Article
Cell Biology
Marion Mesnieres, Anna-Marei Bohm, Nicolas Peredo, Dana Trompet, Roger Valle-Tenney, Manmohan Bajaj, Nikky Corthout, Elena Nefyodova, Ruben Cardoen, Pieter Baatsen, Sebastian Munck, Andras Nagy, Jody J. Haigh, Satish Khurana, Catherine M. Verfaillie, Christa Maes
Summary: The balanced local crosstalk within the skeletal niche is crucial for the successful settlement of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in the bone marrow, with overproduction of VEGF by osteoprogenitor cells impacting stromal-vessel interface and vascular architecture, resulting in impaired HSPC homing and survival. These findings highlight potential targets for improving stem cell therapies, as similar osteo-angiogenic niche changes are induced by irradiation in adult mice.
Review
Immunology
Alice Pievani, Roberto Savoldelli, Juliane Poelchen, Elisa Mattioli, Giorgio Anselmi, Alice Girardot, Jochen Utikal, Pierre Bourdely, Marta Serafini, Pierre Guermonprez
Summary: Tissue engineering provides numerous opportunities in regenerative medicine, drug testing, and modeling hematopoiesis. Replicating the physiological microenvironments supporting leukocyte development is crucial for accurately modeling immune cell development. Immune niches are characterized by mesenchymal stromal cells that play unique roles in organizing niche development, maintenance, and function.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Karolina Archacka, Iwona Grabowska, Bartosz Mierzejewski, Joanna Graffstein, Alicja Gorzynska, Marta Krawczyk, Anna M. Rozycka, Ilona Kalaszczynska, Gabriela Muras, Wladyslawa Streminska, Katarzyna Janczyk-Ilach, Piotr Walczak, Miroslaw Janowski, Maria A. Ciemerych, Edyta Brzoska
Summary: Skeletal muscle reconstruction relies on unipotent stem cells, such as satellite cells, which are activated in response to muscle injury. The study found that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) cultured under hypoxic conditions increased VEGF expression and improved myogenesis, leading to enhanced cell engraftment and new vessel formation when transplanted into injured muscles. SDF-1 and VEGF secreted by hypoxia-preconditioned MSCs played a crucial role in cell engraftment and angiogenesis.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Pinyaphat Khamphikham, Natee Jearawiriyapaisarn, Amornrat Tangprasittipap, Suradej Hongeng
Summary: The downregulation of KLF4 is associated with increased embryonic and fetal globin gene expression in human erythroid progenitor cells, potentially providing an alternative therapeutic strategy for alpha-globin substitution in severe alpha-thalassemia.
EXPERIMENTAL AND THERAPEUTIC MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nur Afizah Yusoff, Zariyantey Abd Hamid, Siti Balkis Budin, Izatus Shima Taib
Summary: Previous research has shown that prolonged benzene exposure during fetal development increases the risk of fetal abnormalities, particularly in relation to hematological malignancies. Benzene can target the hematopoietic stem cell (HSCs) niche, leading to genetic and epigenetic modifications in fetal stem cells and in utero carcinogenesis. It is therefore important to monitor benzene exposure among pregnant women.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andres Garcia-Garcia, Thibaut Klein, Gordian Born, Morgane Hilpert, Arnaud Scherberich, Claudia Lengerke, Radek C. Skoda, Paul E. Bourgine, Ivan Martin
Summary: Human malignant hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells reside in bone marrow niches, and in vitro systems have been developed to mimic these niches for studying leukemia and drug responses.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yoshiki Omatsu, Shota Aiba, Tomonori Maeta, Kei Higaki, Kazunari Aoki, Hitomi Watanabe, Gen Kondoh, Riko Nishimura, Shu Takeda, Ung-il Chung, Takashi Nagasawa
Summary: The transcription factors Runx1 and Runx2 play critical roles in the cellular niches of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Lack of these transcription factors in CAR cells is associated with increased fibrosis and reduced HSCs in bone marrow. Runx1 is predominantly expressed in CAR cells and is induced by the transcription factor Foxc1, which decreases fibrotic gene expression in CAR cells.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Keane Jared Guillaume Kenswil, Paola Pisterzi, Gonzalo Sanchez-Duffhues, Claire van Dijk, Andrea Lolli, Callie Knuth, Byambasuren Vanchin, Adrian Christopher Jaramillo, Remco Michiel Hoogenboezem, Mathijs Arnoud Sanders, Jacqueline Feyen, Tom Cupedo, Ivan G. Costa, Ronghui Li, Eric Monique Johannes Bindels, Kirsten Lodder, Bianca Blom, Pieter Koen Bos, Marie-Jose Goumans, Peter ten Dijke, Eric Farrell, Guido Krenning, Marc Hermanus Gerardus Petrus Raaijmakers
