Deciphering the Transcriptional Metabolic Profile of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells During Osteogenic Differentiation and Epigenetic Drug Treatment.

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) are commonly employed in clinical treatment for various diseases due to their ability to differentiate into multi-lineage and anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory properties. Preclinical studies support their use for bone regeneration, healing, and the improvement of functional outcomes. However, a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying ASC biology is crucial to identifying key regulatory pathways that influence differentiation and enhance regenerative potential.

Small RNAs and tooth development: The role of microRNAs in tooth agenesis and impaction.

Background/purpose: Tooth development, or odontogenesis, is a complex process in which several molecular pathways play a key role. Recently, microRNAs, a class of approximately 20-nucleotide small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression, have been implicated in the odontogenesis process. This study aimed to assess the role of miRNAs in odontogenesis anomalies, specifically agenesis and impaction.

Polyethylene Micro/Nanoplastics Exposure Induces Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Human Bronchial and Alveolar Epithelial Cells.

Micro/nanoplastics (MNPs), which are widely spread in the environment, have gained attention because of their ability to enter the human body mainly through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, thus representing a serious health threat. Several studies have reported the presence of MNPs in lung tissue and the potential role of MNP inhalation in triggering lung fibrosis and tumorigenesis. However, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding the cellular response to MNPs composed of polyethylene (PE), one of the most common plastic pollutants in the biosphere.

SMAD4 mutations causing Myhre syndrome are under positive selection in the male germline.

While it is widely thought that de novo mutations (DNMs) occur randomly, we previously showed that some DNMs are enriched because they are positively selected in the testes of aging men. These "selfish" mutations cause disorders with a shared presentation of features, including exclusive paternal origin, significant increase of the father's age, and high apparent germline mutation rate. To date, all known selfish mutations cluster within the components of the RTK-RAS-MAPK signaling pathway, a critical modulator of testicular homeostasis.

Exploring non-coding genetic variability in ACE2: Functional annotation and in vitro validation of regulatory variants.

The surge in human whole-genome sequencing data has facilitated the study of non-coding region variations, yet understanding their biological significance remains a challenge. We used a computational workflow to assess the regulatory potential of non-coding variants, with a particular focus on the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) gene. This gene is crucial in physiological processes and serves as the entry point for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus causing coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19).