Cells Stained Research Articles

Predictive value of dynamic changes in ctDNA and baseline biomarkers with neoadjuvant atezolizumab in operable urothelial carcinoma in the ABACUS trial.

534 Background: Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) is being explored in the neoadjuvant setting in multiple prospective trials. Dynamic changes may be a surrogate marker of pathological complete response. ABACUS was a multi-centre, single-arm phase II trial investigating two cycles of atezolizumab before cystectomy in patients with muscle-invasive urothelial cancer who were ineligible for or refused neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy (NCT02662309). Results of primary and secondary endpoints have been previously published. Here we perform exploratory biomarker analysis using different definitions of ctDNA response and assess correlation with tissue response at time of cystectomy in the ABACUS trial. We also assess how these definitions of response correlate with baseline biomarker expression. Methods: Patients with baseline PDL-1, CD8, TMB and sequential ctDNA measurements (baseline and at cystectomy) were included. ctDNA analysis was performed using the Signatera assay, PD-L1 positivity was defined as ≥5% of immune cell staining, TMB was assessed using the FoundationOne CDx assay and CD8 measurement was performed via immunohistochemistry analyses. Two definitions of ctDNA response were used—ctDNA clearance and a 50% reduction (or greater) in ctDNA variant allele frequency (VAF). Results were correlated with pathological complete response (pCR) rate at time of cystectomy and relapse-free survival. Results: The 2-yr DFS and OS rates in ABACUS were 68% and 77%, respectively (N=95). 40 patients had sequential DNA analysis. 43% (17/40) had pathological complete response and 20% (8/40) experienced relapse. 63% (25/40) patients were ctDNA+ at baseline, with 40% (10/25) having ctDNA response of 50% VAF reduction and 8% (3/40) achieving ctDNA clearance. 30% (3/10) of patients who had VAF reduction experienced relapse and 40% (4/10) achieved pCR. All patients with ctDNA clearance achieved pCR none relapsed. There was no association between VAF reduction of 50% and tissue response (pCR) (p=0.24). Additional analysis showed no association between a ctDNA reduction of 75% (rather than 50%) and pCR (p=0.24). Baseline PDL-1, TMB and not predictive of pathological complete response (p=0.18, p=0.77, p=0.10, respectively) or ctDNA response (p=0.54, p=0.77, p=0.74) to neoadjuvant atezolizumab. There was no difference in relapse rates between ctDNA/PD-L1+ve vs ctDNA+ve/PD-L1-ve patients (16% vs 16%, respectively). Conclusions: ctDNA clearance is rare but appears more accurate than 50% reduction in VAF to predict response/relapse. This is relevant for ongoing neoadjuvant trials planning to use this as an endpoint. Combining immune tissue based biomarkers with ctDNA does not appear to improve biomarker accuracy.

PXPermute reveals staining importance in multichannel imaging flow cytometry

Imaging flow cytometry (IFC) allows rapid acquisition of numerous single-cell images per second, capturing information from multiple fluorescent channels. However, the traditional process of staining cells with fluorescently labeled conjugated antibodies for IFC analysis is time consuming, expensive, and potentially harmful to cell viability. To streamline experimental workflows and reduce costs, it is crucial to identify the most relevant channels for downstream analysis. In this study, we introduce PXPermute, a user-friendly and powerful method for assessing the significance of IFC channels, particularly for cell profiling. Our approach evaluates channel importance by permuting pixel values within each channel and analyzing the resulting impact on machine learning or deep learning models. Through rigorous evaluation of three multichannel IFC image datasets, we demonstrate PXPermute's potential in accurately identifying the most informative channels, aligning with established biological knowledge. PXPermute can assist biologists with systematic channel analysis, experimental design optimization, and biomarker identification.

