Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Zheng Li, Muxin Yue, Xuenan Liu, Yunsong Liu, Longwei Lv, Ping Zhang, Yongsheng Zhou
Summary: This study reveals the role of extracellular matrix stiffness in regulating stem cell fate and the novel mechanism of mitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in promoting osteogenesis in 3D matrix. These findings provide new perspectives for strategies of osteoporosis.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Fatmah I. Ghuloum, Colin A. Johnson, Natalia A. Riobo-Del Galdo, Mahetab H. Amer
Summary: This review provides an overview of the role of Hedgehog signalling and mechanobiology in bone development and regeneration, highlighting the importance of Hedgehog signalling pathway response to mechanical cues in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells and osteogenesis. Different tissue engineering strategies are proposed to apply the knowledge of 3D material-cell interactions in the modulation of Hedgehog signalling for research applications.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Silvia Franco, Elena Buratti, Valentina Nigro, Monica Bertoldo, Barbara Ruzicka, Roberta Angelini
Summary: This paper synthesizes temperature-responsive and pH-sensitive cross-linked microgels and studies their phase behavior through thermal analysis. The experimental results indicate that both concentration and PAAc content have an impact on the transition temperature of microgels, while increasing concentration leads to an increase in overall calorimetric enthalpy.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Judith Elizabeth Houston, Lisa Fruhner, Alexis de la Cotte, Javier Rojo Gonzalez, Alexander Valerievich Petrunin, Urs Gasser, Ralf Schweins, Jurgen Allgaier, Walter Richtering, Alberto Fernandez-Nieves, Andrea Scotti
Summary: This study determines the bulk modulus, K, for different morphological parts of nanogels and investigates its changes with compression. The researchers use a partially deuterated polymer and small-angle neutron scattering to accurately determine the form factor of the particles. The results reveal significant differences in softness, compressibility, and evolution of K between the nanogel shell and the rest of the particle, depending on the amount of cross-linker used in their synthesis.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Chi Zhang, Dongdong Xia, Jiajing Li, Yanan Zheng, Bowen Weng, Haijiao Mao, Jing Mei, Tao Wu, Mei Li, Jiyuan Zhao
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of BMSCs combined with cell-engineered ECM scaffolds on osteogenesis and angiogenesis in vivo. The results showed that Ca/Ic-SIS scaffolds promoted both bone and blood vessel formation, while reducing immune responses.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yinbo Xiao, Hannah Donnelly, Mark Sprott, Jiajun Luo, Vineetha Jayawarna, Leandro Lemgruber, P. Monica Tsimbouri, R. M. Dominic Meek, Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez, Matthew J. Dalby
Summary: In the field of bone tissue regenerative medicine, the use of MSC-based tissue engineering strategies combined with growth factors (GFs) and biomaterials has drawn great interest. However, the optimization of interactions between biomaterials and MSCs, as well as the efficient delivery of GFs, remains a challenge. This study demonstrates that through plasma polymerization, tissue culture plates coated with poly (ethyl acrylate) (PEA) can provide an optimal environment for MSCs, with enhanced adhesion and binding of GFs. The combination of fibronectin (FN) and vitronectin (VN) on PEA surfaces results in the formation of a heterogeneous, open ECM network, promoting MSC differentiation into osteoblasts and inducing osteogenic intracellular signaling.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hongyang Song, Lei Xing, Wentao Liu, Xue Wang, Zhaosheng Hou, Yue Wang, Zhenhao Zhang, Yiming Li, Tianduo Li, Xiaolong Wang, Hui Chen, Shu Xing, Jing Xu
Summary: A multifunctional hydrogel for emergency hemostasis is urgently needed but lacking. In this study, an extracellular matrix-based hydrogel with rapid gelation, strong adhesion, and ease of use was engineered. The hydrogel exhibited optimal performance through photo-cross-linking pretreatment and a balance of various interactions. It also showed significant coagulation and effective hemostasis in vivo.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Qing Hao, Jinghong Wang, Jie Shen, Rong Gu, Yu Rao, Jian Feng, Huanhuan Wang, John L. Brash, Hong Chen
Summary: A family of 2D nanofilms composed of poly(N-vinyl caprolactam-co-vinylimidazole) (PNVCL) nanogels was fabricated for various applications. The nanofilms had adjustable swelling ratio and mechanical properties, and exhibited excellent adhesion, light transmission, and anti-biofouling properties.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Danfeng Li, Yuyao Liu, Xinwei Lyu, Cheng Hu, Tong Yan, Jiayin Yan, Yuwei Liao, Xiaodan Chen, Jiali Tan
