Top read articles in the last 30 days
This list is updated daily and reflects the last month of access data. Articles older than two years will not be shown.
Citation Information: JCI Insight. 2025;10(5):e185193. https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.185193.
Abstract
Mutations in the gap junction β2 (GJB2) gene, which encodes connexin 26, are the leading cause of genetic deafness. These mutations are characterized by the degeneration and fragmentation of gap junctions and gap junction plaques (GJPs) composed of connexin 26. Dominant-negative mutations of GJB2, such as R75W, cause syndromic hearing loss and palmoplantar keratoderma. We previously reported that the R75W mutation, a single-base substitution where C is replaced by T, causes fragmentation of GJPs. Therefore, an adenine base editor (ABE), which enables A-to-G base conversions, can potentially be useful for the treatment of this genetic disease. Here, we report that an all-in-one adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector, which includes a compact ABE (SaCas9-NNG-ABE8e) with broad targeting range, and a sgRNA targeting the R75W mutation in GJB2 corrected this pathogenic mutation and facilitated the recovery of the gap junction intercellular communication network of GJPs. In a transgenic mouse model with the GJB2 R75W mutation, AAV-mediated base editing also restored the fragmented GJPs to orderly outlines in cochlear supporting cells. Our findings suggest that an ABE-based base-editing strategy could be an optimal treatment for the dominant form of GJB2-related hearing loss, GJB2-related skin diseases, and other deafness-related mutations, especially single-base substitutions.
Authors
Takao Ukaji, Daisuke Arai, Harumi Tsutsumi, Ryoya Nakagawa, Fumihiko Matsumoto, Katsuhisa Ikeda, Osamu Nureki, Kazusaku Kamiya
Total views: 1697
Citation Information: JCI Insight. 2025;10(3):e182398. https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.182398.
Abstract
Endothelial injury destroys endothelial barrier integrity, triggering organ dysfunction and ultimately resulting in sepsis-related death. Considerable attention has been focused on identifying effective targets for inhibiting damage to endothelial cells to treat endotoxemia-induced septic shock. Global gasdermin D (Gsdmd) deletion reportedly prevents death caused by endotoxemia. However, the role of endothelial GSDMD in endothelial injury and lethality in lipopolysaccharide-induced (LPS-induced) endotoxemia and the underlying regulatory mechanisms are unknown. Here, we show that LPS increases endothelial GSDMD level in aortas and lung microvessels. We demonstrated that endothelial Gsdmd deficiency, but not myeloid cell Gsdmd deletion, protects against endothelial injury and death in mice with endotoxemia or sepsis. In vivo experiments suggested that hepatocyte GSDMD mediated the release of high-mobility group box 1, which subsequently binds to the receptor for advanced glycation end products in endothelial cells to cause systemic vascular injury, ultimately resulting in acute lung injury and lethality in shock driven by endotoxemia or sepsis. Additionally, inhibiting endothelial GSDMD activation via a polypeptide inhibitor alleviated endothelial damage and improved survival in a mouse model of endotoxemia or sepsis. These data suggest that endothelial GSDMD is a viable pharmaceutical target for treating endotoxemia and endotoxemia-induced sepsis.
Authors
Enyong Su, Xiaoyue Song, Lili Wei, Junqiang Xue, Xuelin Cheng, Shiyao Xie, Hong Jiang, Ming Liu
Total views: 1585
Abstract
Hypoxia/hypoxia-inducible factor 1α–driven immunosuppressive transcription and cAMP-elevating signaling through A2A adenosine receptors (A2ARs) represent a major tumor-protecting pathway that enables immune evasion. Recent promising clinical outcomes due to the blockade of the adenosine-generating enzyme CD73 and A2AR in patients refractory to all other therapies have confirmed the importance of targeting hypoxia-adenosinergic signaling. We report a feasible approach to target the upstream stage of hypoxia-adenosinergic immunosuppression using an oxygen-carrying nanoemulsion (perfluorocarbon blood substitute). We show that oxygenation agent therapy (a) eliminates tumor hypoxia, (b) improves efficacy of endogenously developed and adoptively transferred T cells, and thereby (c) promotes regression of tumors in different anatomical locations. We show that both T cells and NK cells avoid hypoxic tumor areas and that reversal of hypoxia by oxygenation agent therapy increases intratumoral infiltration of activated T cells and NK cells due to reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Thus, repurposing oxygenation agents in combination with supplemental oxygen may improve current cancer immunotherapies by preventing hypoxia-adenosinergic suppression, promoting immune cell infiltration and enhancing effector responses. These data also suggest that pretreating patients with oxygenation agent therapy may reprogram the TME from immunosuppressive to immune-permissive prior to adoptive cell therapy, or other forms of immunotherapy.
