BUFFALO, NY — April 16, 2025 — A new #research paper was #published in Aging (Aging-US) Volume 17, Issue 3, on March 12, 2025, titled “DNA methylation entropy is a biomarker for aging.”

Researchers Jonathan Chan, Liudmilla Rubbi, and Matteo Pellegrini from the University of California, Los Angeles, led a study that discovered a new way to measure changes in DNA that can help predict a person’s age. This method focuses on how random certain chemical tags on DNA become over time. The team compared this new measurement, called methylation entropy, to existing methods and found it performed just as well—or even better. These findings support the idea that changes in our epigenetic information are closely linked to aging and could offer new tools for studying age-related diseases.

The study focused on DNA methylation, a process where chemical marks are added to DNA and help control which genes are turned on or off. Scientists have traditionally measured average methylation levels to estimate biological age using “epigenetic clocks.” This study, however, takes a different approach. The researchers used buccal swabs (cells from inside the cheek) from 100 individuals between ages 7 and 84 and applied targeted bisulfite sequencing techniques to measure methylation entropy across 3,000 regions of the genome.

Entropy in this context reflects how disordered or varied the methylation patterns are at certain sites on the DNA. The researchers discovered that as people age, the entropy of methylation at many locations changes in a reproducible way. Sometimes it increases, reflecting more random patterns, and sometimes it decreases, showing more uniformity. These shifts are not always tied to how much methylation is happening, which suggests entropy provides new information beyond what traditional methods can offer.

To test how well this new metric could predict age, the team used both statistical and machine learning models. They found that methylation entropy predicted age as accurately as traditional methods, and the best results came from combining entropy with other measurements like average methylation and a method called CHALM. These combined models were able to estimate age with an average error of just five years.

"[...] methylation entropy is measuring different properties of a locus compared to mean methylation and CHALM, and that loci can become both more or less disordered with age, independently of whether the methylation is increasing or decreasing with age."

This research supports the growing theory that aging is partly caused by a gradual loss of epigenetic information—the biological “instructions” that help keep our cells working properly. This insight also connects with recent studies suggesting that restoring this lost information might reverse some signs of aging. While more research is needed to study methylation entropy in other tissues, this work points to a more precise and powerful way to measure biological aging, which could influence the future of aging-related treatments and therapies.

Read the full paper: DOI: https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206220

Corresponding author: Matteo Pellegrini - matteope@gmail.com

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Keywords: entropy, DNA methylation, aging, epigenetics, epigenetic clocks

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Aging (Aging-US)

DNA Methylation Entropy: A New Way to Track and Predict Aging

BUFFALO, NY — October 17, 2025 — A new #research paper was #published in Volume 17, Issue 9 of Aging-US on September 8, 2025, titled, “Runx1 overexpression induces early onset of intervertebral disc degeneration.”

In this study, led by first author Takanori Fukunaga from Emory University School of Medicine and corresponding author Hicham Drissi from Emory and the Atlanta VA Medical Center, researchers found that the Runx1 gene, when overactive in spinal disc cells, can accelerate age-related degeneration of the intervertebral discs. The findings offer new insight into the genetic factors that drive disc aging and suggest possible directions for treating chronic back pain.

Intervertebral discs cushion the spine and support movement. Their deterioration is a major cause of lower back pain, especially with aging. At the center of each disc is the nucleus pulposus (NP), a gel-like core that contains proteins such as collagen and aggrecan, which help retain water and maintain structure. As people age, NP cells often lose their function, contributing to disc breakdown.

Using a genetically modified mouse model, the researchers activated Runx1 specifically in NP cells. These mice developed signs of disc degeneration by five months of age, which is much earlier than normal. The overexpression of Runx1 led to the loss of healthy NP cells, an increase in abnormal cell types, and damage to disc structure. Levels of essential proteins like aggrecan and type II collagen decreased, while type X collagen increased, signaling unhealthy tissue changes.

“To achieve NP-specific postnatal overexpression of Runx1, we crossed Krt19CreERT mice with Rosa26-Runx1 transgenic mice previously generated in our laboratory.”

A key finding was that Runx1 overactivity did not kill cells directly. Instead, it caused premature cellular aging, known as senescence. Senescent cells lose the ability to repair tissue, creating an environment that accelerates degeneration. Markers of senescence were significantly elevated in the affected discs.

