Article
Physiology
Shichen Huang, Zhiyuan Li, Yuhan Sun, Baiyi Chen, Yuxin Jiang, Feng Hong
Summary: CD34 could serve as a biomarker for islet beta-cells, with its expression and number being inversely correlated with islet alpha-cells. This suggests the potential of CD34 as a diagnostic biomarker for early diabetes.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Serena Barachini, Letizia Biso, Shivakumar Kolachalam, Lacopo Petrini, Roberto Maggio, Marco Scarselli, Biancamaria Longoni
Summary: Pancreatic islet transplantation is a treatment for Type 1 diabetic patients, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown potential in controlling graft rejection. MSCs can interact with immune system cells through direct contact or their secretome. This review discusses the role of MSCs in controlling the immune system and promoting repair in pancreatic islet transplantation, as well as challenges such as oxidative stress and impaired vasculogenesis. Preconditioning MSCs with hypoxia exposure or using stem cells with angiogenic potential in organoids may help improve transplant outcomes.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Dian R. Arifin, Jeff W. M. Bulte
Summary: Pancreatic islet transplantation has the potential to provide life-long blood glucose management for diabetic patients, with imaging technology playing a crucial role in monitoring and evaluating the success of cell implants in vivo. Various imaging modalities are being developed to improve the precision and efficacy of islet therapy.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Fritz Cayabyab, Lina R. Nih, Eiji Yoshihara
Summary: Diabetes is a complex global disease affecting over 400 million people, with pancreatic islet transplantation showing promise in treating type 1 diabetes but facing challenges such as immune rejection. Current research focuses on finding optimal transplantation sites and methods to improve islet graft survival, with the aim of translating these studies into successful clinical therapies.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Butian Wei, Xin Zhang, Jiwei Qian, Zhe Tang, Bo Zhang
Summary: Nrf2 is an important intracellular regulator of antioxidant stress, regulating not only antioxidant function but also insulin secretion, proliferation, and differentiation of beta cells, ER stress, and mitochondrial function. Pharmacological activation of Nrf2 has been shown to protect islet cells during different stages of transplantation in experiments.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Freya Van Hulle, Kaat De Groot, Robert Hilbrands, Ursule Van de Velde, Krista Suenens, Geert Stange, Ines De Mesmaeker, Diedert L. De Paep, Zhidong Ling, Bart Roep, Pieter Gillard, Daniel Pipeleers, Bart Keymeulen, Daniel Jacobs-Tulleneers-Thevissen
Summary: The study found that omental implants can help restore metabolic control in type 1 diabetes patients, but it may require a higher number of beta cells in the grafts and elimination of immunogenic non-endocrine components in order to establish a metabolically adequate functional beta cell mass in the omentum.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jingyi Li, Yuxuan Zheng, Pengze Yan, Moshi Song, Si Wang, Liang Sun, Zunpeng Liu, Shuai Ma, Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte, Piu Chan, Qi Zhou, Weiqi Zhang, Guang-Hui Liu, Fuchou Tang, Jing Qu
Summary: The aging-related degeneration of pancreatic islet cells contributes to impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed increased unfolded protein response (UPR) and accumulation of protein aggregates in aged beta-cells. Targeting UPR components may prevent loss of proteostasis, delaying beta-cell aging and preventing aging-related diabetes.
NATIONAL SCIENCE REVIEW
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Erwin Ilegems, Per-Olof Berggren
Summary: The endocrine cells in the islets of Langerhans play a crucial role in maintaining blood glucose homeostasis, with beta cells producing and secreting insulin being particularly important. Studying pancreatic islet cell plasticity through transplantation and imaging in the anterior chamber of the eye has provided significant research outcomes and insights into diabetes pathogenesis.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Erinn Zixuan Sim, Nobuaki Shiraki, Shoen Kume
Summary: Recent advancements in differentiating PSCs into pancreatic islet cells have led to the discovery of novel signaling pathways and molecules, with potential therapeutic applications demonstrated through cell transplantation studies. Single-cell transcriptomics and metabolomics have provided valuable insights into endocrine cell growth and pancreatic development.
INFLAMMATION AND REGENERATION
(2021)
Review
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Nathaniel J. Hogrebe, Matthew Ishahak, Jeffrey R. Millman
Summary: The generation of islet-like endocrine clusters from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) has great potential for diabetes treatment. To be widely adopted, highly functional and well-characterized stem cell-derived islets (SC-is-lets) need to be manufactured at scale. This review discusses recent advances in generating and characterizing SC-is-lets, as well as strategies to ensure graft viability and safety after transplantation.
Article
Cell Biology
Byung Soo Kong, Se Hee Min, Changhan Lee, Young Min Cho
Summary: The study showed that MOTS-c prevents autoimmune diabetes by modulating T cell receptor signaling, and demonstrated potential therapeutic effects in patients with Type 1 diabetes.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Taylor M. Triolo, Melena D. Bellin
Summary: Diabetes mellitus is characterized by the dysfunction of beta cells, and cell transplantation offers a potential treatment option but faces challenges. Research on generating synthetic beta cells and islets has progressed, providing opportunities for future therapies.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Selina Wrublewsky, Thimoteus Speer, Lisa Nalbach, Anne S. Boewe, Mandy Pack, Dalia Alansary, Leticia P. Roma, Markus D. A. Hoffmann, Beate M. Schmitt, Andrea Weinzierl, Michael D. Menger, Matthias W. Laschke, Emmanuel Ampofo
Summary: The inhibition of NLRP3 improves the survival and endocrine function of pancreatic islet grafts by enhancing revascularization and inducing insulin gene expression. This inhibition has significant therapeutic potential in pancreatic islet transplantation.
