Uterine sarcomas with KAT6B/A::KANSL1 fusion represent a new entity characterized by bland morphology, commonly with hybrid features of low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (LG-ESS) and tumors with smooth muscle differentiation. In our study, we performed a detailed morphological, immunohistochemical, and molecular analysis of 9 cases of these tumors. Six of those had been originally diagnosed as LG-ESS, one as leiomyoma, one as leiomyosarcoma, and the remaining case as sarcoma with the KAT6B/A::KANSL1 fusion. Seven cases showed overlapping features between endometrial stromal and smooth muscle tumors, one case resembled cellular leiomyoma, and one case resembled high-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma. Immunohistochemically, the tumors showed a common expression of smooth muscle markers and endometrial stromal markers. Molecular findings showed the KAT6B/A::KANSL1 fusion in all cases (by NGS and FISH). In addition, mutations affecting genes such as TP53, PDGFRB, NF1, RB1, PTEN, ATM, RB1, FANCD2, and TSC1 were present in all 5 cases with aggressive behavior. One patient with no evidence of disease showed no additional mutations, while another harbored a mutation of a single gene (ERCC3). Of the 8 patients with available follow-up, two died of disease, 3 are currently alive with disease, and 3 have no evidence of disease. The correct recognition of tumors with the KAT6B/A::KANSL1 fusion is essential because despite the bland morphological features of most cases, these tumors have a propensity for aggressive behavior.

• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Sarcoma, Endometrial Stromal genetics   pathology   MeSH
• Oncogene Proteins, Fusion genetics   MeSH
• Histone Acetyltransferases genetics   MeSH
• Immunohistochemistry MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Mutation MeSH
• Biomarkers, Tumor * genetics   analysis   MeSH
• Uterine Neoplasms * pathology   genetics   MeSH
• Sarcoma genetics   pathology   MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

A new group of potent histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) capable of inhibiting cell growth and affecting cell-cycle progression in Tohoku Hospital Pediatrics-1 (THP-1) monocytic leukaemia cells was synthesized. The inhibitors belong to a series of hydroxamic acid derivatives. We designed and synthesized a series of 22 N-hydroxycinnamamide derivatives, out of which 20 are new compounds. These compounds contain various substituted anilides as the surface recognition moiety (SRM), a p-hydroxycinnamate linker, and hydroxamic acids as the zinc-binding group (ZBG). The whole series of synthesized hydroxamic acids inhibited THP-1 cell proliferation. Compounds 7d and 7p, which belong to the category of derivatives with the most potent antiproliferative properties, exert a similar effect on cell-cycle progression as vorinostat and induce apoptosis in THP-1 cells. Furthermore, compounds 7d and 7p were demonstrated to inhibit HDAC class I and II in THP-1 cells with comparable potency to vorinostat and increase acetylation of histones H2a, H2b, H3, and H4. Molecular modelling was used to predict the probable binding mode of the studied HDACis in class I and II histone deacetylases in terms of Zn2+ ion chelation by the hydroxamate group.

• MeSH
• Apoptosis * drug effects   MeSH
• Cell Cycle drug effects   MeSH
• Histone Deacetylases metabolism   MeSH
• Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors * pharmacology   chemical synthesis   chemistry   MeSH
• Hydroxamic Acids * pharmacology   chemical synthesis   chemistry   MeSH
• Coumaric Acids * pharmacology   chemistry   chemical synthesis   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Molecular Structure MeSH
• Cell Line, Tumor MeSH
• Cell Proliferation drug effects   MeSH
• Antineoplastic Agents * pharmacology   chemical synthesis   chemistry   MeSH
• Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor MeSH
• Molecular Docking Simulation MeSH
• THP-1 Cells MeSH
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug MeSH
• Structure-Activity Relationship MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Mitochondria are central to cellular energy metabolism, contributing to synaptic transmission and plasticity. The mitochondrial membranes present the cannabinoid type-1 receptor (mito-CB1R), which has been functionally linked to neuronal energy supply and cognitive processing. Prenatal exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (pTHC) has been associated with cognitive impairments associated with molecular cellular and functional abnormalities in several brain regions, including the hippocampus. This study aims at assessing whether, besides the memory impairment, pTHC exposure may result in mitochondrial molecular and functional alterations in the hippocampus of the offspring. Moreover, the assessment of CB1R expression is also carried out as a proxy of CB1 signalling in pTHC-exposed offspring. THC (2 mg/Kg), or vehicle, was administered to the dams from gestational day (GD) 5 to GD20, and the offspring were tested for declarative memory using the Novel Object Recognition test in the L-maze. We also assessed: mitochondrial respiration by high-resolution respirometry; mitochondrial respiratory complex-I subunit NDUFS1 protein levels, and mito-CB1R expression by ELISA. Our results revealed: significant memory impairment in pTHC-exposed offspring; attenuated mitochondrial respiration in the hippocampus alongside a marked reduction in complex-I-subunit NDUFS1; a significant increase in mito-CB1R expression. This is the first evidence of pTHC exposure-induced impairment in memory processing in the offspring that suggests a functional link between an attenuation in mitochondrial bioenergetics and abnormal CB1R signalling in the hippocampus.

