Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Emily G. Pedrick, Darryl B. Sneag, Philip G. Colucci, Mylinh Duong, Ek T. Tan
Summary: This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effects of low-dose ferumoxytol on vascular suppression and nerve visualization in 3D brachial plexus MR neurography. The results showed that the use of ferumoxytol significantly improved vascular suppression and nerve visualization compared to imaging without ferumoxytol, indicating its potential clinical application for enhancing imaging quality.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Bo Song, Jiao Jiang, Huinan Yan, Shengjun Huang, Jingli Yuan
Summary: The combination of MRI and TGLI allows for the visualization of lesion tissues and target biomolecules with high spatial resolution and penetration depth. This study used stable lanthanide complexes as signal reporters for TGLI and MRI, and successfully constructed a tumor-targetable probe for bimodal imaging in tumor-bearing mice. The bimodal imaging provided accurate anatomical and molecular information, and demonstrated the potential for monitoring cancer cells in vivo.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Janina Burk, Liza Wittenberg-Voges, Susanna Schubert, Carolin Horstmeier, Walter Brehm, Florian Geburek
Summary: The use of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) shows promise in the treatment of early-phase tendon disease, with significant improvement in clinical inflammation, lameness, and ultrasonography scores over time. These findings provide a basis for larger controlled studies.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Wei Liu, Shengyan Yin, Yingcai Hu, Ting Deng, Jishan Li
Summary: A pH-responsive T2-T1 switchable MRI nanoprobe was constructed by combining the microemulsion method with the biomineralization principle, which can achieve T1-weighted imaging in tumor environments.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Almut S. Eisele, Jason Cosgrove, Aurelie Magniez, Emilie Tubeuf, Sabrina Tenreira Bento, Cecile Conrad, Fanny Cayrac, Tamar Tak, Anne-Marie Lyne, Jos Urbanus, Leila Perie
Summary: This study used cellular barcoding to trace the differentiation of mouse hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) after exposure to EPO. The researchers found that EPO can directly act on multipotent progenitor cells (MPP) and modulate fate by remodeling the clonal composition of the MPP pool.
Review
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Hesham Soliman, Marine Theret, Wilder Scott, Lesley Hill, Tully Michael Underhill, Boris Hinz, Fabio M. Rossi
Summary: MSCs are essential for the development, maintenance, function, and regeneration of most tissues. They play a crucial role in responding to injury, promoting regeneration through secretion of trophic factors and ECM molecules, and contributing to fibrotic reparative processes. Through fate mapping and single cell omics, tissue-specific MSC identities and functions are being elucidated, providing unprecedented insights into the secret lives of tissue-resident MSCs.
Review
Cell Biology
Vadim I. Chechekhin, Konstantin Yu. Kulebyakin, Romesh I. Kokaev, Pyotr A. Tyurin-Kuzmin
Summary: Adipose tissue relies on the regulation of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), which serve as both precursors for new adipocytes and key paracrine regulators of adipose tissue homeostasis. The activity of MSCs is tightly controlled, regulating aspects such as proliferation, differentiation, and signal molecule production through modulation of hormonal sensitivity.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Marvin Dingle, Stephen D. Fernicola, Jaira F. de Vasconcellos, Sonia Zicari, Christopher Daniels, John C. Dunn, Alexander Dimtchev, Leon J. Nesti
Summary: This study focused on isolating multipotent progenitor cells from traumatized muscle exposed to low-energy injuries, demonstrating their potential to differentiate into osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic lineages.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Pingli Dong, Tingting Zhang, Huijing Xiang, Xue Xu, Yihui Lv, Yi Wang, Chichong Lu
Summary: The study synthesized monodispersed exceptionally small-sized superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles (ESM NPs) with tunable size through a simple method. The ESM NPs showed good biocompatibility, high longitudinal relaxivity, and superior contrast effects in MRI imaging.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hanrui Liu, Ran Sun, Lei Wang, Xiaoyong Chen, Galong Li, Yu Cheng, Gaohong Zhai, Boon-Huat Bay, Fang Yang, Ning Gu, Yingkun Guo, Haiming Fan
Summary: This article describes an advanced magnetothermal approach for efficient labeling of stem cells and tracking them using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for targeted therapy. The research found that this method has superior labeling efficiency and long-term tracking capability, and can enable magnetic manipulation in vivo. A proof-of-concept study in a rat stroke model demonstrated the great potential of this method for future clinical usage.
