Article
Plant Sciences
Avinash Sanap, Kalpana Joshi, Tejas Shah, Girish Tillu, Ramesh Bhonde
Summary: The study showed that Piper longum L. fruit extract significantly increased proliferation of WJMSCs and enhanced Ca2+ accumulation and matrix mineralization, along with promoting alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the expression of key gene mRNAs. This suggests that the fruit extract can enhance osteogenic differentiation of WJMSCs, potentially serving as an anti-osteoporotic agent.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Changzhen Wang, Hongmei Ning, Jiao Gao, Teng Xue, Ming Zhao, Xiaoxia Jiang, Xiaoming Zhu, Ximin Guo, Hong Li, Xiaoyan Wang
Summary: This study investigated the impact of hematopoietic cells on MSCs and found that partial deletion of the Pten gene in hematopoietic cells can lead to abnormal differentiation of MSCs. There is a reciprocal relationship between hematopoietic cells and MSCs, with an important role in bone development.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Dongdong Fei, Yanmin Xia, Qiming Zhai, Yazheng Wang, Feng Zhou, Wanmin Zhao, Xiaoning He, Qintao Wang, Yan Jin, Bei Li
Summary: This study focuses on the clonal osteogenic heterogeneity of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and uncovers a mechanism where exosome-mediated PINK1/Parkin-dependent mitophagy regulates interclonal communication among SCCs with osteogenic heterogeneity, promoting osteogenic differentiation.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Juan C. Henao, Adriana Grismaldo, Alfonso Barreto, Viviana M. Rodriguez-Pardo, Claudia Camila Mejia-Cruz, Efrain Leal-Garcia, Rafael Perez-Nunez, Patricio Rojas, Ramon Latorre, Ingrid Carvacho, Yolima P. Torres
Summary: The study demonstrates that TRPM8 channels are expressed in human bone marrow MSCs and are involved in osteogenic differentiation, with agonists promoting osteogenic differentiation and antagonists leading to a decrease in osteogenic differentiation.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Man Zhang, Qian Sun, Yiling Liu, Zhiqin Chu, Leixiao Yu, Yong Hou, Heemin Kang, Qiang Wei, Weifeng Zhao, Joachim P. Spatz, Changsheng Zhao, Elisabetta A. Cavalcanti-Adam
Summary: Tunable mechanical properties of hydrogels play a key role in regulating stem cell differentiation. By modulating cellular spatial sensing of integrin-adhesive ligands on low stiffness hydrogels, the mechanosensing and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs can be promoted to levels comparable with those observed on stiffer hydrogels. This approach opens up new possibilities for designing biomaterials and tissue scaffolds for regenerative therapeutics.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Enrico C. Torre, Mesude Bicer, Graeme S. Cottrell, Darius Widera, Francesco Tamagnini
Summary: Adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ASCs) have the potential to differentiate into various cell types and exhibit spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations. The effects of differentiation treatments on ASCs' Ca2+ dynamics, in terms of oscillation fraction and frequency, were examined in this study. Both adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation resulted in reduced Ca2+ dynamics, with adipogenic differentiation showing a more pronounced effect. Changes in Ca2+ oscillations were observed as early as 7 days in vitro (DIV). Further research is needed to understand the molecular and mechanistic correlates of these changes for the development of interventions in regenerative medicine.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chengwei Wu, Yuan Sun, Xuzhao He, Wenjian Weng, Kui Cheng, Zuobing Chen
Summary: In this study, nano-functionalized photothermal extracellular matrix (ECM) nanocomposite films were obtained through adding graphene during cell culture, enabling graphene to directly integrate with the ECM secreted by cells. The nanocomposite films achieved an interface temperature rise with light illumination, which could be sensed by BMSCs through the ECM. The films significantly promoted the differentiation of BMSCs into osteoblasts, as evidenced by alkaline phosphatase, osteogenic related gene expression, mineral deposition, and upregulated expression of heat shock protein (HSP70) and p-ERK. This work provides new insights into the thermal regulation of BMSC differentiation and the development of remotely controlled biocompatible osteo-implant materials.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jinli Zhang, Zhihe Liu, Yang Luo, Xiaojian Li, Guowei Huang, Huan Chen, Aiguo Li, Shengnan Qin
