The onset of retinal degenerative disease is often associated with neuronal loss. Therefore, how to regenerate new neurons to restore vision is an important issue. NeuroD1 is a neural transcription factor with the abi...The onset of retinal degenerative disease is often associated with neuronal loss. Therefore, how to regenerate new neurons to restore vision is an important issue. NeuroD1 is a neural transcription factor with the ability to reprogram brain astrocytes into neurons in vivo. Here, we demonstrate that in adult mice, NeuroD1 can reprogram Müller cells, the principal glial cell type in the retina, to become retinal neurons. Most strikingly, ectopic expression of NeuroD1 using two different viral vectors converted Müller cells into different cell types. Specifically, AAV7 m8 GFAP681::GFP-ND1 converted Müller cells into inner retinal neurons, including amacrine cells and ganglion cells. In contrast, AAV9 GFAP104::ND1-GFP converted Müller cells into outer retinal neurons such as photoreceptors and horizontal cells, with higher conversion efficiency. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Müller cell conversion induced by AAV9 GFAP104::ND1-GFP displayed clear dose-and time-dependence. These results indicate that Müller cells in adult mice are highly plastic and can be reprogrammed into various subtypes of retinal neurons.展开更多
To date, it remains poorly understood whether astrocytes can be easily reprogrammed into neurons. Mashl and Brn2 have been previously shown to cooperate to reprogram fibroblasts into neurons. In this study, we examine...To date, it remains poorly understood whether astrocytes can be easily reprogrammed into neurons. Mashl and Brn2 have been previously shown to cooperate to reprogram fibroblasts into neurons. In this study, we examined astrocytes from 2-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats, and found that Brn2 was expressed, but Mashl was not detectable. Thus, we hypothesized that Mashl alone could be used to reprogram astrocytes into neurons. We transfected a recombinant MSCV-MASH1 plasmid into astrocytes for 72 hours, and saw that all cells expressed Mashl. One week later, we observed the changes in morphology of astrocytes, which showed typical neuro- nal characteristics. Moreover, β-tubulin expression levels were significantly higher in astrocytes expressing Mashl than in control cells. These results indicate that Mashl alone can reprogram astrocytes into neurons.展开更多
With the support by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,the research team directed by Prof.Huang HeFeng(黄荷风)at Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease,Institute of Embryo Fetal Original Adul...With the support by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,the research team directed by Prof.Huang HeFeng(黄荷风)at Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease,Institute of Embryo Fetal Original Adult Disease and International Peace Maternity&.Child Health Hospital,School of Medicine,Shanghai Jiao Tong University.展开更多
Metabolic reprogramming involving branched-chain amino acids(BCAAs)—leucine,isoleucine,and valine—is increasingly recognized as pivotal in cancer progression,metastasis,and immune modulation.This review comprehensiv...Metabolic reprogramming involving branched-chain amino acids(BCAAs)—leucine,isoleucine,and valine—is increasingly recognized as pivotal in cancer progression,metastasis,and immune modulation.This review comprehensively explores how cancer cells rewire BCAA metabolism to enhance proliferation,survival,and therapy resistance.Tumors manipulate BCAA uptake and catabolism via high expression of transporters like L-type amino acid transporter 1(LAT1)and enzymes including branched chain amino acid transaminase 1(BCAT1),branched chain amino acid transaminase 2(BCAT2),branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase(BCKDH),and branched chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase kinase(BCKDK).These alterations sustain energy production,biosynthesis,redox homeostasis,and oncogenic signaling(especially mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1[mTORC1]).Crucially,tumor-driven BCAA depletion also shapes an immunosuppressive microenvironment,impairing anti-tumor immunity by limiting essential nutrients for T cells and natural killer(NK)cells.Innovative therapeutic strategies targeting BCAA pathways—ranging from selective small-molecule inhibitors(e.g.,LAT1 and BCAT1/2)to dietary modulation—have shown promising preclinical and early clinical efficacy,highlighting their potential to exploit metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer cells while bolstering immune responses.By integrating multi-omics data and precision targeting approaches,this review underscores the translational significance of BCAA metabolic reprogramming,positioning it as a novel frontier in cancer treatment.展开更多
Background:Therapeutic responses of breast cancer vary among patients and lead to drug resistance and recurrence due to the heterogeneity.Current preclinical models,however,are inadequate for predicting individual pat...Background:Therapeutic responses of breast cancer vary among patients and lead to drug resistance and recurrence due to the heterogeneity.Current preclinical models,however,are inadequate for predicting individual patient responses towards different drugs.This study aimed to investigate the patient-derived breast cancer culture models for drug sensitivity evaluations.Methods:Tumor and adjacent tissues from female breast cancer patients were collected during surgery.Patient-derived breast cancer cells were cultured using the conditional reprogramming technique to establish 2D models.The obtained patient-derived conditional reprogramming breast cancer(CRBC)cells were subsequently embedded in alginate-gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel microspheres to form 3D culture models.Comparisons between 2D and 3D models were made using immunohistochemistry(tumor markers),MTS assays(cell viability),flow cytometry(apoptosis),transwell assays(migration),and Western blotting(protein expression).Drug sensitivity tests were conducted to evaluate patient-specific responses to anti-cancer agents.Results:2D and 3D culture models were successfully established using samples from eight patients.The 3D models retained histological and marker characteristics of the original tumors.Compared to 2D cultures,3D models exhibited increased apoptosis,enhanced drug resistance,elevated stem cell marker expression,and greater migration ability—features more reflective of in vivo tumor behavior.Conclusion:Patient-derived 3D CRBC models effectively mimic the in vivo tumor microenvironment and demonstrate stronger resistance to anti-cancer drugs than 2D models.These hydrogel-based models offer a cost-effective and clinically relevant platform for drug screening and personalized breast cancer treatment.展开更多
