Enhancing regenerative medicine with self-healing hydrogels: A solution for tissue repair and advanced cyborganic healthcare devices

Considering the global burden related to tissue and organ injuries or failures, self-healing hydrogels may be an attractive therapeutic alternative for the future. Self-healing hydrogels are highly hydrated 3D structures with the ability to self-heal after breaking, this property is attributable to a variety of dynamic non-covalent and covalent bonds that are able to re-linking within the matrix. Self-healing ability specially benefits minimal invasive medical treatments with cell-delivery support. Moreover, those tissue-engineered self-healing hydrogels network have demonstrated effectiveness for myriad purposes; for instance, they could act as delivery-platforms for different cargos (drugs, growth factors, cells, among others) in tissues such as bone, cartilage, nerve or skin. Besides, self-healing hydrogels have currently found their way into new and novel applications; for example, with the development of the self-healing adhesive hydrogels, by merely aiding surgical closing processes and by providing biomaterial-tissue adhesion. Furthermore, conductive hydrogels permit the stimuli and monitoring of natural electrical signals, which facilitated a better fitting of hydrogels in native tissue or the diagnosis of various health diseases. Lastly, self-healing hydrogels could be part of cyborganics - a merge between biology and machinery - which can pave the way to a finer healthcare devices for diagnostics and precision therapies.

Recent research progress on tumour-specific responsive hydrogels

Most existing hydrogels, even recently developed injectable hydrogels that undergo a reversible sol-gel phase transition in response to external stimuli, are designed to gel immediately before or after implantation/injection to prevent the free diffusion of materials and drugs; however, the property of immediate gelation leads to a very weak tumour-targeting ability, limiting their application in anticancer therapy. Therefore, the development of tumour-specific responsive hydrogels for anticancer therapy is imperative because tumour-specific responses improve their tumour-targeting efficacy, increase therapeutic effects, and decrease toxicity and side effects. In this review, we introduce the following three types of tumour-responsive hydrogels: (1) hydrogels that gel specifically at the tumour site; (2) hydrogels that decompose specifically at the tumour site; and (3) hydrogels that react specifically with tumours. For each type, their compositions, the mechanisms of tumour-specific responsiveness and their applications in anticancer treatment are comprehensively discussed.

Cost-effective 3D lung tissue spheroid as a model for SARS-CoV-2 infection and drug screening

BACKGROUND

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has spurred an unparalleled scientific endeavor to elucidate the virus' structure, infection mechanisms, and pathogenesis. Two-dimensional culture systems have been instrumental in shedding light on numerous aspects of COVID-19. However, these in vitro systems lack the physiological complexity to comprehend the infection process and explore treatment options. Three-dimensional (3D) models have been proposed to fill the gap between 2D cultures and in vivo studies. Specifically, spheroids, composed of lung cell types, have been suggested for studying SARS-CoV-2 infection and serving as a drug screening platform.

METHODS

3D lung spheroids were prepared by coculturing human alveolar or bronchial epithelial cells with human lung stromal cells. The morphology, size, and ultrastructure of spheroids before and after SARS-CoV-2 infection were analyzed using optical and electron microscopy. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect spike protein and, thus, the virus presence in the spheroids. Multiplex analysis elucidated the cytokine release after virus infection.

RESULTS

The spheroids were stable and kept their size and morphology after SARS-CoV-2 infection despite the presence of multivesicular bodies, endoplasmic reticulum rearrangement, tubular compartment-enclosed vesicles, and the accumulation of viral particles. The spheroid responded to the infection releasing IL-6 and IL-8 cytokines.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that coculture spheroids of epithelial and stromal cells can serve as a cost-effective infection model for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. We suggest using this 3D spheroid as a drug screening platform to explore new treatments related to the cytokines released during virus infection, especially for long COVID treatment.

Inteins: A Swiss army knife for synthetic biology

Inteins are proteins found in nature that execute protein splicing. Among them, split inteins stand out for their versatility and adaptability, presenting creative solutions for addressing intricate challenges in various biological applications. Their exquisite attributes, including compactness, reliability, orthogonality, low toxicity, and irreversibility, make them of interest to various fields including synthetic biology, biotechnology and biomedicine. In this review, we delve into the inherent challenges of using inteins, present approaches for overcoming these challenges, and detail their reliable use for specific cellular tasks. We will discuss the use of conditional inteins in areas like cancer therapy, drug screening, patterning, infection treatment, diagnostics and biocontainment. Additionally, we will underscore the potential of inteins in executing basic logical operations with practical implications. We conclude by showcasing their potential in crafting complex genetic circuits for performing computations and feedback control that achieves robust perfect adaptation.

The endoplasmic reticulum connects to the nucleus by constricted junctions that mature after mitosis

Junctions between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the outer membrane of the nuclear envelope (NE) physically connect both organelles. These ER-NE junctions are essential for supplying the NE with lipids and proteins synthesized in the ER. However, little is known about the structure of these ER-NE junctions. Here, we systematically study the ultrastructure of ER-NE junctions in cryo-fixed mammalian cells staged in anaphase, telophase, and interphase by correlating live cell imaging with three-dimensional electron microscopy. Our results show that ER-NE junctions in interphase cells have a pronounced hourglass shape with a constricted neck of 7-20 nm width. This morphology is significantly distinct from that of junctions within the ER network, and their morphology emerges as early as telophase. The highly constricted ER-NE junctions are seen in several mammalian cell types, but not in budding yeast. We speculate that the unique and highly constricted ER-NE junctions are regulated via novel mechanisms that contribute to ER-to-NE lipid and protein traffic in higher eukaryotes.

Detecting gene-environment interactions from multiple continuous traits

MOTIVATION

Genetic variants present differential effects on humans according to various environmental exposures, the so-called "gene-environment interactions" (GxE). Many diseases can be diagnosed with multiple traits, such as obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. I developed a multivariate scale test (MST) for detecting the GxE of a disease with several continuous traits. Given a significant MST result, I continued to search for which trait and which E enriched the GxE signals. Simulation studies were performed to compare MST with the univariate scale test (UST).

RESULTS

MST can gain more power than UST because of (1) integrating more traits with GxE information and (2) the less harsh penalty on multiple testing. However, if only few traits account for GxE, MST may lose power due to aggregating non-informative traits into the test statistic. As an example, MST was applied to a discovery set of 93 708 Taiwan Biobank (TWB) individuals and a replication set of 25 200 TWB individuals. From among 2 570 487 SNPs with minor allele frequencies ≥5%, MST identified 18 independent variance quantitative trait loci (P < 2.4E-9 in the discovery cohort and P < 2.8E-5 in the replication cohort) and 41 GxE signals (P < .00027) based on eight trait domains (including 29 traits).

AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION

https://github.com/WanYuLin/Multivariate-scale-test-MST.