Article
Cell Biology
Janina Burk, Michaela Melzer, Alina Hagen, Katrin Susanne Lips, Katja Trinkaus, Ariane Nimptsch, Jenny Leopold
Summary: This study investigated the applicability of lipid phenotyping for MSC characterization and discrimination, finding differences in phospholipid species diversity between MSC from different species, and identified potentially suitable lipid markers across culture conditions. Phospholipid profiling could be a promising approach for MSC characterization, allowing for some heterogeneity within MSC while still achieving clear discrimination from fibroblasts.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mike Jeon, Mackenzie Halbert, Zachary R. Stephen, Miqin Zhang
Summary: Gadolinium-based chelates are commonly used contrast agents for MRI, but their toxicity and potential retention in patients' bodies have raised safety concerns. Iron oxide nanoparticles have emerged as a promising alternative due to their non-toxic and biodegradable nature, but their development as T-1 contrast agents is complex and challenging. Progress is being made in exploring IONPs as safe and improved alternatives, but there are still many hurdles to overcome before they can be used clinically.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bo Song, Xinyue Zhang, Xinyi Wen, Qi Liu, Hua Ma, Weihua Guo, Mingqian Tan, Lei Jia, Jingli Yuan
Summary: The study developed a novel bioconjugate, Tf-Eu-Gd, with intense long-lived luminescence, high MR relaxivity, and good biocompatibility. As a probe, Tf-Eu-Gd can specifically accumulate in cancer cells overexpressing Tf receptors for TGL and MR imaging of tumors.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Shiqi Xiang, Zixuan Lin, Meagan J. J. Makarcyzk, Kanyakorn Riewruja, Yiqian Zhang, Xiurui Zhang, Zhong Li, Karen L. Clark, Eileen Li, Silvia Liu, Tingjun Hao, Madalyn R. R. Fritch, Peter G. G. Alexander, Hang Lin
Summary: This study elucidates the difference between hiMPCs and hMSCs in response to TGF beta and presents a robust method for obtaining low hypertrophy hiMPCs-derived cartilage. The results also indicate the importance of activating both Smad2/3 and Smad1/5 in the initiation of chondrogenesis.
CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Bo Song, Xinyi Wen, Xinyue Zhang, Qi Liu, Hua Ma, Mingqian Tan, Jingli Yuan
Summary: The study demonstrates the potential of beta-diketonate-lanthanide complexes in constructing bimodal TGL/MR imaging bioprobes. The probes, Tf-BHHBCB-Ln(3+), showed high specificity in binding with transferrin receptor-overexpressed cancerous cells, enabling clear visualization of cultured cancerous cells and tumors in tumor-bearing mice. These bimodal probes provide accurate information for cancer detection through simultaneous time-gated luminescence and MRI imaging.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kourosh Ahmadzadeh, Marie Pereira, Margot Vanoppen, Eline Bernaerts, Jeong-Hun Ko, Tania Mitera, Christy Maksoudian, Bella B. Manshian, Stefaan Soenen, Carlos D. Rose, Patrick Matthys, Carine Wouters, Jacques Behmoaras
Summary: Macrophages can undergo cell fusion and multinucleation to form multinucleated giant cells. Comparative transcriptomics and functional assays reveal that multinucleation causes downregulation of macrophage identity and specialization in functionality, such as enhanced phagocytosis and mitochondrial function.
Article
Neurosciences
Geraldine Rodriguez-Nieto, Oron Levin, Lize Hermans, Akila Weerasekera, Anca Croitor Sava, Astrid Haghebaert, Astrid Huybrechts, Koen Cuypers, Dante Mantini, Uwe Himmelreich, Stephan P. Swinnen
Summary: Aging is associated with structural and metabolic changes in the brain. Previous research has focused on individual brain regions, but the relationship among metabolites across the brain has been less studied. Using 1H-MRS, this study investigated the relationship among metabolite concentrations in different brain regions in young and older adults. The results showed age-related differences in metabolite concentrations and revealed associative patterns between metabolites across brain regions, which differed between age groups.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Lennart Van der Veeken, Francesca Maria Russo, Tom Bleeser, David Basurto, Doaa Emam, Yannick Regin, Willy Gsell, Uwe Himmelreich, Luc De Catte, Steffen Rex, Jan Deprest
Summary: In this study, fetal rabbits with surgically created congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) were examined to assess the alterations in brain development. It was found that DH fetuses had lower lung and heart weights, reduced blood flow to the aorta and brain, thinner cortex, higher white matter neuron densities, and lower pre-oligodendrocyte count. These findings suggest that CDH affects the prenatal brain development in fetuses.
PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sergei Grebenyuk, Abdel Rahman Abdel Fattah, Manoj Kumar, Burak Toprakhisar, Gregorius Rustandi, Anja Vananroye, Idris Salmon, Catherine Verfaillie, Mark Grillo, Adrian Ranga
Summary: By developing micro-perfused 2-photon printing of 3D microfluidics, the authors have successfully engineered large-scale, viable and functional neural and hepatic 3D tissues. They have achieved the perfusion of multi-mm(3) tissue constructs by generating networks of synthetic capillary-scale 3D vessels, addressing the challenge of vascularization in regenerative medicine.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Neuroimaging
Oron Levin, Wouter A. J. Vints, Gal Ziv, Gintare Katkut, Simona Kusleikiene, Kristina Valatkevicene, Samrat Sheoran, Margarita Drozdova-Statkevicene, Rymante Gleizniene, Mati Paasuke, Vilma Dudonien, Uwe Himmelreich, Vida J. Cesnaitiene, Nerijus Masiulis
Summary: Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) was used to investigate the neuro-metabolic correlates of balance performance in cognitively intact older adults and individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The results revealed that higher tCho/tCr and mIns/tCr in the hippocampus and dorsal posterior cingulate cortex were generic predictors of worse balance performance, suggesting a potential role of neuroinflammatory processes in age-related balance impairments. Additionally, higher tNAA/tCr and mIns/tCr, as well as lower Glx/tCr in the left sensorimotor cortex, were predictors of better balance performance specifically in the MCI group, indicating a potential compensatory mechanism in balance control through recruitment of sensorimotor pathways.
NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Samrat Sheoran, Wouter A. J. Vints, Kristina Valatkeviciene, Simona Kusleikiene, Rymante Gleizniene, Vida J. J. Cesnaitiene, Uwe Himmelreich, Oron Levin, Nerijus Masiulis
Summary: Resistance training for 12 weeks in older adults improves brain metabolism and muscle functional characteristics.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Guillaume Ems, Leandra Severino, Jean-Francois Nisolle, Charles Nicaise, Ivo Lambrichts, Melissa LoMonaco, Annelies Bronckaers, Fanny Hontoir, Jean-Michel Vandeweerd
Summary: The objective of this study was to determine the optimal age for extracting dental pulp to obtain the maximum volume. Through experiments on sheep of different ages, it was found that the volume of dental pulp decreases with age, and the central teeth have higher volume compared to the lateral teeth.