The microenvironment of hypoxia and immune-cold limits the therapeutic outcomes of immune checkpoint blockade(ICB)therapy in solid tumors.It is important and imperative to search new strategies to relieve tumor hypoxi...The microenvironment of hypoxia and immune-cold limits the therapeutic outcomes of immune checkpoint blockade(ICB)therapy in solid tumors.It is important and imperative to search new strategies to relieve tumor hypoxia and reverse immunosuppression of cold tumors.In this study,the oxygen(O_(2))self-replenishing nano-enabled coordination platform can be used to induce potent antitumor immune response in cold tumors.The nanoplatform can produce O_(2)by catalyzing hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2))in tumor site effectively,showing excellent photodynamic therapy(PDT)performance.Meanwhile,it can further trigger immunogenic cell death(ICD),enhance T cell infiltration,reverse immunosuppression,and reprogram the immune-cold tumor microenvironment.In vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that the nanoplatform has potential for eradicating tumors and long-term immunological memory effect.The nanoplatform opens up a strategy for reprograming the immunosuppressive microenvironment in cold tumors.展开更多
Spinal cord injuries impose a notably economic burden on society,mainly because of the severe after-effects they cause.Despite the ongoing development of various therapies for spinal cord injuries,their effectiveness ...Spinal cord injuries impose a notably economic burden on society,mainly because of the severe after-effects they cause.Despite the ongoing development of various therapies for spinal cord injuries,their effectiveness remains unsatisfactory.However,a deeper understanding of metabolism has opened up a new therapeutic opportunity in the form of metabolic reprogramming.In this review,we explore the metabolic changes that occur during spinal cord injuries,their consequences,and the therapeutic tools available for metabolic reprogramming.Normal spinal cord metabolism is characterized by independent cellular metabolism and intercellular metabolic coupling.However,spinal cord injury results in metabolic disorders that include disturbances in glucose metabolism,lipid metabolism,and mitochondrial dysfunction.These metabolic disturbances lead to corresponding pathological changes,including the failure of axonal regeneration,the accumulation of scarring,and the activation of microglia.To rescue spinal cord injury at the metabolic level,potential metabolic reprogramming approaches have emerged,including replenishing metabolic substrates,reconstituting metabolic couplings,and targeting mitochondrial therapies to alter cell fate.The available evidence suggests that metabolic reprogramming holds great promise as a next-generation approach for the treatment of spinal cord injury.To further advance the metabolic treatment of the spinal cord injury,future efforts should focus on a deeper understanding of neurometabolism,the development of more advanced metabolomics technologies,and the design of highly effective metabolic interventions.展开更多
Direct in vivo conversion of astrocytes into functional new neurons induced by neural transcription factors has been recognized as a potential new therapeutic intervention for neural injury and degenerative disorders....Direct in vivo conversion of astrocytes into functional new neurons induced by neural transcription factors has been recognized as a potential new therapeutic intervention for neural injury and degenerative disorders. However, a few recent studies have claimed that neural transcription factors cannot convert astrocytes into neurons, attributing the converted neurons to pre-existing neurons mis-expressing transgenes. In this study, we overexpressed three distinct neural transcription factors––NeuroD1, Ascl1, and Dlx2––in reactive astrocytes in mouse cortices subjected to stab injury, resulting in a series of significant changes in astrocyte properties. Initially, the three neural transcription factors were exclusively expressed in the nuclei of astrocytes. Over time, however, these astrocytes gradually adopted neuronal morphology, and the neural transcription factors was gradually observed in the nuclei of neuron-like cells instead of astrocytes. Furthermore,we noted that transcription factor-infected astrocytes showed a progressive decrease in the expression of astrocytic markers AQP4(astrocyte endfeet signal), CX43(gap junction signal), and S100β. Importantly, none of these changes could be attributed to transgene leakage into preexisting neurons. Therefore, our findings suggest that neural transcription factors such as NeuroD1, Ascl1, and Dlx2 can effectively convert reactive astrocytes into neurons in the adult mammalian brain.展开更多
Aging is a pivotal risk factor for intervertebral disc degeneration(IVDD)and chronic low back pain(LBP).The restoration of aging nucleus pulposus cells(NPCs)to a youthful epigenetic state is crucial for IVDD treatment...Aging is a pivotal risk factor for intervertebral disc degeneration(IVDD)and chronic low back pain(LBP).The restoration of aging nucleus pulposus cells(NPCs)to a youthful epigenetic state is crucial for IVDD treatment,but remains a formidable challenge.Here,we proposed a strategy to partially reprogram and reinstate youthful epigenetics of senescent NPCs by delivering a plasmid carrier that expressed pluripotency-associated genes(Oct4,Klf4 and Sox2)in Cavin2-modified exosomes(OKS@M-Exo)for treatment of IVDD and alleviating LBP.The functional OKS@M-Exo efficaciously alleviated senescence markers(p16^(INK4a),p21^(CIP1)and p53),reduced DNA damage and H4K20me3 expression,as well as restored proliferation ability and metabolic balance in senescent NPCs,as validated through in vitro experiments.In a rat model of IVDD,OKS@M-Exo maintained intervertebral disc height,nucleus pulposus hydration and tissue structure,effectively ameliorated IVDD via decreasing the senescence markers.Additionally,OKS@MExo reduced nociceptive behavior and downregulated nociception markers,indicating its efficiency in alleviating LBP.The transcriptome sequencing analysis also demonstrated that OKS@M-Exo could decrease the expression of age-related pathways and restore cell proliferation.Collectively,reprogramming by the OKS@M-Exo to restore youthful epigenetics of senescent NPCs may hold promise as a therapeutic platform to treat IVDD.展开更多
Cells undergo metabolic reprogramming to adapt to changes in nutrient availability, cellular activity, and transitions in cell states. The balance between glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration is crucial for energy...Cells undergo metabolic reprogramming to adapt to changes in nutrient availability, cellular activity, and transitions in cell states. The balance between glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration is crucial for energy production, and metabolic reprogramming stipulates a shift in such balance to optimize both bioenergetic efficiency and anabolic requirements. Failure in switching bioenergetic dependence can lead to maladaptation and pathogenesis. While cellular degradation is known to recycle precursor molecules for anabolism, its potential role in regulating energy production remains less explored. The bioenergetic switch between glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration involves transcription factors and organelle homeostasis, which are both regulated by the cellular degradation pathways. A growing body of studies has demonstrated that both stem cells and differentiated cells exhibit bioenergetic switch upon perturbations of autophagic activity or endolysosomal processes. Here, we highlighted the current understanding of the interplay between degradation processes, specifically autophagy and endolysosomes, transcription factors, endolysosomal signaling, and mitochondrial homeostasis in shaping cellular bioenergetics. This review aims to summarize the relationship between degradation processes and bioenergetics, providing a foundation for future research to unveil deeper mechanistic insights into bioenergetic regulation.展开更多