Circadian control of tumor immunosuppression affects efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade

The circadian clock is a critical regulator of immunity, and this circadian control of immune modulation has an essential function in host defense and tumor immunosurveillance. Here we use a single-cell RNA sequencing approach and a genetic model of colorectal cancer to identify clock-dependent changes to the immune landscape that control the abundance of immunosuppressive cells and consequent suppression of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. Of these immunosuppressive cell types, PD-L1-expressing myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) peak in abundance in a rhythmic manner. Disruption of the epithelial cell clock regulates the secretion of cytokines that promote heightened inflammation, recruitment of neutrophils and the subsequent development of MDSCs. We also show that time-of-day anti-PD-L1 delivery is most effective when synchronized with the abundance of immunosuppressive MDSCs. Collectively, these data indicate that circadian gating of tumor immunosuppression informs the timing and efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Berberine synergises with ferroptosis inducer sensitizing NSCLC to ferroptosis in p53-dependent SLC7A11-GPX4 pathway

Berberine (BBR) is a compound derived from Chinese herbal medicine, known for its anticancer properties through multiple signaling pathways. However, whether BBR can inhibit tumor growth by participating in ferroptosis remains unconfirmed. In this study, we demonstrated that berberine synergistically inhibited NSCLC in combination with multiple ferroptosis inducers, and this combination synergistically down-regulated the mRNA and protein expression of SLC7A11, GPX4, and NRF2, resulting in ferroptosis accompanied by significant depletion of GSH, and aberrant accumulation of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde. In a lung cancer allograft model, the combination treatment exhibited enhanced anticancer effects compared to using either drug alone. Notably, p53 is critical in determining the ferroptosis sensitivity. We found that the combination treatment did not elicit a synergistic anticancer effect in cells with a p53 mutation or with exogenous expression of mutant p53. These findings provide insight into the mechanism by which combination induces ferroptosis and the regulatory role of p53 in this process. It may guide the development of new strategies for treating NSCLC, offering great medical potential for personal diagnosis and treatment.

Teaghrelin protected dopaminergic neurons in MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease animal model by promoting PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy and AMPK/SIRT1/PGC1-α-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis

Mitochondrial dysfunction, a common cellular hallmark in both familial and sporadic forms of Parkinson's disease (PD), is assumed to play a significant role in pathologic development and progression of the disease. Teaghrelin, a unique bioactive compound in some oolong tea varieties, has been demonstrated to protect SH-SY5Y cells against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium induced neurotoxicity by binding to the ghrelin receptor to activate the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway. In this study, an animal model was established using a neurotoxin, 1-methyl-4phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), a byproduct of a prohibited drug, to evaluate the oral efficacy of teaghrelin on PD by monitoring motor dysfunction of mice in open field, pole, and bean walking tests. The results showed that MPTP-induced motor dysfunction of mice was significantly attenuated by teaghrelin supplementation. Tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporter protein were found reduced in the striatum and midbrain of MPTP-treated mice, and significantly mitigated by teaghrelin supplementation. Furthermore, teaghrelin administration enhanced mitophagy and mitochondria biogenesis, which maintained cell homeostasis and prevented the accumulation of αSyn and apoptosis-related proteins. It seemed that teaghrelin protected dopaminergic neurons in MPTP-treated mice by increasing PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy and AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α-mediated mitochondria biogenesis, highlighting its potential therapeutic role in maintaining dopaminergic neurons function in PD. Mitochondrial dysfunction, a common cellular hallmark in both familial and sporadic forms of Parkinson's disease (PD), is assumed to play a significant role in pathologic development and progression of the disease. Teaghrelin, a unique bioactive compound in some oolong tea varieties, has been demonstrated to protect SH-SY5Y cells against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium induced neurotoxicity by binding to the ghrelin receptor to activate the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway. In this study, an animal model was established using a neurotoxin, 1-methyl-4phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), a byproduct of a prohibited drug, to evaluate the oral efficacy of teaghrelin on PD by monitoring motor dysfunction of mice in open field, pole, and bean walking tests. The results showed that MPTP-induced motor dysfunction of mice was significantly attenuated by teaghrelin supplementation. Tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporter protein were found reduced in the striatum and midbrain of MPTP-treated mice, and significantly mitigated by teaghrelin supplementation. Furthermore, teaghrelin administration enhanced mitophagy and mitochondria biogenesis, which maintained cell homeostasis and prevented the accumulation of αSyn and apoptosis-related proteins. It seemed that teaghrelin protected dopaminergic neurons in MPTP-treated mice by increasing PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy and AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α-mediated mitochondria biogenesis, highlighting its potential therapeutic role in maintaining dopaminergic neurons function in PD.

Organoids in gastrointestinal diseases: from bench to clinic

The etiology of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases is intricate and multifactorial, encompassing complex interactions between genetic predisposition and gut microbiota. The cell fate change, immune function regulation, and microenvironment composition in diseased tissues are governed by microorganisms and mutated genes either independently or through synergistic interactions. A comprehensive understanding of GI disease etiology is imperative for developing precise prevention and treatment strategies. However, the existing models used for studying the microenvironment in GI diseases-whether cancer cell lines or mouse models-exhibit significant limitations, which leads to the prosperity of organoids models. This review first describes the development history of organoids models, followed by a detailed demonstration of organoids application from bench to clinic. As for bench utilization, we present a layer-by-layer elucidation of organoid simulation on host-microbial interactions, as well as the application in molecular mechanism analysis. As for clinical adhibition, we provide a generalized interpretation of organoid application in GI disease simulation from inflammatory disorders to malignancy diseases, as well as in GI disease treatment including drug screening, immunotherapy, and microbial-targeting and screening treatment. This review draws a comprehensive and systematical depiction of organoids models, providing a novel insight into the utilization of organoids models from bench to clinic.

Lung Organoids: Systematic Review of Recent Advancements and its Future Perspectives

Organoids are essentially an in vitro (lab-grown) three-dimensional tissue culture system model that meticulously replicates the structure and physiology of human organs. A few of the present applications of organoids are in the basic biological research area, molecular medicine and pharmaceutical drug testing. Organoids are crucial in connecting the gap between animal models and human clinical trials during the drug discovery process, which significantly lowers the time duration and cost associated with each stage of testing. Likewise, they can be used to understand cell-to-cell interactions, a crucial aspect of tissue biology and regeneration, and to model disease pathogenesis at various stages of the disease. Lung organoids can be utilized to explore numerous pathophysiological activities of a lung since they share similarities with its function. Researchers have been trying to recreate the complex nature of the lung by developing various "Lung organoids" models.This article is a systematic review of various developments of lung organoids and their potential progenitors. It also covers the in-depth applications of lung organoids for the advancement of translational research. The review discusses the methodologies to establish different types of lung organoids for studying the regenerative capability of the respiratory system and comprehending various respiratory diseases.Respiratory diseases are among the most common worldwide, and the growing burden must be addressed instantaneously. Lung organoids along with diverse bio-engineering tools and technologies will serve as a novel model for studying the pathophysiology of various respiratory diseases and for drug screening purposes.

