Advances in neoantigen-based immunotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a comprehensive review

Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC), ranking among the six most prevalent malignancies worldwide, is characterized by significant heterogeneity. Conventional monotherapeutic approaches, including surgical intervention, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, often fail to achieve complete tumor cell elimination, consequently leading to disease recurrence and metastatic progression. In this context, personalized immunotherapeutic strategies, particularly cancer vaccines and immune checkpoint inhibitors, have emerged as promising therapeutic modalities for patients with recurrent/metastatic (R/M) HNSCC. Neoantigens, which exhibit selective expression in tumor tissues while remaining absent in normal tissues, have garnered considerable attention as novel targets for HNSCC personalized immunotherapy. However, the marked heterogeneity of HNSCC, coupled with patient-specific HLA variations, necessitates precise technical identification and evaluation of neoantigens at the individual level-a significant contemporary challenge. This comprehensive review systematically explores the landscape of neoantigen-based immunotherapy in HNSCC, including neoantigen sources, screening strategies, identification methods, and their clinical applications. Additionally, it evaluates the therapeutic potential of combining neoantigen-based approaches with other immunotherapeutic modalities, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors, providing valuable insights for future clinical practice and research directions in HNSCC treatment.

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells as a therapeutic for sepsis: a review on where do we stand?

Sepsis is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States and Worldwide despite advances in quick recognition and early antibiotics, fluids, and vasopressors. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have gained attention as a biologic therapy given their unique anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-bacterial characteristics. MSCs have had success in treating a range of diseases, however limited clinical trials exist specifically for MSC use in sepsis. This article reviews the properties of MSCs that make them favorable for treating sepsis, as well as the current state of clinical trials. All clinical trials presented here demonstrated MSC safety, with a mixture of efficacy results and a heterogeneity of trial methods. Ultimately, MSCs are a promising novel therapeutic for sepsis, however a consensus in cell source, dosage, preparation, and delivery needs to be further investigated for MSCs to transition from bench to bedside and become a true therapeutic for sepsis.

CRISPR-based non-nucleic acid detection

Characterization of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated (Cas) trans-cleavage activities has initiated the era of next-generation CRISPR diagnostics. By using the trans-cleavage reaction for signal output, CRISPR systems have been engineered to detect non-nucleic acids (NNAs), including ions, inorganic small molecules, organic compounds, proteins, and bacteria. Diverse strategies are being used to specifically recognize NNAs and regulate Cas trans-cleavage activities, via generation or depletion of output signals. In this review, we introduce the principles and advantages of CRISPR-based NNA detection. We then classify CRISPR-based NNA detection strategies into three classes: the generation or depletion of free activators, synthesis of crRNAs, and reconstruction of active Cas effectors. Finally, we discuss the challenges and potential strategies to advance both clinical and nonclinical applications of CRISPR-based NNA detection.

Liquid-liquid phase separation of membrane-less condensates: from biogenesis to function

Membrane-less condensates (MLCs) are highly concentrated non-membrane-bounded structures in mammalian cells, comprising heterogeneous mixtures of proteins and/or nucleic acids. As dynamic compartments, MLCs can rapidly exchange components with the cellular environment, and their properties are easily altered in response to environmental signals, thus implicating that they can mediate numerous critical biological functions. A basic understanding of these condensates' formation, function, and underlying biomolecular driving forces has been obtained in recent years. For example, MLCs form through a liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) phenomenon similar to polymer condensation, which is primarily maintained via multivalent interactions of multi-domain proteins or proteins harboring intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) as well as RNAs with binding sites. Moreover, an accumulating body of research indicates that MLCs are pathophysiologically relevant and involved in gene expression regulation and cellular stress responses. Here, we review the emerging field and explore what is currently known about the varied progress in LLPS of MLCs and how their features affect various cellular process, focusing on RNAs, including in skeletal myogenesis.

Sex disparities in hepatocellular carcinoma immunotherapy: hormonal and genetic influences on treatment efficacy

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly aggressive liver cancer with a rising incidence globally. Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has revolutionized HCC treatment, yet response rates remain variable. Sex-based disparities in immunotherapy efficacy have become increasingly recognized as important factors influencing treatment outcomes in HCC. This review examines the role of biological sex in HCC progression and immunotherapy responses. It discusses the epidemiology of sex differences in HCC incidence, prognosis, and therapeutic outcomes, highlighting the impact of sex hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, on immune system function and tumor biology. Estrogen's protective effects, including enhanced T cell activation and improved immune surveillance, contribute to better treatment responses in females, while testosterone's immunosuppressive effects lead to poorer outcomes in males. The review also explores the influence of the tumor microenvironment, including immune cell composition and macrophage polarization, on treatment efficacy. Emerging evidence suggests that sex-specific factors, including hormonal status, should be considered in clinical trials and personalized treatment strategies. By addressing these disparities, tailored immunotherapeutic approaches could optimize efficacy and minimize toxicity in both male and female HCC patients, ultimately improving overall outcomes.

Polarity-Switchable Dual-Mode Photoelectrochemical Cancer Marker Immunoassay Based on a Metal-Organic Framework@Nitrogen-Doped Graphdiyne Heterojunction

A photocurrent polarity-switching photoelectrochemical (PEC) assay has been used for its anti-interference ability and superior accuracy compared to a conventional PEC measuring system. In this work, an ultrasensitive photocurrent polarity-switchable assay was established for sensitive prostate-specific antigen (PSA) detection based on a novel metal-organic framework (MOF) and graphdiyne@polyaniline (GDY@PANI)-sensitized structure as a photoactive material. The nitrogen-doped carbon nanolayers wrapped around graphdiyne and a zinc-based MOF were synthesized via a hydrothermal method. As an excellent photoactive material, the type II heterostructure (MOF/GDY@PANI) not only reduced the recombination of generated electron-hole pairs but also resulted in a significant increase in photoelectric conversion efficiency. Furthermore, its photocurrent was 4.6-fold higher than that of GDY@PANI and 37-fold higher than the proposed MOF. The integrated MOF/GDY@PANI/antibody (Ab) glassy carbon photoelectrode (GCE) was used as a PEC immunosensor for PSA detection (signal-off mode) and exhibited a wide linear dynamic range from 0.1 fg/mL to 10 pg/mL and a limit of detection of 0.05 fg/mL. The GCE modified with MOF and primary antibody (Ab1) (GCE/MOF/Ab1) produced a cathodic photocurrent, and in the presence of PSA, after the introduction of GDY@PANI-labeled-secondary antibody (Ab2) onto the surface of GCE/MOF/Ab1 and formation of an immunocomplex, the photocurrent amplified and switched to an anodic current. Due to high photoelectric conversion efficiency and good polarity-switching ability of GDY@PANI, the proposed immunosensor presented a turn-on photoelectrochemical performance for PSA detection at a wide linear range from 0.1 to 10 pg/mL and ultralow detection limit of 0.03 fg/mL. Compared to signal-off mode, the sensitivity increased 2-fold and the effect of interferences produces more reliable results due to photocurrent switching, and its effectiveness was evaluated against an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using spiked real human serum samples. The positive and promising outcomes achieved by the proposed immunosensor imply that the developed platform has the potential to serve as an excellent enzyme-free photoanode immunosensor for early cancer diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring.