Authors
Katarina Halpin-Veszeleiova, Michael P. Mallouh, Lucy M. Williamson, Ashley C. Apro, Nuria R. Botticello-Romero, Camille Bahr, Maureen Shin, Kelly M. Ward, Laura Rosenberg, Vladimir B. Ritov, Michail V. Sitkovsky, Edwin K. Jackson, Bruce D. Spiess, Stephen M. Hatfield
Total views: 1526
Abstract
Non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and its incidence has been increasing in recent years. While targeted therapies like osimertinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, have brought about notable improvements in patient outcomes for advanced NSCLC, the challenge of acquired drug resistance persists. Here, we found that cellular mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-Met) was highly expressed in osimertinib-resistant cells, and depletion of c-Met markedly inhibited the growth of osimertinib-resistant cells ex vivo and in vivo, suggesting that c-Met is a potential target to address osimertinib resistance. Through a screening process using a natural product compound library, we identified piperlongumine as a potent inhibitor to overcome osimertinib resistance. Furthermore, the combined treatment of piperlongumine and osimertinib exhibited robust antitumor effects in resistant cells, partially restoring their sensitivity to osimertinib. Additionally, we discovered that piperlongumine could enhance the interaction between E3 ligase RNF4 and Sp1, inhibit the phosphorylation of Sp1 at Thr739, facilitate the ubiquitination and degradation of Sp1, lead to c-Met destabilization, and trigger intrinsic apoptosis in resistant cells. In summary, our study sheds light on the potential of piperlongumine in overcoming osimertinib resistance, offering new strategies and perspectives for the clinical management of drug-resistant NSCLC.
Authors
Ruirui Wang, Qiang Wang, Jinzhuang Liao, Xinfang Yu, Wei Li
Total views: 1394
Citation Information: JCI Insight. 2025;10(6):e185508. https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.185508.
Abstract
The osteo-oto-hepato-enteric (O2HE) syndrome is a severe autosomal recessive disease ascribed to loss-of-function mutations in the Unc-45 myosin chaperone A (UNC45A) gene. The clinical spectrum includes bone fragility, hearing loss, cholestasis, and life-threatening diarrhea associated with microvillus inclusion disease–like enteropathy. Here, we present molecular and functional analysis of the UNC45A c.710T>C (p.Leu237Pro) missense variant, which revealed a unique pathogenicity compared with other genetic variants causing UNC45A deficiency. The UNC45A p.Leu237Pro mutant retained chaperone activity, prevented myosin aggregation, and supported proper nonmuscle myosin II (NMII) filament formation in patient fibroblasts and human osteosarcoma (U2OS) cells. However, the mutant formed atypically stable oligomers and prevented chaperone-myosin complex dissociation, thereby inhibiting NMII functions. Similar to biallelic UNC45A deficiency, this resulted in impaired intracellular trafficking, defective recycling, and abnormal retention of transferrin at various endocytic sites. In particular, coexpression of wild-type protein attenuated the pathogenic effects of the variant by inhibiting excessive oligomer formation. Our results elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms and recessive characteristics of this variant and may aid in the development of targeted therapies.
Authors
Stephanie Waich, Karin Kreidl, Julia Vodopiutz, Arzu Meltem Demir, Adam R. Pollio, Vojtěch Dostál, Kristian Pfaller, Marianna Parlato, Nadine Cerf-Bensussan, Rüdiger Adam, Georg F. Vogel, Holm H. Uhlig, Frank M. Ruemmele, Thomas Müller, Michael W. Hess, Andreas R. Janecke, Lukas A. Huber, Taras Valovka
Total views: 1381
Citation Information: JCI Insight. 2025;10(6):e182563. https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.182563.