3, 5-Dihydroxy 4′, 7-dimethoxyflavone–DNA interaction study for nucleic acid detection and differential cell staining

The present study is focused on application of a natural compound, 3, 5-dihydroxy 4′, 7-dimethoxyflavone (DHDM) from a medicinal plant Alpinia nigra for nucleic acid detection and differential cell staining. DHDM was found to interact with nucleic acid and forms complex, which was investigated for various applications. It was successfully utilized to visualize plasmid, genomic, and ds-linear DNA in agarose gel electrophoresis without affecting the DNA mobility in the gel. Fluorescence of DHDM increased several fold upon binding to dsDNA. Photostability of the compound was assessed and showed photobleaching effect that decreased gradually over time. Application of the compound was further extended to differential cell staining. When observed in fluorescence microscope, DHDM stained the dead cells and differentiated them from live cells in the case of bacterial, yeast, and mammalian cells. Higher concentration of the compound was found to be less cytotoxic to cancerous cells. Nucleic acid staining dyes like Ethidium bromide (EtBr), Propidium iodide (PI), etc. are carcinogens and environmental pollutants and therefore DHDM a natural compound, is a major benefit and thus can serve as an alternative to the current dyes.

Dynamic Imaging of Blood Coagulation Within the Hematoma of Patients With Acute Hemorrhagic Stroke.

The dynamics of blood clot (combination of Hb [hemoglobin], fibrin, and a higher concentration of aggregated red blood cells) formation within the hematoma of an intracerebral hemorrhage is not well understood. A quantitative neuroimaging method of localized coagulated blood volume/distribution within the hematoma might improve clinical decision-making. The deoxyhemoglobin of aggregated red blood cells within extravasated blood exhibits a higher magnetic susceptibility due to unpaired heme iron electrons. We propose that coagulated blood, with higher aggregated red blood cell content, will exhibit (1) a higher positive susceptibility than noncoagulated blood and (2) increase in fibrin polymerization-restricted localized diffusion, which can be measured noninvasively using quantitative susceptibility mapping and diffusion tensor imaging. In this serial magnetic resonance imaging study, we enrolled 24 patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage between October 2021 to May 2022 at a stroke center. Patients were 30 to 70 years of age and had a hematoma volume >15 cm3 and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score >1. The patients underwent imaging 3×: within 12 to 24 (T1), 36 to 48 (T2), and 60 to 72 (T3) hours of last seen well on a 3T magnetic resonance imaging system. Three-dimensional anatomic, multigradient echo and 2-dimensional diffusion tensor images were obtained. Hematoma and edema volumes were calculated, and the distribution of coagulation was measured by dynamic changes in the susceptibilities and fractional anisotropy within the hematoma. Using a coagulated blood phantom, we demonstrated a linear relationship between the percentage coagulation and susceptibility (R2=0.91) with a positive red blood cell stain of the clot. The quantitative susceptibility maps showed a significant increase in hematoma susceptibility (T1, 0.29±0.04 parts per millions; T2, 0.36±0.04 parts per millions; T3, 0.45±0.04 parts per millions; P<0.0001). A concomitant increase in fractional anisotropy was also observed with time (T1, 0.40±0.02; T2, 0.45±0.02; T3, 0.47±0.02; P<0.05). This quantitative neuroimaging study of coagulation within the hematoma has the potential to improve patient management, such as safe resumption of anticoagulants, the need for reversal agents, the administration of alteplase to resolve the clot, and the need for surgery.

Improving the diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion without immunohistochemistry: An innovative method with H&E-stained and multiphoton microscopy images.

Ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion (DCISM) is a challenging subtype of breast cancer with controversial invasiveness and prognosis. Accurate diagnosis of DCISM from ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is crucial for optimal treatment and improved clinical outcomes. However, there are often some suspicious small cancer nests in DCIS, and it is difficult to diagnose the presence of intact myoepithelium by conventional hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained images. Although a variety of biomarkers are available for immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of myoepithelial cells, no single biomarker is consistently sensitive to all tumor lesions. Here, we introduced a new diagnostic method that provides rapid and accurate diagnosis of DCISM using multiphoton microscopy (MPM). Suspicious foci in H&E-stained images were labeled as regions of interest (ROIs), and the nuclei within these ROIs were segmented using a deep learning model. MPM was used to capture images of the ROIs in H&E-stained sections. The intensity of two-photon excitation fluorescence (TPEF) in the myoepithelium was significantly different from that in tumor parenchyma and tumor stroma. Through the use of MPM, the myoepithelium and basement membrane can be easily observed via TPEF and second-harmonic generation (SHG), respectively. By fusing the nuclei in H&E-stained images with MPM images, DCISM can be differentiated from suspicious small cancer clusters in DCIS. The proposed method demonstrated good consistency with the cytokeratin 5/6 (CK5/6) myoepithelial staining method (kappa coefficient = 0.818).

