Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Yawen Tang, Sajesan Aryal, Xiaoxiao Geng, Xinyue Zhou, Vladimir G. Fast, Jianyi Zhang, Rui Lu, Yang Zhou
Summary: The addition of TBX20 to the MGT133 reprogramming cocktail promotes cardiac reprogramming and enhances cardiac function in induced cardiomyocytes by activating genes associated with cardiac contractility and mitochondrial respiration.
Review
Cell Biology
Haofei Wang, Yuchen Yang, Jiandong Liu, Li Qian
Summary: Direct reprogramming converts cells from one lineage into another without going through a pluripotent state, and it is a promising strategy for generating functional cells for therapeutic purposes. Recent advancements include using defined factors for lineage conversion, enhancing reprogrammed cell maturation, and addressing challenges in in vivo direct reprogramming for translational applications.
NATURE REVIEWS MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Hidenori Tani, Taketaro Sadahiro, Yu Yamada, Mari Isomi, Hiroyuki Yamakawa, Ryo Fujita, Yuto Abe, Tatsuya Akiyama, Koji Nakano, Yuta Kuze, Masahide Seki, Yutaka Suzuki, Manabu Fujisawa, Mamiko Sakata-Yanagimoto, Shigeru Chiba, Keiichi Fukuda, Masaki Ieda
Summary: By conducting experiments on mice, this study found that cardiac reprogramming can repair chronic myocardial infarction, promote myocardial regeneration, and reduce fibrosis. The results of this study provide new insights for the treatment of chronic myocardial infarction and heart failure.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Hidenori Tani, Taketaro Sadahiro, Yu Yamada, Mari Isomi, Hiroyuki Yamakawa, Ryo Fujita, Yuto Abe, Tatsuya Akiyama, Koji Nakano, Yuta Kuze, Masahide Seki, Yutaka Suzuki, Manabu Fujisawa, Mamiko Sakata-Yanagimoto, Shigeru Chiba, Keiichi Fukuda, Masaki Ieda
Summary: Adult cardiomyocytes have limited regenerative ability, and the synthesis of extracellular matrix by cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) results in fibrosis and heart dysfunction after myocardial infarction (MI). The overexpression of cardiac transcription factors, MGTH, can directly reprogram CFs into induced cardiomyocytes (iCMs) and improve cardiac function in acute MI. However, it is unclear whether in vivo cardiac reprogramming can repair chronic MI with established scars.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Jinhua Qin, Jian Zhang, Jianan Jiang, Bowen Zhang, Jisheng Li, Xiaosong Lin, Sihan Wang, Meiqi Zhu, Zeng Fan, Yang Lv, Lijuan He, Lin Chen, Wen Yue, Yanhua Li, Xuetao Pei
Summary: A combination of four small molecules has been found to successfully convert human cord blood erythroblasts into induced megakaryocytes (iMKs) that can produce functional platelets, providing a simple and efficient approach for clinical applications.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Shijia Liuyang, Guan Wang, Yanglu Wang, Huanjing He, Yulin Lyu, Lin Cheng, Zhihan Yang, Jingyang Guan, Yao Fu, Jialiang Zhu, Xinxing Zhong, Shicheng Sun, Cheng Li, Jinlin Wang, Hongkui Deng
Summary: We have developed a robust and chemically defined reprogramming protocol that significantly shortens the induction time for generating human pluripotent stem cells from somatic cells. This protocol promotes cell proliferation and metabolic activities, leading to a more direct reprogramming process.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ziran Xu, Yan Li, Pengdong Li, Yingying Sun, Shuang Lv, Yin Wang, Xia He, Jinying Xu, Zhixiang Xu, Lisha Li, Yulin Li
Summary: This study demonstrates that the use of soft substrates can significantly improve the efficiency and quality of direct neuronal reprogramming from fibroblasts, resulting in the production of more functional glutamatergic neurons in a shorter time. Transcriptome sequencing revealed several pathways that may be involved in the enhancement of neuronal reprogramming on soft substrates. The findings provide insights into the mechanisms of neuronal reprogramming and potential targets for regenerative therapies.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ryohei Eguchi, Momoko Hamano, Michio Iwata, Toru Nakamura, Shinya Oki, Yoshihiro Yamanishi