NDRG1 and its Family Members: More than Just Metastasis Suppressor Proteins and Targets of Thiosemicarbazones

N-Myc downstream regulated gene-1 (NDRG1) and the other three members of this family (NDRG2, 3, and 4) play various functional roles in the cellular stress response, differentiation, migration, and development. These proteins are involved in regulating key signaling proteins and pathways that are often dysregulated in cancer, such as EGFR, PI3K/AKT, c-Met, and the Wnt pathway. NDRG1 is the primary, well-examined member of the NDRG family, and is generally characterized as a metastasis suppressor that inhibits the first step in metastasis, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. While NDRG1 is well-studied, emerging evidence suggests NDRG2, NDRG3, and NDRG4 also play significant roles in modulating oncogenic signaling and cellular homeostasis. NDRG family members are regulated by multiple mechanisms, including transcriptional control by hypoxia-inducible factors, p53, and Myc, as well as post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and acetylation. Pharmacological targeting of the NDRG family is a therapeutic strategy against cancer. For instance, di-2-pyridylketone 4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT) and di-2-pyridylketone-4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC) have been extensively shown to up-regulate NDRG1 expression, leading to metastasis suppression and inhibition of tumor growth in multiple cancer models. Similarly, targeting NDRG2 demonstrates its pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects, particularly in glioblastoma and colorectal cancer. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the structural features, regulatory mechanisms, and biological functions of the NDRG family and their roles in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, NDRG1-4 are explored as therapeutic targets in oncology, focusing on recent advances in anti-cancer agents that induce the expression of these proteins. Implications for future research and clinical applications are also discussed.

Preoperative plasma cell-free DNA chromosomal instability predicts microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

Microvascular invasion (MVI) has been recognized as a risk factor for early recurrence after hepatectomy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to estimate the performance of an ultrasensitive chromosomal aneuploidy detector (UCAD) model for preoperative MVI prediction in operable HCC patients based on plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA).

METHODS

A prospective study included HCC patients who underwent surgery in 2021. Preoperative peripheral plasma samples of eligible patients were collected to extract cfDNA, which was then subject to next generation sequencing. Low-coverage whole-genome sequencing data were analyzed for chromosomal instability using different parameters, including Z-score, chromosomal instability score (CIN score), tumor fraction (TFx) and a UCAD model (UCAD = CIN score + TFx + Z-score of all chromosomes). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the performance of these parameters in preoperative MVI prediction.

RESULTS

Finally, a total of 74 patients with HCC who undergone hepatectomy were prospectively enrolled. Chromosomal instability was evaluated by copy number alterations and oncogenes MCL1 (located at 1q), MYC (located at 8q), TERT (located at 5p), EGFR (located at 7p), and VEGFA (located at 6p) were identified in plasma cfDNA. The UCAD model was a superior parameter in predicting preoperative MVI, with an area under curve (AUC) value 0.749 with a sensitivity of 0.938 specificity of 0.466. Univariate analysis revealed that tumor size (≥ 5 cm) and UCAD (> 0.199) significantly increased the risk of MVI, which were further demonstrated by multivariate analysis, with odd ratio of 1.338 (95%CI, 1.060-1.689) and 2.028 (95%CI, 1.053-3.908) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our cfDNA-based UCAD model has shown a promising performance for preoperative MVI prediction in operable HCC patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ on 16 May 2022, retrospectively registered, Registration number: NCT05371873.

Polymer-Based Raman/PET Dual-Modal Probe for Preoperative Tumor Diagnosis and Intraoperative Image-Guided Surgery and Phototherapy

Integration of Raman imaging and positron emission tomography (PET) holds great promise for providing complementary information for precise cancer diagnosis and imaging-guided therapy. However, current existing Raman/PET dual-modal probes primarily rely on surface-enhanced Raman scattering, raising clinical concerns about the biosafety of the substrates. Herein, we developed a novel substrate-free Raman/PET probe-[18F]-AS-DPPT-TT NPs, which integrates a biocompatible polymer DPPT-TT that possesses strong Raman signals and photothermal effects, along with radiolabeling by short-lived 18F radionuclide and functionalization with tumor-targeting AS1411 aptamer. The [18F]-AS-DPPT-TT NPs generate ultrasensitive resonance Raman signals under 785 nm excitation, due to their absorption peak closely matching the excitation light, and exhibit significant photothermal effects for tumor cell ablation under 808 nm excitation. In the orthotopic colon cancer mouse models, [18F]-AS-DPPT-TT NPs enabled preoperative PET imaging for high-contrast whole-body tumor localization and simultaneously provided intraoperative Raman imaging for accurate tumor boundary delineation and micrometastasis detection (as small as 0.58 mm × 0.32 mm). Moreover, Raman imaging-guided surgery combined with photothermal therapy achieved complete elimination of primary and metastatic tumors, significantly decreasing the recurrence rates. This Raman/PET dual-modal probe effectively combines the strengths of Raman and PET imaging, providing a robust platform for comprehensive tumor management from preoperative planning to intraoperative intervention.

Coordination-Induced Photocurrent Polarity Switching of Black Titanium Dioxide for Tyrosinase Activity Assay

Polarity-switchable photoelectrochemical (PEC) analysis has garnered significant attention owing to its enhanced accuracy and superior anti-interference capability. Developing a straightforward and efficient approach for polarity-switchable PEC analysis is critically essential. We present here a novel approach for polarity-switchable PEC assay by leveraging the coordination interactions between black titanium dioxide (b-TiO2) and o-diphenol-functionalized BiOI. Specifically, 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid was covalently functionalized onto hydrolyzed 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane-modified BiOI nanosheets, and the monophenol groups on BiOI are further converted into o-diphenol groups through tyrosinase (TYR) catalysis. Consequently, the o-diphenol-functionalized BiOI nanosheets are attached to a b-TiO2-based photoelectrode via coordination interactions between b-TiO2 and the o-diphenol groups, enabling photocurrent polarity switching of the b-TiO2-based electrode and polarity-switchable PEC assay of TYR activity. The developed PEC assay of TYR activity exhibits a broad linear range from 0.010 to 10 U mL-1 and a low detection limit of 0.002 U mL-1. The present work not only reports an innovative photocurrent polarity switchable strategy but also establishes an effective method for TYR activity assay.

Photoinduced Proton-Transfer-Mediated Molecular Recognition in Molecular Crystals

Molecular recognition has traditionally been focused on ground-state interactions. However, leveraging photoenergy to access excited-state molecular recognition, which may enable enhanced sensitivity or selectivity that is unattainable in the ground state, remains underexplored. In this study, we demonstrate a novel photoinduced molecular recognition mechanism using self-assembled crystalline microribbons composed of a donor-acceptor (D-A) molecule with a twisted molecular backbone for ultratrace phenol vapor detection. We confirm that photoinduced proton transfer occurs from phenol to the C═N group in the pyridine moiety of the D-A system, generating a protonated D-A molecule and a phenoxide ion that triggers fluorescence quenching. This proton-transfer-mediated recognition mechanism endows the microribbons with exceptional sensitivity and selectivity toward phenol vapor, achieving a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.6 parts per trillion (ppt). Our findings reveal that harnessing light energy to drive molecular recognition opens new avenues for advancing fluorescence sensing technologies.

Pyroptosis-preconditioned mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles as advanced nanomedicines for treating inflammatory diseases

Uncontrolled inflammation is one of the major causes of various forms of tissue injury, and nanomedicines with immunoregulatory effects are needed. Mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles (e.g., MSC-EVs) have been proposed as promising therapies, but the highly efficient generation of EVs with desirable properties is still a considerable challenge in this field. Here, we report that preconditioning MSCs with a critical immune process (pyroptosis) is a robust method for improving both the yield and anti-inflammatory potency of MSC-EVs. In brief, pyroptosis-preconditioned MSCs using a combined lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) stimulation showed elevated EV yields compared with those of MSCs cultured under normal conditions. Pyroptosis preconditioning upregulated multiple pathways (e.g., cell proliferation, DNA repair, and the immune response) in MSCs, leading to the enrichment of immunoregulatory cargos (e.g., PD-L2 and STC2) in MSC-EVs. In vitro, pyroptosis-preconditioned MSC-EVs (P-EVs) treatment has greater potential to suppress cytokine expression and cell death in pyroptotic macrophages than treatment with normal MSC-EVs (N-EVs). Compared with N-EV treatment, P-EV treatment showed superior potency in attenuating proinflammatory cell infiltration, cytokine/chemokine expression, resident tissue cell death, and the severity of pathological injury in different models of inflammatory diseases (acute lung or kidney injury), and these effects are likely the joint result of diverse functional cargos delivered by such EVs. This study highlights that pyroptosis preconditioning is a promising strategy for the highly efficient production of MSC-EVs with advanced therapeutic potential for treating diverse inflammatory diseases.

