March 2016 - This Month in JoVE: RNA interference in Mosquitoes, iPSCs Derived from Nasal Epithelia, Air Sampling of Atmospheric Aerosols, and Autologous Micro-grafts for Skin Lesions

Abstract

Here's a look at what's coming up in the March 2016 issue of JoVE: The Journal of Visualized Experiments. In JoVE Biology, RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural mechanism of gene silencing that occurs via double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), which targets homologous DNA for degradation. This phenomenon allows researchers to selectively silence genes in many eukaryotes-making RNAi an extremely valuable tool for uncovering gene function. However, in the mosquito Anopheles gambiae, a major vector for malaria, RNAi has limited ability to target genes during developmental stages. This month, Regna et al. present an RNAi protocol using direct injection during pupal development. After the pupae complete development, their adult phenotypes confirm the gene knockdown. This method expands the arsenal of genomic tools for vector insect research. In JoVE Developmental Biology, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been generated from many cell types, and are valuable models for human development and disease. iPSCs are also valued for their potential applications in regenerative medicine. This month, Ulm et al. demonstrate methods for sampling nasal epithelial mucosa from children, then culturing the samples to obtain nasal epithelial cells (NECs), which are reprogrammed into iPSCs. NECs are of particular interest because they're the primary cells infected with respiratory viruses, and are readily accessible during clinical visits. Therefore, this protocol facilitates patient-specific research in airway epithelial biology. In JoVE Environment, filters are important tools in atmospheric aerosols research. These sampled filters collect ambient particles, such as endotoxins and biological aerosols, for analysis. In this issue, Lang-Yona et al. use air-sampled filters for two complementary analyses of atmospheric biological particles: endotoxin and DNA. Specifically, they study endotoxin components of gram-negative bacterial cell walls, known collectively as lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In parallel, they perform a genomic evaluation of the sample's bacterial content. This method can produce highly accurate and reliable analyses for biological aerosol research. In JoVE Medicine, researchers are finding new ways to treat wounds with a patient's own tissues, This month, Purpura et al. describe a new method of creating autologous micrografts. When cultured on collagen sponges, these micro-grafts become bio-complexes ready to use in the treatment of skin lesions. These biocomplexes were applied in a patient, who showed good healing after 30 days. This new regenerative approach shows promise as an efficient, one-step treatment of acute and chronic lesions. You've just had a sneak peek of the March 2016 issue of JoVE. Visit the website to see the full-length articles, plus many more, in JoVE: The Journal of Visualized Experiments.