IHIBITION OF TRNA QUEUOSINE MODIFICATION CAUSE MITOCHONDRIAL DYSFUNCTION AND APOPTOSIS IN THE INTESTINAL EPITHELIAL CELLS

Abstract BACKGROUND Transfer RNA (tRNA) modifications occur through the action of specific enzymes that recognize and modify the nucleotides within the tRNA molecule. Queuine tRNA-ribosyltransferase catalytic subunit 1 (QTRT1) and QTRT 2 co-localize in mitochondria and form a heterodimeric TGT participating in tRNA Queuosine (tRNA-Q) modification. Our previous study demonstrated that Q-tRNA modification plays a novel role in regulating barrier functions of intestinal epithelial cells. However, the roles of tRNA-Q modifications in the maintenance of intestinal mitochondrial homeostasis and the progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are still unclear. METHODS We used QTRT1 knockout (KO) mice and cultured cell lines with QTRT1 knockdown (KD) to investigate the impact and mechanism of tRNA-Q modifications in intestinal mitochondrial homeostasis and inflammation. RESULTS Initially, we confirmed QTRT1's mitochondrial localization through immunofluorescence co-localization with Mitotracker staining in QTRT1 KD CaCO2-BBE cells. Then we used flow cytometry MitoSox Red staining and revealed an increase in mitochondrial ROS production in QTRT1 KD cells. Furthermore, we observed heightened mitophagy both in vitro and in the colon of QTRT1KO mice, evident through significantly enhanced fusion of Mtphagy Dye-labeled mitochondria with lysosomes, and altered mitochondrial proteins (Tomm20, LC3, and Cytochrome C) via Western Blotting. Notably, we identified an increase in apoptosis in the QTRT1 KO mice evidenced by the upregulation of phosphorylated PARP, cleaved Caspase 3, and the Bax/BCL-2 ratio in colonic mitochondrial proteins. TUNEL staining corroborated this apoptosis increase specifically in the colon due to the QTRT1 deficiency. CONCLUSIONS Reduced QTRT1 induced dysfunctional mitochondria and Caspase-3 dependent apoptosis. tRNA-Q modification plays an unexplored role in the pathogenesis of mitochondrial function in the intestine. Our upcoming research will employ N-acetyl-l-cysteine, a mitochondrial ROS inhibitor, and a Caspase 3 specific inhibitor to ascertain the role of tRNA modification in mitochondrial function in the intestinal inflammation. Insights into tRNA-Q modification will pave the road for new therapeutic strategies to restore mitochondrial function in IBD.

The m6A demethylase FTO targets POLQ to promote ccRCC cell proliferation and genome stability maintenance

Background and aimAs the first identified m6A demethylase, FTO has been implicated in the progression of various cancers. However, the specific mechanism of FTO in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains incompletely understood. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential molecular mechanisms influencing the progression of ccRCC.MethodsWe initially assessed the expression of FTO in tumor and adjacent tissues using TCGA database, RT-qPCR, and Western blot. We then conducted CCK-8, cell cycle analysis, and colony formation assay to investigate the impact of FTO on ccRCC cell proliferation. MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq were employed to identify potential downstream targets of FTO in ccRCC, and these findings were further validated through dual-luciferase reporter assays and MeRIP-qPCR. Then, DNA damage and cell death were assessed separately through gammaH2AX immunofluorescence detection and the LIVE/DEAD Fixable Dead Cell Stain assay, respectively. Subsequently, we identified downstream pathways influenced by FTO's regulation of POLQ through TCGA database analysis and GSEA enrichment analysis. Validation was carried out through Western blot.ResultsFTO is highly expressed in ccRCC tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, ROC curve demonstrates that FTO contributes to the diagnosis of ccRCC. FTO modulates m6A modification, consequently influencing the expression of POLQ, thus facilitating cell proliferation and maintaining genome stability in ccRCC.ConclusionFTO could potentially serve as a diagnostic marker for ccRCC. FTO promotes the progression of ccRCC by regulating m6A modification, making the inhibition of FTO a potential novel therapeutic strategy in ccRCC.