• MeSH
• Maze Learning drug effects   MeSH
• Cell Respiration drug effects   MeSH
• Hippocampus * metabolism   drug effects   MeSH
• Rats MeSH
• Mitochondria * metabolism   drug effects   MeSH
• Memory drug effects   MeSH
• Memory Disorders * metabolism   chemically induced   MeSH
• Rats, Wistar MeSH
• Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 * metabolism   MeSH
• Pregnancy MeSH
• Dronabinol * toxicity   MeSH
• Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects * metabolism   chemically induced   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Rats MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Pregnancy MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

UNLABELLED: The Aspergillus genus encompasses a diverse array of species, some of which are opportunistic pathogens. Traditionally, human aspergillosis has primarily been linked to a few Aspergillus species, predominantly A. fumigatus. Changes in epidemiology and advancements in molecular techniques have brought attention to less common and previously unrecognized pathogenic cryptic species. Despite the taxonomic recognition of many cryptic species in section Terrei, their virulence potential and clinical implications, compared to A. terreus sensu stricto, remain poorly understood. Hence, the current study utilized the alternative in vivo model Galleria mellonella to evaluate the virulence potential of 19 accepted Aspergillus species in section Terrei, classified into three series (major phylogenetic clades): Terrei, Nivei, and Ambigui. Analyzing the median survival rates of infected larvae of all species in each series revealed that series Ambigui has a significantly lower virulence compared to series Terrei and Nivei. Taking a closer look at series Terrei and Nivei revealed a trend of survival within each clade, dividing the species into two groups: highly virulent (up to 72 h survival) and less virulent (up to 144 h survival). Histological observation, considering fungal distribution and filamentation, further supported this assessment, revealing increased distribution and hyphal formation in virulent species. Additionally, the susceptibility profile of conventional antifungals was determined, revealing an increased azole minimum inhibitory concentration for some tested cryptic species such as A. niveus and A. iranicus. Our results highlight the importance of cryptic species identification, as they can exhibit different levels of virulence and show reduced antifungal susceptibility. IMPORTANCE: With changing fungal epidemiology and an increasingly vulnerable population, cryptic Aspergillus species are emerging as human pathogens. Their diversity and clinical relevance remain underexplored, with some species showing reduced antifungal susceptibility and higher virulence, highlighting the need for better preparedness in clinical practice. Using the Galleria mellonella model, we assessed the virulence of Aspergillus species of section Terrei, including cryptic and non-cryptic species, across three series Terrei, Nivei, and Ambigui. The results revealed significant virulence variation among the series, with some cryptic species displaying high virulence. Histological analysis confirmed increased hyphal formation and fungal spread in the more virulent species. Additionally, elevated azole minimum inhibitory concentrations were also observed in certain cryptic species. This study presents novel insights into the pathogenicity of Aspergillus section Terrei, emphasizing the critical importance of accurately identifying cryptic species due to their diverse virulence potential and antifungal resistance, which may have substantial clinical implications.

• MeSH
• Antifungal Agents pharmacology   MeSH
• Aspergillus * pathogenicity   classification   drug effects   genetics   MeSH
• Aspergillosis * microbiology   MeSH
• Phylogeny MeSH
• Larva microbiology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Disease Models, Animal MeSH
• Moths * microbiology   MeSH
• Virulence MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a respiratory virus that emerged in late 2019 and rapidly spread worldwide, causing the COVID-19 pandemic. The spike glycoprotein (S protein) plays a crucial role in viral target recognition and entry by interacting with angiotensin, converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the functional receptor for the virus, via its receptor binding domain (RBD). The RBD availability for this interaction can be influenced by external factors, such as fatty acids. Linoleic acid (LA), a free fatty acid, has been shown to bind the S protein, modulating the viral infection by reducing initial target recognition. LA interacts with the fatty acid binding pocket (FABP), a potential drug target against SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we aimed to exploit the FABP as a drug target by performing a docking-based virtual screening with a library of commercially available, drug-like compounds. The virtual hits identified were then assessed in in vitro assays for the inhibition of the virus-host interaction and cytotoxicity. Binding assays targeting the spike-ACE2 interaction identified multiple compounds with inhibitory activity and low cytotoxicity.

