Cytotechnology最新文献

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a major reproductive challenge with multifaceted causes, including genetic and immunological influences. Complement system-related genes (CRGs) have been implicated in RSA pathogenesis, yet their exact roles remain unclear. This study aims to identify related biomarkers for RSA and investigate the underlying mechanisms. Datasets GSE65099 and GSE26787 were obtained from the GEO database. The GSE65099 dataset was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were intersected with key module genes identified from WGCNA to obtain DE-CRGs related to RSA. Then, key CRGs were screened by combined PPI networks, machine learning, and external validation. A nomogram model was developed for the diagnosis of RSA with key CRG expression levels, followed by validation via ROC curve analysis. Transcription factor-key gene and chemical-gene networks were constructed to reveal the potential mechanisms of key CRGs. Totally, 363 DE-CRGs were selected, and GRAP2 and TREM2 were identified as key genes for RSA, which were both upregulated in RSA samples. The two genes showed excellent diagnostic performance in both the training and validation cohorts. GSEA revealed that GRAP2 and TREM2 were involved in immune-related pathways. Immune infiltration analysis showed that GRAP2 and TREM2 had a negative correlation with effector memory CD4 T cells. Drug prediction identified that the two genes had 3 common interacting chemicals, including bisphenol A, tetrachlorodibenzodioxin, and air pollutants. In conclusion, this study identified GRAP2 and TREM2 as key genes for RSA and provided insights into the immune mechanisms underlying the condition.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10616-026-00901-3.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been recognized as key modulators in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD). This study investigated the functional and clinical relevance of LINC01614 in STAD. 120 patients with STAD were enrolled. The levels of LINC01614 and miR-129-2-3p were quantified by qRT-PCR. Prognostic relevance was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression. The regulatory relationship of molecular was assessed via Pearson correlation, bioinformatic prediction, and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Proliferation and motility were evaluated through CCK-8 and Transwell assays, with co-transfection experiments performed to assess their functional interplay. LINC01614 was upregulated, whereas miR-129-2-3p was reduced in both STAD tissues and cell lines. Elevated LINC01614 levels were strongly related to advanced pathological TNM, lymph node metastasis, and reduced survival prognostic, identifying it as an independent prognostic marker. Dual-luciferase assays confirmed that LINC01614 directly binds to miR-129-2-3p, and their expression levels exhibited a significant inverse correlation. Functionally, silencing LINC01614 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while co-transfection with a miR-inhibitor partially reversed these cellular activities. LINC01614 is a potential marker of prognosis in STAD and propels tumorigenesis through its interaction with miR-129-2-3p. LINC01614 may represent a novel molecular target for STAD.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10616-025-00870-z.

SLC44A4 is involved in the transmembrane transport of choline and other organic cations, influencing phospholipid metabolism in cell membranes and potentially participating in immune regulation. Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC), often diagnosed at advanced stages, exhibits poor responsiveness to conventional surgery and chemotherapy. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify new biomarkers that can provide insights into the mechanisms underlying its onset and progression.To investigate the impact of SLC44A4 overexpression on the biological behavior of OCCC cells and to explore the underlying mechanisms.The effects of SLC44A4 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OCCC cells were assessed using CCK-8, colony formation, scratch, and Transwell assays. The impact of SLC44A4 on the extracellular matrix and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was evaluated by Western blotting.SLC44A4 inhibited the proliferation and migration of OCCC cells in vitro, altered the extracellular matrix, and may inhibit the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.SLC44A4 overexpression can alter the tumor microenvironment and inhibit the malignant progression of ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) by remodeling its extracellular matrix. These findings suggest that SLC44A4 may serve as a potential biomarker for evaluating the prognosis of OCCC.

Delayed fracture healing impairs patient quality of life, with emerging evidence highlighting long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as pivotal regulators in this process. LncRNA NNT-AS1 was up-regulated in delayed fracture healing, but its mechanism remains unclear. This study analysed 97 controls with normal healing and 106 cases of delayed fracture healing. RT-qPCR was employed to assess the levels of NNT-AS1, microRNA-181a-5p (miR-181a-5p), and osteoblast markers (RUNX-2, ALP, OPG) in serum or MC3T3-E1 cells. Detection of osteoblast markers and downstream target genes (BMP3) at the protein level via Western blot analysis. Evaluation of NNT-AS1's diagnostic potential in identifying delayed fracture healing through ROC curve analysis. The interaction between NNT-AS1 and miR-181a-5p was validated using dual luciferase reporter assays and RNA immunoprecipitation. Cell viability was assessed via CCK-8 proliferation assays. Clinical data indicated that serum NNT-AS1 levels were elevated in patients with delayed fracture healing, with high diagnostic value as determined by ROC curve analysis. In vitro experiments demonstrated that NNT-AS1 expression decreased during osteogenic differentiation, and its overexpression inhibited osteoblast activity and osteogenic differentiation. Mechanistically, NNT-AS1 may act as a competitive messenger RNA directly targeting miR-181a-5p. Serum miR-181a-5p was down-regulated in delayed healing patients and negatively correlated with NNT-AS1. And miR-181a-5p mimic reversed the inhibitory effects of NNT-AS1 overexpression on osteogenic differentiation and cell viability. BMP3 may be a target gene downstream of the NNT-AS1/miR-181a-5p axis. NNT-AS1 sponged miR-181a-5p to inhibit osteogenesis, serving as a delayed fracture healing biomarker and therapeutic target.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10616-025-00887-4.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-lasting ailment mostly disturbing joints and managed with disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARDs), corticosteroids, and NSAIDs, along with immunosuppressants, though these cause serious adverse effects. Citrus medica L., known for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunostimulatory properties, was examined for the anti-arthritic activity of its hydroalcoholic extract (HAECF) in Freund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA)-induced RA rats. In this work, HAECF was prepared by using a soxhlet apparatus. Furthermore, HAECF was taken into consideration to analyze phytochemical constitutions. Experimental groups received HAECF at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg orally for 28 days, and therapeutic efficiency was evaluated through body weight, paw volume, arthritis index (AI), hematological and antioxidant parameters, along with histopathological examination. HAECF confirmed significant dose-dependent anti-arthritic actions, as demonstrated by reduction in paw volume (2.35 ± 0.018 at 200 mg/kg and 2.26 ± 0.016 at 400 mg/kg) corresponding to a 43% and 45% reduction, respectively (p < 0.05), and an increase in body weight compared to FCA-induced RA rats. Hematological investigation showed refurbishment of RBC (4.40 ± 0.020 at 200 mg/kg and 4.84 ± 0.018 at 400 mg/kg) and hemoglobin (11.20 ± 0.201 g/dL at 200 mg/kg and 12.42 ± 0.009 g/dL at 400 mg/kg), while WBC, CRP, platelets, ESR, and rheumatoid factor were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in HAECF-treated groups. Antioxidant markers like MDA, SOD, and catalase were also improved in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Histopathological examinations confirmed abridged synovial hyperplasia, joint damage, and pannus formation in HAECF-treated rats, supporting its anti-arthritic potential. Therefore, HAECF exhibits significant anti-arthritic potential through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms, providing pharmacological justification for its use in RA management.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly malignant central nervous system tumor known for its resistance to current treatment options. Efflux pumps play a crucial role in the development of multidrug resistance (MDR), leading to poor clinical outcomes. In this context, new treatment modalities targeting the cell cycle have gained attention in the recent years. Abemaciclib (ABE), a selective CDK4/6 inhibitor, inhibits the activity of different drug efflux pumps in several types of cancer. However, the role of ABE in regulating these pumps in GBM remains unclear. In this study, the therapeutic efficacy of ABE in the regulation of multidrug resistance pumps was evaluated in TMZ-resistant T98G and TMZ-sensitive U87MG GBM cells. The cells treated with different doses of ABE for 24 h and then CCK-8, Annexin V, cell cycle, AO/PI, RT-PCR and immunofluorescence analysis were performed. Our findings demonstrated that ABE significantly reduced the viability of GBM cell lines. However, the activity of the efflux pumps, especially P-gp and MRP1 pumps, was different due to TMZ resistance. Particularly, ABE treatment reduced the P-gp gene and protein levels in T98G cells. Additionally, ABE differentially affected the cell cycle in terms of TMZ-sensitivity. In conclusion, ABE treatment differentially regulated the inhibition of efflux pump activities in GBM cells in terms of TMZ resistance. Our findings may provide new insights into the potential use of ABE as a therapeutic agent to overcome MDR in TMZ-resistant GBM.

