GMP-compliant extracellular vesicles derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells: manufacturing and pre-clinical evaluation in ARDS treatment

BACKGROUND AIMS

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent a new axis of intercellular communication that can be harnessed for therapeutic purposes, as cell-free therapies. The clinical application of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-derived EVs, however, is still in its infancy and faces many challenges. The heterogeneity inherent to MSCs, differences among donors, tissue sources, and variations in manufacturing conditions may influence the release of EVs and their cargo, thus potentially affecting the quality and consistency of the final product. We investigated the influence of cell culture and conditioned medium harvesting conditions on the physicochemical and proteomic profile of human umbilical cord MSC-derived EVs (hUCMSC-EVs) produced under current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) standards. We also evaluated the efficiency of the protocol in terms of yield, purity, productivity, and expression of surface markers, and assessed the biodistribution, toxicity and potential efficacy of hUCMSC-EVs in pre-clinical studies using the LPS-induced acute lung injury model.

METHODS

hUCMSCs were isolated from a cord tissue, cultured, cryopreserved, and characterized at a cGMP facility. The conditioned medium was harvested at 24, 48, and 72 h after the addition of EV collection medium. Three conventional methods (nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and nanoflow cytometry) and mass spectrometry were used to characterize hUCMSC-EVs. Safety (toxicity of single and repeated doses) and biodistribution were evaluated in naive mice after intravenous administration of the product. Efficacy was evaluated in an LPS-induced acute lung injury model.

RESULTS

hUCMSC-EVs were successfully isolated using a cGMP-compliant protocol. Comparison of hUCMSC-EVs purified from multiple harvests revealed progressive EV productivity and slight changes in the proteomic profile, presenting higher homogeneity at later timepoints of conditioned medium harvesting. Pooled hUCMSC-EVs showed a non-toxic profile after single and repeated intravenous administration to naive mice. Biodistribution studies demonstrated a major concentration in liver, spleen and lungs. HUCMSC-EVs reduced lung damage and inflammation in a model of LPS-induced acute lung injury.

CONCLUSIONS

hUCMSC-EVs were successfully obtained following a cGMP-compliant protocol, with consistent characteristics and pre-clinical safety profile, supporting their future clinical development as cell-free therapies.

Proteomic and secretomic comparison of young and aged dermal fibroblasts highlights cytoskeleton as a key component during aging

Crucial for skin homeostasis, synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix components are orchestrated by dermal fibroblasts. During aging, alterations of component expression, such as collagens and enzymes, lead to reduction of the mechanical cutaneous tension and defects of skin wound healing. The aim of this study was to better understand the molecular alterations underwent by fibroblasts during aging by comparing secretomic and proteomic signatures of fibroblasts from young (<35years) and aged (>55years) skin donors, in quiescence or TGF-stimulated conditions, using HLPC/MS. The comparison of the secretome from young and aged fibroblasts revealed that 16 proteins in resting condition, and 11 proteins after a 24h-lasting TGF-β1-treatment, were expressed in significant different ways between the two cell groups (fold change>2, p-value <0.05), with a 77% decrease in the number of secreted proteins in aged cells. Proteome comparison between young and aged fibroblasts identified a significant change of 63 proteins in resting condition, and 73 proteins in TGF-β1-stimulated condition, with a 67% increase in the number of proteins in aged fibroblasts. The majority of the differentially-expressed molecules belongs to the cytoskeleton-associated proteins and aging was characterized by an increase in Coronin 1C (CORO1C), and Filamin B (FLNB) expression in fibroblasts together with a decrease in Cofilin (CFL1), and Actin alpha cardiac muscle 1 (ACTC1) detection in aged cells, these proteins being involved in actin-filament polymerization and sharing co-activity in cell motility. Our present data reinforce knowledge about an age-related alteration in the synthesis of major proteins linked to the migratory and contractile functions of dermal human fibroblasts.

Current status and new avenues of stem cell-based preclinical and therapeutic approaches in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

INTRODUCTION

Cell therapy development represents a critical challenge in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research. Despite more than 20 years of basic and clinical research, no definitive safety and efficacy results of cell-based therapies for ALS have been published.

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes advances using stem cells (SCs) in pre-clinical studies to promote clinical translation and in clinical trials to treat ALS. New technologies have been developed and new experimental in vitro and animal models are now available to facilitate pre-clinical research in this field and to determine the most promising approaches to pursue in patients. New clinical trial designs aimed at developing personalized SC-based treatment with biological endpoints are being defined.

EXPERT OPINION

Knowledge of the basic biology of ALS and on the use of SCs to study and potentially treat ALS continues to grow. However, a consensus has yet to emerge on how best to translate these results into therapeutic applications. The selection and follow-up of patients should be based on clinical, biological, and molecular criteria. Planning of SC-based clinical trials should be coordinated with patient profiling genetically and molecularly to achieve personalized treatment. Much work within basic and clinical research is still needed to successfully transition SC therapy in ALS.

A review of CD4+ T cell differentiation and diversity in dogs

CD4+ T cells are an integral component of the adaptive immune response, carrying out many functions to combat a diverse range of pathogenic challenges. These cells exhibit remarkable plasticity, differentiating into specialized subsets such as T helper type 1 (TH1), TH2, TH9, TH17, TH22, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and follicular T helper (TFH) cells. Each subset is capable of addressing a distinct immunological need ranging from pathogen eradication to regulation of immune homeostasis. As the immune response subsides, CD4+ T cells rest down into long-lived memory phenotypes-including central memory (TCM), effector memory (TEM), resident memory (TRM), and terminally differentiated effector memory cells (TEMRA) that are localized to facilitate a swift and potent response upon antigen re-encounter. This capacity for long-term immunological memory and rapid reactivation upon secondary exposure highlights the role CD4+ T cells play in sustaining both adaptive defense mechanisms and maintenance. Decades of mouse, human, and to a lesser extent, pig T cell research has provided the framework for understanding the role of CD4+ T cells in immune responses, but these model systems do not always mimic each other. Although our understanding of pig immunology is not as extensive as mouse or human research, we have gained valuable insight by studying this model. More akin to pigs, our understanding of CD4+ T cells in dogs is much less complete. This disparity exists in part because canine immunologists depend on paradigms from mouse and human studies to characterize CD4+ T cells in dogs, with a fraction of available lineage-defining antibody markers. Despite this, every major CD4+ T cell subset has been described to some extent in dogs. These subsets have been studied in various contexts, including in vitro stimulation, homeostatic conditions, and across a range of disease states. Canine CD4+ T cells have been categorized according to lineage-defining characteristics, trafficking patterns, and what cytokines they produce upon stimulation. This review addresses our current understanding of canine CD4+ T cells from a comparative perspective by highlighting both the similarities and differences from mouse, human, and pig CD4+ T cell biology. We also discuss knowledge gaps in our current understanding of CD4+ T cells in dogs that could provide direction for future studies in the field.

Introducing effective genes in lymph node metastasis of breast cancer patients using SHAP values based on the mRNA expression data

OBJECTIVE

Breast cancer, a global concern predominantly impacting women, poses a significant threat when not identified early. While survival rates for breast cancer patients are typically favorable, the emergence of regional metastases markedly diminishes survival prospects. Detecting metastases and comprehending their molecular underpinnings are crucial for tailoring effective treatments and improving patient survival outcomes.

METHODS

Various artificial intelligence methods and techniques were employed in this study to achieve accurate outcomes. Initially, the data was organized and underwent hold-out cross-validation, data cleaning, and normalization. Subsequently, feature selection was conducted using ANOVA and binary Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). During the analysis phase, the discriminative power of the selected features was evaluated using machine learning classification algorithms. Finally, the selected features were considered, and the SHAP algorithm was utilized to identify the most significant features for enhancing the decoding of dominant molecular mechanisms in lymph node metastases.

RESULTS

In this study, five main steps were followed for the analysis of mRNA expression data: reading, preprocessing, feature selection, classification, and SHAP algorithm. The RF classifier utilized the candidate mRNAs to differentiate between negative and positive categories with an accuracy of 61% and an AUC of 0.6. During the SHAP process, intriguing relationships between the selected mRNAs and positive/negative lymph node status were discovered. The results indicate that GDF5, BAHCC1, LCN2, FGF14-AS2, and IDH2 are among the top five most impactful mRNAs based on their SHAP values.

CONCLUSION

The prominent identified mRNAs including GDF5, BAHCC1, LCN2, FGF14-AS2, and IDH2, are implicated in lymph node metastasis. This study holds promise in elucidating a thorough insight into key candidate genes that could significantly impact the early detection and tailored therapeutic strategies for lymph node metastasis in patients with breast cancer.