The researchers also observed a dose-dependent response. The more Runx1 was activated, the more severe the degeneration was. This suggests that targeting Runx1 may be a promising strategy to prevent or slow disc aging.

Overall, this study highlights the genetic and cellular processes that contribute to intervertebral disc degeneration, a leading cause of disability. By identifying Runx1 as a potential driver of early disc aging, the research opens new opportunities for intervention and treatment of degenerative spine conditions.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206316

Corresponding author - Hicham Drissi - hicham.drissi@emory.edu

Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPwWbVBPIUM

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Keywords - cell senescence, aging, Runx1, nucleus pulposus, intervertebral disc degeneration

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Aging-US

Overactive Runx1 Gene Triggers Early Disc Degeneration Linked to Aging

BUFFALO, NY – October 20, 2025 – A new #research paper was #published in Volume 16 of Oncotarget on October 16, 2025, titled “Widespread folate receptor expression in pediatric and adolescent solid tumors – opportunity for intraoperative visualization with the novel fluorescent agent pafolacianine.”

In this study, led by first author Ashley C. Dodd from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital and corresponding author Timothy B. Lautz from the same institution and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, researchers discovered that folate receptor beta (FRβ) is widely expressed in various pediatric and adolescent solid tumors. This finding highlights FRβ as a promising target for improving the accuracy of tumor surgery using a fluorescent imaging agent known as pafolacianine.

Pediatric cancers are often challenging to remove completely during surgery, particularly when tumors spread or form small metastases. Fluorescence-guided surgery is a method that helps surgeons better identify tumors during operations using special imaging dyes. However, commonly used dyes such as indocyanine green are not tumor-specific and rely on general features of blood vessel permeability, limiting their precision.

In this study, researchers investigated the potential of pafolacianine, a next-generation dye that targets folate receptors, for pediatric use. Folate receptors are proteins commonly found on the surface of cancer cells. Pafolacianine is already FDA-approved for adults with ovarian and lung cancers due to its ability to bind these receptors and highlight tumors during surgery. 

The research team analyzed tissue samples from 13 young patients diagnosed with various cancers, including Wilms tumor, osteosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and neuroblastoma. The results showed that FRα was predominantly absent, whereas FRβ was present in 100% of the tumor samples. Notably, FRβ appeared both on the tumor cells and in the surrounding tumor microenvironment but showed little to no expression in normal tissue, making it an excellent candidate for targeted imaging.

“In this study, we performed immunohistochemistry staining on slides obtained from a range of pediatric patients with solid tumors.”

This consistent expression of FRβ in pediatric tumors is a significant and novel finding. Earlier studies primarily linked FRβ to immune cells called tumor-associated macrophages. This study reveals that FRβ is also expressed directly on tumor tissue, which could help surgeons better distinguish cancer from healthy tissue during procedures.

Based on these results, the team has launched a clinical trial to evaluate pafolacianine in children undergoing surgery for metastatic lung tumors. If successful, this method could make pediatric cancer surgery safer and more effective.

Overall, this study suggests that targeting FRβ with pafolacianine could serve as a tumor-agnostic imaging strategy, applicable across a wide range of pediatric solid tumors. This represents a potential advancement in real-time surgical imaging and a step forward in pediatric cancer care.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28772

Correspondence to - Timothy B. Lautz - TLautz@luriechildrens.org

Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0its0QkOcwM

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Oncotarget

Folate Receptor Beta Found in Pediatric Tumors May Improve Fluorescence-Guided Cancer Surgery

BUFFALO, NY — October 21, 2025 — A new #editorial was #published in Aging-US on October 13, 2025, titled “Longevity clinics: between promise and peril.”

In this editorial, Marco Demaria, Editor-in-Chief of Aging-US, from the European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen (RUG), reviews the rapid rise of longevity clinics worldwide. 

Longevity clinics have emerged globally in response to increasing demand for personalized, preventive healthcare. Located in countries such as the United States, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates, these centers offer advanced diagnostic services, including genomic testing, advanced imaging, and multi-omics profiling. Their goal is to extend healthspan—the number of years a person lives in good health—through customized lifestyle interventions, nutritional guidance, and, in some cases, experimental therapies.