Müller glia,as prominent glial cells within the retina,plays a significant role in maintaining retinal homeostasis in both healthy and diseased states.In lower vertebrates like zebrafish,these cells assume respon...Müller glia,as prominent glial cells within the retina,plays a significant role in maintaining retinal homeostasis in both healthy and diseased states.In lower vertebrates like zebrafish,these cells assume responsibility for spontaneous retinal regeneration,wherein endogenous Müller glia undergo proliferation,transform into Müller glia-derived progenitor cells,and subsequently regenerate the entire retina with restored functionality.Conversely,Müller glia in the mouse and human retina exhibit limited neural reprogramming.Müller glia reprogramming is thus a promising strategy for treating neurodegenerative ocular disorders.Müller glia reprogramming in mice has been accomplished with remarkable success,through various technologies.Advancements in molecular,genetic,epigenetic,morphological,and physiological evaluations have made it easier to document and investigate the Müller glia programming process in mice.Nevertheless,there remain issues that hinder improving reprogramming efficiency and maturity.Thus,understanding the reprogramming mechanism is crucial toward exploring factors that will improve Müller glia reprogramming efficiency,and for developing novel Müller glia reprogramming strategies.This review describes recent progress in relatively successful Müller glia reprogramming strategies.It also provides a basis for developing new Müller glia reprogramming strategies in mice,including epigenetic remodeling,metabolic modulation,immune regulation,chemical small-molecules regulation,extracellular matrix remodeling,and cell-cell fusion,to achieve Müller glia reprogramming in mice.展开更多
Microglia,the primary immune cells within the brain,have gained recognition as a promising therapeutic target for managing neurodegenerative diseases within the central nervous system,including Parkinson’s disease.Na...Microglia,the primary immune cells within the brain,have gained recognition as a promising therapeutic target for managing neurodegenerative diseases within the central nervous system,including Parkinson’s disease.Nanoscale perfluorocarbon droplets have been reported to not only possess a high oxygen-carrying capacity,but also exhibit remarkable anti-inflammatory properties.However,the role of perfluoropentane in microglia-mediated central inflammatory reactions remains poorly understood.In this study,we developed perfluoropentane-based oxygen-loaded nanodroplets(PFP-OLNDs)and found that pretreatment with these droplets suppressed the lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of M1-type microglia in vitro and in vivo,and suppressed microglial activation in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease.Microglial suppression led to a reduction in the inflammatory response,oxidative stress,and cell migration capacity in vitro.Consequently,the neurotoxic effects were mitigated,which alleviated neuronal degeneration.Additionally,ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry showed that the anti-inflammatory effects of PFP-OLNDs mainly resulted from the modulation of microglial metabolic reprogramming.We further showed that PFP-OLNDs regulated microglial metabolic reprogramming through the AKT-mTOR-HIF-1αpathway.Collectively,our findings suggest that the novel PFP-OLNDs constructed in this study alleviate microglia-mediated central inflammatory reactions through metabolic reprogramming.展开更多
Numerous research conducted in recent years has revealed that gut microbial dysbiosis,such as modifications in composition and activity,might influence lung tissue homeostasis through specific pathways,thereby promoti...Numerous research conducted in recent years has revealed that gut microbial dysbiosis,such as modifications in composition and activity,might influence lung tissue homeostasis through specific pathways,thereby promoting susceptibility to lung diseases.The development and progression of lung cancer,as well as the effectiveness of immunotherapy are closely associated with gut flora and metabolites,which influence immunological and inflammatory responses.During abnormal proliferation,non-small cell lung cancer cells acquire more substances and energy by altering their own metabolic pathways.Glucose and amino acid metabolism reprogramming provide tumor cells with abundant ATP,carbon,and nitrogen sources,respectively,providing optimal conditions for tumor cell proliferation,invasion,and immune escape.This article reviews the relationship of immune response with gut flora and metabolic reprogramming in non-small cell lung cancer,and discusses the potential mechanisms by which gut flora and metabolic reprogramming affect the occurrence,development,and immunotherapy of non-small cell lung cancer,in order to provide new ideas for precision treatment of lung cancer patients.展开更多
Centella asiatica L.,a medicinal herb,has attracted substantial interest in research as well as commercial domains due to its bioactive compounds which include the pentacyclic triterpenoid centellosides,and in additio...Centella asiatica L.,a medicinal herb,has attracted substantial interest in research as well as commercial domains due to its bioactive compounds which include the pentacyclic triterpenoid centellosides,and in addition,hydroxy.In addition,hydroxycinnamic acid conjugates as well as flavonoids.The latter is the major class of secondary plant metabolites and comprises various subclasses,including anthocyanidins.Anthocyanins are rarely reported in extracts from C.asiatica and differ structurally due to a flavylium(2-phenylchromenylium)ion that carries a positive charge at the oxygen atom of the C-ring of the basic flavonoid structure.Callus of C.asiatica was initiated and propagated on synthetic media and subjected to different light regimes.White callus resulted from white fluorescent illumination,while purple callus developed in response to white light emitting diode(LED)illumination.To profile the metabolites responsible for the intense purple coloration,methanolic extracts were prepared from the two cell lines.Total phenolic,flavonoid,and anthocyanin content were determined and indicated(i)very low levels of flavonoids and anthocyanins in white callus and(ii)that anthocyanins dominate the flavonoid content of the purple callus.Extracts were subjected to untargeted ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-definition mass spectrometry(UHPLC–MS)to profile newly synthesized anthocyanins.Metabolite annotation was based on accurate mass determination and characteristic fragmentation patterns.Here,the reprogramming of the metabolome of white C.asiatica callus due to LED illumination is reported and the profiles of cryptic anthocyanins as well as putative flavonoid and caffeoylquinic acid co-pigments in purple callus are described.展开更多
