Light-triggered nanocarriers for nucleic acid delivery

Gene therapy has evolved into a clinically viable strategy, with several approved products demonstrating its therapeutic potential for genetic disorders, cancer, and infectious diseases, and it has ample applications in regenerative medicine. Its success depends on the ability to efficiently and specifically deliver therapeutic nucleic acids (NAs) into target cells. Although viral or chemical carriers have been used in pioneering applications, safety concerns, and variable delivery efficiencies have prompted the search for alternative delivery vehicles. Light-mediated strategies have gained particular interest due to their biocompatibility and ability to improve the intracellular delivery efficiency. In this review, we focus on recent advancements in the development of light-triggered NA delivery carriers and discuss how they can be designed to overcome specific intracellular barriers. Additionally, we discuss notable therapeutic applications and highlight challenges and opportunities for translating this technology to a clinical setting.

Advancing precision medicine in hepatocellular carcinoma: current challenges and future directions in liquid biopsy, immune microenvironment, single nucleotide polymorphisms, and conversion therapy

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a health concern characterized by heterogeneity and high mortality. Surgical resection, radiofrequency ablation, trans-arterial chemoembolization, and liver transplantation offer potentially curative treatments for early-stage disease, but recurrence remains high. Most patients present with advanced-stage HCC, where locoregional therapies are less effective, and systemic treatments-primarily multi-kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors-often yield limited responses. Precision medicine aims to tailor therapy to molecular and genetic profiles, yet its adoption in HCC is hindered by inter-/intra-tumoral heterogeneity and limited biopsy availability. Advances in molecular diagnostics support reintroducing tissue sampling to better characterize genetic, epigenetic, and immunological features. Liquid biopsy offers a minimally invasive method for capturing real-time tumor evolution, overcoming spatial and temporal heterogeneity. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are revolutionizing biomarker discovery, risk stratification, and treatment planning by integrating multi-omics data. Immunological factors such as tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, natural killer cells, macrophages, and fibroblasts have emerged as determinants of HCC progression and treatment response. Conversion therapy-combining systemic agents with locoregional treatments-has showndemonstrated promise in downstaging unresectable HCC. Ongoing efforts to refine biomarker-driven approaches and optimize multi-modality regimens underscore precision medicine's potential to improve outcomes. PubMed (January 2002-February 2025) was searched for relevant studies.

RNA-binding protein quaking: a multifunctional regulator in tumour progression

BACKGROUND

Quaking (QKI) is a member of the signal transduction and activators of RNA (STAR) family, performing a crucial multifunctional regulatory role in alternative splicing, mRNA precursor processing, mRNA transport and localization, mRNA stabilization, and translation during tumour progression. Abnormal QKI expression or fusion mutations lead to aberrant RNA and protein expression, thereby promoting tumour progression. However, in many types of tumour, QKI played a role as tumour suppressor, the regulatory role of QKI in tumour progression remains ambiguous.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to analyze the isoform and function of QKI, the impact of QKI-regulated gene expression or signalling pathway alterations on tumour progression, and its potential clinical applications as a predictive marker or target for tumour therapy.

METHODS

We reviewed recent studies and summarized the function of QKI alteration in tumour progression.

RESULTS

QKI mediate post-transcriptional gene regulation including alternative splicing, polyadenylation, mRNA stabilization, mRNA subcellular location, and noncoding RNA by binding to the QRE elements of targeted nucleotide. The dysregulation of QKI is intricately correlated to tumour proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, tumor stem cells, the tumour microenvironment, and treatment sensitivity, and represents as a potential biological predictor in tumour diagnosis and prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

QKI play a critical role as tumour suppressor or an oncogene in tumour progression due to the different splicing sites and transcripts with various tumour subtype or tumor micorenvironment. Ongoing research about QKI's functions and mechanisms persist is required to conduct for better understanding the role of QKI in tumour regulation.

Spatial characterization of tertiary lymphoid structures as predictive biomarkers for immune checkpoint blockade in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is the standard of care for recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), yet efficacy remains low. The combined positive score (CPS) for PD-L1 is the only biomarker approved to predict response to ICB and has limited performance. Tertiary Lymphoid Structures (TLS) have shown promising potential for predicting response to ICB. However, their exact composition, size, and spatial biology in HNSCC remain understudied. To elucidate the impact of TLS spatial biology in response to ICB, we utilized pre-ICB tumor tissue sections from 9 responders (complete response, partial response, or stable disease) and 11 non-responders (progressive disease) classified via RECISTv1.1. A custom multi-immunofluorescence (mIF) staining assay was applied to characterize tumor cells (pan-cytokeratin), T cells (CD4, CD8), B cells (CD19, CD20), myeloid cells (CD16, CD56, CD163), dendritic cells (LAMP3), fibroblasts (α Smooth Muscle Actin), proliferative status (Ki67) and immunoregulatory molecules (PD1). A machine learning model was employed to measure the effect of spatial metrics on achieving a response to ICB. A higher density of B cells (CD20+) was found in responders compared to non-responders to ICB (p = 0.022). The presence of TLS within 100 µm of the tumor was associated with improved overall (p = 0.04) and progression-free survival (p = 0.03). A multivariate machine learning model identified TLS density as a leading predictor of response to ICB with 80% accuracy. Immune cell densities and TLS spatial location play a critical role in the response to ICB in HNSCC and may potentially outperform CPS as a predictor of response.

An Au@CuS@CuO2 nanoplatform with peroxidase mimetic activity and self-supply H2O2 properties for SERS detection of GSH

The abnormal fluctuations of glutathione (GSH) in vivo often reflect disease progression and are closely linked to human metabolism and physiological functions. Highly sensitive and selective detection of GSH is crucial for guiding early diagnosis and treatment; however, achieving this remains a significant challenge. In this study, we developed an enzyme activity sensor platform for the efficient detection of GSH. This platform utilizes Au@CuS core-shell materials loaded with CuO2 nanoparticles to create a composite nanosensor system. Under slightly acidic conditions, CuO2 on the nanomaterial's surface decomposes into H2O2 and Cu2+ ions. The generated H2O2 then reacts with tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of peroxidase-like CuS to yield oxidized tetramethylbiphenyl (OXTMB), which generates a distinctive Raman signal. Upon addition of GSH to the system, the unique OXTMB signal diminishes due to GSH's strong antioxidant capacity and the consequent consumption of OXTMB. This sensing method enables sensitive detection of GSH, with a detection limit as low as 1.2 × 10-13 mol∙L-1. This approach holds promise for providing researchers with rapid and precise in vitro analysis of GSH, serving as an indicator for early disease diagnosis and real-time evaluation of treatment efficacy.

Modification of MSCs with aHSCs-targeting peptide pPB for enhanced therapeutic efficacy in liver fibrosis

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold significant therapeutic potential for liver fibrosis but face translational challenges due to suboptimal homing efficiency and poor retention at injury sites. Activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs), the primary drivers of fibrogenesis, overexpress platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta (PDGFRB), a validated therapeutic target in liver fibrosis. Here, we engineered pPB peptide-functionalized MSCs (pPB-MSCs) via hydrophobic insertion of DMPE-PEG-pPB (DPP) into the MSC membrane, creating a targeted "MSC-pPB-aHSC" delivery system. Our findings demonstrated that pPB modification preserved MSC viability, differentiation potential, and paracrine functions. pPB-MSCs exhibited higher binding affinity to TGF-β1-activated HSCs in vitro and greater hepatic accumulation in TAA-induced fibrotic mice, as quantified by in vivo imaging. Moreover, pPB-MSCs attenuated collagen deposition, suppressed α-SMA+ HSCs, and restored serum ALT/AST levels to near-normal ranges. Mechanistically, pPB-MSCs promoted hepatocyte regeneration via HGF upregulation, inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition through TGF-β/Smad pathway suppression, and polarized macrophages toward an M2 phenotype, reducing pro-inflammatory IL-6/TNF-α while elevating anti-inflammatory IL-10. Overall, our study raised a non-genetic MSC surface engineering strategy that synergizes PDGFRB-targeted homing with multifactorial tissue repair, addressing critical barriers in cell therapy for liver fibrosis. By achieving enhanced spatial delivery without compromising MSC functionality, our approach provides a clinically translatable platform for enhancing regenerative medicine outcomes.