Comparative Phenotypic and Transcriptomic Analyses Provide Novel Insights into the Molecular Mechanism of Seed Germination in Response to Low Temperature Stress in Alfalfa

Low temperature is the most common abiotic factor that usually occurs during the seed germination of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). However, the potential regulatory mechanisms involved in alfalfa seed germination under low temperature stress are still ambiguous. Therefore, to determine the relevant key genes and pathways, the phenotypic and transcriptomic analyses of low-temperature sensitive (Instict) and low-temperature tolerant (Sardi10) alfalfa were conducted at 6 and 15 h of seed germination under normal (20 °C) and low (10 °C) temperature conditions. Germination phenotypic results showed that Sardi10 had the strongest germination ability under low temperatures, which was manifested by the higher germination-related indicators. Further transcriptome analysis indicated that differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in galactose metabolism and carbon metabolism pathways, which were the most commonly enriched in two alfalfa genotypes. Additionally, fatty acid metabolism and glutathione metabolism pathways were preferably enriched in Sardi10 alfalfa. The Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) suggested that genes were closely related to galactose metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and glutathione metabolism in Sardi10 alfalfa at the module with the highest correlation (6 h of germination under low temperature). Finally, qRT-PCR analysis further validated the related genes involved in the above pathways, which might play crucial roles in regulating seed germination of alfalfa under low temperature conditions. These findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of seed germination underlying the low temperature stress in alfalfa.

Anti-Neuroinflammatory Effects of a Novel Bile Acid Derivative

In the search for novel potent immunomodulatory nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) activators, a derivative of cholic bile acid, SB140, was synthesized. The synthesis of SB140 aimed to increase the electrophilic functionality of the compound, enhancing its ability to activate Nrf2. Effects of SB140 on microglial cells, myeloid-derived cells (MDC), and T cells were explored in the context of (central nervous system) CNS autoimmunity. SB140 potently activated Nrf2 signaling in MDC and microglia. It was efficient in reducing the ability of microglial cells to produce inflammatory nitric oxide, interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Also, SB140 reduced the proliferation of encephalitogenic T cells and the production of their effector cytokines: IL-17 and interferon (IFN)-γ. On the contrary, the effects of SB140 on anti-inflammatory IL-10 production in microglial and encephalitogenic T cells were limited or absent. These results show that SB140 is a potent Nrf2 activator, as well as an immunomodulatory compound. Thus, further research on the application of SB140 in the treatment of neuroinflammatory diseases is warranted. Animal models of multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory neurological disorders will be a suitable choice for such studies.

Machine learning methods for unveiling the potential of antioxidant short peptides in goat milk-derived proteins during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion

Milk serves as an important dietary source of bioactive peptides, offering notable benefits to individuals. Among the antioxidant short peptides (di- and tripeptides) generated from gastrointestinal digestion are characterized by enhanced bioavailability and bioaccessibility, while assessing them individually presents a labor-intensive and expensive challenge. Based on 4 distinct types of amino acid descriptors (physicochemical, 3D structural, quantum, and topological attributes) and genetic algorithms for feature selection, 1 and 4 machine learning predicted models separately for di- and tripeptides with ABTS radical scavenging capacity exhibited excellent fitting and prediction ability with random forest regression as machine learning algorithm. Intriguingly, the electronic properties of N-terminal amino acid were considered as only factor affecting the antioxidant capacity of dipeptides containing both tyrosine and tryptophan. Four peptides from the potential di- and tripeptides exhibited highly predicted values by the constructed predicted models. Subsequently, a total of 45 dipeptides and 52 tripeptides were screened by a customized workflow in goat milk during in vitro simulated digestion. In addition to 5 known antioxidant dipeptides, 9 peptides were quantified during digestion, falling within the range of 0.04 to 1.78 mg L-1. Particularly noteworthy was the promising in vivo functionality of antioxidant dipeptides with N-terminal tyrosine, supported by in silico assays. Overall, this investigation explored crucial molecular properties influencing antioxidant short peptides and high-throughput screening potential peptides with antioxidant activity from goat milk aided by machine learning, thereby facilitating the identification of novel bioactive peptides from milk-derived proteins and paving the way for understanding their metabolites during digestion.

Engineered exosomes: a potential therapeutic strategy for septic cardiomyopathy

Septic cardiomyopathy, a life-threatening complication of sepsis, can cause acute heart failure and carry a high mortality risk. Current treatments have limitations. Fortunately, engineered exosomes, created through bioengineering technology, may represent a potential new treatment method. These exosomes can both diagnose and treat septic cardiomyopathy, playing a crucial role in its development and progression. This article examines the strategies for using engineered exosomes to protect cardiac function and treat septic cardiomyopathy. It covers three innovative aspects: exosome surface modification technology, the use of exosomes as a multifunctional drug delivery platform, and plant exosome-like nanoparticle carriers. The article highlights the ability of exosomes to deliver small molecules, proteins, and drugs, summarizing several RNA molecules, proteins, and drugs beneficial for treating septic cardiomyopathy. Although engineered exosomes are a promising biotherapeutic carrier, they face challenges in clinical application, such as understanding the interaction mechanism with host cells, distribution within the body, metabolism, and long-term safety. Further research is essential, but engineered exosomes hold promise as an effective treatment for septic cardiomyopathy.

Immunogenicity of Extracellular Vesicles

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are promising next-generation therapeutics and drug delivery systems due to demonstrated safety and efficacy in preclinical models and early-stage clinical trials. There is an urgent need to address the immunogenicity of EVs (beyond the apparent lack of immunotoxicity) to advance clinical development. To date, few studies have assessed unintended immunological recognition of EVs. An in-depth understanding of EV-induced immunogenicity and clearance is necessary to develop effective therapeutic strategies, including approaches to mitigate immunological recognition when undesired. This article summarizes various factors involved in the potential immunogenicity of EVs and strategies to reduce immunological recognition for improved therapeutic benefit.

Bacterial cell volume regulation and the importance of cyclic di-AMP

SUMMARYNucleotide-derived second messengers are present in all domains of life. In prokaryotes, most of their functionality is associated with general lifestyle and metabolic adaptations, often in response to environmental fluctuations of physical parameters. In the last two decades, cyclic di-AMP has emerged as an important signaling nucleotide in many prokaryotic lineages, including Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Cyanobacteria. Its importance is highlighted by the fact that both the lack and overproduction of cyclic di-AMP affect viability of prokaryotes that utilize cyclic di-AMP, and that it generates a strong innate immune response in eukaryotes. In bacteria that produce the second messenger, most molecular targets of cyclic di-AMP are associated with cell volume control. Besides, other evidence links the second messenger to cell wall remodeling, DNA damage repair, sporulation, central metabolism, and the regulation of glycogen turnover. In this review, we take a biochemical, quantitative approach to address the main cellular processes that are directly regulated by cyclic di-AMP and show that these processes are very connected and require regulation of a similar set of proteins to which cyclic di-AMP binds. Altogether, we argue that cyclic di-AMP is a master regulator of cell volume and that other cellular processes can be connected with cyclic di-AMP through this core function. We further highlight important directions in which the cyclic di-AMP field has to develop to gain a full understanding of the cyclic di-AMP signaling network and why some processes are regulated, while others are not.

Extracellular Vesicles as Mediators of Neuroinflammation in Intercellular and Inter-Organ Crosstalk

Neuroinflammation, crucial in neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and hepatic encephalopathy, involves complex immune responses. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a pivotal role in intercellular and inter-organ communication, influencing disease progression. EVs serve as key mediators in the immune system, containing molecules capable of activating molecular pathways that exacerbate neuroinflammatory processes in neurological disorders. However, EVs from mesenchymal stem cells show promise in reducing neuroinflammation and cognitive deficits. EVs can cross CNS barriers, and peripheral immune signals can influence brain function via EV-mediated communication, impacting barrier function and neuroinflammatory responses. Understanding EV interactions within the brain and other organs could unveil novel therapeutic targets for neurological disorders.

