The recent advancements in stem cell (SC) biology have led to the concept of regenerative medicine, which is based on the potential of SC for therapies aimed to facilitate the repair of degenerating or injured tissues...The recent advancements in stem cell (SC) biology have led to the concept of regenerative medicine, which is based on the potential of SC for therapies aimed to facilitate the repair of degenerating or injured tissues. Nonetheless, prior to large scale clinical appli- cations, critical aspects need to be further addressed, including the long-term safety, tolerability, and efficacy of SC-based treatments. Most problematic among the risks of SC-based therapies, in addition to the pos- sible rejection or loss of function of the infused cells, is their potential neoplastic transformation. Indeed, SCs may be used to cure devastating diseases, but their specific properties of self-renewal and clonogenicity may render them prone to generate cancers. In this respect, ‘Stemness’ might be seen as a two-edged sword, its bright side being represented by normal SCs, its dark side by cancer SCs. A better understand- ing of SC biology will help fulfill the promise of regen- erative medicine aimed at curing human pathologies and fighting cancer from its roots.展开更多
Background: Recently, optogenetics based on genetically encoded photosensitive proteins has emerged as an innovative technology platform to revolutionize manipulation of cellular behavior through fight stimulation. I...Background: Recently, optogenetics based on genetically encoded photosensitive proteins has emerged as an innovative technology platform to revolutionize manipulation of cellular behavior through fight stimulation. It has enabled user defined control of various cellular behaviors with spatiotemporal precision and minimal invasiveness, creating unprecedented opportunities for biomedical applications. Results: This article reviews current advances in optogenetic networks designed for the treatment of human diseases. We highlight the advantages of these optogenetic networks, as well as emerging questions and future perspectives. Conclusions: Various optogenetic systems have been engineered to control biological processes at all levels using light and applied for numerous diseases, such as metabolic disorders, cancer, and immune diseases. Continued development of optogenetic modules will be necessary to precisely control of gene expression magnitude towards clinical medical practice in the context of real-world problems.展开更多
文摘The recent advancements in stem cell (SC) biology have led to the concept of regenerative medicine, which is based on the potential of SC for therapies aimed to facilitate the repair of degenerating or injured tissues. Nonetheless, prior to large scale clinical appli- cations, critical aspects need to be further addressed, including the long-term safety, tolerability, and efficacy of SC-based treatments. Most problematic among the risks of SC-based therapies, in addition to the pos- sible rejection or loss of function of the infused cells, is their potential neoplastic transformation. Indeed, SCs may be used to cure devastating diseases, but their specific properties of self-renewal and clonogenicity may render them prone to generate cancers. In this respect, ‘Stemness’ might be seen as a two-edged sword, its bright side being represented by normal SCs, its dark side by cancer SCs. A better understand- ing of SC biology will help fulfill the promise of regen- erative medicine aimed at curing human pathologies and fighting cancer from its roots.
文摘Background: Recently, optogenetics based on genetically encoded photosensitive proteins has emerged as an innovative technology platform to revolutionize manipulation of cellular behavior through fight stimulation. It has enabled user defined control of various cellular behaviors with spatiotemporal precision and minimal invasiveness, creating unprecedented opportunities for biomedical applications. Results: This article reviews current advances in optogenetic networks designed for the treatment of human diseases. We highlight the advantages of these optogenetic networks, as well as emerging questions and future perspectives. Conclusions: Various optogenetic systems have been engineered to control biological processes at all levels using light and applied for numerous diseases, such as metabolic disorders, cancer, and immune diseases. Continued development of optogenetic modules will be necessary to precisely control of gene expression magnitude towards clinical medical practice in the context of real-world problems.