Bilayer regenerated cellulose/quaternized chitosan-hyaluronic acid/collagen electrospun scaffold for potential wound healing applications

In this study, a bilayer electrospun scaffold has been prepared using regenerated cellulose (RC)/quaternized chitosan (CS) as the primary layer and collagen/hyaluronic acid (HA) as the second layer. An approximate 48 mol% substituted (estimated from 1H NMR) quaternized CS was used in this study. Both layers were crosslinked with EDC/NHS, reflecting an increase in UTS (2.29 MPa for the bilayer scaffold compared to 1.82 MPa for the RC scaffold). Initial cell viability, cell adhesion and proliferation, FDA staining for live cells, and hydroxyproline release rate from cells were evaluated with L929 mouse fibroblast cells. Also, detailed in vitro studies were performed using HADF cells, which include MTT Assay, Live/Dead imaging, DAPI staining, gene expression of PDGF, VEGF-A, and COL1 in RT-PCR, and cell cycle analysis. The collagen/HA-based bilayer scaffold depicted a 9.76-fold increase of VEGF-A compared to a 2.1-fold increase for the RC scaffold, indicating angiogenesis and vascularization potential. In vitro scratch assay was performed to observe the migration of cells in simulated wounds. Antimicrobial, antioxidant, and protease inhibitory activity were further performed, and overall, the primary results highlighted the potential usage of bilayer scaffold in wound healing applications.

Cell Staining Microgels Derived from a Natural Phenolic Dye: Hematoxylin Has Intriguing Biomedical Potential.

Hematoxylin (HT) as a natural phenolic dye compound is generally used together with eosin (E) dye as H&E in the histological staining of tissues. Here, we report for the first time the polymeric particle preparation from HT as poly(Hematoxylin) ((p(HT)) microgels via microemulsion method in a one-step using a benign crosslinker, glycerol diglycidyl ether (GDE). P(HT) microgels are about 10 µm and spherical in shape with a zeta potential value of -34.6 ± 2.8 mV and an isoelectric point (IEP) of pH 1.79. Interestingly, fluorescence properties of HT molecules were retained upon microgel formation, e.g., the fluorescence emission intensity of p(HT) at 343 nm was about 2.8 times less than that of the HT molecule at λex: 300 nm. P(HT) microgels are hydrolytically degradable and can be controlled by using an amount of crosslinker, GDE, e.g., about 40%, 20%, and 10% of p(HT) microgels was degraded in 15 days in aqueous environments for the microgels prepared at 100, 200, and 300% mole ratios of GDE to HT, respectively. Interestingly, HT molecules at 1000 mg/mL showed 22.7 + 0.4% cell viability whereas the p(HT) microgels exhibited a cell viability of 94.3 + 7.2% against fibroblast cells. Furthermore, even at 2000 mg/mL concentrations of HT and p(HT), the inhibition% of α-glucosidase enzyme were measured as 93.2 ± 0.3 and 81.3 ± 6.3%, respectively at a 0.03 unit/mL enzyme concentration, establishing some potential application of p(HT) microgels for neurogenerative diseases. Moreover, p(HT) microgels showed two times higher MBC values than HT molecules, e.g., 5.0 versus 2.5 mg/mL MIC values against Gram-negative E. coli and Gram-positive S. aureus, respectively.

Myocardial perfusion in cardiac amyloidosis.

Cardiac involvement is the main driver of clinical outcomes in systemic amyloidosis and preliminary studies support the hypothesis that myocardial ischaemia contributes to cellular damage. The aims of this study were to assess the presence and mechanisms of myocardial ischaemia using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) with multiparametric mapping and histopathological assessment. Ninety-three patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA) (light-chain amyloidosis n = 42, transthyretin amyloidosis n = 51) and 97 without CA (three-vessel coronary disease [3VD] n = 47, unobstructed coronary arteries n = 26, healthy volunteers [HV] n = 24) underwent quantitative stress perfusion CMR with myocardial blood flow (MBF) mapping. Twenty-four myocardial biopsies and three explanted hearts with CA were analysed histopathologically. Stress MBF was severely reduced in patients with CA with lower values than patients with 3VD, unobstructed coronary arteries and HV (CA: 1.04 ± 0.51 ml/min/g, 3VD: 1.35 ± 0.50 ml/min/g, unobstructed coronary arteries: 2.92 ± 0.52 ml/min/g, HV: 2.91 ± 0.73 ml/min/g; CA vs. 3VD p = 0.011, CA vs. unobstructed coronary arteries p < 0.001, CA vs. HV p < 0.001). Myocardial perfusion abnormalities correlated with amyloid burden, systolic and diastolic function, structural parameters and blood biomarkers (p < 0.05). Biopsies demonstrated abnormal vascular endothelial growth factor staining in cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells, which may be related to hypoxia conditions. Amyloid infiltration in intramural arteries was associated with severe lumen reduction and severe reduction in capillary density. Cardiac amyloidosis is associated with severe inducible myocardial ischaemia demonstrable by histology and CMR stress perfusion mapping. Histological evaluation indicates a complex pathophysiology, where in addition to systolic and diastolic dysfunction, amyloid infiltration of the epicardial arteries and disruption and rarefaction of the capillaries play a role in contributing to myocardial ischaemia.

Interactions of neural-like cells with 3D-printed polycaprolactone with different inner diameters for neural regeneration

Background/purposePeripheral neural regeneration is an interesting and challenging field. The aim of this study was to investigate the interactions of neural-like PC12 cells and Poly-D-Lysine (PDL)-coated 3D-printed polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds with different inner diameters of half tubular array (HTA) (0, 200, 300, and 400 μm), respectively. Materials and methodsThis study used the fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique with 3D-printing to fabricate the thermoplastic polymer. Scaffold properties were measured by mechanical testing, and coating quality was observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). PC12 cell biocompatibility was examined by an MTT assay. Cell differentiation was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining. ResultsThe cell viability of PC12 cells on PDL-coated PCL scaffolds with a 200-μm inner diameter of HTA was shown with significant differences (∗P < 0.05, ∗∗P < 0.01, ∗∗∗P < 0.001) than other PCL groups at all experimental dates. The SEM observation showed that PDL-coated PCL scaffolds with 200-μm inner diameters of HTA promoted cell adhesion. An immunofluorescence staining of PC12 cells on the PDL-coated PCL scaffold with a 200-μm inner diameter of the HTA group showed that it stimulated PC12 cells for neurite formation much better than the other groups. ConclusionA PDL-coated PCL scaffold with a 200-μm inner diameter of HTA can promote the growth and differentiation of PC12 cells better than other groups. It indicated that PDL-coated PCL scaffolds with a 200-μm inner diameter HTA can be used for further neural regeneration application.

Myopericytoma of the mouth floor: The diagnostic and therapeutic challenge—A case report and literature review

AbstractMyopericytoma is defined as a rare benign myxoid tumour that is usually found in distal extremities. However, it may rarely affect the oral cavity. Few cases of oral myopericytoma were reported in the literature. A 56‐year‐old female patient presented with a mouth floor lesion. A wedge biopsy performed from the lesion revealed an atypical round cell proliferation, which may be plasmablastic lymphoma or plasmacytoma. Post‐contrast neck MRI described a well‐defined lobulated lesion at the right sublingual region measuring 14 × 21 mm. Transoral wide local excision of the ulcer was performed, and reconstruction of the defect was done using an inferiorly‐based nasolabial flap. Microscopic examination of the excised swelling revealed a tumour proliferation formed of bland‐looking spindle cells alternating with fibroblasts and intervening vascular spaces. No detected mitosis or necrosis in the examined material. IHC staining of the tumour cells was positive for Caldesmon and alpha smooth muscle actin, while Ki67 was positive in 3% of cellularity. Desmin, ALK, B‐catenin, ERG, CD31, and CD138 showed a negative reaction. This led to the diagnosis of bland spindle cell proliferation suggestive of oral myopericytoma with free all surgical margins. Myoepricytoma is a rare benign tumour that rarely affects the oral cavity. Surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment. Local flaps constitute a good choice for the reconstruction of the resection defect.