Targets and promising adjuvants for improving breast tumor response to radiotherapy

Breast cancer ranks among the most common cancers globally, with significant mortality rates in advanced stages. Despite progress in treatment, therapy resistance, particularly to radiotherapy, remains a major challenge. Radiosensitization offers a promising solution to enhance radiotherapy effectiveness. This approach specifically increases tumor cells' vulnerability to IR. Recent research has explored molecular targets and strategies to improve radiosensitivity in breast cancer. Examples include inhibiting DNA repair pathways, altering the TME, targeting signaling pathways, and using immunomodulators. These strategies not only amplify destructive effects of IR but may also reduce required radiation doses, thereby minimizing normal tissue injury. This review examines promising molecular targets and combination therapies to boost radiosensitivity in breast cancer. It also highlights recent advances in immune modulation, TME remodeling, targeted molecular therapy, and metabolic pathway targeting. These advancements offer insights into the future of radiosensitization research. By systematically analyzing these strategies, the article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of radiosensitization's current state and future potential in breast cancer treatment.

Progress of ursolic acid on the regulation of macrophage: summary and prospect

Ursolic acid (UA), a prevalent pentacyclic triterpenoid found in numerous fruits and herbs, has garnered significant attention for its vital role in anti-inflammatory processes and immune regulation. The study of immune cells has consistently been a focal point, particularly regarding macrophages, which play crucial roles in antigen presentation, immunomodulation, the inflammatory response, and pathogen phagocytosis. This paper reveals the underlying regulatory effects of UA on the function of macrophages and the specific therapeutic effects of UA on a variety of diseases. Owing to the superior effect of UA on macrophages, different types of macrophages in different tissues have been described. Through the multifaceted regulation of macrophage function, UA may provide new ideas for the development of novel anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drugs. However, to facilitate its translation into actual medical means, the specific mechanism of UA in macrophages and its clinical application still need to be further studied.

Innovative applications of silicon dioxide nanoparticles for targeted liver cancer treatment

Liver cancer remains a major global health challenge, characterized by high mortality and limited treatment efficacy. Conventional therapies, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and viral vectors, are hindered by systemic toxicity, drug resistance, and high costs. Silica nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) have emerged as promising platforms for liver cancer therapy, offering precise drug delivery, stimuli-responsive release, and integrated diagnostic-therapeutic capabilities. This review critically examines the potential of SiO2NPs to overcome these therapeutic limitations. Notable advances include their high drug-loading capacity, customizable surface modifications, and dual-responsive systems (pH/redox/NIR-II) that enable >90% tumor-specific drug release. Preclinical studies have demonstrated synergistic efficacy in combination therapies. Additionally, theranostic SiO2NPs enable MRI-guided tumor delineation and real-time treatment monitoring. Despite promising results, challenges remain in long-term biosafety, scalable synthesis, and regulatory compliance. Early-phase clinical trials, including those using NIR-II-responsive platforms, highlight their translational potential but underscore the need for further validation of toxicity profiles and manufacturing standards. Future research should focus on optimizing combinatory treatment strategies, scaling up production, and aligning with evolving regulatory frameworks. By bridging nanomaterial innovation with clinical applications, SiO2NPs offer unparalleled potential for advancing precision oncology in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Advancements in Cell Membrane-Derived Biomimetic Nanotherapeutics for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer remains the leading cause of female mortality worldwide, necessitating innovative and multifaceted approaches to address its various subtypes. Nanotechnology has attracted considerable attention due to its nanoscale dimensions, diverse carrier types, suitability for hydrophobic drug delivery, and capacity for controlled and targeted administration. Nano-sized particles have become prevalent carriers for therapeutic agents targeting breast cancer, thanks to their reproducible synthesis and adjustable properties, including size, shape, and surface characteristics. In addition, certain nanoparticles can enhance therapeutic effects synergistically. However, the immune system often detects and removes these nanoparticles, limiting their efficacy. As a promising alternative, cell membrane-based delivery systems have gained attention due to their biocompatibility and targeting specificity. These membrane-coated drug delivery systems are derived from various cell sources, including blood cells, cancer cells, and stem cells. Leveraging the unique properties of these cell membranes enables precise targeting of breast cancer tumors and associated biomarkers. Inspired by natural structures, cell membranes disguise nanoparticles in the bloodstream, enhancing their retention time in vivo and improving tumor targeting. Consequently, cell membrane-derived nanoparticles (CMDNPs) have been investigated for their potential applications in breast cancer diagnostics, photothermal therapy (PTT), and vaccine development. This review comprehensively explores the potential and limitations of cell membrane-derived drug delivery systems in clinical applications against breast cancer.

Engineering Oxidase-Based Cascade Nanoreactors Design, Catalytic Efficiency, and Applications in Disease Monitoring

Inspired by the advantages of biological cascade catalytic systems, it has been devoted to the discovery of novel oxidase-based cascade catalytic systems for disease monitoring. However, the low stability, easy inactivation, and poor reproducibility of oxidase significantly limit their practical applications. Immobilization of the oxidase can be enabled to protect them from external mediators and improve catalytic efficiency and reproducibility. Notably, the substrate channels and spatial confinement play an essential role in the construction of immobilized cascade nanoreactors to enhance the overall activity. Moreover, nanozymes, a class of enzyme mimics, have not only enzyme-like activity but also high stability and tunable catalytic properties, which bolster the development of cascade nanoreactors. Herein, recent advances in the assembly of cascade reactors involving enzymes/nanozymes are described. The importance of substrate channeling and spatial distribution in regulating the catalytic efficiency of the nanoreactor is highlighted. Then, along with an in-depth discussion of the cascade biosensors for disease monitoring, the design and application of innovative devices based on these sensing principles are also summarized, including microfluidic systems, hydrogel-based platforms, and test paper technologies. Finally, challenges and prospects for cascade nanoreactors are briefly discussed and prospected.

Electrochromic platform for the visual detection of the neuroblastoma biomarkers vanillylmandelic acid and homovanillic acid

Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and homovanillic acid (HVA) are biomarkers for the diagnosis and course-of-disease monitoring of malignant tumor neuroblastomas, which endanger infants and children. Herein, we demonstrated a proof-of-concept visual detection of VMA and HVA on an electrochromic basis, in which the viologen 1,1'-dibenzyl-4,4'-bipyridinium dichloride was used as a coloration chromophore. It was found that VMA and HVA can be used as effective electron mediators to improve the electrochromic performance of devices. It is interesting to note that VMA and HVA reduce the driving voltage of electrochromic devices (ECDs) down to -1.0 V, which is lower than that (-2.1 V) achieved without these additives, and the coloration of ECDs is undoubtedly dependent on the concentration of VMA and HVA from 0.8 to 10-6 mol L-1. Thus, this study presents an ECD platform as a breakthrough strategy for the facile, routine and portable visual detection of the neuroblastoma biomarkers VMA and HVA with obvious advantages over other detection techniques such as HPLC/MS used in clinical diagnosis.

Discovery and validation of a novel dual-target blood test for the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma across stages from cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers. Early detection of HCC helps improve the patients' 5-year survival rate. Our goal was to identify superior methylation biomarkers to develop a methylation-specific quantitative PCR (MS‒qPCR) assay.

METHODS

A five-phase case-control study identified HCC methylation biomarkers via capture sequencing, TCGA/RNA-seq filtering, technical (MS-qPCR/Sanger) and biological (quadruplex MS-qPCR) validation. Methylated biomarkers were selected based on differential methylation expression using a tissue discovery cohort (43 HCC, 32 normal) and validated in plasma validation cohorts (Phase 1: 53 HCC, 52 cirrhosis, 20 benign, 50 healthy; Phase 2: 67 HCC, 81 cirrhosis). Then, the final assay's HCC detection performance was compared with existing blood-based surveillance methods.