Identification of DDX5 as a Potential Therapeutic Target of Osteosarcoma Using Thiazolone Probes

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a rare malignant tumor that has predominantly affected children and adolescents in the past 50 years. The genomes of OS tumors exhibit a high degree of complexity, which leads to the great challenge of target identification for anti-OS. To date, no efficient therapeutic target for the treatment of OS has been validated in clinical practice. In our previous drug hunting for the treatment of OS by phenotypic screening, we found that thiazolone derivate (R)-8i was an effective and selective inhibitor against OS in MNNG/HOS cells and in vivo. However, the mechanism of action and specific molecular targets of (R)-8i remain unclear. In this study, we design and synthesize the photo-cross-linking probes based on the lead compound (R)-8i and identify DDX5 as a potential target protein using an activity-based protein profiling strategy. Further experiments including Western blot, shRNA knockdown experiments, cell colony formation, wound healing assays, and cellular thermal shift assays support that (R)-8i binds to DDX5 and induces its degradation, which affect cell proliferation and migration through the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. The research shows that DDX5 is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of OS.

Surface modification of extracellular vesicles with polyoxazolines to enhance their plasma stability and tumor accumulation

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are future promising therapeutics, but their instability in vivo after administration remains an important barrier to their further development. Many groups evaluated EV surface modification strategies to add a targeting group with the aim of controlling EV biodistribution. Conversely, fewer groups focused on their stabilization to obtain "stealth" allogenic EVs. Modulating their stabilization and biodistribution is an essential prerequisite for their development as nano-therapeutics. Here, we explored polyoxazolines with lipid anchors association to the EV membrane (POxylation as an alternative to PEGylation) to stabilize EVs in plasma and control their biodistribution, while preserving their native properties. We found that this modification maintained and seemed to potentiate the immunomodulatory properties of EVs derived from mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC). Using a radiolabeling protocol to track EVs at a therapeutically relevant concentration in vivo, we demonstrated that POxylation is a promising option to stabilize EVs in plasma because it increased EV half-life by 6 fold at 6 h post-injection. Moreover, EV accumulation in tumors was higher after POxylation than after PEGylation.

Identification of a gene expression signature associated with brain metastasis in colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

Brain metastasis (BM) in colorectal cancer (CRC) is a rare event with poor prognosis. Apart from (K)RAS status and lung and bone metastasis no biomarkers exist to identify patients at risk. This study aimed to identify a gene expression signature associated with colorectal BM.

METHODS

Three patient groups were formed: 1. CRC with brain metastasis (BRA), 2. exclusive liver metastasis (HEP) and, 3. non-metastatic disease (M0). RNA was extracted from primary tumors and mRNA expression was measured using a NanoString Panel (770 genes). Expression was confirmed by qPCR in a validation cohort. Statistical analyses including multivariate logistic regression followed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were performed.

RESULTS

EMILIN3, MTA1, SV2B, TMPRSS6, ACVR1C, NFAT5 and SMC3 were differentially expressed in BRA and HEP/M0 groups. In the validation cohort, differential NFAT5, ACVR1C and SMC3 expressions were confirmed. BRA patients showed highest NFAT5 levels compared to HEP/M0 groups (global p = 0.02). High ACVR1C expression was observed more frequently in the BRA group (42.9%) than in HEP (0%) and M0 (7.1%) groups (global p = 0.01). High SMC3 expressions were only detectable in the BRA group (global p = 0.003). Only patients with BM showed a combined high expression of NFAT5, ACVR1C or SMC3 as well as of all three genes. ROC analysis revealed a good prediction of brain metastasis by the three genes (area under the curve (AUC)  = 0.78).

CONCLUSIONS

The NFAT5, ACVR1C and SMC3 gene expression signature is associated with colorectal BM. Future studies should further investigate the importance of this biomarker signature.

Extracellular Vesicle Preparation and Analysis: A State-of-the-Art Review

In recent decades, research on Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) has gained prominence in the life sciences due to their critical roles in both health and disease states, offering promising applications in disease diagnosis, drug delivery, and therapy. However, their inherent heterogeneity and complex origins pose significant challenges to their preparation, analysis, and subsequent clinical application. This review is structured to provide an overview of the biogenesis, composition, and various sources of EVs, thereby laying the groundwork for a detailed discussion of contemporary techniques for their preparation and analysis. Particular focus is given to state-of-the-art technologies that employ both microfluidic and non-microfluidic platforms for EV processing. Furthermore, this discourse extends into innovative approaches that incorporate artificial intelligence and cutting-edge electrochemical sensors, with a particular emphasis on single EV analysis. This review proposes current challenges and outlines prospective avenues for future research. The objective is to motivate researchers to innovate and expand methods for the preparation and analysis of EVs, fully unlocking their biomedical potential.

Proteomics profiling of extracellular vesicle for identification of potential biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease: A comprehensive review

The intricate origins and diverse symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pose significant challenges for both diagnosis and treatment. Exosomes and microvesicles, which carry disease-specific cargo from a variety of central nervous system cell types, have emerged as promising reservoirs of biomarkers for AD. Research on the screening of possible biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease using proteomic profiling of EVs is systematically reviewed in this comprehensive review. We highlight key methodologies employed in EV isolation, characterization, and proteomic analysis, elucidating their advantages and limitations. Furthermore, we summarize the evolving landscape of EV-associated biomarkers implicated in AD pathogenesis, including proteins involved in amyloid-beta metabolism, tau phosphorylation, neuroinflammation, synaptic dysfunction, and neuronal injury. The literature review highlights the necessity for robust validation strategies and standardized protocols to effectively transition EV-based biomarkers into clinical use. In the concluding section, this review delves into potential future avenues and technological advancements pivotal in crafting EV-derived biomarkers applicable to AD diagnostics and prognostics. This review contributes to our comprehension of AD pathology and the advancement of precision medicine in neurodegenerative diseases, hinting at a promising era in AD precision medicine.

TonEBP inhibits ciliogenesis by controlling aurora kinase A and regulating centriolar satellite integrity

BACKGROUND

Primary cilia on the surface of eukaryotic cells serve as sensory antennas for the reception and transmission in various cell signaling pathways. They are dynamic organelles that rapidly form during differentiation and cell cycle exit. Defects in these organelles cause a group of wide-ranging disorders called ciliopathies. Tonicity-responsive enhancer-binding protein (TonEBP) is a pleiotropic stress protein that mediates various physiological and pathological cellular responses. TonEBP is well-known for its role in adaptation to a hypertonic environment, to which primary cilia have been reported to contribute. Furthermore, TonEBP is involved in a wide variety of other signaling pathways, such as Sonic Hedgehog and WNT signaling, that promote primary ciliogenesis, suggesting a possible regulatory role. However, the functional relationship between TonEBP and primary ciliary formation remains unclear.

METHODS

TonEBP siRNAs and TonEBP-mCherry plasmids were used to examine their effects on cell ciliation rates, assembly and disassembly processes, and regulators. Serum starvation was used as a condition to induce ciliogenesis.

RESULTS

We identified a novel pericentriolar localization for TonEBP. The results showed that TonEBP depletion facilitates the formation of primary cilia, whereas its overexpression results in fewer ciliated cells. Moreover, TonEBP controlled the expression and activity of aurora kinase A, a major negative regulator of ciliogenesis. Additionally, TonEBP overexpression inhibited the loss of CP110 from the mother centrioles during the early stages of primary cilia assembly. Finally, TonEBP regulated the localization of PCM1 and AZI1, which are necessary for primary cilia formation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study proposes a novel role for TonEBP as a pericentriolar protein that regulates the integrity of centriolar satellite components. This regulation has shown to have a negative effect on ciliogenesis. Investigations into cilium assembly and disassembly processes suggest that TonEBP acts upstream of the aurora kinase A - histone deacetylase 6 signaling pathway and affects basal body formation to control ciliogenesis. Taken together, our data proposes previously uncharacterized regulation of primary cilia assembly by TonEBP.

Coencapsulation of Immunosuppressive Drug with Anti-Inflammatory Molecule in Pickering Emulsions as an Innovative Therapeutic Approach for Inflammatory Dermatoses

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by epidermal and immune dysfunctions. Although efficient, current topical treatments display adverse effects, including skin atrophy and burning sensation, leading to poor patient adherence. To overcome these downsides, pickering emulsions were formulated in which the calcitriol-containing dispersed phase was stabilized with either cyclosporin A- or tacrolimus-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticles. This study aimed to investigate their biological effects on lymphocytes and epidermal cells and their effectiveness in an imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like mouse model. Results showed that both emulsions significantly inhibited nuclear factor of activated T cell translocation in T lymphocytes as well as their IL-2 production, cell activation, and proliferation. In keratinocytes, inhibition of nuclear factor of activated T cell translocation decreased the production of IL-8 and TNF-α. Topical application of emulsions over skin biopsies ex vivo showed accumulation of rhodamin B-coupled poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticles throughout the epidermis by immunofluorescence and significantly decreased the antigen-presenting capacity of Langerhans cells in relation to a reduced expression of activation markers CD40, CD86, and HLA-DR. Using an imiquimod-induced psoriasis model in vivo, pickering emulsions significantly alleviated psoriasiform lesions potentially attributed to the decreased cutaneous expression of T-cell markers, proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and specific epidermal cell genes. Altogether, pickering emulsion might be a very efficient formulation for treating inflammatory dermatoses.