Review
Cell Biology
Jonathan E. Campbell, Christopher B. Newgard
Summary: Insulin secretion from pancreatic beta-cells is tightly regulated by various factors such as glucose, amino acids, fatty acids, metabolites, etc., which is crucial for understanding pancreatic dysfunction in diabetes. The complementary actions of insulin and glucagon in mammals tightly regulate metabolic homeostasis, and the dysregulation of these hormones can lead to various pathologies, notably type 2 diabetes.
NATURE REVIEWS MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Soo Bin Jang, Sang-Man Jin, Hyung Shik Kim, Yong Yeon Jeong, Sang Jun Lee, Soojung Hahn, Hyemin Lee, Han Sin Lee, Jae Hyeon Kim, Dong Yun Lee
Summary: Cell therapy requires a solution to the issue of immune/inflammation reactions and inefficient cell targeting. In this study, a multimodal nanoparticle was designed to both reduce inflammation and guide the transplantation of cells. The nanoparticle inhibited the release of inflammatory proteins and allowed for noninvasive monitoring of transplanted cells. The cells could be specifically localized in the liver and effectively treat diabetic mice with regulated blood glucose levels.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jijing Wang, Cong Guo, Zhaowei Meng, Marissa D. Zwan, Xin Chen, Sven Seelow, Susanna L. Lundstrom, Sergey Rodin, Charlotte E. Teunissen, Roman A. Zubarev
Summary: This study strengthens the association between isoAsp and Alzheimer's disease (AD) using novel approaches to isoAsp analysis in blood samples. The findings demonstrate elevated isoAsp levels, reduced anti-isoAsp antibodies, increased A beta concentration, and more protein aggregation in AD blood compared to controls. Additionally, deamidation reduces the binding capacity of blood protein HSA with A beta and p-tau.
ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA
(2023)
Letter
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Johan O. Wedin, Sergey Rodin, Karl-Henrik Grinnemo
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Wei S. Tan, Axel C. Moore, Molly M. Stevens
Summary: This study explores the design requirements for mimicking articular cartilage by developing in silico models and fitting them to experimental data, and suggests that fiber-reinforced poroelastic materials are essential for physiological poroelastic mimics of articular cartilage.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Omar Rifaie-Graham, Jonathan Yeow, Adrian Najer, Richard Wang, Rujie Sun, Kun Zhou, Tristan N. Dell, Christopher Adrianus, Chalaisorn Thanapongpibul, Mohamed Chami, Stephen Mann, Javier Read de Alaniz, Molly M. Stevens
Summary: This study describes a non-equilibrium nanosystem that utilizes light-gated chemical communication, controllable feedback, and macroscopic oscillations. The system allows for communication between nanoreactors and induces chemical mechanical oscillations in a hydrogel using feedback loops.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Catherine Saunders, James E. J. Foote, Jonathan P. Wojciechowski, Ana Cammack, Simon V. Pedersen, James J. Doutch, Hanna M. G. Barriga, Margaret N. Holme, Jelle Penders, Mohamed Chami, Adrian Najer, Molly M. Stevens
Summary: The intrinsic heterogeneity of many nanoformulations poses challenges in characterizing them at both the single particle and population levels. However, the development of advanced techniques, such as label-free single particle automated Raman trapping analysis (SPARTA), can provide valuable information in understanding and describing nanomedicine heterogeneity. This technique allows for simultaneous measurement of the nanocarrier and cargo, enabling the characterization of loading and release heterogeneity in nanomedicines.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
A. C. Moore, M. G. Hennessy, L. P. Nogueira, S. J. Franks, M. Taffetani, H. Seong, Y. K. Kang, W. S. Tan, G. Miklosic, R. El Laham, K. Zhou, L. Zharova, J. R. King, B. Wagner, H. J. Haugen, A. Munch, M. M. Stevens
Summary: This paper reports on the development of an engineered poroelastic material that begins to approach physiological performance. The material achieved a mean peak fluid load fraction of 68%, displayed consistency with mixture theory, and demonstrated cytocompatibility. This work creates a foundation for designing poroelastic cartilage implants and developing scaffold systems to study chondrocyte mechanobiology and tissue engineering.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Hongya Geng, Emily J. Lupton, Yun Ma, Rujie Sun, Christopher L. Grigsby, Giulia Brachi, Xiaorui Li, Kun Zhou, Daniel J. Stuckey, Molly M. Stevens
Summary: The development of near-infrared light responsive conductive polymers provides a useful theranostic platform for malignant tumors. The self-assembly of ultrathin 2D polypyrrole nanosheets with tunable size distribution enables photoacoustic imaging and photothermal therapy. The pH-responsive features of the nanosheets show potential for accurate and highly efficient theranostics.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Anu K. Solanki, Helene Autefage, Antonio R. Rodriguez, Shweta Agarwal, Joaquin Penide, Muzamir Mahat, Thomas Whittaker, Amy Nommeots-Nomm, Elena Littmann, David J. Payne, Anthony D. Metcalfe, Felix Quintero, Juan Pou, Molly M. Stevens, Julian R. Jones