Reversal of T-cell exhaustion: Mechanisms and synergistic approaches

T cells suffer from long-term antigen stimulation and insufficient energy supply, leading to a decline in their effector functions, memory capabilities, and proliferative capacity, ultimately resulting in T cell exhaustion and an inability to perform normal immune functions in the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, exploring how to restore these exhausted T cells to a state with effector functions is of great significance. Exhausted T cells exhibit a spectrum of molecular alterations, such as heightened expression of inhibitory receptors, shifts in transcription factor profiles, and modifications across epigenetic, metabolic, and transcriptional landscapes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of various strategies to reverse T cell exhaustion, including immune checkpoint blockade, and explores the potential synergistic effects of combining multiple approaches to reverse T cell exhaustion. It offers new insights and methods for achieving more durable and effective reversal of T cell exhaustion.

3D-printed airway model as a platform for SARS-CoV-2 infection and antiviral drug testing

We present a bioprinted three-layered airway model with a physiologically relevant microstructure for the study of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection dynamics. This model exhibited clear cell-cell junctions and mucus secretion with an efficient expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2). Having infected air-exposed epithelial cells in the upper layer with a minimum multiplicity of infection of 0.01, the airway model showed a marked susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 within one-day post-infection (dpi). Furthermore, the unique longevity allowed the observation of cytopathic effects and barrier degradation for 21 dpi. The in-depth transcriptomic analysis revealed dramatic changes in gene expression affecting the infection pathway, viral proliferation, and host immune response which are consistent with COVID-19 patient data. Finally, the treatment of antiviral agents, such as remdesivir and molnupiravir, through the culture medium underlying the endothelium resulted in a marked inhibition of viral replication within the epithelium. The bioprinted airway model can be used as a manufacturable physiological platform to study disease pathogeneses and drug efficacy.

Frequency-Domain Low-Wavenumber Hyperspectral Stimulated Raman Scattering Microscopy

In recent years, stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy has experienced rapid technological advancements and has found widespread applications in chemical analysis. Hyperspectral SRS (hSRS) microscopy further enhances the chemical selectivity in imaging by providing a Raman spectrum for each pixel. Time-domain hSRS techniques often require interferometry and ultrashort femtosecond laser pulses. They are especially suited to measuring low-wavenumber Raman transitions but are susceptible to scattering-induced distortions. Frequency-domain hSRS microscopy, on the other hand, offers a simpler optical configuration and demonstrates high tolerance to sample scattering but typically operates within the spectral range of 400-4000 cm-1. Conventional frequency-domain hSRS microscopy is widely employed in biological applications but falls short in detecting chemical bonds with a weaker vibrational energy. In this work, we extend the spectral coverage of picosecond spectral-focusing hSRS microscopy to below 100 cm-1. This frequency-domain low-wavenumber hSRS approach can measure the weaker vibrational energy from the sample and has a strong tolerance to sample scattering. By expanding spectral coverage to 100-4000 cm-1, this development enhances the capability of spectral-domain SRS microscopy for chemical imaging.

Computational Frontiers in Aptamer-Based Nanomedicine for Precision Therapeutics: A Comprehensive Review

In the rapidly evolving landscape of nanomedicine, aptamers have emerged as powerful molecular tools, demonstrating immense potential in targeted therapeutics, diagnostics, and drug delivery systems. This paper explores the computational features of aptamers in nanomedicine, highlighting their advantages over antibodies, including selectivity, low immunogenicity, and a simple production process. A comprehensive overview of the aptamer development process, specifically the Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) process, sheds light on the intricate methodologies behind aptamer selection. The historical evolution of aptamers and their diverse applications in nanomedicine are discussed, emphasizing their pivotal role in targeted drug delivery, precision medicine and therapeutics. Furthermore, we explore the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), and nanotechnology in aptameric development, illustrating how these cutting-edge technologies are revolutionizing the selection and optimization of aptamers for tailored biomedical applications. This paper also discusses challenges in computational methods for advancing aptamers, including reliable prediction models, extensive data analysis, and multiomics data incorporation. It also addresses ethical concerns and restrictions related to AI and IoT use in aptamer research. The paper examines progress in computer simulations for nanomedicine. By elucidating the importance of aptamers, understanding their superiority over antibodies, and exploring the historical context and challenges, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners aiming to harness the full potential of aptamers in the rapidly evolving field of nanomedicine.

Delaying Renal Aging: Metformin Holds Promise as a Potential Treatment

Given the rapid aging of the population, age-related diseases have become an excessive burden on global health care. The kidney, a crucial metabolic organ, ages relatively quickly. While the aging process itself does not directly cause kidney damage, the physiological changes that accompany it can impair the kidney's capacity for self-repair. This makes aging kidneys more susceptible to diseases, including increased risks of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. Therefore, delaying the progression of renal aging and preserving the youthful vitality of the kidney are crucial for preventing kidney diseases. However, effective strategies against renal aging are still lacking due to the underlying mechanisms of renal aging, which have not been fully elucidated. Accumulating evidence suggests that metformin has beneficial effects in mitigating renal aging. Metformin has shown promising anti-aging results in animal models but has not been tested for this purpose yet in clinical trials. These findings indicate the potential of metformin as an anti-renal aging drug. In this review, we primarily discuss the characteristics and mechanisms of kidney aging and the potential effects of metformin against renal aging.

Emerging role of immunogenic cell death in cancer immunotherapy: Advancing next-generation CAR-T cell immunotherapy by combination

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a stress-driven form of regulated cell death (RCD) in which dying tumor cells' specific signaling pathways are activated to release damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), leading to the robust anti-tumor immune response as well as a reversal of the tumor immune microenvironment from "cold" to "hot". Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy, as a landmark in anti-tumor immunotherapy, plays a formidable role in hematologic malignancies but falls short in solid tumors. The Gordian knot of CAR-T cells for solid tumors includes but is not limited to, tumor antigen heterogeneity or absence, physical and immune barriers of tumors. The combination of ICD induction therapy and CAR-T cell immunotherapy is expected to promote the intensive use of CAR-T cell in solid tumors. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of ICD, stress-responsive mechanism, and the synergistic effect of various ICD-based therapies with CAR-T cells to effectively improve anti-tumor capacity.

Overexpression of tonoplast Ca2+-ATPase in guard cells synergistically enhances stomatal opening and drought tolerance

Stomata play a crucial role in plants by controlling water status and responding to drought stress. However, simultaneously improving stomatal opening and drought tolerance has proven to be a significant challenge. To address this issue, we employed the OnGuard quantitative model, which accurately represents the mechanics and coordination of ion transporters in guard cells. With the guidance of OnGuard, we successfully engineered plants that overexpressed the main tonoplast Ca2+-ATPase gene, ACA11, which promotes stomatal opening and enhances plant growth. Surprisingly, these transgenic plants also exhibited improved drought tolerance due to reduced water loss through their stomata. Again, OnGuard assisted us in understanding the mechanism behind the unexpected stomatal behaviors observed in the ACA11 overexpressing plants. Our study revealed that the overexpression of ACA11 facilitated the accumulation of Ca2+ in the vacuole, thereby influencing Ca2+ storage and leading to an enhanced Ca2+ elevation in response to abscisic acid. This regulatory cascade finely tunes stomatal responses, ultimately leading to enhanced drought tolerance. Our findings underscore the importance of tonoplast Ca2+-ATPase in manipulating stomatal behavior and improving drought tolerance. Furthermore, these results highlight the diverse functions of tonoplast-localized ACA11 in response to different conditions, emphasizing its potential for future applications in plant enhancement.

