3D spheroid culture synchronizes heterogeneous MSCs into an immunomodulatory phenotype with enhanced anti-inflammatory effects.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are heterogeneous in morphology and transcriptome, resulting in varying therapeutic outcomes. In this study, we found that 3D spheroid culture of heterogeneous MSCs, which have undergone conventional 2D monolayer culture for 5-6 passages, synchronized the cells into a uniform cell population with dramatically reduced cell size, and considerably increased levels of immunosuppressive genes and growth factors. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis of the cells revealed that 3D MSCs consisted of 2 major cell subpopulations and both expressed high levels of immunosuppressive factors, compared to 6 subpopulations in 2D MSCs. In addition, 3D MSCs showed a greater suppressive effect on T cells. Moreover, intravenous infusion of a large dose of 3D MSCs prior to imiquimod (IMQ) treatment significantly improved psoriatic lesion. Thus, our results indicate that 3D spheroid culture reprograms heterogeneous MSCs into a uniform immunosuppressive phenotype and promises a novel therapeutic potential for inflammatory diseases.

Development and clinical validation of a deep learning-based knee CT image segmentation method for robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to develop a novel deep convolutional neural network called Dual-path Double Attention Transformer (DDA-Transformer) designed to achieve precise and fast knee joint CT image segmentation and to validate it in robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: The femoral, tibial, patellar, and fibular segmentation performance and speed were evaluated and the accuracy of component sizing, bone resection and alignment of the robotic-assisted TKA system constructed using this deep learning network was clinically validated. RESULTS: Overall, DDA-Transformer outperformed six other networks in terms of the Dice coefficient, intersection over union, average surface distance, and Hausdorff distance. DDA-Transformer exhibited significantly faster segmentation speeds than nnUnet, TransUnet and 3D-Unet (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the robotic-assisted TKA system outperforms the manual group in surgical accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: DDA-Transformer exhibited significantly improved accuracy and robustness in knee joint segmentation, and this convenient and stable knee joint CT image segmentation network significantly improved the accuracy of the TKA procedure.

Correction: Paracrine Factors of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Recruit Macrophages and Endothelial Lineage Cells and Enhance Wound Healing.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0001886.].

A novel PDPN antagonist peptide CY12-RP2 inhibits melanoma growth via Wnt/ß-catenin and modulates the immune cells.

BACKGROUND: Podoplanin (PDPN) is a highly conserved, mucin-type protein specific to the lymphatic system. Overexpression of PDPN is associated with the progression of various solid tumors, and plays an important roles in the tumor microenvironment by regulating the immune system. However, the role of PDPN-mediated signal activation in the progression of melanoma is still unknown. METHODS: PDPN expression was first analyzed in 112 human melanoma tissue microarrays and melanoma cell lines. Functional experiments including proliferation, clone formation, migration, and metastasis were utilized to identify the suppressive effects of PDPN. The Ph.D.TM-12 Phage Display Peptide Library was used to obtain a PDPN antagonist peptide, named CY12-RP2. The immunofluorescence, SPR assay, and flow cytometry were used to identify the binding specificity of CY12-RP2 with PDPN in melanoma cells. Functional and mechanistic assays in vivo and in vitro were performed for discriminating the antitumor and immune activation effects of CY12-RP2. RESULTS: PDPN was overexpressed in melanoma tissue and cells, and inhibited melanoma cells proliferation, migration, and metastasis by blocking the EMT and Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. PDPN antagonistic peptide, CY12-RP2, could specifically bind with PDPN, suppressing melanoma various functions inducing apoptosis in both melanoma cells and 3D spheroids. CY12-RP2 also enhanced the anti-tumor capacity of PBMC, and inhibited melanoma cells growth both in xenografts and allogeneic mice model. Moreover, CY12-RP2 could inhibit melanoma lung metastasis, and abrogated the immunosuppressive effects of PDPN by increasing the proportion of CD3 + CD4 + T cells, CD3 + CD8 + T cells, CD49b + Granzyme B + NK cells, and CD11b + CD86 + M1-like macrophages and the levels of IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated the important role of PDPN in the progression of melanoma and formation of immunosuppressive environment, and provided a potential approach of treating melanoma using the novel CY12-RP2 peptide. In melanoma, PDPN is overexpressed in the cancer cells, and promotes melanoma cells growth and metastasis through activating the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. Treatment with the PDPN antagonistic peptide CY12-RP2 could not only inhibit the melanoma growth and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo through Wnt/ß-catenin pathway blockade, but also abrogate the immunosuppressive effects of PDPN through modulating immune cells.

