[Cell ultrastructure of the islands of Langerhans in Cyprinus carpio L]

CD44: a cancer stem cell marker and therapeutic target in leukemia treatment

CD44 is a ubiquitous leukocyte adhesion molecule involved in cell-cell interaction, cell adhesion, migration, homing and differentiation. CD44 can mediate the interaction between leukemic stem cells and the surrounding extracellular matrix, thereby inducing a cascade of signaling pathways to regulate their various behaviors. In this review, we focus on the impact of CD44s/CD44v as biomarkers in leukemia development and discuss the current research and prospects for CD44-related interventions in clinical application.

Current Evidence and Perspectives of Cluster of Differentiation 44 in the Liver's Physiology and Pathology

Cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44), a multi-functional cell surface receptor, has several variants and is ubiquitously expressed in various cells and tissues. CD44 is well known for its function in cell adhesion and is also involved in diverse cellular responses, such as proliferation, migration, differentiation, and activation. To date, CD44 has been extensively studied in the field of cancer biology and has been proposed as a marker for cancer stem cells. Recently, growing evidence suggests that CD44 is also relevant in non-cancer diseases. In liver disease, it has been shown that CD44 expression is significantly elevated and associated with pathogenesis by impacting cellular responses, such as metabolism, proliferation, differentiation, and activation, in different cells. However, the mechanisms underlying CD44's function in liver diseases other than liver cancer are still poorly understood. Hence, to help to expand our knowledge of the role of CD44 in liver disease and highlight the need for further research, this review provides evidence of CD44's effects on liver physiology and its involvement in the pathogenesis of liver disease, excluding cancer. In addition, we discuss the potential role of CD44 as a key regulator of cell physiology.

Phenotypic and Functional Characterization of Bovine Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells

BACKGROUND

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are increasingly trialed in cellular therapy applications in humans. They can also be applied to treat a range of diseases in animals, particularly in cattle to combat inflammatory conditions and aging-associated degenerative disorders. We sought to demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining MSCs from adipose tissue and characterizing them using established assays.

METHODS

Bovine adipose MSCs (BvAdMSCs) were isolated using in-house optimized tissue digestion protocols and characterized by performing a colony formation assay, cell growth assessments, cell surface marker analysis by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry, osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation, and secretion of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenease (IDO).

RESULTS

Our results demonstrate the feasibility of successful MSC isolation and culture expansion from bovine adipose tissues with characteristic features of colony formation, in vitro multilineage differentiation into osteogenic and adipogenic lineages, and cell surface marker expression of CD105, CD73, CD90, CD44, and CD166 with negative expression of CD45. BvAdMSCs secreted significant amounts of IDO with or without interferon-gamma stimulation, indicating ability for immunomodulation.

CONCLUSIONS

We report a viable approach to obtaining autologous adipose-derived MSCs that can be applied as potential adjuvant cell therapy for tissue repair and regeneration in cattle. Our methodology can be utilized by veterinary cell therapy labs for preparing MSCs for disease management in cattle.

Proteomic Assessment of SKBR3/HER2+ Breast Cancer Cellular Response to Lapatinib and Investigational Ipatasertib Kinase Inhibitors

Modern cancer treatment approaches aim at achieving cancer remission by using targeted and personalized therapies, as well as harnessing the power of the immune system to recognize and eliminate the cancer cells. To overcome a relatively short-lived response due to the development of resistance to the administered drugs, combination therapies have been pursued, as well. To expand the outlook of combination therapies, the objective of this study was to use high-throughput data generation technologies such as mass spectrometry and proteomics to investigate the response of HER2+ breast cancer cells to a mixture of two kinase inhibitors that has not been adopted yet as a standard treatment regime. The broader landscape of biological processes that are affected by inhibiting two major pathways that sustain the growth and survival of cancer cells, i.e., EGFR and PI3K/AKT, was investigated by treating SKBR3/HER2+ breast cancer cells with Lapatinib or a mixture of Lapatinib/Ipatasertib small molecule drugs. Changes in protein expression and/or activity in response to the drug treatments were assessed by using two complementary quantitative proteomic approaches based on peak area and peptide spectrum match measurements. Over 900 proteins matched by three unique peptide sequences (FDR<0.05) were affected by the exposure of cells to the drugs. The work corroborated the anti-proliferative activity of Lapatinib and Ipatasertib, and, in addition to cell cycle and growth arrest processes enabled the identification of several multi-functional proteins with roles in cancer-supportive hallmark processes. Among these, immune response, adhesion and migration emerged as particularly relevant to the ability to effectively suppress the proliferation and dissemination of cancer cells. The supplementation of Lapatinib with Ipatasertib further affected the expression or activity of additional transcription factors and proteins involved in gene expression, trafficking, DNA repair, and development of multidrug resistance. Furthermore, over fifty of the affected proteins represented approved or investigational targets in the DrugBank database, which through their protein-protein interaction networks can inform the selection of effective therapeutic partners. Altogether, our findings exposed a broad plethora of yet untapped opportunities that can be further explored for enhancing the anti-cancer effects of each drug as well as of many other multi-drug therapies that target the EGFR/ERBB2 and PI3K/AKT pathways. The data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD051094.

CD44 expression in renal tubular epithelial cells in the kidneys of rats with cyclosporine-induced chronic kidney disease

Renal tubular epithelial cell (TEC) injury is the most common cause of drug-induced kidney injury (DIKI). Although TEC regeneration facilitates renal function and structural recovery following DIKI, maladaptive repair of TECs leads to irreversible fibrosis, resulting in chronic kidney disease (CKD). CD44 is specifically expressed in TECs during maladaptive repair in several types of rat CKD models. In this study, we investigated CD44 expression and its role in renal fibrogenesis in a cyclosporine (CyA) rat model of CKD. Seven-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats fed a low-salt diet were subcutaneously administered CyA (0, 15, or 30 mg/kg) for 28 days. CD44 was expressed in atrophic, dilated, and hypertrophic TECs in the fibrotic lesions of the CyA groups. These TECs were collected by laser microdissection and evaluated by microarray analysis. Gene ontology analysis suggested that these TECs have a mesenchymal phenotype, and pathway analysis identified CD44 as an upstream regulator of fibrosis-related genes, including fibronectin 1 (Fn1). Immunohistochemistry revealed that epithelial and mesenchymal markers of TECs of fibrotic lesions were downregulated and upregulated, respectively, and that these TECs were surrounded by a thickened basement membrane. In situ hybridization revealed an increase in Fn1 mRNA in the cytoplasm of TECs of fibrotic lesions, whereas fibronectin protein was localized in the stroma surrounding these tubules. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed increased serum CD44 levels in CyA-treated rats. Collectively, these findings suggest that CD44 contributes to renal fibrosis by inducing fibronectin secretion in TECs exhibiting partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition and highlight the potential of CD44 as a biomarker of renal fibrosis.

Tumor Microenvironment Landscapes Supporting EGFR-mutant NSCLC Are Modulated at the Single-cell Interaction Level by Unesbulin Treatment

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths. Lethal pulmonary adenocarcinomas (ADC) present with frequent mutations in the EGFR. Genetically engineered murine models of lung cancer expedited comprehension of the molecular mechanisms driving tumorigenesis and drug response. Here, we systematically analyzed the evolution of tumor heterogeneity in the context of dynamic interactions occurring with the intermingled tumor microenvironment (TME) by high-resolution transcriptomics. Our effort identified vulnerable tumor-specific epithelial cells, as well as their cross-talk with niche components (endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and tumor-infiltrating immune cells), whose symbiotic interface shapes tumor aggressiveness and is almost completely abolished by treatment with Unesbulin, a tubulin binding agent that reduces B cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1 (BMI-1) activity. Simultaneous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis demonstrated decreased tumor growth, setting the stage for future investigations into the potential of novel therapeutic strategies for EGFR-mutant ADCs.

SIGNIFICANCE

Targeting the TME is an attractive strategy for treatment of solid tumors. Here we revealed how EGFR-mutant landscapes are affected at the single-cell resolution level during Unesbulin treatment. This novel drug, by targeting cancer cells and their interactions with crucial TME components, could be envisioned for future therapeutic advancements.