Extracellular Vesicles as Next-Generation Diagnostics and Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) hold great promise for clinical application as new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. This paper describes major GMP-based upstream and downstream manufacturing processes for EV large-scale production, also focusing on post-processing technologies such as surface bioengineering and uploading studies to yield novel EV-based diagnostics and advanced therapy medicinal products. This paper also focuses on the quality, safety, and efficacy issues of the bioengineered EV drug candidates before first-in-human studies. Because clinical trials involving extracellular vesicles are on the global rise, this paper encompasses different clinical studies registered on clinical-trial register platforms, with varying levels of advancement, highlighting the growing interest in EV-related clinical programs. Navigating the regulatory affairs of EVs poses real challenges, and obtaining marketing authorization for EV-based medicines remains complex due to the lack of specific regulatory guidelines for such novel products. This paper discusses the state-of-the-art regulatory knowledge to date on EV-based diagnostics and medicinal products, highlighting further research and global regulatory needs for the safe and reliable implementation of bioengineered EVs as diagnostic and therapeutic tools in clinical settings. Post-marketing pharmacovigilance for EV-based medicinal products is also presented, mainly addressing such topics as risk assessment and risk management.

Optimizing mesenchymal stem cell extracellular vesicles for chronic wound healing: Bioengineering, standardization, and safety

Chronic wounds represent a significant global burden, afflicting millions with debilitating complications. Despite standard care, impaired healing persists due to factors like persistent inflammation and impaired tissue regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) offer an innovative regenerative medicine approach, delivering stem cell-derived therapeutic cargo in engineered nanoscale delivery systems. This review examines pioneering bioengineering strategies to engineer MSC-EVs into precision nanotherapeutics for chronic wounds. Emerging technologies like CRISPR gene editing, microfluidic manufacturing, and biomimetic delivery systems are highlighted for their potential to enhance MSC-EV targeting, optimize therapeutic cargo enrichment, and ensure consistent clinical-grade production. However, key hurdles remain, including batch variability, rigorous safety assessment for potential tumorigenicity, immunogenicity, and biodistribution profiling. Crucially, collaborative frameworks harmonizing regulatory science with bioengineering and patient advocacy hold the key to expediting global clinical translation. By overcoming these challenges, engineered MSC-EVs could catalyze a new era of off-the-shelf regenerative therapies, restoring hope and healing for millions afflicted by non-healing wounds.

Mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles therapy openings new translational challenges in immunomodulating acute liver inflammation

Inflammation plays a critical role in conditions such as acute liver failure, acute-on-chronic liver failure, and ischemia-reperfusion-induced liver injury. Various pathogenic pathways contribute to liver inflammation, involving inflammatory polarization of macrophages and Küpffer cells, neutrophil infiltration, dysregulation of T cell subsets, oxidative stress, and activation of hepatic stellate cells. While mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have demonstrated beneficial properties, their clinical translation is limited by their cellular nature. However, MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have emerged as a promising cell-free therapeutic approach for immunomodulation. MSC-EVs naturally mirror their parental cell properties, overcoming the limitations associated with the use of MSCs. In vitro and in vivo preclinical studies have demonstrated that MSC-EVs replicate the beneficial effects of MSCs in liver injury. This includes the reduction of cell death and oxidative stress, improvement of hepatocyte function, induction of immunomodulatory effects, and mitigation of cytokine storm. Nevertheless, MSC-EVs face challenges regarding the necessity of defining consistent isolation methods, optimizing MSCs culture conditions, and establishing quality control measures for EV characterization and functional assessment. By establishing standardized protocols, guidelines, and affordable cost mass production, clinicians and researchers will have a solid foundation to conduct further studies, validate the therapeutic efficacy of MSC-EVs, and ultimately pave the way for their clinical implementation in acute liver injury.

Roles for epithelial integrin α3β1 in regulation of the microenvironment during normal and pathological tissue remodeling

Integrin receptors for the extracellular matrix activate intracellular signaling pathways that are critical for tissue development, homeostasis, and regeneration/repair, and their loss or dysregulation contributes to many developmental defects and tissue pathologies. This review will focus on tissue remodeling roles for integrin α3β1, a receptor for laminins found in the basement membranes (BMs) that underlie epithelial cell layers. As a paradigm, we will discuss literature that supports a role for α3β1 in promoting ability of epidermal keratinocytes to modify their tissue microenvironment during skin development, wound healing, or tumorigenesis. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that this role depends largely on ability of α3β1 to govern the keratinocyte's repertoire of secreted proteins, or the "secretome," including 1) matrix proteins and proteases involved in matrix remodeling and 2) paracrine-acting growth factors/cytokines that stimulate other cells with important tissue remodeling functions (e.g., endothelial cells, fibroblasts, inflammatory cells). Moreover, α3β1 signaling controls gene expression that helps epithelial cells carry out these functions, including genes that encode secreted matrix proteins, proteases, growth factors, or cytokines. We will review what is known about α3β1-dependent gene regulation through both transcription and posttranscriptional mRNA stability. Regarding the latter, we will discuss examples of α3β1-dependent alternative splicing (AS) or alternative polyadenylation (APA) that prevents inclusion of cis-acting mRNA sequences that would otherwise target the transcript for degradation via nonsense-mediated decay or destabilizing AU-rich elements (AREs) in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR). Finally, we will discuss prospects and anticipated challenges of exploiting α3β1 as a clinical target for the treatment of cancer or wound healing.

DDX5 inhibits hyaline cartilage fibrosis and degradation in osteoarthritis via alternative splicing and G-quadruplex unwinding

Hyaline cartilage fibrosis is typically considered an end-stage pathology of osteoarthritis (OA), which results in changes to the extracellular matrix. However, the mechanism behind this is largely unclear. Here, we found that the RNA helicase DDX5 was dramatically downregulated during the progression of OA. DDX5 deficiency increased fibrosis phenotype by upregulating COL1 expression and downregulating COL2 expression. In addition, loss of DDX5 aggravated cartilage degradation by inducing the production of cartilage-degrading enzymes. Chondrocyte-specific deletion of Ddx5 led to more severe cartilage lesions in the mouse OA model. Mechanistically, weakened DDX5 resulted in abundance of the Fn1-AS-WT and Plod2-AS-WT transcripts, which promoted expression of fibrosis-related genes (Col1, Acta2) and extracellular matrix degradation genes (Mmp13, Nos2 and so on), respectively. Additionally, loss of DDX5 prevented the unfolding Col2 promoter G-quadruplex, thereby reducing COL2 production. Together, our data suggest that strategies aimed at the upregulation of DDX5 hold significant potential for the treatment of cartilage fibrosis and degradation in OA.

Dysregulation of deubiquitination in breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is a highly frequent malignant tumor that poses a serious threat to women's health and has different molecular subtypes, histological subtypes, and biological features, which act by activating oncogenic factors and suppressing cancer inhibitors. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is the main process contributing to protein degradation, and deubiquitinases (DUBs) are reverse enzymes that counteract this process. There is growing evidence that dysregulation of DUBs is involved in the occurrence of BC. Herein, we review recent research findings in BC-associated DUBs, describe their nature, classification, and functions, and discuss the potential mechanisms of DUB-related dysregulation in BC. Furthermore, we present the successful treatment of malignant cancer with DUB inhibitors, as well as analyzing the status of targeting aberrant DUBs in BC.

The Triple Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Exosome Technology as a Potential Tool for Treating Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Extracellular vesicles are pivotal mediators in intercellular communication, facilitating the exchange of biological information among healthy, pathological and tumor cells. Between the diverse subtypes of extracellular vesicles, exosomes have unique properties and clinical and therapeutical applications. Breast cancer ranks as one of the most prevalent malignancies across the globe. Both the tumor core and its surrounding microenvironment engage in a complex, orchestrated interaction that facilitates cancer's growth and spread.

METHODS

The most significant PubMed literature about extracellular vesicles and Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Exosomes and breast cancer was selected in order to report their biological properties and potential applications, in particular in treating triple-negative breast cancer.

RESULTS

Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Exosomes represent a potential tool in targeting triple-negative breast cancer cells at three main levels: the tumor core, the tumor microenvironment and surrounding tissues, including metastases.

CONCLUSIONS

The possibility of impacting triple-negative breast cancer cells with engineered Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Exosomes is real. The opportunity to translate our current in vitro analyses into a future in vivo scenario is even more challenging.

