Cell reprogramming therapy for Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is typically characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta.Many studies have been performed based on the supplementation of lost dopaminergic neurons to treat Parkinson’s disease.The initial strategy for cell replacement therapy used human fetal ventral midbrain and human embryonic stem cells to treat Parkinson’s disease,which could substantially alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in clinical practice.However,ethical issues and tumor formation were limitations of its clinical application.Induced pluripotent stem cells can be acquired without sacrificing human embryos,which eliminates the huge ethical barriers of human stem cell therapy.Another widely considered neuronal regeneration strategy is to directly reprogram fibroblasts and astrocytes into neurons,without the need for intermediate proliferation states,thus avoiding issues of immune rejection and tumor formation.Both induced pluripotent stem cells and direct reprogramming of lineage cells have shown promising results in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.However,there are also ethical concerns and the risk of tumor formation that need to be addressed.This review highlights the current application status of cell reprogramming in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease,focusing on the use of induced pluripotent stem cells in cell replacement therapy,including preclinical animal models and progress in clinical research.The review also discusses the advancements in direct reprogramming of lineage cells in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease,as well as the controversy surrounding in vivo reprogramming.These findings suggest that cell reprogramming may hold great promise as a potential strategy for treating Parkinson’s disease.

RARRES2 regulates lipid metabolic reprogramming to mediate the development of brain metastasis in triple negative breast cancer

Background Triple negative breast cancer(TNBC),the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer,is characterized by a high incidence of brain metastasis(BrM)and a poor prognosis.As the most lethal form of breast cancer,BrM remains a major clinical challenge due to its rising incidence and lack of effective treatment strategies.Recent evidence suggested a potential role of lipid metabolic reprogramming in breast cancer brain metastasis(BCBrM),but the underlying mechanisms are far from being fully elucidated.Methods Through analysis of BCBrM transcriptome data from mice and patients,and immunohistochemical validation on patient tissues,we identified and verified the specific down-regulation of retinoic acid receptor responder 2(RARRES2),a multifunctional adipokine and chemokine,in BrM of TNBC.We investigated the effect of aberrant RARRES2 expression of BrM in both in vitro and in vivo studies.Key signaling pathway components were evaluated using multi-omics approaches.Lipidomics were performed to elucidate the regulation of lipid metabolic reprogramming of RARRES2.Results We found that downregulation of RARRES2 is specifically associated with BCBrM,and that RARRES2 deficiency promoted BCBrM through lipid metabolic reprogramming.Mechanistically,reduced expression of RARRES2 in brain metastatic potential TNBC cells resulted in increased levels of glycerophospholipid and decreased levels of triacylglycerols by regulating phosphatase and tensin homologue(PTEN)-mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)-sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1(SREBP1)signaling pathway to facilitate the survival of breast cancer cells in the unique brain microenvironment.Conclusions Our work uncovers an essential role of RARRES2 in linking lipid metabolic reprogramming and the development of BrM.RARRES2-dependent metabolic functions may serve as potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for BCBrM.

Crosstalk between degradation and bioenergetics: how autophagy and endolysosomal processes regulate energy production

Cells undergo metabolic reprogramming to adapt to changes in nutrient availability, cellular activity, and transitions in cell states. The balance between glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration is crucial for energy production, and metabolic reprogramming stipulates a shift in such balance to optimize both bioenergetic efficiency and anabolic requirements. Failure in switching bioenergetic dependence can lead to maladaptation and pathogenesis. While cellular degradation is known to recycle precursor molecules for anabolism, its potential role in regulating energy production remains less explored. The bioenergetic switch between glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration involves transcription factors and organelle homeostasis, which are both regulated by the cellular degradation pathways. A growing body of studies has demonstrated that both stem cells and differentiated cells exhibit bioenergetic switch upon perturbations of autophagic activity or endolysosomal processes. Here, we highlighted the current understanding of the interplay between degradation processes, specifically autophagy and endolysosomes, transcription factors, endolysosomal signaling, and mitochondrial homeostasis in shaping cellular bioenergetics. This review aims to summarize the relationship between degradation processes and bioenergetics, providing a foundation for future research to unveil deeper mechanistic insights into bioenergetic regulation.

