Calix[6]arene dismantles extracellular vesicle biogenesis and metalloproteinases that support pancreatic cancer hallmarks.

Many challenges are faced in pancreatic cancer treatment due to late diagnosis and poor prognosis because of high recurrence and metastasis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), besides acting in intercellular communication, are key players in the cancer cell plasticity responsible for initiating metastasis. Therefore, these entities provide valuable targets for the development of better treatments. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the potential of calix[6]arene to disturb the release of EVs and the activity of MMPs in pancreatic cancer cells. We found a correlation between the endocytic-associated mediators and the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients. We observed a more active EV machinery in the pancreatic cancer cell line PANC-1, which was reduced three-fold by treatment with calix[6]arene at subtoxic concentration (5 µM; p ã€ˆ0,001). We observed the modulation of 186 microRNAs (164 miRNAs upregulated and 22 miRNAs downregulated) upon calix[6]arene treatment. Interestingly, some of them as miR-4443 and miR-3909, regulates genes HIF1A e KIF13A that are well known to play a role in transport of vesicles. Furthermore, Calix[6]arene downmodulated matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) -2 and - 9 and disturbed the viability of pancreatic organoids which recapitulate the cellular heterogeneity, structure, and functions of primary tissues. Our findings shed new insights on calix[6]arene's antitumor mechanism, including its intracellular effects on vesicle production and trafficking, as well as MMP activity, which may harm the tumor microenvironment and contribute to a reduction in cancer cell dissemination, which is one of the challenges associated with high mortality in pancreatic cancer.

Hurdles in translating science from lab to market in delivery systems for Cosmetics: An industrial perspective.

In recent decades, a sweeping technological wave has reshaped the global economic landscape. Fueled by the unceasing forces of digital innovation and venture capital investment, this transformative machine has left a significant mark across numerous economic sectors. More recently, the emergence of 'deep tech' start-ups, focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and biotechnology, has infused a fresh wave of innovation into various sectors, including the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. This review explores the significance of innovation within the cosmetics sector, with a particular emphasis on delivery systems. It assesses the crucial process of bridging the gap between research and the market, particularly in the translation of nanotechnology into tangible real-world applications. With the rise of nanotechnology-based beauty ingredients, we can anticipate groundbreaking advancements that promise to surpass consumer expectations, ushering in a new era of unparalleled innovation in beauty products.

Two-Step Purification of L-Asparaginase from Acrylaway® L

Abstract L-Asparaginase (L-ASNase) is a biopharmaceutical used for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) treatment, dramatically increasing the patients' chance of cure. However, its production and distribution in developing countries were disrupted because of its low profitability, which caused great concern among patients. This study evaluates the feasibility of combining fractional precipitation and aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) to purify L-ASNase from a low-grade product, commercially known as Acrylaway® L. The ATPS purification results were not particularly expressive compared to the two-step purification process composed of ethanol precipitation and gel filtration, which was able to recover the target molecule with a purification factor over 5 fold. Thus, we studied a purification process capable of manufacturing pharmaceutical grade L-ASNase from a commercially available low-grade raw material; however, improvements regarding its throughput must be achieved, and high purity is the first step to apply it as a new biopharmaceutical product. The proposed process could pose as a short-time solution to mitigate its shortage while a cost-effective production plant is being developed.

A comprehensive review on the role of protein tyrosine phosphatases in gastric cancer development and progression.

The main post-translational reversible modulation of proteins is phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, catalyzed by protein kinases (PKs) and protein phosphatases (PPs) which is crucial for homeostasis. Imbalance in this crosstalk can be related to diseases, including cancer. Plenty of evidence indicates that protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) can act as tumor suppressors and tumor promoters. In gastric cancer (GC), there is a lack of understanding of the molecular aspects behind the tumoral onset and progression. Here we describe several members of the PTP family related to gastric carcinogenesis. We discuss the associated molecular mechanisms which support the down or up modulation of different PTPs. We emphasize the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) virulence which is in part associated with the activation of PTP receptors. We also explore the involvement of intracellular redox state in response to H. pylori infection. In addition, some PTP members are under influence by genetic mutations, epigenetics mechanisms, and miRNA modulation. The understanding of multiple aspects of PTPs in GC may provide new targets and perspectives on drug development.

Biotech-Educated Platelets: Beyond Tissue Regeneration 2.0.

The increasing discoveries regarding the biology and functions of platelets in the last decade undoubtedly show that these cells are one of the most biotechnological human cells. This review summarizes new advances in platelet biology, functions, and new concepts of biotech-educated platelets that connect advanced biomimetic science to platelet-based additive manufacturing for tissue regeneration. As highly responsive and secretory cells, platelets could be explored to develop solutions that alter injured microenvironments through platelet-based synthetic biomaterials with instructive extracellular cues for morphogenesis in tissue engineering beyond tissue regeneration 2.0.

Action and function of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in health and disease.

Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, anaerobic bacteria, is one of the main components of gut microbiota and the most important butyrate-producing bacteria in the human colon. So far, this commensal bacterium has been considered as a bioindicator of human health, once when its population is altered (decreased), inflammatory processes are favored. Several reports in the literature highlighted that the amount of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii negatively correlates to the activity of inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. Therefore, counterbalancing dysbiosis using Faecalibacterium prausnitzii as a potential active component of probiotic formulations appears to be a promising therapeutic strategy for inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal cancer. However, once this microbial is very sensitive to oxygen, the formulation development is a great challenge. In this review, we will focus our attention on Faecalibacterium prausnitzii biology, anti-inflammatory metabolites, modulators of this bacterium population and its impact on human health.