Inhibitory receptors of plasmacytoid dendritic cells as possible targets for checkpoint blockade in cancer

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are the major producers of type I interferons (IFNs), which are essential to mount antiviral and antitumoral immune responses. To avoid exaggerated levels of type I IFNs, which pave the way to immune dysregulation and autoimmunity, pDC activation is strictly regulated by a variety of inhibitory receptors (IRs). In tumors, pDCs display an exhausted phenotype and correlate with an unfavorable prognosis, which largely depends on the accumulation of immunosuppressive cytokines and oncometabolites. This review explores the hypothesis that tumor microenvironment may reduce the release of type I IFNs also by a more pDC-specific mechanism, namely the engagement of IRs. Literature shows that many cancer types express de novo, or overexpress, IR ligands (such as BST2, PCNA, CAECAM-1 and modified surface carbohydrates) which often represent a strong predictor of poor outcome and metastasis. In line with this, tumor cells expressing ligands engaging IRs such as BDCA-2, ILT7, TIM3 and CD44 block pDC activation, while this blocking is prevented when IR engagement or signaling is inhibited. Based on this evidence, we propose that the regulation of IFN secretion by IRs may be regarded as an "innate checkpoint", reminiscent of the function of "classical" adaptive immune checkpoints, like PD1 expressed in CD8+ T cells, which restrain autoimmunity and immunopathology but favor chronic infections and tumors. However, we also point out that further work is needed to fully unravel the biology of tumor-associated pDCs, the neat contribution of pDC exhaustion in tumor growth following the engagement of IRs, especially those expressed also by other leukocytes, and their therapeutic potential as targets of combined immune checkpoint blockade in cancer immunotherapy.

Squalene monooxygenase facilitates bladder cancer development in part by regulating PCNA

Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Although the treatment and survival rate of BC are being improved, the risk factors and the underlying mechanisms causing BC are incompletely understood. Squalene monooxygenase (SQLE) has been associated with the occurrence and development of multiple cancers but whether it contributes to BC development is unclear. In this study, we performed bioinformatics analysis on paired BC and adjacent non-cancerous tissues and found that SQLE expression is significantly upregulated in BC samples. Knockdown of SQLE impairs viability, induces apoptosis, and inhibits the migration and invasion of BC cells. RNA-seq data reveals that SQLE deficiency leads to dysregulated expression of genes regulating proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Mass spectrometry-directed interactome screening identifies proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) as an SQLE-interacting protein and overexpression of PCNA partially rescues the impaired viability, migration, and invasion of BC cells caused by SQLE knockdown. In addition, we performed xenograft assays and confirmed that SQLE deficiency inhibits BC growth in vivo. In conclusion, these data suggest that SQLE promotes BC development and SQLE inhibition may be therapeutically useful in BC treatment.

Increased heterogeneity in expression of genes associated with cancer progression and drug resistance

Fluctuations in the number of regulatory molecules and differences in timings of molecular events can generate variation in gene expression among genetically identical cells in the same environmental condition. This variation, termed as expression noise, can create differences in metabolic state and cellular functions, leading to phenotypic heterogeneity. Expression noise and phenotypic heterogeneity have been recognized as important contributors to intra-tumor heterogeneity, and have been associated with cancer growth, progression, and therapy resistance. However, how expression noise changes with cancer progression in actual cancer patients has remained poorly explored. Such an analysis, through identification of genes with increasing expression noise, can provide valuable insights into generation of intra-tumor heterogeneity, and could have important implications for understanding immune-suppression, drug tolerance and therapy resistance. In this work, we performed a genome-wide identification of changes in gene expression noise with cancer progression using single-cell RNA-seq data of lung adenocarcinoma patients at different stages of cancer. We identified 37 genes in epithelial cells that showed an increasing noise trend with cancer progression, many of which were also associated with cancer growth, EMT and therapy resistance. We found that expression of several of these genes was positively associated with expression of mitochondrial genes, suggesting an important role of mitochondria in generation of heterogeneity. In addition, we uncovered substantial differences in sample-specific noise profiles which could have implications for personalized prognosis and treatment.

Inhibition of CD44 suppresses the formation of fibrotic scar after spinal cord injury via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway

Fibrotic scar is one of the main impediments to axon regeneration following spinal cord injury (SCI). In this study, we found that CD44 was upregulated during the formation of fibrotic scar, and blocking CD44 by IM7 caused downregulation of fibrosis-related extracellular matrix proteins at both 2 and 12 weeks post-spinal cord injury. More Biotinylated dextran amine (BDA)-traced corticospinal tract axons crossed the scar area and extended into the distal region after IM7 administration. A recovery of motor and sensory function was observed based on Basso Mouse Scale (BMS) scores and tail-flick test. In vitro experiments revealed that inhibiting CD44 and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway decreased the proliferation, differentiation, and migration of fibroblasts induced by the inflammatory supernatant. Collectively, these findings highlight the critical role of CD44 and its downstream JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in fibrotic scar formation, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for SCI.

Semisynthesis of segmentally isotope-labeled and site-specifically palmitoylated CD44 cytoplasmic tail

CD44, a ubiquitously expressed transmembrane receptor, plays a crucial role in cell growth, migration, and tumor progression. Dimerization of CD44 is a key event in signal transduction and has emerged as a potential target for anti-tumor therapies. Palmitoylation, a posttranslational modification, disrupts CD44 dimerization and promotes CD44 accumulation in ordered membrane domains. However, the effects of palmitoylation on the structure and dynamics of CD44 at atomic resolution remain poorly understood. Here, we present a semisynthetic approach combining solid-phase peptide synthesis, recombinant expression, and native chemical ligation to investigate the impact of palmitoylation on the cytoplasmic domain (residues 669-742) of CD44 (CD44ct) by NMR spectroscopy. A segmentally isotope-labeled and site-specifically palmitoylated CD44 variant enabled NMR studies, which revealed chemical shift perturbations and indicated local and long-range conformational changes induced by palmitoylation. The long-range effects suggest altered intramolecular interactions and potential modulation of membrane association patterns. Semisynthetic, palmitoylated CD44ct serves as the basis for studying CD44 clustering, conformational changes, and localization within lipid rafts, and could be used to investigate its role as a tumor suppressor and to explore its therapeutic potential.

Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy and anti-cancer immunity

The activation of the anti-cancer immune system is an important strategy to control cancer. A new form of cancer phototherapy, near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT), was approved for clinical use in 2020 and uses IRDye® 700DX (IR700)-conjugated antibodies and NIR light. After irradiation with NIR light, the antibody-IR700 conjugate forms water-insoluble aggregations on the plasma membrane of target cells. This aggregation causes lethal damage to the plasma membrane, and effectively leads to immunogenic cell death (ICD). Subsequently, ICD activates anti-cancer immune cells such as dendritic cells and cytotoxic T cells. Combination therapy with immune-checkpoint blockade has synergistically improved the anti-cancer effects of NIR-PIT. Additionally, NIR-PIT can eliminate immunosuppressive immune cells in light-irradiated tumors by using specific antibodies against regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. In addition to cancer-cell-targeted NIR-PIT, such immune-cell-targeted NIR-PIT has shown promising results by activating the anti-cancer immune system. Furthermore, NIR-PIT can be used to manipulate the tumor microenvironment by eliminating only targeted cells in the tumor, and thus it also can be used to gain insight into immunity in basic research.

Heterogeneity of hepatocyte dynamics restores liver architecture after chemical, physical or viral damage

Midlobular hepatocytes are proposed to be the most plastic hepatic cell, providing a reservoir for hepatocyte proliferation during homeostasis and regeneration. However, other mechanisms beyond hyperplasia have been little explored and the contribution of other hepatocyte subpopulations to regeneration has been controversial. Thus, re-examining hepatocyte dynamics during regeneration is critical for cell therapy and treatment of liver diseases. Using a mouse model of hepatocyte- and non-hepatocyte- multicolor lineage tracing, we demonstrate that midlobular hepatocytes also undergo hypertrophy in response to chemical, physical, and viral insults. Our study shows that this subpopulation also combats liver impairment after infection with coronavirus. Furthermore, we demonstrate that pericentral hepatocytes also expand in number and size during the repair process and Galectin-9-CD44 pathway may be critical for driving these processes. Notably, we also identified that transdifferentiation and cell fusion during regeneration after severe injury contribute to recover hepatic function.