Targeting lipid peroxidation-associated ferroptosis suppresses lung carcinoma progression by regulating cell cycle arrest

Lung carcinoma is a frequently encountered cancerous growth that affects the respiratory tract and has a high occurrence rate globally. In light of the ongoing worldwide health emergency, the significance of efficient therapeutic agents and strategies is of utmost importance. A meticulous control of the cell cycle is crucial for comprehending the pathophysiology and molecular causes of lung cancer, as well as for the formulation of efficacious therapeutic medicines. The mechanism by which cells synchronize cell cycle with cell survival and death is still not fully understood. In this study, we demonstrate that the halting of the cell cycle has a strong inhibitory impact on ferroptosis, a specific type of controlled cell death triggered by excessive lipid peroxidation at the membranes of cells. Ferroptosis is halted through the mechanism of cell cycle arrest, which involves the deposition of intracellular lipids mediated by diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT). Excessive amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are stored as triacylglycerols (TAGs) within inactive cells. As a result, inhibiting DGAT causes a rearrangement of PUFAs from TAGs to phospholipids and makes arrested cells more susceptible to ferroptosis. We demonstrate that certain lung cancer cells that are resistant to antimitotic drugs and have a slow-cycling behavior exhibit an increase in lipid droplets. Furthermore, we find that the growth of tumors resistant to 5-fluorouracil, lorlatinib, and docetaxel can be effectively suppressed by a combination treatment involving the use of ferroptosis inducers and DGAT inhibitors, which induces ferroptosis. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the involvement of cell cycle arrest in conferring resistance to ferroptosis and propose a potential therapeutic approach for addressing the challenge of slow-cycling malignancies that exhibit resistance to ferroptosis.

Challenges and Future Perspectives in Modeling Neurodegenerative Diseases Using Organ-on-a-Chip Technology

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) affect more than 50 million people worldwide, posing a significant global health challenge as well as a high socioeconomic burden. With aging constituting one of the main risk factors for some NDDs such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), this societal toll is expected to rise considering the predicted increase in the aging population as well as the limited progress in the development of effective therapeutics. To address the high failure rates in clinical trials, legislative changes permitting the use of alternatives to traditional pre-clinical in vivo models are implemented. In this regard, microphysiological systems (MPS) such as organ-on-a-chip (OoC) platforms constitute a promising tool, due to their ability to mimic complex and human-specific tissue niches in vitro. This review summarizes the current progress in modeling NDDs using OoC technology and discusses five critical aspects still insufficiently addressed in OoC models to date. Taking these aspects into consideration in the future MPS will advance the modeling of NDDs in vitro and increase their translational value in the clinical setting.

Protocol for generating dormant human brain metastatic breast cancer spheroids in vitro

Here, we present a protocol to generate dormant brain metastatic breast cancer (BMBC) spheroids utilizing hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels. We describe the steps for construction of spheroids from human BMBC cell lines MDA-MB-231Br and BT474Br3, HA hydrogel preparation, and spheroid plating on HA hydrogels and in suspension culture. We then detail the impact of HA hydrogel on the dormant phenotype of spheroids by measuring spheroid cross-sectional area, cell numbers, and EdU staining. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Kondapaneni et al.1.

Programming Spatial Cell Sorting by Engineering Cadherin Intracellular Activity

The spatial sorting of cells into appropriate tissue compartments is essential for embryogenesis and tissue development. Spatial cell sorting is controlled by the interplay between cell surface affinity and intracellular mechanical properties. However, intracellular signaling that can sufficiently sort cell populations remains unexplored. In this study, we engineered chimeric cadherins by replacing the cadherin intracellular domain with cytoskeletal regulators to test their ability to induce spatial cell sorting. Using a fibroblast-based reconstitution system, we observed that Rac1 and RhoA activity in the cadherin tail induced outward and inward sorting, respectively. In particular, RhoA activity embedded cells toward the inside of E-cadherin-expressing spheroids and tumor spheroids, leading to tissue invagination. Despite the simplicity of chimeric cadherin design, our results indicate that differences in cadherin intracellular activities can determine the direction of spatial cell sorting, even when cell surface affinity is not different, and provide new molecular tools to engineer tissue architectures.

The Discovery of Extracellular Vesicles and Their Emergence as a Next-Generation Therapy

From their humble discovery as cellular debris to cementing their natural capacity to transfer functional molecules between cells, the long-winded journey of extracellular vesicles (EVs) now stands at the precipice as a next-generation cell-free therapeutic tool to revolutionize modern-day medicine. This perspective provides a snapshot of the discovery of EVs to their emergence as a vibrant field of biology and the renaissance they usher in the field of biomedical sciences as therapeutic agents for cardiovascular pathologies. Rapid development of bioengineered EVs is providing innovative opportunities to overcome biological challenges of natural EVs such as potency, cargo loading and enhanced secretion, targeting and circulation half-life, localized and sustained delivery strategies, approaches to enhance systemic circulation, uptake and lysosomal escape, and logistical hurdles encompassing scalability, cost, and time. A multidisciplinary collaboration beyond the field of biology now extends to chemistry, physics, biomaterials, and nanotechnology, allowing rapid development of designer therapeutic EVs that are now entering late-stage human clinical trials.

Epithelial uptake leads to fungal killing in vivo and is aberrant in COPD-derived epithelial cells

Hundreds of spores of Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) are inhaled daily by human beings, representing a constant, possibly fatal, threat to respiratory health. The small size of Af spores suggests that interactions with alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) are frequent; thus, we hypothesized that spore uptake by AECs is important for driving fungal killing and susceptibility to Aspergillus-related disease. Using single-cell approaches to measure spore uptake and its outcomes in vivo, we demonstrate that Af spores are internalized and killed by AECs during whole-animal infection. Moreover, comparative analysis of primary human AECs from healthy and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) donors revealed significant alterations in the uptake and killing of spores in COPD-derived AECs. We conclude that AECs contribute to the killing of Af spores and that dysregulation of curative AEC responses in COPD may represent a driver of Aspergillus-related diseases.

