Sulfhydryl-Functionalized Amino Group Polymer Microcomposites toward Efficient Adsorption of Aqueous Cr(VI), As(III), Cd(II), and Pb(II).

The development of efficient adsorbents for heavy metal pollution, especially five toxic heavy metals, has attracted great research interest. Polymer-based adsorbents have aroused research value for their abundant functional groups and high porosity to the ability to capture metal ions. We designed a sulfhydryl-functionalized polymer microcomposite to take up Cr(VI), As(III), Cd(II), and Pb(II). The adsorption capacity achieved was 64.2 mg g-1 for Cr(VI), 44.9 mg g-1 for As(III), 35.5 mg g-1 for Cd(II), and 18.2 mg g-1 for Pb(II). Langmuir and Sips isotherm model is dominant for As(III), Cd(II), and Pb(II) adsorption. Pseudo-second-order kinetic models can better describe the adsorption behavior of Cr(VI), implying that chemisorption is accompanied by Cr(VI) adsorption. Cr(VI) simultaneous reduction to Cr(III) through the benzenoid amine oxidate pathway was the dominant mechanism, precipitation for Cd(II) adsorption was convinced, and chelation between As(III)/Pb(II) and─SH group and complexation between Pb(II) and C═O or benzene hydroxyl were a plausible mechanism for As(III) and Pb(II) adsorption.

Real-time imaging of asthmatic epithelial cells identifies migratory deficiencies under type-2 conditions.

BACKGROUND: The epithelium is increasingly recognized as a pathologic contributor to asthma and its phenotypes. Although delayed wound closure by asthmatic epithelial cells is consistently observed, underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood, partly due to difficulties in studying dynamic physiologic processes involving polarized multilayered cell systems. Although type-2 immunity has been suggested to play a role, the mechanisms by which repair is diminished are unclear. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to develop and utilize primary multilayered polarized epithelial cell systems, derived from patients with asthma, to evaluate cell migration in response to wounding under type-2 and untreated conditions. METHODS: A novel wounding device for multilayered polarized cells, along with time-lapse live cell/real-time confocal imaging were evaluated under IL-13 and untreated conditions. The influence of inhibition of 15 lipoxygenase (15LO1), a type-2 enzyme, on the process was also addressed. Cell migration patterns were analyzed by high-dimensional frequency modulated Möbius for statistical comparisons. RESULTS: IL-13 stimulation negatively impacts wound healing by altering the total speed, directionality, and acceleration of individual cells. Inhibition 15LO1 partially improved the wound repair through improving total speed. CONCLUSIONS: Migration abnormalities contributed to markedly slower wound closure of IL-13 treated cells, which was modestly reversed by 15LO1 inhibition, suggesting its potential as an asthma therapeutic target. These novel methodologies offer new ways to dynamically study cell movements and identify contributing pathologic processes.

Ubiquitin-specific protease 22 acts as an oncoprotein to maintain glioma malignancy through deubiquitinating B cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1 for stabilization.

Ubiquitin-specific protease 22 (USP22) is a member of the "death-from-cancer" signature, which plays a key role in cancer progression. Previous evidence has shown that USP22 is overexpressed and correlates with poor prognosis in glioma. The effect and mechanism of USP22 in glioma malignancy, especially cancer stemness, remain elusive. Herein, we find USP22 is more enriched in stem-like tumorspheres than differentiated glioma cells. USP22 knockdown inhibits cancer stemness in glioma cell lines. With a cell-penetrating TAT-tag protein, B cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1 (BMI1), a robust glioma stem-cell marker, is found to mediate the effect of USP22 on glioma stemness. By immunofluorescence, USP22 and BMI1 are found to share similar intranuclear expression in glioma cells. By analysis with immunohistochemistry and bioinformatics, USP22 is found to positively correlate with BMI1 at the post-translational level only rather than at the transcriptional level. By immunoprecipitation and in vivo deubiquitination assay, USP22 is found to interact with and deubiquitinate BMI1 for protein stabilization. Microarray analysis shows that USP22 and BMI1 mutually regulate a series of genes involved in glioma stemness such as POSTN, HEY2, PDGFRA and ATF3. In vivo study with nude mice confirms the role of USP22 in promoting glioma tumorigenesis by regulating BMI1. All these findings indicate USP22 as a novel deubiquitinase of BMI1 in glioma. We propose a working model of the USP22-BMI1 axis, which promotes glioma stemness and tumorigenesis through oncogenic activation. Thus, targeting USP22 might be an effective strategy to treat glioma especially in those with elevated BMI1 expression.