RESULTS

Two methylated genes, OSR2 and TSPYL5, and a novel internal reference gene, SDF4, were identified and developed into an MS‒qPCR assay named Qliver. Qliver had an AUC of 0.955 (95% CI: 0.924-0.987) for distinguishing HCC patients from non-HCC patients in the Phase 1 plasma cohort, with a sensitivity of 88.68% (95% CI: 76.97%-95.73%) and a specificity of 89.34% (95% CI: 82.47%-94.20%), and 0.958 (95% CI: 0.927-0.989) for distinguishing HCC patients from cirrhosis patients in the Phase 2 plasma cohort, with a sensitivity of 88.06% (95% CI: 77.82%-94.70%) and a specificity of 92.59% (95% CI: 84.57%-97.23%). For the Phase 1 plus Plasma 2 cohort, Qliver had an AUC of at least 0.958 for detecting HCC in healthy individuals, cirrhosis patients and patients with benign liver diseases, which was superior to that of the GALAD score (AUC: 0.777 to 0.849). For BCLC stage 0 and A HCC patients, the sensitivity of Qliver ranged from 62.50% (95% CI: 24.49%-91.48%) to 72.73% (39.03%-93.98%), with a specificity of 90%. Overall, Qliver was superior to the AFP, AFP-L3, DCP and the GALAD score in terms of cirrhosis history, tumor stage, tumor size and tumor count.

CONCLUSIONS

Qliver demonstrated superior performance in detecting HCC compared with currently widely used blood biomarkers, suggesting its potential clinical benefit in HCC surveillance in high-risk populations.

Cell membrane derived biomimetic nanomedicine for precision delivery of traditional Chinese medicine in cancer therapy

The rapidly developing modern nanotechnology has brought new vitality to the application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), improving the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of unmodified natural drugs. However, synthetic materials inevitably introduce incompatibilities. This has led to focusing on biomimetic drug delivery systems (DDS) based on biologically derived cell membranes. This "top-down" approach to nanomedicine preparation is simple and effective, as the inherited cell membranes and cell surface substances can mimic nature when delivering drugs back into the body, interacting similarly to the source cells at the biological interface. The concept of biologically derived TCM and biomimetic membranes aligns well with nature, the human body, and medicine, thereby enhancing the in vivo compatibility of TCM. This review focused on the recent progress using biomimetic membranes for TCM in cancer therapy, emphasizing the effective integration of biomimetic nanomedicine and TCM in applications such as cancer diagnosis, imaging, precision treatment, and immunotherapy. The review also provided potential suggestions on the challenges and prospects in this field.

Pancreas-targeted lipid nanoparticles for relatively non-invasive interleukin-12 mRNA therapy in orthotopic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents 90 % of pancreatic cancers and shows limited response to immune therapy owing to the highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Cytokine-encoded mRNA therapy demonstrates a great promise in converting "cold" tumors into "hot" ones, while it is typically administered through intratumoral injection and applicable only to superficial tumors, which limites their application in PDAC. In this study, we design and develop a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery system capable of targeting pancreatic tissue via intraperitoneal (I.P.) injection. This system not only efficiently delivers mRNA to pancreatic tissues but also selectively targets immune cells in PDAC. A single I.P. injection of LNP encapsulating interleukin-12 (IL-12) mRNA (LNP/mIL-12) activates both myeloid and lymphoid cells in PDAC, reprogramming the immunosuppressive TME. Remarkably, I.P. injection of LNP/mIL-12 induces eradication of orthotopic PDAC in some cases. Our work represents the first relatively non-invasive method to deliver IL-12 mRNA for targeted treatment of orthotopic PDAC, offering a novel approach for PDAC immunotherapy.

Versatile core-shell MnO2@PANI nanocomposites: Bridging photo-assisted zinc-ion batteries and wearable strain sensors for self-powered systems

With the continuous development of self-powered sensing systems, achieving efficient energy self-supply and high-performance signal acquisition simultaneously has emerged as a main trend for next-generation sensors. However, developing functional materials for such sensing systems is still facing crucial challenges. Herein, a multifunctional MnO2@PANI (MP) composite material was designed to realize a synchronized "integration" strategy. Specifically, the MP serves as a cathode in photo-assisted zinc-ion batteries (PA-ZIBs), enabling solar energy conversion and storage. The p-n heterojunction formed between MnO2 and PANI promotes effective separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and enhances Zn2+ kinetics. Therefore, the PA-ZIBs deliver a high self-charging voltage of 1.08 V and 33 % enhancement in specific capacity (reaching 249.5 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1) under illumination. Meanwhile, it also functions as the active layer of a flexible strain sensor, achieving efficient mechanical signal detection. The core-shell structure and composite component improve both structural stability and conductivity. As a result, the sensor exhibits high sensitivity, a fast response time of 0.4 s, and excellent durability over 2000 cycles. Furthermore, proof-of-concept demonstrations validate the device's capability to simultaneously harvest solar energy and detect physiological signals. This work offers a new solution for designing self-powered sensing systems and intelligent healthcare applications by merging energy-autonomous operation with multifunctional sensing capabilities.

Emerging glucose oxidase-delivering nanomedicines for enhanced tumor therapy

Abnormalities in glucose metabolism have been shown to characterize malignant tumors. Glucose depletion by glucose oxidase (GOD) has shown great potential in tumor therapy by causing tumor starvation. Since 2017, nanomedicines have been designed and utilized to deliver GOD for more precise and effective glucose modulation, which can overcome intrinsic limitations of different cancer therapeutic modalities by remodeling the tumor microenvironment to enhance antitumor therapy. To date, the topic of GOD-delivering nanomedicines for enhancing tumor therapy has not been comprehensively summarized. Herein, this review aims to provide an overview and discuss in detail recent advances in GOD delivery and directly involved starvation therapy strategies, GOD-sensitized various tumor therapy strategies, and GOD-mediated multimodal antitumor strategies. Finally, the challenges and outlooks for the future progress of the emerging tumor therapeutic nanomedicines are discussed. This review provides intuitive and specific insights to a broad audience in the fields of nanomedicines, biomaterials, and cancer therapy.

Determination of tacrolimus in whole blood of pediatric liver transplant patients by UPLC-MS/MS: Informed its individualized dose

Tacrolimus is a potent macrolide immunosuppressant widely used in pediatric liver transplant patients. However, its narrow therapeutic window and significant inter-individual pharmacokinetic differences result in a poor correlation between blood concentrations and administered doses. To support its individualized dose, a sensitive, fast and robust ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed to measure tacrolimus concentrations in whole blood of pediatric liver transplant patients. The method employed acetonitrile for protein precipitation, and sample separation was achieved using an Acquity UPLC CSH C18 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.7 μm) with gradient elution. The mobile phase consisted of ammonium solution-water (0.5:1000, v/v) and methanol. The method demonstrated good linearity within a concentration range of 0.20-50.00 ng/mL. The intra- and inter-day precisions of tacrolimus in whole blood were less than 13.5 %, with the accuracy ranged from -7.2 % to 13.0 %. Selectivity, carryover, matrix effects, recovery, dilution reliability, and stability all met the standards set by relevant guidelines. The established UPLC-MS/MS method was successfully applied to measure the concentration of tacrolimus in the whole blood of pediatric liver transplant patients and support its individualized dose. Under the rapid UPLC-MS/MS method, 25 (65.8 %) patients required a dose increase, 3 (7.9 %) patients needed a dose reduction, and 10 (26.3 %) patients maintained their original dosage without adjustment.

Natural bioactive compounds modified with mesenchymal stem cells: new hope for regenerative medicine

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the potential to differentiate into various cell types, providing important sources of cells for the development of regenerative medicine. Although MSCs have various advantages, there are also various problems, such as the low survival rate of transplanted cells and poor migration and homing; therefore, determining how to reform MSCs to improve their utilization is particularly important. Although many natural bioactive compounds have shown great potential for improving MSCs, many mechanisms and pathways are involved; however, in the final analysis, natural bioactive compounds promoted MSC proliferation, migration and homing and promoted differentiation and antiaging. This article reviews the regulatory effects of natural bioactive compounds on MSCs to provide new ideas for the therapeutic effects of modified MSCs on diseases.