Summary: Emerging evidence suggests that postmenopausal women with periodontitis experience aggravated inflammation and prolonged disease progression. This study investigates the pathogenic role of aberrant extracellular vesicles (sEVs) in periodontitis and explores therapeutic approaches. The study used ovariectomized (OVX) mouse models to simulate aggravated periodontitis in postmenopausal women, and found that M1-sEVs inhibit osteogenesis and worsen bone loss in periodontitis. Up-regulated miR-30e-5p in M1-sEVs is identified. The study suggests that targeting this process might improve the prognosis of periodontitis.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Tomas Gonzalez-Fernandez, Alejandro J. Tenorio, Augustine M. Saiz, J. Kent Leach
Summary: Loading cell-secreted extracellular matrix (ECM) into spheroids enhances the osteogenic potential of MSCs and improves their viability and responsiveness to differentiation signals. This study highlights the clinical significance of ECM-loaded spheroids for musculoskeletal tissue repair.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jaweria Ambreen, Fatemah F. Al-Harbi, Hina Sakhawat, Muhammad Ajmal, Hina Naeem, Zahoor H. Farooqi, Nayab Batool, Muhammad Siddiq
Summary: In this study, poly(N-vinylcaprolactam-co-acrylic acid) microgel was synthesized via free radical polymerization and fabricated with silver nanoparticles. The microgels exhibited excellent sensing and catalytic performance, making them potential candidates for pH sensing and organic compound reduction reactions.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Jie Yang, Tong Pei, Guanyue Su, Peiyan Duan, Xiaoheng Liu
Summary: The mineralization of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial for bone formation and mineralization-related diseases. AnnexinA6 (AnxA6) has been identified as a key protein involved in this process and may serve as a potential target for ECM mineralization.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Janne E. Reseland, Catherine A. Heyward, Athina Samara
Summary: Ameloblastin is not only involved in dental enamel formation, but also expressed in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract, potentially playing roles in extracellular matrix structure and tissue integrity, as well as signaling processes.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ivan Zhivodernikov, Andrey Ratushnyy, Ludmila Buravkova
Summary: Long-term spaceflights can cause osteopenia, potentially due to changes in ECM composition and remodeling by osteogenic cells. Exposure to simulated microgravity for 10 days resulted in decreased collagen levels and increased protease secretion in MSCs. Transcriptomic changes in ECM were more significant in osteocommitted progeny.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guya Diletta Marconi, Luigia Fonticoli, Ylenia Della Rocca, Stefano Oliva, Thangavelu Soundara Rajan, Oriana Trubiani, Giovanna Murmura, Francesca Diomede, Jacopo Pizzicannella
Summary: The study focused on the interaction between human periodontal ligament stem cells and two different implant titanium surfaces to evaluate cytotoxicity, cellular adhesion capacity, and improvement in ECM release. Various techniques including microscopic evaluation, viability assays, immunofluorescence, Western blot, and RT-PCR were used to analyze the parameters. Understanding cell/implant interaction is essential for developing more effective surfaces that enhance ECM release and promote osseointegration.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ryan Tsoi, Zhuojun Dai, Lingchong You
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2019)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhuojun Dai, Anna J. Lee, Stefan Roberts, Tatyana A. Sysoeva, Shuqiang Huang, Michael Dzuricky, Xiaoyu Yang, Xi Zhang, Zihe Liu, Ashutosh Chilkoti, Lingchong You
NATURE CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Cell Biology
Jiajie Tu, Chao Wan, Fengjie Zhang, Lianbao Cao, Patrick Wai Nok Law, Yuyao Tian, Gang Lu, Owen M. Rennert, Wai-Yee Chan, Hoi-Hung Cheung
Review
Cell Biology
Chao Wan, Fengjie Zhang, Hanyu Yao, Haitao Li, Rocky S. Tuan
Summary: Histone modifications play a significant role in cartilage development, pathology, and regeneration. Targeting histone modifying proteins with candidate molecules or drugs shows promising therapeutic potential in treating cartilage lesions associated with joint degeneration.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhuojun Dai, Xiaoyu Yang, Feilun Wu, Lihua Wang, Kun Xiang, Pengcheng Li, Qingqing Lv, Jinhui Tang, Anders Dohlman, Lei Dai, Xiling Shen, Lingchong You
Summary: Cell-mediated living fabrication has the potential to create materials with versatile, programmable functions. In this study, living materials consisting of semi-interpenetrating polymer networks were engineered using bacteria encapsulated in polymeric microcapsules. These materials enhance mechanical properties and anchor effector proteins for diverse applications.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Baizhu Chen, Wei Kang, Jing Sun, Runtao Zhu, Yue Yu, Aiguo Xia, Mei Yu, Meng Wang, Jinyu Han, Yixuan Chen, Lijun Teng, Qiong Tian, Yin Yu, Guanglin Li, Lingchong You, Zhiyuan Liu, Zhuojun Dai
Summary: The study successfully demonstrated the programmed self-assembly of bacterial populations using engineered adhesion, resulting in the development of versatile, programmable, self-healing living materials. The materials have fast recovery capabilities and can be used to create wearable sensors for detecting bio signals.