MicroRNA-182-5p Inhibits Hypertrophic Scar Formation by Inhibiting the Proliferation and Migration of Fibroblasts via SMAD4 Pathway.

Introduction: Secondary to war wounds, trauma, etc., hypertrophic scar formation is the cause of an excessive proliferation of fibroblasts and accumulation of collagen fibers, which might affect cosmetic appearance, and could cause malignant transformation. miRNAs play an important role in disease regulation via inhibiting post-transcriptional protein translation by targeting and binding to the 3' UTR region of mRNA. Here we explore the mechanism and interventions of scar formation from the perspective of miRNA. Methods: Hypertrophic scar-associated differential miRNAs were screened by analyzing sequencing data of normal skin and hypertrophic scar, and verified by RT-qPCR. Signaling pathways that may be influenced by differentially miRNAs were analyzed using KEGG and GO. miRNA mimics were used to explore the effects of miRNAs on SMAD signaling pathway proteins. Dual-luciferase assays were used to explore the targeted binding of miRNAs. The mimics of the miRNA were used to explore the impact of miRNAs on the proliferation, migration, apoptosis and collagen synthesis levels of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts. The scar model of rabbit ear was used to verify the influence of miRNA on wound healing and scar formation in vivo. Results: Expression of miR-182-5p was found to be considerably decreased in hypertrophic scars and fibroblasts. miR-182-5p was found to act mainly by targeting the 3'UTR region of SMAD4, but not SMAD1 or SMAD3. miR-182-5p overexpression may drastically suppress the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts, accompanied by enhanced apoptosis and reduced collagen fiber synthesis. The overexpression of miR-182-5p in in vivo experiments could effectively inhibit hypertrophic scar formation without affecting the speed and quality of wound healing. Conclusion: miR-182-5p inhibits hypertrophic scar formation by decreasing the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts via SMAD4 pathway, and is expected to become a novel hypertrophic scar therapeutic target.

Spatial epigenome-transcriptome comapping technology.

Spatial omics facilitate an in-depth understanding of cell states and cell interactions. Recent work by Zhang et al. simultaneously seizes spatial epigenetic priming, differentiation, and gene regulation at nearly single-cell resolution by developing an epigenome-transcriptome comapping technology. This work displays how epigenetic features influence cell dynamics and transcriptional phenotypes at spatial and genome-wide levels.

Repigmentation by combined narrow­band ultraviolet B/adipose­derived stem cell transplantation in the mouse model: Role of Nrf2/HO­1­mediated Ca2+ homeostasis.

Vitiligo is a depigmentation disease commonly seen in clinical practice, mainly involving loss of functional epidermal pigment cells and hair follicle melanocytes. Narrow­band ultraviolet B (NB­UVB) has emerged as the first choice of treatment for vitiligo, but long­term exposure may have serious consequences. Recently, it was reported that adipose­derived stem cells (ADSCs) improve melanocyte growth and the efficacy of melanocyte transplantation. The present study aimed to examine the efficacy of NB­UVB/ADSC­transplantation combined therapy on a mouse vitiligo model and explore the underlying mechanisms by focusing on endoplasmic reticulum stress and cellular calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis. Vitiligo mice models were established by applying 40% monobenzone (MBZ) cream twice daily and treated with NB­UVB/ADSC combination therapy. Some treated mice were also given ML385, a nuclear factor erythroid 2 like 2 (Nr2) inhibitor. Histopathological changes were evaluated using a depigmentation evaluation score and observed with hematoxylin and eosin staining on skin tissues. ELISA was used to measure diagnostic markers in plasma. Flow cytometric assay was performed to quantify CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ levels. Expression levels of associated proteins were detected with western blot and immunofluorescence. Treatment of mice with MBZ­induced depigmentation patches on the skin was accompanied with loss of redox balance and disruption of cellular Ca2+ homeostasis. Oxidative stress and Ca2+ unbalancing were improved after the mice were treated by NB­UVB/ADSCs transplantation combination therapy. ML385, strongly negated the protective effect of NB­UVB/ADSC transplantation combination therapy, indicating the critical role of Nr2 signaling. The findings improved the understanding of the pathogenesis of vitiligo and will guide future development of therapeutic strategies against it.

