16 September 2025

Comparison of the antibacterial properties of peptides from the hepatopancreas of red king crab and snow crab and development of an approach for red king crab peptide isolation from the hepatopancreas

"This review underscore the diversity and broad-spectrum potential of crustacean AMPs, positioning them as promising candidates for developing novel antibacterial drugs, particularly in addressing antibiotic resistance."

Rodolfo García-Contreras, Handling Editor

5 September 2025

Development of a prognostic RiskScore model using efferocytosis-related signature genes for lung adenocarcinoma

"This article investigates the prognostic relevance of efferocytosis-related genes in lung adenocarcinoma and constructs a RiskScore model using multi-omics data and a range of analytic approaches. By integrating consensus clustering, WGCNA, LASSO regression, and single-cell transcriptomic analysis, the authors identify and validate a set of genes with potential prognostic value and provide preliminary evidence for their functional roles in LUAD progression. The study also explores the association between the RiskScore and immune landscape, as well as drug sensitivity, which may carry implications for patient stratification and individualized therapy. The finding that these efferocytosis-related genes are predominantly expressed in mast cells adds a layer of interest, although the underlying biological mechanisms remain to be fully clarified. While the work is comprehensive in its use of bioinformatics and experimental validation, some limitations exist, including the dependence on existing datasets and the need for further mechanistic studies to substantiate the functional significance of the identified genes. Overall, this article offers a methodologically sound and relevant addition to the field, providing a basis for further research, though its impact may be somewhat limited by the exploratory nature of the findings."

Fanglin Guan, Handling Editor

3 September 2025

Insight into the PmrB structures of colistin-resistant Gram-negative bacteria through the multi-template ligand-guided homology modeling and in silico mutagenesis

"This study advances the fight against colistin-resistant infections by providing robust structural models, mechanistic insights, and a foundation for structure-based drug design, addressing a critical gap in antibiotic development."

Rodolfo García-Contreras, Handling Editor

27 August 2025

The role of N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) RNA methylation modification in kidney diseases: from mechanism to therapeutic potential

"m6A RNA modification represents a crucial post-transcriptional regulatory layer influencing gene expression in kidney disease. Its dysregulation contributes directly to pathological processes like fibrosis, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction. Understanding and targeting m6A pathways could redefine the molecular basis of renal disease, offering novel biomarkers and precision therapies—shifting the field toward more mechanistic, personalized approaches in nephrology."

Travis Beddoe, Handling Editor

26 August 2025

Role of pyroptosis in pregnancy-related diseases

"This review provides important information to readers working in the related fields."

Tokuko Haraguchi, Handling Editor

18 August 2025

The urea-creatinine ratio on the seventh day predicts the short-term prognosis of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: a retrospective study

"This work underscores the importance of hydration status as a modifiable factor in SICH management, offering a practical biomarker to predict outcomes and potentially improve patient care."

Rodolfo García-Contreras, Handling Editor

15 August 2025

UQCRC1 downregulation impairs cognitive function in mice via AMPK inactivation

"The study investigates how downregulation of UQCRC1 impairs cognitive function through AMPK activation, providing mechanistic insight into the link between mitochondrial dysfunction and cognitive impairment. The authors demonstrate that the compounds LH2-051 (via lysosomal regeneration) and A-769662 (via AMPK activation) can partially rescue the observed deficits, highlighting AMPK as a promising therapeutic target. This work is important in extending existing knowledge about this topic."

Matthew Parker, Handling Editor

14 August 2025

The effect of rotenone contamination on high-resolution mitochondrial respiration experiments

"This research reveals a key flaw in high-resolution respirometry used for measuring mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle. The standard washing protocol for the Oroboros 2k respirometer fails to remove inhibitors like rotenone, leading to contamination that can distort results, such as reduced respiration after exercise in affected chambers. Thorough washing, careful inhibitor use, and clear reporting are essential for accurate experiments."

Rodolfo García-Contreras, Handling Editor

30 July 2025

Identification of potential inhibitors of the main protease from feline infectious peritonitis virus using molecular docking and dynamic simulation approaches

"Feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) is a severe viral infection in cats, causing immunosuppression and inflammation. Current vaccines are ineffective, and antiviral therapies are still in clinical trials, not yet approved in many countries, including the USA. This study aimed to repurpose known antiviral drugs to target the FIPV main protease (FIPV-Mpro) using in silico prediction, molecular docking, and dynamics simulations. Among 15 tested compounds, GS-441524, Sofosbuvir, and the reference inhibitor N3 showed the highest potential as FIPV-Mpro inhibitors, with GS-441524 recommended for further investigation. The study suggests these compounds could be used alone or with immunomodulatory drugs and calls for additional in vitro and in vivo studies to confirm their efficacy, paving the way for new FIPV treatments."

Rodolfo García-Contreras, Handling Editor

23 July 2025

A study of salivary cortisol and glutamate after the cold pressor task in healthy adults

"This work presents insights into the potential of salivary biomarkers for assessing acute pain. The research demonstrates a significant increase in salivary cortisol levels 10 minutes post-cold pressor task (CPT), aligning with existing literature that identifies cortisol as a responsive marker to acute stressors like CPT. The observed sex differences, with males exhibiting a greater cortisol increase, further contribute to the understanding of hormonal responses to pain stimuli. Contrary to expectations, salivary glutamate levels did not show significant changes post-CPT, except for a decrease below baseline at 50 minutes. This suggests that while glutamate may be elevated in chronic pain conditions, it may not serve as a reliable biomarker for acute pain assessment."

Sonia Oliveira, Handling Editor