Experimental and phylogenetic evidence for correlated gene expression evolution in endometrial and skin fibroblasts

Gene expression change is a dominant mode of evolution. Mutations, however, can affect gene expression in multiple cell types. Therefore, gene expression evolution in one cell type can lead to similar gene expression changes in another cell type. Here, we test this hypothesis by investigating dermal skin fibroblasts (SFs) and uterine endometrial stromal fibroblasts (ESFs). The comparative dataset consists of transcriptomes from cultured SF and ESF of nine mammalian species. We find that evolutionary changes in gene expression in SF and ESF are highly correlated. The experimental dataset derives from a SCID mouse strain selected for slow cancer growth leading to substantial gene expression changes in SFs. We compared the gene expression profiles of SF with that of ESF and found a significant correlation between them. We discuss the implications of these findings for the evolutionary correlation between placental invasiveness and vulnerability to metastatic cancer.

Toward Characterizing Lymphatic Vasculature in the Mammary Gland During Normal Development and Tumor-Associated Remodeling

Lymphatic vasculature has been shown to promote metastatic spread of breast cancer. Lymphatic vasculature, which is made up of larger collecting vessels and smaller capillaries, has specialized cell junctions that facilitate cell intravasation. Normally, these junctions are designed to collect immune cells and other cellular components for immune surveillance by lymph nodes, but they are also utilized by cancer cells to facilitate metastasis. Although lymphatic development overall in the body has been well-characterized, there has been little focus on how the lymphatic network changes in the mammary gland during stages of remodeling such as pregnancy, lactation, and postpartum involution. In this review, we aim to define the currently known lymphangiogenic factors and lymphatic remodeling events during mammary gland morphogenesis. Furthermore, we juxtapose mammary gland pubertal development and postpartum involution to show similarities of pro-lymphangiogenic signaling as well as other molecular signals for epithelial cell survival that are critical in these morphogenic stages. The similar mechanisms include involvement of M2-polarized macrophages that contribute to matrix remodeling and vasculogenesis; signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) survival and proliferation signaling; and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2)/Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) signaling to promote ductal and lymphatic expansion. Investigation and characterization of lymphangiogenesis in the normal mammary gland can provide insight to targetable mechanisms for lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic spread of tumor cells in breast cancer.

Regulation of Cellular Signaling with an Aptamer Inhibitor to Impede Cancer Metastasis

Tumor invasion and metastasis are the main causes of tumor progression and are the leading causes of death among cancer patients. In the present study, we propose a strategy to regulate cellular signaling with a tumor metastasis-relevant cytoskeleton-associated protein 4 (CKAP4) specific aptamer for the achievement of tumor metastasis inhibition. The designed aptamer could specifically bind to CKAP4 in the cell membranes and cytoplasm to block the internalization and recycling of α5β1 integrin, resulting in the disruption of the fibronectin-dependent cell adhesion and the weakening of the cell traction force. Moreover, the aptamer is able to impede the interaction between CKAP4 and Dickkopf1 (DKK1) to further block the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway, which subsequently reduces AKT phosphorylation and inhibits the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton in cell migration. The synergetic function of the designed aptamer in inhibiting cancer cell adhesion and blocking the PI3K signaling pathway enables efficient tumor cell metastasis suppression. The aptamer with specific targeting ability in regulating cellular signaling paves the way for cancer treatment and further provides a guiding ideology for inhibiting tumor metastasis.

The Bi-(AID-1-T) G-Quadruplex Has a Janus Effect on Primary and Recurrent Gliomas: Anti-Proliferation and Pro-Migration

High-grade gliomas are considered an incurable disease. Despite all the various therapy options available, patient survival remains low, and the tumor usually returns. Tumor resistance to conventional therapy and stimulation of the migratory activity of surviving cells are the main factors that lead to recurrent tumors. When developing new treatment approaches, the effect is most often evaluated on standard and phenotypically depleted cancer cell lines. Moreover, there is much focus on the anti-proliferative effect of such therapies without considering the possible stimulation of migratory activity. In this paper, we studied how glioma cell migration changes after exposure to bi-(AID-1-T), an anti-proliferative aptamer. We investigated the effect of this aptamer on eight human glioma cell cultures (Grades III and IV) that were derived from patients' tumor tissue; the difference between primary and recurrent tumors was taken into account. Despite its strong anti-proliferative activity, bi-(AID-1-T) was shown to induce migration of recurrent tumor cells. This result shows the importance of studying the effect of therapeutic molecules on the invasive properties of glioma tumor cells in order to reduce the likelihood of inducing tumor recurrence.

Integrated whole transcriptome profiling revealed a convoluted circular RNA-based competing endogenous RNAs regulatory network in colorectal cancer

Recently, it has been identified that circRNAs can act as miRNA sponge to regulate gene expression in various types of cancers, associating them with cancer initiation and progression. The present study aims to identify colorectal cancer-related circRNAs and the underpinning mechanisms of circRNA/miRNA/mRNA networks in the development and progress of Colorectal Cancer. Differentially expressed circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs were identified in GEO microarray datasets using the Limma package of R. The analysis of differentially expressed circRNAs resulted in 23 upregulated and 31 downregulated circRNAs. CeRNAs networks were constructed by intersecting the results of predicted and experimentally validated databases, circbank and miRWalk, and by performing DEMs and DEGs analysis using Cytoscape. Next, functional enrichment analysis was performed for DEGs included in ceRNA networks. Followed by survival analysis, expression profile assessment using TCGA and GEO data, and ROC curve analysis we identified a ceRNA sub-networks that revealed the potential regulatory effect of hsa_circ_0001955 and hsa_circ_0071681 on survival-related genes, namely KLF4, MYC, CCNA2, RACGAP1, and CD44. Overall, we constructed a convoluted regulatory network and outlined its likely mechanisms of action in CRC, which may contribute to the development of more effective approaches for early diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of CRC.

Spontaneous metastasis xenograft models link CD44 isoform 4 to angiogenesis, hypoxia, EMT and mitochondria-related pathways in colorectal cancer

Hematogenous metastasis limits the survival of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Here, we illuminated the roles of CD44 isoforms in this process. Isoforms 3 and 4 were predominantly expressed in CRC patients. CD44 isoform 4 indicated poor outcome and correlated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and decreased oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) in patients; opposite associations were found for isoform 3. Pan-CD44 knockdown (kd) independently impaired primary tumor formation and abrogated distant metastasis in CRC xenografts. The xenograft tumors mainly expressed the clinically relevant CD44 isoforms 3 and 4. Both isoforms were enhanced in the paranecrotic, hypoxic tumor regions but were generally absent in lung metastases. Upon CD44 kd, tumor angiogenesis was increased in the paranecrotic areas, accompanied by reduced hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and CEACAM5 but increased E-cadherin expression. Mitochondrial genes and proteins were induced upon pan-CD44 kd, as were OxPhos genes. Hypoxia increased VEGF release from tumor spheres, particularly upon CD44 kd. Genes affected upon CD44 kd in xenografts specifically overlapped concordantly with genes correlating with CD44 isoform 4 (but not isoform 3) in patients, validating the clinical relevance of the used model and highlighting the metastasis-promoting role of CD44 isoform 4.

Combining microfluidic chip and low-attachment culture devices to isolate oral cancer stem cells

Background/purpose

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are widely recognized as key drivers of cancer initiation, progression, and therapeutic resistance. Microfluidic chip technology offers a promising approach for CSC isolation and study. This study investigated the efficacy of a microfluidic chip-based method for isolating single cells from oral cancer cell lines characterized by high stem-like phenotypes. Specifically, the study focused on examining the sphere-forming capability and the expression of CSC markers, including aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1), CD44, and CD133, in isolated cell clones from OECM-1 and SAS cell lines.

Materials and methods

Oral cancer cell lines were subjected to isolation using a microfluidic chip. The captured single cells were cultured to assess their sphere-forming capacity in ultra-low binding culture. Furthermore, the protein expression levels of ALDH1A1, CD44, and CD133 in the isolated cell clones were analyzed using western blotting.