Fabrication of bioactive glass/phosphorylated chitosan composite scaffold and its effects on MC3T3-E1 cells

This study aimed to synthesize bioactive glass (BG) and phosphorylated chitosan (PCS), and fabricate a BG/PCS composite scaffold. The physical properties (mechanical strength, swelling degree, and degradation rate) of the BG/PCS scaffold were tested. The in vitro mineralization properties of composite scaffolds in simulated body fluid were investigated. MC3T3-E1 cell responses with the BG/PCS scaffold were investigated using live/dead cell staining, actin staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and Alizarin red staining. Our results showed that the scaffold had an inner porous structure, good swelling properties, and good degradation rate. After immersion in SBF, the scaffolds demonstrated high properties in inducing mineralization. Leaching solutions of the composite scaffolds exhibited good cytocompatibility. MC3T3-E1 cells adhered, spread, and proliferated on the scaffold. The BG/PCS composite scaffold showed osteo-inductive activity by increasing ALP activity and calcium deposition. Our results indicated that the BG/PCS scaffold had potential applications as a bone-defect repair biomaterial.

Abstract C092: T cell responses and clinical outcomes in pancreatic and colorectal cancer patients with minimal residual disease in AMPLIFY-201, a phase 1 trial of a first-in-class amphiphile lymph node targeted mutant KRAS vaccine

Abstract Background: Mutations in RAS occur in &amp;gt; 25% of solid tumors and &amp;gt; 90% of patients (pts) with PDAC and &amp;gt; 40% of pts with CRC. ELI-002 2P is a vaccine comprised of lymph-node targeted Amphiphile (Amph)-modified G12D and G12R mutant KRAS peptides together with an Amph-modified CpG oligonucleotide adjuvant designed to expand polyfunctional mutant KRAS-specific T cells. Interim phase 1 AMPLIFY-201 data (O’Reilly et al; ASCO, 2023, #2528) showed that adjuvant administration of ELI-002 was well-tolerated, with T cell responses in 87%, and tumor biomarker responses in 77% (a subset of 32% had ctDNA clearance). Here we report relapse free survival data and correlations between ELI-002 2P- induced T cell levels and outcomes in pts with PDAC and colorectal cancer (CRC) at high risk for relapse following locoregional treatment. Methods: Resected PDAC (n=20) and CRC (n=5) pts with tumors harboring KRAS G12D or G12R who had minimal residual disease positivity (MRD+) defined as elevated circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and/or serum tumor biomarker (CA19-9/CEA), received up to 6 priming doses and 4 booster doses separated by a 3-month rest period of subcutaneous ELI-002 2P vaccine monotherapy comprised of Amph-peptides (700 mcg each G12D/G12R), admixed with Amph-CpG-7909 at 0.1, 0.5, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 mg per cohort dose level. Primary endpoints included safety and recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of Amph-CPG-7909; secondary endpoints: biomarker reduction/clearance; exploratory endpoints: included relapse free survival (RFS) using immune Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (iRECIST) and immunogenicity assessed by direct ex vivo Fluorospot and intracellular cytokine staining of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Results: Direct ex vivo polyfunctional mKRAS-specific T cell responses to ELI-002 2P were observed in 20/23 (87%; 50% induced both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, median 13-fold and mean 56-fold increase from baseline), with response in 9/9 (100%) pts treated at highest two dose levels including the 10 mg RP2D. Clinical efficacy correlated with T cell response in evaluable pts (n=22): median tumor biomarker reduction/clearance was -86.9% vs -4.5% in above vs below median T cell responders, respectively (p &amp;lt; 0.0124). At 25 weeks median follow-up, the median RFS was not reached compared to 17.1 weeks in above versus below median T cell responders (HR 0.11; 95% CI 0.027-0.446; p = 0.0108). The association of RFS with T cell response was not confounded by other baseline prognostic variables (including tumor stage, recovery from prior cytotoxic therapy as assessed by absolute neutrophil count, or immune system subsets such as %CD4+ or %CD8+of CD3+ lymphocytes). Conclusions: The association of ELI-002 2P vaccine T cell responses with clinical outcomes in a novel MRD+ trial design underscores the potential to reduce recurrence in the setting of microsatellite stable PDAC and CRC. A new phase 1/2 trial, AMPLIFY-7P (NCT05726864), is evaluating a new seven peptide (G12D, G12R, G12V, G12C, G12A, G12S, G13D) ELI-002 7P formulation. Citation Format: Zev A. Wainberg, Shubham Pant, Colin D. Weekes, Muhammad Furqan, Pashtoon M. Kasi, Craig E. Devoe, Alexis D. Leal, Vincent Chung, James R. Perry, Lochana Seenappa, Lisa K. McNeil, Esther Welkowsky, Peter C. DeMuth, Christopher M. Haqq, Eileen M. O'Reilly. T cell responses and clinical outcomes in pancreatic and colorectal cancer patients with minimal residual disease in AMPLIFY-201, a phase 1 trial of a first-in-class amphiphile lymph node targeted mutant KRAS vaccine [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Pancreatic Cancer; 2023 Sep 27-30; Boston, Massachusetts. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(2 Suppl):Abstract nr C092.