Summary: Rare LNGFR(+) cells in human fetal and regenerative bone marrow co-express endothelial and stromal markers, display features of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and can generate tissue-forming BMSCs. EndoMT shows robust and sustained contributions to bone precursor and hematopoietic niche pools, with IL-33 overexpression driving the conversion process.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Deepak A. Kaji, Angela M. Montero, Roosheel Patel, Alice H. Huang
Summary: This study identifies transcriptional regulators involved in the induction and differentiation of dense connective tissues. By generating tendon and fibrocartilage cells from mouse embryonic stem cells and utilizing scRNA-seq, the authors reveal molecular mechanisms underlying cell fate switch between these lineages. Additionally, the research demonstrates successful generation of 3D engineered tissues using these differentiation protocols for modeling development and disease.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Corina A. Ghebes, Jess Morhayim, Marion Kleijer, Merve Koroglu, Stefan J. Erkeland, Remco Hoogenboezem, Eric Bindels, Floris P. J. van Alphen, Maartje van den Biggelaar, Martijn A. Nolte, Bram C. J. van der Eerden, Eric Braakman, Carlijn Voermans, Jeroen van de Peppel
Summary: Recent research has shown that extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by adult bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells have the ability to support the ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), while those from fetal sources have a weaker effect. Protein composition analysis of EVs revealed that adult-derived EVs are rich in proteins related to oxidation-reduction processes, mitochondrial ATP synthesis, and protein folding, while fetal-derived EVs are rich in proteins linked to extracellular matrix organization, cell migration, and TGFBR signaling pathway.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Hematology
Zhuo Yu, Wenqian Yang, Xiaoxiao He, Chiqi Chen, Wenrui Li, Limin Zhao, Ligen Liu, Junling Liu, Li Xie, Yaping Zhang, Junke Zheng
Summary: This study reveals that endothelial cell-derived ANGPTL2 is a critical component of the bone marrow niche that maintains HSC stemness. Through enhancing PPARD expression, ANGPTL2 can transactivate G0s2 and sustain the perinuclear localization of nucleolin, preventing HSCs from entering the cell cycle.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tetsuo Hirano, Tomomi Tsuruda, Yuka Tanaka, Hironori Harada, Takeshi Yamazaki, Atsuhiko Ishida
Summary: CCDC26 is involved in the differentiation of erythroid cells by regulating transcription of globin genes, with FOG-2 identified as a potential mediator of this regulation. The role of CCDC26 in switching transcription during differentiation highlights the importance of noncoding RNA in cellular processes. The study also emphasizes the distinct roles of FOG-2 and KIT in globin transcriptional regulation by CCDC26.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Jingran Zhang, Guang Shi, Junjie Pang, Xing Zhu, Qingcai Feng, Jie Na, Wenbin Ma, Dan Liu, Songyang Zhou
Summary: Induced crotonylation in hESCs resulted in differentiation into the endodermal lineage. This induced modification led to transcriptomic changes and decreased glycolysis in hESCs.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Shuang Zhang, Jeroen van de Peppel, Marijke Koedam, Johannes P. T. M. van Leeuwen, Bram C. J. van der Eerden
Summary: The study identifies HSPB7 as a regulator of osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs), with a positive role in osteoblastic differentiation and maintaining the balance between osteogenesis and adipogenesis. HSPB7 shows potential as a therapeutic target for bone metabolic diseases.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Giulia Gaggi, Andrea Di Credico, Simone Guarnieri, Maria Addolorata Mariggio, Patrizia Ballerini, Angela Di Baldassarre, Barbara Ghinassi
Summary: Research has shown that human fetal membrane mesenchymal stromal cells (hFM-MSCs) can differentiate into spinal motor neurons through the exposure to specific factors, leading to the upregulation of early and late motor neuron markers. These cells also exhibit spontaneous electrical activity, indicating their functional properties. When co-cultured with myotubes, the differentiated motor neurons can form functional neuromuscular junctions and induce muscle contractions.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Xiaoyan Chen, Gene Chi Wai Man, Sze Wan Hung, Tao Zhang, Linda Wen Ying Fung, Chun Wai Cheung, Jacqueline Pui Wah Chung, Tin Chiu Li, Chi Chiu Wang