An Engineered Dermal Substitute with Mesenchymal Stem Cells Enhances Cutaneous Wound Healing.

The treatment of refractory cutaneous wounds remains to be a clinical challenge. There is growing evidence to show that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have great potential in promoting wound healing. However, the therapeutic effects of MSCs are greatly dampened by their poor survival and engraftment in the wounds. To address this limitation, in this study, MSCs were grown into a collagen-glycosaminoglycan (C-GAG) matrix to form a dermis-like tissue sheet, named engineered dermal substitute (EDS). When seeded on C-GAG matrix, MSCs adhered rapidly, migrated into the pores, and proliferated readily. When applied onto excisional wounds in healthy and diabetic mice, the EDS survived well, and accelerated wound closure, compared with C-GAG matrix alone or MSCs in collagen hydrogel. Histological analysis revealed that EDS prolonged the retention of MSCs in the wounds, associated with increased macrophage infiltration and enhanced angiogenesis. RNA-Seq analysis of EDS-treated wounds uncovered the expression of abundant human chemokines and proangiogenic factors and their corresponding murine receptors, suggesting a mechanism of ligand/receptor-mediated signals in wound healing. Thus, our results indicate that EDS prolongs the survival and retention of MSCs in the wounds and enhances wound healing.

EGFR marks a subpopulation of dermal mesenchymal cells highly expressing IGF1 which enhances hair follicle regeneration.

The skin harbours transcriptionally and functionally heterogeneous mesenchymal cells that participate in various physiological activities by secreting biochemical cues. In this study, we aimed to identify a new subpopulation of dermal mesenchymal cells that enhance hair follicle regeneration through a paracrine mechanism. Integrated single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data analysis revealed epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as a marker of distinct fibroblast subpopulation in the neonatal murine dermis. Immunofluorescence staining and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) were used to validate the existence of the cell population in Krt14-rtTA-H2BGFP mouse. The difference of gene expression between separated cell subpopulation was examined by real-time PCR. Potential effect of the designated factor on hair follicle regeneration was observed after the application on excisional wounds in Krt14-rtTA-H2BGFP mouse. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated the existence of dermal EGFR+ cells in neonatal and adult mouse dermis. The EGFR+ mesenchymal population, sorted by FACS, displayed a higher expression level of Igf1 (insulin-like growth factor 1). Co-localisation of IGF1 with EGFR in the mouse dermis and upregulated numbers of hair follicles in healed wounds following the application of exogenous IGF1 illustrated the contribution of EGFR+ cells in promoting wound-induced hair follicle neogenesis. Our results indicate that EGFR identifies a subpopulation of dermal fibroblasts that contribute to IGF1 promotion of hair follicle neogenesis. It broadens the understanding of heterogeneity and the mesenchymal cell function in skin and may facilitate the potential translational application of these cells.

Injury-induced interleukin-1 alpha promotes Lgr5 hair follicle stem cells de novo regeneration and proliferation via regulating regenerative microenvironment in mice.

BACKGROUND: The hair follicles (HFs) are barely regenerated after loss in injuries in mammals as well as in human beings. Recent studies have shown that the regenerative ability of HFs is age-related; however, the relationship between this phenomenon and the stem cell niche remains unclear. This study aimed to find a key secretory protein that promotes the HFs regeneration in the regenerative microenvironment. METHODS: To explore why age affects HFs de novo regeneration, we established an age-dependent HFs regeneration model in leucine-rich repeat G protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5) + /mTmG mice. Proteins in tissue fluids were analyzed by high-throughput sequencing. The role and mechanism of candidate proteins in HFs de novo regeneration and hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) activation were investigated through in vivo experiments. The effects of candidate proteins on skin cell populations were investigated by cellular experiments. RESULTS: Mice under 3-week-old (3W) could regenerate HFs and Lgr5 HFSCs, which were highly correlated with the immune cells, cytokines, IL-17 signaling pathway, and IL-1α level in the regeneration microenvironment. Additionally, IL-1α injection induced de novo regeneration of HFs and Lgr5 HFSCs in 3W mouse model with a 5 mm wound, as well as promoted activation and proliferation of Lgr5 HFSCs in 7-week-old (7W) mice without wound. Dexamethasone and TEMPOL inhibited the effects of IL-1α. Moreover, IL-1α increased skin thickness and promoted the proliferation of human epidermal keratinocyte line (HaCaT) and skin-derived precursors (SKPs) in vivo and in vitro, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, injury-induced IL-1α promotes HFs regeneration by modulating inflammatory cells and oxidative stress-induced Lgr5 HFSCs regeneration as well as promoting skin cell populations proliferation. This study uncovers the underlying molecular mechanisms enabling HFs de novo regeneration in an age-dependent model.

Distinct bulge stem cell populations maintain the pilosebaceous unit in a ß-catenin-dependent manner.

The pilosebaceous unit (PSU) is composed of multiple compartments and the self-renewal of PSU depends on distinct hair follicle stem cell (HFSC) populations. However, the differential roles of the HFSCs in sebaceous gland (SG) renewal have not been completely understood. Here, we performed multiple lineage tracing analysis to unveil the contribution of different HFSC populations to PSU regeneration during the hair cycle and wound healing. Our results indicated that the upper bulge stem cells contributed extensively to the SG replenishment during hair cycling, while HFSCs in the lower bugle did not. During skin wound healing, all HFSC populations participated in the SG replenishment. Moreover, ß-catenin activation promoted the contribution of HFSCs to SG replenishment, whereas ß-catenin deletion substantially repressed the event. Thus, our findings indicated that HFSCs contributed to SG replenishment in a ß-catenin-dependent manner.

Bead-jet printing enabled sparse mesenchymal stem cell patterning augments skeletal muscle and hair follicle regeneration.

Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) holds promise to repair severe traumatic injuries. However, current transplantation practices limit the potential of this technique, either by losing the viable MSCs or reducing the performance of resident MSCs. Herein, we design a "bead-jet" printer, specialized for high-throughput intra-operative formulation and printing of MSCs-laden Matrigel beads. We show that high-density encapsulation of MSCs in Matrigel beads is able to augment MSC function, increasing MSC proliferation, migration, and extracellular vesicle production, compared with low-density bead or high-density bulk encapsulation of the equivalent number of MSCs. We find that the high-density MSCs-laden beads in sparse patterns demonstrate significantly improved therapeutic performance, by regenerating skeletal muscles approaching native-like cell density with reduced fibrosis, and regenerating skin with hair follicle growth and increased dermis thickness. MSC proliferation within 1-week post-transplantation and differentiation at 3 - 4 weeks post-transplantation are suggested to contribute therapy augmentation. We expect this "bead-jet" printing system to strengthen the potential of MSC transplantation.

Mesenchymal stem cell aggregation mediated by integrin α4/VCAM-1 after intrathecal transplantation in MCAO rats.

