Feasible and economic DIY procedures of a hand-held fluorescence detector set-FluorDetector to assist laboratory course development.

Fluorescence-related experimental techniques play an important role in biochemistry, molecular biology, and cell biology. However, fluorescence-related experiments are rarely included in the laboratory courses of most Chinese universities. This is mainly due to the conflict between large class size (50-60 students in one room) and funding/space limitations to purchase and accommodate enough fluorescence detection equipment. Here, we proposed feasible and economical Do It Yourself (DIY) procedures of a hand-held fluorescence detector set-FluorDetector to support the development of laboratory courses. Tested on several samples, clear fluorescence signals could be directly observed by FluorDetector and photographed with a smartphone. In addition, FluorDetector was able to turn a conventional stereomicroscope into a fluorescence stereomicroscope, detecting fluorescence signals with clean background. FluorDetector is easy to make with a 3D printer, with an extremely low cost ($200 each) when compared with a commercial fluorescence microscope or fluorescence stereomicroscope, and almost as sensitive as a microplate reader in measuring fluorescence. Therefore, FluorDetector is a possible strategy to solve the problem and help to integrate fluorescence-related experimental modules in laboratory courses.

Bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification of TIGD1 in non-small cell lung cancer.

Introduction: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a prevalent respiratory system tumor. Triggered transposable element derivative 1 (TIGD1) exhibits significant overexpression in various tumor cells and tissues, suggesting its involvement in cancer progression. Methods: Clinical data and gene expression profiles of lung adenocarcinoma were collected from TCGA, UCSC XENA, and GEO databases. Computational techniques and empirical studies were employed to analyze the role of TIGD1 in NSCLC. Cellular experiments were conducted using the H1299 cell line, including RNA interference, cell viability assays, quantitative PCR, wound-healing assays, western blotting, and plate clone formation assays. Results: Bioinformatics analysis revealed TIGD1's potential as a biomarker for diagnosing and predicting lung cancer. It also indicated promise as a target for immune-related therapy and targeted drug therapy. Cellular studies confirmed TIGD1's involvement in cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Furthermore, an association between TIGD1 and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was suggested. Discussion: The findings suggest that TIGD1 plays a vital role in NSCLC progression, making it a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target. The association with the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway provides insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms. Integrating computational analysis with empirical studies enhances our understanding of TIGD1's significance in NSCLC and opens avenues for further research into targeted therapies.