Deformation-resistant coaxial fiber photoelectrochemical sensor with vertical anchoring of graphene nanosheets for ultrasensitive glucose detection

Endowing microelectrode architecture with eminent light-absorbing, analyte-trapping and mechanical robustness is pivotal but challenging for state-of-the-art photoelectrochemical monitoring. Herein, an effective tactic to tackle these issues was proposed for building coaxial fiber-shaped photoelectrochemical sensor, with multiscale vertically oriented channels created by highly ordered arrangement of molecule-recognized graphene (G) nanosheets serving as photoexcitation initiator along the direction perpendicular to the core-layer carbon nanotube (CNT) fiber acting as supporting and conductive matrix. The unique architectural features enabled rapid analyte diffusion and ready light spreading to photoactive and specific recognition sites situated at all channel walls, and meanwhile rendered the device with robust structural integrity, thereby showcasing impressive glucose-assaying capability with rapid response (0.3 s), low detection limit (0.7 μM), wide linear range (4-180 μM), good long-time stability (more than 60 days), superior selectivity and deformation endurance. This work opens up a promising route for processing advanced microelectrode architectures toward highly sensitive and selective photoelectrochemical monitoring even under harsh deformations.

NIR-II AIEgen with high photothermal efficiency for mild PTT: Optimized natural killer cell spatial distribution for boosted immune response

Organic photothermal agents (PTAs) with high photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) and biocompatibility are ideal for mild photothermal therapy (PTT), which can selectively eliminate tumor cells and elicit an active immune response. However, the challenge lies in developing PTAs with high PCE, and the impact of PTT-induced temperature gradients on the cytolytic potential of natural killer (NK) cells against tumor cells has yet been investigated. Herein a novel NIR-II aggregation-induced emission (AIE) molecule named C12T-BBT is proposed by conjugating an electron donor TPA with a strong electron acceptor BBT, using a long alkyl chain (C12) substituted thiophene as π-bridge. By doing this, C12T-BBT has a relative planar structure to ensure a high extinction coefficient, while the long alkyl chain restricts the π-π interaction and provides more room for molecular motion in excited state. Together, these design strategies assure C12T-BBT with a high PCE of 84.7 %. In vivo experiments exhibit favorable NIR-II imaging and tumor elimination using water-soluble cRGD@C12T-BBT nanoparticles. The application of mild PTT results in an effective induction of NK cell response in terms of shortening its distance with tumor cells from 25.6 μm to 10.6 μm, characterized using a machine-learning based spatial analysis, thereby enhancing the efficacy of cancer therapy. Therefore, this work provides evidence for a novel combined anti-tumor strategy of aligning mild PTT and NK cell immunotherapy by illustrating crucial optimization of NK-tumor intercellular proximity in mild PTT.

Nanozyme mediated Raman-NLISA dual-modal immunosensor for accurate and sensitive detection of microcystin-LR

A Raman scattering and nanozyme-linked immunosorbent assay (NLISA) dual modal immunosensor, was constructed by mesoporous SiO2/Au-Pt nanozymes (m-SAP) and nanobodies (A2.3-SBP). Oxidized TMB served as Raman and ELISA signals in a competitive binding assay. Under optimized conditions, an inverse correlation was established between the Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) concentration and the signals, spanning Raman and ELISA ranges of 0.1-100 μg L-1 and 1.0-500 μg L-1, with limit of detections (LODs, 3σ/S) of 0.015 μg L-1 and 0.12 μg L-1, respectively. The LODs showed over 90 times and 11 times higher sensitivity than that of traditional ELISA (t-ELISA, LOD, 1.36 μg L-1). The immunosensor exhibited excellent accuracy in practical samples, can be integrated together for the detection of MC-LR within 45 min, which greatly short the detection time of t-ELISA (>2 h). This method displayed potential for detecting other toxins by simply changing the nanobodies.

Bifunctional S-doping-mediated interfacial gradient electric field for in-situ amplified photoelectrochemical immunoassay

Ultrasensitive chemical reactions at the photoanode interface provide new ideas for the development of novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunoassays. Herein, we reported an in situ-promoted all-inorganic semiconductor reaction realizing an ultrasensitive PEC analysis of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Uniform In2O3 nanocubes were synthesized through one-step in situ growth, and composite In2OxS3-x was obtained by one-step post-modification sulfurization, achieving ultra-high light-to-dark current switching ratios (169 times). S doping, on the one hand, lowered the band gap of In2O3 and established a gradient electric field to enhance charge separation, resulting in a substantial enhancement of the photocurrent; on the other hand, it reacted with Cu2+ released from the detection probes during the detection process to further amplify the photocurrent signal. The presence of a built-in gradient electric field of In2OxS3-x was determined by in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and density functional theory (DFT). In the presence of CEA, CuO modified on the detection probe formed Cu2+ by exogenous acidification and therefore caused a sudden crossing of the photocurrent by forming a robust Cu-S bond with the vulcanized photoanode. Under optimized conditions, the developed PEC immunosensing system based on photoanodic interfacial reaction exhibited an ultra-wide operating range (0.05-100 ng mL-1), and an ultra-low limit of detection (13.5 pg mL-1). In conclusion, this work provides a promising in situ ultrasensitive monitoring strategy for efficient PEC bio-immunosensor, expanding the range of potential applications in early cancer analysis and bedside diagnostics.

Efficient fluorescence and electrochemiluminescence dual-signal au nanoclusters-based portable antibiotic testing platform with super-wide detection range

The convenient detection of tetracycline (TC) residues has attracted considerable attention because irrational use of TC causes food pollution damaging the human health. Herein, a point-of-care testing (POCT) platform is established for the sensitive and specific determination of TC in a polydopamine-functionalised Eppendorf tube. In particular, TC can be efficiently recognised by an aptamer-antibody chimera to trigger visual fluorescence (FL) and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) 'dual-signal' response of gold nanoclusters. Consequently, the biosensor exhibits a wide detection range spanning from 5 fM to 1 μM, with low detection limits of 73 fM (visual FL) and 2.3 fM (ECL). Hence, it can be said that the POCT platform is superior to the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The strategy utilises the strength of FL, i.e. visualisation, and that of ECL, i.e. high sensitivity, providing a guiding approach for the development of POCT in food security and environmental monitoring.

Protein-inorganic hybrid flowers with a two-stage accelerated strategy for stimulated activation of CRISPR/Cas12a enhance polynucleotide kinase biosensing

Polynucleotide kinases (PNK) play a crucial role in DNA damage repair and are closely associated with specific diseases, making them promising targets for therapeutic intervention. In this study, we propose a two-stage accelerated strategy that utilizes protein-inorganic hybrid flowers (PHFs) to enhance the performance of the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-combined CRISPR/Cas12a system (TCS) for efficient detection of PNK activity. In TCS, the participation of PHFs confines the substrate probes (SPs) to a limited space, thereby significantly enhancing the local concentration of phosphorylated 3' termini of SPs and effectively promoting the enzymatic reaction kinetics as the first step in the accelerated strategy. Upon encountering the target PNK, the phosphorylated 3' termini were promptly recognized and dephosphorylated to 3'-OH termini. Subsequently, TdT catalyzed the assembly of deoxyadenosine triphosphates (dATPs) without a template, rapidly activating the CRISPR/Cas12a system by forming multiple polyadenine (poly-A) chains. PHF-fixed poly-A chains then substantially boosted the localized concentration of CRISPR/Cas12a systems and vastly enhanced their efficacy in cleaving reporter nucleic acids. Our findings indicated that the spatial confinement effect facilitated by PHFs promoted frequent molecular collisions and accelerated multiple enzymatic reactions. The developed sensing strategy allows for the detection of PNK activity within a linear range of 0.001-1 U/mL, with a detection limit of 1.82 × 10-4 U/mL. Additionally, this strategy has been successfully applied to detect PNK activity in cell extracts and to screen for PNK inhibitors. Owing to these advantages, PNK can be rapidly and accurately detected with a high sensitivity, specificity, and biostability.