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown immense therapeutic potential for various brain diseases. Intrathecal administration of MSCs may enhance their recruitment to lesions in the central nervous system, but any impact on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow remains unclear. METHODS: Rats with or without middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) received intrathecal injections of 2D cultured MSCs, 3D cultured MSCs or an equal volume of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF). Ventricle volume was assessed by MRI on Days 2 and 14 post-MCAO surgery. A beam walking test was used to assess fine motor coordination and balance. Aggregation of MSCs was evaluated in CSF and frozen brain tissue. Differential expression of cell adhesion molecules was evaluated by RNA-Seq, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence analyses. The influence of VCAM-1 blockade in mediating the aggregation of 2D MSCs was investigated in vitro by counting cells that passed through a strainer and in vivo by evaluating ventricular dilation. RESULTS: MSC expanded in 2D culture formed aggregates in the CSF and caused ventricular enlargement in both MCAO and normal rats. Aggregates were associated with impaired motor function. 2D MSCs expressed higher levels of integrin α4 and VCAM-1 than 3D MSCs. Blockade of VCAM-1 in 2D MSCs reduced their aggregation in vitro and reduced lateral ventricular enlargement after intrathecal infusion. 3D MSCs exhibited lower cell aggregation and reduced cerebral ventricular dilation after intrathecal transplantation CONCLUSIONS: The aggregation of 2D MSCs, mediated by the interaction of integrin α4 and VCAM-1, is a potential risk for obstruction of CSF flow after intrathecal transplantation.

Preclinical safety evaluation and tracing of human mesenchymal stromal cell spheroids following intravenous injection into cynomolgus monkeys.

We have previously demonstrated that mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) in spheroids (MSCsp) tolerate ambient and hypoxic conditions for a prolonged time. Local administration of MSCsp, but not dissociated MSCs (MSCdiss), promotes wound healing and relieves multiple sclerosis and osteoarthritis in mice and monkeys. These findings indicate an advantage of MSCsp over MSCdiss in sustaining cell viability and efficacy following transplantation, which, however, does not appear to apply to intravenous (i.v.) injection for the principal concern that MSCsp might cause embolism in small blood vessels of the host, leading to sudden death. Here, we addressed this concern by injecting human MSCsp (∼450 µm) or MSCdiss i.v. into cynomolgus monkeys. Surprisingly, no deaths occurred until sacrifice at day 21 or 60 post injection, and no remarkable physiological changes were found in the animals following the i.v. injection. The big diameters of large blood vessels in monkeys, compared to small animals like mice, may allow sufficient time for MSCsp to dissociate into single cells so they can pass through small vessels without causing embolism. Retention of MSCsp was lower in the lungs but higher in the blood than retention of MSCdiss at 1 h post injection and both disappeared at day 21. In vitro, MSCsp tolerated fluidic shear stress with higher survival than MSCdiss. Thus, i.v. injection of MSCsp into nonhuman primates is feasible, safe, and probably associated with better survival, less lung entrapment and higher efficacy than administration of MSCdiss.

Development and Validation of an Artificial Intelligence Preoperative Planning System for Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Background: Accurate preoperative planning is essential for successful total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, the requirements of time, manpower, and complex workflow for accurate planning have limited its application. This study aims to develop a comprehensive artificial intelligent preoperative planning system for THA (AIHIP) and validate its accuracy in clinical performance. Methods: Over 1.2 million CT images from 3,000 patients were included to develop an artificial intelligence preoperative planning system (AIHIP). Deep learning algorithms were developed to facilitate automatic image segmentation, image correction, recognition of preoperative deformities and postoperative simulations. A prospective study including 120 patients was conducted to validate the accuracy, clinical outcome and radiographic outcome. Results: The comprehensive workflow was integrated into the AIHIP software. Deep learning algorithms achieved an optimal Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 0.973 and loss of 0.012 at an average time of 1.86 ± 0.12 min for each case, compared with 185.40 ± 21.76 min for the manual workflow. In clinical validation, AIHIP was significantly more accurate than X-ray-based planning in predicting the component size with more high offset stems used. Conclusion: The use of AIHIP significantly reduced the time and manpower required to conduct detailed preoperative plans while being more accurate than traditional planning method. It has potential in assisting surgeons, especially beginners facing the fast-growing need for total hip arthroplasty with easy accessibility.

