Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Zhihua Teng, Jie Yao, Ling Zhu, Lufeng Zhao, Gang Chen
Summary: This study revealed that ZNF655 is abundantly expressed in NSCLC, and its knockdown can inhibit the malignant behaviors of tumor cells, leading to decreased tumorigenesis. ZNF655 may regulate apoptosis of NSCLC cells through the PI3K/Akt and p53 signaling pathways.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Didier Hodzic, Jun Wu, Karen Krchma, Andrea Jurisicova, Yonit Tsatskis, Yijie Liu, Peng Ji, Kyunghee Choi, Helen McNeill
Summary: This study reveals for the first time the crucial role of nuclear envelope protein NEMP1 in erythropoiesis. The researchers found that NEMP1 plays an important regulatory role in nuclear envelope openings and enucleation process of red blood cells. The results provide a valuable mouse model for studying defective erythropoiesis.
Article
Cell Biology
Ali Mohammadi, Behzad Mansoori, Pascal H. G. Duijf, Elham Safarzadeh, Leila Tebbi, Souzan Najafi, Behrooz Shokouhi, Grith L. Sorensen, Uffe Holmskov, Behzad Baradaran
Summary: Low miR-330 expression in lung cancer predicts poor prognosis, but stable restoration of miR-330 expression can reduce cell viability, increase apoptotic cells, induce G2/M cell cycle arrest, and inhibit cell migration.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jun Zeng, Mei Li, Jun-Yu Xu, Heng Xiao, Xian Yang, Jiao-Xiu Fan, Kang Wu, Shuang Chen
Summary: This study found that H2O2 promoted proliferation and migration of CRC cells by regulating cell cycle progression and epithelial to mesenchymal transition. The expression of CXCL14 was elevated in CRC cells treated with H2O2, and NAC pretreatment could suppress CXCL14 expression. Over-expression of CXCL14 and treatment with H2O2 up-regulated expression of cell cycle-related and EMT-related proteins in CRC cells.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Jia Wang, Haonan Li, Liang Wang, Jing Zhang, Man Li, Liang Qiao, Jun Zhang, Likun Liu, Cuili Zhang, Jingchun Gao, Weiling Li
Summary: Ovarian cancer is the most common and aggressive tumor of the female reproductive system, with a lack of early detection methods contributing to its poor prognosis. Transcriptomic analysis identified 24 tumor suppressor genes associated with poor prognosis in ovarian cancer, with BTG2 showing potential as a therapeutic candidate. BTG2 was found to suppress ovarian cancer cell proliferation and migration, making it a potential biomarker for this type of cancer.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Cheng Song, Bo Pan, Xiao Yang, Wei Tang
Summary: The study validated the potential anti-tumor effects of Polyphyllin VII in colorectal cancer (CRC), showing its ability to inhibit CRC cell proliferation, induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, as well as exert anti-metastatic effects. By affecting multiple signaling pathways, Polyphyllin VII may serve as a novel anti-tumor drug for the treatment of CRC.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cynthia Hajal, Yoojin Shin, Leanne Li, Jean Carlos Serrano, Tyler Jacks, Roger D. Kamm
Summary: The study demonstrates that astrocytes promote cancer cell extravasation across the blood-brain barrier by secreting CCL2 and the CCL2-CCR2 astrocyte-cancer cell axis plays a fundamental role in this process.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Constanze Pentzold, Miriam Kokal, Stefan Pentzold, Anja Weise
Summary: Chromosomal fragile sites, positioned in the interphase nucleus with anchoring points at the nuclear lamina, exhibit fragility in mitosis but actually start in interphase, influencing genomic integrity and sustaining cellular diversity.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Lili Zhai, Wenjing Chen, Boshu Cui, Bing Yu, Yang Wang, Huiming Liu
Summary: The study found that VCAN is upregulated in gastric cancer, and its high expression is correlated with the malignancy of tumors. VCAN knockdown can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells, promoting cell cycle arrest; while VCAN overexpression has the opposite effect, indicating that VCAN may be a potential biomarker for gastric cancer.
Article
Cell Biology
Karl Kochanowski, Timur Sander, Hannes Link, Jeremy Chang, Steven J. Altschuler, Lani F. Wu
Summary: Cancer cells exhibit simple empirical growth relationships in different metabolic environments, with drug-treatment survival following linear growth relationships, cell migration showing a weak grow-and-go growth relationship, and lactate overflow being mostly decoupled from growth rate and instead determined by the cells' ability to maintain high sugar uptake rates. The quantitative approach developed in this study provides insights into formulating empirical growth laws of cancer.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shubo Fei, Jiao Gao, Ryotaro Matsuda, Akira Endo, Wei-Lun Hsu, Jean-Jacques Delaunay, Hirofumi Daiguji
Summary: Investigations have shown that in MIL-101(Cr), the adsorption and desorption processes of water transition from a one-step to a two-step process with increasing temperature. This transition is related to the relative pressures for the transition between two different stable adsorption states in two different-sized mesopores.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bashir Lawal, Yu-Cheng Kuo, Alexander T. H. Wu, Hsu-Shan Huang
Summary: BC-N102, a novel small molecule inhibitor designed to target oncogenic and hormonal signaling in ER-positive breast cancer, demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxic effects and cell cycle arrest by downregulating key receptors and pathways while increasing signaling of other targets. In vivo studies showed tumor suppression and prolonged survival in animals, suggesting potential as a beneficial chemotherapeutic strategy for ER+ breast cancer patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Veronika Miskolci, Lucas C. Klemm, Anna Huttenlocher
Summary: The directed migration of innate immune cells is influenced by cell-cell contacts, which can attract, repel, or stop cell motility. Further research on cell contact dynamics as guidance cues may provide new insights into the regulation of innate immunity.
TRENDS IN CELL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Michael Vennettilli, Louis Gonzalez, Nicholas Hilgert, Andrew Mugler
Summary: In this study, a minimal model of autologous chemotaxis is used to determine the maximum cell density for effective sensing and it is found to be consistent with experimental observations of metastatic cancer cells. Additionally, it is discovered that in an oversaturated signaling molecule environment, sensing can not only fail but also cause backward cell motion. These findings shed light on the competition between chemical and mechanical cellular sensing and reveal a sensory strategy employed by cancer cells in dense tumor environments.
Review
Cell Biology
Yue Wang, Lillian Wu, Karen Wing Yee Yuen
Summary: This article reviews the determination of permissive locations for holocentromeres, potentially through chromatin organization, transcription, and non-coding RNAs in the nematode C. elegans. It also discusses the recruitment and deposition of holocentric CENP-A or CENP-T-containing nucleosomes, as well as the process of resolving sister centromeres in holocentric organisms. The conservation and diversity between holocentric and monocentric organisms are highlighted, and outstanding questions are proposed.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Lila Bemmerlein, Ilker A. Deniz, Jana Karbanova, Angela Jacobi, Stephan Drukewitz, Theresa Link, Andy Goebel, Lisa Sevenich, Anna V. Taubenberger, Pauline Wimberger, Jan Dominik Kuhlmann, Denis Corbeil
Summary: This study investigates the use of cell morphology to predict bone metastasis in breast cancer. The researchers found that the morphology of breast cancer cells can reflect their molecular, migratory, and biophysical characteristics, and is specifically altered in cells that adopt a bone-tropic phenotype. The findings suggest that cell morphology could be an informative readout for understanding breast cancer heterogeneity and predicting bone metastasis.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Andrew G. Clark, Ananyo Maitra, Cecile Jacques, Martin Bergert, Carlos Perez-Gonzalez, Anthony Simon, Luc Lederer, Alba Diz-Munoz, Xavier Trepat, Raphael Voituriez, Danijela Matic Vignjevic
Summary: There is growing evidence that the physical properties of the cellular microenvironment affect cell migration. In this study, cell clusters cultured on deformable collagen-I networks were found to exhibit persistent collective migration. The clusters generated temporary gradients in collagen density and alignment due to viscoelastic relaxation of the collagen networks.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ahmad Ahsan Nawaz, Despina Soteriou, Catherine K. Xu, Ruchi Goswami, Maik Herbig, Jochen Guck, Salvatore Girardo
Summary: Cell sorting based on mechanical properties has the potential to revolutionize the isolation of cells from heterogeneous populations. However, current methods sacrifice sorting rate for purity. We present a label-free cell sorting method using focused travelling surface acoustic wave in combination with real-time deformability cytometry, which enables high-throughput and high purity sorting of cells with different physical parameters. Our system also allows sorting of small cell fractions from concentrated populations, demonstrating the flexibility and applicability of the method.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Luca Stendardo, Athanasios Milionis, George Kokkoris, Christos Stamatopoulos, Chander Shekhar Sharma, Raushan Kumar, Matteo Donati, Dimos Poulikakos
Summary: A new surface texture design strategy has been discovered through three-dimensional multiphase computational approach, which can achieve efficient droplet departure and enhance condensation heat-transfer efficiency and water harvesting capabilities.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Iwan Haechler, Nicole Ferru, Gabriel Schnoering, Efstratios Mitridis, Thomas M. Schutzius, Dimos Poulikakos
Summary: Counteracting surface fogging is crucial for eyewear, windows, and displays. An innovative transparent, sunlight-activated, photothermal coating is designed to inhibit fogging. This nanoscopically thin percolating gold layer coating achieves impressive performance in fog prevention and removal, even in cloudy conditions, with improved durability and integration capabilities.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Physical
Anna. V. V. Taubenberger, Tanmay. P. P. Lele
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nafsika Chala, Xinyu Zhang, Tomaso Zambelli, Ziyi Zhang, Teseo Schneider, Daniele Panozzo, Dimos Poulikakos, Aldo Ferrari
Summary: Mechanical signals establish communication between mammalian cells and their environment. Cells exert forces and transmit them at focal adhesion points. External stimuli affect the adhesion-free cell surface. The integration of Fluidic Force Microscopy and confocal Traction Force Microscopy enables precise force probing of individual cells, allowing the investigation of cellular mechanisms in response to mechanical stimuli.