Secondary electron dynamics in core-shell-satellite nanoparticles: a computational strategy for targeted cancer treatment

As the global incidence of cancer escalates, there exists an urgent necessity for innovative therapeutic modalities. While radiation therapy is indispensable in oncology, it faces significant challenges in achieving an optimal equilibrium between tumour ablation and the preservation of surrounding healthy tissues. Noteworthy advancements such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) have enhanced the precision of treatment; however, their efficacy is still constrained by the accuracy of tumour delineation. The utilization of radiosensitizers, with a particular emphasis on metal nanoparticles, presents a promising avenue for augmenting the susceptibility of neoplastic cells to ionizing radiation. This research examines the potential of core-shell-satellite Fe3O4-SiO2-Au nanoparticles as effective radiosensitizers. By investigating the interaction of individual nanoparticles situated within a water phantom of 20 micrometers in diameter with monochromatic photon beams at energies of 50, 100, and 150 keV, we analyse how variations in the structural composition of Au nanoparticles and their concentrations within these multifaceted nanoparticles influence the efficacy of radiation therapy, employing Monte Carlo simulations corroborated by the general-purpose radiation transport code PHITS. Our investigation aspires to refine nanoparticle-based methodologies to enhance cancer treatment outcomes, potentially facilitating the development of more targeted therapeutic interventions that minimize adverse effects while improving patient survival rates.

Pien Tze Huang Attenuates Cell Proliferation and Stemness Promoted by miR-483-5p in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of miR-483-5p on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells proliferation and stemness, as well as the attenuating effect of Pien Tze Huang (PZH).

METHODS

Differentially expressed miRNA between HepG2 cells and hepatic cancer stem-like cells (HCSCs) were identified by a miRNA microarray assay. miR-483-5p mimics were transfected into HepG2 cells to explore the effects of miR-483-5p on cell proliferation and stemness. HepG2 cells and HCSCs were treated with PZH (0, 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 mg/mL) to explore the effects of PZH on the proliferation and stemness, both in non-induced state and the state induced by miR-483-5p mimics.

RESULTS

miR-483-5p was significantly up-regulated in HCSCs and its overexpression increased cell proliferation and stemness in HepG2 cells (P<0.05). PZH not only significantly inhibited proliferation in HepG2 cells, but also significantly suppressed the cell proliferation and self-renewal of HCSCs (P<0.05). The effects of miR-483-5p mimics on proliferation and stemness of HepG2 cells were partially abolished by PZH.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-483-5p promotes proliferation and enhances stemness of HepG2 cells, which were attenuated by PZH, demonstrating that miR-483-5p is a potential molecular target for the treatment of HCC and provide experimental evidence to support clinical use of PZH for patients with HCC.

Inhalable biomimetic polyunsaturated fatty acid-based nanoreactors for peroxynitrite-augmented ferroptosis potentiate radiotherapy in lung cancer

The limited efficacy and poor tumor accumulation remain crucial challenges for radiotherapy against lung cancer. To address these limitations, we rationally developed a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-based nanoreactor (DHA-N@M) camouflaged with macrophage cell membrane to improve tumoral distribution and achieve peroxynitrite-augment ferroptosis for enhanced radiotherapy against lung cancer. After nebulization, the nanoreactors exhibited superior pulmonary accumulation in orthotopic lung cancer-bearing mice, with 70-fold higher than intravenously injected nanoreactors at 12 h post-administration, and distributed deeply in the tumors. DHA-N@M selectively released nitric oxide (NO) in glutathione (GSH)-enriched tumor cells, with consumption of GSH and subsequent inactivation of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). Under radiation, NO reacted with radiotherapy-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) to generate peroxynitrite (ONOO-), resulting in redox homeostasis disruption. Combined with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-induced lipid metabolism disruption, overwhelming ferroptosis was induced both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, DHA-N@M mediated ferroptosis-radiotherapy significantly suppressed tumor growth with a 93.91% inhibition in orthotopic lung cancer models. Therefore, this design provides a nebulized ferroptosis-radiotherapy strategy for lung cancer.

Discovery and Evaluation of Active Site-Directed, Potent, and Selective Sulfophenyl Acetic Amide-Based Inhibitors for the Laforin Phosphatase

Lafora disease is a rare and fatal progressive myoclonus epilepsy characterized by the accumulation of insoluble glycogen deposits in the brain and peripheral tissues. Mutations in the gene encoding the glycogen phosphatase laforin result in Lafora disease. Currently, there are no laforin-specific chemical probes, limiting our understanding of the roles of laforin in glycogen metabolism and other cellular processes. Here, we identified sulfophenyl acetic amide (SPAA), as a novel nonhydrolyzable phosphotyrosine mimetic for laforin inhibition. Using fragment-based and scaffold-hopping strategies, we discovered several highly potent and selective active site-directed laforin inhibitors. Among them, compound 9c displayed a Ki value of 1.9 ± 0.2 nM and more than 8300-fold preference for laforin. Moreover, these inhibitors efficiently block laforin-mediated glucan dephosphorylation inside the cell and possess favorable pharmacokinetic properties in mice. These chemical probes will enable further investigation of the roles of laforin in normal physiological processes and in diseases.

Advanced Precision Dual Photothermal and Photodynamic Therapy for Prostate Cancer Using PSMA-ICG-Conjugated Gold Nanorods

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men globally. In this study, we developed a prostate-cancer-targeted gold nanoparticle-based photothermal and photodynamic complex (GNR-ICG-FA@PSMA) to enhance the targeting efficiency of prostate cancer cells and simultaneously deliver photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT). For the in vitro tests, ROS assays, annexin V/PI staining, and MTT assays were conducted. In the in vivo tests, fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging systems were used to track the distribution of nanoparticles in animal models. Tumor tissues were analyzed post-treatment using Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining, and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. The in vitro results showed that GNR-ICG with laser irradiation produced high levels of ROS, the highest rate of apoptosis, and the lowest cell viability. In the in vivo tests, tail-injected GNR-ICG-FA@PSMA reached the tumor within 9 h. During laser irradiation, GNRs increased the temperature (<50 °C), inducing necrosis, while ICGs generated ROS, leading to apoptosis. The results demonstrated that folic acid (FA) and PSMA antibodies improved prostate cancer-specific targeting. GNRs and ICGs contributed to the photothermal and photodynamic effects, respectively. This study confirms the potential of GNR-ICG-FA@PSMA for targeted photothermal and photodynamic therapy of prostate cancer.

Predictive factors for neoadjuvant combined immunotherapy in gastric adenocarcinoma: Focusing on the primitive enterocyte phenotype and PVR

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant combined immunotherapy has provided more treatment options for patients with gastric adenocarcinoma (GA). However, some GA patients, especially those with primitive enterocyte phenotype (GAPEP) show a poor response to immunotherapy, even with positive PD-L1 expression.

METHOD

We enrolled multiple cohorts from our center and utilized public data to identify the predictive factors and explore the immunosuppressive features of GAPEP by multi-omics methods.

RESULTS

Forty-seven patients with neoadjuvant combined immunotherapy were enrolled. After testing, we found PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) ≥ 50 in biopsy tissues was significantly associated with major pathological response (MPR) (P = 0.04). RNA testing and immunohistochemical staining highlighted the cytotoxicity-associated markers (GZMA and PRF1) as the predictors to better response. Notably, GAPEP patients demonstrated resistance to therapy and exhibited worse survival outcomes. Our own and public bulk/single-cell transcriptomic analyses identified PVR as a predictor of treatment resistance and as an important immune suppressor, especially in GAPEP. Cell interaction analyses, multiple staining, and cell experiments verified the association between GAPEP and PVR.