ß-Catenin Signaling Evokes Hair Follicle Senescence by Accelerating the Differentiation of Hair Follicle Mesenchymal Progenitors.

Rationale: ß-catenin signaling controls multiple fibroblast subsets, with its overactivity promoting the differentiation of hair follicle dermal stem cells (hfDSCs) and the hyperactivation of interfollicular fibroblasts. Understanding the concept of hfDSC activation and modulation offers hope towards the therapeutic armamentarium in dermatology and related comorbidities, as well as their potential applications in gerontology (the study of physiological aging). Having a comprehensive understanding in this stochastic process could also further yield important, novel insights into the molecular basis of skin aging to improve lifespan and preventing aging-related diseases. Methods: A new CD34CrePGR mouse line was generated. Through fate-tracing models and a series of ß-catenin genetic experiments, our study depicts how the wound environment increases phosphorylated ß-catenin in hfDSCs and facilitates their differentiation into dermal papilla (DP) and dermal sheath (DS). In mice carrying hfDSC-specific activated allele of ß-catenin, hfDSCs accelerated their differentiation into DP cells. Results: Notably, with ß-catenin stabilization in CD34-expressing cells and potential activation of canonical Wnt signaling, the mutant mice showed a brief increase of hair density in the short term, but over time leads to a senescence phenotype developing premature canities and thinning [hair follicle (HF) miniaturization]. Conclusion: ß-catenin signaling drove HF senescence by accelerating differentiation of CD34+ hfDSCs, resulting in phenotypes attributable to the differentiation of the hfDSCs into DP cells and the loss of their stem cell potential. Therefore, our study reveals that the regulation of ß-catenin signaling in hfDSCs may potentially become an important subject for future exploration in development of clinically effective therapies for hair loss treatment and an excellent model for revealing new therapeutic approaches to reverse aging or retarding the development of alopecia.

Engineering of human mesenchymal stem cells resistant to multiple natural killer subtypes.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a therapeutic promise are often quickly cleared by innate immune cells of the host including natural killer (NK) cells. Efforts have been made to generate immune-escaping human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) where T cell immunity is evaded by defecting ß-2-microglobulin (B2M), a common unit for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I, and NK cells are inhibited via ectopic expression of HLA-E or -G. However, NK subtypes vary among recipients and even at different pathologic statuses. It is necessary to dissect and optimize the efficacy of the immune-escaping cells against NK subtypes. Here, we first generated B2M knockout hESCs and differentiated them to MSCs (EMSCs) and found that NK resistance occurred with B2M-/- EMSCs expressing HLA-E and -G only when they were transduced via an inducible lentiviral system in a dose-dependent manner but not when they were inserted into a safe harbor. HLA-E and -G expressed at high levels together in transduced EMSCs inhibited three major NK subtypes, including NKG2A+ /LILRB1+ , NKG2A+ /LILRB1- , and NKG2A- /LILRB1+ , which was further potentiated by IFN-γ priming. Thus, this study engineers MSCs with resistance to multiple NK subtypes and underscores that dosage matters when a transgene is used to confer a novel effect to host cells, especially for therapeutic cells to evade immune rejection.

Three-dimensional cultured mesenchymal stem cells enhance repair of ischemic stroke through inhibition of microglia.