• MeSH
• Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 * metabolism   chemistry   MeSH
• Antiviral Agents pharmacology   chemistry   metabolism   MeSH
• COVID-19 virology   metabolism   MeSH
• COVID-19 Drug Treatment MeSH
• Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus * metabolism   chemistry   MeSH
• Linoleic Acid metabolism   chemistry   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins metabolism   MeSH
• SARS-CoV-2 * metabolism   drug effects   MeSH
• Molecular Docking Simulation * MeSH
• Protein Binding * MeSH
• Binding Sites MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Mesenchymal neoplasms with GLI1 alterations have recently been reported in several anatomic locations. Their morphology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) are nonspecific, making their recognition a true challenge. To assess the diagnostic value of GLI1 and p16 IHC for identifying GLI1-altered neoplasms, we evaluated 12 such neoplasms (6 GLI1-amplified and 6 with GLI1-fusions) using the GLI1 IHC. Additionally, we evaluated some of their morphological and molecular mimickers, including glomangiomas, Ewing sarcomas (ES), myxoid liposarcomas, and MDM2/CDK4-amplified sarcomas (well-differentiated liposarcoma/WDLPS, dedifferentiated liposarcoma/DDLPS, and intimal sarcoma). All successfully tested GLI1-altered tumors (11/11) demonstrated at least moderate/strong nuclear and/or cytoplasmic GLI1 IHC positivity. GLI1-amplified tumors exhibited a moderate/strong predominantly nuclear staining, compared to a moderate, patchy, and predominantly cytoplasmic GLI1 positivity in GLI1-fusion tumors. Among their mimics, GLI1 immunoreactivity, either cytoplasmic or nuclear, was observed in intimal sarcoma (3/3) and WDLPS/DDLPS (22/25). GLI1 IHC demonstrated 92% sensitivity and 90.8% specificity in diagnosing GLI1-altered neoplasms. Strong/moderate nuclear/cytoplasmic p16 immunoexpression was noted in all GLI1-amplified tumors compared to none of fused cases. Overall, the GLI1/p16 combination demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 93% for GLI1-amplified tumors. In conclusion, we confirm that GLI1 IHC represents a good, quick, and cheap helpful screening tool. The inclusion of p16 may aid in pre-screening for potential GLI1-amplified neoplasms and provide insights on which tumors warrant further molecular testing.

• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Immunohistochemistry * MeSH
• Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16 * metabolism   analysis   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Biomarkers, Tumor * analysis   metabolism   genetics   MeSH
• Zinc Finger Protein GLI1 * analysis   metabolism   genetics   MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Readthrough of a translation termination codon is regulated by ribosomal A site recognition and insertion of near-cognate tRNAs. Small molecules exist that mediate incorporation of amino acids at the stop codon and production of full-length, often functional protein but defining the actual amino acid that is incorporated remains a challenging area. Herein, we report on the development a human cell model that can be used to determine whether rules can be developed using mass spectrometry that define the type of amino acid that is placed at a premature termination codon (PTC) during readthrough mediated by an aminoglycoside. The first PTC we analyzed contained the relatively common cancer-associated termination signal at codon 213 in the p53 gene. Despite of identifying a tryptic peptide with the incorporation of an R at codon 213 in the presence of the aminoglycoside, there were no other tryptic peptides detected across codon 213 that could be recovered; hence we constructed a more robust artificial PTC model. P53 expression plasmids were developed that incorporate a string of single synthetic TGA (opal) stop codons at S127P128A129 within the relatively abundant tryptic p53 peptide 121-SVTCTYSPALNK-132. The treatment of cells stably expressing the p53-TGA129 mutation, treated with Gentamicin, followed by immunoprecipitation and trypsinization of p53, resulted in the identification R, W, or C within the tryptic peptide at codon-TGA129; as expected based on the two-base pairing of the respective anticodons in the tRNA to UGA, with R being the most abundant. By contrast, incorporating the amber or ochre premature stop codons, TAA129 or TAG129 resulted in the incorporation of a Y or Q amino acid, again as expected based on the two base pairings to the anticodons, with Q being the most abundant. A reproducible non-canonical readthrough termination codon-skip event at the extreme C-terminus at codon 436 in the SBP-p53 fusion protein was detected which provided a novel assay for non-canonical readthrough at an extreme C-terminal PTC. The incorporation of amino acids at codons 127, 128, or 129 generally result in a p53 protein that is predicted to be 'unfolded' or inactive as defined by molecular dynamic simulations presumably because the production of mixed wild-type p53 and mutant oligomers are known to be inactive through dominant negative effects of the mutation. The data highlight the need to not only produce novel small molecules that can readthrough PTCs or C-terminal termination codons, but also the need to design methods to insert the required amino acid at the position that could result in a 'wild-type' functional protein.

• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

As of the 7th of July 2024, 775,754,322 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 7,053,902 deaths worldwide, had been reported to the WHO (World Health Organization). Nevertheless, untill the 15th of July 2024, a total of 13,578,710,228 vaccine doses had been administered, with almost no country spared from COVID-19 attacks. The pathophysiology of this virus is complicated, and several symptoms require a deep understanding of the actual mechanisms. It is unclear why some patients develop severe symptoms while others do not, although literature suggests a role for vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the infection or in ameliorating the severity of symptoms. The mechanism of action of vitamin D and vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is well understood. VDD is associated with increased hospitalization of severely ill patients and increased levels of COVID-19-caused mortality. Recent studies suggest that vitamin D levels and genetic variations in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene significantly impact the severity and outcomes of COVID-19, especially in the infections caused by Delta and Omicron variants. Furthermore, VDD causes immune system dysregulation upon infection with SARS-CoV-2, indicating that vitamin D sufficiency is crucial in fighting against COVID-19 infection. The therapeutic effect of vitamin D raises interest in its potential role as a prophylactic and treatment adjunct. We evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D and its ability to enhance the efficacy of new antiviral drugs like molnupiravir and paxlovid against SARS-CoV-2. This review discusses the role of vitamin D sufficiency and VDD in COVID-19 initiation and progression, emphasizing the molecular mechanisms by which vitamin D exerts its actions as a proactive step for the next pandemic. However, there is still no clear evidence of vitamin D's impact on prevention and treatment, leading to contradictory findings. Therefore, large-scale randomized trials are required to reach a definitive conclusion. A bibliometric analysis of publications related to vitamin D, immunity, and COVID-19 revealed a significant increase in research activity in this area, particularly in 2020-2024, underscoring the growing recognition of vitamin D's potential role in the context of the pandemic.

• MeSH
• COVID-19 * immunology   MeSH
• COVID-19 Drug Treatment MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Vitamin D Deficiency * drug therapy   immunology   MeSH
• Pandemics MeSH
• Receptors, Calcitriol metabolism   MeSH
• SARS-CoV-2 immunology   MeSH
• Vitamin D * therapeutic use   administration & dosage   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH

Kolorektální karcinom (CRC) je druhou nejčastější rakovinou v České republice a jednou z hlavních příčin úmrtí. Navzdory nedávným pokrokům zůstává časná identifikace pacientů s rizikovými typy nádorů a účinného léčebného režimu i nadále náročná. Klíčovým limitujícím faktorem identifikace přesných prognostických a prediktivních biomarkerů je heterogenita v rámci nádoru / intratumorální heterogenita (ITH). Proto je nutné odhalit, do jaké míry jsou naše současné molekulární testy ovlivněny ITH a zda by cílený odběr určité části tumoru vedl k přesnějším prognostickým a prediktivním biomarkerům. Předložený projekt je zaměřen na studium klinického dopadu ITH prostřednictvím vzorkování nádorů z více oblastí. DNA a RNA budou izolovány z morfologicky odlišných oblastí nádoru (např. serrated / papilární oblast, invazivní fronta atd.) a využity k identifikaci klinicky relevantních biomarkerů. Předložený projekt má dvě hlavní oblasti zkoumání. První je zaměřena na mutační heterogenitu primárních nádorů u pacientů s metastatickým kolorektálním karcinomem léčených v první linii antiEGFR léčbou a to na analýzu pacientů s krátkým vs. dlouhodobým přežitím bez progrese. Druhý směr se zabývá otázkou vlivu ITH na prognózu doby do relapsu u pacientů stádia II, kteří nebyli léčeni adjuvantní chemoterapií. Využití více uniformních oblastí (z pohledu zastoupení buněk) může umožnit odhalení nových biomarkerů, které by jinak byly zastíněny dominantní buněčnou populací v celém objemu nádoru. Standardizace vzorkování kolorektálního karcinomu na jasně identifikovatelnou morfologickou oblast zmožní reprodukovatelnost těchto biomarkerů napříč studiemi a umožní jejich využití v klinické praxi.; Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer in Czech Republic and one of the leading causes of death. Despite recent advances, the recognition of high risk cases in early stages and the identification of the effective drug regimen remain challenging. A key factor limiting our ability to identify accurate prognostic and predictive biomarkers is the intra-tumour heterogeneity (ITH). Hence, there is an immediate need to understand to what extent our current molecular tests are influenced by ITH and whether a targeted tumour sampling would lead to more accurate prognostic and predictive biomarkers. The current proposal aims at studying the clinical implications of ITH by using multi-region tumour sampling. DNA and RNA will be extracted from morphologically distinct tumour regions (e.g. serrated/papillary, invasion front, etc.) and used for the identification of clinically actionable biomarkers. The project has two major directions of investigation. A first one studies the mutation heterogeneity of primaries for tumours with short vs longer progression-free survival in metastatic setting under anti-EGFR first line treatment. The second direction addresses the question of ITH impact on predicting the time-to-relapse for stage II patients not undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy. The use of more uniform regions (from a cell composition perspective) may allow unveiling novel biomarkers that otherwise would be obscured by the dominant cell population from bulk tumour sampling. Also, by anchoring the tumour sampling to clearly identifiable morphological region, these biomarkers would be reproducible across studies, bringing them closer to a clinical application.

• Keywords
• prognóza, prognosis, Kolorektální karcinom, Colorectal cancer, precision medicine, heterogenita, heterogeneity, individualizovaná léčba,

• NML Publication type
• závěrečné zprávy o řešení grantu AZV MZ ČR

Helicobacter pylori colonizes the human gastric mucosa of more than half of the human population and has a unique lipopolysaccharide (LPS) structure. LPS is the most dominant and suitable pathogen-associated molecular pattern that is detected via pattern recognition receptors. Although the priming effect of H. pylori LPS on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of PMNs is lower than that of Escherichia coli O111:B4 LPS, LPS released from H. pylori associated with antibiotics eradication therapy may activate PMNs and increase ROS production. In addition, we describe the effects of H. pylori and E. coli O111:B4 LPSs on gene expression and the anti-inflammatory effect of lansoprazole (LPZ) in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. LPS isolated from H. pylori and E. coli O111:B4 alters toll-like receptor 2 (TLR) and TLR4 expressions similarly. However, LPS from E. coli O111:B4 and H. pylori caused a 1.8-fold and 1.5-fold increase, respectively, in CD14 expression. All LPS subtypes upregulated TNFα and IL6 expression in a concentration-dependent manner. Although E. coli O111:B4 LPS upregulated IL8R mRNA levels, H. pylori LPS did not (≦ 100 ng/mL). Gene expression levels of ITGAM demonstrated no significant change on using both LPSs. These different effects on the gene expression in PMNs may depend on variations in LPS structural modifications related to the acquired immunomodulatory properties of H. pylori LPS. Proton pump inhibitors, i.e., LPZ, are used in combination with antibiotics for the eradication therapy of H. pylori. LPZ and its acid-activated sulphenamide form AG-2000 suppress ROS production of PMNs in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that LPZ combination with antibiotics for H. pylori eradication reduces gastric inflammation by suppressing ROS release from PMNs.

• MeSH
• Cytokines metabolism   genetics   MeSH
• Escherichia coli drug effects   genetics   MeSH
• Helicobacter pylori * drug effects   genetics   MeSH
• Proton Pump Inhibitors * pharmacology   chemistry   MeSH
• Lansoprazole * pharmacology   chemistry   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Lipopolysaccharides * metabolism   pharmacology   MeSH
• Neutrophils * drug effects   immunology   MeSH
• Reactive Oxygen Species metabolism   MeSH
• Toll-Like Receptor 4 metabolism   genetics   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH