Health and Metabolism

Key Factors in the Multiple Mechanisms of Virus Entry

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Review

Key Factors in the Multiple Mechanisms of Virus Entry

Yifan Wang ^1,2, Quanxiang Yu ^1,3, Shuru Lin ^1,3, Wenqi Jiang ^1,3, Zhengfei Qi ^1,3,4, Lina Wang ^1,3, Lian Wu ^1,3, Rui Ma ^1,3, Kexin Zhang ^1,3, Shurong Chen ^1,3,4, Jiayi Xie ^1,3, Lingli Zheng ^1,3,4, Min Zhou ^1,3,4 and Qingshan Bill Fu ^1,3,4,*

¹ Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
² School of Life Science and Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 124000, China
³ Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528400, China
⁴ University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
* Correspondence: fuqingshan@simm.ac.cn

Received: 22 October 2024; Revised: 12 November 2024; Accepted: 19 December 2024; Published: 2 January 2025

Abstract: Viruses are non-cellular organisms that must parasitize and multiply within living cells to achieve their replicative procedures. Viral assaults can affect bacteria, eukaryotes, and archaea. Well-known viral illnesses in human history include smallpox, Ebola, the black death, the Spanish flu, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), rabies, SARS, etc. Each of these diseases has caused countless deaths and severe consequences, greatly hindering the progress of human civilization and economic growth. Invasion of host cells by viruses can be broadly divided into several steps: adhesion, entry, replication, assembly, and release. Viral entry is particularly essential for viral invasion of host cells to cause infection. Different methods are employed by enveloped and non-enveloped viruses to mediate virus entry. Whichever entry technique is used, a few essential proteins (virus membrane proteins and cell receptor proteins) play crucial rules. Our knowledge of the structures of important proteins is also essential since it can inform us of the precise steps involved in this procedure. This review discusses the various methods of virus entry (such as Clathrin/Caveolae-mediated endocytosis, Lipid raft, and Macropinocytosis), lists a few typical fusion proteins in virus entry, and offers brief information on the structural characteristics of virus entry for diseases caused by the HIV and the recently discovered virus SARS-CoV-2. The intention of this page is to provide readers with an overall overview of virus entry pathways and to serve as a theoretical foundation for pertinent researches.

Gut Microbiota and Their Metabolites as Modulators of Vascular Complications in Diabetes

Meng Duan, Jielu Wen, Anning Chen, Sifan Chen — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Review

Gut Microbiota and Their Metabolites as Modulators of Vascular Complications in Diabetes

Meng Duan ^1,2,3,^†, Jielu Wen ^1,2,^†, Anning Chen ^1,2,^† and Sifan Chen ^1,2,*

¹ Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China

² Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital,
Foshan 528200, China

³ Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China

* Correspondence: chensf26@mail.sysu.edu.cn

† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Received: 8 November 2024; Revised: 29 November 2024; Accepted: 24 December 2024; Published: 7 January 2025

Abstract: With the global rise in population and aging, along with the increasing burden of overweight and obesity, the prevalence of diabetes is expected to surge dramatically. Microvascular and macrovascular complications are the leading causes of death among patients with type 2 diabetes. Recent advancements have provided evidence suggesting that gut microbiota directly or indirectly regulate vascular function. This review focuses on the complex interactions between gut microbiota and its metabolites and vascular complications of diabetes. In particular, we highlight the novel therapeutic effects of interventions such as probiotics, dietary modifications, and fecal microbiota transplantation in improving gut microbiota composition and reducing the risk of vascular complications in diabetes. These findings not only provide new insights into the pathological mechanisms of diabetic vascular complications but also reveal ideas for guiding the formulation of future treatment strategies.

Effects of Static Magnetic Fields on Metabolic Diseases

Shiyu Lu, Junjun Wang, Xin Zhang — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Review

Effects of Static Magnetic Fields on Metabolic Diseases

Shiyu Lu ^1,2, Junjun Wang ^1,* and Xin Zhang ^1,2,*

¹ High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China

² Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China

* Correspondence: junjunwang1222@hmfl.ac.cn (J.W.); xinzhang@hmfl.ac.cn (X.Z.)

Received: 1 December 2024; Revised: 11 December 2024; Accepted: 26 December 2024; Published: 8 January 2025

Abstract: Metabolic diseases encompass a range of disorders resulting from disruptions in amino acid, glucose, lipid, or energy homeostasis. In recent years, there has been increasing recognition among researchers that static magnetic fields (SMFs) can have diverse effects on certain metabolic diseases. Cellular and animal studies indicate that SMFs elicit markedly different responses in animals, depending on whether they are healthy or have pathological conditions. Notably, several studies have reported that SMFs with specific parameters could have beneficial effects in mice with diabetes, fatty liver disease, and cancer. However, the safety threshold for SMF exposure appears to be significantly lower in mice with severe metabolic diseases, such as severe diabetes or alcoholic liver disease, compared to healthy mice. Furthermore, the SMF direction is also an indispensable factor in regulating pathological conditions involving cell proliferation. This review aims to summarize the impact of SMFs on prevalent metabolic diseases, including diabetes, fatty liver disease, and cancer, explore their potential mechanisms, and address the factors contributing to the inconsistent findings in the literature. The goal is to provide a foundation for the future development of SMFs as non-invasive, highly penetrative physical approaches for diagnosing and treating metabolic disorders.