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic modality but heterogeneity in patient responsiveness remains. Thus, greater understanding of the immunologic factors that dictate response to immunotherapy is critical to improve patient outcomes. Here, we show that fibrinogen-like protein 2 (Fgl2) is elevated in the setting of melanoma in humans and mice and plays a functional role in inhibiting the CD8+ T cell response. Surprisingly, the tumor itself is not the major cellular source of Fgl2. Instead, we found that macrophage-secreted Fgl2 dampens the CD8+ T cell response through binding and apoptosis of FcγRIIB+CD8+ T cells. This regulation was CD8+ T cell autonomous and not via an antigen-presenting cell intermediary, as absence of Fcgr2b from the CD8+ T cells rendered T cells insensitive to Fgl2 regulation. Fgl2 is robustly expressed by macrophages in 10 cancer types in humans and in 6 syngeneic tumor models in mice, underscoring the clinical relevance of Fgl2 as a therapeutic target to promote T cell activity and improve patient immunotherapeutic response.
Authors
Kelsey B. Bennion, Julia Miranda R.Bazzano, Danya Liu, Maylene Wagener, Chrystal M. Paulos, Mandy L. Ford
Total views: 1361
Citation Information: JCI Insight. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.180943.
Abstract
BACKGROUND. Alterations in circulating metabolites have been described in obese metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), but data on lean MASLD are lacking. We investigated serum metabolites, including microbial bile acids (BAs) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and their association with lean and obese MASLD. METHODS. Serum samples from 204 subjects of European descent were allocated to four groups: lean healthy (n=61), lean MASLD (n=49), obese healthy (n=47) and obese MASLD (n=47). LC/MS-based metabolomics was performed followed by linear model analysis. MASLD prediction was assessed based on LASSO regression. Functional effects of significantly altered molecules were confirmed in organotypic 3D primary human liver cultures. RESULTS. Lean MASLD was characterized by elevated isobutyrate, along with higher methionine sulfoxide, propionate and phosphatidylcholines. Patients with obese MASLD had increased sarcosine and decreased lysine and asymmetric dimethylarginine. Using metabolites, sex and body mass index, MASLD vs. healthy could be predicted with a median AUC of 86.5% and 85.6% in the lean and obese subgroups, respectively. Functional experiments in organotypic 3D primary human liver cultures showed that propionate and isobutyrate induced lipid accumulation and altered expression of genes involved in lipid and glucose metabolism. CONCLUSION. Our results indicate that lean MASLD is characterized by a distinct metabolite pattern related to amino acid metabolism, lipids and SCFAs, while metabolic pathways of lipid accumulation are differentially activated by microbial metabolites. Our findings highlight an important role of microbial metabolites in MASLD pathogenesis, with implications for the predictive and mechanistic assessment of liver disease across different weight categories. FUNDING. The work received funding from the Robert Bosch Stiftung, Stuttgart, Germany, the Swedish Research Council [grant numbers 2021-02801, 2023-03015 and 2024-03401], the ERC Consolidator Grant 3DMASH [101170408], Ruth and Richard Julin Foundation for Gastroenterology [grant number 2021-00158], the SciLifeLab and Wallenberg National Program for Data-Driven Life Science [WASPDDLS22:006], and the Novo Nordisk Foundation [NNF23OC0085944 and NNF23OC0084420]. JT was supported by PMU-FFF [grant number E-18/28/148-FEL].
Authors
Mathias Haag, Stefan Winter, Aurino M. Kemas, Julia Tevini, Alexandra Feldman, Sebastian K. Eder, Thomas K. Felder, Christian Datz, Bernhard Paulweber, Gerhard Liebisch, Oliver Burk, Volker M. Lauschke, Elmar Aigner, Matthias Schwab
Total views: 1282
Citation Information: JCI Insight. 2024;9(6):e165226. https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.165226.