ANATOMIA HISTOLOGIA EMBRYOLOGIA
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Melissa Schepers, Dean Paes, Assia Tiane, Ben Rombaut, Elisabeth Piccart, Lieve van Veggel, Pascal Gervois, Esther Wolfs, Ivo Lambrichts, Chiara Brullo, Olga Bruno, Ernesto Fedele, Roberta Ricciarelli, Charles Ffrench-Constant, Marie E. Bechler, Pauline van Schaik, Wia Baron, Evy Lefevere, Kobi Wasner, Anne Grunewald, Catherine Verfaillie, Paulien Baeten, Bieke Broux, Paul Wieringa, Niels Hellings, Jos Prickaerts, Tim Vanmierlo
Summary: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by central nervous system inflammation and demyelination. Current therapies are insufficient in halting or reversing disease progression. This study shows that selective inhibition of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) promotes myelin repair and reduces inflammation. Inhibition of PDE4D enhances (re)myelination, while inhibition of PDE4B exerts anti-inflammatory effects. These findings suggest that gene specific PDE4 inhibitors could be potential therapeutic agents for MS.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Mukaddes Izci, Christy Maksoudian, Filipa Goncalves, Irati Perez Gilabert, Carla Rios Luci, Eduardo Bolea-Fernandez, Frank Vanhaecke, Bella B. Manshian, Stefaan J. Soenen
Summary: The authors investigated the ability to improve nanoparticle delivery to solid tumors through an in-depth mechanistic study on the use of ciRGD peptide co-administration. The results showed that ciRGD can improve nanoparticle delivery to the tumor itself, as well as to tumor cells specifically, better than vessel normalization strategies. The effectiveness of ciRGD co-administration depends on tumor perfusion, hypoxia, neutrophil levels, and vessel permeability.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Susanna Kemppainen, Nadine Huber, Roosa-Maria Willman, Ana Zamora, Petra Makinen, Henna Martiskainen, Mari Takalo, Annakaisa Haapasalo, Tomas Sobrino, Manuel Antonio Gonzalez Gomez, Yolanda Pineiro, Jose Rivas, Uwe Himmelreich, Mikko Hiltunen
Summary: Organotypic slice culture models, especially those derived from adult tissue, provide a valuable tool for studying neurodegenerative diseases such as tauopathies. In this study, hippocampal slice cultures from adult transgenic mice were used to investigate the effects of a novel antibody on hyperphosphorylated TAU. The adult-originating slices retained key cellular components and exhibited tau pathology, making them a suitable model for studying TAU pathology in the adult brain without the interference of the blood-brain barrier.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Kristina Valatkeviciene, Oron Levin, Milda Sarkinaite, Wouter A. J. Vints, Rimante Kunickaite, Greta Danyle, Simona Kusleikiene, Samrat Sheoran, Vida J. Cesnaitiene, Nerijus Masiulis, Uwe Himmelreich, Rymante Gleizniene
Summary: In this study, a multimodal approach was used to investigate the associations between structural and neurochemical changes in relation to mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The findings suggest that the biochemical integrity of the hippocampus and cingulate cortex is associated with the microstructural organization of ipsilateral white matter tracts originating in the hippocampus. Elevated myo-inositol may be an underlying mechanism for decreased connectivity between the hippocampus and the prefrontal/cingulate cortex in MCI.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Bram Callewaert, Willy Gsell, Uwe Himmelreich, Elizabeth A. V. Jones
Summary: As our imaging capability increases, there is a greater need for image quantification tools. Q-VAT is an open-source software for Fiji (ImageJ) that automates the analysis and quantification of large two-dimensional tissue images. It allows separate measurement of vessels based on diameter, enabling separate quantification of macro- and microvasculature.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Christy Maksoudian, Mukaddes Izci, Robbe Salembier, Irati Perez Gilabert, Filipa Roque Goncalves, Carla Rios Luci, Eduardo Bolea-Fernandez, Frank Vanhaecke, Bella B. Manshian, Stefaan J. Soenen
Summary: This study investigates the impact of modulating three factors in the tumor microenvironment on the delivery of gold nanoparticles. It was found that removal of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) can improve tumor vasculature maturity, but does not significantly affect nanoparticle delivery. On the other hand, reducing hypoxia and breaking down extracellular matrix (ECM) can significantly improve nanoparticle delivery.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Vincent Lenders, Xanthippi Koutsoumpou, Philana Phan, Stefaan. J. J. Soenen, Karel Allegaert, Steven de Vleeschouwer, Jaan Toelen, Zongmin Zhao, Bella. B. B. Manshian
Summary: The use of nanoparticles in biomedicine has been extensively studied, with a focus on their role as carriers for drug delivery. Most studies have focused on tumor models, but recent research has also explored the challenges of delivering nanoparticles to other organs. This review discusses recent advancements in overcoming biological barriers such as lung mucus, gastrointestinal mucus, placental barrier, and blood-brain barrier.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Samantha Zaunz, Jonathan De Smedt, Lukas Lauwereins, Lana Cleuren, Charlie Laffeber, Manmohan Bajaj, Joyce H. G. Lebbink, Jurgen A. Marteijn, Kim De Keersmaecker, Catherine Verfaillie
Summary: APEX1 plays a crucial role in adult regenerative hematopoiesis, with its nuclease and redox domains impacting proliferating HSPCs differently.
STEM CELL REVIEWS AND REPORTS
(2023)