Cell plasticity,also known as lineage plasticity,refers to the ability of a cell to reprogram and change its phenotypic identity in response to various cues.This phenomenon is context-dependent,playing a crucial role ...Cell plasticity,also known as lineage plasticity,refers to the ability of a cell to reprogram and change its phenotypic identity in response to various cues.This phenomenon is context-dependent,playing a crucial role in embryonic development,tissue regeneration,and wound healing.However,when dysregulated,cell plasticity contributes to cancer initiation,progression,metastasis,and therapeutic resistance.Throughout different stages of tumor development,cancer cells exploit various forms of plasticity to evade normal regulatory mechanisms that govern cell division and homeostasis.Recent evidence highlights the complex interplay between genetic and epigenetic factors,the tumor microenvironment,and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in driving cancer cell plasticity.This dynamic reprogramming suggests that“deregulated cell plasticity”could be considered an additional hallmark of cancer.Advancements in next-generation sequencing and single-cell RNA analysis,combined with artificial intelligence technologies such as deep learning,along with Google’s AlphaFold may help predict the trajectories of cancer cells.By predicting protein three-dimensional structures and identifying both active and potential allosteric binding sites,AlphaFold 2 can accelerate the development of new cancer drugs and therapies.For example,allosteric drugs,bind to the allosteric rather than the active sites,can induce conformational changes in proteins,affecting their activities.This can then alter the conformation of an active site that a drug-resistant mutation has created,permitting a blocked orthosteric drug to bind and this enables the design of more effective drugs that can synergize with traditional orthosteric drugs to bind and regain its efficacy.These innovations could provide deeper insights into the intricate mechanisms of cancer progression and resistance,ultimately paving the way for more precise,durable,and personalized oncologic treatments.展开更多
Neurotransmitter-mediated regulation plays a multi-dimensional role in the tumor microenvironment,profoundly influencing key processes such as tumor immune evasion,metabolic reprogramming,and metastasis.However,the up...Neurotransmitter-mediated regulation plays a multi-dimensional role in the tumor microenvironment,profoundly influencing key processes such as tumor immune evasion,metabolic reprogramming,and metastasis.However,the upstream regulatory mechanisms linking neural inputs to immune evasion and metabolic reprogramming remain incompletely understood.We systematically summarize current evidence from molecular,cellular,and immunological studies to elucidate how neurotransmitter-dependent mechanisms drive dynamic changes in the tumor microenvironment through the regulation of tumor cells and immune cells,and map the complex interaction networks between the nervous system and tumor progression.We propose a unifying“neuro-metabolic-immune axis”framework that highlights the dual role of neurotransmitters in suppressing anti-tumor immunity and facilitating tumor adaptation.By mapping this axis,we reveal new insights into tumor ecology and identify neural pathways as promising therapeutic targets.Targeting these pathways may enhance immunotherapy and disrupt tumor-supportive metabolism,offering new directions in precision oncology.展开更多
Immunotherapy offers the promise of a potential cure for cancer,yet achieving the desired therapeutic effect can be challenging due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments(TMEs) present in some tumors.Therefo...Immunotherapy offers the promise of a potential cure for cancer,yet achieving the desired therapeutic effect can be challenging due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments(TMEs) present in some tumors.Therefore,robust immune system activation is crucial to enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy in clinical applications.Bacteria have shown the ability to target the hypoxic TMEs while activating both innate and adaptive immune responses.Engineered bacteria,modified through chemical or biological methods,can be endowed with specific physiological properties,such as diverse surface antigens,metabolites,and improved biocompatibility.These unique characteristics give engineered bacteria distinct advantages in stimulating anti-cancer immune responses.This review explores the potential regulatory mechanisms of engineered bacteria in modulating both innate and adaptive immunity while also forecasting the future development and challenges of using engineered bacteria in clinical cancer immunotherapy.展开更多
Background:The inability of damaged neurons to regenerate and of axons to estab-lish new functional connections leads to permanent functional deficits after spinal cord injury(SCI).Although astrocyte reprogramming hol...Background:The inability of damaged neurons to regenerate and of axons to estab-lish new functional connections leads to permanent functional deficits after spinal cord injury(SCI).Although astrocyte reprogramming holds promise for neurorepair in various disease models,it is not sufficient on its own to achieve significant functional recovery.Methods:A rat SCI model was established using a spinal cord impactor.Seven days postsurgery,adeno-associated virus were injected to overexpress the transcription factors NeuroD1 and Neurogenin-2(Ngn2)in the spinal cord.The rats were then trained to walk on a weight-supported treadmill for 4 weeks,starting 14 days after modeling.The effects of these interventions on motor and sensory functions,as well as spinal cord tissue repair,were subsequently evaluated.Results:The combination of NeuroD1 and Ngn2 overexpression with weight-supported exercise training significantly improved gait compared to either inter-vention alone.The group receiving the combined intervention exhibited enhanced sensitivity in sensory assessments.Immunofluorescence analysis revealed increased colocalization of astrocytes and microtubule-associated protein 2-positive neurons in the injury area.These effects were more pronounced than those observed with spinal cord tissue repair alone.Additionally,the combined intervention significantly reduced glial scarring and the size of the injury area.Conclusion:Exercise intervention enhances the reprogramming effects of astrocytes and restores motor function,yielding better results than either intervention alone.展开更多
Despite recent advances in understanding the biology of aging,the field remains fragmented due to the lack of a central organizing hypothesis.Although there are ongoing debates on whether the aging process is programm...Despite recent advances in understanding the biology of aging,the field remains fragmented due to the lack of a central organizing hypothesis.Although there are ongoing debates on whether the aging process is programmed or stochastic,it is now evident that neither perspective alone can fully explain the complexity of aging.Here,we propose the pro-aging metabolic reprogramming(PAMRP)theory,which integrates and unifies the genetic-program and stochastic hypotheses.This theory posits that aging is driven by degenerative metabolic reprogramming(MRP)over time,requiring the emergence of pro-aging substrates and triggers(PASs and PATs)to predispose cells to cellular and genetic reprogramming(CRP and GRP).展开更多
基金supported by the Guangdong Grant Key Technologies for Treatment of Brain Disorders,China,No. 2018B030332001 (to GC)the Guangzhou Key Projects of Brain Science and Brain-Like Intelligence Technology,No. 20200730009 (to YX)the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation,No. 2020A1515110898 (to WYC)。
文摘The onset of retinal degenerative disease is often associated with neuronal loss. Therefore, how to regenerate new neurons to restore vision is an important issue. NeuroD1 is a neural transcription factor with the ability to reprogram brain astrocytes into neurons in vivo. Here, we demonstrate that in adult mice, NeuroD1 can reprogram Müller cells, the principal glial cell type in the retina, to become retinal neurons. Most strikingly, ectopic expression of NeuroD1 using two different viral vectors converted Müller cells into different cell types. Specifically, AAV7 m8 GFAP681::GFP-ND1 converted Müller cells into inner retinal neurons, including amacrine cells and ganglion cells. In contrast, AAV9 GFAP104::ND1-GFP converted Müller cells into outer retinal neurons such as photoreceptors and horizontal cells, with higher conversion efficiency. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Müller cell conversion induced by AAV9 GFAP104::ND1-GFP displayed clear dose-and time-dependence. These results indicate that Müller cells in adult mice are highly plastic and can be reprogrammed into various subtypes of retinal neurons.
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(973 Program),No.2010CB530400the Key Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30930111
文摘To date, it remains poorly understood whether astrocytes can be easily reprogrammed into neurons. Mashl and Brn2 have been previously shown to cooperate to reprogram fibroblasts into neurons. In this study, we examined astrocytes from 2-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats, and found that Brn2 was expressed, but Mashl was not detectable. Thus, we hypothesized that Mashl alone could be used to reprogram astrocytes into neurons. We transfected a recombinant MSCV-MASH1 plasmid into astrocytes for 72 hours, and saw that all cells expressed Mashl. One week later, we observed the changes in morphology of astrocytes, which showed typical neuro- nal characteristics. Moreover, β-tubulin expression levels were significantly higher in astrocytes expressing Mashl than in control cells. These results indicate that Mashl alone can reprogram astrocytes into neurons.
文摘With the support by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,the research team directed by Prof.Huang HeFeng(黄荷风)at Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease,Institute of Embryo Fetal Original Adult Disease and International Peace Maternity&.Child Health Hospital,School of Medicine,Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
基金supported by a grant from the Dalian Science and Technology Innovation Fund Program(No.2024JJ13PT070)United Foundation for Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics,Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University(No.DMU-2&DICP UN202410)Dalian Life and Health Field Guidance Program Project(No.2024ZDJH01PT084).
文摘Metabolic reprogramming involving branched-chain amino acids(BCAAs)—leucine,isoleucine,and valine—is increasingly recognized as pivotal in cancer progression,metastasis,and immune modulation.This review comprehensively explores how cancer cells rewire BCAA metabolism to enhance proliferation,survival,and therapy resistance.Tumors manipulate BCAA uptake and catabolism via high expression of transporters like L-type amino acid transporter 1(LAT1)and enzymes including branched chain amino acid transaminase 1(BCAT1),branched chain amino acid transaminase 2(BCAT2),branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase(BCKDH),and branched chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase kinase(BCKDK).These alterations sustain energy production,biosynthesis,redox homeostasis,and oncogenic signaling(especially mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1[mTORC1]).Crucially,tumor-driven BCAA depletion also shapes an immunosuppressive microenvironment,impairing anti-tumor immunity by limiting essential nutrients for T cells and natural killer(NK)cells.Innovative therapeutic strategies targeting BCAA pathways—ranging from selective small-molecule inhibitors(e.g.,LAT1 and BCAT1/2)to dietary modulation—have shown promising preclinical and early clinical efficacy,highlighting their potential to exploit metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer cells while bolstering immune responses.By integrating multi-omics data and precision targeting approaches,this review underscores the translational significance of BCAA metabolic reprogramming,positioning it as a novel frontier in cancer treatment.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province(No.2021B1515120053)Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(Grant No.2024A1515140166).
文摘Background:Therapeutic responses of breast cancer vary among patients and lead to drug resistance and recurrence due to the heterogeneity.Current preclinical models,however,are inadequate for predicting individual patient responses towards different drugs.This study aimed to investigate the patient-derived breast cancer culture models for drug sensitivity evaluations.Methods:Tumor and adjacent tissues from female breast cancer patients were collected during surgery.Patient-derived breast cancer cells were cultured using the conditional reprogramming technique to establish 2D models.The obtained patient-derived conditional reprogramming breast cancer(CRBC)cells were subsequently embedded in alginate-gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel microspheres to form 3D culture models.Comparisons between 2D and 3D models were made using immunohistochemistry(tumor markers),MTS assays(cell viability),flow cytometry(apoptosis),transwell assays(migration),and Western blotting(protein expression).Drug sensitivity tests were conducted to evaluate patient-specific responses to anti-cancer agents.Results:2D and 3D culture models were successfully established using samples from eight patients.The 3D models retained histological and marker characteristics of the original tumors.Compared to 2D cultures,3D models exhibited increased apoptosis,enhanced drug resistance,elevated stem cell marker expression,and greater migration ability—features more reflective of in vivo tumor behavior.Conclusion:Patient-derived 3D CRBC models effectively mimic the in vivo tumor microenvironment and demonstrate stronger resistance to anti-cancer drugs than 2D models.These hydrogel-based models offer a cost-effective and clinically relevant platform for drug screening and personalized breast cancer treatment.
