals three crucial steps of KRS secretion, including its dissociation from the MSC complex, interaction with syntenin, and secretion via the exosomal pathway (Figure 1). – [table id=102 /] – First,
Endolysosomal dysfunction and exosome secretion: implications for neurodegenerative disorders
Miranda and Di PaoloA master regulator of both endolysosomal function and autophagy is Vps34 and its lipid product phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate (PI3P) through which the lipid kinase exerts most of its biological actions in eukaryotic cells. A host of PI3P
Putting together and taking apart: assembly and disassembly of the Rad51 nucleoprotein filament in DNA repair and genome stability
Andriuskevicius et al.Homologous recombination is a key mechanism providing both genome stability and genetic diversity in all living organisms. Recombinases play a central role in this pathway: multiple protein subunits of Rad51 or its orthologues bind single-stranded DNA to form a nucleoprotein filament which is essential for initiating recombination events. Multiple factors are involved in the regulation of this step, both positively and negatively. In this review, we discuss Rad51 nucleoprotein assembly and disassembly, how it is regulated and what functional significance it has in genome maintenance.
Oxidation of p62 as an evolutionary adaptation to promote autophagy in stress conditions
Otten et al.Autophagy (literally meaning self-eating) is an intracellular trafficking pathway. It involves the formation of a double membraned organelle (called the autophagosome) around components of the cell, such as damaged proteins, protein aggregates and organelles, designated
Stress management by benzodiazepines in septic shock and critical illness: mechanistic and clinical evidence supporting alternative sedative strategies
Lambertucci et al.For full text please see pdf.
Burning fat with cysteine depletion
Adams et al.Adams and colleagues comment on two complementary articles by Varghese et al and Lee et al showing that cysteine depletion through combined dietary and genetic means in mice evokes a unique stress response in the liver to amplify these metabolic outcomes and offer a potentially new treatment option for obesity.
Pathogenic hyperactivation of mTORC1 by cytoplasmic EP300 in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome
Ferret et al.Mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is a multiprotein complex that serves as a pivotal regulator of cell growth, protein synthesis, metabolism and autophagy [1][2]. This complex compromises mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin), RAPTOR
The missing hallmark of health: psychosocial adaptation
López-Otín and KroemerINTRODUCTION The comprehension of health –defined in a positive fashion rather than as the absence of disease–requires a theory. We recently launched the bases of such a health theory by enumerating the fundamental biological characteristics
Gut microbiota turn up the heat after bariatric surgery
Mohammed K. HankirBariatric surgeries like vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) cause well-established shifts in the gut microbiota, but how this contributes to their unique metabolic benefits is poorly understood. Jin et al and Yadav et al now provide two complementary lines of evidence suggesting that gut microbiota-derived metabolites after VSG and RYGB activate thermogenesis in fat through distinct mechanisms, to in turn promote weight loss and/or improvements in glycemic control.
Molecular targets of spermidine: implications for cancer suppression
Zimmermann et al.Spermidine is a ubiquitous, natural polyamine with geroprotective features. Supplementation of spermidine extends the lifespan of yeast, worms, flies, and mice, and dietary spermidine intake correlates with reduced human mortality. However, the crucial role of polyamines in cell proliferation has also implicated polyamine metabolism in neoplastic diseases, such as cancer. While depleting intracellular polyamine biosynthesis halts tumor growth in mouse models, lifelong external spermidine administration in mice does not increase cancer incidence. In contrast, a series of recent findings points to anti-neoplastic properties of spermidine administration in the context of immunotherapy. Various molecular mechanisms for the anti-aging and anti-cancer properties have been proposed, including the promotion of autophagy, enhanced translational control, and augmented mitochondrial function. For instance, spermidine allosterically activates mitochondrial trifunctional protein (MTP), a bipartite protein complex that mediates (…)
Novel insights at the crossroads of antibiotic use and cancer risk
Malanovic and VejzovicThe continuous use of antibiotics is associated with the spread of antimicrobial resistances and the not yet clear link to cancer development. Many conventional antibiotics have already shown different effects on a variety of cancer types raising questions for their rational use in cancer. However, discrepancy in the observed trend for some antibiotics reducing cancer development and being associated with higher risk of cancer underscores the lack of understanding the complex link between antibiotics and cancer. Here, we briefly summarize the possible antibiotic-mediated effects on cancer and conclude that those effects can be direct via i) specific targeting of tumor/cancer, ii) antimicrobial activity and iii) immunomodulatory activity whereby iv) indirectly caused effects primarily affect immune equilibrium between bacteria, cancer and immune cells. Furthermore, we also conclude that there is a great need for bulk profiling, comprehensive screening programs in all countries and in-depth studies to understand the risks and benefits of antibiotic use.
