Novel miRNA, miR-sc14, promotes Schwann cell proliferation and migration

MicroRNAs refer to a class of endogenous,short non-coding RNAs that mediate numerous biological functions.MicroRNAs regulate various physiological and pathological activities of peripheral nerves,including peripheral nerve repair and regeneration.Previously,using a rat sciatic nerve injury model,we identified many functionally annotated novel microRNAs,including miR-sc14.Here,we used real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to examine miR-sc14 expression in rat sciatic nerve stumps.Our results show that miRsc14 is noticeably altered following sciatic nerve injury,being up-regulated at 1 day and diminished at 7 days.EdU and transwell chamber assay results showed that miR-sc14 mimic promoted proliferation and migration of Schwann cells,while miR-sc14 inhiThe study was approved by the Jiangsu Provincial Laboratory Animal Management Committee,China on March 4,2015(approval No.20150304-004).bitor suppressed their proliferation and migration.Additionally,bioinformatic analysis examined potential target genes of miR-sc14,and found that fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 might be a potential target gene.Specifically,our results show changes of miR-sc14 expression in the sciatic nerve of rats at different time points after nerve injury.Appropriately,up-regulation of miR-sc14 promoted proliferation and migration of Schwann cells.Consequently,miR-sc14 may be an intervention target to promote repair of peripheral nerve injury.The study was approved by the Jiangsu Provincial Laboratory Animal Management Committee,China on March 4,2015(approval No.20150304-004).

Sequencing analysis of matrix metalloproteinase 7-induced genetic changes in Schwann cells

Previous research revealed the positive activity of matrix metalloproteinase 7(MMP7) on migration and myelin regeneration of Schwa nn cells(SCs). However, understanding of the molecular changes and biological activities induced by increased amounts of MMP7 in SCs remains limited. To better understand the underlying molecular events, primary SCs were isolated from the sciatic nerve stump of newborn rats and cultured with 10 nM human MMP7 for 24 hours. The results of genetic testing were analyzed at a relatively relaxed threshold value(fold change ≥ 1.5 and P-value < 0.05). Upon MMP7 exposure, 149 genes were found to be upregulated in SCs, whereas 133 genes were downregulated. Gene Ontology analysis suggested that many differentially expressed molecules were related to cellular processes, single-organism processes, and metabolic processes. Kyoto Enrichment of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis further indicated the critical involvement of cell signaling and metabolism in MMP7-induced molecular regulation of SCs. Results of Ingenuity Pathway Analysis(IPA) also revealed that MMP7 regulates biological processes, molecular functions, cellular components, diseases and functions, biosynthesis, material metabolism, cell movement, and axon guidance. The outcomes of further analysis will deepen our comprehension of MMP7-induced biological changes in SCs. This study was approved by the Laboratory Animal Ethics Committee of Nantong University, China(approval No. 20190225-004) on February 27, 2019.

Clinical efficacy of Gamma Knife® combined with transarterial chemoembolization and immunotherapy in the treatment of primary liver cancer

BACKGROUND This study was designed to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of Gamma Knife®combined with transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)and immunotherapy in the treatment of primary liver cancer.AIM To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of Gamma Knife®combined with TACE and immune-targeted therapy in the treatment of primary liver cancer.METHODS Clinical data from 51 patients with primary liver cancer admitted to our hospital between May 2018 and October 2022 were retrospectively collected.All patients underwent Gamma Knife®treatment combined with TACE and immunotherapy.The clinical efficacy,changes in liver function,overall survival(OS),and progression-free survival(PFS)of patients with different treatment responses were evaluated,and adverse reactions were recorded.RESULTS The last follow-up for this study was conducted on October 31,2023.Clinical evaluation of the 51 patients with primary liver cancer revealed a partial response(PR)in 27 patients,accounting for 52.94%(27/51);stable disease(SD)in 16 patients,accounting for 31.37%(16/51);and progressive disease(PD)in 8 patients,accounting for 15.69%(8/51).The objective response rate was 52.94%,and the disease control rate was 84.31%.Alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,lactate dehydrogenase,and alpha-fetoprotein isoform levels decreased after treatment compared with pretreatment(all P=0.000).The median OS was 26 months[95%confidence interval(95%CI):19.946-32.054]in the PR group and 19 months(95%CI:14.156-23.125)in the SD+PD group,with a statistically significant difference(P=0.015).The median PFS was 20 months(95%CI:18.441-34.559)in the PR group and 12 months(95%CI:8.745-13.425)in the SD+PD group,with a statistically significant difference(P=0.002).Common adverse reactions during treatment included nausea and vomiting(39.22%),thrombocytopenia(27.45%),and leukopenia(25.49%),with no treatment-related deaths reported.CONCLUSION Gamma Knife®combined with TACE and immune-targeted therapy is safe and effective in the treatment of primary liver cancer and has a good effect on improving the clinical benefit rate and liver function of patients.