Summary: Flavonoids have the potential to regulate the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), making them a promising therapeutic application in bone disorders and bone tissue engineered constructs.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Aiah A. El-Rashidy, Sara El Moshy, Israa Ahmed Radwan, Dina Rady, Marwa M. S. Abbass, Christof E. Doerfer, Karim M. Fawzy El-Sayed
Summary: The stiffness of the extracellular matrix plays a regulatory role in directing the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, with MSCs sensing and responding to their ECM to undergo differentiation. Customizing scaffold materials to mimic cells' natural environment is crucial in the tissue engineering process.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aleksandra Kostina, Arseniy Lobov, Daria Semenova, Artem Kiselev, Polina Klausen, Anna Malashicheva
Summary: Despite significant progress in bone tissue regeneration, the early mechanisms of osteogenic differentiation remain poorly understood. Various cells can undergo osteogenic transformation, with Notch signaling playing a key role in this process. Research demonstrates differences in the ability of different cell types to undergo Notch-dependent osteogenic differentiation.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Keyu Kong, Yongyun Chang, Yi Hu, Hua Qiao, Chen Zhao, Kewei Rong, Pu Zhang, Jingwei Zhang, Zanjing Zhai, Huiwu Li
Summary: This study demonstrated that nanotopography on titanium surfaces promotes osteogenesis by increasing nuclear localization of Yap and activating the expression of Piezo1. The research also revealed the regulatory relationship between Yap and Piezo1 and confirmed Piezo1 as a downstream effector of Yap in nanotube-stimulated osteogenesis.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chanchao Lorthongpanich, Thanapon Charoenwongpaiboon, Prapasri Supakun, Methus Klaewkla, Pakpoom Kheolamai, Surapol Issaragrisil
Summary: The study showed that fisetin can inhibit proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of human MSCs and SaOs-2 cells by reducing YAP activity, leading to downregulation of osteogenic genes and upregulation of fibroblast genes. Molecular docking and simulations suggest that fisetin may disrupt protein-protein interactions by occupying the TEAD pocket, indicating its potential role in regulating human osteogenesis.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Stefania Lama, Amalia Luce, Giuseppe Bitti, Pilar Chacon-Millan, Annalisa Itro, Pasquale Ferranti, Giovanni D'Auria, Marcella Cammarota, Giovanni Francesco Nicoletti, Giuseppe Andrea Ferraro, Chiara Schiraldi, Michele Caraglia, Evzen Amler, Paola Stiuso
Summary: This study investigated the potential application of polycaprolactone/polydatin (PCL/PD) nanofiber scaffold in bone tissue engineering. The results showed that osteosarcoma cells and mesenchymal stem cells cultured on PD-PCL nanofiber scaffold exhibited enhanced cell adhesion and osteogenic differentiation.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chiara Mazziotta, Carmen Lanzillotti, Maria Rosa Iaquinta, Francesca Taraballi, Elena Torreggiani, John Charles Rotondo, Lucia Oton-Gonzalez, Elisa Mazzoni, Francesca Frontini, Ilaria Bononi, Monica De Mattei, Mauro Tognon, Fernanda Martini
Summary: MSCs are important source for bone regeneration and play a crucial role in osteogenic differentiation. MiRNAs regulate gene expression in osteogenic differentiation of MSCs and are involved in controlling important signaling pathways such as TGF-beta/BMP and Wnt/beta-catenin.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jing Liu, Yaya Cheng, Haoyu Wang, Dingyi Yang, Cunshun Liu, Weixin Dou, Xue Jiang, Hongzhang Deng, Rusen Yang