Isoliensinine promotes vasorelaxation and inhibits constriction by regulating the calcium channel in hypertension: In vitro and in vivo approaches

Isoliensinine, a bioactive alkaloid derived from Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn, has antihypertension effects. This study investigated its antihypertensive effect and molecular mechanism. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and Wistar Kyoto rats (n = 6 per group) were treated with 2.5, 5 or 10 mg/kg isoliensinine or 7 mg/kg valsartan for 10 weeks. Ultrasonography, histology, immunohistochemistry, RNA-sequencing analysis, vascular tension, calcium imaging, and virtual docking were performed. Isoliensinine effectively attenuated the elevation of blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, and medial thickness of the abdominal aortas in SHRs. It reversed 253-upregulated and 161-downregulated differentially expressed transcripts in the abdominal aorta of SHRs, with enrichment in vascular smooth muscle contraction and calcium signaling pathways. Isoliensinine significantly attenuated the vasoconstriction induced by angiotensin II (Ang II), norepinephrine (NE), or potassium chloride (KCl) and maintained its inhibitory effects across increasing calcium concentrations. It promotes vasodilation in the abdominal aorta rings induced by NE or KCl independent of the endothelium and potassium ion channels but is associated with the modulation of L-type calcium channels. Isoliensinine also suppressed calcium release in vascular smooth muscle cells after KCl, Ang II, or NE stimulation. Isoliensinine upregulated the expression of MLCP but downregulated that of p-MLC2 in the abdominal aorta of SHRs. Virtual docking analysis revealed lower binding energy values for isoliensinine with MLCP, suggesting a potential interaction. Isoliensinine lowers blood pressure by regulating vascular smooth muscle contraction and relaxation, and its effects are potentially mediated by regulating calcium signaling pathways.

Hierarchical chitin and chitosan-derived heterostructural nanocomposites: From interdisciplinary applications to a sustainable vision

Natural biopolymeric nanomaterials are highly prioritized and indispensable for industrial production and human use due to their exceptional features. In recent years, the development of bioinspired materials has rapidly advanced, driven by their outstanding qualities and versatile applications. Among these, chitin and chitosan stand out for their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and hierarchical structures, captivating researchers worldwide. In order to ameliorate the characteristics of these materials, integrating them with complementary components such as polymers, organics, and nanomaterials to create multifunctional chitinous bio-composites has become increasingly important. This review highlights recent progress in the development of these composite biomaterials, emphasizing biomimetic design, synthesis methodologies, and applications in drug delivery, cancer therapy, tissue engineering, wound healing, antimicrobial activity, food safety, natural bio-adhesives, and various industrial uses, alongside their ecological balance on Earth within a sustainable vision. Additionally, the discussion also addresses ongoing challenges and explores potential prospects for advancing these innovative biocomposites.

Dynamic analysis of metabolic and ultrastructural changes in mesenchymal stem cells at hypoxic preconditioning and post-preconditioning stages: Cobalt chloride on the spotlight

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have come up as a potential remedy for treatment of various diseases thanks to their regenerative abilities. However, MSC-based therapies face challenges like reduced cell survival and functionality after transplantation. Preconditioning, particularly with hypoxia-mimicking agents like cobalt chloride (CoCl2), has been explored to enhance MSCs' effectiveness. This study aims to evaluate MSC survival, migration, and therapeutic outcomes at the CoCI2-preconditioning and post-preconditioning stages. Human umbilical cord-MSCs were treated with 100 µM CoCI2 with/out serum for 24-hours, and then passaged and planted in corresponding culture conditions without CoCI2, these two consecutive passages were named as the preconditioning and post-preconditioning stages, respectively. In each stage, total protein concentrations, total antioxidant and total oxidant status (TAS/TOS) of the conditioned media derived from the cells were investigated with bicinchoninic acid assay and TAS/TOS kits, respectively. The proliferation rates, migratory capacities, cellular senescence, expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor1-α (HIF1-α), Ki-67, active caspase-3 and beclin-1 proteins and ultrastructures of the cells were evaluated by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide test, wound healing assay, β-galactosidase-activity assessment, immunocytochemistry and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Our results indicated that preconditioning MSCs with CoCl2 did not significantly enhance their proliferation, migration, or secretory abilities. However, it increased antioxidant capacity and along with normalization of senescence-status post-preconditioning, possibly by shifting energy metabolism from oxidative-phosphorylation to glycolysis through the upregulation of the HIF1-α signalling pathway. These findings indicate that CoCl2 preconditioning could be an effective approach to boost the therapeutic potential of MSCs, especially in enhancing their survival and functionality after transplantation.

A turn on fluorescent probe for nitroreductase activity and its application in real-time imaging of tumor hypoxia

Nitroreductase (NTR) is an endogenous reductase overexpressed in hypoxic tumors, with its levels closely correlated to the degree of hypoxia. This correlation has significant clinical implications for the analysis of tumor hypoxia, as it allows for the indirect detection of nitroreductases. Due to their simplicity, noninvasive nature, and excellent spatiotemporal resolution, various fluorescence methods have been developed for the analysis of nitroreductase and tumor hypoxia. In this study, we present the design, synthesis, in vitro evaluation, and biological application of an NTR-activated fluorescent probe, F-NTR. Utilizing an oxanthrene fluorophore as the core component, F-NTR incorporates a 4-nitrobenzene recognition group. This innovative probe, which introduces a nitro group, demonstrates high selectivity and reactivity towards nitroreductase (NTR) due to its reducing properties. Furthermore, probe F-NTR is capable of accurately identifying hypoxic environments, which provides a basis for precise detection and localization of tumors. This work lays the groundwork for future investigations into cell metabolism, tumor metabolism, and the surgical management of solid tumors under hypoxic conditions.

METTL3-mediated m6A modification of MT1G inhibits papillary thyroid carcinoma cell growth and metastasis via Wnt/β-catenin pathway

BACKGROUND

Downregulation of metallothionein 1 G (MT1G) has been demonstrated in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) tissues. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of MT1G in PTC progression need to be further explored.

METHODS

MT1G and methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) mRNA levels were tested by quantitative real-time PCR. The protein levels of MT1G, METTL3, Wnt3A and β-catenin were measured by western blot. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration were measured by cell counting kit 8 assay, colony formation assay, EdU assay, flow cytometry, transwell assay and wound healing assay. MeRIP analysis was used to detect the MT1G methylation. The interaction between METTL3 and MT1G was evaluated using RIP assay and dual-luciferase reporter assay. A mouse xenograft model was also constructed to explore the roles of METTL3 and MT1G in vivo.

RESULTS

MT1G expression was downregulated in PTC, and its overexpression suppressed PTC cell growth, invasion and migration. METTL3-regulated m6A modification enhanced MT1G mRNA stability. Overexpression of METTL3 repressed PTC cell growth and metastasis, and this effect was reversed by MT1G knockdown. Besides, METTL3/MT1G axis could inhibit the activity of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Meanwhile, METTL3 enhanced MT1G expression to suppress PTC tumor growth through Wnt/β-catenin pathway in vivo.