NATURE CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Libo Yu, Mingxu Xie, Fengjie Zhang, Chao Wan, Xiaoqiang Yao
Summary: The research demonstrated the crucial role of TM9SF4 in MSC differentiation, with its depletion promoting differentiation into osteoblasts over adipocytes. Additionally, TM9SF4 knockout mice showed higher bone mass and reduced lipid accumulation in an osteoporotic model, highlighting TM9SF4 as a potential target for osteoporosis treatment in the future.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jiawei Huang, Kin U. Pong, Fuyuan Yang, Zeyuan Ji, Jiacheng Lin, Zhihui Weng, Lai Ling Tsang, Tobias D. Merson, Ye Chun Ruan, Chao Wan, Gang Li, Xiaohua Jiang
Summary: The use of hPSC-EMSCs shows potential as a treatment avenue for HIE, as they exhibit higher neuroprotective effects compared to hUC-MSCs. These stem cells promote endogenous neurogenesis, alleviate astrogliosis and microgliosis, and enhance brain functional recovery in rats with HIE.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lin Wang, Xi Zhang, Chenwang Tang, Pengcheng Li, Runtao Zhu, Jing Sun, Yunfeng Zhang, Hua Cui, Jiajia Ma, Xinyu Song, Weiwen Zhang, Xiang Gao, Xiaozhou Luo, Lingchong You, Ye Chen, Zhuojun Dai
Summary: The study presents a microbial swarmbot mediated spatial segregation method to assemble stable synthetic microbial consortia with flexibility and precision. This approach allows for the control over subpopulations, enabling modulation of division of labor and communication, which can serve as a foundation for various applications in synthetic biology.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Zhen Li, Zhenyue Chen, Xiaotan Wang, Zehui Li, He Sun, Jinqiang Wei, Xianzhong Zeng, Xuewei Cao, Chao Wan
Summary: This study identified potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) through analysis of different genes and miRNAs, providing guidance for the clinical treatment of OA.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Chenwang Tang, Lin Wang, Lei Zang, Qing Wang, Dianpeng Qi, Zhuojun Dai
Summary: This article reviews the challenges in the production and distribution of biopharmaceuticals and explores the application of synthetic biology in on-site manufacturing of biomolecules.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2023)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bo Wang, Zhuojun Dai
Summary: Microbial consortia consisting of phototrophs and heterotrophs have gained attention for their potential in sustainable biotechnology. The Ni Lab has developed a highly compatible autotrophic-heterotrophic symbiotic system comprising Synechococcus elongatus and Vibrio natriegens, which together enable carbon-negative biosynthesis by channeling CO2 into valuable chemicals.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Review
Biophysics
Jiren Luo, Jiangfeng Chen, Yaoge Huang, Lingchong You, Zhuojun Dai
Summary: Engineered living materials, inspired by natural biological materials, are capable of self-organization, response to environmental stimuli, and interaction with inorganic matter. The field combines synthetic biology and materials science to mimic the complex fabrication processes and functions of natural systems.
BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Chao Wan, Fengjie Zhang, Wing Pui Tsang, Qiling He
JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH
(2020)
Review
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Baizhu Chen, Zhuojun Dai
QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY
(2020)