AMPK-Mediated Multi-Organ Protective Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

Xin Wang, Linxi Wang — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Review

AMPK-Mediated Multi-Organ Protective Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

Xin Wang ¹ and Linxi Wang ^2,*

¹ Emergency Department, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China

² Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fujian Institute of Endocrinology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China

* Correspondence: dr.linxi.wang@foxmail.com

Received: 11 October 2024; Revised: 23 October 2024; Accepted: 20 December 2024; Published: 9 January 2025

Abstract: AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key enzyme broadly involved in regulating cellular metabolism, often called an “energy sensor”. Activated AMPK promotes ATP production and storage within cells, primarily by inhibiting ATP-consuming anabolic processes (such as protein, lipid, and ribosomal synthesis) and initiating ATP-producing catabolic pathways (such as fatty acid oxidation and glycolysis) to maintain energy homeostasis. AMPK regulates metabolic processes in various peripheral tissues, including glucose and lipid metabolism, cholesterol metabolism, and fatty acid and protein metabolism in pancreatic β-cells, the cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys, skeletal muscles, and the central nervous system. As an antidiabetic drug, the multi-organ protective effects of Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) are increasingly being recognized. This paper reviews the mechanisms by which GLP-1RA confers organ protection via the AMPK signaling pathway.

Lifting the Veil on Myeloma Bone Disease

Rui Chen, Rui Liu, Huan Liu — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Review

Lifting the Veil on Myeloma Bone Disease

Rui Chen ¹, Rui Liu ¹, and Huan Liu ^1,2,*

¹ Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China

² Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China

* Correspondence: huanliu@xmu.edu.cn

Received: 13 November 2024; Revised: 29 November; Accepted: 13 January 2025; Published: 23 January 2025

Abstract: Multiple myeloma (MM), a hematological malignancy originating from malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow, predominantly affects the elderly, and its incidence is on the rise. It is currently the second most common hematological malignancy. Osteolytic bone disease, a severe complication detected in nearly 80% of myeloma patients, affects the entire skeletal system, particularly the skull, spine, pelvis, and long bones of the limbs. This condition causes pathological fractures, severe bone pain, spinal cord compression, and hypercalcemia. The management of bone damage in myeloma patients presents numerous challenges, with current clinical treatments primarily relying on bisphosphonates and anti-RANKL monoclonal antibodies (Denosumab). This review summarizes recent advancements in research on myeloma and bone damage, focusing on the complex interactions between myeloma cells and various other cell types that affect the skeleton. It also discusses the challenges encountered in bone damage research, highlighting potential future research directions and proposing therapeutic strategies.

Structural Overview of Herpesvirus Tegument Proteins

Hui-Ping He, Shuang Liao, Dong-Dong Gu, Kun Shi, Song Gao — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Review

Structural Overview of Herpesvirus Tegument Proteins

Hui-Ping He ^1,2^,*, Shuang Liao ², Dong-DongGu ², Kun Shi ¹, and Song Gao ²^,*

¹ Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, China

² State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China

* Correspondence: hehp@sysucc.org.cn (H.-P.H.); gaosong@sysucc.org.cn (S.G.)

Received: 14 November 2024; Revised: 10 December 2024; Accepted: 22 January 2025; Published: 14 February 2025

Abstract: Herpesviridae is a family of enveloped double-stranded DNA viruses that cause various diseases in hosts. Among the various components of herpesvirus particles, tegument proteins located between the envelope and nucleocapsid play crucial roles in viral replication, immune evasion, and host-pathogen interactions. Structural studies have unveiled the molecular architecture of tegument proteins, identifying conserved regions and functional domains that serve as therapeutic targets. For example, the immunogenic properties of pp150 have facilitated the development of HCMV vaccines, while structural insights into the BBRF2-BSRF1 complex have guided the design of inhibitors targeting hydrophobic interaction sites essential for viral envelopment. Understanding the three-dimensional structure of herpesvirus tegument proteins would reveal the molecular mechanism underlying the crosstalk with other viral and cellular components, necessitating research into their biological and pathological functions. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the structural features of herpesvirus tegument proteins, highlighting the structure-based functional implications, including their potential as targets for antiviral drug development.

Application of Wearable Devices in Diabetes Management

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Review

Application of Wearable Devices in Diabetes Management

Zijing Du ^1,2,^†, Feifan Zhang ^1,^†, Yifei Ge ¹, Yijiang Liu ³, Honghua Yu ², Yong Wang ⁴, Rinkoo Dalan ^1,5, and Xiaotao Shen ^1,3,*

¹ Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 636921, Singapore

² Guangdong Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China

³ School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore

⁴ College of Computing and Data Science, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637616, Singapore

⁵ Department of Endocrinology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, 308433, Singapore

* Correspondence: xiaotao.shen@ntu.edu.sg

† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Received: 17 December 2024; Revised: 20 January 2025; Accepted: 12 February 2025; Published: 19 February 2025

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus poses a significant global health challenge, impacting hundreds of millions worldwide. Effective management and prevention of complications rely on dynamic, real-time glucose monitoring. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the rapidly evolving landscape of wearable technologies for glucose monitoring and diabetes care, with a focus on cutting-edge advancements and their integration with artificial intelligence (AI) and multi-omics data. We explore diverse glucose monitoring approaches, including continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and smartwatches, highlighting their contributions to tracking physical activity, food intake, medication adherence, and direct glucose measurements. Our emphasis is placed on the role of AI systems in enabling predictive analytics and personalized care, as well as the integration of wearable data with multi-omics insights—spanning genomics, proteomics, and gut microbiome analyses—to enhance understanding of individual glucose metabolism. Given the challenges of existing methods, such as invasiveness, accuracy, and accessibility, we discuss future directions, including the potential of smart glasses, advanced AI models, and seamless data integration, to revolutionize diabetes management. This review offers valuable insights into how wearable technologies, AI, and multi-source data analysis are shaping the future of precision diabetes care.