Meiotic transcriptional reprogramming mediated by cell-cell communications in humans and mice revealed by scATACseq and scRNA-seq

Meiosis is a highly complex process significantly influenced by transcriptional regulation.However,studies on the mechanisms that govern transcriptomic changes during meiosis,especially in prophase I,are limited.Here,we performed single-cell ATAC-seq of human testis tissues and observed reprogramming during the transition from zygotene to pachytene spermatocytes.This event,conserved in mice,involved the deactivation of genes associated with meiosis after reprogramming and the activation of those related to spermatogenesis before their functional onset.Furthermore,we identified 282 transcriptional regulators(TRs)that underwent activation or deactivation subsequent to this process.Evidence suggested that physical contact signals from Sertoli cells may regulate these TRs in spermatocytes,while secreted ENHO signals may alter metabolic patterns in these cells.Our results further indicated that defective transcriptional reprogramming may be associated with non-obstructive azoospermia(NOA).This study revealed the importance of both physical contact and secreted signals between Sertoli cells and germ cells in meiotic progression.

Integrated multi-omics analysis reveals liver metabolic reprogramming by fish iridovirus and antiviral function of alpha-linolenic acid

Iridovirus poses a substantial threat to global aquaculture due to its high mortality rate;however,the molecular mechanisms underpinning its pathogenesis are not well elucidated.Here,a multi-omics approach was applied to groupers infected with Singapore grouper iridovirus(SGIV),focusing on the roles of key metabolites.Results showed that SGIV induced obvious histopathological damage and changes in metabolic enzymes within the liver.Furthermore,SGIV significantly reduced the contents of lipid droplets,triglycerides,cholesterol,and lipoproteins.Metabolomic analysis indicated that the altered metabolites were enriched in 19 pathways,with a notable down-regulation of lipid metabolites such as glycerophosphates and alpha-linolenic acid(ALA),consistent with disturbed lipid homeostasis in the liver.Integration of transcriptomic and metabolomic data revealed that the top enriched pathways were related to cell growth and death and nucleotide,carbohydrate,amino acid,and lipid metabolism,supporting the conclusion that SGIV infection induced liver metabolic reprogramming.Further integrative transcriptomic and proteomic analysis indicated that SGIV infection activated crucial molecular events in a phagosome-immune depression-metabolism dysregulation-necrosis signaling cascade.Of note,integrative multi-omics analysis demonstrated the consumption of ALA and linoleic acid(LA)metabolites,and the accumulation of L-glutamic acid(GA),accompanied by alterations in immune,inflammation,and cell death-related genes.Further experimental data showed that ALA,but not GA,suppressed SGIV replication by activating antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses in the host.Collectively,these findings provide a comprehensive resource for understanding host response dynamics during fish iridovirus infection and highlight the antiviral potential of ALA in the prevention and treatment of iridoviral diseases.

Metabolic reprogramming: a new option for the treatment of spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injuries impose a notably economic burden on society,mainly because of the severe after-effects they cause.Despite the ongoing development of various therapies for spinal cord injuries,their effectiveness remains unsatisfactory.However,a deeper understanding of metabolism has opened up a new therapeutic opportunity in the form of metabolic reprogramming.In this review,we explore the metabolic changes that occur during spinal cord injuries,their consequences,and the therapeutic tools available for metabolic reprogramming.Normal spinal cord metabolism is characterized by independent cellular metabolism and intercellular metabolic coupling.However,spinal cord injury results in metabolic disorders that include disturbances in glucose metabolism,lipid metabolism,and mitochondrial dysfunction.These metabolic disturbances lead to corresponding pathological changes,including the failure of axonal regeneration,the accumulation of scarring,and the activation of microglia.To rescue spinal cord injury at the metabolic level,potential metabolic reprogramming approaches have emerged,including replenishing metabolic substrates,reconstituting metabolic couplings,and targeting mitochondrial therapies to alter cell fate.The available evidence suggests that metabolic reprogramming holds great promise as a next-generation approach for the treatment of spinal cord injury.To further advance the metabolic treatment of the spinal cord injury,future efforts should focus on a deeper understanding of neurometabolism,the development of more advanced metabolomics technologies,and the design of highly effective metabolic interventions.