This study investigated the impact of culture surface rigidity on the proliferation and maintenance of undifferentiated human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), which are crucial in regenerative medicine and stem cell-based organ therapy. Given the need for a substantial number of cells per patient, there is a pressing demand for methods that ensure homogeneous and efficient large-scale cultivation of hiPSCs. Mechanotransduction, the process by which cells, including hiPSCs, respond to mechanical stimuli, has gained significant attention. We evaluated the effects of varying culture surface rigidity, examining changes in morphology, gene expression, and differentiation tendencies. Soft gels were made by altering acrylamide gel polymerization on functionalized glass slides, which were then coated with laminin. Cell attachment rates were quantified 24 h after seeding which varied according to substrate rigidity. The apparent proliferation rate was highest at 5 kPa, suggesting that hiPSCs sense rigidity. We further confirmed that this mechanosensing occurred through activation of the Hippo signaling pathway. In conclusion, this study revealed that the adhesion and proliferation of hiPSCs are significantly influenced by culture surface rigidity, with 5 kPa identified as the optimal condition for proliferation. This understanding may help optimize cell culture conditions for future organ regeneration and therapeutic applications.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10616-026-00895-y.

It is believed that CSCs, which are resistant to chemotherapy and radiation, develop in certain situations, stay in the tissue niche after treatment, and cause disease recurrence. Targeting these cells, which are thought to be chemoresistant, may enable treatment to eliminate metastasis or recurrence. For this reason, we aimed to isolate CSCs from various breast cancer cell lines using a drug selection method in this study and then identify them via flow cytometry and fluorescent staining. MDA-123, MCF-7, and 4T1 were used as in vitro models, with HUVEC as controls. After isolation of stem cells from these cells by incubation with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin (Cis), CSCs were identified by flow cytometry using CD24/CD44/CD133/EPCAM by assessing the rhodamine 123 (Rho 123). The results showed that 5-FU and Cis reduced the CD24 receptor in both cancer and normal cells, while the others showed varying expression levels. Administration of 5-FU and Cis significantly decreased Rho 123 fluorescence intensity in MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, 4T1, and HUVEC cells compared to the untreated group. A subpopulation of breast cancer cells with low CD24 and Rho123 expression was cancer stem cells. The 4T1 cells, which expressed low levels of CD24/CD133/EpCAM expression, had significantly lower Rho 123 levels than MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. This suggests that 4T1 cells may have greater chemoresistance and more aggressive properties. In conclusion, studying surface receptors and rhodamine uptake for the identification of CSCs is a powerful and valuable method for evaluating the efficacy of chemotherapy. The discovery of CSC markers that indicate therapeutic strategies could lead to clinical trials of medicines with potentially better therapeutic outcomes, particularly for recurring malignancies.

Adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSC) show promise for neuronal differentiation, but their utility is limited by late-stage cell death, which may be driven by endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). To investigate this mechanism, we employed an integrated approach combining immunocytochemistry, western blotting, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to systematically profile ERS-related gene expression, dynamic changes of key proteins, and ultrastructural evolution of the ER during neuronal induction. Our results demonstrate that ERS pathways are activated throughout the differentiation process. In early stages, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone GRP78 initially increased but markedly declined at 6 h and 8 h. Key UPR sensors IRE1α, XBP1s, PERK, and ATF6 peaked in undifferentiated ADSC and Pre-induction (Prei-1d) cells, then gradually decreased as differentiation progressed. In contrast, pro-apoptotic markers CHOP and Caspase-3 were continuously upregulated in later phases, accompanied by ultrastructural hallmarks of ER dilation, disrupted mitochondrial cristae, and cytoplasmic vacuolization. These findings indicate that ERS initially activates the unfolded protein response to maintain ER homeostasis and support differentiation, whereas sustained ERS at later stages shifts toward CHOP/Caspase-3-dependent apoptosis, leading to cellular injury. This study provides a theoretical basis for optimizing neuronal differentiation protocols through time-dependent modulation of ERS pathways.

Drug repurposing in oncology can reduce the time and cost of new drug development. Studies suggest that depression influences tumor progression, and some antidepressants exhibit anti-tumor effects. This study evaluated the effects of serotonergic antagonists-tropisetron, imipramine, ketanserin, and cyproheptadine-on AGS gastric cancer cells. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of drugs were determined after 48 h in AGS cells using the MTT assay. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry. Morphological changes were observed by Acridine Orange/Ethidium Bromide staining. The wound-healing assay was used to assess the effects of the drugs on cell migration. Real-time PCR was used to measure the expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors (5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, 5-HT3A), serotonin transporter (SLC6A4/SERT), apoptosis-related genes (Bcl-2, Bax), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). All drugs significantly inhibited the growth of AGS cell in vitro. All four drugs induced apoptosis and inhibited cell migration with varying efficacies. Imipramine induced G1/S phase arrest, whereas tropisetron, ketanserin, and cyproheptadine increased the sub-G1 cell population. Gene expression analysis revealed decreased Bcl-2 and PCNA levels and increased Bax expression.These findings suggest the potential of tropisetron, imipramine, ketanserin, and cyproheptadine as repurposed therapeutic agents for gastric cancer.