CONCLUSION

Cytotoxic markers, especially GZMA and PRF1, could predict the benefit of neoadjuvant combined immunotherapy in GA than PD-L1 CPS, while PVR is a negative predictor, particularly for GAPEP patients.

Formulation-optimized oncolytic viruses: Advancing systemic delivery and immune amplification

Cancer is a major global public health challenge. Traditional treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy often show limited efficacy, minimal improvements in survival rates, and high recurrence risks. With limited therapeutic options for solid tumors, tumor immunotherapy, which harness the body's immune system, has gained significant attention. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) selectively infect and destroy tumor cells, induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) and stimulate antitumor immune responses. However, current OVs therapies, which are predominantly administered via intratumoral injection, have numerous limitations, including the need for guidance, suboptimal viral spread, extracellular matrix barriers, and immune clearance. These challenges hinder repeated dosing effectiveness and restrict its clinical applicability. Although genetic engineering has improved the tumor selectivity and immune activation of OVs, significant delivery challenges remain. Recently, optimizing pharmaceutical formulations to enhance tumor targeting and viral accumulation has emerged as a key approach to improving OV therapy and expanding clinical applicability. This review highlights the critical role of pharmaceutical formulations in biologics and outlines recent advances in OVs formulations. Specifically, we discuss strategies aimed at enhancing tumor targeting, reducing adverse effects, and promoting antitumor immunity. These strategies significantly enhance OV therapeutic potential and inform novel delivery systems for clinical translation.

Optimization on the extraction conditions of flavonoids from Suaeda glauca and the research of its hepatoprotection in mice

Liver disease is a serious threat to health worldwide. Flavonoids from Suaeda glauca (SGF) is able to alleviate liver lipid peroxidation. However, it is unclear whether SGF could protect against liver glycogen accumulation, inflammation and fibrosis. In this study, the extraction conditions of SGF were optimized with response surface methodology. The qualitative analysis of components in SGF was carried out by a LC-MS/MS method. Moreover, SGF was administered orally to male mice given 10 % carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 4 weeks at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg once daily for 4 weeks. The optimal extraction conditions of SGF were as follows: the ratio of material to liquid 1:35, the temperature 67 °C, the time 3 h, and the ethanol concentration 89 %. Thirty-five compounds were preliminarily identified in SGF. Furthermore, SGF could significantly improve liver dysfunction, regulate the hepatic protein levels of glucose-6-phosphatase, glycogen synthase, glycogen phosphorylase L, Laforin, interleukin-1β, gasdermin-D, NOD-like receptor (NLR) family, pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome, α-smooth muscle actin, the hepatic mRNA levels and enzyme activities of matrix metallopeptidase 9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1, and collagen 1α1, reduce the liver glycogen accumulation, inflammation and fibrosis in mice induced by CCl4. These results indicated that SGF may be a promising drug for the treatment of liver injury.

Cationic Azobenzene Tag to Enhance Liposomal Prodrug Retention and Tumor-Targeting Prodrug Activation for Improved Antitumor Efficacy

In this study, we reported a cationic azobenzene (Azo) tag to increase the retention of camptothecin (CPT) prodrugs in liposomes driven by π-π stacking interaction between Azo. Compared with a cationic CPT prodrug without Azo, the liposome-encapsulating Azo-linked CPT prodrugs (AzoCPT-Lips) exhibited slower prodrug leakage in plasma and a longer blood circulation time in mice. The AzoCPT-Lips had a high encapsulation efficiency (95%), loading capacity (20%, by weight), and good storage stability. The AzoCPT was efficiently taken up by 4T1 tumor cells (100-fold higher than CPT) and readily converted into active CPT in the cytoplasm to exert 10-fold higher cytotoxicity than free CPT. More importantly, AzoCPT-Lips resulted in 5-20 times higher tumor distribution of active CPT than that of CPT solution or those in other tissues, which further led to more potent antitumor activity and lower toxicities in the 4T1 breast cancer xenograft. Such a cationic Azo tag represents an effective strategy for developing liposomal antitumor drugs with improved antitumor efficacy.

Multifunctional nanocomposite hydrogels: an effective approach to promote diabetic wound healing

Diabetes, a metabolic disease that is becoming increasingly severe globally, presents a significant challenge in the medical field. Diabetic wounds are characterized by their chronicity, difficulty healing, and complex microenvironment that harbors multiple adverse factors, including elevated hyperglycemia, persistent inflammation, susceptibility to infections, and oxidative stress, all of which contribute to the impaired healing process. Nanocomposite hydrogels, as materials with unique physicochemical properties and biocompatibility, have gained growing attention in recent years for their potential applications in diabetic wound healing. These hydrogels provide a moist healing environment for wounds and regulate cellular behavior and signaling pathways, promoting wound repair and healing. By introducing specific functional groups and nanoparticles, nanocomposite hydrogels can respond to pathological features of wounds, enabling adaptive drug release. Owing to their diverse bioactive functions, nanocomposite hydrogels are powerful tools for the treatment of diabetic wounds. Thus, this article provides an overview of recent progress in the use of nanocomposite hydrogels for diabetic wound healing.

Amplifying X-ray-Induced Charge Transfer Facilitates Direct Sensitization of Photosensitizers in Radiotherapy

X-ray-induced photodynamic therapy offers substantial promise for treating deep-seated tumors, but it is still limited by highly inefficient energy transfer processes and the stringent requirements for scintillators with high luminescence quantum yield and significant singlet-triplet intersystem crossing ratios. Herein, we describe X-ray-induced electron-dynamic therapy (X-eDT), which obviates the need for intersystem crossing by exposing nonluminescent hafnium-silica nanoparticles to X-rays, to generate high-energy electrons that can sensitize lower-lying triplet states of various photosensitizers. Our approach strongly induced the production of singlet oxygen (6.18-fold) in vitro even at lower X-ray doses, and in mice it strongly inhibited the growth of xenografts derived from liver, breast, or colon cancer cell lines (CDX), and growth of patient-derived xenografts (PDX) of hepatocellular carcinoma. In these CDX preclinical systems, X-eDT was not only effective against the irradiated xenograft but also against untreated xenografts in the same animal, and these abscopal effects involved enhanced tumor infiltration by CD4+T cells, CD8+T cells, and IFN-γ-polarized M1 macrophages within the tumor microenvironment. X-eDT even stimulated the production of memory T cells that inhibited rechallenges after treatment. These findings suggest that X-eDT can be effective against primary and metastatic tumors as well as tumor recurrence, which makes it much more powerful than conventional X-PDT.

State of the Art of Bioengineering Approaches in Beta-Cell Replacement

Purpose of the Review

Despite recent advancements in technology for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D), exogenous insulin delivery through automated devices remains the gold standard for treatment. This review will explore progress made in pancreatic islet bioengineering within the field of beta-cell replacement for T1D treatment.

Recent Findings

First, we will focus on the use of decellularized extracellular matrices (dECM) as a platform for pancreatic organoid development. These matrices preserve microarchitecture and essential biochemical signals for cell differentiation, offering a promising alternative to synthetic matrices. Second, advancements in 3D bioprinting for creating complex organ structures like pancreatic islets will be discussed. This technology allows for increased precision and customization of cellular models, crucial for replicating native pancreatic islet functionality. Finally, this review will explore the use of stem cell-derived organoids to generate insulin-producing islet-like cells. While these organoids face challenges such as functional immaturity and poor vascularization, they represent a significant advancement for disease modeling, drug screening, and autologous islet transplantation.

Summary

These innovative approaches promise to revolutionize T1D treatment by overcoming the limitations of traditional therapies based on human pancreatic islets.