Post-transcriptional mechanisms controlling neurogenesis and direct neuronal reprogramming

Neurogenesis is a tightly regulated process in time and space both in the developing embryo and in adult neurogenic niches.A drastic change in the transcriptome and proteome of radial glial cells or neural stem cells towards the neuronal state is achieved due to sophisticated mechanisms of epigenetic,transcriptional,and post-transcriptional regulation.Understanding these neurogenic mechanisms is of major importance,not only for shedding light on very complex and crucial developmental processes,but also for the identification of putative reprogramming factors,that harbor hierarchically central regulatory roles in the course of neurogenesis and bare thus the capacity to drive direct reprogramming towards the neuronal fate.The major transcriptional programs that orchestrate the neurogenic process have been the focus of research for many years and key neurogenic transcription factors,as well as repressor complexes,have been identified and employed in direct reprogramming protocols to convert non-neuronal cells,into functional neurons.The post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression during nervous system development has emerged as another important and intricate regulatory layer,strongly contributing to the complexity of the mechanisms controlling neurogenesis and neuronal function.In particular,recent advances are highlighting the importance of specific RNA binding proteins that control major steps of mRNA life cycle during neurogenesis,such as alternative splicing,polyadenylation,stability,and translation.Apart from the RNA binding proteins,microRNAs,a class of small non-coding RNAs that block the translation of their target mRNAs,have also been shown to play crucial roles in all the stages of the neurogenic process,from neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation,neuronal differentiation and migration,to functional maturation.Here,we provide an overview of the most prominent post-transcriptional mechanisms mediated by RNA binding proteins and microRNAs during the neurogenic process,giving particular emphasis on the interplay of specific RNA binding proteins with neurogenic microRNAs.Taking under consideration that the molecular mechanisms of neurogenesis exert high similarity to the ones driving direct neuronal reprogramming,we also discuss the current advances in in vitro and in vivo direct neuronal reprogramming approaches that have employed microRNAs or RNA binding proteins as reprogramming factors,highlighting the so far known mechanisms of their reprogramming action.

Glucose metabolic reprogramming-related parameters for the prediction of 28-day neurological prognosis and all-cause mortality in patients after cardiac arrest:a prospective single-center observational study

BACKGROUND:We aimed to observe the dynamic changes in glucose metabolic reprogrammingrelated parameters and their ability to predict neurological prognosis and all-cause mortality in cardiac arrest patients after the restoration of spontaneous circulation(ROSC).METHODS:Adult cardiac arrest patients after ROSC who were admitted to the emergency or cardiac intensive care unit of the First Aflliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from August 1,2017,to May 30,2021,were enrolled.According to 28-day survival,the patients were divided into a non-survival group(n=82) and a survival group(n=38).Healthy adult volunteers(n=40) of similar ages and sexes were selected as controls.The serum levels of glucose metabolic reprogrammingrelated parameters(lactate dehydrogenase [LDH],lactate and pyruvate),neuron-specific enolase(NSE) and interleukin 6(IL-6) were measured on days 1,3,and 7 after ROSC.The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II(APACHE II) score and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA) score were calculated.The Cerebral Performance Category(CPC) score was recorded on day 28 after ROSC.RESULTS:Following ROSC,the serum LDH(607.0 U/L vs.286.5 U/L),lactate(5.0 mmol/L vs.2.0 mmol/L),pyruvate(178.0 μmol/L vs.70.9 μmol/L),and lactate/pyruvate ratio(34.1 vs.22.1) significantly increased and were higher in the non-survivors than in the survivors on admission(all P<0.05).Moreover,the serum LDH,pyruvate,IL-6,APACHE II score,and SOFA score on days 1,3 and 7 after ROSC were significantly associated with 28-day poor neurological prognosis and 28-day all-cause mortality(all P<0.05).The serum LDH concentration on day 1 after ROSC had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC) of 0.904 [95% confidence interval [95% CI]:0.851–0.957]) with 96.8% specificity for predicting 28-day neurological prognosis and an AUC of 0.950(95% CI:0.911–0.989) with 94.7% specificity for predicting 28-day all-cause mortality,which was the highest among the glucose metabolic reprogramming-related parameters tested.CONCLUSION:Serum parameters related to glucose metabolic reprogramming were significantly increased after ROSC.Increased serum LDH and pyruvate levels,and lactate/pyruvate ratio may be associated with 28-day poor neurological prognosis and all-cause mortality after ROSC,and the predictive eflcacy of LDH during the first week was superior to others.