Results

The microfluidic chip-assisted isolation method significantly enhanced the sphere-forming capability of both OECM-1 and SAS cell clones compared to their parent cell lines. Moreover, the expression levels of CSC markers ALDH1A1, CD44, and CD133 were upregulated in the microfluidic chip-assisted isolated cell clones, indicating a higher stem-like phenotype.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the microfluidic chip-based approach in isolating oral cancer cell clones with elevated stem-like characteristics. This method offers a valuable tool for further investigation of CSCs and their role in cancer progression, as well as future therapy development for oral cancers.

Immunohistochemical Expression of Autophagy-Related Marker (LC3B) and Stem Cell Marker (CD44) in Molecular Subtypes of Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer (BC) is among the most prevalent aggressive type of malignancy affecting females worldwide. Despite the advance in early detection and management of BC; recurrence, metastasis and mortality remains high. This may be attributed to heterogeneity of BC which explained by the presence of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). BCSCs is characterized by their ability of self-renewal, unlimited proliferation and their differentiation potential.  BCSCs maintain their activity through process of autophagy. Autophagy is a catabolic pathway important for maintenance of cellular hemostasis in response to different stressful conditions. Autophagy allows BCSCs to adapt to different stressful conditions. So, it protects BCSCs from cytotoxic effects of anti-cancer therapy and anticancer resistance.

METHODS

Formalin-fixed paraffin embedded fifty specimens of Invasive duct carcinoma of no special type(IDC/NST) of breast was selected and immunostained with stem cell marker CD44 and autophagy related marker LC3B antibodies. Correlation with different clinicopathological, histopathological characteristics and molecular subtypes of studied specimens were evaluated.

RESULTS

Both CD44 and LC3B expression were significantly associated with lymph nodal metastasis (p =0.001 and 0.010 respectively), advanced pathological stage (p= 0.045 and 0.004 respectively) and with triple negative molecular subtype of BC (p=0.044 and 0.048 respectively). Statistically positive correlation was also found between both tumor markers expression.

CONCLUSION

Results of this study suggests that CD44 and LC3B expression play a role in the clinical behavior and progression of different molecular subtypes of BC.

Chondroitin Sulphate: An emerging therapeutic multidimensional proteoglycan in colon cancer

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) that has captured massive attention in the field of drug delivery. As the colon is considered the preferred site for local and systemic delivery of bioactive agents for the treatment of various diseases, colon-targeted drug delivery rose to the surface of research. Amid several tactics to attain colon-targeted drug release, the exploitation of polymers degraded by colonic bacteria holds great promise. Chondroitin sulfate as a biodegradable, biocompatible mucopolysaccharide is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-osteoarthritis, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-oxidant, and anti-coagulant effects. Besides these therapeutic functions, CS thrived to play a major role in nanocarriers as a matrix material, coat, and targeting ligand. This review focuses on the role of CS in nanocarriers as a matrix material or as a targeting moiety for colon cancer therapy, relating the present applications to future perspectives.

Migration Inhibition Factor Secreted by Peripheral Blood Memory B Cells Binding to CD74-CD44 Receptor Complex Drives Macrophage Behavior in Alzheimer's Disease

Dysregulation of the peripheral immune system is be involved in the neuroinflammation in Alzheimer disease (AD) and accelerate the disease progression. The contribution of immune cells, particularly B cells, to AD pathogenesis has gained attention in recent research. In this study, we investigated the role of Peripheral Blood Memory B cells (PBMBs) and their secreted Migration Inhibition Factor (MIF) in driving macrophage behavior in AD based on the scRNA-seq technique, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. We discovered that MIF binds to the CD74-CD44 receptor complex on macrophages, influencing their behavior. The dysregulated macrophage response hampers the clearance of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques, exacerbating AD pathology. Targeting the MIF-CD74-CD44 signal pathway may hold therapeutic potential in modulating macrophage activity and mitigating neuroinflammation in AD. This study provides a further understanding of peripheral immune cells dysregulated in AD.

The v8-10 variant isoform of CD44 is selectively expressed in the normal human colonic stem cell niche and frequently is overexpressed in colon carcinomas during tumor development

CD44 protein and its variant isoforms are expressed in cancer stem cells (CSCs), and various CD44 isoforms can have different functional roles in cells. Our goal was to investigate how different CD44 isoforms contribute to the emergence of stem cell (SC) overpopulation that drives colorectal cancer (CRC) development. Specific CD44 variant isoforms are selectively expressed in normal colonic SCs and become overexpressed in CRCs during tumor development. We created a unique panel of anti-CD44 rabbit genomic antibodies to 16 specific epitopes that span the entire length of the CD44 molecule. Our panel was used to comprehensively investigate the expression of different CD44 isoforms in matched pairs (n = 10) of malignant colonic tissue and adjacent normal mucosa, using two (IHC & IF) immunostaining approaches. We found that: i) CD44v8-10 is selectively expressed in the normal human colonic SC niche; ii) CD44v8-10 is co-expressed with the SC markers ALDH1 and LGR5 in normal and malignant colon tissues; iii) colon carcinoma tissues frequently (80%) stain for CD44v8-10 while staining for CD44v6 was less frequent (40%). Given that CD44v8-10 expression is restricted to cells in the normal human colonic SC niche and CD44v8-10 expression progressively increases during CRC development, CD44v8-10 expression likely contributes to the SC overpopulation that drives the development and growth of colon cancers. Since the CD44 variant v8-10 epitope is located on CD44's extracellular region, it offers great promise for targeted anti-CSC treatment approaches.

Current issues and potential solutions for the electrospinning of major polysaccharides and proteins: A review

Biopolymers, especially polysaccharides and proteins, are the promising green replacement for petroleum based polymers. Due to their innate properties, they are effectively used in biomedical applications, especially tissue engineering, wound healing, and drug delivery. The fibrous morphology of biopolymers is essentially required for the effectiveness in these biomedical applications. Electrospinning (ES) is the most advanced and robust method to fabricate nanofibers (NFs) and provides a complete solution to the conventional methods issues. However, the major issues regarding fabricating polysaccharides and protein nanofibers using ES include poor electrospinnability, lack of desired fundamental properties for a specific application by a single biopolymer, and insolubility among common solvents. The current review provides the main strategies for effective electrospinning of the major biopolymers. The key strategies include blending major biopolymers with suitable biopolymers and optimizing the solvent system. A systematic literature review was done to provide the optimized solvent system of the major biopolymers along with their best possible biopolymeric blend for ES. The review also highlights the fundamental issues with the commercialization of ES based biomedical products and provides future directions to improve the fabrication of biopolymeric nanofibers.

Microglia Polarization and Antiglioma Effects Fostered by Dual Cell Membrane-Coated Doxorubicin-Loaded Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanoflakes

Microglial cells play a critical role in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) progression, which is considered a highly malignant brain cancer. The activation of microglia can either promote or inhibit GBM growth depending on the stage of the tumor development and on the microenvironment conditions. The current treatments for GBM have limited efficacy; therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel and efficient strategies for drug delivery and targeting: in this context, a promising strategy consists of using nanoplatforms. This study investigates the microglial response and the therapeutic efficacy of dual-cell membrane-coated and doxorubicin-loaded hexagonal boron nitride nanoflakes tested on human microglia and GBM cells. Obtained results show promising therapeutic effects on glioma cells and an M2 microglia polarization, which refers to a specific phenotype or activation state that is associated with anti-inflammatory and tissue repair functions, highlighted through proteomic analysis.

The Marine Natural Compound Dragmacidin D Selectively Induces Apoptosis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Spheroids

Cancer cells grown in 3D spheroid cultures are considered more predictive for clinical efficacy. The marine natural product dragmacidin D induces apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) spheroids within 24 h of treatment while showing no cytotoxicity against the same cells grown in monolayers and treated for 72 h. The IC50 for cytotoxicity based on caspase 3/7 cleavage in the spheroid assay was 8 ± 1 µM in MDA-MB-231 cells and 16 ± 0.6 µM in MDA-MB-468 cells at 24 h. No cytotoxicity was seen at all in 2D, even at the highest concentration tested. Thus, the IC50 for cytotoxicity in the MTT assay (2D) in these cells was found to be >75 µM at 72 h. Dragmacidin D exhibited synergy when used in conjunction with paclitaxel, a current treatment for TNBC. Studies into the signaling changes using a reverse-phase protein array showed that treatment with dragmacidin D caused significant decreases in histones. Differential protein expression was used to hypothesize that its potential mechanism of action involves acting as a protein synthesis inhibitor or a ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor. Further testing is necessary to validate this hypothesis. Dragmacidin D also caused a slight decrease in an invasion assay in the MDA-MB-231 cells, although this failed to be statistically significant. Dragmacidin D shows intriguing selectivity for spheroids and has the potential to be a treatment option for triple-negative breast cancer, which merits further research into understanding this activity.

An Automated Nanowell-Array Workflow for Quantitative Multiplexed Single-Cell Proteomics Sample Preparation at High Sensitivity

Multiplexed and label-free mass spectrometry-based approaches with single-cell resolution have attributed surprising heterogeneity to presumed homogenous cell populations. Even though specialized experimental designs and instrumentation have demonstrated remarkable advances, the efficient sample preparation of single cells still lags. Here, we introduce the proteoCHIP, a universal option for single-cell proteomics sample preparation including multiplexed labeling up to 16-plex with high sensitivity and throughput. The automated processing using a commercial system combining single-cell isolation and picoliter dispensing, the cellenONE, reduces final sample volumes to low nanoliters submerged in a hexadecane layer simultaneously eliminating error-prone manual sample handling and overcoming evaporation. The specialized proteoCHIP design allows direct injection of single cells via a standard autosampler resulting in around 1500 protein groups per TMT10-plex with reduced or eliminated need for a carrier proteome. We evaluated the effect of wider precursor isolation windows at single-cell input levels and found that using 2 Da isolation windows increased overall sensitivity without significantly impacting interference. Using the dedicated mass spectrometry acquisition strategies detailed here, we identified on average close to 2000 proteins per TMT10-plex across 170 multiplexed single cells that readily distinguished human cell types. Overall, our workflow combines highly efficient sample preparation, chromatographic and ion mobility-based filtering, rapid wide-window data-dependent acquisition analysis, and intelligent data analysis for optimal multiplexed single-cell proteomics. This versatile and automated proteoCHIP-based sample preparation approach is sufficiently sensitive to drive biological applications of single-cell proteomics and can be readily adopted by proteomics laboratories.

Palovarotene Action Against Heterotopic Ossification Includes a Reduction of Local Participating Activin A-Expressing Cell Populations

Heterotopic ossification (HO) consists of extraskeletal bone formation. One form of HO is acquired and instigated by traumas or surgery, and another form is genetic and characterizes fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP). Recently, we and others showed that activin A promotes both acquired and genetic HO, and in previous studies we found that the retinoid agonist palovarotene inhibits both HO forms in mice. Here, we asked whether palovarotene's action against HO may include an interference with endogenous activin A expression and/or function. Using a standard mouse model of acquired HO, we found that activin A and its encoding RNA (Inhba) were prominent in chondrogenic cells within developing HO masses in untreated mice. Single-cell RNAseq (scRNAseq) assays verified that Inhba expression characterized chondroprogenitors and chondrocytes in untreated HO, in addition to its expected expression in inflammatory cells and macrophages. Palovarotene administration (4 mg/kg/d/gavage) caused a sharp inhibition of both HO and amounts of activin A and Inhba transcripts. Bioinformatic analyses of scRNAseq data sets indicated that the drug had reduced interactions and cross-talk among local cell populations. To determine if palovarotene inhibited Inhba expression directly, we assayed primary chondrocyte cultures. Drug treatment inhibited their cartilaginous phenotype but not Inhba expression. Our data reveal that palovarotene markedly reduces the number of local Inhba-expressing HO-forming cell populations. The data broaden the spectrum of HO culprits against which palovarotene acts, accounting for its therapeutic effectiveness. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

RNA-binding proteins regulating the CD44 alternative splicing

Alternative splicing is often deregulated in cancer, and cancer-specific isoform switches are part of the oncogenic transformation of cells. Accumulating evidence indicates that isoforms of the multifunctional cell-surface glycoprotein CD44 play different roles in cancer cells as compared to normal cells. In particular, the shift of CD44 isoforms is required for epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and is crucial for the maintenance of pluripotency in normal human cells and the acquisition of cancer stem cells phenotype for malignant cells. The growing and seemingly promising use of splicing inhibitors for treating cancer and other pathologies gives hope for the prospect of using such an approach to regulate CD44 alternative splicing. This review integrates current knowledge about regulating CD44 alternative splicing by RNA-binding proteins.

Shrinking the battlefield in cancer therapy: Nanotechnology against cancer stem cells

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, presenting a significant healthcare challenge owing to the limited efficacy of current treatments. The application of nanotechnology in cancer treatment leverages the unique optical, magnetic, and electrical attributes of nanomaterials to engineer innovative, targeted therapies. Specifically, manipulating nanomaterials allows for enhanced drug loading efficiency, improved bioavailability, and targeted delivery systems, reducing the non-specific cytotoxic effects characteristic of conventional chemotherapies. Furthermore, recent advances in nanotechnology have demonstrated encouraging results in specifically targeting CSCs, a key development considering the role of these cells in disease recurrence and resistance to treatment. Despite these breakthroughs, the clinical approval rates of nano-drugs have not kept pace with research advances, pointing to existing obstacles that must be addressed. In conclusion, nanotechnology presents a novel, powerful tool in the fight against cancer, particularly in targeting the elusive and treatment-resistant CSCs. This comprehensive review delves into the intricacies of nanotherapy, explicitly targeting cancer stem cells, their markers, and associated signaling pathways.

Satureja bachtiarica Induces Cancer Cell Death in Breast and Glioblastoma Cancer in 2D/3D Models and Suppresses Breast Cancer Stem Cells

Overcoming drug resistance and specifically targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs) are critical challenges in improving cancer therapy. Nowadays, the use of novel and native medicinal plants can provide new sources for further investigations for this purpose. The aim of this study was to assess the potential of S. bachtiarica, an endemic plant with diverse medicinal applications, in suppressing and targeting cancer and cancer stem cells in glioblastoma and breast cancer. The effect of S. bachtiarica on viability, migration, invasion, and clonogenic potential of MDAMB-231 and U87-MG cells was assessed in both two- and three-dimensional cell culture models. Additionally, we evaluated its effects on the self-renewal capacity of mammospheres. The experimental outcomes indicated that S. bachtiarica decreased the viability and growth rate of cells and spheroids by inducing apoptosis and inhibited colony formation, migration, and invasion of cells and spheroids. Additionally, colony and sphere-forming ability, as well as the expression of genes associated with EMT and stemness were reduced in mammospheres treated with S. bachtiarica. In conclusion, this study provided valuable insights into the anti-cancer effects of S. bachtiarica, particularly in relation to breast CSCs. Therefore, S. bachtiarica may be a potential adjuvant for the treatment of cancer.

Prognostic evaluation of tumour budding in oral squamous cell carcinoma: Evidenced by CD44 expression as a cancer stem cell marker

OBJECTIVES

Tumor budding is a sign of invasion and early step for metastasis of many cancers including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Evidences suggest the presence of cancer stem cells in tumor buds. CD44 has been reported in tumor growth and metastasis as a cancer stem cell marker in OSCC. The study aims to highlight the prognostic significance of tumor budding in association with CD44 expression as a cancer stem cell marker in OSCC.

METHODS

A total of 60 radical neck dissection specimens of OSCC with and without lymph node metastasis were included in the study. The sections were evaluated for TB [Tumor Budding] in H&E and CD44 expression immunohistochemically. OSCC cases were then correlated with clinicopathologic and histomorphologic parameters such as age, gender, habit, site, staging, grading, recurrence, depth of invasion, pattern of invasion, and survival outcomes. Comparison of prognosis and CD44 expression were carried out by statistical methods.

RESULTS

A high TB score was significantly correlated with grading (p = 0.037), POI [Pattern of invasion] (0.029), overall survival (p = 0.047). CD44 over expression showed strong correlations with POI (1HPF:p = 0.037;10HPF:p = 0.027), grading (p = 0.037), and overall survival (p = 0.047). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed overall survival advantage for LTB [Low TB] (85 %) with OSCC compare to HTB [High TB] (75 %) for > 36 months.

CONCLUSION

Assessment of TB is effective in predicting prognosis of OSCC. Although CD44 expression has demonstrated strong prognostic influence, there were significant differences in its expression with the parameters.