BACKGROUND: We show previously that three-dimensional (3D) spheroid cultured mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit reduced cell size thus devoid of lung entrapment following intravenous (IV) infusion. In this study, we determined the therapeutic effect of 3D-cultured MSCs on ischemic stroke and investigated the mechanisms involved. METHODS: Rats underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and reperfusion. 1 × 106 of 3D- or 2D-cultured MSCs, which were pre-labeled with GFP, were injected through the tail vain three and seven days after MCAO. Two days after infusion, MSC engraftment into the ischemic brain tissues was assessed by histological analysis for GFP-expressing cells, and infarct volume was determined by MRI. Microglia in the lesion were sorted and subjected to gene expressional analysis by RNA-seq. RESULTS: We found that infusion of 3D-cultured MSCs significantly reduced the infarct volume of the brain with increased engraftment of the cells into the ischemic tissue, compared to 2D-cultured MSCs. Accordingly, in the brain lesion of 3D MSC-treated animals, there were significantly reduced numbers of amoeboid microglia and decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, indicating attenuated activation of the microglia. RNA-seq of microglia derived from the lesions suggested that 3D-cultured MSCs decreased the response of microglia to the ischemic insult. Interestingly, we observed a decreased expression of mincle, a damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) receptor, which induces the production of proinflammatory cytokines, suggestive of a potential mechanism in 3D MSC-mediated enhanced repair to ischemic stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that 3D-cultured MSCs exhibit enhanced repair to ischemic stroke, probably through a suppression to ischemia-induced microglial activation.

Human ESC-derived MSCs enhance fat engraftment by promoting adipocyte reaggregation, secreting CCL2 and mobilizing macrophages.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from somatic tissues have been used to promote lipotransfer, a common practice in cosmetic surgery. However, the effect of lipotransfer varies, and the mechanism of action remains vague. To address these questions, we differentiated human embryonic stem cells, a stable and unlimited source, into MSCs (EMSCs). Then we subcutaneously transplanted human fat aspirates together with EMSCs or PBS as a control into the back of nude mice. Within 24 h of transplantation, EMSCs promoted aggregation and encapsulation of injected fat tissues. Afterward, all grafts gradually shrank. However, EMSC-containing grafts were larger, heavier and had fewer dark areas on the surface than the control grafts. Histologically, more live adipocytes, vascular cells, and macrophages and less fibrosis were observed in EMSC-containing grafts than in the controls. Some EMSCs differentiated into vascular cells and adipocytes in the EMSC-containing grafts. RNA sequencing revealed that human RNA was shown to decline rapidly, while mouse RNA increased in the grafts; further, human genes related to extracellular matrix remodeling, adipogenesis, and chemokine (including CCL2) signaling were expressed at higher levels in the EMSC-containing grafts than they were in the controls. CCL2 knockout reduced macrophage migration towards EMSCs in vitro and early macrophage recruitment to the grafts and the pro-engraftment effect of EMSCs in vivo. Treating mice with a macrophage inhibitor abolished the EMSC effects and converted the grafts to heavy masses of cell debris. Together, these data demonstrate that EMSCs promote fat engraftment via enhanced tissue reconstitution and encapsulation of implanted tissues, which was followed by increased angiogenesis and adipocyte survival and reduced fibrosis, in which stimulated CCL2 signaling and mobilized macrophages play pivotal roles.

Engineered Skin Substitute Regenerates the Skin with Hair Follicle Formation.

Currently, engineered skin substitutes (ESS) are unable to regenerate cutaneous appendages. Recent studies have shown that skin-derived precursors (SKPs), which are extensively available, have the potential to induce hair follicle neogenesis. Here, we demonstrate that ESS consisting of culture-expanded SKPs and epidermal stem cells (Epi-SCs) reconstitute the skin with hair follicle regeneration after grafting into nude mice. SKPs seeded in a C-GAG matrix proliferated and expressed higher levels of hair induction signature genes-such as Akp2, Sox2, CD133 and Bmp6-compared to dermal fibroblasts. Moreover, when ESS prepared by seeding a mixture of culture-expanded murine SKPs and human adult Epi-SCs into a C-GAG matrix was grafted into full-thickness skin wounds in nude mice, black hairs were generated within 3 weeks. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that the SKPs were localized to the dermal papillae of the newly-formed hair follicle. Our results indicate that SKPs can serve as the hair-inductive cells in ESS to furnish it with hair genesis potential.

PTEN-mediated AKT/ß-catenin signaling enhances the proliferation and expansion of Lgr5+ hepatocytes.