CONCLUSION

METTL3-mediated m6A modification of MT1G inhibited PTC cell growth and metastasis via inactivating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

RNA methyltransferase METTL16: From molecular mechanisms to therapeutic prospects in cancers

Methyltransferase-like 16 (METTL16) plays a critical role in epigenetic regulation, particularly through RNA methylation. As a key RNA methyltransferase, METTL16 catalyzes the addition of N6-methyladenosine modifications to RNA molecules, which are essential for the regulation of RNA stability, post-transcriptional modifications, and translation efficiency. This, in turn, links METTL16-mediated gene expression to various diseases. Notably, METTL16 has dual regulatory effects on tumors, with its influence varying according to the specific cancer type. Furthermore, METTL16 expression and activity are tightly controlled through multiple layers, including transcriptional regulation, epigenetic modifications (such as DNA methylation and histone modifications), and signaling pathways associated with hypoxia, particularly hypoxia-inducible factors. These regulatory networks collectively govern METTL16's function, impacting tumor progression, development, and drug resistance. Targeting METTL16 with small molecule inhibitors or activators offers a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. The potential of METTL16 as a therapeutic target is further enhanced when combined with other treatment modalities. Future research should aim to elucidate the specific pathophysiological mechanisms of METTL16 across various cancer types, evaluate its therapeutic potential, and develop compounds capable of inhibiting or activating METTL16. This review consolidates the current understanding of METTL16, emphasizing its expression patterns, functional roles, regulatory mechanisms, and therapeutic prospects in cancers.

Square-shaped Cu2MoS4 loaded on three-dimensional flower-like AgBiS2 to form S-scheme heterojunction as a light-driven photoelectrochemical sensor for efficient detection of serotonin in biological samples

Serotonin (5-HT) is a crucial neurotransmitter in the body, with its levels being particularly significant for life safety. Here, we designed the AgBiS2/Cu2MoS4 S-scheme heterojunction by uniformly immobilizing lamellar Cu2MoS4 on the surface of three-dimensional (3D) flower-like AgBiS2 using a simple physical mixing technique. In this case, AgBiS2 and Cu2MoS4 are bonded together by electrostatic attraction to form an active surface with a large specific surface area. Subsequently, the detector 5-HT bound to AgBiS2/Cu2MoS4/GCE undergoes hole oxidation and the photocurrent signal increases significantly. Meanwhile, the reaction mechanism of AgBiS2/Cu2MoS4 composite material was investigated through density functional theory calculations. The AgBiS2/Cu2MoS4/GCE sensor demonstrates a low detection limit of 0.046 nM and a wide linear range (0.0001-8 μM). Furthermore, by comparing UV-Vis spectrophotometry and fluorescence spectroscopy for the detection of 5-HT in human serum, it was proved that the sensor has an impressive recovery rate.

Embryonic exposure to GenX causes reproductive toxicity by disrupting the formation of the blood-testis barrier in mouse offspring

As a replacement for perfluorooctanoic acid, hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid, commercially referred to as "GenX", has attracted significant attention. However, a comprehensive understanding of the reproductive systems of male offspring exposed to GenX is lacking. This study aimed to investigate how embryonic exposure to GenX affects the reproductive development of male offspring and the underlying mechanisms. We administered GenX daily via gavage (2 mg/kg body weight/day) to the mice from day 12.5 of pregnancy until delivery. Our results suggested that embryonic exposure to GenX led to delayed onset of puberty in male offspring, with destruction of the testicular structure, disruption of the blood-testis barrier, decreased serum testosterone levels, decreased sperm count, impaired sperm motility, and increased rates of sperm abnormalities. We investigated the mechanism of blood-testis barrier breakdown in vitro by treating Sertoli cells (TM4) with GenX. GenX exposure caused the accumulation of senescent TM4 cells, decreased their glutathione (GSH) levels, and increased their oxidized glutathione levels. GenX inhibited glutaminase activity in TM4 cells, leading to decreased GSH synthesis, increased intracellular oxidative stress, and subsequent TM4 cell senescence, ultimately compromising the blood-testis barrier. Our findings indicated that embryonic exposure to GenX may cause Sertoli cell senescence by altering glutamine metabolism, disrupting the blood-testis barrier, and resulting in abnormal reproductive development in male offspring.

Graphitic carbon nitride/methyl pyrophaeophorbide a-copper/folate nanoconjugate for enhanced immunogenic death combined with PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockades

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is a tumor therapy that leverages the activation mechanisms of T cells in the immune system. A key challenge in ICB is poor T-cell infiltration and low tumor immunogenicity. Immunogenic cell death (ICD) can increase tumor immunogenicity and make tumors more sensitive to ICB. Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) a major target for ICB. In this paper, a novel carbon nitride/methyl pyrophaeophorbide a‑copper/folate (abbreviated as CNMCF) nanocomposite was prepared for induced ICD. In CNMCF nanostructures, methyl pyrophaeophorbide a (MPPa) serves as the photodynamic therapy (PDT) agent, and copper ion serves as the chemodynamic therapy (CDT) agent. CNMCF not only induced ICD, but also alleviated tumor hypoxia. This led to down-regulation of hypoxia-inducing factor (HIF-1α) and PD-L1, promoted T lymphocyte invasion, effectively enhanced tumor immunogenicity, and elicited strong anti-tumor immune response, thereby suppressing primary tumor growth and metastasis. This research expanded the application of natural chlorophyll derivatives and C3N4-based drug delivery systems in cancer immunotherapy.

Role of fragile sites FATS and FMR1 in tumor progression and their potential clinical significance

The fragile sites are defined as specific segments of genes that are particularly susceptible to breakage under conditions of accelerated replication stress or certain external influences. It has been demonstrated that fragile sites can influence the progression of various tumors. However, the majority of existing studies have focused on the functions of well-characterized common fragile sites, such as FHIT, WWOX, and PARK2, in different oncogenic processes, with insufficient attention directed towards other fragile sites. This article presents an analysis of recent investigations into the fragile sites, fragile site-associated tumor suppressor (FATS) and fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1), across various tumor types. The article discusses the mechanisms and signaling pathways regulated by these sites in a range of cancers, as well as their clinical implications for tumor treatment. The review highlights the significance of the fragile sites FATS and FMR1 in various cancers and their clinical relevance.

Analytical validation and pilot clinical application of a UPLC-MS/MS method for determining intracellular mycophenolic acid and metabolites in kidney transplant recipients

There is no consensus on the strategy for therapeutic drug monitoring of the immunosuppressive drug mycophenolic acid (MPA) in organ transplant recipients. The present study proposes the utilization of ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) for determining the concentrations of MPA and its metabolites: 7-O-mycophenolic acid glucuronide (MPAG) and acyl mycophenolic acid glucoside (AcMPAG) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We aimed to assess the potential application of monitoring MPA and its metabolite concentrations in PBMCs in the infection after transplantation in Chinese kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). The UPLC-MS/MS method we developed demonstrated good linearity in the quantitative ranges of 0.05-50.00 ng/mL for MPA, 0.50-50.00 ng/mL for MPAG, and 0.10-20.00 ng/mL for AcMPAG. AcMPAG in PBMCs was unstable, degrading significantly after 48 h of storage at -80°C or after 3 freeze-thaw cycles. MPA and MPAG concentrations in KTRs' PBMCs exhibited high inter-individual variability, and the MPA concentration in PBMCs was poorly correlated with that in plasma (rs = 0.206, p = 0.117). Compared with the stable group, the infected group had significantly higher MPA concentration in PBMCs at 2 and 4 h post-dosing and in plasma at 4 h post-dosing (p < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for post-transplantation infection revealed that PBMCs MPA-C4 and PBMCs-MPA-C2 possessed much better diagnostic efficiency than Plasma-MPA-C4. This method is easy-to-use and reliable, making it a promising clinical quantitative tool for MPA, MPAG, and AcMPAG in PBMCs. PBMC-MPA monitoring may be a potential biomarker for infection monitoring for KTRs.