Bisphenol A triggers apoptosis in mouse pre-antral follicle granulosa cells via oxidative stress

BackgroundBisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disrupting chemical with weak estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity, is widely present in various environmental media and organisms. It has certain reproductive toxicity and can cause a variety of female reproductive system diseases. Although BPA-stimulated apoptosis of granulosa cells has been widely elaborated, the effect of BPA on mouse pre-antral follicle granulosa cells (mpGCs) has not been well elucidated.ResultsIn this study, the results of live-dead cell staining showed that high concentrations of BPA severely impaired mpGCs growth viability and affected the cell cycle transition of mpGCs. We confirmed that BPA promotes the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and facilitates oxidative stress in mpGCs. In addition, immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, and flow cytometry experiments demonstrated that BPA treatment for mpGCs resulted in apoptotic features, such as rounding, cytoplasmic crinkling, and mitochondrial damage. This was accompanied by a large production of ROS and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) translocation from the mitochondria to the nucleus. RNA-seq data showed that several apoptosis-related pathways were enriched in the high concentration BPA-treated group compared with the normal group, such as the p53 pathway, MAPK pathway, etc.ConclusionsThese results suggest that cells undergo oxidative stress effects and apoptosis after BPA treatment for mpGCs, which affects normal follicle development. The potential mechanism of BPA-induced female reproductive toxicity was elucidated, while providing a research basis for the prevention and treatment of female reproductive diseases.

Application of Crude Extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa as Stain for Bacterial Cells

Application of Crude Extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa as Stain for Bacterial Cells

Short chain fatty acids inhibit corneal inflammatory responses to TLR ligands via the ocular G-protein coupled receptor 43

PurposeShort chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by gut microbiota are known to play primary roles in gut homeostasis by immunomodulation partially through G-protein coupled receptors (GPR) 43. Using mouse models of TLR ligand induced keratitis, we investigated whether SCFAs and GPR43 play any regulatory roles in the pathogenesis of inflammatory responses in the eye. MethodsBoth human and mouse eyes were labeled with a specific antibody for GPR43 and imaged by a laser scanning confocal microscope. Corneal cups from naïve C57BL/6J (B6) and GPR43 knockout (KO) mice were stimulated with TLR ligands in the presence or absence of sodium butyrate overnight and then processed for RT-PCR assay for expression of GPR43 and cytokines. Keratitis was induced by Poly I:C in wild type (WT) B6, GPR43KO and chimeric mice and the disease severity was evaluated by the corneal fluorescein staining test, and infiltrating cell staining and calculating in corneal whole mount. ResultsGPR43 is expressed in both human and mouse eyes and the expression is bidirectionally regulated by TLR ligands and butyrate. Butyrate significantly inhibited inflammation caused by several TLR ligands such as Poly I:C, Flagellin, and CpG-ODN (TLR-3, 5 and 9 agonists, respectively) in WT, but not GPR43KO, mice. Butyrate inhibition of TLR-induced keratitis is mediated by the GPR43 expressed in tissue but not hematopoietic, cells. ConclusionsThis is the first report to demonstrate of the protective effect of SCFAs on microbial keratitis, and the dynamic expression and anti-inflammatory function of GPR43 in the eye. SCFAs can modulate inflammation and immunity in the eye through GPR43.