Investigating Müller glia reprogramming in mice: a retrospective of the last decade, and a look to the future

Müller glia,as prominent glial cells within the retina,plays a significant role in maintaining retinal homeostasis in both healthy and diseased states.In lower vertebrates like zebrafish,these cells assume responsibility for spontaneous retinal regeneration,wherein endogenous Müller glia undergo proliferation,transform into Müller glia-derived progenitor cells,and subsequently regenerate the entire retina with restored functionality.Conversely,Müller glia in the mouse and human retina exhibit limited neural reprogramming.Müller glia reprogramming is thus a promising strategy for treating neurodegenerative ocular disorders.Müller glia reprogramming in mice has been accomplished with remarkable success,through various technologies.Advancements in molecular,genetic,epigenetic,morphological,and physiological evaluations have made it easier to document and investigate the Müller glia programming process in mice.Nevertheless,there remain issues that hinder improving reprogramming efficiency and maturity.Thus,understanding the reprogramming mechanism is crucial toward exploring factors that will improve Müller glia reprogramming efficiency,and for developing novel Müller glia reprogramming strategies.This review describes recent progress in relatively successful Müller glia reprogramming strategies.It also provides a basis for developing new Müller glia reprogramming strategies in mice,including epigenetic remodeling,metabolic modulation,immune regulation,chemical small-molecules regulation,extracellular matrix remodeling,and cell-cell fusion,to achieve Müller glia reprogramming in mice.

Neuronal conversion from glia to replenish the lost neurons

Neuronal injury,aging,and cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases such as cerebral infarction,Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease,frontotemporal dementia,amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,and Huntington’s disease are characte rized by significant neuronal loss.Unfo rtunately,the neurons of most mammals including humans do not possess the ability to self-regenerate.Replenishment of lost neurons becomes an appealing therapeutic strategy to reve rse the disease phenotype.Transplantation of pluripotent neural stem cells can supplement the missing neurons in the brain,but it carries the risk of causing gene mutation,tumorigenesis,severe inflammation,and obstructive hydrocephalus induced by brain edema.Conversion of neural or non-neural lineage cells into functional neurons is a promising strategy for the diseases involving neuron loss,which may overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of neural stem cell therapy.Thus far,many strategies to transfo rm astrocytes,fibroblasts,microglia,Muller glia,NG2 cells,and other glial cells to mature and functional neurons,or for the conversion between neuronal subtypes have been developed thro ugh the regulation of transcription factors,polypyrimidine tra ct binding protein 1(PTBP1),and small chemical molecules or are based on a combination of several factors and the location in the central nervous system.However,some recent papers did not obtain expected results,and discrepancies exist.Therefore,in this review,we discuss the history of neuronal transdifferentiation,summarize the strategies for neuronal replenishment and conversion from glia,especially astrocytes,and point out that biosafety,new strategies,and the accurate origin of the truly co nverted neurons in vivo should be focused upon in future studies.It also arises the attention of replenishing the lost neurons from glia by gene therapies such as up-regulation of some transc ription factors or downregulation of PTBP1 or drug interfe rence therapies.