Cell and gene therapeutic approaches in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) refers to a range of conditions marked by the buildup of triglycerides in liver cells, accompanied by inflammation, which contributes to liver damage, clinical symptoms, and histopathological alterations. Multiple molecular pathways contribute to NAFLD pathogenesis, including immune dysregulation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and tissue injury. Both the innate and adaptive immune systems play crucial roles in disease progression, with intricate crosstalk between liver and immune cells driving NAFLD development. Among emerging therapeutic strategies, cell and gene-based therapies have shown promise. This study reviews the pathophysiological mechanisms of NAFLD and explores the therapeutic potential of cell-based interventions, highlighting their immunomodulatory effects, inhibition of hepatic stellate cells, promotion of hepatocyte regeneration, and potential for hepatocyte differentiation. Additionally, we examine gene delivery vectors designed to target NAFLD, focusing on their role in engineering hepatocytes through gene addition or editing to enhance therapeutic efficacy.

Unlock the sustained therapeutic efficacy of mRNA

mRNA therapies have emerged as a transformative class of medicines, offering immense potential across a diverse array of applications. This progress has been particularly evident in the wake of the success of lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. As these applications expand, the demand for sustained protein production has become increasingly critical. However, conventional mRNA therapies face significant challenges, including inherent RNA instability and suboptimal expression efficiency, often requiring repeated dosing to maintain therapeutic efficacy over time. This review highlights recent advances in strategies to prolong the therapeutic efficacy of LNP-mRNA systems. We focus on preclinical and emerging approaches aimed at extending the period of protein translation by engineering both the mRNA molecule and the LNP delivery system. Sustained protein expression is a cornerstone of mRNA-based therapeutics, and addressing this challenge is vital for unlocking their therapeutic potential. We hope this review provides valuable insights to guide the development of optimized delivery platforms for LNP-mRNA therapeutics.

New perspectives on the treatment of diabetic nephropathy: Challenges and prospects of mesenchymal stem cell therapy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus. Traditional treatment methods have certain limitations and it is difficult to effectively delay the disease progression. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), owing to their potential for self-renewal, multidirectional differentiation, and immunomodulatory abilities, can regulate the renal immune microenvironment and repair damaged tissues, providing a new strategy for the treatment of DN. However, MSCs face problems such as immune rejection, cell inactivation, challenges in directed differentiation, insufficient homing ability, and low cell retention rate after delivery. These issues limit their clinical application in patients with DN. This review aims to propose optimization strategies targeting DN pathological features to improve MSC effectiveness and reduce their side effects. Specifically, it involves optimizing cell culture systems and cryopreservation protocols, along with pre-transplantation pharmacological conditioning to boost the functionality and viability of MSCs. Additionally, the exploration of synergistic drug-MSC combination therapies was carried out, taking advantage of diverse mechanisms of action to improve therapeutic outcomes. The integration of biomaterials and gene editing technologies to significantly enhance cell survival, target specificity, and tissue engraftment was also pursued. Concurrently, the determination of optimal therapeutic dosages and administration routes remained crucial. These multifaceted strategies not only provide a theoretical framework for overcoming existing technical limitations but also lay a robust foundation for accelerating the clinical translation of MSC-based therapies.

Multifunctional nanozymes: Promising applications in clinical diagnosis and cancer treatment

Cancer remains one of the greatest challenges in modern medicine. Traditional chemotherapy drugs often cause severe side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, neurotoxicity, liver damage, and nephrotoxicity. In addition to these adverse effects, high recurrence and metastasis rates following treatment pose significant challenges for clinicians. There is an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies to improve cancer treatment outcomes. In this context, nanozymes-artificial enzyme mimetics-have attracted considerable attention due to their unique advantages, including potent tumor-killing effects, enhanced biocompatibility, and reduced toxicity. Notably, nanozymes can dynamically monitor tumors through imaging and tracing. The multifunctional nanozyme (MN) is a promising research focus, integrating multiple catalytic activities, signal enhancement, sensing capabilities, and diverse modifications within a single nanozyme system. MNs can selectively target tumor regions, facilitating synergistic effects with other cancer therapies while enabling real-time imaging and tumor tracking. In this review, we first categorize MNs based on their composition and structural characteristics. We then discuss the primary mechanisms by which MNs exert their anticancer effects. Additionally, we review three types of MN biosensors and four MN-based therapeutic approaches applied in cancer treatment. Finally, we highlight the current challenges in MN research and provide an outlook on future developments in this field.

Biomimetic nanocrystals co-deliver paclitaxel and small-molecule LF3 for ferroptosis-combined chemotherapy for gastric cancer

Combination chemotherapy is considered more effective than monotherapy in enhancing clinical outcomes. Ferroptosis, a unique form of regulated cell death, has been demonstrated to inhibit tumor growth and progression. Consequently, combining ferroptosis with chemotherapy represents a promising and innovative approach to antitumor therapy. In this study, we developed a novel TMTP1-modified biomimetic nanocrystal (TRNC@P + L) for the co-delivery of PTX and LF3, aiming to achieve ferroptosis-combined chemotherapy in gastric cancer. TRNC@P + L, which incorporates a tumor-homing peptide-modified red blood cell membrane, demonstrated efficient tumor targeting, prolonged circulation, enhanced drug bioavailability, and reduced non-specific toxicities of free PTX and LF3. By utilizing the synergistic effects of PTX and LF3, TRNC@P + L combination therapy significantly inhibited tumor growth, as demonstrated by both in vitro and in vivo studies. Mechanistically, TRNC@P + L triggers ferroptosis in tumor cells by downregulating GPX4 expression, the promotion of ROS accumulation, and the enhancement of lipid peroxidation. These processes synergistically enhance the anticancer efficacy of PTX.

Glutathione metabolism in ferroptosis and cancer therapy

Glutathione (GSH), a non-enzymatic antioxidant in mammalian cells, plays an essential role in maintaining redox balance, mitigating oxidative stress, and preserving cellular homeostasis. Beyond its well-established function in detoxifying reactive oxygen species (ROS), GSH serves as a critical regulator of ferroptosis-an iron-dependent form of cell death marked by excessive lipid peroxidation. Serving as a cofactor for glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), GSH catalyzes the conversion of lipid peroxides into non-toxic lipid alcohols, thereby preventing the accumulation of deleterious lipid oxidation products and halting the spread of oxidative damage. In cancer cells, upregulated GSH synthesis and GPX4 activity contribute to an enhanced antioxidant defense, countering oxidative stress provoked by increased metabolic demands and exposure to therapeutic agents such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. This ability of cancer cells to modulate their ferroptosis susceptibility through GSH metabolism underscores its potential as a therapeutic target. Additionally, GSH influences several key oncogenic and tumor-suppressive signaling pathways, including NFE2L2/NRF2, TP53/p53, NF-κB, Hippo, and mTOR, which collectively regulate responses to oxidative stress, affect metabolic processes, and modulate sensitivity to ferroptosis in cancer cells. This review explores recent advancements in understanding GSH's multifaceted role in ferroptosis, emphasizing its implications for cancer biology and therapeutic interventions.

Emerging importance of m6A modification in liver cancer and its potential therapeutic role

Liver cancer refers to malignant tumors that form in the liver and is usually divided into several types, the most common of which is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which originates in liver cells. Other rare types of liver cancer include intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). m6A modification is a chemical modification of RNA that usually manifests as the addition of a methyl group to adenine in the RNA molecule to form N6-methyladenosine. This modification exerts a critical role in various biological processes by regulating the metabolism of RNA, affecting gene expression. Recent studies have shown that m6A modification is closely related to the occurrence and development of liver cancer, and m6A regulators can further participate in the pathogenesis of liver cancer by regulating the expression of key genes and the function of specific cells. In this review, we provided an overview of the latest advances in m6A modification in liver cancer research and explored in detail the specific functions of different m6A regulators. Meanwhile, we deeply analyzed the mechanisms and roles of m6A modification in liver cancer, aiming to provide novel insights and references for the search for potential therapeutic targets. Finally, we discussed the prospects and challenges of targeting m6A regulators in liver cancer therapy.