基金This work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52103164,and 52173142)Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(Nos.2021A1515220033 and 2020A1515111059)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.JUSRP123079).
文摘The microenvironment of hypoxia and immune-cold limits the therapeutic outcomes of immune checkpoint blockade(ICB)therapy in solid tumors.It is important and imperative to search new strategies to relieve tumor hypoxia and reverse immunosuppression of cold tumors.In this study,the oxygen(O_(2))self-replenishing nano-enabled coordination platform can be used to induce potent antitumor immune response in cold tumors.The nanoplatform can produce O_(2)by catalyzing hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2))in tumor site effectively,showing excellent photodynamic therapy(PDT)performance.Meanwhile,it can further trigger immunogenic cell death(ICD),enhance T cell infiltration,reverse immunosuppression,and reprogram the immune-cold tumor microenvironment.In vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that the nanoplatform has potential for eradicating tumors and long-term immunological memory effect.The nanoplatform opens up a strategy for reprograming the immunosuppressive microenvironment in cold tumors.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82202681(to JW)the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province,Nos.LZ22H090003(to QC),LR23H060001(to CL).
文摘Spinal cord injuries impose a notably economic burden on society,mainly because of the severe after-effects they cause.Despite the ongoing development of various therapies for spinal cord injuries,their effectiveness remains unsatisfactory.However,a deeper understanding of metabolism has opened up a new therapeutic opportunity in the form of metabolic reprogramming.In this review,we explore the metabolic changes that occur during spinal cord injuries,their consequences,and the therapeutic tools available for metabolic reprogramming.Normal spinal cord metabolism is characterized by independent cellular metabolism and intercellular metabolic coupling.However,spinal cord injury results in metabolic disorders that include disturbances in glucose metabolism,lipid metabolism,and mitochondrial dysfunction.These metabolic disturbances lead to corresponding pathological changes,including the failure of axonal regeneration,the accumulation of scarring,and the activation of microglia.To rescue spinal cord injury at the metabolic level,potential metabolic reprogramming approaches have emerged,including replenishing metabolic substrates,reconstituting metabolic couplings,and targeting mitochondrial therapies to alter cell fate.The available evidence suggests that metabolic reprogramming holds great promise as a next-generation approach for the treatment of spinal cord injury.To further advance the metabolic treatment of the spinal cord injury,future efforts should focus on a deeper understanding of neurometabolism,the development of more advanced metabolomics technologies,and the design of highly effective metabolic interventions.
基金supported by the Key Project of Guangzhou City,No.202206060002Science and Technology Project of Guangdong Province,No.2018B030332001Guangdong Provincial Pearl River Project,No.2021ZT09Y552 (all to GC)。
文摘Direct in vivo conversion of astrocytes into functional new neurons induced by neural transcription factors has been recognized as a potential new therapeutic intervention for neural injury and degenerative disorders. However, a few recent studies have claimed that neural transcription factors cannot convert astrocytes into neurons, attributing the converted neurons to pre-existing neurons mis-expressing transgenes. In this study, we overexpressed three distinct neural transcription factors––NeuroD1, Ascl1, and Dlx2––in reactive astrocytes in mouse cortices subjected to stab injury, resulting in a series of significant changes in astrocyte properties. Initially, the three neural transcription factors were exclusively expressed in the nuclei of astrocytes. Over time, however, these astrocytes gradually adopted neuronal morphology, and the neural transcription factors was gradually observed in the nuclei of neuron-like cells instead of astrocytes. Furthermore,we noted that transcription factor-infected astrocytes showed a progressive decrease in the expression of astrocytic markers AQP4(astrocyte endfeet signal), CX43(gap junction signal), and S100β. Importantly, none of these changes could be attributed to transgene leakage into preexisting neurons. Therefore, our findings suggest that neural transcription factors such as NeuroD1, Ascl1, and Dlx2 can effectively convert reactive astrocytes into neurons in the adult mammalian brain.
基金supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(2020YFA0908900)National Natural Science Foundation of China(21935011 and 82072490)+1 种基金Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission(KQTD20200820113012029 and KJZD20230923114612025)Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials(2022B1212010003).
文摘Aging is a pivotal risk factor for intervertebral disc degeneration(IVDD)and chronic low back pain(LBP).The restoration of aging nucleus pulposus cells(NPCs)to a youthful epigenetic state is crucial for IVDD treatment,but remains a formidable challenge.Here,we proposed a strategy to partially reprogram and reinstate youthful epigenetics of senescent NPCs by delivering a plasmid carrier that expressed pluripotency-associated genes(Oct4,Klf4 and Sox2)in Cavin2-modified exosomes(OKS@M-Exo)for treatment of IVDD and alleviating LBP.The functional OKS@M-Exo efficaciously alleviated senescence markers(p16^(INK4a),p21^(CIP1)and p53),reduced DNA damage and H4K20me3 expression,as well as restored proliferation ability and metabolic balance in senescent NPCs,as validated through in vitro experiments.In a rat model of IVDD,OKS@M-Exo maintained intervertebral disc height,nucleus pulposus hydration and tissue structure,effectively ameliorated IVDD via decreasing the senescence markers.Additionally,OKS@MExo reduced nociceptive behavior and downregulated nociception markers,indicating its efficiency in alleviating LBP.The transcriptome sequencing analysis also demonstrated that OKS@M-Exo could decrease the expression of age-related pathways and restore cell proliferation.Collectively,reprogramming by the OKS@M-Exo to restore youthful epigenetics of senescent NPCs may hold promise as a therapeutic platform to treat IVDD.