Characteristic changes in astrocyte properties during astrocyte-to-neuron conversion induced by NeuroD1/Ascl1/Dlx2

Direct in vivo conversion of astrocytes into functional new neurons induced by neural transcription factors has been recognized as a potential new therapeutic intervention for neural injury and degenerative disorders. However, a few recent studies have claimed that neural transcription factors cannot convert astrocytes into neurons, attributing the converted neurons to pre-existing neurons mis-expressing transgenes. In this study, we overexpressed three distinct neural transcription factors––NeuroD1, Ascl1, and Dlx2––in reactive astrocytes in mouse cortices subjected to stab injury, resulting in a series of significant changes in astrocyte properties. Initially, the three neural transcription factors were exclusively expressed in the nuclei of astrocytes. Over time, however, these astrocytes gradually adopted neuronal morphology, and the neural transcription factors was gradually observed in the nuclei of neuron-like cells instead of astrocytes. Furthermore,we noted that transcription factor-infected astrocytes showed a progressive decrease in the expression of astrocytic markers AQP4(astrocyte endfeet signal), CX43(gap junction signal), and S100β. Importantly, none of these changes could be attributed to transgene leakage into preexisting neurons. Therefore, our findings suggest that neural transcription factors such as NeuroD1, Ascl1, and Dlx2 can effectively convert reactive astrocytes into neurons in the adult mammalian brain.

In situ direct reprogramming of astrocytes to neurons via polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 knockdown in a mouse model of ischemic stroke

In situ direct reprogramming technology can directly convert endogenous glial cells into functional neurons in vivo for central nervous system repair. Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1(PTB) knockdown has been shown to reprogram astrocytes to functional neurons in situ. In this study, we used AAV-PHP.e B-GFAP-sh PTB to knockdown PTB in a mouse model of ischemic stroke induced by endothelin-1, and investigated the effects of GFAP-sh PTB-mediated direct reprogramming to neurons. Our results showed that in the mouse model of ischemic stroke, PTB knockdown effectively reprogrammed GFAP-positive cells to neurons in ischemic foci, restored neural tissue structure, reduced inflammatory response, and improved behavioral function. These findings validate the effectiveness of in situ transdifferentiation of astrocytes, and suggest that the approach may be a promising strategy for stroke treatment.

Lipid metabolism-related long noncoding RNA RP11-817I4.1 promotes fatty acid synthesis and tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the most common types of tumors.The influence of lipid metabolism disruption on the development of HCC has been demonstrated in published studies.AIM To establish an HCC prognostic model for lipid metabolism-related long non-coding RNAs(LMR-lncRNAs)and conduct in-depth research on the specific role of novel LMR-lncRNAs in HCC.METHODS Correlation and differential expression analyses of The Cancer Genome Atlas data were used to identify differentially expressed LMR-lncRNAs.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to evaluate the expression of LMR-lncRNAs.Nile red staining was employed to observe intracellular lipid levels.The interaction between RP11-817I4.1,miR-3120-3p,and ATP citrate lyase(ACLY)was validated through the performance of dual-luciferase reporter gene and RIP assays.RESULTS Three LMR-lncRNAs(negative regulator of antiviral response,RNA transmembrane and coiled-coil domain family 1 antisense RNA 1,and RP11-817I4.1)were identified as predictive markers for HCC patients and were utilized in the construction of risk models.Additionally,proliferation,migration,and invasion were reduced by RP11-817I4.1 knockdown.An increase in lipid levels in HCC cells was significantly induced by RP11-817I4.1 through the miR-3120-3p/ACLY axis.CONCLUSION LMR-lncRNAs have the capacity to predict the clinical characteristics and prognoses of HCC patients,and the discovery of a novel LMR-lncRNAs,RP11-817I4.1,revealed its role in promoting lipid accumulation,thereby accelerating the onset and progression of HCC.

Dual-targeting AAV9P1-mediated neuronal reprogramming in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury results in neuronal loss and glial scar formation.Replenishing neurons and eliminating the consequences of glial scar formation are essential for treating traumatic brain injury.Neuronal reprogramming is a promising strategy to convert glial scars to neural tissue.However,previous studies have reported inconsistent results.In this study,an AAV9P1 vector incorporating an astrocyte-targeting P1 peptide and glial fibrillary acidic protein promoter was used to achieve dual-targeting of astrocytes and the glial scar while minimizing off-target effects.The results demonstrate that AAV9P1 provides high selectivity of astrocytes and reactive astrocytes.Moreover,neuronal reprogramming was induced by downregulating the polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 gene via systemic administration of AAV9P1 in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury.In summary,this approach provides an improved gene delivery vehicle to study neuronal programming and evidence of its applications for traumatic brain injury.