Summary: Endometriosis, a chronic disorder affecting many women, is currently difficult to treat effectively. However, recent studies have shown that green tea, with its bioactive component EGCG, may have potential therapeutic effects on endometriosis by inhibiting various molecular and cellular mechanisms.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Jordis Klose, Lu Li, Melanie Pahl, Farina Bendt, Ulrike Hubenthal, Christian Jungst, Patrick Petzsch, Astrid Schauss, Karl Kohrer, Ping Chung Leung, Chi Chiu Wang, Katharina Koch, Julia Tigges, Xiaohui Fan, Ellen Fritsche
Summary: Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) provide a framework for linking toxicological mechanistic information with adverse health effects. This study combines phenotypic and transcriptomic analyses to assess the developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) hazards of two Chinese herbal medicines and gain insights into their modes-of-action. The results demonstrate the power of this approach in elucidating compounds' MoA and incorporating them into novel or existing AOPs for a better understanding of DNT risk in a regulatory context.
CELL BIOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Oncology
Wilson Y. K. Chan, Pamela P. W. Lee, Daniel K. L. Cheuk, Eva W. M. Yeung, Kenneth C. W. Wong, C. K. Li, Godfrey C. F. Chan, Wing Leung
PEDIATRIC BLOOD & CANCER
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Shaojun Liu, Joseph G. S. Tsun, Genevieve P. G. Fung, Grace C. Y. Lui, Kathy Y. Y. Chan, Paul K. S. Chan, Renee W. Y. Chan
Summary: This study compared the effect of a booster vaccine in inducing mucosal and serological antibody between Covid-19 recovered patients and vaccine-only subjects. The results showed that the booster expanded the nasal antibody levels in recovered patients and improved the inhibition against the BA.1 variant and ancestral SARS-CoV-2. The nasal antibodies induced by natural infection lasted longer than those induced by vaccines, while both groups maintained high levels of plasma antibodies for at least 21 weeks after booster.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Zhouyurong Tan, Xue Gong, Yiran Li, Sze Wan Hung, Jin Huang, Chi Chiu Wang, Jacqueline Pui Wah Chung
Summary: Endometriosis is a common reproductive disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial implants outside of the uterus. Ovarian aging is a characteristic feature of endometrioma (OMA), but the underlying mechanism is yet to be determined. Pelvic and local microenvironments in women with OMA have detrimental effects on ovarian development and functions. Effective treatments are currently lacking to delay or restore ovarian aging caused by OMA.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Hematology
Kun-yin Qiu, Jia-yi Wang, Li-bin Huang, Chang-gang Li, Lu-hong Xu, Ri-yang Liu, Hui-qin Chen, Yong-sheng Ruan, Zi-jun Zhen, Chi-kong Li, Jian-pei Fang
Summary: The efficacy and safety of adding vincristine and dexamethasone pulses to maintenance therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remain uncertain, according to a randomized, open-label, multicenter, phase III clinical trial conducted in Guangdong Province, China.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Honghong Zhang, Yang Wan, Hongsheng Wang, Jiaoyang Cai, Jie Yu, Shaoyan Hu, Yongjun Fang, Ju Gao, Hua Jiang, Minghua Yang, Changda Liang, Runming Jin, Xin Tian, Xiuli Ju, Qun Hu, Hui Jiang, Zhifan Li, Ningling Wang, Lirong Sun, Alex W. K. Leung, Xuedong Wu, Xiaowen Qian, Maoxiang Qian, Chi-kong Li, Jun Yang, Jingyan Tang, Xiaofan Zhu, Shuhong Shen, Li Zhang, Ching-Hon Pui, Xiaowen Zhai
Summary: The study aims to identify prognostic factors for improving the outcome of patients with TCF3::PBX1 ALL. The presence of positive MRD and testicular leukemia are indicators for new molecular therapeutics or immunotherapy in these patients.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tsz Kin Ng, Kai On Chu, Chi Chiu Wang, Chi Pui Pang
Summary: Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness and visual impairment worldwide, with over 80 million affected individuals. The main pathogenesis of glaucoma involves oxidative stress and inflammation-induced neurodegeneration of retinal ganglion cells, which have limited regenerative capacity. Currently, there is a lack of clinically effective treatments to rescue the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells. Green tea catechins, with their proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, offer potential as a treatment to ameliorate retinal ganglion cell degeneration. This review summarizes the chemistry, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic properties, and clinical potentials of green tea catechins for glaucoma treatment.
Article
Biology
Chi-Keung Cheng, Yuk-Lin Yung, Hoi-Yun Chan, Kam-Tong Leung, Kathy Y. Y. Chan, Alex W. K. Leung, Frankie W. T. Cheng, Chi-Kong Li, Thomas S. K. Wan, Xi Luo, Herbert-Augustus Pitts, Joyce S. S. Cheung, Natalie P. H. Chan, Margaret H. L. Ng
Summary: A genomic analysis of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia patients reveals extensive gene fusion events and mutations, providing new insights into the genetic complexities of this cancer. The study highlights the importance of understanding the genetic basis of pediatric AML for improving prognostic classification and treatment options.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Gashaw Garedew Woldeamanuel, Kenean Getaneh Tlaye, Ling Wu, Liona C. Poon, Chi Chiu Wang
Summary: This meta-analysis confirmed that platelet count was significantly lower in preeclamptic women, irrespective of severity and presence or absence of associated complications, even before the onset of preeclampsia and in the second trimester of pregnancy. Our findings suggest that platelet count may be a potential marker to identify and predict preeclampsia.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY MFM
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yue Shi, Chi-Chiu Wang, Liqun Wu, Yunqing Zhang, Aimin Xu, Yao Wang
Summary: Fatty acid-binding protein-4 (FABP4) has been found to impact women's reproductive function and pregnancy outcomes. Elevated FABP4 levels are associated with reproductive disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis in women. During pregnancy, FABP4 affects maternal-fetal interface homeostasis, leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes and potentially impacting the metabolic health of offspring.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Xi Luo, Chi Keung Cheng, Hoi Yun Chan, Yuet Fong Kam, Kam Tong Leung, Chi Kong Li, Margaret Heung-Ling Ng
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Yuezhen Lin, Ling Wu, Ruihua Zhao, Pui Wah Chung, Chi Chiu Wang
Summary: Current medical treatments for endometriosis-associated pain have limitations, and Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) shows potential as an alternative or complementary treatment. This study analyzed randomized control trials comparing CHM to other treatments for endometriosis-associated pain, and found that CHM, used alone or in combination with conventional therapies, can effectively relieve pain with fewer side effects.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Terry Tin Wai Chow, Wilson Yau Ki Chan, Ka Ho Chiu, Cheng Man, Hin Mark, Chak Ho Li, Ka Fai To, Chit Chow, Rex Kwok Him Au-Yeung, Elaine Tin Yan Cheung, Chi Kong Li
PEDIATRIC BLOOD & CANCER
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Hui Chang, Tsz Ching Yeung, Xinming Yang, Jingshu Gao, Xiaoke Wu, Chi Chiu Wang
Summary: This review presents the latest evidence on the use of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) as a complementary treatment for infertility. It summarizes the treatment protocols for different stages of the IVF-ET cycle and discusses the clinical applications and potential mechanisms of CHM in IVF-ET treatment.