The role of RNA binding proteins in cancer biology: A focus on FMRP

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) act as crucial regulators of gene expression within cells, exerting precise control over processes such as RNA splicing, transport, localization, stability, and translation through their specific binding to RNA molecules. The diversity and complexity of RBPs are particularly significant in cancer biology, as they directly impact a multitude of RNA metabolic events closely associated with tumor initiation and progression. The fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), as a member of the RBP family, is central to the neurodevelopmental disorder fragile X syndrome and increasingly recognized in the modulation of cancer biology through its influence on RNA metabolism. The protein's versatility, stemming from its diverse RNA-binding domains, enables it to govern a wide array of transcript processing events. Modifications in FMRP's expression or localization have been associated with the regulation of mRNAs linked to various processes pertinent to cancer, including tumor proliferation, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cellular senescence, chemotherapy/radiotherapy resistance, and immunotherapy evasion. In this review, we emphasize recent findings and analyses that suggest contrasting functions of this protein family in tumorigenesis. Our knowledge of the proteins that are regulated by FMRP is rapidly growing, and this has led to the identification of multiple targets for therapeutic intervention of cancer, some of which have already moved into clinical trials or clinical practice.

Copper(II) tetrapyrazole-based complex as a new peroxidase-mimetic compound

A copper(II) tetrapyrazole-based complex of the composition of [Cu(tpyr)(H2O)(ONO2)]NO3 (1), where tpyr represents a tetradentate N-donor ligand formed by the condensation of 1H-pyrazole-5-carbaldehyde in NaOH/MeOH medium, has been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, electron paramagnetic resonance and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Spectrophotometric measurements demonstrated a remarkable peroxidase activity of the complex, which utilized hydrogen peroxide for the oxidation of phenolic compounds such as guaiacol or 3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzene sulfonic acid. The optimum conditions for this reaction were found at pH 8 in ammonium bicarbonate buffer, although the activity was low but still detectable at pH 5-6 in ammonium acetate. As a peroxidase mimic, the complex exhibited enzyme-like Michaelis-Menten kinetics, showing a hyperbolic dependence of the reaction rate on hydrogen peroxide concentration. The determined Km and kcat values were 651 μmol·l-1 and 6.7 × 10-4 s-1, respectively, compared to 41 μmol·l-1 and 73 s-1 for horseradish peroxidase. EPR spectroscopy of the reaction mixture revealed no change in the copper (II) oxidation state during catalysis, suggesting that the oxidation of guaiacol may occur simultaneously with the reduction of hydrogen peroxide to water at the copper centre.

Target-induced oxygen vacancy on the etching WO3 photoanode for in-situ amplified photoelectrochemical immunoassay

Sluggish charge transfer and rapid electron-hole recombination severely limit the analytical performance of photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunoassays. This work presented a PEC immunosensing strategy that employed a target-induced enzyme-catalyzed reaction to in-situ generate oxygen vacancy (Ov) for amplifying the photocurrent detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Concretely, ascorbic acid-2-phosphate (AAP) was catalyzed to produce ascorbic acid (AA) by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the presence of CEA. The generated AA could serve as a reducing agent to introduce oxygen vacancy (Ov) into the etching tungsten trioxide (E-WO3) photoanode, resulting in an Ov-enriched E-WO3 (E-WO3-Ov) photoanode. The formation of Ov allowed efficient introduction of defect levels into the energy band structure of E-WO3-Ov photoanode, resulting in high charge transfer and electron-hole separation efficiency for photocurrent amplification. Later, it was applied to fabricate a PEC immunosensor, thus enabling a wide linear range from 0.02 to 80 ng/mL and a low detection limit of 12.9 pg/mL. Overall, this work presented a promising sensing strategy for PEC immunosensors, expanding the scope of potential applications in bioassays and clinical diagnostics.

A three-stage amplified pressure bioassay for sensitive detection of cardiac troponin

Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) level in human blood is a key biomarker associated with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Rapid, convenient, inexpensive and highly sensitive point-of-care (POC) bioassays for cTnI in home and community are of great importance in saving the lives of AMI patients. Herein, we present a three-stage amplified pressure-sensing bioassay system for highly sensitive detection of cTnI. Specifically, the magnetic bead-cTnI-Pt nanoclusters protein complex formed by the immunoconjugation of antigen and antibody can be conveniently subjected to magnetic separation to reduce background interference and achieve first-stage amplification. Then, the Pt nanoclusters in the complex can effectively catalyze the decomposition of H2O2 into O2, thus achieving the secondary amplification of the pressure signal. Finally, the biotin and streptavidin cross-linked Pt nanoclusters significantly increase the amount of catalyst, enabling the tertiary amplification of the bioassay. The method has good linearity in the range of 10 to 1 × 104 pg/mL for quantitative detection, and the detection limit of the method was calculated to be 3.8 pg/mL (in water), which is 30 times more sensitive than the original secondary amplification detection system. In addition, the results of clinical samples tested with the developed method were consistent with those tested with commercial kits. Given the automation, rapid response and miniaturization of pressure-based sensors, our bioassay is expected to be a powerful tool for home and community-based POC diagnosis of patients with various acute diseases in the future.

Recent advances in smart hydrogels derived from polysaccharides and their applications for wound dressing and healing

Owing to their inherent biocompatibility and biodegradability, hydrogels derived from polysaccharides have emerged as promising candidates for wound management. However, the complex nature of wound healing often requires the development of smart hydrogels---intelligent materials capable of responding dynamically to specific physical or chemical stimuli. Over the past decade, an increasing number of stimuli-responsive polysaccharide-based hydrogels have been developed to treat various types of wounds. While a range of hydrogel types and their versatile functions for wound management have been discussed in the literature, there is still a need for a review of the crosslinking strategies used to create smart hydrogels from polysaccharides. This review provides a comprehensive overview of how stimuli-responsive hydrogels can be designed and made using five key polysaccharides: chitosan, hyaluronic acid, alginate, dextran, and cellulose. Various methods, such as chemical crosslinking, dynamic crosslinking, and physical crosslinking, which are used to form networks within these hydrogels, ultimately determine their ability to respond to stimuli, have been explored. This article further looks at different polysaccharide-based hydrogel wound dressings that can respond to factors such as reactive oxygen species, temperature, pH, glucose, light, and ultrasound in the wound environment and discusses how these responses can enhance wound healing. Finally, this review provides insights into how stimuli-responsive polysaccharide-based hydrogels can be developed further as advanced wound dressings in the future.

Biosensing of single-nucleotide polymorphism: Technological advances and their transformative applications on health

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are important genetic changes related to many diseases such as breast cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and β-thalassemia. Because of the increased interest in biosensor technologies, there has been a notable surge in the creation of new techniques to identify these changes in recent years. These new methods are highly accurate and sensitive, cost-effective and fast, making them ideal for use in clinical analysis. The non-invasive nature of biosensing techniques further enhances their integration into clinical protocols and point-of-care diagnostics. Several electrochemical, optical, and mass-based biosensors are carefully examined in this extensive review; each is distinguished by unique sensing platforms and techniques. This review presents in-depth discussions of linear dynamic ranges, detection limits, and real-world applications of contemporary research in the diagnosis of biological substrate disorders.

The role and application of Coronin family in human tumorigenesis and immunomodulation

The Coronin family, a class of actin-binding proteins involved in the formation and maintenance of cytoskeleton structural stability, is aberrantly expressed in various tumors, including lung, gastric and head and neck cancers. They can regulate tumor cell metabolism and proliferation through RAC-1 and Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathways and regulate invasion by influencing the PI3K, PAK4, and MT1-MMP signaling pathways and impacting the actin-network dynamics. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have highlighted the crucial roles of the cytoskeleton and immune modulation in the occurrence and development of tumors. The article delves into the Coronin family's pivotal role in tumor immune evasion, highlighting its modulation of neutrophil, T cell, and vesicular transport functions, as well as its interactions with tumorigenesis related organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, and lysosomes. It also summarizes the potential therapeutic applications of the Coronin family in oncology. This review provides valuable insights into the mechanisms through which the Coronin family is implicated in the onset and progression of tumors. It also provides more theoretical foundation for tumor immunotherapy and combination drug therapy.