Abstract
Recently, skeletal stem cells were shown to be present in the epiphyseal growth plate (epiphyseal skeletal stem cells, epSSCs), but their function in connection with linear bone growth remains unknown. Here, we explore the possibility that modulating the number of epSSCs can correct differences in leg length. First, we examined regulation of the number and activity of epSSCs by Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. Both systemic activation of Hh pathway with Smoothened agonist (SAG) and genetic activation of Hh pathway by Patched1 (Ptch1) ablation in Pthrp-creER Ptch1fl/fl tdTomato mice promoted proliferation of epSSCs and clonal enlargement. Transient intra-articular administration of SAG also elevated the number of epSSCs. When SAG-containing beads were implanted into the femoral secondary ossification center of 1 leg of rats, this leg was significantly longer 1 month later than the contralateral leg implanted with vehicle-containing beads, an effect that was even more pronounced 2 and 6 months after implantation. We conclude that Hh signaling activates growth plate epSSCs, which effectively leads to increased longitudinal growth of bones. This opens therapeutic possibilities for the treatment of differences in leg length.
Authors
Dana Trompet, Anastasiia D. Kurenkova, Baoyi Zhou, Lei Li, Ostap Dregval, Anna P. Usanova, Tsz Long Chu, Alexandra Are, Andrei A. Nedorubov, Maria Kasper, Andrei S. Chagin
Total views: 1269
Abstract
RESULTS. Participants with CAD (n = 723) had 12% higher mean relative levels of nHDLox compared with those with invasively excluded CAD (n = 502, P < 0.001). Patients presenting with symptoms of an ACS had the highest nHDLox values when compared with the elective cohort (median 1.35, IQR 0.97 to 1.85, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and hypertension, nHDLox was a strong independent predictor of ACS (P < 0.001) but not of CAD (P > 0.05).CONCLUSION. HDL antioxidant function is reduced in patients with CAD. nHDLox is strongly associated with ACS. TRIAL REGISTRATION. German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00014037. FUNDING. Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, the BIOX Stiftung, and NIH grants R01AG059501 and R03AG059462. BACKGROUND. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) function rather than its concentration plays an important role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of the present study was to determine whether reduced antioxidant function of HDL is associated with the presence of a stable CAD or acute coronary syndrome (ACS).METHODS. HDL function was measured in 2 cohorts: 1225 patients admitted electively for coronary angiography and 196 patients with ACS. A validated cell-free biochemical assay was used to determine reduced HDL antioxidant function, as assessed by increased HDL-lipid peroxide content (HDLox), which was normalized by HDL-C levels and the mean value of a pooled serum control from healthy participants (nHDLox; unitless). Results are expressed as median with interquartile range (IQR).
Authors
Benjamin Sasko, Linda Scharow, Rhea Mueller, Monique Jaensch, Werner Dammermann, Felix S. Seibert, Philipp Hillmeister, Ivo Buschmann, Martin Christ, Oliver Ritter, Nazha Hamdani, Christian Ukena, Timm H. Westhoff, Theodoros Kelesidis, Nikolaos Pagonas
Total views: 1171
Citation Information: JCI Insight. 2023;8(12):e170671. https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.170671.
Abstract
Growing evidence indicates that the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) system is involved in the neurobiology of addictive behaviors, and GLP-1 analogues may be used for the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Here, we examined the effects of semaglutide, a long-acting GLP-1 analogue, on biobehavioral correlates of alcohol use in rodents. A drinking-in-the-dark procedure was used to test the effects of semaglutide on binge-like drinking in male and female mice. We also tested the effects of semaglutide on binge-like and dependence-induced alcohol drinking in male and female rats, as well as acute effects of semaglutide on spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) from central amygdala (CeA) and infralimbic cortex (ILC) neurons. Semaglutide dose-dependently reduced binge-like alcohol drinking in mice; a similar effect was observed on the intake of other caloric/noncaloric solutions. Semaglutide also reduced binge-like and dependence-induced alcohol drinking in rats. Semaglutide increased sIPSC frequency in CeA and ILC neurons from alcohol-naive rats, suggesting enhanced GABA release, but had no overall effect on GABA transmission in alcohol-dependent rats. In conclusion, the GLP-1 analogue semaglutide decreased alcohol intake across different drinking models and species and modulated central GABA neurotransmission, providing support for clinical testing of semaglutide as a potentially novel pharmacotherapy for AUD.
Authors
Vicky Chuong, Mehdi Farokhnia, Sophia Khom, Claire L. Pince, Sophie K. Elvig, Roman Vlkolinsky, Renata C.N. Marchette, George F. Koob, Marisa Roberto, Leandro F. Vendruscolo, Lorenzo Leggio
Total views: 1146