Summary: In this study, a novel computational method, TRANSDIRE, was developed to predict the transcription factors (TFs) that induce direct reprogramming in various human cell types using multiple omics data. The method successfully predicted TFs for most cell conversions with high accuracy, suggesting its potential practical applications in regenerative medicine.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Qiaozi Wang, Yanan Song, Jing Chen, Qiyu Li, Jinfeng Gao, Haipeng Tan, Yuefei Zhu, Zhengmin Wang, Minghui Li, Hongbo Yang, Ning Zhang, Xiaomin Li, Juying Qian, Zhiqing Pang, Zheyong Huang, Junbo Ge
Summary: This study developed a non-viral biomimetic system for cardiac regeneration by coating neutrophil-mimicking membranes on mesoporous silicon nanoparticles loaded with microRNA1, 133, 208, and 499. The system utilized the inflammation-homing ability of neutrophil membrane protein and FH peptide's high affinity to tenascin-C produced by CFs for targeted delivery of miRCombo, leading to reprogramming of resident CFs into iCMs and improved cardiac function in a mouse model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jingyang Guan, Guan Wang, Jinlin Wang, Zhengyuan Zhang, Yao Fu, Lin Cheng, Gaofan Meng, Yulin Lyu, Jialiang Zhu, Yanqin Li, Yanglu Wang, Shijia Liuyang, Bei Liu, Zirun Yang, Huanjing He, Xinxing Zhong, Qijing Chen, Xu Zhang, Shicheng Sun, Weifeng Lai, Yan Shi, Lulu Liu, Lipeng Wang, Cheng Li, Shichun Lu, Hongkui Deng
Summary: This study demonstrates the chemical reprogramming of human somatic cells to human chemically induced pluripotent stem cells, which exhibit key features of embryonic stem cells. The induction of an intermediate plastic state and inhibition of the JNK pathway are crucial for successful chemical reprogramming.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hyosuk Kim, Byeong-Wook Song, Soon-Jung Park, Seong Woo Choi, Hanbyeol Moon, Ki-Chul Hwang, Sun-Woong Kang, Sung-Hwan Moon, Yoosoo Yang, Ick Chan Kwon, Sun Hwa Kim
Summary: This study proposes an extracellular vesicle (EV)-guided, nonviral, direct lineage conversion strategy to enhance the transdifferentiation of fibroblasts to induced cardiomyocyte-like cells (iCMs). The resulting iCMs show typical cardiac features and have gene expression profiles similar to cardiomyocytes. This method achieves a high conversion efficiency (>60%) and establishes a more accessible platform for generating specialized somatic cells through direct lineage conversion.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yoonhee Jin, Hyeok Kim, Sungjin Min, Yi Sun Choi, Seung Ju Seo, Eunseon Jeong, Su Kyeom Kim, Hyang-Ae Lee, Sung-Hyun Jo, Jae-Hyun Park, Bong -Woo Park, Woo -Sup Sim, Jin-Ju Kim, Kiwon Ban, Yun-Gon Kim, Hun -Jun Park, Seung-Woo Cho
Summary: Direct cardiac reprogramming using chemical molecules provides a potential therapeutic approach for cardiac regeneration, with advantages in safety compared to genetic reprogramming. However, challenges remain in terms of low conversion efficiency and incomplete cardiomyocyte maturation. Three-dimensional microenvironments reconstituted with decellularized heart extracellular matrix can enhance chemical reprogramming and promote cardiac maturation.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jinhong Xu, Shi Fang, Suixin Deng, Huijuan Li, Xiaoning Lin, Yongheng Huang, Sangmi Chung, Yousheng Shu, Zhicheng Shao
Summary: Human astrocytes can be directly reprogrammed into early neuroectodermal cells, which can further be induced to form spinal-cord organoids with functional neurons specific to the dorsal and ventral domains, providing a new approach for the repair of central nervous system injuries.