CD146 promotes malignant progression of breast phyllodes tumor through suppressing DCBLD2 degradation and activating the AKT pathway

BACKGROUND

As a rapid-progressing tumor, breast malignant phyllodes tumors (PTs) are challenged by the lack of effective therapeutic strategies and suitable prognostic markers. This study aimed to clarify the role and mechanism of CD146 on promoting PTs malignant progression, and to identify a novel prognosis marker and treatment target of breast malignant PTs.

METHODS

The expression and prognostic significance of CD146 in PTs was detected through single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq), immunostaining, real-time PCR and other methodologies. Functional experiments including proliferation assay, colony formation assay, transwell assay, and collagen contraction assay were conducted to validate the role of CD146 in malignant progression of PTs. The efficacy of anti-CD146 monoclonal antibody AA98 against malignant PTs was corroborated by a malignant PT organoid model and a PT patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model. Transcriptome sequencing, proteomic analysis, co-immunoprecipitation, and pull-down assay was employed to identify the modulating pathway and additional molecular mechanism.

RESULTS

In this study, the scRNA-seq analysis of PTs disclosed a CD146-positive characteristic in the α-SMA+ fibroblast subset. Furthermore, a progressive elevation in the level of CD146 was observed with the malignant progression of PTs. More importantly, CD146 was found to serve as an independent predictor for recurrence in PT patients. Furthermore, CD146 was found to augment the viability and invasion of PTs. Mechanistically, CD146 acted as a protective "shield" to prevent the degradation of Discoidin, CUB, and LCCL domain-containing protein 2 (DCBLD2), thereby activating the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway and enhancing malignant behaviors of PT cells. In the malignant PT organoid and PDX model, a significant suppression of malignant PT growth was observed after the application of AA98.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that CD146 served as an efficacious marker for predicting PT malignant progression and showed promise as a prognosis marker and treatment target of breast malignant PTs. The study further unveiled the essential role of the CD146-DCBLD2/PI3K/AKT axis in the malignant progression of PTs.

The Hyaluronan/CD44 Axis: A Double-Edged Sword in Cancer

Hyaluronic acid (HA) receptor CD44 is widely used for identifying cancer stem cells and its activation promotes stemness. Recent evidence shows that overexpression of CD44 is associated with poor prognosis in most human cancers and mediates therapy resistance. For these reasons, in recent years, CD44 has become a treatment target in precision oncology, often via HA-conjugated antineoplastic drugs. Importantly, HA molecules of different sizes have a dual effect and, therefore, may enhance or attenuate the CD44-mediated signaling pathways, as they compete with endogenous HA for binding to the receptors. The magnitude of these effects could be crucial for cancer progression, as well as for driving the inflammatory response in the tumor microenvironment. The increasingly common use of HA-conjugated drugs in oncology, as well as HA-based compounds as adjuvants in cancer treatment, adds further complexity to the understanding of the net effect of hyaluronan-CD44 activation in cancers. In this review, I focus on the significance of CD44 in malignancy and discuss the dichotomous function of the hyaluronan/CD44 axis in cancer progression.

The Role of the Microenvironment and Cell Adhesion Molecules in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a B-cell malignancy whose progression largely depends on the lymph node and bone marrow microenvironment. Indeed, CLL cells actively proliferate in specific regions of these anatomical compartments, known as proliferation centers, while being quiescent in the blood stream. Hence, CLL cell adhesion and migration into these protective niches are critical for CLL pathophysiology. CLL cells are lodged in their microenvironment through a series of molecular interactions that are mediated by cellular adhesion molecules and their counter receptors. The importance of these adhesion molecules in the clinic is demonstrated by the correlation between the expression levels of some of them, in particular CD49d, and the prognostic likelihood. Furthermore, novel therapeutic agents, such as ibrutinib, impair the functions of these adhesion molecules, leading to an egress of CLL cells from the lymph nodes and bone marrow into the circulation together with an inhibition of homing into these survival niches, thereby preventing disease progression. Several adhesion molecules have been shown to participate in CLL adhesion and migration. Their importance also stems from the observation that they are involved in promoting, directly or indirectly, survival signals that sustain CLL proliferation and limit the efficacy of standard and novel chemotherapeutic drugs, a process known as cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance. In this respect, many studies have elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance, which have highlighted different signaling pathways that may represent potential therapeutic targets. Here, we review the role of the microenvironment and the adhesion molecules that have been shown to be important in CLL and their impact on transendothelial migration and cell-mediated drug resistance. We also discuss how novel therapeutic compounds modulate the function of this important class of molecules.

Bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is a global health issue with sex differences in incidence and prognosis. Bladder cancer has distinct molecular subtypes with multiple pathogenic pathways depending on whether the disease is non-muscle invasive or muscle invasive. The mutational burden is higher in muscle-invasive than in non-muscle-invasive disease. Commonly mutated genes include TERT, FGFR3, TP53, PIK3CA, STAG2 and genes involved in chromatin modification. Subtyping of both forms of bladder cancer is likely to change considerably with the advent of single-cell analysis methods. Early detection signifies a better disease prognosis; thus, minimally invasive diagnostic options are needed to improve patient outcomes. Urine-based tests are available for disease diagnosis and surveillance, and analysis of blood-based cell-free DNA is a promising tool for the detection of minimal residual disease and metastatic relapse. Transurethral resection is the cornerstone treatment for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer and intravesical therapy can further improve oncological outcomes. For muscle-invasive bladder cancer, radical cystectomy with neoadjuvant chemotherapy is the standard of care with evidence supporting trimodality therapy. Immune-checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated benefit in non-muscle-invasive, muscle-invasive and metastatic bladder cancer. Effective management requires a multidisciplinary approach that considers patient characteristics and molecular disease characteristics.

Endotenon-Derived Type II Tendon Stem Cells Have Enhanced Proliferative and Tenogenic Potential

Tendon injuries caused by overuse or age-related deterioration are frequent. Incomplete knowledge of somatic tendon cell biology and their progenitors has hindered interventions for the effective repair of injured tendons. Here, we sought to compare and contrast distinct tendon-derived cell populations: type I and II tendon stem cells (TSCs) and tenocytes (TNCs). Porcine type I and II TSCs were isolated via the enzymatic digestion of distinct membranes (paratenon and endotenon, respectively), while tenocytes were isolated through an explant method. Resultant cell populations were characterized by morphology, differentiation, molecular, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence analysis. Cells were isolated, cultured, and evaluated in two alternate oxygen concentrations (physiological (2%) and air (21%)) to determine the role of oxygen in cell biology determination within this relatively avascular tissue. The different cell populations demonstrated distinct proliferative potential, morphology, and transcript levels (both for tenogenic and stem cell markers). In contrast, all tendon-derived cell populations displayed multipotent differentiation potential and immunophenotypes (positive for CD90 and CD44). Type II TSCs emerged as the most promising tendon-derived cell population for expansion, given their enhanced proliferative potential, multipotency, and maintenance of a tenogenic profile at early and late passage. Moreover, in all cases, physoxia promoted the enhanced proliferation and maintenance of a tenogenic profile. These observations help shed light on the biological mechanisms of tendon cells, with the potential to aid in the development of novel therapeutic approaches for tendon disorders.

Structural insights into the biological functions of the long pentraxin PTX3

Soluble pattern recognition molecules (PRMs) are a heterogenous group of proteins that recognize pathogen- and danger-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs and DAMPs, respectively), and cooperate with cell-borne receptors in the orchestration of innate and adaptive immune responses to pathogenic insults and tissue damage. Amongst soluble PRMs, pentraxins are a family of highly conserved proteins with distinctive structural features. Originally identified in the early 1990s as an early inflammatory gene, PTX3 is the prototype of long pentraxins. Unlike the short pentraxin C reactive protein (CRP), whose expression is mostly confined to the liver, PTX3 is made by several immune and non-immune cells at sites of infection and inflammation, where it intercepts fundamental aspects of infection immunity, inflammation, and tissue remodeling. Of note, PTX3 cross talks to components of the complement system to control cancer-related inflammation and disposal of pathogens. Also, it is an essential component of inflammatory extracellular matrices (ECMs) through crosslinking of hyaluronic acid and turn-over of provisional fibrin networks that assemble at sites of tissue injury. This functional diversity is mediated by unique structural characteristics whose fine details have been unveiled only recently. Here, we revisit the structure/function relationships of this long pentraxin in light of the most recent advances in its structural biology, with a focus on the interplay with complement and the emerging roles as a component of the ECM. Differences to and similarities with the short pentraxins are highlighted and discussed.