Reclassification of Hepatocellular Cancer With Neural-Related Genes.

Neural infiltration is a critical component of the tumor microenvironment; however, owing to technological limitations, its role in hepatocellular cancer remains obscure. Herein, we obtained the RNA-sequencing data of liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and performed a series of bioinformatic analyses, including prognosis analysis, pathway enrichment, and immune analysis, using the R software packages, Consensus Cluster Plus and Limma. LIHC could be divided into two subtypes according to the expression of neural-related genes (NRGs); moreover, there are statistic differences in the prognosis, stage, and immune regulation between the two subtypes. The prognostic model showed that high expression of NRGs correlated with a poor survival prognosis (P<0.05). Further, CHRNE, GFRA2, GFRA3, and GRIN2D was significantly correlated with LIHC clinical prognosis, clinical stage, immune infiltration, immune response, and vital signaling pathways. There was nerve-cancer crosstalk in LIHC. A reclassification of LIHC based on NRG expression may prove beneficial to clinical practice. CHRNE, GFRA2, GFRA3, and GRIN2D may serve as potential biomarker for liver cancer prognosis or immune response.

Critical involvement of lysyl oxidase in seizure-induced neuronal damage through ERK-Alox5-dependent ferroptosis and its therapeutic implications.

Recent insights collectively suggest the important roles of lysyl oxidase (LysOX) in the pathological processes of several acute and chronic neurological diseases, but the molecular regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. Herein, we explore the regulatory role of LysOX in the seizure-induced ferroptotic cell death of neurons. Mechanistically, LysOX promotes ferroptosis-associated lipid peroxidation in neurons via activating extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK)-dependent 5-lipoxygenase (Alox5) signaling. In addition, overexpression of LysOX via adeno-associated viral vector (AAV)-based gene transfer enhances ferroptosis sensitivity and aggravates seizure-induced hippocampal damage. Our studies show that pharmacological inhibition of LysOX with ß-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) significantly blocks seizure-induced ferroptosis and thereby alleviates neuronal damage, while the BAPN-associated cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity could further be reduced through encapsulation with bioresponsive amorphous calcium carbonate-based nanocarriers. These findings unveil a previously unrecognized LysOX-ERK-Alox5 pathway for ferroptosis regulation during seizure-induced neuronal damage. Suppressing this pathway may yield therapeutic implications for restoring seizure-induced neuronal injury.

Developing a mouse model of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis.

The objective of this study is to establish a mouse model of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis. 179 healthy male BALB/c mice were divided into four groups in this randomized and controlled study. Sponge slivers impregnated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA COL) suspension were inserted into the right nasal cavities for group A; sponge slivers impregnated with sterile saline were inserted into the right nasal cavities for group B; group C mice were inoculated with MRSA COL suspension in right nasal cavities; group D was control group without any treatment. Mice were killed on days 1, 4, 7 and 14, respectively. Nasal lavage fluid was prepared for microbiological culture. Histological examinations of nasal specimens were performed to observe the severity of inflammatory reaction. Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis was induced in all group A mice. Less severe inflammation was seen in partial group B mice compared with that in group A mice (P ≤ 0.05). No inflammatory reaction was found in group C and D mice. In conclusion, a mouse model of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis has been developed successfully using an easier, less invasive and potentially more reversible technique than those used in previous studies.

Immunogenic Cell Death-Based Cancer Vaccines.

Cancer immunotherapy has achieved great advancement in the past decades. Whereas, its response is largely limited in immunologically cold tumors, in an urgent need to be solve. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have shown that inducing immunogenic cell deaths (ICDs) is an attractive approach to activate antitumor immunity. Upon specific stress, cancer cells undergo ICDs and dying cancer cells release danger associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), produce neoantigens and trigger adaptive immunity. ICDs exert a cancer vaccine-like effect and Inducement of ICDs mimics process of cancer vaccination. In this review, we propose a concept of ICD-based cancer vaccines and summarize sources of ICD-based cancer vaccines and their challenges, which may broaden the understandings of ICD and cancer vaccines in cancer immunotherapy.