Inhibition effect-involved colorimetric sensor array based on PtBi aerogel nanozymes for discrimination of antioxidants

Nanozymes, as superior alternatives to natural enzymes, frequently employ the inhibition effect in turn-off sensors for analyte detection. However, limited attention has been paid to the inhibition mechanisms between analytes and nanozymes, limiting advancements in nanozyme-based sensing. Benefiting from the synergistic effects between three-dimensional network structure of aerogel and ligand effect triggered electronic regulation, Pt100Bi2 aerogel nanozymes (Pt100Bi2 ANs) exhibit superior peroxidase-like activity (293.48 U/mg). We found that antioxidants are able to inhibit the peroxidase-like activity of Pt100Bi2 ANs. The inhibition type (gallic acid as model) is reversible mixed-inhibition with the inhibition constants (Ki and Ki') of 0.213 mM and 0.108 mM. The inhibition effect-involved colorimetric sensor arrays were developed to overcome the "lock-key" limitation of traditional sensors, enabling distinguish five antioxidants via principal component analysis, with detection limit below 2 μM. This work provides new perspective on the inhibition mechanisms of nanozymes and optimization strategies for high-performance nanozyme-based sensors.

Liquid biopsy in hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers: A paradigm shift in early detection, prognostic stratification, and perioperative monitoring

BACKGROUND

Hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers are among the most lethal malignancies due to late-stage diagnosis and limited treatment options. Liquid biopsy has emerged as a minimally invasive tool for early cancer detection, prognosis, and therapeutic monitoring.

AIM

To concise the available data on liquid biopsy and establish its role in hepatobiliary surgeries.

METHODS

This systematic review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2009 guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE for studies published up to March 2025. Studies assessing the role of circulating tumor DNA, circulating tumor cells, exosomes, and other liquid biopsy markers in hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers were included. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for clinical trials.

RESULTS

Liquid biopsy demonstrated significant potential for early cancer detection, perioperative risk stratification, intraoperative surgical decision-making, and postoperative monitoring of minimal residual disease. However, challenges remain regarding standardization, sensitivity, and clinical validation.

CONCLUSION

Liquid biopsy represents a paradigm shift in hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancer management. Advancements in next-generation sequencing and artificial intelligence may enhance its clinical utility. Further large-scale studies are needed to establish standardized protocols for routine implementation.

Copper-based hollow mesoporous nanogenerator with reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species storm generation for self-augmented immunogenic cell death-mediated triple-negative breast cancer immunotherapy

Although nanotheranostics have great potential in tumor immunotherapy, their effectiveness is often hindered by low immunogenic cell death (ICD) and inactivated immune responses in the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment (TIME). Such vulnerability may lead to metastasis or recurrence, especially in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Addressing this challenge, the study presents a multimodal immunotherapeutic approach using a self-enhanced ICD copper (Cu)-based hollow nanogenerator. This nanogenerator is activated by a near-infrared (NIR) laser to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) storms. Specifically, the nitric oxide (NO) donor l-Arginine (l-Arg) is loaded into hollow mesoporous Cu sulfide nanoparticles (HCuSNPs) with inherent NIR absorption and coated with tumor-targeting peptides (RGD), forming l-Arg@HCuSNPs-PEG-RGD (AHPR). In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that AHPR can induce tumor thermal ablation, cuproptosis, and the generation of peroxynitrite anions (ONOO-) under NIR laser irradiation, resulting in multiple antitumor effects. Additionally, the nanogenerator enhances ICD through mechanisms such as mild-photothermal therapy (mPTT), cuproptosis, and ONOO- production, promoting immune cell infiltration and activation, and converting 'cold' tumors into 'hot' ones. By combining AHPR with the immune checkpoint inhibitor anti-programmed cell death protein ligand-1 antibody (αPD-L1), the study significantly improves the immunotherapy response rate in TNBC, offering a promising strategy to enhance TNBC immunotherapy efficacy.

Nanozyme as tumor energy homeostasis disruptor mediated ferroptosis for high-efficiency radiotherapy

Radioresistance in tumors, driven by the insufficiency and rapid depletion of reactive oxygen species (ROS), limits the efficacy of radiotherapy (RT). This study introduces an Ir@Au nanozyme that enhances tumor radiosensitivity by disrupting energy homeostasis and inducing ferroptosis in tumor cells. The Ir@Au nanozyme mimics glucose oxidase to block the tumor's energy supply, continuously produces hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and lowers the pH to optimize Fenton reactions. Acting as a peroxidase (POD), it generates additional ROS for chemodynamic therapy (CDT), depletes glutathione (GSH), and perturbs the tumor's antioxidant defenses. Upon exposure to ionizing radiation, the nanozyme absorbs photons and emits electrons, interacting with water to amplify ROS production. This ROS accumulation, combined with radiation, enhances DNA damage and lipid peroxidation, reversing radioresistance and promoting ferroptosis. Additionally, Ir@Au serves as a contrast agent for computed tomography, enabling precise RT through the delineation of tumor boundaries. In summary, the Ir@Au nanozyme effectively disrupts tumor energy homeostasis, initiating ROS-based cascades that inhibit tumor growth. It thus offers a promising strategy for overcoming radioresistance during cancer therapy.

Progress in the application of mesenchymal stem cells to attenuate apoptosis in diabetic kidney disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) has a high incidence and mortality rate and lacks effective preventive and therapeutic methods. Apoptosis is one of the main reasons for the occurrence and development of DKD. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown great promise in tissue regeneration for DKD treatment and have protective effects against DKD, including decreased blood glucose and urinary protein levels and improved renal function. MSCs can directly differentiate into kidney cells or act via paracrine mechanisms to reduce apoptosis in DKD by modulating signaling pathways. MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) mitigate apoptosis and DKD-related symptoms by transferring miRNAs to target cells or organs. However, studies on the regulatory mechanisms of MSCs and MSC-EVs in apoptosis in DKD are insufficient. This review comprehensively examines the mechanisms of apoptosis in DKD and research progress regarding the roles of MSCs and MSC-EVs in the disease process.

ID-CRISPR: A CRISPR/Cas12a platform for label-free and sensitive detection of rare mutant alleles using self-interference DNA hydrogel reporter

Accurate and sensitive detection of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) is paramount for cancer diagnosis and treatment. The CRISPR/Cas12a system shows promise for SNV detection due to its high sensitivity and single-base specificity. However, most CRISPR/Cas12a-based methods rely on F/Q-labeled single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) reporters, which are susceptible to fluorescence fluctuations, thereby reducing accuracy. To address these limitations, researchers have proposed using DNA hydrogels as signal transducers in CRISPR/Cas12a systems. Yet, the encapsulation of indicators into DNA hydrogels introduces additional instability, which could compromise both detection sensitivity and linearity. In this study, we integrated hyperspectral interferometry into a DNA hydrogel-based CRISPR/Cas12a detection platform (ID-CRISPR) to achieve sensitive label-free SNV detection. Using EGFR L858R SNV as a model target, we demonstrated that ID-CRISPR can detect mutant allele frequencies (MAFs) as low as 0.1% with a limit of detection (LOD) of 5 aM, while also showing its potential for quantifying SNV abundance. Its clinical utility was confirmed through analysis of lung tumor samples, with results consistent with sequencing data. Therefore, ID-CRISPR provides a sensitive, label-free, and user-friendly platform for SNV detection, offering new insights into combining optical sensing with DNA hydrogel technology in CRISPR/Cas assays.