NATURE BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Letizia Nicoletti, Camilla Paoletti, Giulia Tarricone, Ilaria Andreana, Barbara Stella, Silvia Arpicco, Carla Divieto, Clara Mattu, Valeria Chiono
Summary: Designing nanocarriers for efficient miRNA delivery is crucial for improving miRNA-based therapies. In this study, DE-DOPE/miRNA lipoplexes were formulated and showed superior stability, loading efficiency, and release speed compared to commercial Dharma FECT1 (DF). The DE-DOPE/miRNA lipoplexes demonstrated high viability and gene regulation ability in cardiac fibroblasts, highlighting their potential for enhancing miRNA-based therapies.
NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Camilla Paoletti, Valeria Chiono
Summary: Ischemic heart disease is a major cause of mortality worldwide, and current pharmacological approaches have not yet achieved cardiac regeneration. Direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into induced cardiomyocytes and the use of microRNAs for transfection show promising potential for myocardial regeneration. Further advancements in nanocarrier technology and 3D culture microenvironments are enhancing the efficiency of this approach for future clinical translation.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Margherita Maioli, Salvatore Rinaldi, Sara Cruciani, Alois Necas, Vania Fontani, Giovanna Corda, Sara Santaniello, Arianna Rinaldi, Ana Rita Pinheiro Barcessat, Andrea Necasova, Alessandro Castagna, Zita Filipejova, Carlo Ventura, Claudio Fozza
Summary: Research suggests that using the REAC technology may counteract senescence in stem cells and prevent AML drift caused by bone marrow stem cell senescence. However, further human clinical studies are needed to validate this hypothesis.
PHYSIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Education, Special
Arianna Rinaldi, Marcia C. Marins Martins, Margherita Maioli, Salvatore Rinaldi, Vania Fontani
Summary: This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of a neurobiological stimulation treatment in alleviating ASD symptoms, and the results confirmed the efficacy of the treatment in reducing the severity and deficits associated with ASD.
ADVANCES IN NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sara Cruciani, Alessandro Palmerio Delitala, Maria Laura Cossu, Carlo Ventura, Margherita Maioli
Summary: Obesity is a complex disease that involves abnormal or excessive fat accumulation. It is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, aging, lifestyle, and diets. Adipogenesis, the process of fat cell formation, is regulated by various mechanisms. However, excessive fat growth can lead to dysfunctional adipose tissue, inflammation, and insulin resistance. This review discusses the mechanisms involved in adipogenesis and current therapeutic strategies for obesity and related metabolic syndrome.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Riccardo Tassinari, Elena Olivi, Claudia Cavallini, Valentina Taglioli, Chiara Zannini, Martina Marcuzzi, Oleksandra Fedchenko, Carlo Ventura
Summary: Mechanical forces are crucial in cellular dynamics, from the molecular level to the complexity in somatic and stem cells. This article highlights the role of cytoskeletal mechanics and extracellular matrix in generating mechanical forces that lead to oscillatory synchronized patterns. It discusses how mechanical forces can modulate mechanosensing/-transduction to control tissue metabolism and enable nonpharmacologic tissue rescue. The importance of fine-tuning stem cell morphodynamics in bone anabolic activity, repair, obesity prevention, cardiovascular disease treatment, and heart failure is also emphasized. The use of specific mechanical stimuli to reprogram tissue-resident stem cells and enhance self-healing potential is explored, without the need for stem cell or tissue transplantation.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roberto Castelli, Antonio Gidaro, Gavino Casu, Pierluigi Merella, Nicia I. Profili, Mattia Donadoni, Margherita Maioli, Alessandro P. Delitala
Summary: Aging leads to significant changes in the structural proprieties of the arterial wall, such as loss of elasticity and reduced compliance. Arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease are major factors contributing to these changes. Arterial stiffness, evaluated by non-invasive methods like pulse wave velocity, is crucial in assessing vessel elasticity. Early assessment of stiffness is important as it can precede clinical signs of cardiovascular disease. While there is no specific pharmacological target for arterial stiffness, managing its risk factors can improve arterial wall elasticity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Renzo Pala, Sara Cruciani, Alessia Manca, Giuseppe Garroni, Mohammed Amine EL Faqir, Veronica Lentini, Giampiero Capobianco, Antonella Pantaleo, Margherita Maioli
