How the mechanobiology orchestrates the iterative and reciprocal ECM-cell cross-talk that drives microtissue growth.

Controlled tissue growth is essential for multicellular life and requires tight spatiotemporal control over cell proliferation and differentiation until reaching homeostasis. As cells synthesize and remodel extracellular matrix, tissue growth processes can only be understood if the reciprocal feedback between cells and their environment is revealed. Using de novo-grown microtissues, we identified crucial actors of the mechanoregulated events, which iteratively orchestrate a sharp transition from tissue growth to maturation, requiring a myofibroblast-to-fibroblast transition.

Infiltrating CD8+ T cells and M2 macrophages are retained in tumor matrix tracks enriched in low tension fibronectin fibers.

Tracks rich in matrix and cells, as described in several cancer types, have immunosuppressive functions and separate tumor nests and stroma, yet their origin is unknown. Immunostainings of cryosections from mouse breast tumors show that these tracks are bordered by an endothelial-like basement membrane, filled with fibers of collagen adjacent to tenascin-C (TNC) and low-tension fibronectin (Fn) fibers. While present in early-stage tumors and maturing with time, tracks still form under TNC KO conditions, however, host (not tumor cell)-derived TNC is important for track maturation.

Housing, sanitation and living conditions affecting SARS-CoV-2 prevention interventions in 54 African countries.

The feasibility of non-pharmacological public health interventions (NPIs) such as physical distancing or isolation at home to prevent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission in low-resource countries is unknown. Household survey data from 54 African countries were used to investigate the feasibility of SARS-CoV-2 NPIs in low-resource settings. Across the 54 countries, approximately 718 million people lived in households with ⩾6 individuals at home (median percentage of at-risk households 56% (95% confidence interval (CI), 51% to 60%)).

Inhibition of alkaline phosphatase impairs dyslipidemia and protects mice from atherosclerosis.

Calcium accumulation in atherosclerotic plaques predicts cardiovascular mortality, but the mechanisms responsible for plaque calcification and how calcification impacts plaque stability remain debated. Tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) recently emerged as a promising therapeutic target to block cardiovascular calcification. In this study, we sought to investigate the effect of the recently developed TNAP inhibitor SBI-425 on atherosclerosis plaque calcification and progression.