Rajendra Karki

Cell death provides host defense and maintains homeostasis. Zα-containing molecules are essential for these processes. Z-DNA binding protein 1 (ZBP1) activates inflammatory cell death, PANoptosis, whereas adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 (ADAR1) serves as an RNA editor to maintain homeostasis. Here, we identify and characterize ADAR1's interaction with ZBP1, defining its role in cell death regulation and tumorigenesis. Combining interferons (IFNs) and nuclear export inhibitors (NEIs) activate

Inflammation affects all stages of tumorigenesis. A key signaling pathway leading to acute and chronic inflammation is through activation of the caspase-1 inflammasome. Inflammasome complexes are assembled on activation of certain nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat-containing proteins (NLR), AIM2-like receptors, or pyrin. Of these, NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRC4, NLRP6, and AIM2 influence the pathogenesis of cancer by modulating innate and adaptive immune responses, cell death, proliferation, a

Interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) regulates diverse biological functions, including modulation of cellular responses involved in tumorigenesis. Genetic mutations and altered IRF1 function are associated with several cancers. Although the function of IRF1 in the immunobiology of cancer is emerging, IRF1-specific mechanisms regulating tumorigenesis and tissue homeostasis in vivo are not clear. Here, we found that mice lacking IRF1 were hypersusceptible to colorectal tumorigenesis. IRF1 functio

Nelumbo nucifera, also known as sacred lotus, has primarily been used as food throughout the Asian continent, and its medicinal values have been described in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The purpose of this study is to systematically characterize the chemical profiling and pharmacological activities of N. nucifera. Herein, we critically reviewed and analysed the phytochemical and pharmacological reports of N. nucifera. Our search for the keyword 'Nelumbo nucifera pharmacology' in

Pyroptosis, apoptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis, which are the most well-studied regulated cell death (RCD) pathways, contribute to the clearance of infected or potentially neoplastic cells, highlighting their importance in homeostasis, host defense against pathogens, cancer, and a wide range of other pathologies. Although these four RCD pathways employ distinct molecular and cellular processes, emerging genetic and biochemical studies have suggested remarkable flexibility and crosstalk amon

Nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-repeat–containing proteins (NLRs) are intracellular innate immune sensors of pathogen-associated and damage-associated molecular patterns. NLRs regulate diverse biologic processes such as inflammatory responses, cell proliferation and death, and gut microbiota to attenuate tumorigenesis. In a recent publication in Nature, we identified NLRC3 as a negative regulator of PI3K–mTOR signaling and characterized its potential tumor suppressor function. Enterocyte

The innate immune system serves as the first line of defense against invading pathogens; however, dysregulated innate immune responses can induce aberrant inflammation that is detrimental to the host. Therefore, careful innate immune regulation is critical during infections. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and has resulted in global morbidity and mortality as well as socio-economic stresses. Innate immune

The innate immune response provides the first line of defense against infection and disease. Regulated cell death (RCD) is a key component of innate immune activation, and RCD must be tightly controlled to clear pathogens while preventing excess inflammation. Recent studies have highlighted a central role for the innate immune sensor Z-DNA-binding protein 1 (ZBP1) as an activator of a form of inflammatory RCD called PANoptosis, which is regulated by a multifaceted cell death complex called the P