“Longevity clinics embody an important vision: healthcare is personalized, preventive, and engaged.”

Although the concept of proactive aging care is attractive, the editorial raises serious concerns about the scientific and ethical foundations of these clinics. Many operate outside conventional medical systems and lack connections to academic geroscience. This disconnection allows them to market expensive interventions without sufficient clinical validation. Program costs can range from €10,000 to over €100,000 per year, limiting access to wealthy individuals while leaving out populations most at risk for premature aging.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Demaria notes that longevity clinics may contribute meaningfully to innovation. By collecting extensive, long-term health data from clients, these clinics have the potential to identify early biomarkers of aging and detect signs of age-related diseases. Unlike traditional clinical trials, which are limited in scope and duration, longevity clinics track a wide range of health data over time. When paired with artificial intelligence tools, this information could help advance the science of healthy aging.

However, several risks remain. Many clinics lack standardized protocols, and the tools they use, such as biological age calculators or hormone therapies, often lack accuracy or clear clinical value. Without proper guidelines, clients may receive advice that is confusing or not scientifically supported. This can reduce public trust in the broader field of longevity research.

To ensure these clinics contribute positively to health innovation, the editorial outlines different key steps: greater collaboration with academic researchers, the adoption of standardized protocols, increased transparency, and work toward regulatory clarity. Broader access must also be considered by developing scalable and more affordable models, possibly through partnerships with public health systems.

Ultimately, longevity clinics represent both a major opportunity and a serious concern. If integrated responsibly with science, policy, and public health, they could support a shift toward personalized, preventive healthcare. Without this alignment, however, they risk reinforcing inequality and weakening the credibility of the science behind aging.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206330

Corresponding author - Marco Demaria — m.demaria@umcg.nl

Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bt84xBdii0s

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The Rise of Longevity Clinics: Promise, Risk, and the Future of Aging

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare blood cancer that primarily affects older adults. One of the key challenges in diagnosing and treating BPDCN is that it closely resembles other forms of leukemia in both appearance and behavior. This overlap often leads to delays or uncertainty in diagnosis, especially since currently there is no single, reliable marker that clearly distinguishes BPDCN from related diseases.

To address this issue, researchers from the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center investigated the genetic profile of BPDCN.  Their study, titled “Genetic characteristics of blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm: A single institution experience,” was published in Oncotarget (Volume 16).

Full blog - https://www.oncotarget.org/2025/10/22/genetic-study-identifies-potential-diagnostic-marker-for-rare-blood-cancer-bpdcn/

Paper DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28742

Correspondence to - Michelle Afkhami - mafkhami@coh.org

Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUjr3uU3onI

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Keywords - cancer, Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN), Next-generation sequencing (NGS), CCDC50

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Genetic Study Identifies Potential Diagnostic Marker for Rare Blood Cancer BPDCN

BUFFALO, NY — October 23, 2025 — A new #research paper was #published in Volume 17, Issue 9 of Aging-US on September 11, 2025, titled “Roles of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in aging-related muscle and bone loss in mice.”

In this study led by first author Takashi Ohira and corresponding author Hiroshi Kaji from Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, researchers found that female mice lacking the gene for plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were protected from age-related muscle weakness and bone thinning. This suggests that PAI-1 could be a potential target for future treatments to reduce frailty in aging populations.

As the global population continues to age, more people are affected by conditions such as sarcopenia and osteoporosis. These disorders involve the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and bone density, leading to reduced mobility, a greater risk of falls, and a lower quality of life.

To investigate the role of PAI-1 in aging, researchers compared young (6-month-old) and aged (24-month-old) male and female mice, with and without the PAI-1 gene. They found that PAI-1 levels increased with age in both sexes. However, only female mice lacking the PAI-1 gene experienced a significant reduction in age-related muscle and bone loss.

Female mice without PAI-1 maintained stronger grip strength and greater muscle mass in their lower limbs. They also showed less cortical bone loss in their femurs and tibias. In contrast, male mice did not experience the same benefits, despite also showing increased levels of PAI-1 with age. These results suggest that PAI-1 contributes to aging-related decline in a sex-specific manner.

“The present study found that lower limb muscle mass, gastrocnemius and soleus muscle tissue weights, and grip strength were significantly lower in 24-month-old male and female wild-type mice than in their 6-month-old counterparts.”

PAI-1 plays key roles in blood clotting, inflammation, and cellular senescence—a process in which aging cells release harmful molecules that affect nearby tissues. One of these molecules, interleukin-6 (IL-6), is a major driver of inflammation. The researchers found that aged female mice lacking PAI-1 had lower IL-6 levels in both muscle and blood, suggesting that PAI-1 may contribute to muscle and bone loss by promoting inflammation. These protective effects were also not associated with changes in muscle protein turnover or reductions in fibrous tissue, reinforcing the idea that PAI-1’s impact is likely driven by inflammatory signaling.

This study highlights PAI-1 as a promising therapeutic target for slowing or preventing age-related declines in muscle and bone health, particularly in women. Since postmenopausal women are especially vulnerable to osteoporosis and frailty, a better understanding of how PAI-1 contributes to aging could lead to new strategies for maintaining strength and mobility in later life. Further research is needed to explore how PAI-1 interacts with other age-related biological changes and why its effects differ between sexes.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206318

Corresponding author - Hiroshi Kaji - hkaji@med.kindai.ac.jp

Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg4qKf-oO2I

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PAI-1 Deficiency Protects Aging Female Mice from Muscle and Bone Loss

BUFFALO, NY — October 27, 2025 — A new #research paper was #published in Volume 17, Issue 9 of Aging-US on September 17, 2025, titled “Depletion of the TRF1 telomere-binding protein leads to leaner mice with altered metabolic profiles.”

In this study led by first author Jessica Louzame Ruano and corresponding author Maria A. Blasco from the Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), researchers investigated the role of TRF1, a protein known for protecting telomeres, in regulating whole-body metabolism. The results suggest that TRF1 influences metabolic health through mechanisms unrelated to its known function in telomere maintenance.

Obesity and metabolic disorders are major health concerns, especially as people age. To explore TRF1’s role beyond telomere protection, the research team studied both normal mice and genetically modified mice that lacked TRF1. Mice without TRF1 remained leaner over time, resisted fat accumulation, and showed healthier blood sugar and insulin levels compared to normal mice. Importantly, these benefits occurred without any detectable shortening of telomeres.

The leaner body composition in TRF1-deficient mice was not due to reduced food intake or increased physical activity. Instead, the fat loss appeared to result from biological changes in how energy was processed and stored. Male mice without TRF1 gained less weight and had lower LDL cholesterol levels, even on a high-fat diet. Female mice showed milder effects, reflecting known sex-based differences in susceptibility to diet-induced obesity. This highlights the importance of including both sexes in metabolic research.

“Major metabolic pathways related with energy production and regulation of metabolism homeostasis were also found downregulated in Trf1-deficient mice.”

Gene expression analysis in the liver revealed shifts in several key pathways. Genes related to fat production, energy generation, and muscle growth were downregulated, while genes linked to inflammation and cholesterol synthesis were upregulated. The mice also showed signs of higher energy expenditure and a shift from using fat to protein as an energy source, possibly due to their reduced fat reserves. However, some older mice developed mild liver stress, including fibrosis and DNA damage, suggesting a possible long-term trade-off.

Overall, this study expands the understanding of how telomere-related proteins influence more than just cellular aging. By identifying a connection between TRF1 and metabolism, the research opens new possibilities for targeting TRF1 or its pathways to address obesity and related conditions. Still, further studies are needed to clarify how TRF1 affects fat development and whether similar effects occur in humans.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206320

Corresponding author - Maria A. Blasco — mblasco@cnio.es

Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AG3TBgDZIw

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Keywords - aging, Trf1, metabolism, leaner, fat, telomeres

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TRF1 Protein Loss Reduces Body Fat and Improves Metabolic Health in Mice Without Shortening Telomeres

TRF1 Protein Loss Reduces Fat and Improves Metabolic Health in Mice Without Shortening Telomeres

BUFFALO, NY — November 3, 2025 — A new #research paper featured on the #cover of Volume 17, Issue 10 of Aging-US was #published on October 20, 2025, titled “Brain region-specific and systemic transcriptomic alterations in a human alpha-synuclein overexpressing rat model.”

In this study, led by first author Vivien Hoof and corresponding author Thomas Hentrich from Saarland University, Germany, researchers investigated how excess alpha-synuclein—a protein linked to Parkinson’s disease—affects gene activity in different brain regions and the gut. They found that early, region-specific gene disruptions may contribute to the appearance of disease, with some effects also detected in the gut. These early molecular changes could serve as biomarkers for Parkinson’s and point to new directions for treatment.

Alpha-synuclein accumulates in the brains of individuals with Parkinson’s disease and other age-related neurological conditions known as synucleinopathies. To better understand this process, the research team used a genetically modified rat model that overexpresses human alpha-synuclein. They studied gene expression in the striatum, cortex, and cerebellum—three key brain regions involved in movement and cognition—and analyzed how these changes evolved with age. 

“Transcriptomic analyses were performed on gene and transcript level of striatal, frontocortical, and cerebellar tissue in 5- and 12-month-old transgenic (BAC SNCA) and wild type rats […]”

The results showed that gene alterations appeared earlier and were more pronounced in young rats, particularly in the striatum and cortex, before any visible signs of disease manifested. This early disruption challenges the common belief that gene alterations gradually increase with age and suggests that early-life molecular changes may be critical in disease development.

The researchers also found that many gene expression changes were unique to individual brain regions. However, they identified a set of genes that were consistently affected across all brain regions and the gut. This suggests that the disease may begin to affect the entire body—not just the brain—long before symptoms become noticeable.

Several of the shared genes are involved in synaptic signaling and inflammation—processes known to be altered in Parkinson’s. Others are linked to dopamine production and neuronal plasticity, indicating potential early efforts by the brain to compensate for the harmful effects of the alpha-synuclein buildup.

Overall, this study provides a detailed view of how alpha-synuclein affects gene networks early in the disease process. Understanding these changes may help identify biomarkers and develop targeted therapies before irreversible brain damage occurs.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206331

Corresponding author - Thomas Hentrich - thomas.hentrich@uni-saarland.de

Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl6AfVchkb0

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Keywords - aging, alpha-synuclein, transgenic rat model, different brain regions, transcriptome analysis

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Alpha-Synuclein Triggers Early Gene Expression Changes in Parkinson’s Disease Model

BUFFALO, NY — November 5, 2025 — A new #research paper was #published in Volume 17, Issue 10 of Aging-US on September 10, 2025, titled “Longitudinal associations of epigenetic aging with cognitive aging in Hispanic/Latino adults from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.”

In this study led by Myriam Fornage, from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, researchers found that faster biological aging, measured by DNA-based epigenetic clocks, is associated with greater cognitive decline and higher risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Hispanic/Latino adults. The results highlight the potential of epigenetic clocks to track changes in brain health over time, helping improve early detection and monitoring of age-related cognitive problems.

Cognitive decline and dementia are major public health concerns, especially among aging populations. In this study, researchers followed 2671 Hispanic/Latino adults (average age 57; 66% women) over a seven-year period. They measured each participant’s biological age using epigenetic clocks and assessed their cognitive performance at two time points.

“We evaluated the associations of 5 epigenetic clocks and their between-visit change with multiple measures of cognitive aging that included a global and domain-specific cognitive function score at each visit, between-visit change in global and domain-specific cognitive function score, and MCI diagnosis at visit 2 (V2).”

Epigenetic clocks estimate biological age based on DNA chemical modifications, called methylation, that accumulate with age. The study evaluated five different clocks, including newer models like GrimAge and DunedinPACE, which are designed to more accurately reflect health-related aging.

The researchers found that individuals with faster biological aging showed lower cognitive function and higher probability of developing MCI over time. Among the five clocks studied, newer models such as GrimAge and DunedinPACE showed the strongest associations with memory, processing speed, and overall brain health. These findings suggest that tracking changes in biological age over time may be more effective than relying on a single measurement to identify those at risk for cognitive impairment.

Importantly, the associations between biological aging and cognitive decline remained significant even after accounting for other known risk factors such as education, language preference, and cardiovascular health. This supports the idea that epigenetic clocks capture unique biological processes that influence brain aging. The study also found that the impact of changes in biological age over time was comparable to that of APOE4, a well-established genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.

Overall, this is the first large-scale study to examine these associations in a Hispanic/Latino population, a group that is underrepresented in aging research. By identifying early biological signs of brain aging, this work highlights the potential of epigenetic clocks as tools for routine health assessments. Monitoring changes in these biological markers could help detect individuals at risk for cognitive decline and guide timely interventions to preserve brain health.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206317

Corresponding author - Myriam Fornage - Myriam.Fornage@uth.tmc.edu

Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kG0Y-F_sods

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Epigenetic Aging Linked to Cognitive Decline in Hispanic/Latino Adults

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. While treatment options have improved, advanced stages of the disease remain difficult to manage. One promising approach involves a process called ferroptosis. This is a type of programmed cell death that relies on iron and lipid oxidation to kill cancer cells by damaging specific fats in their outer membrane. These fats are especially vulnerable in environments with normal oxygen levels.

However, many prostate tumors grow in low-oxygen areas of the body, a condition known as hypoxia, where ferroptosis becomes less effective. A recent study, titled “Hypoxia induced lipid droplet accumulation promotes resistance to ferroptosis in prostate cancer,” and published on Oncotarget (Volume 16), explores how oxygen-poor environments help prostate cancer cells resist treatment and what strategies could help overcome this resistance.

Full blog - https://www.oncotarget.org/2025/11/06/how-low-oxygen-shields-prostate-cancer-from-ferroptosis-therapies/

Paper DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28750

Correspondence to - Noel A. Warfel - warfelna@arizona.edu, and Shailender S. Chauhan - shailenderc@arizona.edu

Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFypDT4ALmc

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Keywords - cancer, hypoxia, lipid droplets, ferroptosis, resistance, prostate

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How Low Oxygen Shields Prostate Cancer from Ferroptosis Therapies

BUFFALO, NY - November 10, 2025 – A new #research paper was #published in Oncotarget (Volume 16) on November 6, 2025, titled “Anti-DNA virus agent cidofovir - loaded green synthesized cerium oxide nanoparticles (Nanoceria): Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) binding affinity and cytotoxicity effects.”

In this study, led by Nahid Shahabadi from Razi University in Kermanshah, researchers developed an environmentally friendly approach to enhance the performance of cidofovir, a drug used to treat infections caused by DNA viruses. The work responds to the growing need for therapies that are safer, more effective, and better targeted.

The research team developed a new compound by loading cidofovir onto green-synthesized cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria), known as CDV-CeO2 NPs. This method combines the drug’s antiviral and anticancer properties with the biological activity of nanoceria, which is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and tumor-targeting effects. To avoid toxic chemicals, the nanoparticles were synthesized using quince fruit peel extract, making the process more sustainable and suitable for medical applications.

Laboratory experiments showed that the CDV-CeO2 nanoparticles were significantly more effective at killing breast cancer cells than either cidofovir or cerium oxide nanoparticles alone. At the highest tested concentration, the new compound destroyed more than 97% of cancer cells, compared to 72% with cidofovir alone and 50% with nanoparticles alone. These findings suggest that the combined formulation enhances anticancer activity and may allow for lower drug doses with fewer side effects.

To understand how these nanoparticles interact with genetic material, the team studied their binding to DNA and RNA, two key molecules involved in cancer development and viral replication. CDV-CeO2 nanoparticles showed strong binding affinity through two mechanisms: groove binding, which fits into natural curves of the genetic molecule strands, and intercalation, which inserts between base pairs. The nanoparticles formed stable complexes that responded to temperature, indicating reliable interactions in biological systems.

“The novelty of this work lies in the innovative green synthesis method, the dual-functional therapeutic application, and the enhanced biological activity of the CDV-CeO2 NPs, which collectively position these nanoparticles as promising candidates for future cancer and antiviral therapies.”

This research presents a potential new strategy for improving drug targeting and delivery using green nanotechnology. The approach could lead to more effective treatments for diseases such as breast cancer and infections caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and other DNA viruses. However, further research, including animal and clinical studies, is needed to confirm the safety and long-term effectiveness of this treatment.

Overall, this study represents a significant step toward combining natural materials with nanomedicine to create more efficient therapies. If supported by future research, CDV-CeO2 nanoparticles could offer a new generation of dual-action treatments.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28774

Correspondence to - Nahid Shahabadi - nahidshahabadi@yahoo.com

Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Il9CsfgO2mU

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Eco-Friendly Nanoparticles Improve Cidofovir’s Anticancer and Antiviral Effects

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