Summary: Researchers developed a composite piezoelectric fibrous membrane with titanium dioxide nanoparticles and PVDF for cellular osteogenic differentiation. The membrane significantly promoted the expression of osteocalcin gene and cell adhesion and proliferation through electromechanical stimulation. The proposed mechanism provides guidance for designing electroactive materials to promote osteogenic differentiation and bone regeneration.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Florin Andrei, Andreea Andrei, Ruxandra Birjega, Eduard Nicolae Sirjita, Alina Irina Radu, Maria Dinescu, Valentin Ion, Valentin-Adrian Maraloiu, Valentin Serban Teodorescu, Nicu Doinel Scarisoreanu
Summary: The study focused on the n-type tungsten oxide (WO3) semiconductor as a suitable photoanode for water decomposition reaction due to its physical and chemical properties. The research investigated the impacts of structural and optical changes in WO3 thin films on their photoelectrochemical PEC water-splitting properties. Results revealed that WO3 thin film prepared with a laser emitting at 355 nm wavelength exhibited the highest photocurrent density in acidic solution.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Florin Andrei, Valentin Ion, Ruxandra Birjega, Maria Dinescu, Nicoleta Enea, Dan Pantelica, Maria Diana Mihai, Valentin-Adrian Maraloiu, Valentin Serban Teodorescu, Ioan-Cezar Marcu, Nicu Doinel Scarisoreanu
Summary: The study investigates the formation of self-assembled nanodomains in LaFeO3 epitaxial thin films and their effects on the photoelectrochemical properties, revealing detrimental effects on PEC functional properties when nanopyramids-like domains appear after a thickness threshold. The research provides insights into the structural and stoichiometric features that influence the photocurrent density and onset potential exhibited by LFO photoelectrodes. Moreover, the highest photocurrent density values were observed for the thinnest LFO/Nb:SrTiO3 sample, showing excellent stability over time and unbiased hydrogen evolution from water.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Luminita Nicoleta Dumitrescu, Madalina Icriverzi, Anca Bonciu, Anca Roseanu, Antoniu Moldovan, Valentina Dinca
Summary: By investigating the influence of different depths of microstructured surfaces on macrophage activity, it was found that the depth of the surface affects macrophage activity, and that changes in surface topography can affect the hydrophobicity of the material and inflammatory response.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Oana Craciunescu, Madalina Icriverzi, Paula Ecaterina Florian, Anca Roseanu, Mihaela Trif
Summary: This review discusses the use of natural bioactive compounds in treating OA, their formulation in lipid nanostructured carriers, and routes of administration.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dora Domnica Baciu, Ruxandra Birjega, Valentina Marascu, Rodica Zavoianu, Andreea Matei, Angela Vlad, Anca Cojocaru, Teodor Visan
Summary: The preliminary studies show that modified electrodes exhibit higher sensitivity in detecting MSG concentrations, with the graphene composite film showing the best results. However, cyclic voltammetry tests of modified electrodes prepared by laser technique with addition of radiofrequency plasma indicated a negative effect on surface electroactivity, reducing the quality of MSG cathodic voltammetric signal.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nicoleta-Luminita Dumitrescu, Madalina Icriverzi, Anca Bonciu, Paula Florian, Antoniu Moldovan, Anca Roseanu, Laurentiu Rusen, Valentina Dinca, Florin Grama
Summary: This study aims to design and obtain synthetic biointerfaces using MAPLE technique and study their influence on cell behavior. The evaluations of coating characteristics reveal that the MAPLE deposition method with DMSO solvent and fluences of 350-450 mJ/cm(2) is more suitable for bioengineering applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Veronica Satulu, Valentina Dinca, Mihaela Bacalum, Cosmin Mustaciosu, Bogdana Mitu, Gheorghe Dinescu
Summary: This study investigates the use of plasma treatment to control cell behavior on polymer surfaces. The results show that plasma treatment increases cell viability and attachment, while also speeding up the cell detachment process. This demonstrates the potential of plasma treatment for improving cell attachment and detachment in tissue engineering.