Microglia in neurodegenerative diseases.

A major feature of neurodegeneration is disruption of central nervous system homeostasis, during which microglia play diverse roles. In the central nervous system, microglia serve as the first line of immune defense and function in synapse pruning, injury repair, homeostasis maintenance, and regulation of brain development through scavenging and phagocytosis. Under pathological conditions or various stimulations, microglia proliferate, aggregate, and undergo a variety of changes in cell morphology, immunophenotype, and function. This review presents the features of microglia, especially their diversity and ability to change dynamically, and reinterprets their role as sensors for multiple stimulations and as effectors for brain aging and neurodegeneration. This review also summarizes some therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases that target microglia.

A Pan-Cancer Analysis of the Oncogenic and Immunogenic Role of m6Am Methyltransferase PCIF1.

BACKGROUND: Phosphorylated CTD-interacting factor 1 (PCIF1) is identified as the only known methyltransferase of N6,2'-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am) in mRNA. However, its oncogenic and immunogenic role in cancer research is at an initial stage. METHODS: Herein, we carried out a pan-cancer analysis of PCIF1, with a series of datasets (e.g., TIMER2.0, GEPIA2, cBioPortal). RESULTS: PCIF1 expression was higher in most cancers than normal tissues and was discrepant across pathological stages. Highly expressed PCIF1 was positively correlated with overall survival (OS) or disease-free survival (DFS) of some tumors. PCIF1 expression had a positive correlation with CD4+ T-cell infiltration in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), CD8+ T cells, macrophages, and B cells in thyroid carcinoma (THCA), and immune checkpoint genes (ICGs) in LIHC but a negative correlation with CD4+ T cells, neutrophils, myeloid dendritic cells, and ICGs in THCA. It also affected tumor mutational burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI) of most tumors. CONCLUSION: PCIF1 expression was correlated with cancer prognosis and immune infiltration, suggesting it to be a potential target for cancer therapy.

Exosomes: Powerful weapon for cancer nano-immunoengineering.

Cancer immunotherapy (CIT) that targets the tumor immune microenvironment is regarded as a revolutionary advancement in the fight against cancer. The success and failure of CIT are due to the complexity of the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Cancer nanomedicine is a potential adjuvant therapeutic strategy for immune-based combination therapy. Exosomes are natural nanomaterials that play a pivotal role in mediating intercellular communications and package delivery in the tumor microenvironment. They affect the immune response or the effectiveness of immunotherapy. In particular, exosomal PD-L1 promotes cancer progression and resistance to immunotherapy. Exosomes possess high bioavailability, biological stability, targeting specificity, low toxicity, and immune characteristics, which indicate their potential for cancer therapy. They can be engineered to act as effective cancer therapeutic tools that activate anti-tumor immune response and start immune surveillance. In the current review, we introduce the role of exosomes in a tumor immune microenvironment, highlight the application of engineered exosomes to CIT, and discuss the challenges and prospects for clinical application.

The updated landscape of tumor microenvironment and drug repurposing.

Accumulating evidence shows that cellular and acellular components in tumor microenvironment (TME) can reprogram tumor initiation, growth, invasion, metastasis, and response to therapies. Cancer research and treatment have switched from a cancer-centric model to a TME-centric one, considering the increasing significance of TME in cancer biology. Nonetheless, the clinical efficacy of therapeutic strategies targeting TME, especially the specific cells or pathways of TME, remains unsatisfactory. Classifying the chemopathological characteristics of TME and crosstalk among one another can greatly benefit further studies exploring effective treating methods. Herein, we present an updated image of TME with emphasis on hypoxic niche, immune microenvironment, metabolism microenvironment, acidic niche, innervated niche, and mechanical microenvironment. We then summarize conventional drugs including aspirin, celecoxib, ß-adrenergic antagonist, metformin, and statin in new antitumor application. These drugs are considered as viable candidates for combination therapy due to their antitumor activity and extensive use in clinical practice. We also provide our outlook on directions and potential applications of TME theory. This review depicts a comprehensive and vivid landscape of TME from biology to treatment.

