BACKGROUND: Temozolomide (TMZ) resistance is a significant challenge in treating glioblastoma (GBM). Collagen remodeling has been shown to be a critical factor for therapy resistance in other cancers. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of TMZ chemoresistance by GBM cells reprogramming collagens. METHODS: Key extracellular matrix components, including collagens, were examined in paired primary and recurrent GBM samples as well as in TMZ-treated spontaneous and grafted GBM murine models. Human GBM cell lines (U251, TS667) and mouse primary GBM cells were used for in vitro studies. RNA-sequencing analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation, immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry, and co-immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to explore the mechanisms involved in collagen accumulation. A series of in vitro and in vivo experiments were designed to assess the role of the collagen regulators prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha 1 (P4HA1) and yes-associated protein (YAP) in sensitizing GBM cells to TMZ. RESULTS: This study revealed that TMZ exposure significantly elevated collagen type I (COL I) expression in both GBM patients and murine models. Collagen accumulation sustained GBM cell survival under TMZ-induced stress, contributing to enhanced TMZ resistance. Mechanistically, P4HA1 directly binded to and hydroxylated YAP, preventing ubiquitination-mediated YAP degradation. Stabilized YAP robustly drove collagen type I alpha 1 ( COL1A1) transcription, leading to increased collagen deposition. Disruption of the P4HA1-YAP axis effectively reduced COL I deposition, sensitized GBM cells to TMZ, and significantly improved mouse survival. CONCLUSION P4HA1 maintained YAP-mediated COL1A1 transcription, leading to collagen accumulation and promoting chemoresistance in GBM.
Temozolomide ; Humans ; Glioblastoma/drug therapy* ; Animals ; Mice ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics* ; YAP-Signaling Proteins ; Hydroxylation ; Dacarbazine/pharmacology* ; Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism* ; Transcription Factors/metabolism* ; Collagen/biosynthesis* ; Collagen Type I/metabolism* ; Prolyl Hydroxylases/metabolism* ; Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating/therapeutic use*

OBJECTIVE: To prepare decellularized nerve grafts from alpha-1, 3-galactosyltransferase (GGTA1) gene-edited pigs and explore their biocompatibility for xenotransplantation. METHODS: The sciatic nerves from wild-type pigs and GGTA1 gene-edited pigs were obtained and underwent decellularization. The alpha-galactosidase (α-gal) content in the sciatic nerves of GGTA1 gene-edited pigs was detected by using IB4 fluorescence staining and ELISA method to verify the knockout status of the GGTA1 gene, and using human sciatic nerve as a control. HE staining and scanning electron microscopy observation were used to observe the structure of the nerve samples. Immunofluorescence staining and DNA content determination were used to evaluate the degree of decellularization of the nerve samples. Fourteen nude mice were taken, and subcutaneous capsules were prepared on both sides of the spine. Decellularized nerve samples of wild-type pigs ( n=7) and GGTA1 gene-edited pigs ( n=7) were randomly implanted in the subcutaneous capsules. Blood was drawn at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after implantation to detect neutrophil counting. RESULTS: IB4 fluorescence staining and ELISA detection showed that GGTA1 gene was successfully knocked out in the nerves of GGTA1 gene-edited pigs. HE staining showed that the structure of the decellularized nerve from GGTA1 gene-edited pigs was well preserved; the nerve basement membrane tube structure was visible under scanning electron microscopy; no cell nuclei was observed, and the extracellular matrix components was retained in the nerve grafts by immunofluorescence staining; and the DNA content was significantly reduced when compared with the normal nerves ( P<0.05). In vivo experiments showed that the number of neutrophils in the two groups were similar at 1, 3, and 7 days after implantation, with no significant difference ( P>0.05); only at 5 days, the number of neutrophils was significantly lower in the GGTA1 gene-edited pigs than in the wild-type pigs ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION The decellularized nerve grafts from GGTA1 gene-edited pigs have well-preserved nerve structure, complete decellularization, retain the natural nerve basement membrane tube structure and components, and low immune response after xenotransplantation through in vitro experiments.
Animals ; Transplantation, Heterologous ; Galactosyltransferases/genetics* ; Sciatic Nerve/immunology* ; Swine ; Tissue Engineering/methods* ; Humans ; Graft Rejection/prevention & control* ; Gene Editing ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Heterografts/immunology* ; Animals, Genetically Modified ; Tissue Scaffolds ; Decellularized Extracellular Matrix