Vascular Neoplasms With NFATC1/C2 Gene Alterations : Expanding the Clinicopathologic and Molecular Characteristics of a Distinct Entity

Despite significant advances in their molecular pathogenesis, skeletal vascular tumors remain diagnostically challenging due to their aggressive radiologic appearance and significant morphologic overlap. Within the epithelioid category and at the benign end of the spectrum, recurrent FOS/FOSB fusions have defined most epithelioid hemangiomas, distinguishing them from epithelioid hemangioendothelioma and angiosarcoma. More recently, the presence of EWSR1/FUS :: NFATC1/2 fusions emerged as the genetic hallmark of a novel group of unusual vascular proliferations, often displaying epithelioid morphology, with alternating vasoformative and solid growth, variable atypia, reminiscent of composite hemangioendothelioma. In this study, we further our understanding and morphologic spectrum of NFATC -fusion positive vascular neoplasms by describing 9 new cases, including soft tissue locations and novel fusion partners. Combining with the initial cohort of 5 cases, a total of 14 patients were analyzed, showing slight female predilection and an age range of 10 to 66 (mean 42 y). Twelve patients had solitary lesions, while 2 had multifocal polyostotic (pelvic bones) disease. Overall, 12 lesions were intra-osseous and 2 in soft tissue. By targeted RNA Fusion panels or FISH, there were 6 cases of EWSR1::NFATC1 , 4 EWSR1::NFATC2 , 2 FUS::NFATC2 , 1 EWSR1 rearrangement, and 1 with a novel FABP4::NFATC2 fusion. Follow-up was available in 4 patients. One patient experienced 2 local recurrences, 11 and 15 years postdiagnosis, and one patient experienced progressive disease despite multimodality treatment (curettings, embolization, radiation) over 3 years. In summary, our extended investigation confirms that NFATC -related fusions define a distinct group of vascular neoplasms with variable architecture, epithelioid phenotype, and cytologic atypia, commonly located in the bone, occasionally multifocal and with potential for local recurrence and aggressive behavior but no metastatic potential. Molecular analysis is recommended in diagnostically challenging cases with atypical histology to exclude malignancy.

Immune cell-derived extracellular vesicles for precision therapy of inflammatory-related diseases

Inflammation-related diseases impose a significant global health burden, necessitating urgent exploration of novel treatment modalities for improved clinical outcomes. We begin by discussing the limitations of conventional approaches and underscore the pivotal involvement of immune cells in the inflammatory process. Amidst the rapid growth of immunology, the therapeutic potential of immune cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) has garnered substantial attention due to their capacity to modulate inflammatory response. We provide an in-depth examination of immune cell-derived EVs, delineating their promising roles across diverse disease conditions in both preclinical and clinical settings. Additionally, to direct the development of the next-generation drug delivery systems, we comprehensively investigate the engineered EVs on their advanced isolation methods, cargo loading techniques, and innovative engineering strategies. This review ends with a focus on the prevailing challenges and considerations regarding the clinical translation of EVs in future, emphasizing the need of standardized characterization and scalable production processes. Ultimately, immune cell-derived EVs represent a cutting-edge therapeutic approach and delivery platform, holding immense promise in precision medicine.

The RNA m6A reader IGF2BP3 regulates NFAT1/IRF1 axis-mediated anti-tumor activity in gastric cancer

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and its associated reader protein insulin like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) are involved in tumor initiation and progression via regulating RNA metabolism. This study aims to investigate the biological function and clinical significance of IGF2BP3 in gastric cancer (GC). The clinical significance of IGF2BP3 was evaluated using tumor related databases and clinical tissues. The biological role and molecular mechanism of IGF2BP3 in GC progression were investigated by multi-omics analysis including Ribosome sequence (Ribo-seq), RNA sequence (RNA-seq) and m6A sequence (m6A-seq) combined with gain- and loss- of function experiments. IGF2BP3 expression is significantly elevated in GC tissues and associated with poor prognosis of GC patients. Knockdown of IGF2BP3 significantly weakens the migration and clonogenic ability, promotes the apoptosis, inhibits translation, and suppresses in vitro growth and progression of GC cells. Mechanistically, IGF2BP3 regulates the mRNA stability and translation of the nuclear factor of activated T cells 1(NFAT1) in a m6A dependent manner. Then NFAT1 induced by IGF2BP3 acts as a transcription factor (TF) to negatively regulates the promoter activities of interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) to inhibit its expression. Inhibition of IGF2BP3-induced expression of IRF1 activates interferon (IFN) signaling pathway and then exerts its anti-tumor effect. Elevated IGF2BP3 promotes in vivo and in vitro GC progression via regulation of NFAT1/IRF1 pathways. Targeted inhibition of IGF2BP3 might be a potential therapeutic approach for GC treatment.

TonEBP/NFAT5 expression is associated with cisplatin resistance and migration in macrophage-induced A549 cells

BACKGROUND

Macrophages promote angiogenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance in several cancers. Similarly, TonEBP/NFAT5 induces metastasis in renal carcinoma and colon cancer cells. However, the role of this transcription factor and that of macrophages in lung cancer cells remains unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of macrophages and TonEBP/NFAT5 expression on cisplatin resistance and migration in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells.

RESULTS

A549 cells were cultured alone or indirectly co-cultured with THP-1-derived macrophages using a transwell culture chamber. Cisplatin-induced cell death was markedly decreased and migration increased in co-cultured A549 cells. Macrophage-conditioned media (CM) showed a similar effect on drug resistance and migration. Cisplatin-induced apoptosis, DNA fragmentation, and cleaved apoptotic proteins PARP and caspase-3 were markedly reduced in macrophage CM-induced A549 cells. Here, ERK, p38, JNK, and NF-κB activities were increased by macrophage CM. Furthermore, the proteins involved in cisplatin resistance and cancer cell migration were identified using specific inhibitors of each protein. ERK and NF-κB inhibition considerably reduced cisplatin resistance. The increase in macrophage CM-induced migration was partially reduced by treatment with ERK, JNK, and NF-κB inhibitors. TonEBP/NFAT5 expression was increased by macrophages, resulting in increased cisplatin resistance, cell migration, and invasion. Moreover, RNAi-mediated knockdown of TonEBP/NFAT5 reduced cisplatin resistance, migration, and invasion in macrophage CM-induced A549 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate that paracrine factors secreted from macrophages can change A549 cells, resulting in the induction of drug resistance against cisplatin and migration. In addition, the TonEBP/NFAT5 ratio, increased by macrophages, is an important regulator of the malignant transformation of cells.

Sarcomas with EWSR1::Non-ETS Fusion (EWSR1::NFATC2 and EWSR1::PATZ1)

The wide application of increasingly advanced molecular studies in routine clinical practice has allowed a detailed, albeit still incomplete, genetic subclassification of undifferentiated round cell sarcomas. The WHO classification continues to include provisional molecular entities, whose clinicopathologic features are in the early stages of evolution. This review focuses on the clinicopathologic, molecular, and prognostic features of undifferentiated round cell sarcomas with EWSR1/FUS::NFATC2 or EWSR1::PATZ1 fusions. Classic histopathologic findings, uncommon variations, and diagnostic pitfalls are addressed, along with the utility of recently developed immunohistochemical and molecular markers.

Simultaneous and Sensitive Sensing of Intracellular MicroRNA and mRNA for the Detection of the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway in Live Cells

Simultaneous detection of the concentration variations of microRNA-221 (miRNA-221) and PTEN mRNA molecules in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is of significance to elucidate cancer cell migration and invasion, which is useful for cancer diagnosis and therapy. In this work, we show the biodegradable MnO2 nanosheet-assisted and target-triggered DNAzyme recycling signal amplification cascaded approach for the specific detection of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in live cells via simultaneous and sensitive monitoring of the variation of intracellular miRNA-221 and PTEN mRNA. Our nanoprobes enable highly sensitive and multiplexed sensing of miRNA-221 and PTEN mRNA with low detection limits of 23.6 and 0.59 pM in vitro, respectively, due to the signal amplification cascades. Importantly, the nanoprobes can be readily delivered into cancer cells and the MnO2 nanosheets can be degraded by intracellular glutathione to release the Mn2+ cofactors to trigger multiple DNAzyme recycling cycles to show highly enhanced fluorescence at different wavelengths to realize sensitive and multiplexed imaging of PTEN mRNA and miRNA-221 for detecting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Moreover, the regulation of PTEN mRNA expression by miRNA-221 upon stimulation by various drugs can also be verified by our method, indicating its promising potentials for both disease diagnosis and drug screening.