Review
Cell Biology
Livia Elena Sima, Daniela Matei, Salvatore Condello
Summary: Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) is a protein that is regulated by Ca2+ and GTP levels and plays important roles in cancer, including metastasis, chemotherapy resistance, and stemness. TG2 interacts with matrix proteins to regulate epithelial to mesenchymal transition and stemness. Improved understanding of these mechanisms could lead to new therapeutic strategies for cancer.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dumitru Manica, Valentin Ion, Mihai Sopronyi, Florin Andrei, Anca Bonciu, Nicu Scarisoreanu
Summary: This study presents the deposition of large area Al2O3 thin films on silicon wafers using a pulsed laser deposition installation, aiming to provide a protective layer with high uniformity, hardness, and modulus of elasticity. It contributes to the knowledge on manufacturing Al2O3 thin films for large area applications, such as tribological or nuclear applications.
APPLIED PHYSICS A-MATERIALS SCIENCE & PROCESSING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nicoleta Enea, Valentin Ion, Cristian Viespe, Izabela Constantinoiu, Octavian Buiu, Cosmin Romanitan, Nicu Doinel Scarisoreanu
Summary: In this study, the specific interaction between a modified surface and various gases in gas sensor applications was investigated. The sensitivity of the sensor was enhanced by depositing a conductive polymer on the surface of a piezoelectric ceramic material. The frequency responses of the sensors to different gases were measured to observe differences in their performance based on deposition conditions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Simona Nistorescu, Madalina Icriverzi, Paula Florian, Anca Bonciu, Valentina Marascu, Nicoleta Dumitrescu, Gratiela Gradisteanu Pircalabioru, Laurentiu Rusen, Alexandra Mocanu, Anca Roseanu, Anisoara Cimpean, Florin Grama, Valentina Dinca, Daniel A. A. Cristian
Summary: Nowadays, coating device surfaces with polymers that have specific characteristics to prevent undesired biological responses is an optimal strategy for developing efficient implants for biomedical applications. Phosphorylcholine-based polymers with their ability to resist cell and bacterial adhesion, particularly zwitterionic ones, are of interest. This study investigated the use of the Matrix-Assisted Laser Evaporation (MAPLE) technique to functionalize Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surfaces with zwitterionic poly(2-Methacryloyloxyethyl-Phosphorylcholine) (pMPC) polymer. The evaluation of the physical-chemical properties of the new coatings showed that this technique can achieve uniform and stable hydrophilic pMPC thin layers on hydrophobic PDMS without any pre-treatment, overcoming the major disadvantage of hydrophobicity recovery.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Valentina Dinca, Gabriela Toader, Raluca Gavrila, Oana Brincoveanu, Adrian Dinescu, Edina Rusen, Aurel Diacon, Alexandra Mocanu
Summary: Matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) was used to modify the surface of aluminum by depositing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and triethanolamine (TEA) from frozen aqueous solutions, resulting in changes in surface hydrophilicity and surface free energies. The deposition of TEA and PVA layers was confirmed through FT-IR, SEM, and AFM analysis. The performance of the adhesive Bison Max Repair Extreme Adhesive(R) was evaluated using tensile strength measurements, showing significant increases in tensile strength for Al-TEA and Al-PVA compared to the control. This study demonstrates the potential of using MAPLE as a pretreatment method for reinforcing aluminum plates in adhesive bonding.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Francesco Cordero, Floriana Craciun, Patrizia Imperatori, Venanzio Raglione, Gloria Zanotti, Antoniu Moldovan, Maria Dinescu
Summary: In this study, we measured the properties of a metal-free molecular perovskite material and found that it exhibits ferroelectricity below a certain temperature. We also observed that the material deteriorates and loses mass at high temperatures, leading to a decrease in performance. Unlike traditional ferroelectric materials, the elastic modulus of this material weakens before the ferroelectric phase. The degradation of the material is attributed to point defects, and a method for calculating the defect concentration is proposed.