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Henry Lambley, Gustav Graeber, Raphael Vogt, Leon C. C. Gaugler, Enea Baumann, Thomas M. M. Schutzius, Dimos Poulikakos
Summary: Supercooled droplet freezing on surfaces is a common phenomenon in nature and industry, but little is known about its effect on droplet-substrate interactions and the design of icephobic surfaces. This study investigates freezing of supercooled droplets on textured surfaces and identifies surface properties that promote ice expulsion. The study also explores mechanisms through which repellency falters and provides insights into the phenomenology of ice adhesion throughout freezing. The findings contribute to the design of icephobic surfaces for increased safety and sustainability in engineering applications.
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Jana Sievers, Vaibhav Mahajan, Petra B. Welzel, Carsten Werner, Anna Taubenberger
Summary: Cancer progression involves remodeling of the tumor microenvironment, particularly changes in mechanical characteristics. Bioengineered polymer hydrogels can be used to explore how these mechanical changes impact cancer cell behavior. This article reviews studies using hydrogel-based models to investigate the effects of different mechanical cues on cancer cells and highlights advanced strategies for recreating the tumor microenvironment's architectural and mechanical features. It is anticipated that these precision hydrogel systems will enhance our understanding of cancer mechanobiology.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Francesca Michela Pramotton, Lucien Cousin, Tamal Roy, Costanza Giampietro, Marco Cecchini, Cecilia Masciullo, Aldo Ferrari, Dimos Poulikakos
Summary: Mammalian cells respond to topographic cues from a substrate, with anisotropic features giving guidance. However, in the extracellular matrix, the presence of noise affects this guidance effect. This study introduces morphotaxis, a mechanism where fibroblasts and epithelial cells move according to gradients of topographic order distortion.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Panagiotis Sarkiris, Vassilios Constantoudis, Kosmas Ellinas, Cheuk Wing Edmond Lam, Athanasios Milionis, John Anagnostopoulos, Dimos Poulikakos, Evangelos Gogolides
Summary: Micro-nanoengineered superhydrophobic surfaces can enhance heat transfer by inducing the formation of highly mobile condensate droplets. The critical role of the correlation length of topography in designing these surfaces for heat transfer applications is demonstrated. A high correlation length value leads to increased space between surface structures, resulting in improved heat transfer coefficient and delayed flooding of the surface. Therefore, correlation length is a critical criterion for optimizing surfaces for condensation heat transfer.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Mijin Kim, Magdalini Panagiotakopoulou, Chen Chen, Stephen B. B. Ruiz, Karuna Ganesh, Tuomas Tammela, Daniel A. A. Heller
Summary: This review summarizes the use of micro-engineering approaches and nanosensors in establishing multicomponent tumour models and assessing tumour plasticity. These methods are being explored to model the interactions among tumour cells, the tumour microenvironment, and non-tumour tissues, and to measure them in situ and in vivo. The potential of nanosensors for transmitting information about changes in chemical gradients, enzymatic activities, and immune profiles of the tumour microenvironment and circulating analytes is also discussed.
NATURE REVIEWS CANCER
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lucas Daniel Wittwer, Felix Reichel, Paul Mueller, Jochen Guck, Sebastian Aland
Summary: Real-time deformability cytometry (RT-DC) is a method that quantifies cell features on a single-cell level in real-time, and here we present two new lookup tables for RT-DC based on a neo-Hookean hyperelastic material obtained through simulations. The influence of the shear-thinning behavior of the surrounding medium on cell deformation in RT-DC is also analyzed, and insights about cell strain and stresses are provided. The new lookup tables and numerical cell shapes are freely available for use.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Beyza Bueyuekurganci, Santanu Kumar Basu, Markus Neuner, Jochen Guck, Andreas Wierschem, Felix Reichel
Summary: In this study, a full shear-rheological description of methyl cellulose (MC) solutions was provided at different shear rates. The results showed that MC solutions exhibited power-law viscosity behavior and showed first normal stress difference at high shear rates. Furthermore, the impact of MC concentration on the rheology of the solutions was investigated, and the entanglement concentration was found to be approximately 0.64%. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the viscoelastic behavior of MC solutions and can be considered when modeling stress in microfluidic channels.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Nicolas Hauck, Timon Beck, Gheorghe Cojoc, Raimund Schlussler, Saeed Ahmed, Ivan Raguzin, Martin Mayer, Jonas Schubert, Paul Muller, Jochen Guck, Julian Thiele
Summary: Stretching individual living cells with light is a common method for evaluating their mechanical properties. However, the heat generated by the laser light used in optical stretchers can unintentionally alter the cells' mechanical properties. To address this issue, researchers have developed cell-sized elastic poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) microgels that can indicate temperature changes through hydrogel swelling. By analyzing the effects of different gelation methods on the microgel network heterogeneity, micromechanics, and temperature response, the researchers have enhanced the use of standardized microgels for calibrating and validating cell mechanics analysis.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2022)