Efficient Enhancement of Extracellular Electron Transfer in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 via CRISPR-Mediated Transposase Technology

Electroactive bacteria, exemplified by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, have garnered significant attention due to their unique extracellular electron-transfer (EET) capabilities, which are crucial for energy recovery and pollutant conversion. However, the practical application of MR-1 is constrained by its EET efficiency, a key limiting factor, due to the complexity of research methodologies and the challenges associated with the practical use of gene editing tools. To address this challenge, a novel gene integration system, INTEGRATE, was developed, utilizing CRISPR-mediated transposase technologies for precise genomic insertion within the S. oneidensis MR-1 genome. This system facilitated the insertion of extensive gene segments at different sites of the Shewanella genome with an efficiency approaching 100%. The inserted cargo genes could be kept stable on the genome after continuous cultivation. The enhancement of the organism's EET efficiency was realized through two primary strategies: the integration of the phenazine-1-carboxylic acid synthesis gene cluster to augment EET efficiency and the targeted disruption of the SO3350 gene to promote anodic biofilm development. Collectively, our findings highlight the potential of utilizing the INTEGRATE system for strategic genomic alterations, presenting a synergistic approach to augment the functionality of electroactive bacteria within bioelectrochemical systems.

An electro-optical platform for the ultrasensitive detection of small extracellular vesicle sub-types and their protein epitope counts

Methods for detecting proteins in small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) lack sensitivity and quantitative accuracy, missing clues about health and disease. Our study introduces the Nano-Extracellular Omics Sensing (NEXOS) platform, merging electrical (E-NEXOS) and optical detection (O-NEXOS). E-NEXOS determines the concentration of target sEV sub-types, and O-NEXOS quantifies the concentration of target protein epitopes (TEPs) on those TEVs. In this work, both technologies were compared to several sEV detection tools, showing superior detection limits for CD9+CD81+ and CD9+HER2+ sEVs. Furthermore, the additional information on TEVs and TEPs from bulk sEV samples, provided new phenotyping capabilities. We determined the average number of CD81 and HER2 proteins on CD9+ sEVs, a number which was later validated on spiked human plasma. These results highlight the compatibility of NEXOS with complex biofluids and, as importantly, hint at its many potential applications, ranging from basic research to the anticipated clinical translation of sEVs.

Intermittent fasting induced cerebral ischemic tolerance altered gut microbiome and increased levels of short-chain fatty acids to a beneficial phenotype

Preconditioning-induced cerebral ischemic tolerance is known to be a beneficial adaptation to protect the brain in an unavoidable event of stroke. We currently demonstrate that a short bout (6 weeks) of intermittent fasting (IF; 15 h fast/day) induces similar ischemic tolerance to that of a longer bout (12 weeks) in adult C57BL/6 male mice subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). In addition, the 6 weeks IF regimen induced ischemic tolerance irrespective of age (3 months or 24 months) and sex. Mice subjected to transient MCAO following IF showed improved motor function recovery (rotarod and beam walk tests) between days 1 and 14 of reperfusion and smaller infarcts (T2-MRI) on day 1 of reperfusion compared with age/sex matched ad libitum (AL) controls. Diet influences the gut microbiome composition and stroke is known to promote gut bacterial dysbiosis. We presently show that IF promotes a beneficial phenotype of gut microbiome following transient MCAO compared with AL cohort. Furthermore, post-stroke levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are known to be neuroprotective, are higher in the fecal samples of the IF cohort compared with the AL cohort. Thus, our studies indicate the efficacy of IF in protecting the brain after stroke, irrespective of age and sex, probably by altering gut microbiome and SCFA production.

CD3+ T-cell: CD14+monocyte complexes are dynamic and increased with HIV and glucose intolerance

An increased risk of cardiometabolic disease accompanies persistent systemic inflammation. Yet, the innate and adaptive immune system features in persons who develop these conditions remain poorly defined. Doublets, or cell-cell complexes, are routinely eliminated from flow cytometric and other immune phenotyping analyses, which limits our understanding of their relationship to disease states. Using well-characterized clinical cohorts, including participants with controlled HIV as a model for chronic inflammation and increased immune cell interactions, we show that circulating CD14+ monocytes complexed to CD3+ T cells are dynamic, biologically relevant, and increased in individuals with diabetes after adjusting for confounding factors. The complexes form functional immune synapses with increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines and greater glucose utilization. Furthermore, in persons with HIV, the CD3+T-cell: CD14+monocyte complexes had more HIV copies compared to matched CD14+ monocytes or CD4+ T cells alone. Our results demonstrate that circulating CD3+T-cell:CD14+monocyte pairs represent dynamic cellular interactions that may contribute to inflammation and cardiometabolic disease pathogenesis and may originate or be maintained, in part, by chronic viral infections. These findings provide a foundation for future studies investigating mechanisms linking T cellmonocyte cell-cell complexes to developing immune-mediated diseases, including HIV and diabetes.

Brusatol alleviates pancreatic carcinogenesis via targeting NLRP3 in transgenic Krastm4Tyj Trp53tm1Brn Tg (Pdx1-cre/Esr1*) #Dam mice

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer (PanCa), ranked as the 4th leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, exhibits an dismal 5-year survival rate of less than 5 %. Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a known major risk factor for PanCa. Brusatol (BRT) possesses a wide range of biological functions, including the inhibition of PanCa proliferation. However, its efficacy in halting the progression from CP to pancreatic carcinogenesis remains unexplored.

METHODS

We assess the effects of BRT against pancreatic carcinogenesis from CP using an experimentally induced CP model with cerulein, and further evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of BRT on PanCa by employing Krastm4TyjTrp53tm1BrnTg (Pdx1-cre/Esr1*) #Dam/J (KPC) mouse model.

RESULTS

Our finding demonstrated that BRT mitigated the severity of cerulein-induced pancreatitis, reduced pancreatic fibrosis and decreased the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), which is a biomarker for pancreatic fibrosis. In addition, BRT exerted effects against cerulein-induced pancreatitis via inactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Moreover, BRT significantly inhibited tumor growth and impeded cancer progression.

CONCLUSIONS

The observed effect of BRT on impeding pancreatic carcinogenesis through targeting NLRP3 inflammasome suggests its good potential as a potential agent for treatment of PanCa.

Characterize direct protein interactions with enrichable, cleavable and latent bioreactive unnatural amino acids

Latent bioreactive unnatural amino acids (Uaas) have been widely used in the development of covalent drugs and identification of protein interactors, such as proteins, DNA, RNA and carbohydrates. However, it is challenging to perform high-throughput identification of Uaa cross-linking products due to the complexities of protein samples and the data analysis processes. Enrichable Uaas can effectively reduce the complexities of protein samples and simplify data analysis, but few cross-linked peptides were identified from mammalian cell samples with these Uaas. Here we develop an enrichable and multiple amino acids reactive Uaa, eFSY, and demonstrate that eFSY is MS cleavable when eFSY-Lys and eFSY-His are the cross-linking products. An identification software, AixUaa is developed to decipher eFSY mass cleavable data. We systematically identify direct interactomes of Thioredoxin 1 (Trx1) and Selenoprotein M (SELM) with eFSY and AixUaa.

Programmable Computational RNA Droplets Assembled via Kissing-Loop Interaction

DNA droplets, artificial liquid-like condensates of well-engineered DNA sequences, allow the critical aspects of phase-separated biological condensates to be harnessed programmably, such as molecular sensing and phase-state regulation. In contrast, their RNA-based counterparts remain less explored despite more diverse molecular structures and functions ranging from DNA-like to protein-like features. Here, we design and demonstrate computational RNA droplets capable of two-input AND logic operations. We use a multibranched RNA nanostructure as a building block comprising multiple single-stranded RNAs. Its branches engaged in RNA-specific kissing-loop (KL) interaction enables the self-assembly into a network-like microstructure. Upon two inputs of target miRNAs, the nanostructure is programmed to break up into lower-valency structures that are interconnected in a chain-like manner. We optimize KL sequences adapted from viral sequences by numerically and experimentally studying the base-wise adjustability of the interaction strength. Only upon receiving cognate microRNAs, RNA droplets selectively show a drastic phase-state change from liquid to dispersed states due to dismantling of the network-like microstructure. This demonstration strongly suggests that the multistranded motif design offers a flexible means to bottom-up programming of condensate phase behavior. Unlike submicroscopic RNA-based logic operators, the macroscopic phase change provides a naked-eye-distinguishable readout of molecular sensing. Our computational RNA droplets can be applied to in situ programmable assembly of computational biomolecular devices and artificial cells from transcriptionally derived RNA within biological/artificial cells.

Controlled enzymatic synthesis of oligonucleotides

Oligonucleotides are advancing as essential materials for the development of new therapeutics, artificial genes, or in storage of information applications. Hitherto, our capacity to write (i.e., synthesize) oligonucleotides is not as efficient as that to read (i.e., sequencing) DNA/RNA. Alternative, biocatalytic methods for the de novo synthesis of natural or modified oligonucleotides are in dire need to circumvent the limitations of traditional synthetic approaches. This Perspective article summarizes recent progress made in controlled enzymatic synthesis, where temporary blocked nucleotides are incorporated into immobilized primers by polymerases. While robust protocols have been established for DNA, RNA or XNA synthesis is more challenging. Nevertheless, using a suitable combination of protected nucleotides and polymerase has shown promises to produce RNA oligonucleotides even though the production of long DNA/RNA/XNA sequences (>1000 nt) remains challenging. We surmise that merging ligase- and polymerase-based synthesis would help to circumvent the current shortcomings of controlled enzymatic synthesis.

Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Cancer Cells on Micropillar Arrays

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is critical for tumor invasion and many other cell-relevant processes. While much progress has been made about EMT, no report concerns the EMT of cells on topological biomaterial interfaces with significant nuclear deformation. Herein, we prepared a poly(lactide-co-glycolide) micropillar array with an appropriate dimension to enable significant deformation of cell nuclei and examined EMT of a human lung cancer epithelial cell (A549). We show that A549 cells undergo serious nuclear deformation on the micropillar array. The cells express more E-cadherin and less vimentin on the micropillar array than on the smooth surface. After transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) treatment, the expression of E-cadherin as an indicator of the epithelial phenotype is decreased and the expression of vimentin as an indicator of the mesenchymal phenotype is increased for the cells both on smooth surfaces and on micropillar arrays, indicating that EMT occurs even when the cell nuclei are deformed and the culture on the micropillar array more enhances the expression of vimentin. Expression of myosin phosphatase targeting subunit 1 is reduced in the cells on the micropillar array, possibly affecting the turnover of myosin light chain phosphorylation and actin assembly; this makes cells on the micropillar array prefer the epithelial-like phenotype and more sensitive to TGF-β1. Overall, the micropillar array exhibits a promoting effect on the EMT.

The Modulation of Respiratory Epithelial Cell Differentiation by the Thickness of an Electrospun Poly-ε-Carprolactone Mesh Mimicking the Basement Membrane

The topology of the basement membrane (BM) affects cell physiology and pathology, and BM thickening is associated with various chronic lung diseases. In addition, the topology of commercially available poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) membranes, which are used in preclinical in vitro models, differs from that of the human BM, which has a fibrous and elastic structure. In this study, we verified the effect of BM thickness on the differentiation of normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells. To evaluate whether the thickness of poly-ε-carprolactone (PCL) mesh affects the differentiation of NHBE cells, cells were grown on thin- (6-layer) and thick-layer (80-layer) meshes consisting of electrospun PCL nanofibers using an air-liquid interface (ALI) cell culture system. It was found that the NHBE cells formed a normal pseudostratified epithelium composed of ciliated, goblet, and basal cells on the thin-layer PCL mesh; however, goblet cell hyperplasia was observed on the thick-layer PCL mesh. Differentiated NHBE cells cultured on the thick-layer PCL mesh also demonstrated increased epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) compared to those cultured on the thin-layer PCL mesh. In addition, expression of Sox9, nuclear factor (NF)-κB, and oxidative stress-related markers, which are also associated with goblet cell hyperplasia, was increased in the differentiated NHBE cells cultured on the thick-layer PCL mesh. Thus, the use of thick electrospun PCL mesh led to NHBE cells differentiating into hyperplastic goblet cells via EMT and the oxidative stress-related signaling pathway. Therefore, the topology of the BM, for example, thickness, may affect the differentiation direction of human bronchial epithelial cells.

Quercetin conjugated PSC-derived exosomes to inhibit intimal hyperplasia via modulating the ERK, Akt, and NF-κB signaling pathways in the rat carotid artery post balloon injury

The primary challenge in percutaneous coronary interventions for vascular restenosis is the occurrence of restenosis, which is defined by the excessive proliferation of neointimal tissue. Herein, our research team suggests that exosomes obtained from PSC, when paired with quercetin (Q@PSC-E), successfully reduce neointimal hyperplasia in a Sprague-Dawley rat model. Furthermore, the physical properties of the synthesized Q@PSC-E were examined using UV-vis, DLS, and FT-IR characterization techniques. The rats were subjected to balloon injury (BI) utilizing a 2-Fr Fogarty arterial embolectomy balloon catheter. Intimal hyperplasia and the degree of VSMC proliferation were evaluated using histological analysis in the rat groups that received a dosage of Q@PSC-E at 30 mg/kg/d. Significantly, Q@PSC-E inhibited cell proliferation through a pathway that does not include lipoxygenase, as demonstrated by [3H] thymidine incorporation, MTT, and flow cytometry studies. Additionally, the data indicate that Q@PSC-E hinders cell proliferation by targeting particular events that promote cell growth, including the activation of Akt and NF-κB, disruption of cell-cycle progression and also obstructs the ERK signaling pathway.

Droplet Microfluidics Powered Hydrogel Microparticles for Stem Cell-Mediated Biomedical Applications

Stem cell-related therapeutic technologies have garnered significant attention of the research community for their multi-faceted applications. To promote the therapeutic effects of stem cells, the strategies for cell microencapsulation in hydrogel microparticles have been widely explored, as the hydrogel microparticles have the potential to facilitate oxygen diffusion and nutrient transport alongside their ability to promote crucial cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Despite their significant promise, there is an acute shortage of automated, standardized, and reproducible platforms to further stem cell-related research. Microfluidics offers an intriguing platform to produce stem cell-laden hydrogel microparticles (SCHMs) owing to its ability to manipulate the fluids at the micrometer scale as well as precisely control the structure and composition of microparticles. In this review, the typical biomaterials and crosslinking methods for microfluidic encapsulation of stem cells as well as the progress in droplet-based microfluidics for the fabrication of SCHMs are outlined. Moreover, the important biomedical applications of SCHMs are highlighted, including regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, scale-up production of stem cells, and microenvironmental simulation for fundamental cell studies. Overall, microfluidics holds tremendous potential for enabling the production of diverse hydrogel microparticles and is worthy for various stem cell-related biomedical applications.