文摘Cells undergo metabolic reprogramming to adapt to changes in nutrient availability, cellular activity, and transitions in cell states. The balance between glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration is crucial for energy production, and metabolic reprogramming stipulates a shift in such balance to optimize both bioenergetic efficiency and anabolic requirements. Failure in switching bioenergetic dependence can lead to maladaptation and pathogenesis. While cellular degradation is known to recycle precursor molecules for anabolism, its potential role in regulating energy production remains less explored. The bioenergetic switch between glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration involves transcription factors and organelle homeostasis, which are both regulated by the cellular degradation pathways. A growing body of studies has demonstrated that both stem cells and differentiated cells exhibit bioenergetic switch upon perturbations of autophagic activity or endolysosomal processes. Here, we highlighted the current understanding of the interplay between degradation processes, specifically autophagy and endolysosomes, transcription factors, endolysosomal signaling, and mitochondrial homeostasis in shaping cellular bioenergetics. This review aims to summarize the relationship between degradation processes and bioenergetics, providing a foundation for future research to unveil deeper mechanistic insights into bioenergetic regulation.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.31930068National Key Research and Development Program of China,Nos.2018YFA0107302 and 2021YFA1101203(all to HX).
文摘Müller glia,as prominent glial cells within the retina,plays a significant role in maintaining retinal homeostasis in both healthy and diseased states.In lower vertebrates like zebrafish,these cells assume responsibility for spontaneous retinal regeneration,wherein endogenous Müller glia undergo proliferation,transform into Müller glia-derived progenitor cells,and subsequently regenerate the entire retina with restored functionality.Conversely,Müller glia in the mouse and human retina exhibit limited neural reprogramming.Müller glia reprogramming is thus a promising strategy for treating neurodegenerative ocular disorders.Müller glia reprogramming in mice has been accomplished with remarkable success,through various technologies.Advancements in molecular,genetic,epigenetic,morphological,and physiological evaluations have made it easier to document and investigate the Müller glia programming process in mice.Nevertheless,there remain issues that hinder improving reprogramming efficiency and maturity.Thus,understanding the reprogramming mechanism is crucial toward exploring factors that will improve Müller glia reprogramming efficiency,and for developing novel Müller glia reprogramming strategies.This review describes recent progress in relatively successful Müller glia reprogramming strategies.It also provides a basis for developing new Müller glia reprogramming strategies in mice,including epigenetic remodeling,metabolic modulation,immune regulation,chemical small-molecules regulation,extracellular matrix remodeling,and cell-cell fusion,to achieve Müller glia reprogramming in mice.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82101327(to YY)President Foundation of Nanfang Hospital,Southern Medical University,No.2020A001(to WL)+1 种基金Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation,Nos.2019A1515110150,2022A1515012362(both to YY)Guangzhou Science and Technology Project,No.202201020111(to YY).
文摘Microglia,the primary immune cells within the brain,have gained recognition as a promising therapeutic target for managing neurodegenerative diseases within the central nervous system,including Parkinson’s disease.Nanoscale perfluorocarbon droplets have been reported to not only possess a high oxygen-carrying capacity,but also exhibit remarkable anti-inflammatory properties.However,the role of perfluoropentane in microglia-mediated central inflammatory reactions remains poorly understood.In this study,we developed perfluoropentane-based oxygen-loaded nanodroplets(PFP-OLNDs)and found that pretreatment with these droplets suppressed the lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of M1-type microglia in vitro and in vivo,and suppressed microglial activation in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease.Microglial suppression led to a reduction in the inflammatory response,oxidative stress,and cell migration capacity in vitro.Consequently,the neurotoxic effects were mitigated,which alleviated neuronal degeneration.Additionally,ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry showed that the anti-inflammatory effects of PFP-OLNDs mainly resulted from the modulation of microglial metabolic reprogramming.We further showed that PFP-OLNDs regulated microglial metabolic reprogramming through the AKT-mTOR-HIF-1αpathway.Collectively,our findings suggest that the novel PFP-OLNDs constructed in this study alleviate microglia-mediated central inflammatory reactions through metabolic reprogramming.
基金supported by the Scientific Research Fund Project of Education Department of Yunnan Province,China(No.2024Y386).
文摘Numerous research conducted in recent years has revealed that gut microbial dysbiosis,such as modifications in composition and activity,might influence lung tissue homeostasis through specific pathways,thereby promoting susceptibility to lung diseases.The development and progression of lung cancer,as well as the effectiveness of immunotherapy are closely associated with gut flora and metabolites,which influence immunological and inflammatory responses.During abnormal proliferation,non-small cell lung cancer cells acquire more substances and energy by altering their own metabolic pathways.Glucose and amino acid metabolism reprogramming provide tumor cells with abundant ATP,carbon,and nitrogen sources,respectively,providing optimal conditions for tumor cell proliferation,invasion,and immune escape.This article reviews the relationship of immune response with gut flora and metabolic reprogramming in non-small cell lung cancer,and discusses the potential mechanisms by which gut flora and metabolic reprogramming affect the occurrence,development,and immunotherapy of non-small cell lung cancer,in order to provide new ideas for precision treatment of lung cancer patients.
文摘Centella asiatica L.,a medicinal herb,has attracted substantial interest in research as well as commercial domains due to its bioactive compounds which include the pentacyclic triterpenoid centellosides,and in addition,hydroxy.In addition,hydroxycinnamic acid conjugates as well as flavonoids.The latter is the major class of secondary plant metabolites and comprises various subclasses,including anthocyanidins.Anthocyanins are rarely reported in extracts from C.asiatica and differ structurally due to a flavylium(2-phenylchromenylium)ion that carries a positive charge at the oxygen atom of the C-ring of the basic flavonoid structure.Callus of C.asiatica was initiated and propagated on synthetic media and subjected to different light regimes.White callus resulted from white fluorescent illumination,while purple callus developed in response to white light emitting diode(LED)illumination.To profile the metabolites responsible for the intense purple coloration,methanolic extracts were prepared from the two cell lines.Total phenolic,flavonoid,and anthocyanin content were determined and indicated(i)very low levels of flavonoids and anthocyanins in white callus and(ii)that anthocyanins dominate the flavonoid content of the purple callus.Extracts were subjected to untargeted ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-definition mass spectrometry(UHPLC–MS)to profile newly synthesized anthocyanins.Metabolite annotation was based on accurate mass determination and characteristic fragmentation patterns.Here,the reprogramming of the metabolome of white C.asiatica callus due to LED illumination is reported and the profiles of cryptic anthocyanins as well as putative flavonoid and caffeoylquinic acid co-pigments in purple callus are described.