Effective treatment of optic neuropathies by intraocular delivery of MSC-sEVs through augmenting the G-CSF-macrophage pathway

Optic neuropathies, characterized by injury of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons of the optic nerve, cause incurable blindness worldwide. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles (MSC-sEVs) represent a promising "cell-free" therapy for regenerative medicine; however, the therapeutic effect on neural restoration fluctuates, and the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we illustrated that intraocular administration of MSC-sEVs promoted both RGC survival and axon regeneration in an optic nerve crush mouse model. Mechanistically, MSC-sEVs primarily targeted retinal mural cells to release high levels of colony-stimulating factor 3 (G-CSF) that recruited a neural restorative population of Ly6Clow monocytes/monocyte-derived macrophages (Mo/MΦ). Intravitreal administration of G-CSF, a clinically proven agent for treating neutropenia, or donor Ly6Clow Mo/MΦ markedly improved neurological outcomes in vivo. Together, our data define a unique mechanism of MSC-sEV-induced G-CSF-to-Ly6Clow Mo/MΦ signaling in repairing optic nerve injury and highlight local delivery of MSC-sEVs, G-CSF, and Ly6Clow Mo/MΦ as therapeutic paradigms for the treatment of optic neuropathies.

Macrophage derived Exosomal Docetaxel (Exo-DTX) for pro-metastasis suppression: QbD driven formulation development, validation, in-vitro and pharmacokinetic investigation

Exosomes, biogenic nano-vesicles, are renowned for their ability to encapsulate diverse payloads, however the systematic development and validation of exosomal formulation with significant biological implications have been overlooked. Herein, we developed and validated Exo-DTX, a QbD-driven optimized RAW 264.7 cell derived exosomal anti-cancer formulation of docetaxel (DTX) and evaluate its anti-metastatic and apoptotic efficacy in TNBC 4T1 cells. RAW264.7-derived exosomes were having particle size (112.5 ± 21.48 nm) and zeta-potential (-10.268 ± 3.66 mV) with polydispersity (PDI:0.256 ± 0.03). The statistical optimization of exosomes (200 μg) with Exo: DTX ratio 4:1 confirmed encapsulation of 23.60 ± 1.54 ng DTX/ µg exosomes. Exo-DTX (∼189 nm, -11.03 mV) with 100 ng/ml DTX as payload exhibited ∼5 folds' improvement in IC50 of DTX and distinct cytoskeletal deformation in TNBC 4T1 cells. It also has shown enormous Filamentous actin (F-actin) degradation and triggered apoptosis explained Exo-DTX's effective anti-migratory impact with just 2.6 ± 6.33 % wound closure and 4.56 ± 1.38 % invasion. The western blot confirmed that Exo-DTX downregulated migratory protein EGFR and β1-integrin but raised cleaved caspase 3/caspase 3 (CC3/C3) ratio and BAX/BCL-2 ratio by about 2.70 and 4.04 folds respectively. The naive RAW 264.7 exosomes also contributed positively towards the effect of Exo-DTX formulation by suppressing β1-integrin expression and increasing the CC3/C3 ratio in TNBC 4T1 cells as well. Additionally, significant improvement in PK parameters of Exo-DTX was observed in comparison to Taxotere, 6-folds and 3.04-folds improved t1/2 and Vd, proving the translational value of Exo-DTX formulation. Thus, the Exo-DTX so formulated proved beneficial in controlling the aggressiveness of TNBC wherein, naive exosomes also demonstrated beneficial synergistic anti-proliferative effect in 4T1.

DEAD-Box Helicase 17 exacerbates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis via transcriptional repression of cyp2c29, inducing hepatic lipid metabolism disorder and eliciting the activation of M1 macrophages

OBJECTIVE

Our study was to elucidate the role of RNA helicase DEAD-Box Helicase 17 (DDX17) in NAFLD and to explore its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

We created hepatocyte-specific Ddx17-deficient mice aim to investigate the impact of Ddx17 on NAFLD induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) as well as methionine and choline-deficient l-amino acid diet (MCD) in adult male mice. RNA-seq and lipidomic analyses were conducted to depict the metabolic landscape, and CUT&Tag combined with chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase reporter assays were conducted.

RESULTS

In this work, we observed a notable increase in DDX17 expression in the livers of patients with NASH and in murine models of NASH induced by HFD or MCD. After introducing lentiviruses into hepatocyte L02 for DDX17 knockdown or overexpression, we found that lipid accumulation induced by palmitic acid/oleic acid (PAOA) in L02 cells was noticeably weakened by DDX17 knockdown but augmented by DDX17 overexpression. Furthermore, hepatocyte-specific DDX17 knockout significantly alleviated hepatic steatosis, inflammatory response and fibrosis in mice after the administration of MCD and HFD. Mechanistically, our analysis of RNA-seq and CUT&Tag results combined with ChIP and luciferase reporter assays indicated that DDX17 transcriptionally represses Cyp2c29 gene expression by cooperating with CCCTC binding factor (CTCF) and DEAD-Box Helicase 5 (DDX5). Using absolute quantitative lipidomics analysis, we identified a hepatocyte-specific DDX17 deficiency that decreased lipid accumulation and altered lipid composition in the livers of mice after MCD administration. Based on the RNA-seq analysis, our findings suggest that DDX17 could potentially have an impact on the modulation of lipid metabolism and the activation of M1 macrophages in murine NASH models.

CONCLUSION

These results imply that DDX17 is involved in NASH development by promoting lipid accumulation in hepatocytes, inducing the activation of M1 macrophages, subsequent inflammatory responses and fibrosis through the transcriptional repression of Cyp2c29 in mice. Therefore, DDX17 holds promise as a potential drug target for the treatment of NASH.

Unraveling the Multifaceted Roles of Extracellular Vesicles: Insights into Biology, Pharmacology, and Pharmaceutical Applications for Drug Delivery

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoparticles released from various cell types that have emerged as powerful new therapeutic option for a variety of diseases. EVs are involved in the transmission of biological signals between cells and in the regulation of a variety of biological processes, highlighting them as potential novel targets/platforms for therapeutics intervention and/or delivery. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate new aspects of EVs' biogenesis, biodistribution, metabolism, and excretion as well as safety/compatibility of both unmodified and engineered EVs upon administration in different pharmaceutical dosage forms and delivery systems. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of essential physiological and pathological roles of EVs in different organs and organ systems. We provide an overview regarding application of EVs as therapeutic targets, therapeutics, and drug delivery platforms. We also explore various approaches implemented over the years to improve the dosage of specific EV products for different administration routes.

The Anticancer Effects of Marine Carotenoid Fucoxanthin through Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase (PI3K)-AKT Signaling on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer that lacks specific targets such as estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. TNBC affects one in eight women in the United States, making up 15-20% of breast cancer cases. Patients with TNBC can develop resistance to chemotherapy over time, leading to treatment failure. Therefore, finding other options like natural products is necessary for treatment. The advantages of using natural products sourced from plants as anticancer agents are that they are less toxic, more affordable, and have fewer side effects. These products can modulate several cellular processes of the tumor microenvironment, such as proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. The phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT signaling pathway is an important pathway that contributes to the survival and growth of the tumor microenvironment and is associated with these cellular processes. This current study examined the anticancer effects of fucoxanthin, a marine carotenoid isolated from brown seaweed, in the MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 TNBC cell lines. The methods used in this study include a cytotoxic assay, PI3K-AKT signaling pathway PCR arrays, and Wes analysis. Fucoxanthin (6.25 µM) + TNF-α (50 ng/mL) and TNF-α (50 ng/mL) showed no significant effect on cell viability compared to the control in both MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells after a 24 h treatment period. PI3K-AKT signaling pathway PCR array studies showed that in TNF-α-stimulated (50 ng/mL) MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells, fucoxanthin (6.25 µM) modulated the mRNA expression of 12 genes, including FOXO1, RASA1, HRAS, MAPK3, PDK2, IRS1, EIF4EBP1, EIF4B, PTK2, TIRAP, RHOA, and ELK1. Additionally, fucoxanthin significantly downregulated the protein expression of IRS1, EIF4B, and ELK1 in MDA-MB-231 cells, and no change in the protein expression of EIF4B and ELK1 was shown in MDA-MB-468 cells. Fucoxanthin upregulated the protein expression of RHOA in both cell lines. The modulation of the expression of genes and proteins of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway may elucidate fucoxanthin's effects in cell cycle progression, apoptotic processes, migration, and proliferation, which shows that PI3K-AKT may be the possible molecular mechanism for fucoxanthin's effects. In conclusion, the results obtained in this study elucidate fucoxanthin's molecular mechanisms and indicate that fucoxanthin may be considered a promising candidate for breast cancer-targeted therapy.