Two-photon live imaging of direct glia-to-neuron conversion in the mouse cortex

Over the past decade,a growing number of studies have reported transcription factor-based in situ reprogramming that can directly conve rt endogenous glial cells into functional neurons as an alternative approach for n euro regeneration in the adult mammalian central ne rvous system.Howeve r,many questions remain regarding how a terminally differentiated glial cell can transform into a delicate neuron that forms part of the intricate brain circuitry.In addition,concerns have recently been raised around the absence of astrocyte-to-neuron conversion in astrocytic lineage-tra cing mice.In this study,we employed repetitive two-photon imaging to continuously capture the in situ astrocyte-to-neuron conversion process following ecto pic expression of the neural transcription factor NeuroD1 in both prolife rating reactive astrocytes and lineage-tra ced astrocytes in the mouse cortex.Time-lapse imaging over several wee ks revealed the ste p-by-step transition from a typical astrocyte with numero us short,tapered branches to a typical neuro n with a few long neurites and dynamic growth cones that actively explored the local environment.In addition,these lineage-converting cells were able to migrate ra dially or to ngentially to relocate to suitable positions.Furthermore,two-photon Ca2+imaging and patch-clamp recordings confirmed that the newly generated neuro ns exhibited synchronous calcium signals,repetitive action potentials,and spontaneous synaptic responses,suggesting that they had made functional synaptic connections within local neural circuits.In conclusion,we directly visualized the step-by-step lineage conversion process from astrocytes to functional neurons in vivo and unambiguously demonstrated that adult mammalian brains are highly plastic with respect to their potential for neuro regeneration and neural circuit reconstruction.

RARRES2's impact on lipid metabolism in triplenegative breast cancer:a pathway to brain metastasis

Breast cancer brain metastasis(BCBrM)is a crucial and hard area of research which guarantees an urgent need to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms.A recent study by Li et al.[1]published in Military Medical Research investigated the role of retinoic acid receptor responder 2(RARRES2)in regulating lipid metabolism in BCBrM,highlighting the clinical relevance of alterations in lipid metabolites,such as phosphatidylcholine(PC)and triacylglycerols(TAGs),by RARRES2 through the modulation of phosphatase and tensin homologue(PTEN)-mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)-sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1(SREBP1)signaling pathway.This commentary aims to elaborate on the key findings and their relevance to the field.

Reorganization of 3D genome architecture provides insights into pathogenesis of early fatty liver disease in laying hens

Background Fatty liver disease causes huge economic losses in the poultry industry due to its high occurrence and lethality rate.Three-dimensional(3D)chromatin architecture takes part in disease processing by regulating tran-scriptional reprogramming.The study is carried out to investigate the alterations of hepatic 3D genome and H3K27ac profiling in early fatty liver(FLS)and reveal their effect on hepatic transcriptional reprogramming in laying hens.Results Results show that FLS model is constructed with obvious phenotypes including hepatic visible lipid deposi-tion as well as higher total triglyceride and cholesterol in serum.A/B compartment switching,topologically associat-ing domain(TAD)and chromatin loop changes are identified by high-throughput/resolution chromosome conforma-tion capture(HiC)technology.Targeted genes of these alternations in hepatic 3D genome organization significantly enrich pathways related to lipid metabolism and hepatic damage.H3K27ac differential peaks and differential expres-sion genes(DEGs)identified through RNA-seq analysis are also enriched in these pathways.Notably,certain DEGs are found to correspond with changes in 3D chromatin structure and H3K27ac binding in their promoters.DNA motif analysis reveals that candidate transcription factors are implicated in regulating transcriptional reprogram-ming.Furthermore,disturbed folate metabolism is observed,as evidenced by lower folate levels and altered enzyme expression.Conclusion Our findings establish a link between transcriptional reprogramming changes and 3D chromatin struc-ture variations during early FLS formation,which provides candidate transcription factors and folate as targets for FLS prevention or treatment.

