Combination of disulfiram and CopperCysteamine nanoparticles induces mitochondria damage and promotes apoptosis in endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer(EC)stands as one of the most prevalent gynecological malignancies affecting women,with its incidence and disease-related mortality steadily on the rise.Disulfiram(DSF),an FDA-approved medication primarily used for treating alcohol addiction,has exhibited promising anti-tumor properties.Studies have revealed DSF’s capacity for enhanced anti-tumor activity,particularly when combined with copper.The novel Copper-Cysteamine(CuCy)compound,Cu_(3)Cl(SR)_(2)(R--CH_(2)CH_(2)NH_(2)),showcases photodynamic effects and demonstrates significant anti-tumor potential under various conditions,including exposure to ultraviolet light,X-ray,microwave,and ultrasound.This study delves into exploring the synergistic anti-tumor effects and underlying mechanisms by utilizing copper-cysteamine in conjunction with DSF against endometrial cancer.The investigation involved comprehensive analyses encompassing in vitro experiments utilizing Ishikawa cells,in vivo studies,and transcriptomic analyses.Remarkably,the combined administration of both compounds at a low dose of 0.5μM exhibited pronounced efficacy in impeding tumor growth,inhibiting blood vessel formation,and stimulating cell apoptosis.Notably,experiments involving transplanted tumors in nude mice vividly demonstrated the significant in vivo anti-tumor effects of this combination treatment.Detailed examination through transmission electron microscopy unveiled compelling evidence of mitochondrial damage,cellular swelling,and rupture,indicative of apoptotic changes in morphology due to the combined treatment.Moreover,transcriptomic analysis unveiled substantial downregulation of mitochondrial-related genes at the molecular level,coupled with a significant hindrance in the DNA repair pathway.These findings strongly suggest that the combined application of CuCy and DSF induces mitochondrial impairment in Ishikawa cells,thereby fostering apoptosis and ultimately yielding potent anti-tumor effects.

Multifunctional biomimetic tactile system via a stick-slip sensing strategy for human–machine interactions

A tactile sensor system enables natural interaction between humans and machines;this interaction is crucial for dexterous robotic hands,interactive entertainment,and other smart scenarios.However,the lack of sliding friction detection significantly limits the accuracy and scope of interactions due to the absence of sophisticated information,such as slippage,material and roughness of held objects.Here,inspired by the stick-slip phenomena in the sliding process,we have developed a multifunctional biomimetic tactile system based on the stick-slip sensing strategy,which is a universal method to detect slippage and estimate the surface properties of objects by sliding.This system consists of a flexible fingertip-inspired tactile sensor,a read-out circuit and a machinelearning module.Based on the stick-slip sensing strategy,our system was endowed with high recognition rates for slippage detection(100.0%),material classification(93.3%)and roughness discrimination(92.8%).Moreover,robotic hand manipulation,interactive games and object classification are demonstrated with this multifunctional system for comprehensive and promising human-machine interactions.

An artificial neuromorphic somatosensory system with spatio-temporal tactile perception and feedback functions

The advancement in flexible electronics and neuromorphic electronics has opened up opportunities to construct artificial perception systems to emulate biological functions which are of great importance for intelligent robotics and human-machine interactions.However,artificial systems that can mimic the somatosensory feedback functions have not been demonstrated yet despite the great achievement in this area.In this work,inspired by human somatosensory feedback pathways,an artificial somatosensory system with both perception and feedback functions was designed and constructed by integrating the flexible tactile sensors,synaptic transistor,artificial muscle,and the coupling circuit.Also,benefiting from the synaptic characteristics of the designed artificial synapse,the system shows spatio-temporal information-processing ability,which can further enhance the efficiency of the system.This research outcome has a potential contribution to the development of sensor technology from signal sensing to perception and cognition,which can provide a special paradigm for the next generation of bionic tactile perception systems towards e-skin,neurorobotics,and advanced bio-robots.