Ciprofloxacin is a novel anti-ferroptotic antibiotic

Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy are susceptible to various bacterial infections, necessitating prompt and precise antimicrobial treatment with antibiotics. Ciprofloxacin is a clinically utilized broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent known for its robust antiseptic activity. While ferroptosis, an oxidative form of cell death, has garnered attention as a promising avenue in cancer therapy, the potential impact of ciprofloxacin on the anticancer effects of ferroptosis remains unclear. This study seeks to investigate the potential influence of antibiotics on ferroptosis in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells. Here, we report a previously unrecognized role of ciprofloxacin in inhibiting ferroptosis in human PDAC cells. Mechanistically, ciprofloxacin suppresses erastin-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress through the activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) and ER to nucleus signaling 1 (ERN1) pathway. Excessive ER stress activation can trigger glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) degradation through autophagic mechanisms. In contrast, ciprofloxacin enhances the protein stability of GPX4, a crucial regulator that suppresses ferroptosis by inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Thus, our study demonstrates the anti-ferroptotic role of ciprofloxacin, highlighting the importance of careful consideration when contemplating the combination of ciprofloxacin with specific ferroptosis inducers in PDAC patients.

Strategies to enhance the efficacy of FGF2-based therapies for skin wound healing

Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2 or bFGF) is critical for optimal wound healing. Experimental studies show that local application of FGF2 is a promising therapeutic approach to stimulate tissue regeneration, including for the treatment of chronic wounds that have a low healing potential or are characterised by a pathologically altered healing process. However, the problem of low efficiency of growth factors application due to their rapid loss of biological activity in the aggressive proteolytic environment of the wound remains. Therefore, ways to preserve the efficacy of FGF2 for wound treatment are being actively developed. This review considers the following strategies to improve the effectiveness of FGF2-based therapy: (1) use of vehicles/carriers for delivery and gradual release of FGF2; (2) chemical modification of FGF2 to increase the stability of the molecule; (3) use of genetic constructs encoding FGF2 for de novo synthesis of protein in the wound. In addition, this review discusses FGF2-based therapeutic strategies that are undergoing clinical trials and demonstrating the efficacy of FGF2 for skin wound healing.

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.

Exploring Therapeutic Potential of Catalase: Strategies in Disease Prevention and Management

The antioxidant defense mechanisms play a critical role in mitigating the deleterious effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Catalase stands out as a paramount enzymatic antioxidant. It efficiently catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into water and oxygen, a potentially harmful byproduct of cellular metabolism. This reaction detoxifies H2O2 and prevents oxidative damage. Catalase has been extensively studied as a therapeutic antioxidant. Its applications range from direct supplementation in conditions characterized by oxidative stress to gene therapy approaches to enhance endogenous catalase activity. The enzyme's stability, bioavailability, and the specificity of its delivery to target tissues are significant hurdles. Furthermore, studies employing conventional catalase formulations often face issues related to enzyme purity, activity, and longevity in the biological milieu. Addressing these challenges necessitates rigorous scientific inquiry and well-designed clinical trials. Such trials must be underpinned by sound experimental designs, incorporating advanced catalase formulations or novel delivery systems that can overcome existing limitations. Enhancing catalase's stability, specificity, and longevity in vivo could unlock its full therapeutic potential. It is necessary to understand the role of catalase in disease-specific contexts, paving the way for precision antioxidant therapy that could significantly impact the treatment of diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Ferroptosis as a promising targeted therapy for triple negative breast cancer

PURPOSE

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a challenging subtype characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression. Standard treatment options are limited, and approximately 45% of patients develop distant metastasis. Ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death triggered by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress, has emerged as a potential targeted therapy for TNBC.

METHODS

This study utilizes a multifaceted approach to investigate the induction of ferroptosis as a therapeutic strategy for TNBC. It explores metabolic alterations, redox imbalance, and oncogenic signaling pathways to understand their roles in inducing ferroptosis, characterized by lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and altered cellular morphology. Critical pathways such as Xc-/GSH/GPX4, ACSL4/LPCAT3, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) are examined for their regulatory roles in ferroptosis and their potential dysregulation contributing to cancer cell survival and resistance.

RESULTS

Inhibiting ferroptosis has been shown to inhibit tumor growth, enhance the efficacy of conventional therapies, and overcome drug resistance in TNBC. Lipophilic antioxidants, GPX4 inhibitors, and inhibitors of the Xc- system have been demonstrated to be potential ferroptosis inducers. Additionally, targeting the NRF2 pathway and exploring other ferroptosis regulators, such as ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1), and the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP pathway, may offer novel therapeutic avenues.

CONCLUSION

Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms, optimize therapeutic strategies, and evaluate the safety and efficacy of ferroptosis-targeted therapies in TNBC treatment. Overall, targeting ferroptosis represents a promising approach to improving treatment outcomes and overcoming the challenges posed by TNBC.

Context-Dependent Regulation of Peripheral Nerve Abundance by the PI3K Pathway in the Tumor Microenvironment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Recent studies have highlighted neurons and their associated Schwann cells (SCs) as key regulators of cancer development. However, the mode of their interaction with tumor cells or other components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains elusive. We established an SC-related 43-gene set as a surrogate for peripheral nerves in the TME. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were classified into low, intermediate and high SC score groups based on the expression of this gene set. Perineural invasion (PNI) and TGF-β signaling were hallmarks of SChigh tumors, whereas SClow tumors were enriched for HPV16-positive OPSCC and higher PI3K-MTOR activity. The latter activity was partially explained by a higher frequency of PTEN mutation and PIK3CA copy number gain. The inverse association between PI3K-MTOR activity and peripheral nerve abundance was context-dependent and influenced by the TP53 mutation status. An in silico drug screening approach highlighted the potential vulnerabilities of HNSCC with variable SC scores and predicted a higher sensitivity of SClow tumors to DNA topoisomerase inhibitors. In conclusion, we have established a tool for assessing peripheral nerve abundance in the TME and provided new clinical and biological insights into their regulation. This knowledge may pave the way for new therapeutic strategies and impart proof of concept in appropriate preclinical models.

Dynamic 3D in vitro lung models: applications of inorganic nanoparticles for model development and characterization

Being a vital organ exposed to the external environment, the lung is susceptible to a plethora of pathogens and pollutants. This is reflected in high incidences of chronic respiratory diseases, which remain a leading cause of mortality world-wide and pose a persistent global burden. It is thus of paramount importance to improve our understanding of these pathologies and provide better therapeutic options. This necessitates the development of representative and physiologically relevant in vitro models. Advances in bioengineering have enabled the development of sophisticated models that not only capture the three-dimensional architecture of the cellular environment but also incorporate the dynamics of local biophysical stimuli. However, such complex models also require novel approaches that provide reliable characterization. Within this review we explore how 3D bioprinting and nanoparticles can serve as multifaceted tools to develop such dynamic 4D printed in vitro lung models and facilitate their characterization in the context of pulmonary fibrosis and breast cancer lung metastasis.