HCK Promotes High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Tumorigenesis through CD44 and NOTCH3 Signaling

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is a highly aggressive and lethal subtype of ovarian cancer. While most patients initially respond to standard-of-care treatment, the majority will eventually relapse and succumb to their disease. Despite significant advances in our understanding of this disease, the mechanisms that govern the distinctions between HGSOC with good and poor prognosis remain unclear. In this study, we implemented a proteogenomic approach to analyze gene expression, proteomic and phosphoproteomic profiles of HGSOC tumor samples to identify molecular pathways that distinguish HGSOC tumors relative to clinical outcome. Our analyses identify significant upregulation of hematopoietic cell kinase (HCK) expression and signaling in poor prognostic HGSOC patient samples. Analyses of independent gene expression datasets and IHC of patient samples confirmed increased HCK signaling in tumors relative to normal fallopian or ovarian samples and demonstrated aberrant expression in tumor epithelial cells. Consistent with the association between HCK expression and tumor aggressiveness in patient samples, in vitro phenotypic studies showed that HCK can, in part, promote cell proliferation, colony formation, and invasive capacity of cell lines. Mechanistically, HCK mediates these phenotypes, partly through CD44 and NOTCH3-dependent signaling, and inhibiting CD44 or NOTCH3 activity, either genetically or through gamma-secretase inhibitors, can revert HCK-driven phenotypes.

IMPLICATIONS

Collectively, these studies establish that HCK acts as an oncogenic driver of HGSOC through aberrant activation of CD44 and NOTCH3 signaling and identifies this network as a potential therapeutic opportunity in a subset of patients with aggressive and recurrent HGSOC.

Ozanimod differentially preserves human cerebrovascular endothelial barrier proteins and attenuates matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity following in vitro acute ischemic injury

Endothelial integrity is critical in mitigating a vicious cascade of secondary injuries following acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), a contributor to endothelial integrity loss, is elevated during stroke and is associated with worsened stroke outcome. We investigated the FDA-approved selective sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) ligand, ozanimod, on the regulation/activity of MMP-9 as well as endothelial barrier components [platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM-1), claudin-5, and zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1)] in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) following hypoxia plus glucose deprivation (HGD). We previously reported that S1PR1 activation improves HBMEC integrity; however, mechanisms underlying S1PR1 involvement in endothelial cell barrier integrity have not been clearly elucidated. We hypothesized that ozanimod would attenuate an HGD-induced increase in MMP-9 activity that would concomitantly attenuate the loss of integral barrier components. Male HBMECs were treated with ozanimod or vehicle and exposed to 3 h of normoxia (21% O2) or HGD (1% O2). Immunoblotting, zymography, qRT-PCR, and immunocytochemical labeling techniques assessed processes related to MMP-9 and barrier markers. We observed that HGD acutely increased MMP-9 activity and reduced claudin-5 and PECAM-1 levels, and ozanimod attenuated these responses. In situ analysis, via PROSPER, suggested that attenuation of MMP-9 activity may be a primary factor in maintaining these integral barrier proteins. We also observed that HGD increased intracellular mechanisms associated with augmented MMP-9 activation; however, ozanimod had no effect on these select factors. Thus, we conclude that ozanimod has the potential to attenuate HGD-mediated decreases in HBMEC integrity in part by decreasing MMP-9 activity as well as preserving barrier properties.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We have identified a potential novel mechanism by which ozanimod, a selective sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) agonist, attenuates hypoxia plus glucose deprivation (HGD)-induced matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity and disruptions in integral human brain endothelial cell barrier proteins. Our results suggest that ischemic-like injury elicits increased MMP-9 activity and alterations of barrier integrity proteins in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) and that ozanimod via S1PR1 attenuates these HGD-induced responses, adding to its therapeutic potential in cerebrovascular protection during the acute phase of ischemic stroke.

A Multifunctional Delivery System for Remodulating Cell Behaviors of Circulating Malignant Cells to Prevent Cell Fusion

Cell fusion plays a critical role in cancer progression and metastasis. However, effective modulation of the cell fusion behavior and timely evaluation on the cell fusion to provide accurate information for personalized therapy are facing challenges. Here, it demonstrates that the cancer cell fusion behavior can be efficiently modulated and precisely detected through employing a multifunctional delivery vector to realize cancer targeting delivery of a genome editing plasmid and a molecular beacon-based AND logic gate. The multifunctional delivery vector decorated by AS1411 conjugated hyaluronic acid and NLS-GE11 peptide conjugated hyaluronic acid can specifically target circulating malignant cells (CMCs) of cancer patients to deliver the genome editing plasmid for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) knockout. The cell fusion between CMCs and endothelial cells can be detected by the AND logic gate delivered by the multifunctional vector. After EGFR knockout, the edited CMCs exhibit dramatically inhibited cell fusion capability, while unedited CMCs can easily fuse with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) to form hybrid cells. This study provides a new therapeutic strategy for preventing cancer progression and a reliable tool for evaluating cancer cell fusion for precise personalized therapy.

Advanced bioactive glue tethering Lubricin/PRG4 to promote integrated healing of avascular meniscus tears

Meniscus injuries are extremely common with approximately one million patients undergoing surgical treatment annually in the U.S. alone, but no regenerative therapy exist. Previously, we showed that controlled applications of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGFβ3) via fibrin-based bio-glue facilitate meniscus healing by inducing recruitment and stepwise differentiation of synovial mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells. Here, we first explored the potential of genipin, a natural crosslinker, to enhance fibrin-based glue's mechanical and degradation properties. In parallel, we identified the harmful effects of lubricin on meniscus healing and investigated the mechanism of lubricin deposition on the injured meniscus surface. We found that the pre-deposition of hyaluronic acid (HA) on the torn meniscus surface mediates lubricin deposition. Then we implemented chemical modifications with heparin conjugation and CD44 on our bioactive glue to achieve strong initial bonding and integration of lubricin pre-coated meniscal tissues. Our data suggested that heparin conjugation significantly enhances lubricin-coated meniscal tissues. Similarly, CD44, exhibiting a strong binding affinity to lubricin and hyaluronic acid (HA), further improved the integrated healing of HA/lubricin pre-coated meniscus injuries. These findings may represent an important foundation for developing a translational bio-active glue guiding the regenerative healing of meniscus injuries.

Cancer Stem Cells and Glioblastoma: Time for Innovative Biomarkers of Radio-Resistance?

Despite countless papers in the field of radioresistance, researchers are still far from clearly understanding the mechanisms triggered in glioblastoma. Cancer stem cells (CSC) are important to the growth and spread of cancer, according to many studies. In addition, more recently, it has been suggested that CSCs have an impact on glioblastoma patients' prognosis, tumor aggressiveness, and treatment outcomes. In reviewing this new area of biology, we will provide a summary of the most recent research on CSCs and their role in the response to radio-chemotherapy in GB. In this review, we will examine the radiosensitivity of stem cells. Moreover, we summarize the current knowledge of the biomarkers of stemness and evaluate their potential function in the study of radiosensitivity.