Harnessing bifunctional nanozyme with potent catalytic and signal amplification for innovating electrochemical immunoassay

Nanozyme-based electrochemical biosensors have emerged as an alternative to enzyme-based biosensors for next-generation bioanalysis. However, potential antibody modifications limit the catalytic sites of the nanozyme, thereby reducing sensor sensitivity. Here, a sensitive method for determining carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was developed. It involved coupling a cascade enzyme - enzyme - like catalytic reaction using Fe - Co Prussian blue analog nanozymes with high peroxidase - like activity (79.42 U mg-1). Briefly, the transduction of biological signals to chemical signals was achieved through the strategy centered on catalytic electroactive probes. Thereafter, with the assistance of the microelectrochemical workstation, the output of signals was realized. The platform exhibited an ultra-wide range of 0.020-100 ng mL-1 and a detection limit of 0.013 ng mL-1 CEA, which was mainly attributed to the excellent peroxidase activity, good conductivity, and synergistic amplification of current signals of synthesized nanozymes. In addition, the modification-free features greatly reduced the complexity of the bioassay and significantly improves its portability and cost-effectiveness. Overall, this study advances the development of nanozymes and their electrochemical biosensing applications and is expected to extend to the development of miniaturized devices in direct detection environments.

Artificial Intelligence in cancer epigenomics: a review on advances in pan-cancer detection and precision medicine

DNA methylation is a fundamental epigenetic modification that regulates gene expression and maintains genomic stability. Consequently, DNA methylation remains a key biomarker in cancer research, playing a vital role in diagnosis, prognosis, and tailored treatment strategies. Aberrant methylation patterns enable early cancer detection and therapeutic stratification; however, their complex patterns necessitates advanced analytical tools. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), including deep learning networks and graph-based models, have revolutionized cancer epigenomics by enabling rapid, high-resolution analysis of DNA methylation profiles. Moreover, these technologies are accelerating the development of Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) tests, such as GRAIL's Galleri and CancerSEEK, which improve diagnostic accuracy across diverse cancer types. In this review, we explore the synergy between AI and DNA methylation profiling to advance precision oncology. We first examine the role of DNA methylation as a biomarker in cancer, followed by an overview of DNA profiling technologies. We then assess how AI-driven approaches transform clinical practice by enabling early detection and accurate classification. Despite their promise, challenges remain, including limited sensitivity for early-stage cancers, the black-box nature of many AI algorithms, and the need for validation across diverse populations to ensure equitable implementation. Future directions include integrating multi-omics data, developing explainable AI frameworks, and addressing ethical concerns, such as data privacy and algorithmic bias. By overcoming these gaps, AI-powered epigenetic diagnostics can enable earlier detection, more effective treatments, and improved patient outcomes, globally. In summary, this review synthesizes current advancements in the field and envisions a future where AI and epigenomics converge to redefine cancer diagnostics and therapy.

Evaluating and improving the accuracy of pediatric infusion dose using PDCA combined with HPLC: a quality improvement study from China

BACKGROUND

Accurate formulation of an intravenous infusion is critical in ensuring its smooth implementation. However, in clinical practice, owing to the diverse reasons for drug preparation, some patients cannot obtain safe and accurate medications, especially in pediatric infusion rooms. Pediatric patients often experience adverse reactions as the dosage administered does not meet the requirements or exceeds the recommended dose.

METHODS

Finished product infusion of potassium sodium dehydroandrographolide succinate (PSDS) was used as the study drug. Drug residue samples from the finished product infusion bags were collected randomly in the pediatric infusion room and clinical wards before (from October 2022 to December 2022) and after (from May 2023 to July 2023) the plan-do-check-action (PDCA) cycle intervention. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the drug content. Comparisons of the changes in the proportion of the drug in the infusion were made based on the monitoring results.

RESULTS

After PDCA cycle intervention, the qualified rates of whole, non-whole, and overall infusions increased from 92.95%, 82.68%, and 86.59% to 97.56%, 95.12%, and 96.10% (P < 0.05), respectively. The accuracy and uniformity of the infusion preparations significantly improved.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of HPLC and PDCA cycle management can effectively improve the quality of pediatric infusion preparations and enhance their effectiveness.

Bidirectional roles of nanoenzymes in enhancing GPC3-CAR T cell infiltration and cancer immunotherapy

BACKGROUND

Vascular abnormalities and hypoxia in solid tumors limit the efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. This study proposes a biomimic nanoenzyme, Lenv@BSA-PtNPs, combining platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) and lenvatinib, to address these challenges in a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice model.

METHODS

Lenv@BSA-PtNPs were designed using albumin as a solubilizer, embedding lenvatinib via hydrophobic interactions and facilitating in situ PtNPs generation. The nanoenzyme functions as a catalase, converting H2O2 to O2, downregulating hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1), and normalizing tumor vasculature. Its efficacy was evaluated in a glypican-3 (GPC3)-CAR T-cell therapy model for HCC.

RESULTS

Lenv@BSA-PtNPs significantly improved tumor oxygenation, normalized vasculature, and enhanced GPC3-CAR T-cell infiltration into tumors. This led to potent antitumor effects and prolonged survival in the HCC mouse model.

CONCLUSIONS

Lenv@BSA-PtNPs provide a simple and effective strategy to enhance CAR-T cell accumulation and efficacy by ameliorating hypoxia and normalizing tumor vasculature, offering a promising approach for improving CAR-T therapy in solid tumors.

Dual-metal CuFe/Fe cube nanozyme with Prussian blue analogue for highly efficient colorimetric immunoassay

Due to unique framework structures, Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) have long been of considerable interest in biosensing. However, the predominantly cubic morphology of most PBAs, along with their inherent elemental and structural limitations, restricts their catalytic performance as the nanozymes. Herein, we designed a dual-metal CuFe/Fe PBA nanozyme composite (CuFe/Fe DMPBA) exhibiting excellent peroxidase (POD)-like activity. The synthesized FePBA was prismatically loaded along the inner core CuFe PBA to build an epitaxially deposited structure. This unique architecture resulted in a substantial enhancement of the POD-like activity of the composite nanozyme compared to its individual components, FePBA and CuFe PBA. Leveraging the superior catalytic performance of the synthesized CuFe/Fe DMPBA, we further developed a highly sensitive and selective colorimetric immunoassay platform for the detection of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), a crucial biomarker of cancer. Under optimized conditions, this nanozyme-based immunoassay platform achieved a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.007 ng mL-1 and a linear range from 0.01 to 10 ng mL-1 for HER2 detection. This work not only presents a novel strategy for synthesizing high-performance PBA-based nanozymes, but also provides insights for the rational design and application of PBA materials in bioanalytical sensing.

Molecular Gold Nanoclusters for Advanced NIR-II Bioimaging and Therapy

Small thiolate-protected gold molecular clusters have gained significant interest in research due to their unique size-dependent properties. Their molecular to nanoscale sizes lead to distinctive quantum confinement effects, resulting in a discrete electronic energy band gap structure and molecule-like properties, including HOMO-LUMO electronic transitions, enhanced photoluminescence, and intrinsic magnetism and chirality. Near-infrared II (NIR-II, 1000-3000 nm) emissive gold clusters have emerged as a fascinating class of nanomaterials that are well-suited for biomedical applications. The unique combination of stability, biocompatibility, and tunable emission properties position them as valuable tools for high-resolution and deep-tissue imaging, with potential real-world applications ranging from disease diagnostics and prognosis to therapeutics. In this review, we focus on the NIR-II photoluminescence properties of gold molecular clusters for preclinical in vivo NIR-II imaging of vasculature, brain, kidney, liver, and gastrointestinal organs, and molecular targeted tumor imaging and theranostic treatment. The imaging capabilities combined with fast excretion and a high safety profile make molecular gold clusters highly promising for clinical translation.