Impact of microbiota on breast cancer hormone therapy
Terrisse et al.Recent observations indicate that the pathogenesis and prognosis of hormone-receptor breast cancer is not only dictated by the properties of the malignant cells but also by immune and microbial parameters. Thus, the immunosurveillance system retards the development of hormone-positive breast cancer and contributes to the therapeutic efficacy of estrogen receptor antagonists and aromatase inhibitors. Moreover, the anticancer immune response is profoundly modulated by the local and intestinal microbiota, which influences cancer cell-intrinsic signaling pathways, affects the composition and function of the immune infiltrate present in the tumor microenvironment and modulates the metabolism of estrogens. Indeed, specific bacteria in the gut produce enzymes that affect the enterohepatic cycle of estrogen metabolites, convert estrogens into androgens or generate estrogen-like molecules. The knowledge of these circuitries is in its infancy, calling for further in-depth analyses.
Can’t find what you’re looking for?
You can browse all our issues and published articles here.
FAQs
Peer-reviewed, open-access research using unicellular organisms (and multicellular microorganisms) to understand cellular responses and human disease.
The journal (founded in 2014) is led by its Editors-in-Chief Frank Madeo, Didac Carmona-Gutierrez, and Guido Kroemer
Microbial Cell has been publishing original scientific literature since 2014, and from the very beginning has been managed by active scientists through an independent Publishing House (Shared science Publishers). The journal was conceived as a platform to acknowledge the importance of unicellular organisms, both as model systems as well as in the biological context of human health and disease.
Ever since, Microbial Cell has very positively developed and strongly grown into a respected journal in the unicellular research community and even beyond. This scientific impact is reflected in the yearly number of citations obtained by articles published in Microbial Cell, as recorded by the Web of Science (Clarivate, formerly Thomson/Reuters):
The scientific impact of Microbial Cell is also mirrored in a series of milestones:
2015: Microbial Cell is included in the Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), a selection of developing journals drafted by Clarivate Analytics based on the candidate’s publishing standards, quality, editorial content, and citation data. Note: As an ESCI-selected journal, Microbial Cell is currently being evaluated in a rigorous and long process to determine an inclusion in the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE), which allows the official calculation of Clarivate Analytics’ impact factor.
2016: Microbial Cell is awarded the so-called DOAJ Seal by the selective Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ). The DOAJ Seal is an exclusive mark of certification for open access journals granted by DOAJ to journals that adhere to outstanding best practice and achieve an extra high and clear commitment to open access and high publishing standards.
2017: Microbial Cell is included in Pubmed Central (PMC), allowing the archiving of all the journal’s articles in PMC and PubMed.
2019: Microbial Cell is indexed in the prestigious abstract and citation database Scopus after a thorough selection process. This also means that Microbial Cell obtains, for the first time, an official Scopus CiteScore as well as an official journal ranking in the Scimago Journal and Country Ranking.
2022: Microbial Cell’s CiteScore reaches a value of 7.2 for the year 2021, positioning Microbial Cell among the top microbiology journals (previously available CiteScores: 2019: 5.4; 2020: 5.1).
2022: Microbial Cell is indexed in the highly selective Science Citation Index Expanded™, which covers approx. 9,500 of the world’s most impactful journals across 178 scientific disciplines. In their journal selection and curation process, Clarivate´s editors apply 24 ‘quality’ criteria and four ‘impact’ criteria to select the most influential journals in their respective fields. This selection is also a pre-requisite for inclusion in the JCR, which features the impact factor.
2022: Microbial Cell is listed in the Journal Citation Reports™ (JCR), and obtains its first official Journal Impact Factor™ (JIF) for the year 2021: 5.316.Check Article Types and Manuscript Preparation guidelines. Submit online via Scholastica.