The MODOMICS database has been, since 2006, a manually curated and centralized resource, storing and distributing comprehensive information about modified ribonucleosides. Originally, it only contained data on the chemical structures of modified ribonucleosides, their biosynthetic pathways, the location of modified residues in RNA sequences, and RNA-modifying enzymes. Over the years, prompted by the accumulation of new knowledge and new types of data, it has been updated with new information and functionalities. In this new release, we have created a catalog of RNA modifications linked to human diseases, e.g., due to mutations in genes encoding modification enzymes. MODOMICS has been linked extensively to RCSB Protein Data Bank, and sequences of experimentally determined RNA structures with modified residues have been added. This expansion was accompanied by including nucleotide 5′-monophosphate residues. We redesigned the web interface and upgraded the database backend. In addition, a search engine for chemically similar modified residues has been included that can be queried by SMILES codes or by drawing chemical molecules. Finally, previously available datasets of modified residues, biosynthetic pathways, and RNA-modifying enzymes have been updated. Overall, we provide users with a new, enhanced, and restyled tool for research on RNA modification. MODOMICS is available at https://iimcb.genesilico.pl/modomics/.
Background and Purpose: The pro‐algesic transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel, expressed by a subpopulation of primary sensory neurons, has been implicated in various pain models in mice. However, evidence in rats indicates that TRPA1 conveys nociceptive signals elicited by channel activators, but not those associated with tissue inflammation or nerve injury. Here, in rats, we explored the TRPA1 role in mechanical allodynia associated with stimulation of peptidergic primary sensory neurons (neurogenic inflammation) and moderate (partial sciatic nerve ligation, pSNL) or severe (chronic constriction injury, CCI) sciatic nerve injury.Experimental Approach: Acute nociception and mechanical hypersensitivity associated with neurogenic inflammation and sciatic nerve injury (pSNL and CCI) were investigated in rats with TRPA1 pharmacological antagonism or genetic silencing. TRPA1 presence and function were analysed in cultured rat Schwann cells.Key Results: Hind paw mechanical allodynia (HPMA), but not acute nociception, evoked by local injection of capsaicin or allyl isothiocyanate, the TRP vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) or the TRPA1 activators was mediated by CGRP released from peripheral sensory nerve terminals. CGRP‐evoked HPMA was sustained by a ROS‐dependent TRPA1 activation, probably in Schwann cells. HPMA evoked by pSNL, but not that evoked by CCI, was mediated by ROS and TRPA1 without the involvement of CGRP.Conclusions and Implications: As found in mice, TRPA1 mediates mechanical allodynia associated with neurogenic inflammation and moderate nerve injury in rats. The channel contribution to mechanical hypersensitivity is a common feature in rodents and might be explored in humans.
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecological malignancy, with rising incidence and mortality rates. Key risk factors, including obesity, prolonged estrogen exposure, and metabolic disorders, underscore the urgent need for non-invasive, early diagnostic tools. This review focuses on the role of DNA methylation as a potential biomarker for early EC detection. Aberrant DNA methylation in the promoter regions of tumor suppressor genes can lead to gene silencing and cancer progression. We examine recent studies utilizing minimally invasive samples, such as urine, cervicovaginal, and cervical scrapes, to detect early-stage EC through DNA methylation patterns. Markers such as RASSF1A, HIST1H4F, GHSR, SST, and ZIC1 have demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy, with AUC values up to 0.95, effectively distinguishing EC from non-cancerous conditions. This review highlights the potential of DNA methylation-based testing as a non-invasive alternative to traditional diagnostic methods, offering earlier detection, better risk stratification, and more personalized treatment plans. These innovations hold the promise of transforming clinical practice by enabling more timely and effective management of endometrial cancer.