A clinically relevant large-scale biomanufacturing workflow to produce natural killer cells and natural killer cell-derived extracellular vesicles for cancer immunotherapy

Natural killer cell-derived extracellular vesicles (NK-EVs) have shown promising potential as biotherapeutics for cancer due to their unique attributes as cytotoxic nanovesicles against cancer cells and immune-modulatory activity towards immune cells. However, a biomanufacturing workflow is needed to produce clinical-grade NK-EVs for pre-clinical and clinical applications. This study established a novel biomanufacturing workflow using a closed-loop hollow-fibre bioreactor to continuously produce NK-EVs from the clinically relevant NK92-MI cell line under serum-free, Xeno-free and feeder-free conditions following GMP-compliant conditions. The NK92 cells grown in the bioreactor for three continuous production lots resulted in large quantities of both NK cell and NK-EV biotherapeutics at the end of each production lot (over 109 viable cells and 1013 EVs), while retaining their cytotoxic payload (granzyme B and perforin), pro-inflammatory cytokine (interferon-gamma) content and cytotoxicity against the human leukemic cell line K562 with limited off-target toxicity against healthy human fibroblast cells. This scalable biomanufacturing workflow has the potential to facilitate the clinical translation of adoptive NK cell-based and NK-EV-based immunotherapies for cancer with GMP considerations.

The prognostic and immunological role of FKBP1A in an integrated muti-omics cancers analysis, especially lung cancer

BACKGROUND AND AIM

FKBP1A, a gene encoding the FK506-binding protein 1A, has emerged as a significant player in cancer progression and prognosis. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the multifaceted role of FKBP1A in cancer, focusing on its differential expression patterns, prognostic implications, genetic alterations, and associations with the tumor microenvironment.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using large-scale datasets, including GTEx, TCGA, HPA, and cBioPortal, we analyzed FKBP1A expression across normal tissues and various cancer types. Our findings revealed that FKBP1A exhibited aberrant upregulation in most human cancers, making it a potential biomarker for malignancy. Moreover, FKBP1A expression correlated with poor overall survival, disease-specific survival, disease-free interval, and progression-free interval in several cancers, indicating its prognostic significance. Genetic alteration analysis showed that FKBP1A gene amplification was prevalent, particularly in ovarian cancer. Furthermore, FKBP1A expression was associated with tumor mutational burden and microsatellite instability, highlighting its potential involvement in tumor-immune response. Notably, FKBP1A expression positively correlated with stromal and immune cell scores, suggesting its role in shaping the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, according to the functional enrichment analysis, experimental validation in lung adenocarcinoma confirmed the role of FKBP1A through the regulation of EGFR signaling by apoptosis, which is consistent with drug sensitivity analysis to some extent.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, FKBP1A exhibits differential expression in cancer, serves as a prognostic indicator, undergoes genetic alterations, and influences the tumor-immune microenvironment. These findings shed light on the multifaceted role of FKBP1A in cancer development and progression, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target and guidance of clinical drugs selection, and provide valuable insights into patient prognosis for interventions based on pharmaceuticals.

The actin-bundling protein, PLS3, is part of the mechanoresponsive machinery that regulates osteoblast mineralization

Plastin-3 (PLS3) is a calcium-sensitive actin-bundling protein that has recently been linked to the development of childhood-onset osteoporosis. Clinical data suggest that PLS3 mutations lead to a defect in osteoblast function, however the underlying mechanism remains elusive. To investigate the role of PLS3 in bone mineralization, we generated MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cells that are stably depleted of PLS3. Analysis of osteogenic differentiation of control and PLS3 knockdown (PLS3 KD) cells showed that depletion of PLS3 does not alter the first stage of osteoblast mineralization in which a collagen matrix is deposited, but severely affects the subsequent mineralization of that matrix. During this phase, osteoblasts heavily rely on mechanosensitive signaling pathways to sustain mineral deposition in response to increasing stiffness of the extracellular matrix (ECM). PLS3 prominently localizes to focal adhesions (FAs), which are intricately linked to mechanosensation. In line with this, we observed that depletion of PLS3 rendered osteoblasts unresponsive to changes in ECM stiffness and showed the same cell size, FA lengths and number of FAs when plated on soft (6 kPa) versus stiff (100 kPa) substrates in contrast to control cells, which showed an increased in each of these parameters when plated on 100 kPa substrates. Defective cell spreading of PLS3 KD cells on stiff substrates could be rescued by expression of wildtype PLS3, but not by expression of three PLS3 mutations that were identified in patients with early onset osteoporosis and that have aberrant actin-bundling activity. Altogether, our results show that actin-bundling by PLS3 is part of the mechanosensitive mechanism that promotes osteoblast mineralization and thus begins to elucidate how PLS3 contributes to the development of bone defects such as osteoporosis.

HOXC6 drives a therapeutically targetable pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis pathway by regulating MSK1 and PPP2R2B

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest cancers, which lacks effective therapies. Here, we demonstrate that the transcription factor, homeobox C6 (HOXC6), is overexpressed in most PDACs, and its inhibition blocks PDAC tumor growth and metastasis. HOXC6 transcriptionally activates tumor-promoting kinase MSK1 and suppresses tumor-inhibitory protein PPP2R2B in PDAC. HOXC6-induced PPP2R2B suppression causes mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway activation, which facilitates PDAC growth. Also, MSK1 upregulation by HOXC6 is necessary for PDAC growth because of its ability to suppress apoptosis via its substrate DDX17. Combinatorial pharmacological inhibition of MSK1 and mTOR potently suppressed PDAC tumor growth and metastasis in PDAC mouse models. PDAC cells with acquired resistance to MSK1/mTOR-inhibitors displayed activated insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) signaling and were successfully eradicated by IGF1R inhibitor. Furthermore, MEK inhibitor trametinib enhanced the efficacy of dual MSK1 and mTOR inhibition. Collectively, these results identify therapeutic vulnerabilities of PDAC and an approach to overcome acquired drug resistance to prolong therapeutic benefit.

Lipocalin-2: A Nurturer of Tumor Progression and a Novel Candidate for Targeted Cancer Therapy

Within the tumor microenvironment (TME) exists a complex signaling network between cancer cells and stromal cells, which determines the fate of tumor progression. Hence, interfering with this signaling network forms the basis for cancer therapy. Yet, many types of cancer, in particular, solid tumors, are refractory to the currently used treatments, so there is an urgent need for novel molecular targets that could improve current anti-cancer therapeutic strategies. Lipocalin-2 (Lcn-2), a secreted siderophore-binding glycoprotein that regulates iron homeostasis, is highly upregulated in various cancer types. Due to its pleiotropic role in the crosstalk between cancer cells and stromal cells, favoring tumor progression, it could be considered as a novel biomarker for prognostic and therapeutic purposes. However, the exact signaling route by which Lcn-2 promotes tumorigenesis remains unknown, and Lcn-2-targeting moieties are largely uninvestigated. This review will (i) provide an overview on the role of Lcn-2 in orchestrating the TME at the level of iron homeostasis, macrophage polarization, extracellular matrix remodeling, and cell migration and survival, and (ii) discuss the potential of Lcn-2 as a promising novel drug target that should be pursued in future translational research.

How does NFAT3 regulate the occurrence of cardiac hypertrophy?

Cardiac hypertrophy is initially an adaptive response to physiological and pathological stimuli. Although pathological myocardial hypertrophy is the main cause of morbidity and mortality, our understanding of its mechanism is still weak. NFAT3 (nuclear factor of activated T-cell-3) is a member of the nuclear factor of the activated T cells (NFAT) family. NFAT3 plays a critical role in regulating the expression of cardiac hypertrophy genes by inducing their transcription. Recently, accumulating evidence has indicated that NFAT3 is a potent regulator of the progression of cardiac hypertrophy. This review, for the first time, summarizes the current studies on NFAT3 in cardiac hypertrophy, including the pathophysiological processes and the underlying pathological mechanism, focusing on the nuclear translocation and transcriptional function of NFAT3. This review will provide deep insight into the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy and a theoretical basis for identifying new therapeutic targets in the NFAT3 network.

Targeting the central nervous system: From synthetic nanoparticles to extracellular vesicles-Focus on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are an accelerating global health problem as life expectancy rises worldwide. Despite their significant burden in public health systems to date, the existing treatments only manage the symptoms without slowing down disease progression. Thus, the ongoing neurodegenerative process remains untreated. Moreover, the stronghold of the brain-the blood-brain barrier (BBB)-prevents drug penetrance and dwindles effective treatments. In the last years, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems (DDS) have become a promising approach to target and treat these disorders related to the central nervous system (CNS). PLGA based nanoparticles (NPs) were the first employed DDS for effective drug delivery. However, the poor drug loading capacity and localized immunogenicity prompted the scientific community to move to another DDS such as lipid-based NPs. Despite the lipid NPs' safety and effectiveness, their off-target accumulation together with the denominated CARPA (complement activation-related pseudo allergy) reaction has limited their complete clinical translation. Recently, biological NPs naturally secreted by cells, termed as extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as promising more complex biocompatible DDS. In addition, EVs act as dual players in NDs treatment, as a "cell free" therapy themselves, as well as new biological NPs with numerous characteristics that qualify them as promising carriers over synthetic DDS. The present review aims to display advantages, drawbacks, current limitations and future prospective of the previously cited synthetic and biological DDS to enter the brain and treat one of 21st century most challenging diseases, NDs. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Neurological Disease.

The emerging role of exosomes in the development of testicular

The mechanisms of testicular development in mammals are complex. Testis is an organ that produces sperm and secretes androgens. It is rich in exosomes and cytokines that mediate signal transduction between tubule germ cells and distal cells, promoting testicular development and spermatogenesis. Exosomes are nanoscale extracellular vesicles that transmit information between cells. By transmitting information, exosomes play an important role in male infertility diseases such as azoospermia, varicocele, and testicular torsion. However, due to the wide range of sources of exosomes, extraction methods are numerous and complex. Therefore, there are many difficulties in studying the mechanisms of exosomal effects on normal development and male infertility. Therefore, in this review, first, we introduce the formation of exosomes and methods for culturing testis and sperm. Then, we introduce the effects of exosomes on different stages of testicular development. Finally, we summarize the prospects and shortcomings of exosomes when used in clinical applications. We lay the theoretical foundation for the mechanism of the influence of exosomes on normal development and male infertility.

STIM1 signals through NFAT1 independently of Orai1 and SOCE to regulate breast cancer cell migration

Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) contributes to several physiological and pathological conditions including transcription, secretion, immunodeficiencies, and cancer. SOCE has been shown to be important for breast cancer cell migration where knockdown of SOCE components (STIM1 or Orai1) decreases cancer metastasis. Here we show unexpectedly that complete knockout of STIM1 (STIM1-KO) using gene editing in metastatic MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells results in faster migration and enhanced invasion capacity. In contrast, Orai1-KO cells, which have similar levels of SOCE inhibition as STIM1-KO, migrate slower than the parental cell line. This shows that the enhanced migration phenotype of STIM1-KO cells is not due to the loss of Ca2+ entry through SOCE, rather it involves transcriptional remodeling as elucidated by RNA-seq analyses. Interestingly, NFAT1 is significantly downregulated in STIM1-KO cells and overexpression of NFAT1 reversed the enhanced migration of STIM1-KO cells. STIM1 knockout in other breast cancer cells, independent of their metastatic potential, also enhanced cell migration while reducing NFAT1 expression. These data argue that in breast cancer cells STIM1 modulates NFAT1 expression and cell migration independently of its role in SOCE.

SAFB2 Inhibits the Progression of Breast Cancer by Suppressing the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway via NFAT5

Aberrant scaffold attachment factor-B2 (SAFB2) expression is associated with several malignant tumors. In this study, we investigated how SAFB2 worked in the process of breast cancer as well as the underlying mechanism. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting analysis were used to investigate the expression of SAFB2 and nuclear factor of activated T cells 5 (NFAT5). Cellular proliferative ability was detected with cell counting kit 8 (CCK8), colony formation and 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining assays. Cell apoptosis was measured via flow cytometry and western blotting analysis. Wound healing, transwell assays, and western blotting analysis were executed to estimate cell migration and invasion. The relationship between SAFB2 and NFAT5 was verified by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay and NFAT5 mRNA stability was examined with actinomycin (Act) D assay. Western blotting analysis also tested the expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling-associated proteins. As a result, SAFB2 was downregulated in breast cancer cell lines, while NFAT5 was highly expressed in most breast cancer cell lines. Overexpression of SAFB2 suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion while exacerbated the apoptosis of breast cancer cells. SAFB2 interacted with NFAT5 mRNA and declined the stability of NFAT5 mRNA. Overexpression of NFAT5 counteracted anti-proliferative, anti-metastatic and pro-apoptotic effects of SAFB2 in breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, SAFB2 overexpression inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, while this effect was partially eliminated by NFAT5. Collectively, SAFB2 hindered breast cancer development and inactivated Wnt/β-catenin signaling via regulation of NFAT5, suggesting that SAFB2 might be a promising therapeutic target for breast cancer.

NFAT5 Restricts Bovine Herpesvirus 1 Productive Infection in MDBK Cell Cultures

Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1), an important bovine viral pathogen, causes severe disease in the upper respiratory tract and reproductive system. Tonicity-responsive enhancer-binding protein (TonEBP), also known as nuclear factor of activated T cells 5 (NFAT5), is a pleiotropic stress protein involved in a range of cellular processes. In this study, we showed that the knockdown of NFAT5 by siRNA increased BoHV-1 productive infection and overexpression of NFAT5 via plasmid transfection decreased virus production in bovine kidney (MDBK) cells. Virus productive infection at later stages significantly increased transcription of NFAT5 but not appreciably alter measurable NFAT5 protein levels. Virus infection relocalized NFAT5 protein and decreased the cytosol accumulation. Importantly, we found a subset of NFAT5 resides in mitochondria, and virus infection led to the depletion of mitochondrial NFAT5. In addition to full-length NFAT5, another two isoforms with distinct molecular weights were exclusively detected in the nucleus, where the accumulation was differentially affected following virus infection. In addition, virus infection differentially altered mRNA levels of PGK1, SMIT, and BGT-1, the canonical downstream targets regulated by NFAT5. Taken together, NFAT5 is a potential host factor that restricts BoHV-1 productive infection, and virus infection hijacks NFAT5 signaling transduction by relocalization of NFAT5 molecules in cytoplasm, nucleus, and mitochondria, as well as altered expression of its downstream targets. IMPORTANCE Accumulating studies have revealed that NFAT5 regulates disease development due to infection of numerous viruses, underlying the importance of the host factor in virus pathogenesis. Here, we report that NFAT5 has capacity to restrict BoHV-1 productive infection in vitro. And virus productive infection at later stages may alter NFAT5 signaling pathway as observed by relocalization of NFAT5 protein, reduced accumulation of NFAT5 in cytosol, and differential expression of NFAT5 downstream targets. Importantly, for the first time, we found that a subset of NFAT5 resides in mitochondria, implying that NFAT5 may regulate mitochondrial functions, which will extend our knowledge on NFAT5 biological activities. Moreover, we found two NFAT5 isoforms with distinct molecular weights were exclusively detected in the nucleus, where the accumulation was differentially affected following virus infection, representing a novel regulation mechanism on NFAT5 function in response to BoHV-1infection.

LncRNA NRON promotes tumorigenesis by enhancing MDM2 activity toward tumor suppressor substrates

The E3 ligase MDM2 promotes tumor growth and progression by inducing ubiquitin-mediated degradation of P53 and other tumor-suppressing proteins. Here, we identified an MDM2-interacting lncRNA NRON, which promotes tumor formation by suppressing both P53-dependent and independent pathways. NRON binds to MDM2 and MDMX (MDM4) via two different stem-loops, respectively, and induces their heterogenous dimerization, thereby enhancing the E3 ligase activity of MDM2 toward its tumor-suppressing substrates, including P53, RB1, and NFAT1. NRON knockdown dramatically inhibits tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. More importantly, NRON overexpression promotes oncogenic transformation by inducing anchorage-independent growth in vitro and facilitating tumor formation in immunocompromised mice. Clinically, NRON expression is significantly associated with poor clinical outcome in breast cancer patients. Together, our data uncover a pivotal role of lncRNA that induces malignant transformation of epithelial cells by inhibiting multiple tumor suppressor proteins.

Research progress of extracellular vesicles and exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of oxidative stress-related diseases

There is growing evidence that mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles and exosomes can significantly improve the curative effect of oxidative stress-related diseases. Mesenchymal stem cell extracellular vesicles and exosomes (MSC-EVs and MSC-Exos) are rich in bioactive molecules and have many biological regulatory functions. In this review, we describe how MSC-EVs and MSC-Exos reduce the related markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in various systemic diseases, and the molecular mechanism of MSC-EVs and MSC-Exos in treating apoptosis and vascular injury induced by oxidative stress. The results of a large number of experimental studies have shown that both local and systemic administration can effectively inhibit the oxidative stress response in diseases and promote the survival and regeneration of damaged parenchymal cells. The mRNA and miRNAs in MSC-EVs and MSC-Exos are the most important bioactive molecules in disease treatment, which can inhibit the apoptosis, necrosis and oxidative stress of lung, heart, kidney, liver, bone, skin and other cells, and promote their survive and regenerate.