Rationale: Compelling evidence suggests that Lgr5+ hepatocytes repair liver damage by promoting the regeneration of hepatocytes and ductal cells in the case of liver injury. The PTEN-mediated AKT/ß-catenin signaling plays a key role in the regulation of innate immune regulation in the liver. However, the signaling pathways that control Lgr5+ hepatocyte proliferation in the liver remain unclear. Methods: In order to assess the involvement of PTEN-mediated AKT/ß-catenin signaling in the expansion of Lgr5+ hepatocytes upon liver injuries, the Lgr5-CreER; Rosa-mTmG lineage tracing system was used to target Lgr5+ hepatocytes. Results: The tracing of Lgr5+ hepatocytes showed that PTEN deletion and ß-catenin activation significantly promoted the proliferation of Lgr5+ hepatocytes. In converse, the simultaneous inhibition of PTEN and ß-catenin limited Lgr5+ hepatocyte proliferation in the liver. Our findings provide an insight into understanding how PTEN-mediated AKT/ß-catenin signaling regulates the proliferation of Lgr5+ hepatocytes. Conclusion: The outcomes can improve the application potential of Lgr5+ hepatocytes in the treatment of liver injury diseases and provide a new treatment option for liver cancer.

Sebaceous gland: Milestones of 30-year modelling research dedicated to the "brain of the skin".

In 2018, Schneider and Zouboulis analysed the available tools for studying sebaceous gland pathophysiology in vitro. Since then, the interest in this field remains unbroken, as demonstrated by recent reviews on sebaceous gland physiology, endocrinology and neurobiology, the role of sebaceous glands beyond acne, and several original works on different areas of sebaceous gland function, including sebaceous lipogenesis. Landmark developments in the first part of the 30-year modelling research dedicated to the sebaceous gland, which is considered by several scientists as the brain of the skin, were the short-term culture of human sebaceous glands, the culture of human sebaceous gland cells and the development of immortalized sebaceous gland cell lines exhibiting characteristics of normal sebocytes. On the other hand, current developments represent the establishment of sebaceous gland spheroids, the 3D-SeboSkin model of viable skin explants ex vivo, the combination of culture-expanded epidermal stem cells of mice and adult humans to form de novo hair follicles and sebaceous glands, when they are transplanted into excisional wounds in mice, and 3D-printed scaffolds coated with decellularized matrix of adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells and SZ95 sebocytes. These novel tools may become useful platforms for better understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms governing sebocyte biology and sebaceous gland homeostasis, such as the changes in sebum synthesis and composition, the infundibular differentiation and the influence of the innate immunity and the cutaneous microbiome and for identifying potential therapeutic targets of skin diseases affecting the sebaceous glands.

Catechol-Functionalized Elastin-like Polypeptides as Tissue Adhesives.

Adhesives can potentially be used to achieve fast and efficient wound closure; however, current products show poor bonding on wet surfaces, undergo swelling, and lack adequate biocompatibility. We designed a hydrogel adhesive with recombinant elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs), which are flexible proteins that can be customized for biomedical needs. The adhesive proteins are synthesized by chemically modifying the ELPs with dopamine, which contain adhesive catechol moieties. The resulting catechol-functional ELPs or Cat-ELPs can form flexible hydrogels that show stable swelling in aqueous conditions at 37 °C. We demonstrate their flexibility and viscoelastic properties through rheology. We also show the advantage of using customizable recombinant proteins to improve the material biological properties by demonstrating improved fibroblast binding on Cat-ELP by adding ELP with "RGD" peptides. We further confirmed in vivo biocompatibility and biodegradation of Cat-ELP hydrogels by implanting them in mice and monitoring for 10 weeks. Finally, we tested the bonding strength of the adhesives on porcine skin through tensile pull-off and lap-shear testing, in which we found strengths of 37 and 39 kPa, respectively. We demonstrated the tensile bonding strength by suspending a 2 kg mass on a one square inch (6.5 cm2) skin sample. As our adhesives are developed further, our strategy combining recombinant protein engineering and chemical modification will help yield an ideal bioadhesive for wound closure.