Glioma represents the most prevalent malignant tumor of the central nervous system, with chemotherapy serving as an essential adjunctive treatment. However, most chemotherapeutic agents exhibit limited ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This study introduced a novel dual-targeting strategy for glioma therapy by modulating the formation of nanobody-driven protein coronas to enhance the brain and tumor-targeting efficiency of hydrophobic cisplatin prodrug-loaded lipid nanoparticles (C8Pt-Ls). Specifically, nanobodies (Nbs) with fibrinogen-binding capabilities were conjugated to the surface of C8Pt-Ls, resulting in the generation of Nb-C8Pt-Ls. Within the bloodstream, Nb-C8Pt-Ls could bound more fibrinogen, forming the protein corona that specifically interacted with LRP-1, a receptor highly expressed on the BBB. This interaction enabled a "Hitchhiking Effect" mechanism, facilitating efficient trans-BBB transport and promoting effective brain targeting. Additionally, the protein corona interacted with LRP-1, which is also overexpressed in glioma cells, achieving precise tumor targeting. Computational simulations and SPR detection clarified the molecular interaction mechanism of the Nb-fibrinogen-(LRP-1) complex, confirming its binding specificity and stability. Our results demonstrated that this strategy significantly enhanced C8Pt accumulation in brain tissues and tumors, induced apoptosis in glioma cells, and improved therapeutic efficacy. This study provides a novel framework for glioma therapy and underscores the potential of protein corona modulation-based dual-targeting strategies in advancing treatments for brain tumors.

Cardiac fibrosis is characterized by an elevated amount of extracellular matrix (ECM) within the heart. However, the persistence of cardiac fibrosis ultimately diminishes contractility and precipitates cardiac dysfunction. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging as important regulators of cardiac fibrosis. Here, we elucidate the functional role of a specific circular RNA CELF1 in cardiac fibrosis and delineate a novel feedback loop mechanism. Functionally, circ-CELF1 was involved in enhancing fibrosis-related markers' expression and promoting the proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs), thereby exacerbating cardiac fibrosis. Mechanistically, circ-CELF1 reduced the ubiquitination-degradation rate of BRPF3, leading to an elevation of BRPF3 protein levels. Additionally, BRPF3 acted as a modular scaffold for the recruitment of histone acetyltransferase KAT7 to facilitate the induction of H3K14 acetylation within the promoters of the Celf1 gene. Thus, the transcription of Celf1 was dramatically activated, thereby inhibiting the subsequent response of their downstream target gene Smad7 expression to promote cardiac fibrosis. Moreover, Celf1 further promoted Celf1 pre-mRNA transcription and back-splicing, thereby establishing a feedback loop for circ-CELF1 production. Consequently, a novel feedback loop involving CELF1/circ-CELF1/BRPF3/KAT7 was established, suggesting that circ-CELF1 may serve as a potential novel therapeutic target for cardiac fibrosis.