Summary: In this study, novel glass fibers were developed to improve chronic wound healing by activating the HIF pathway. The results showed that the glass fibers released therapeutic ions, including cobalt, which greatly promoted the expression of angiogenic genes. This suggests the potential use of these fibers in chronic wound dressings.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Catherine Saunders, Camille A. de Villiers, Molly M. Stevens
Summary: Nanoparticles have great potential in medicine, but their manufacturing and quality control present challenges to their clinical translation. Advancements in single particle techniques can help overcome these challenges and facilitate the development of future nanoformulations.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kaja I. Ritzau-Reid, Sebastien J. P. Callens, Ruoxiao Xie, Martina Cihova, Daniel Reumann, Christopher L. Grigsby, Lino Prados-Martin, Richard Wang, Axel C. Moore, James P. K. Armstrong, Juergen A. Knoblich, Molly M. Stevens
Summary: 3D organoids are widely used in vitro models for studying human development and disease. However, the current culture methods have limitations in terms of reproducibility and geometric control. A new approach combining stem cell biology and bioengineering is presented, using melt electrospinning writing to generate grid scaffolds that guide the self-organization of pluripotent stem cells. This method allows for high-throughput generation, culture, and analysis of organoids, reducing the time and labor involved in traditional methods.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Junfang Zhang, Yuntao Zhu, Christian Njel, Yuxin Liu, Pietro Dallabernardina, Molly M. Stevens, Peter H. Seeberger, Oleksandr Savateev, Felix F. Loeffler
Summary: In this study, a new synthesis strategy for carbon nitride photoelectrodes was introduced through advanced film generation techniques. This method involved spin coating pretreatment of a conductive substrate with a multipurpose polymer and a supramolecular precursor, followed by chemical vapor deposition to synthesize dual-layer carbon nitride photoelectrodes. The polymer improved the polymerization degree and electrical conductivity of carbon nitride, leading to state-of-the-art photoelectrochemical performance and high yields in C-H functionalization.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Daniel W. Hagey, Miina Ojansivu, Beklem R. Bostancioglu, Osama Saher, Jeremy P. Bost, Manuela O. Gustafsson, Roberto Gramignoli, Mathias Svahn, Dhanu Gupta, Molly M. Stevens, Andre Goergens, Samir EL Andaloussi
Summary: This study provides important insights into the cellular response to extracellular vesicles (EVs), showing that EV dose has a more significant effect than cell source. At high doses, exocytosis is down-regulated and lysosomal activity is up-regulated. However, at low doses, specific responses based on EV cell source are observed, reflecting the activities of the EV's source cells. Furthermore, immune cell-derived EVs are most associated with recipient cells.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tamanna Rahman, Saman Tavana, Nicoleta Baxan, Kay A. Raftery, George Morgan, Thomas P. Schaer, Nigel Smith, Axel Moore, Jonathan Bull, Molly M. Stevens, Nicolas Newell
Summary: This study non-invasively quantified 3D strains within the intervertebral disc (IVD) during different stages of nucleus replacement surgery and found that nucleus removal resulted in disc height loss and increased circumferential strains, which were restored by the nucleus replacement device (NRD). The findings support nucleus replacement surgery as a viable treatment option and provide insights for future clinical trials.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Vernon LaLone, Aleksandra Aizenshtadt, John Goertz, Froydis Sved Skottvoll, Marco Barbero Mota, Junji You, Xiaoyu Zhao, Henriette Engen Berg, Justyna Stokowiec, Minzhi Yu, Anna Schwendeman, Hanne Scholz, Steven Ray Wilson, Stefan Krauss, Molly M. Stevens
Summary: Confocal Raman spectral imaging (RSI) enables label-free visualization of molecules in biological specimens without sample preparation. qRamanomics, an integrated bioanalytical methodology, is developed to quantify the deconvoluted spectra for quantitative spatial chemotyping of biomolecules. It is applied to assess specimen variation and maturity in 3D liver organoids and identify biomolecular response signatures from liver-altering drugs, facilitating drug metabolism and accumulation monitoring.
CELL REPORTS METHODS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jules Lee, Prajakatta Mulay, Matthew J. Tamasi, Jonathan Yeow, Molly M. Stevens, Adam J. Gormley
Summary: Oxygen tolerant polymerizations allow for high-throughput synthesis of diverse polymer architectures. The development of a robotic platform enables fully automated PET-RAFT polymerizations with individual control of reactions. This platform successfully synthesizes various polymers with high conversions and low dispersity. With the inclusion of machine learning protocols, this robotic platform has the potential to become a self-driving lab for dispensing, synthesizing, and monitoring large polymer libraries.