Preliminary investigation of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase as an HBV-specific biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis

BackgroundNicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), a metabolic enzyme in the liver, has been implicated in various biological processes, and its high expression in hepatocellular carcinoma has been linked to tumor metastasis and poor prognosis. However, its potential as a serum biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis remains unexplored.MethodsA total of 172 subjects were included in this study, consisting of 71 hepatocellular carcinoma patients (64 with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma and 7 with non-HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma), as well as 70 healthy controls and 31 HBV-infected individuals. Serum NNMT levels were measured, and clinical-pathological correlations were analyzed. The diagnostic efficacy of serum NNMT for HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsSerum NNMT levels were significantly elevated in HBV-infected individuals and correlated with poorer prognosis, including reduced overall survival and shorter disease-free survival. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that low NNMT expression was associated with longer overall survival (75 vs. 12 months, P < 0.0001) and disease-free survival (21.5 vs. 5 months, P < 0.01). In HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients, NNMT levels correlated with biochemical markers including alfa-fetoprotein, aspartate transaminase, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, apolipoprotein B, TB, and albumin, with decreased albumin, and high-density lipoprotein levels promoting NNMT expression. ROC analysis showed that NNMT outperformed alfa-fetoprotein (area under the curve (AUC) 0.869 vs. 0.775), with a sensitivity of 95.2%, specificity of 87.9%, and a combined AUC of 0.947, demonstrating its superior diagnostic value for HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma.ConclusionsSerum NNMT is a promising biomarker for predicting the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in HBV-infected individuals and may serve as an indicator for the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes: a novel therapeutic frontier in hematological disorders

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stromal cells valued for their immunomodulatory and regenerative properties, positioning them as a cornerstone of regenerative medicine. Their derived exosomes small extracellular vesicles laden with bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids have emerged as critical mediators of MSC therapeutic effects. This review systematically explores the biology of MSC-derived exosomes, detailing their biogenesis, molecular composition, and pivotal roles in hematopoiesis, inflammation, and immune regulation. In hematological disorders, including leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes, these exosomes exhibit significant therapeutic potential by modulating the tumor microenvironment, enhancing hematopoietic recovery, and suppressing malignant cell proliferation. Notable findings include their ability to induce cell cycle arrest in leukemia cells via the p53 pathway and to reduce chemoresistance through targeted signaling mechanisms, such as the IRF2/INPP4B axis. However, clinical translation is hindered by several challenges, including the standardization of isolation techniques such as ultracentrifugation which are costly and susceptible to contamination as well as difficulties in optimizing large-scale production and ensuring long-term safety and efficacy. Despite these obstacles, MSC-derived exosomes offer a promising, cell-free therapeutic alternative that minimizes risks such as immune rejection and tumorigenicity associated with whole-cell therapies. Future research must prioritize the refinement of isolation and production protocols, the development of precise delivery strategies, and the execution of comprehensive safety evaluations to unlock their full clinical potential in treating hematological disorders and beyond. This review integrates recent advancements to provide a clearer understanding of their multifaceted contributions and highlights the critical gaps that remain.

Effective Restoration of Gastric and Esophageal Tissues in an In Vitro Model of GERD: Mucoadhesive and Protective Properties of Xyloglucan, Pea Proteins, and Polyacrylic Acid

Esophageal barrier dysfunction is a crucial pathophysiological mechanism of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, treatments mainly aim to reduce gastric acidity rather than improve tissue integrity. This study evaluated the protective and mucoadhesive properties of a formulation containing xyloglucan, pea proteins, and polyacrylic acid (XPPA) in gastric and esophageal cells. Cells were exposed to hydrochloric acid (HCl) and subsequently treated with the test compound. Trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER), tight junction (TJ) expression, and mucoadhesion of XPPA on gastric and esophageal cells were evaluated. To further confirm the protective ability of XPPA, a Lucifer Yellow assay was performed on a human reconstructed esophageal epithelium to assess the ability of XPPA to prevent HCl-induced hyperpermeability. XPPA possesses noteworthy mucoadhesive properties, ensuring an extended contact time between the product and the damaged mucosa to allow sustained mucosal protection. Furthermore, XPPA effectively restored gastroesophageal barrier integrity after HCl-induced damage, as assessed with TEER, after 1 h (p < 0.05). Finally, XPPA helped to restore TJ expression (p < 0.05) and protected the tissues from hyperpermeability for at least 2 h (p < 0.05). These results pave the way for using XPPA as a promising treatment to ameliorate gastroesophageal barrier properties in GERD patients.

Asiaticoside enhances the anti-tumor effect of anti-PDL1 by regulating T cell activity through increasing LCK activity

Anti-PD-L1 antibody confers anti-tumor effects, but its long-term use can provoke resistance and adverse effects. Asiaticoside, a bioactive triterpene glycoside from Centella asiatica L., regulates immune function and induces apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. T cells play a vital role in killing tumor cells and require lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK) for activation. Here, we examined whether a combined asiaticoside and anti-PD-L1 treatment regulates T cells via LCK activation to enhance the anti-tumor effect in vivo. We established a subcutaneous mouse HCC model using Hepa1-6 cells and measured spleen and tumor weight. Morphological changes of tumor tissues were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Tumor cell apoptosis and proliferation were determined by TUNEL staining and KI67 immunohistochemistry. The proportion of activated T cells in the spleen was detected by flow cytometry, and the levels of phosphorylated p-LCK and p-AKT in the spleen were determined by Western blotting. Changes in the levels of serum inflammatory factors were detected with ELISA. Our results revealed that the combined asiaticoside and anti-PD-L1 treatment inhibited tumor growth by enhancing apoptosis and reducing tumor cell proliferation. The treatment activated T cells to increase the proportion of effector T cells in the spleen, evidenced by upregulated p-LCK and p-AKT levels. It also increased the level of TNF-α in the serum and decreased IL-6, implying an enhanced immune response. In conclusion, the combined asiaticoside and anti-PD-L1 treatment enhances the anti-HCC effect in vivo by promoting LCK activation to regulate T cells.

Cancer Nanovaccines: Mechanisms, Design Principles, and Clinical Translation

Cancer immunotherapy has transformed the landscape of oncological treatment by employing various strategies to teach the immune system to eliminate tumors. Among these, cancer nanovaccines are an emerging strategy that utilizes nanotechnology to enhance immune activation in response to tumor antigens. This review addresses the principles behind the different technologies in this field aimed at generating a robust and effective immune response. The diversity of strategies adopted for the design of nanovaccines is discussed, including the types of active agents, nanocarriers, their functionalizations, and the incorporation of adjuvants. Furthermore, strategies to optimize nanoparticle formulations to enhance the antigen presentation, target immune cells, and organs and promote strong and durable antitumor responses are explored. Finally, we analyze the current state of clinical application, highlighting ongoing clinical trials and the future potential of cancer nanovaccines. The insights presented in this review aim to guide future research and development efforts in the field, contributing to the advancement of more effective and targeted nanovaccines in the fight against cancer.

Crystal Facet Engineering Modulated Electron Transfer Mechanisms: A Self-Powered Photoelectrochemical Sensing Platform for Noninvasive Detection of Uric Acid

Crystal facet engineering is a pivotal strategy to design high-performance photoelectrodes and suppress electron and hole complexation, thus enhancing photoelectrochemical (PEC) activity through carrier enrichment at specific crystal facets. However, there is still a lack of systematic resolution on the intrinsic principles of crystal facet tuning energy band structure and the specific adsorption of signaling molecules. In this work, a multidimensional synergistic optimization strategy was proposed to achieve precise prediction and targeted crystal facet design of photoelectrodes by establishing a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model of "crystal configuration-molecular recognition-carrier transport". A three-dimensional hierarchical TiO2 nanoflower (3D HTNF) photoelectrode dominated by the {110} facet exhibited a significant positive photocurrent toward uric acid (UA). Integrated with a microelectromechanical system (MEMS), a miniaturized self-powered PEC biosensor provided an innovative solution for high-throughput, noninvasive UA monitoring in saliva and displayed a linear range of 0.01-50 μM with a detection limit of 8.76 nM. In addition, the advantages of photoelectrodes in light harvesting, charge separation and migration, molecular adsorption, and surface reactions were verified by density functional theory (DFT) calculations to reveal the path selectivity and carrier transport mechanisms of the photo-oxidation reactions on specific crystal surfaces. This study elucidates the interplay mechanism of the crystal surface tuning energy band structure and the interfacial kinetics of response. The program can be extended to precisely detect biomarkers in complex biological matrices, promoting the leapfrog development of noninvasive health monitoring technology.

Conjugated Polymer-Photosensitizers for Cancer Photodynamic Therapy and Their Multimodal Treatment Strategies

Conjugated polymers (CPs) have emerged as promising candidates for photodynamic therapy (PDT) in cancer treatment due to their high fluorescence quantum yield, excellent photostability, and remarkable reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation capability. This review systematically summarizes molecular design strategies to augment CP photosensitivity efficiency, including: (1) constructing donor-acceptor (D-A) alternating structures, (2) incorporating aggregation-induced emission (AIE) moieties, (3) employing heavy-atom effects, and (4) designing hyperbranched architectures. In addition, considering the limitations of monotherapy like tumor heterogeneity, we will further discuss the synergistic treatment strategies of CP-mediated PDT in combination with other therapeutic modalities, including photothermal therapy (PTT)-PDT, immunotherapy-PDT, chemotherapy-PDT, Chemiluminescence (CL)-PDT, diagnostic technology-PDT, and chemodynamic therapy (CDT)-PDT. These multimodal approaches leverage complementary mechanisms to achieve enhanced tumor eradication efficacy.

Immune Escape of Acute Myeloid Leukemia after Transplantation

SIGNIFICANCE

We discuss the mechanisms of AML immune evasion including loss or downregulation of MHC class I and II, reduced TRAIL receptor expression, inhibitory metabolite production, inhibitory ligand expression, impaired proinflammatory cytokine production, and AML niche alterations.

Inflammatory microenvironment-responsive electrochemical biosensing for cancer cell discrimination using PtZnCd-anchored multi-walled carbon nanotubes

The quantification of intracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) serves as a critical biomarker for characterizing cellular physiological states, providing essential insights into metabolic regulation and signaling pathways. This analytical paradigm not only advances our understanding of pathological mechanisms but also contributes to the development of novel diagnostic approaches and precision therapeutic interventions. Herein, we established an innovative electrochemical microsensing platform capable of discriminating between malignant and normal cells through their distinct inflammatory responses under external stimulation. This innovative methodology integrates three critical technical advancements: (i) optimization of a one-pot microwave synthesis protocol for fabricating high-performance PtZnCd nanoparticles anchored on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), which serve as the core sensing element; (ii) systematic electrochemical characterization coupled with density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrating that this hybrid architecture significantly reduces interfacial charge-transfer resistance while enhancing heterogeneous electron transfer kinetics; (iii) comprehensive biocompatibility evaluations confirming the composite material's favorable cytotoxicity profile and biological safety, supporting its potential for cellular classification applications. Through real-time monitoring of dynamic metabolic fluctuations and intracellular inflammatory microenvironment changes in response to ascorbic acid (AA) and dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) stimulation, we established distinct response signatures that effectively differentiate neoplastic cells from their healthy counterparts. This study introduces an innovative electrochemical sensing paradigm that synergistically combines biocompatible nanocatalysts with inflammatory microenvironment dynamics, establishing a robust platform for dual discrimination between cancerous and normal cells, with significant implications for biomedical research and clinical diagnostics.

Recent Progress of Round-the-Clock Photocatalytic System in Environmental and Energy Applications: A Review

The prevailing overdependence on fossil fuels contributes to energy supply instability and pronounced price volatility. The combustion of these fuels emits considerable greenhouse gases and pollutants, further deteriorating the climate and environment. In response, Round-the-Clock Photocatalytic Systems (RTCPs) have emerged as a viable technological solution, attracting significant research interest due to their convenience, sustainability, and environmental benefits etc. which act as "photo-batteries" facilitate catalytic processes in the absence of light, offering continuous operation. Given the considerable potential of RTCPs, a timely examination of recent advancements is essential to optimize efforts. This review delineates the fundamental mechanisms of RTCPs, explores innovative strategies and current developments, and addresses the challenges of scaling up production. It aims to provide new insights and serve as a foundational reference for future research on RTCPs.

Nanotherapeutic Formulations for the Delivery of Cancer Antiangiogenics

Antiangiogenic medications for cancer treatment have generally failed in showing substantial benefits in terms of prolonging life on their own; their effects are noticeable only when combined with chemotherapy. Moreover, treatments based on prolonged antiangiogenics administration have demonstrated to be ineffective in stopping tumor progression. In this scenario, nanotherapeutics can address certain issues linked to existing antiangiogenic treatments. More specifically, they can provide the ability to target the tumor's blood vessels to enhance drug accumulation and manage release, ultimately decreasing undesired side effects. Additionally, they enable the administration of multiple angiogenesis inhibitors at the same time as chemotherapy. Key reports in this field include the design of polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, vesicles, and hydrogels for loading antiangiogenic substances like endostatin and interleukin-12. Furthermore, nanoformulations have been proposed to efficiently control relevant pro-angiogenic pathways such as VEGF, Tie2/Angiopoietin-1, HIF-1α/HIF-2α, and TGF-β, providing powerful approaches to block tumor growth and metastasis. In this article, we outline a selection of nanoformulations for antiangiogenic treatments for cancer that have been developed in the past ten years.

Harnessing the FGFR2/NF2/YAP signaling-dependent necroptosis to develop an FGFR2/IL-8 dual blockade therapeutic strategy

The multifaceted roles and mechanisms of necroptosis in cancer cells remain incompletely understood. Here, we demonstrate that FGFR2 inhibition potently inhibits esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) by inducing necroptosis in a RIP1/MLKL-dependent manner and show RIP3 is dispensable in this pathway. Notably, MST1 is identified as a necroptotic pathway component that interacts with RIP1 and MLKL to promote necroptosis by phosphorylating MLKL at Thr216. Additionally, FGFR2 inhibition induces Ser518 phosphorylation and triggers ubiquitin-mediated degradation of NF2, culminating in Hippo pathway suppression. Subsequently, YAP activation promotes RIP1 and MLKL transcriptional upregulation, further amplifying necroptosis. Intriguingly, IL-8 derived from necrotic cells stimulates peripheral surviving tumor cells to increase PD-L1 expression. Dual blockade of FGFR2/PD-L1 or FGFR2/IL-8-CXCR1/2 robustly impedes tumor growth in humanized mouse xenografts. Collectively, our findings delineate an alternative FGFR2-NF2-YAP signaling-dependent necroptotic pathway and shed light on the immunoregulatory role of FGFR2, offering promising avenues for combinatorial therapeutic strategies in clinical cancer management.

Loss of NUMB promotes hepatomegaly and hepatocellular carcinoma through the AKT/glycogen/hippo signaling

Excessive glycogen deposition is a common feature of liver enlargement, liver adenoma, and liver cancer, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we found that NUMB, a well-known cell fate determinant, is downregulated in glycogen-rich adenomas and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). NUMB-deficient livers developed excessive glycogen accumulation and adenoma formation particularly in aged mice. Surprisingly, the Alb-Cre:Trp53loxP/loxP liver displayed no similar defective morphology and function, although p53 is considered an important downstream target of NUMB and closely related to glucose metabolism. Instead, we observed a synergistic interaction between NUMB and p53 in regulating glycogen metabolism in HCC tissues and cell lines. Combined knockout of NUMB and p53 in mice significantly enhances glycogen accumulation and hepatomegaly, particularly when mice are subjected to a high sugar diet (HSD), leading to higher cancer incidence. Mechanistically, NUMB deficiency disrupts the PTEN-PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, promoting glycogen accumulation. Subsequently, successive glycogen deposition triggers hepatomegaly and tumorigenesis via the Hippo signaling pathway. Our results suggest that NUMB plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of glucose metabolism and suppressing the development of liver tumors associated with glycogen deposition.