Perfluoropentane-based oxygen-loaded nanodroplets reduce microglial activation through metabolic reprogramming

Microglia,the primary immune cells within the brain,have gained recognition as a promising therapeutic target for managing neurodegenerative diseases within the central nervous system,including Parkinson’s disease.Nanoscale perfluorocarbon droplets have been reported to not only possess a high oxygen-carrying capacity,but also exhibit remarkable anti-inflammatory properties.However,the role of perfluoropentane in microglia-mediated central inflammatory reactions remains poorly understood.In this study,we developed perfluoropentane-based oxygen-loaded nanodroplets(PFP-OLNDs)and found that pretreatment with these droplets suppressed the lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of M1-type microglia in vitro and in vivo,and suppressed microglial activation in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease.Microglial suppression led to a reduction in the inflammatory response,oxidative stress,and cell migration capacity in vitro.Consequently,the neurotoxic effects were mitigated,which alleviated neuronal degeneration.Additionally,ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry showed that the anti-inflammatory effects of PFP-OLNDs mainly resulted from the modulation of microglial metabolic reprogramming.We further showed that PFP-OLNDs regulated microglial metabolic reprogramming through the AKT-mTOR-HIF-1αpathway.Collectively,our findings suggest that the novel PFP-OLNDs constructed in this study alleviate microglia-mediated central inflammatory reactions through metabolic reprogramming.

NOX4 promotes tumor progression through the MAPK-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 axis in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND Metabolic reprogramming plays a key role in cancer progression and clinical outcomes;however,the patterns and primary regulators of metabolic reprogramming in colorectal cancer(CRC)are not well understood.AIM To explore the role of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4(NOX4)in promoting progression of CRC.METHODS We evaluated the expression and function of dysregulated and survival-related metabolic genes using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes.Consensus clustering was used to cluster CRC based on dysregulated metabolic genes.A prediction model was constructed based on survival-related metabolic genes.Sphere formation,migration,invasion,proliferation,apoptosis and clone formation was used to evaluate the biological function of NOX4 in CRC.mRNA sequencing was utilized to explore the alterations of gene expression NOX4 over-expression tumor cells.In vivo subcutaneous and lung metastasis mouse tumor model was used to explore the effect of NOX4 on tumor growth.RESULTS We comprehensively analyzed 3341 metabolic genes in CRC and identified three clusters based on dysregulated metabolic genes.Among these genes,NOX4 was highly expressed in tumor tissues and correlated with worse survival.In vitro,NOX4 overexpression induced clone formation,migration,invasion,and stemness in CRC cells.Furthermore,RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that NOX4 overexpression activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling pathway.Trametinib,a MEK1/2 inhibitor,abolished the NOX4-mediated tumor progression.In vivo,NOX4 overexpression promoted subcutaneous tumor growth and lung metastasis,whereas trametinib treatment can reversed the metastasis.CONCLUSION Our study comprehensively analyzed metabolic gene expression and highlighted the importance of NOX4 in promoting CRC metastasis,suggesting that trametinib could be a potential therapeutic drugs of CRC clinical therapy targeting NOX4.

Mixed neuroendocrine and adenocarcinoma of gastrointestinal tract:A complex diagnosis and therapeutic challenge

In this editorial we comment on the manuscript describing a case of adenocarcinoma mixed with a neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction.Mixed neuroendocrine and non-neuroendocrine neoplasms of the gastrointestinal system are rare heterogeneous group of tumors characterized by a high malignant potential,rapid growth,and poor prognosis.Due to the rarity of these cancers,the standard therapy is poorly defined.The diagnosis of these tumors is based on combination of morphological features,immunohistochemical and neuroendocrine and epithelial cell markers.Both endocrine and epithelial cell components can act independently of each other and thus,careful grading of each component separately is required.These cancers are aggressive in nature and the potential of each component has paramount importance in the choice of treatment and response.Regardless of the organ of origin,these tumors portend poor prognosis with increased proportion of neuroendocrine component.Multidisciplinary services and strategies are required for the management of these mixed malignancies to provide the best oncological outcomes.The etiopathogenesis of these mixed tumors remains obscure but poses interesting question.We briefly discuss a few salient points in this editorial.