Summary: By analyzing WJ-MSCs from Wharton's jelly exposed to simulated microgravity, we found that a simulated microgravity environment can influence the behavior of WJ-MSCs by modulating the expression of stress and stemness-related genes, as well as cell proliferation regulators and apoptotic genes. Our results suggest that WJ-MSCs initially adapt for survival in the simulated microgravity, but eventually lose their stemness and proliferation capability, possibly due to the onset of a senescence program.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Vania Fontani, Sara Cruciani, Sara Santaniello, Salvatore Rinaldi, Margherita Maioli
Summary: Human breast adenocarcinoma has the ability to metastasize to various tissues, and current chemotherapeutic drugs target different mechanisms of cell replication. The use of REAC technology on MCF-7 cells showed potential in inhibiting proliferation and modulating tumor biomarkers. These findings suggest the potential application of REAC RGN in breast cancer treatment.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Arianna Rinaldi, Marcia C. Marins Martins, Ana C. De Almeida Martins C. Oliveira, Salvatore Rinaldi, Vania Fontani
Summary: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. Non-invasive neuromodulation techniques, such as Neuro Postural Optimization (NPO) and Neuro Psycho Physical Optimization (NPPO) treatments utilizing radioelectric asymmetric conveyer (REAC) technology, have shown promising results in improving functional abilities in children and adolescents with ASD. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of NPO and NPPO treatments on functional abilities in children and adolescents with ASD and found significant improvements across all domains of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT).
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tung Nguyen-Thanh, Bao-Song Nguyen-Tran, Sara Cruciani, Thuy-Duong Nguyen-Thi, Thuan Dang-Cong, Margherita Maioli
Summary: This study examined the effects of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) scaffolds and autologous uncultured bone marrow mononuclear cells on osteochondral regeneration in rabbits. The histological characteristics of the PRF scaffolds were assessed, and the results showed that the combination of autologous PRF and uncultured bone marrow mononuclear cells promoted the healing of articular cartilage and subchondral bone in the rabbit knees.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Nicia I. Profili, Roberto Castelli, Antonio Gidaro, Alessandro Merella, Roberto Manetti, Giuseppe Palmieri, Margherita Maioli, Alessandro P. Delitala
Summary: Checkpoint inhibitors enhance the immune system to fight against tumors and have improved the treatment of various cancers, but they can also cause adverse events. The underlying mechanism is not completely understood, but it is believed to be due to uncontrolled activation of the immune system. T cells have been found to react against both tumor antigens and antigens in the tissues of patients who developed immune-related adverse events. Early diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment are crucial for managing these adverse effects and ensuring the best supportive care and administration of checkpoint inhibitors.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Monalisa Pereira Motta, Acary Souza Bulle Oliveira, Jeyce Adrielly Andre Nogueira, Alcione Aparecida Vieira de Souza Moscardi, Claudete Munhoz Teixeira, Vanessa Manchim Favaro, Amanda Orasmo Simcsik, Salete Conde, Maria Clara Patrizi, Chiara Rinaldi, Vania Fontani, Salvatore Rinaldi
Summary: This study evaluated the use of neurobiological modulation treatments with REAC technology on PPS. The results demonstrate that these treatments can improve muscle strength, physical endurance, and fatigue symptoms, particularly in the RPFS behavioral, affective, and psychological sensory dimensions. This suggests that these treatments could be a potential therapeutic approach for PPS.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Vania Fontani, Jose Alfredo Coelho Pereira, Salvatore Rinaldi
Summary: Nipple-areola complex (NAC) ischemia after breast surgery is a possible complication that can be successfully treated with reparative tissue optimization (TO-RPR) treatment using the Radio Electric Asymmetric Conveyer (REAC) technology.
CUREUS JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Alessandro Castagna, Vania Fontani, Salvatore Rinaldi
Summary: Cells and tissues rely on positive and negative charges, as well as ionic flux, to drive cellular life processes and reparative phenomena. Previous studies have shown that REAC treatments can favor the reparative processes by restoring ionic flows. This report aims to illustrate the clinical efficacy of REAC treatments for muscle injury repair, even in severe cases.
CUREUS JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2022)