The effects of sulfated hyaluronan in breast, lung and colorectal carcinoma and monocytes/macrophages cells: Its role in angiogenesis and tumor progression

A Dual Reversible Cross-Linked Hydrogel with Enhanced Mechanical Property and Capable of Proangiogenic and Osteogenic Activities for Bone Defect Repair

The clinical treatment of bone defects presents ongoing challenges. One promising approach is bone tissue engineering (BTE), wherein hydrogels have garnered significant attention. However, the application of hydrogels in BTE is severely limited due to their poor mechanical properties, as well as their inferior proangiogenic and osteogenic activities. To address these limitations, our develop a dual cross-linked alendronate (ALN)-Ca2+ /Mg2+ -doped sulfated hyaluronic acid (SHA@CM) hydrogel, using a one-step mixing injection molding method known as "three-in-one" approach. This approach enabled the simultaneous formation of Schiff-Base crosslinking and electric attraction-based crosslinking within the hydrogel. The Schiff-Base crosslinking contributed to the majority of the hydrogel's mechanical strength, while the electric attraction-based crosslinking served as a release reservoir for Ca2+ /Mg2+ and ALN, promoting enhanced osteogenic activities and providing additional mechanical reinforcement to the hydrogel. These experimental data demonstrates several favorable properties of the SHA@CM hydrogel, including satisfactory injectability, rapid gelation, self-healing capacity, and excellent cytocompatibility. Moreover, the presence of sulfated groups and Mg2+ within the SHA@CM hydrogel exhibited pro-angiogenic effects, while the controlled release of nanoparticles formed by Ca2+ /Mg2+ and ALN further enhanced the osteogenesis of the hydrogel. Overall, these results indicate that the SHA@CM hydrogel holds significant potential for the clinical translation of BTE.

An angiogenesis-related lncRNA signature predicts the immune microenvironment and prognosis of breast cancer

Both angiogenesis and lncRNAs play crucial roles in the development and progression of breast cancer. Considering the unknown association of angiogenesis and lncRNAs in breast cancer, we aim to identify angiogenesis-related lncRNAs (ARLs) and explore their prognostic value. Here, based on analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas database, the correlation between ARL and the prognosis and immune infiltration landscape of breast cancer were investigated. Eight ARLs (MAFG-DT, AC097478.1, AL357054.4, AL118556.1, SNHG10, MED14OS, OTUD6B-AS1, and CYTOR) were selected to construct the risk model as a prognostic signature. The survival rate of the patients in the high-risk group was lower than that in the low-risk group. The ARL signature was an independent prognostic predictor, and areas under the curve of 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival were 0.745, 0.695, and 0.699, respectively. The prognostic ARLs were associated with the immune infiltration landscape and could indicate the immune status, immune response, tumor mutational burden, and drug sensitivity of patients with breast cancer. Furthermore, qRT-PCR of clinical samples revealed that OTUD6B-AS1 was correlated with prognostic pathological parameters. OTUD6B-AS1 promoted breast cancer cell proliferation, wound healing, migration, invasion, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells tube formation. Mechanistically, OTUD6B-AS1 regulated EMT- and angiogenesis-related molecules. Taken together, we constructed and verified a robust signature of eight ARLs for the prediction of survival in patients with breast cancer, and the characterization of the immune infiltration landscape. Our findings suggest that OTUD6B-AS1 could be a therapeutic target for patients with breast cancer.

'Two-faces' of hyaluronan, a dynamic barometer of disease progression in tumor microenvironment

Hyaluronan (HA) is a linear polysaccharide consisting of disaccharide units which are the D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. As the largest component of the extracellular matrix in microenvironment, HA polymers with different molecular weights vary in properties to molecular biology function. High molecular weight HA (HMW-HA) is mainly found in normal tissue or physiological condition, and exhibits lubrication and protection properties due to its good water retention and viscoelasticity. On the other hand, an increase in HA catabolism leads to the accumulation of low molecular weight HA (LMW-HA) under pathological circumstances such as inflammation, pre-cancerous and tumor microenvironment. LMW-HA acts as extracellular signals to enhance tumorigenic and metastatic phenotype, such as energy reprogramming, angiogenesis and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. This review discusses the basic properties of this simplest carbohydrate molecule in ECM with enormous potential, and its regulatory role between tumorigenesis and microenvironmental homeostasis. The extensive discoveries of the mechanisms underlying the roles of HA in various physiological and pathological processes would provide more information for future research in the fields of biomimetic materials, pharmaceutical and clinical applications.

A Comprehensive Review of Electrospun Fibers, 3D-Printed Scaffolds, and Hydrogels for Cancer Therapies

Anticancer therapies and regenerative medicine are being developed to destroy tumor cells, as well as remodel, replace, and support injured organs and tissues. Nowadays, a suitable three-dimensional structure of the scaffold and the type of cells used are crucial for creating bio-inspired organs and tissues. The materials used in medicine are made of non-degradable and degradable biomaterials and can serve as drug carriers. Developing flexible and properly targeted drug carrier systems is crucial for tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and novel cancer treatment strategies. This review is focused on presenting innovative biomaterials, i.e., electrospun nanofibers, 3D-printed scaffolds, and hydrogels as a novel approach for anticancer treatments which are still under development and awaiting thorough optimization.