Organoid models of glioblastoma: advances, applications and challenges.

The high mortality and poor clinical prognosis of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are concerns for many GBM patients as well as clinicians and researchers. The lack of a preclinical model that can easily be established and accurately recapitulate tumour biology and the tumour microenvironment further complicates GBM research and its clinical translation. GBM organoids (GBOs) are promising high-fidelity models that can be applied to model the disease, develop drugs, establish a living biobank, mimic therapeutic responses and explore personalized therapy. However, GBO models face some challenges, including deficient immune responses, absent vascular system and controversial reliability. In recent years, considerable progress has been achieved in the improvement of brain tumour organoid models and research based on such models. In addition to the traditional cultivation method, these models can be cultivated via genetic engineering and co-culture of cerebral organoids and GBM. In this review, we summarize the applications of GBM organoids and related advances and provide our opinions on associated limitations and challenges.

Changing Expression Profiles and Inclination to Competing Endogenous RNA Networks on MAPK Signaling Pathways of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in a Direct Current Electric Field.

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are an abundant cell source and provide an easy way to harvest mesenchymal stem cells, which are the focus of considerable attention in regenerative medicine. Electric fields (EF) play roles in many biological events and have been reported to promote cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. In this study, ADSCs were treated with a direct current electric field (DCEF) of either 0 (control group) or 300 mV/mm (EF group) for six hours. RNA screening and analysis revealed that 66, 164, 26, and 1310 circRNAs, lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs, respectively, were differentially expressed in the DCEF-treated ADSCs compared with untreated ADSCs. Differentially expressed mRNAs were enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and some other pathways. ANXA1, ERRFI1, JAG1, EPHA2, PRR9, and H2AFY2 were related to the keratinocyte differentiation process. Competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks were constructed on the basis of genes in the MAPK signaling pathway. Twenty-one RNAs in the above networks were randomly chosen, and their expression was validated using qRT-PCR, which showed the same expression trends as the RNA sequencing analysis. The MAPK signaling pathway is of great importance in the ADSC processes that occur in a DCEF, including keratinocyte differentiation. Several ceRNAs may participate in the regulation of MAPK signaling. This study may give new insight into the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of ADSCs, which will be valuable for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Organoids: A Platform Ready for Glioblastoma Precision Medicine?

Patient-derived organoids can recapitulate parental tumor heterogeneity. In a recent study in Cell, Jacob et al. cultivated glioblastoma organoids (GBOs) to mimic tumor heterogeneity and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell immunotherapy, applied it for xenograft establishment and drug testing, and generated a biobank for the timely start of post-operation therapy.

Osthole induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by suppressing the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common lethal tumors with a high recurrence rate and low survival rate. Therefore, an urgent need exists for novel and effective treatment strategies for HNSCC patients. METHODS: Osthole, a natural ingredient extracted from Cnidium monnieri (L.) 'Cusson', has multiple pharmacological effects including antineoplastic activity. Regrettably, the antineoplastic effect of osthole in HNSCC cells remains undefined. We utilize in vitro assays to assess the anti-proliferative effects of osthole in HNSCC cells and tumorigenesis assays using FaDu cells in murine HNSCC models to assess in vivo function. Moreover, the possible molecular mechanisms of Osthole on HNSCC cells was also investigated. RESULTS: Our findings show that the anti-proliferation effect of osthole might function through induction of cell cycle arrest (G2/M phase) and apoptosis in HNSCC. Osthole could also down-regulating the protein level of cell cycle and apoptosis related proteins, such as Bcl-2, PARP1, Survivin, CyclinB1 and Cdc2, while up-regulating expression of Cleaved Caspase3/9, Cleaved PARP1 and Bax. Similarly, osthole suppressed the in vivo growth of FaDu cells in a subcutaneous tumor model. In terms of mechanism, our data show that osthole can suppress the PI3K/AKT pathway. CONCLUSIONS: In the current study, our in vitro and in vivo assay showed the suppressive effect of Osthole on HNSCC cells through induce cell cycle arrest (G2/M phase) and apoptosis. Moreover, the action mechanisms of Osthole on proliferation related signaling pathways was disclosed. Our present study suggests that osthole might be used as an effective therapeutic agent for patients with HNSCC.