Renal, but not platelet or skin, extracellular vesicles decrease oxidative stress, enhance nascent peptide synthesis, and protect from ischemic renal injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is deadly and expensive, and specific, effective therapy remains a large unmet need. We have demonstrated the beneficial effects of transplanted adult tubular cells and extracellular vesicles (EVs; exosomes) derived from those renal cells on experimental ischemic AKI, even when administered after renal failure is established. To further examine the mechanisms of benefit with renal EVs, we tested the hypothesis that EVs from other epithelia or platelets (a rich source of EVs) might be protective, using a well-characterized ischemia-reperfusion model. When given after renal failure was present, renal EVs, but not those from skin or platelets, markedly improved renal function and histology. The differential effects allowed us to examine the mechanisms of benefit with renal EVs. We found significant decreases in oxidative stress postischemia in the renal EV-treated group with preservation of renal superoxide dismutase and catalase as well as increases in anti-inflammatory interleukin-10. In addition, we propose a novel mechanism of benefit: renal EVs enhanced nascent peptide synthesis following hypoxia in cells and in postischemic kidneys. Although EVs have been used therapeutically, these results serve as "proof of principle" to examine the mechanisms of injury and protection.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Acute kidney injury is common and deadly, yet the only approved treatment is dialysis. Thus, a better understanding of injury mechanisms and potential therapies is needed. We found that organ-specific, but not extrarenal, extracellular vesicles improved renal function and structure postischemia when given after renal failure occurred. Oxidative stress was decreased and anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 increased with renal, but not skin or platelet, exosomes. We also propose enhanced nascent peptide synthesis as a novel protective mechanism.

Decoding key cell sub-populations and molecular alterations in glioblastoma at recurrence by single-cell analysis

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most frequent malignant brain tumor, the relapse of which is unavoidable following standard treatment. However, the effective treatment for recurrent GBM is lacking, necessitating the understanding of key mechanisms driving tumor recurrence and the identification of new targets for intervention. Here, we integrated single-cell RNA-sequencing data spanning 36 patient-matched primary and recurrent GBM (pGBM and rGBM) specimens, with 6 longitudinal GBM spatial transcriptomics to explore molecular alterations at recurrence, with each cell type characterized in parallel. Genes involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) organization are preferentially enriched in rGBM cells, and MAFK is highlighted as a potential regulator. Notably, we uncover a unique subpopulation of GBM cells that is much less detected in pGBM and highly expresses ECM and mesenchyme related genes, suggesting it may contribute to the molecular transition of rGBM. Further regulatory network analysis reveals that transcription factors, such as NFATC4 and activator protein 1 members, may function as hub regulators. All non-tumor cells alter their specific sets of genes as well and certain subgroups of myeloid cells appear to be physically associated with the mesenchyme-like GBM subpopulation. Altogether, our study provides new insights into the molecular understanding of GBM relapse and candidate targets for rGBM treatment.

Calcineurin regulates aldosterone production via dephosphorylation of NFATC4

The mineralocorticoid aldosterone, secreted by the adrenal zona glomerulosa (ZG), is critical for life, maintaining ion homeostasis and blood pressure. Therapeutic inhibition of protein phosphatase 3 (calcineurin, Cn) results in inappropriately low plasma aldosterone levels despite concomitant hyperkalemia and hyperreninemia. We tested the hypothesis that Cn participates in the signal transduction pathway regulating aldosterone synthesis. Inhibition of Cn with tacrolimus abolished the potassium-stimulated (K+-stimulated) expression of aldosterone synthase, encoded by CYP11B2, in the NCI-H295R human adrenocortical cell line as well as ex vivo in mouse and human adrenal tissue. ZG-specific deletion of the regulatory Cn subunit CnB1 diminished Cyp11b2 expression in vivo and disrupted K+-mediated aldosterone synthesis. Phosphoproteomics analysis identified nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 4 (NFATC4), as a target for Cn-mediated dephosphorylation. Deletion of NFATC4 impaired K+-dependent stimulation of CYP11B2 expression and aldosterone production while expression of a constitutively active form of NFATC4 increased expression of CYP11B2 in NCI-H295R cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed NFATC4 directly regulated CYP11B2 expression. Thus, Cn controls aldosterone production via the Cn/NFATC4 pathway. Inhibition of Cn/NFATC4 signaling may explain low plasma aldosterone levels and hyperkalemia in patients treated with tacrolimus, and the Cn/NFATC4 pathway may provide novel molecular targets to treat primary aldosteronism.

Intranasally Administered MSC-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Reverse Cisplatin-Induced Cognitive Impairment

Neurotoxic side effects of chemotherapy include deficits in attention, memory, and executive functioning. Currently, there are no FDA-approved therapies. In mice, cisplatin causes long-term cognitive deficits, white matter damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and loss of synaptic integrity. We hypothesized that MSC-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) could restore cisplatin-induced cognitive impairments and brain damage. Animals were injected with cisplatin intraperitoneally and treated with MSC-derived sEVs intranasally 48 and 96 h after the last cisplatin injection. The puzzle box test (PBT) and the novel object place recognition test (NOPRT) were used to determine cognitive deficits. Synaptosomal mitochondrial morphology was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. Immunohistochemistry using antibodies against synaptophysin and PSD95 was applied to assess synaptic loss. Black-Gold II staining was used to quantify white matter integrity. Our data show that sEVs enter the brain in 30 min and reverse the cisplatin-induced deficits in executive functioning and working and spatial memory. Abnormalities in mitochondrial morphology, loss of white matter, and synaptic integrity in the hippocampus were restored as well. Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of regenerative functions after treatment with sEVs, pointing to a possible role of axonal guidance signaling, netrin signaling, and Wnt/Ca²⁺ signaling in recovery. Our data suggest that intranasal sEV treatment could become a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of chemobrain.

Regulation of CD8 T Cell Differentiation by the RNA-Binding Protein DDX5

The RNA-binding protein DEAD-box protein 5 (DDX5) is a polyfunctional regulator of gene expression, but its role in CD8+ T cell biology has not been extensively investigated. In this study, we demonstrate that deletion of DDX5 in murine CD8+ T cells reduced the differentiation of terminal effector, effector memory T, and terminal effector memory cells while increasing the generation of central memory T cells, whereas forced expression of DDX5 elicited the opposite phenotype. DDX5-deficient CD8+ T cells exhibited increased expression of genes that promote central memory T cell differentiation, including Tcf7 and Eomes. Taken together, these findings reveal a role for DDX5 in regulating the differentiation of effector and memory CD8+ T cell subsets in response to microbial infection.

AFP deletion leads to anti-tumorigenic but pro-metastatic roles in liver cancers with concomitant CTNNB1 mutations

HCC remains one of the most prevalent and deadliest cancers. Serum AFP level is a biomarker for clinical diagnosis of HCC, instead the contribution of AFP to HCC development is clearly highly complex. Here, we discussed the effect of AFP deletion in the tumorigenesis and progression of HCC. AFP deletion in HepG2 cells inhibited the cell proliferation by inactivating PI3K/AKT signaling. Surprisingly, AFP KO HepG2 cells appeared the increasing metastatic capacity and EMT phenotype, which was attributed to the activation of WNT5A/β-catenin signal. Further studies revealed that the activating mutations of CTNNB1 was closely related with the unconventional pro-metastatic roles of AFP deletion. Consistently, the results of DEN/CCl4-induced HCC mouse model also suggested that AFP knockout suppressed the growth of HCC primary tumors, but promoted lung metastasis. Despite the discordant effect of AFP deletion in HCC progression, a drug candidate named OA showed the potent suppression of HCC tumor growth by interrupting AFP-PTEN interaction and, importantly, reduced the lung metastasis of HCC via angiogenesis suppression. Thus, this study demonstrates an unconventional effect of AFP in HCC progression, and suggests a potent candidate strategy for HCC therapy.

Lysine methylation promotes NFAT5 activation and determines temozolomide efficacy in glioblastoma

Temozolomide (TMZ) therapy offers minimal clinical benefits in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) with high EGFR activity, underscoring the need for effective combination therapy. Here, we show that tonicity-responsive enhancer binding protein (NFAT5) lysine methylation, is a determinant of TMZ response. Mechanistically, EGFR activation induces phosphorylated EZH2 (Ser21) binding and triggers NFAT5 methylation at K668. Methylation prevents NFAT5 cytoplasm interaction with E3 ligase TRAF6, thus blocks NFAT5 lysosomal degradation and cytosol localization restriction, which was mediated by TRAF6 induced K63-linked ubiquitination, resulting in NFAT5 protein stabilization, nuclear accumulation and activation. Methylated NFAT5 leads to the upregulation of MGMT, a transcriptional target of NFAT5, which is responsible for unfavorable TMZ response. Inhibition of NFAT5 K668 methylation improved TMZ efficacy in orthotopic xenografts and patient-derived xenografts (PDX) models. Notably, NFAT5 K668 methylation levels are elevated in TMZ-refractory specimens and confer poor prognosis. Our findings suggest targeting NFAT5 methylation is a promising therapeutic strategy to improve TMZ response in tumors with EGFR activation.