Objective To investigate the differences and the immunocompatibility of wild-type (WT), four-gene modified (TKO/hCD55) and six-gene modified (TKO/hCD55/hCD46/hTBM) pig erythrocytes with human serum. Methods The blood samples were collected from 20 volunteers with different blood groups. WT, TKO/hCD55, TKO/hCD55/hCD46/hTBM pig erythrocytes, ABO-compatible (ABO-C) and ABO-incompatible (ABO-I) human erythrocytes were exposed to human serum of different blood groups, respectively. The blood agglutination and antigen-antibody binding levels (IgG, IgM) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity were detected. The immunocompatibility of two types of genetically modified pig erythrocytes with human serum was evaluated. Results No significant blood agglutination was observed in the ABO-C group. The blood agglutination levels in the WT and ABO-I groups were higher than those in the TKO/hCD55 and TKO/hCD55/hCD46/hTBM groups (all P<0.001). The level of erythrocyte lysis in the WT group was higher than those in the ABO-C, TKO/hCD55 and TKO/hCD55/hCD46/hTBM groups. The level of erythrocyte lysis in the ABO-I group was higher than those in the TKO/hCD55 and TKO/hCD55/hCD46/hTBM groups (both P<0.01). The pig erythrocyte binding level with IgM and IgG in the TKO/hCD55 group was lower than those in the WT and ABO-I groups. The pig erythrocyte binding level with IgG and IgM in the TKO/hCD55/hCD46/hTBM group was lower than that in the WT group and pig erythrocyte binding level with IgG was lower than that in the ABO-I group (all P<0.05). Conclusions The immunocompatibility of genetically modified pig erythrocytes is better than that of wild-type pigs and close to that of ABO-C pigs. Humanized pig erythrocytes may be considered as a blood source when blood sources are extremely scarce.

Objective To summarize the experience and practical value of living donor kidney harvesting in Bama miniature pigs with six gene modified. Methods The left kidney of Bama miniature pigs with six gene modified was obtained by living donor kidney harvesting technique. First, the ureter was occluded, and then the inferior vena cava and abdominal aorta were freed. During the harvesting process, the ureter, renal vein and renal artery were exposed and freed in sequence. The vascular forceps were used at the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava, and the renal artery and vein were immediately perfused with 4℃ renal preservation solution, and stored in ice normal saline for subsequent transplantation. Simultaneously, the donor abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava gap were sutured. The operation time, blood loss, warm and cold ischemia time, postoperative complications and the survival of donors and recipients were recorded. Results The left kidney of the genetically modified pig was successfully harvested. Intraoperative bleeding was 5 mL, warm ischemia time was 45 s, and cold ischemia time was 2.5 h. Neither donor nor recipient pig received blood transfusion, and urinary function of the kidney transplanted into the recipient was recovered. The donor survived for more than 8 months after the left kidney was resected. Conclusions Living donor kidney harvesting is safe and reliable in genetically modified pigs. Branch blood vessels could be processed during kidney harvesting, which shortens the process of kidney repair and the time of cold ischemia. Living donor kidney harvesting contributes to subsequent survival of donors and other scientific researches.

Objective To evaluate the preservation effect of normothermic mechanical perfusion with red blood cells from humanized genetically modified pig on severed human limbs.Methods Severed human limbs were perfused with red blood cells from humanized genetically modified pigs for 6 h.Perfusion solution was taken every hour to measure the oxygen partial pressure,Na+,K+,Ca2+,pH value,glucose,lactic acid and creatine kinase levels.Superficial flexor muscle was sampled to detect the changes of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,interleukin(IL)-2 and IL-1 levels.At 0 and 6 h after perfusion,the superficial flexor muscles of the forearm were taken for pathological examination.Intercellular space and glycogen consumption of skeletal muscles were observed.An appropriate amount of forearm vessels was collected every 2 h to detect the apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells.X-ray angiography was performed before perfusion and 6 h after perfusion to observe the filling degree of finger-tip peripheral vessels.Results The oxygen partial pressure was observed in the normal range throughout the perfusion.Na+concentration peaked at 1 h,reaching 138.7 mmol/L,and then fluctuated within the normal range.K+level peaked at 2 h up to 6.08 mmol/L,then decreased and fluctuated within the normal range.Ca2+concentration reached the peak at 4 h,up to 1.03 mmol/L.Glucose level was gradually decreased at the beginning of perfusion,reaching the lowest value of 17.7 mmol/L at 2 h after perfusion,and then maintained a dynamic balance.The pH value was decreased to 7.28 at 6 h after perfusion.The lactic acid level was increased to 9.6 mmol/L at 1 h after perfusion,and then gradually decreased.The creatine kinase level was increased at the start of perfusion,reached the peak at 2 h up to 20 030 U/L,then decreased and remained stable at the end of perfusion.At the end of perfusion,the morphology of muscle fibers was normal,the gap among muscle fibers was expanded slightly,and the glycogen of skeletal muscles was not significantly accumulated.At 0 h perfusion,the number of apoptotic cells in vascular endothelial cells was large,which was declined at 6 h perfusion.Evident vascular filling was observed at 0 h,and the filling degree of some finger-tip vessels was decreased at 6 h.Conclusions Normothermic mechanical perfusion of severed human limbs with red blood cells from humanized genetically modified pigs may continuously and stably supply energy and oxygen,adjust the ion pH balance of perfusion solution,maintain normal cellular metabolism and exerts certain protective effect upon severed human limbs.

Limb dismemberment injuries are common in clinical practice,and safe and effective protection of the dismembered limb is the key to successful limb replantation.Normothermic machine perfusion has made significant breakthrough in the field of organ transplantation,which may maintain the active function of organs and tissues for a long period of time and prolong the preservation time.These findings have been validated in large animal models and clinical trials.Meantime,this technology is expected to provide novel reference for the preservation and functional recovery of severed limbs.Therefore,this paper reviews the problems of static cold preservation in the preservation of disarticulated limbs,the development history of mechanical perfusion,the current status of clinical application of ambient mechanical perfusion of disarticulated limbs as well as the problems to be solved,and looks forward to the direction of its development and the prospect of its clinical application,with a view to promoting the wide application of this technology in the clinic.

Although blood banks based on human blood can provide blood transfusions for the wounded timely and effec-tively,scientific research has never given up on finding new blood sources due to the restrictions of human blood sources.With the application of transgenic technology and the successful breeding of gene-edited pigs,gene-edited pig blood as a po-tential source of clinical transfusion has attracted wide attention.Now there are preclinical studies showing the feasibility of transfusing gene-edited pig red blood cells into primates.This paper discusses the related research and future development of xenogeneic transfusion of porcine red blood cells by gene editing.

To analyze the positivity rate and titer of antinuclear antibody (ANA), as well as nuclear pattern and target antigen of ANA in healthy pregnant women during early pregnancy in Qingdao area. A prospective cohort study design was used to include a total of 9 528 healthy pregnant women registered at the Women and Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University from March 2023 to June 2024.Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIF) was used to detect ANA, its titer and cell staining pattern. Fifteen specific antibodies were tested using the magnetic bar code immunofluorescent luminescence method. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors of pregnancy with autoimmune disease(AID). The results showed that among 9 528 pregnant women in early pregnancy, 1 346 cases (14.1%) were positive of ANA, including 1 011 cases with a titer of 1∶100 (10.6%), 236 cases (2.5%) with a titer of 1∶320, and 99 cases (1.0%) were detected at a titer >1∶320. Among the 1 346 ANA-positive pregnant women, nuclear granular type accounted for the highest proportion (483 cases, 35.9%), followed by speckled type (347 cases, 25.8%) and cytoplasmic type (176 cases, 13.1%).Then, pregnant women with ANA titers ≥1∶100 were detected 15 specific antibodies.Anti-SSA was tested in 121 cases accounted for the majority, followed by 110 cases with anti-Ro-52, 56 cases with anti-SSB, 51 cases with anti-mitochondrial M2 subtype antibodies and 37 cases with anti-centromere B. In conclusion,in healthy pregnant women in Qingdao area, ANA positivity rate was 14.1%, and the titer of ANA was mainly at 1∶100.The predominant nuclear patterns were nuclear granular and speckled types.The specific autoantibodies were mainly anti-SSA antibodies and anti-Ro-52 antibodies.The detection of ANA and specific autoantibodies is of great significance for early prediction, diagnosis, and intervention of autoimmune diseases during pregnancy.