Activation of GPER-1 Attenuates Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Neurological Impairments in Mice.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of G1-activated G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1) on neurological impairments and neuroinflammation in traumatic brain injury (TBI) mice. The controlled cortical impingement (CCI) method was used to establish the TBI model. The mice were subjected to ovariectomy (OVX) for two weeks prior to modeling. GPER1 agonist G1 was administered by intracerebroventricular injection. Brain tissue water content was detected by wet/dry method, and blood-brain barrier damage was detected by Evans blue extravasation. The neurological impairments in mice were evaluated by open field test, Y-maze test, nest-building test, object location memory test and novel object recognition test. Ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) staining was used to indicate the activation of microglia. Expression of M1/M2-type microglia markers and inflammatory factors were evaluated by ELISA and qRT-PCR. The G1 administration significantly reduced cerebral edema and Evans blue extravasation at injury ipsilateral cortex and basal ganglia in TBI mice. Activation of GPER1 by G1 improved the anxiety behavior and the cognitive dysfunction of mice induced by TBI. G1 administration significantly decreased Iba1-positive staining cells and the mRNA levels of CD86, macrophage cationic peptide 1 (Mcp-1), nitric oxide synthase 2 (Nos2), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2), while increased the mRNA levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10), arginase1 (Arg-1) and CD206. Activation of GPER1 through G1 administration has the potential to ameliorate cognitive dysfunction induced by TBI in mice. It may also inhibit the activation of M1 microglia in cortical tissue resulting from TBI, while promoting the activation of M2 microglia and contributing to the regulation of inflammatory responses.

Brunonianines A-C, C20-diterpenoid alkaloids with cyano group from Delphinium brunonianum Royle

Cyano tends to have better biological activity, but it is rarely reported in natural products, especially in the C20-diterpene alkaloids. Herein, three unprecedented C20-diterpenoid alkaloids, brunonianines A-C (1-3), possessing rare cyano functional group as well as an atisine backbone constructed from a phenethyl substituent and a tetrahydropyran ring, along with four C19-alkaloids (4–7) and one amide alkaloids (8), were isolated from the whole plant of Delphinium brunonianum Royle. Compounds 1–3 are also the first atisine type diterpenoid alkaloids with cyano group obtained from nature. The structures of the previously undescribed compounds were elucidated by HR-ESI-MS, 1D/2D NMR spectroscopic data and electronic circular dichroism calculations and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Reasonable speculations have also been made regarding the biogenic synthetic pathways of compounds 1–3. In addition, the inhibitory activity of all compounds was also tested against four tumor lines: A549, Caco-2, H460 and Skov-3, where compound 2 (IC50 2.20 ± 0.21 μM) showed better inhibitory activity against Skov-3 cells than the hydroxycamptothecin. Using flow cytometry, cell staining, migration and invasion analysis, and Western blot, compound 2 was found to arrest cells in the G2/M phase and was able to effectively inhibit cell motility to achieve potent anti-tumor effects. In addition, compound 2 can effectively induce apoptosis by activating the Bax/Bcl-2/Caspase-3 signaling pathway.

Expression of the SARS-CoV-2 Receptor ACE2 and Protease TMPRSS2 in Ocular Hypertension Eyes of Nonhuman Primate and Human

Purpose Coronavirus disease 2019 is a disease caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The double-positive of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and transmembrane protease serine type 2 have a higher risk of being infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The susceptibility of coronavirus disease 2019 in patients with chronic diseases, especially in different tissues of ocular hypertension eyes like glaucoma, is not yet known. Methods An ocular hypertension model was established by laser photocoagulation in rhesus monkeys. The expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and transmembrane protease serine type 2 in three ocular hypertension eyes and the three control eyes were analyzed using immunofluorescence. Results No difference was observed between ocular hypertension and control eyes in the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and transmembrane protease serine type 2 in the conjunctival epithelium, corneal epithelium, and ciliary muscle. In ocular hypertension eyes and control eyes, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and transmembrane protease serine type 2 expression were both observed in the retina. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 staining of retinal ganglion cells was found to be significantly higher in ocular hypertension eyes than in control eyes. However, there was no difference in angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and transmembrane protease serine type 2 expression in retinal vessels and choroidal vessels between ocular hypertension and control eyes. In our study, the expression and distribution of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and TMPREE2 in human retina were similar to that of non-human primates as expected. Conclusion Our study confirmed that angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and transmembrane protease serine type 2 were expressed widely in rhesus monkey eyes. When compared with controls eyes, the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 was higher in the retinal ganglion cells in ocular hypertension eyes, suggesting that high ocular pressure may affect the patients’ ocular susceptibility to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection.