Biology subjects

Miki, K.

Publications and source records attributed to Miki, K..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Pharmacological induction of mitochondrial stress counteracts therapy resistance in glioblastoma stem-like cells

Glioblastoma (GBM) stem-like cells (GSCs) contribute to therapeutic resistance and recurrence. We sought to define cellular processes underlying GSC resilience. We discovered that GSCs, unlike differentiated GBM cells (DGCs) or non-malignant neural cells, depend on mitochondrial function for survival. To target this vulnerability, we exploited doxycycline (DOXY), an antibiotic used in humans, to interfere with mitochondrial protein translation. DOXY induced cell death and inhibited sphere formation in GSCs, but not in DGCs or non-malignant cells, indicating a differentiation state-selective effect. Mechanistically, DOXY induced mitochondrial dysfunction and activated a stress-responsive apoptotic program involving HRI-mediated signaling. DOXY displayed antitumor efficacy in patient-derived GBM organoid and orthotopic xenograft models. Our study reveals that DOXY can selectively target undifferentiated glioma cells, informing a drug repurposing-based strategy.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2025

Gliomas phenocopy an inborn error of metabolism to drive neuronal activity and tumor growth

The metabolic hallmarks of high-grade glioma (HGG) are not fully understood. Human brain tissue metabolomics revealed that the creatine synthesis pathway intermediate guanidinoacetate (GAA) accumulated [~]100-fold in HGGs relative to controls, which was caused by imbalanced activities of enzymes in this pathway. Glioma cells secreted GAA rather than using it to produce creatine, implicating an unexpected function. GAA accumulates in GAMT deficiency, an inborn error of metabolism, and elevates neuronal excitability. Neuronal excitability is also increased in glioma and drives tumor growth through neuron-glioma interactions. We hypothesized that glioma-generated GAA excites surrounding neurons. Indeed, GAA induced neuronal hyperactivity by activating GABAA receptors and causing depolarizing GABA currents in glioma-associated neurons with dysregulated chloride homeostasis. Depleting tumoral GAA decreased electrochemical activity, neuron-glioma interactions, and tumor aggressiveness. Our findings unveil a new mechanism linking cancer metabolism with cancer neuroscience and leverage human genetics to nominate GAA synthesis as a target in gliomas.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2021

APOE ε4 allele advances the age-dependent decline of amyloid β clearance in the human cortex

IntroductionOur previous study indicated that the pericapillary clearance of amyloid {beta} (A{beta}) declines with age in APOE 3/3 subjects. Here, we examine whether the APOE {varepsilon}4 allele has an impact on this age-related decline. MethodsWe examined 69 autopsy brains of APOE {varepsilon}3/{varepsilon}4 or APOE {varepsilon}3/{varepsilon}3 individuals (30-65 years) for the immunohistochemical localization of intracellular, extracellular, and pericapillary A{beta} in the cerebral cortex. ResultsIn APOE {varepsilon}3/{varepsilon}4 individuals, the percentage of A{beta} positive pericapillary spaces began to decrease (p=0.030), and the number of extracellular A{beta} particles increased in the early 30s (p=0.0008). Those average values were significantly lower (p<0.0001) and higher (p<0.0001), respectively, compared to APOE {varepsilon}3/{varepsilon}3 individuals. DiscussionOur observations indicate that APOE {varepsilon}4 allele advances by one decade at the onset of age-related decline in A{beta} glymphatic clearance. This finding supports early clinical intervention and stratification by APOE genotype to prevent A{beta} deposition and AD progression.

pathology↗

bioRxiv2020

3D in situ imaging of female reproductive tract reveals molecular signatures of fertilizing spermatozoa in mice

Out of millions of ejaculated sperm, only a few reach the fertilization site in mammals. Flagellar Ca2+ signaling nanodomains, organized by multi-subunit CatSper calcium channel complexes, are pivotal for sperm migration in the female tract, implicating CatSper-dependent mechanisms in sperm selection. Here, using biochemical and pharmacological studies, we demonstrate that CatSper1 is an O-linked glycosylated protein, undergoing capacitation-induced processing dependent on Ca2+ and phosphorylation cascades. CatSper1 processing correlates with protein tyrosine phosphorylation (pY) development in sperm cells capacitated in vitro and in vivo. Using 3D in situ molecular imaging and ANN-based automatic detection of sperm distributed along the cleared female tract, we demonstrate that all spermatozoa past the UTJ possess intact CatSper1 signals. Together, we reveal that fertilizing mouse spermatozoa in situ are characterized by intact CatSper channel, lack of pY, and reacted acrosomes. These findings provide molecular insight into sperm selection for successful fertilization in the female reproductive tract.

cell biology↗