Efficacy of fractional CO2 laser therapy combined with hyaluronic acid dressing for treating facial atrophic acne scars: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The present work aimed to systematically identify the efficacy and safety of fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser plus hyaluronic acid (HA) dressing in dealing with facial atrophic acne scars. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning fractional CO2 laser in combination with HA dressing for treating atrophic acne scars were screened in 8 electronic databases (containing PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Internet, Wanfang, Sinomed as well as VIP). Besides, for the purpose of evaluating the risk of bias of the enrolled RCTs, the Cochrane Collaboration tool was adopted. Statistical analysis was completed using Revman5.3 software and Stata 14.0 software. Meanwhile, the quality of evidence was assessed by the GRADE system. Finally, 6 studies involving 623 patients were enrolled. According to the findings in this study, compared with fractional CO2 laser alone, fractional CO2 laser therapy combined with HA dressing reduced the scores of ECCA (échelle d'évaluation clinique des cicatrices d'acné) grading scale (MD=-3.37,95% CI [-5.03, -1.70], P<0.0001), shortened the time of crust formation (MD=-0.42,95% CI [-0.80, -0.04], P=0.03) and the time of crust removal(MD=-1.31,95% CI [-1.67, -0.95], P<0.00001), enhanced patient satisfaction (RR=1.85, 95% CI [1.44, 2.38], P<0.00001). All the reported adverse events including hyperpigmentation, erythema, edema, mild itching, and slight burning pain were controllable. In addition, fractional CO2 laser combined with HA dressing therapy had a lower incidence of hyperpigmentation than fractional CO2 laser alone (RR=0.37, 95% CI [0.23, 0.61], P<0.0001). The level of evidence for outcomes was classified to be low to moderate. According to our findings, fractional CO2 laser combined with HA dressing is efficacious and safe option for facial atrophic acne scars. Nevertheless, more high-quality trials are required for further verification in the future.

Comparative Analysis of Porcine Adipose- and Wharton's Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for tissue regeneration, cell therapy, and cultured meat research owing to their ability to differentiate into various lineages including adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteocytes. As MSCs display different characteristics depending on the tissue of origin, the appropriate cells need to be selected according to the purpose of the research. However, little is known of the unique properties of MSCs in pigs. In this study, we compared two types of porcine mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from the dorsal subcutaneous adipose tissue (adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs)) and Wharton's jelly of the umbilical cord (Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs)) of 1-day-old piglets. The ADSCs displayed a higher proliferation rate and more efficient differentiation potential into adipogenic and chondrogenic lineages than that of WJ-MSCs; conversely, WJ-MSCs showed superior differentiation capacity towards osteogenic lineages. In early passages, ADSCs displayed higher proliferation rates and mitochondrial energy metabolism (measured based on the oxygen consumption rate) compared with that of WJ-MSCs, although these distinctions diminished in late passages. This study broadens our understanding of porcine MSCs and provides insights into their potential applications in animal clinics and cultured meat science.

Advanced hitchhiking nanomaterials for biomedical applications

Hitchhiking, a recently developed bio-inspired cargo delivery system, has been harnessed for diverse applications. By leveraging the interactions between nanoparticles and circulatory cells or proteins, hitchhiking enables efficient navigation through the vasculature while evading immune system clearance. Moreover, it allows for targeted delivery of nutrients to tissues, surveillance of the immune system, and pathogen elimination. Various synthetic nanomaterials have been developed to facilitate hitchhiking with circulatory cells or proteins. By combining the advantages of synthetic nanomaterials and circulatory cells or proteins, hitchhiking nanomaterials demonstrate several advantages over conventional vectors, including enhanced circulatory stability and optimized therapeutic efficacy. This review provides an overview of general strategies for hitchhiking, choices of cells and proteins, and recent advances of hitchhiking nanomaterials for biomedical applications.

Suicide-Gene-Modified Extracellular Vesicles of Human Primary Uveal Melanoma in Future Therapies

Extracellular vesicles secreted from uveal melanoma (UM) cells are involved in the establishment of the premetastatic niche and display transforming potential for the formation of metastases, preferentially in the liver. In this study, we cultivated human primary UM cells and uveal melanoma-associated fibroblasts in vitro to be transduced by infection with a retrovirus containing the suicide gene-fused yeast cytosine deaminase::uracil phospho-ribosyl transferase (yCD::UPRT). A homogenous population of yCD::UPRT-UM cells with the integrated provirus expressed the gene, and we found it to continuously secrete small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) possessing mRNA of the suicide gene. The yCD::UPRT-UM-sEVs were internalized by tumor cells to the intracellular conversion of the prodrug 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) to the cytotoxic drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The host range of the yCD::UPRT-UM-sEVs was not limited to UMs only. The yCD::UPRT-UM-sEVs inhibited the growth of the human cutaneous melanoma cell line A375 and uveal melanoma cell line MP38, as well as other primary UMs, to various extents in vitro. The yCD::UPRT-UM-sEVs hold the therapeutic and prophylactic potential to become a therapeutic drug for UM. However, the use of yCD::UPRT-UM-sEVs must first be tested in animal preclinical studies.

CD44+ and CD31+ extracellular vesicles (EVs) are significantly reduced in polytraumatized patients with hemorrhagic shock - evaluation of their diagnostic and prognostic potential

Background

Hemorrhagic shock (HS) is responsible for approximately 2 million deaths per year worldwide and is caused in 80% by polytrauma. These patients need a precise and quick diagnostic, which should be based on a combination of laboratory markers and radiological data. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were described as potential new markers and mediators in trauma. The aim of the present study was to analyze, whether the surface epitopes of plasma-EVs reflect HS in polytraumatized patients and whether cell-specific EV subpopulations are useful diagnostic tools.

Material and methods

Plasma samples from polytraumatized patients (ISS ≥16) with HS (n=10) and without (n=15), were collected at emergency room (ER) and 24h after trauma. Plasma-EVs were isolated via size exclusion chromatography and EV-concentrations were detected by Coomassie Plus (Bradford) Assay. The EVs subpopulations were investigated by a bead-based multiplex flow cytometry measurement of surface epitopes and were compared with healthy controls (n=10). To investigate the diagnostic and prognostic potential of EVs subpopulations, results were correlated with clinical outcome parameters documented in the electronical patients' record.

Results

We observed a significant reduction of the total amount of plasma EVs in polytrauma patients with HS, as compared to polytrauma patients without HS and healthy controls. We found significant reduction of CD42a+ and CD41b+ (platelet-derived) EVs in all polytrauma patients, as well as a reduction of CD29+ EVs compared to healthy volunteers (*p<0.05). CD44+ and CD31+ EVs were specifically altered in patients with HS (*p<0.05). Both EV populations showed a moderate correlation (r² = 0.42) with the transfusion of erythrocyte concentrate, were associated with non-survival and the need for catecholamines (*p<0.05).

Conclusion

Our data reveal that polytrauma patients with a hemorrhagic shock are characterized by a reduction of CD44+ and CD31+ plasma-EVs. Both EV populations showed a moderate correlation with the need of erythrocyte transfusion, were associated with non-survival and the need for catecholamines.

Development of a Patient-Derived 3D Immuno-Oncology Platform to Potentiate Immunotherapy Responses in Ascites-Derived Circulating Tumor Cells

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is responsible for the majority of gynecology cancer-related deaths. Patients in remission often relapse with more aggressive forms of disease within 2 years post-treatment. Alternative immuno-oncology (IO) strategies, such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) targeting the PD-(L)1 signaling axis, have proven inefficient so far. Our aim is to utilize epigenetic modulators to maximize the benefit of personalized IO combinations in ex vivo 3D patient-derived platforms and in vivo syngeneic models. Using patient-derived tumor ascites, we optimized an ex vivo 3D screening platform (PDOTS), which employs autologous immune cells and circulating ascites-derived tumor cells, to rapidly test personalized IO combinations. Most importantly, patient responses to platinum chemotherapy and poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors in 3D platforms recapitulate clinical responses. Furthermore, similar to clinical trial results, responses to ICB in PDOTS tend to be low and positively correlated with the frequency of CD3+ immune cells and EPCAM+/PD-L1+ tumor cells. Thus, the greatest response observed with anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy alone is seen in patient-derived HGSOC ascites, which present with high levels of systemic CD3+ and PD-L1+ expression in immune and tumor cells, respectively. In addition, priming with epigenetic adjuvants greatly potentiates ICB in ex vivo 3D testing platforms and in vivo tumor models. We further find that epigenetic priming induces increased tumor secretion of several key cytokines known to augment T and NK cell activation and cytotoxicity, including IL-6, IP-10 (CXCL10), KC (CXCL1), and RANTES (CCL5). Moreover, epigenetic priming alone and in combination with ICB immunotherapy in patient-derived PDOTS induces rapid upregulation of CD69, a reliable early activation of immune markers in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Consequently, this functional precision medicine approach could rapidly identify personalized therapeutic combinations able to potentiate ICB, which is a great advantage, especially given the current clinical difficulty of testing a high number of potential combinations in patients.