A novel AMPK activator shows therapeutic potential in hepatocellular carcinoma by suppressing HIF1α-mediated aerobic glycolysis.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by rapid growth, early vascular invasion, and high metastasis. Currently available US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs show low therapeutic efficacy, limiting HCC treatment to chemotherapy. We designed and synthesized a novel small molecule, SCT-1015, that allosterically activated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) to suppress the aerobic glycolysis in HCC.

Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate impairs erythropoiesis via inducing Klotho expression and not via bioenergetic reprogramming.

Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is the most widely used phthalate to manufacture various plastic products. However, the potential effects of DEHP on erythropoiesis have not been investigated comprehensively. Here, we aimed to investigate whether DEHP modulated the function of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) to influence erythropoiesis, and to explore the associated mechanisms.