文摘Cell plasticity,also known as lineage plasticity,refers to the ability of a cell to reprogram and change its phenotypic identity in response to various cues.This phenomenon is context-dependent,playing a crucial role in embryonic development,tissue regeneration,and wound healing.However,when dysregulated,cell plasticity contributes to cancer initiation,progression,metastasis,and therapeutic resistance.Throughout different stages of tumor development,cancer cells exploit various forms of plasticity to evade normal regulatory mechanisms that govern cell division and homeostasis.Recent evidence highlights the complex interplay between genetic and epigenetic factors,the tumor microenvironment,and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in driving cancer cell plasticity.This dynamic reprogramming suggests that“deregulated cell plasticity”could be considered an additional hallmark of cancer.Advancements in next-generation sequencing and single-cell RNA analysis,combined with artificial intelligence technologies such as deep learning,along with Google’s AlphaFold may help predict the trajectories of cancer cells.By predicting protein three-dimensional structures and identifying both active and potential allosteric binding sites,AlphaFold 2 can accelerate the development of new cancer drugs and therapies.For example,allosteric drugs,bind to the allosteric rather than the active sites,can induce conformational changes in proteins,affecting their activities.This can then alter the conformation of an active site that a drug-resistant mutation has created,permitting a blocked orthosteric drug to bind and this enables the design of more effective drugs that can synergize with traditional orthosteric drugs to bind and regain its efficacy.These innovations could provide deeper insights into the intricate mechanisms of cancer progression and resistance,ultimately paving the way for more precise,durable,and personalized oncologic treatments.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82272719the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,No.2023A1515012724 and No.2024A1515013249the Science and Technology Projects in Guangzhou,No.2024A04J5205.
文摘Neurotransmitter-mediated regulation plays a multi-dimensional role in the tumor microenvironment,profoundly influencing key processes such as tumor immune evasion,metabolic reprogramming,and metastasis.However,the upstream regulatory mechanisms linking neural inputs to immune evasion and metabolic reprogramming remain incompletely understood.We systematically summarize current evidence from molecular,cellular,and immunological studies to elucidate how neurotransmitter-dependent mechanisms drive dynamic changes in the tumor microenvironment through the regulation of tumor cells and immune cells,and map the complex interaction networks between the nervous system and tumor progression.We propose a unifying“neuro-metabolic-immune axis”framework that highlights the dual role of neurotransmitters in suppressing anti-tumor immunity and facilitating tumor adaptation.By mapping this axis,we reveal new insights into tumor ecology and identify neural pathways as promising therapeutic targets.Targeting these pathways may enhance immunotherapy and disrupt tumor-supportive metabolism,offering new directions in precision oncology.
基金supported by the Science and Technology Research Project of Jilin Education Bureau(No.JJKH20230804KJ)。
文摘Immunotherapy offers the promise of a potential cure for cancer,yet achieving the desired therapeutic effect can be challenging due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments(TMEs) present in some tumors.Therefore,robust immune system activation is crucial to enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy in clinical applications.Bacteria have shown the ability to target the hypoxic TMEs while activating both innate and adaptive immune responses.Engineered bacteria,modified through chemical or biological methods,can be endowed with specific physiological properties,such as diverse surface antigens,metabolites,and improved biocompatibility.These unique characteristics give engineered bacteria distinct advantages in stimulating anti-cancer immune responses.This review explores the potential regulatory mechanisms of engineered bacteria in modulating both innate and adaptive immunity while also forecasting the future development and challenges of using engineered bacteria in clinical cancer immunotherapy.
文摘Background:The inability of damaged neurons to regenerate and of axons to estab-lish new functional connections leads to permanent functional deficits after spinal cord injury(SCI).Although astrocyte reprogramming holds promise for neurorepair in various disease models,it is not sufficient on its own to achieve significant functional recovery.Methods:A rat SCI model was established using a spinal cord impactor.Seven days postsurgery,adeno-associated virus were injected to overexpress the transcription factors NeuroD1 and Neurogenin-2(Ngn2)in the spinal cord.The rats were then trained to walk on a weight-supported treadmill for 4 weeks,starting 14 days after modeling.The effects of these interventions on motor and sensory functions,as well as spinal cord tissue repair,were subsequently evaluated.Results:The combination of NeuroD1 and Ngn2 overexpression with weight-supported exercise training significantly improved gait compared to either inter-vention alone.The group receiving the combined intervention exhibited enhanced sensitivity in sensory assessments.Immunofluorescence analysis revealed increased colocalization of astrocytes and microtubule-associated protein 2-positive neurons in the injury area.These effects were more pronounced than those observed with spinal cord tissue repair alone.Additionally,the combined intervention significantly reduced glial scarring and the size of the injury area.Conclusion:Exercise intervention enhances the reprogramming effects of astrocytes and restores motor function,yielding better results than either intervention alone.
文摘Despite recent advances in understanding the biology of aging,the field remains fragmented due to the lack of a central organizing hypothesis.Although there are ongoing debates on whether the aging process is programmed or stochastic,it is now evident that neither perspective alone can fully explain the complexity of aging.Here,we propose the pro-aging metabolic reprogramming(PAMRP)theory,which integrates and unifies the genetic-program and stochastic hypotheses.This theory posits that aging is driven by degenerative metabolic reprogramming(MRP)over time,requiring the emergence of pro-aging substrates and triggers(PASs and PATs)to predispose cells to cellular and genetic reprogramming(CRP and GRP).
