Publications by authors named "G Vunjak-Novakovic"
Loss of Bcl2-associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) is associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). BAG3 regulates sarcomere protein turnover in cardiomyocytes; however, the function of BAG3 in other cardiac cell types is understudied. In this study, we used an isogenic pair of BAG3-knockout and wild-type human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to interrogate the role of BAG3 in hiPSC-derived cardiac fibroblasts (CFs).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIonizable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are pivotal in combating COVID-19, and numerous preclinical and clinical studies have highlighted their potential in nucleic acid-based therapies and vaccines. However, the effectiveness of endosomal escape for the nucleic acid cargos encapsulated in LNPs is still low, leading to suboptimal treatment outcomes and side effects. Hence, improving endosomal escape is crucial for enhancing the efficacy of nucleic acid delivery using LNPs.
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- Researchers are exploring incomplete understanding of metastatic disease to improve cancer treatment, focusing on metastatic colonization and the limited options for post-surgery patients.
- An engineered bone marrow tissue model allows for studying how different cellular components affect tumor cell behavior and influence the growth of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
- The model also shows that patient-derived tumor organoids can replicate the behavior of aggressive metastatic cells, aiding in research on personalized treatment and understanding cancer’s progression in specific niches.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogenous autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs, including the heart. The mechanisms of myocardial injury in SLE remain poorly understood. In this study, we engineered human cardiac tissues and cultured them with IgG from patients with SLE, with and without myocardial involvement.
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- - Heart valve disease often requires patients to have several surgeries due to the wear and tear of artificial valves, indicating a need for better replacement options that can grow and repair themselves.
- - Allogeneic valve transplantation offers a potential solution by providing living valve replacements that could address these issues more effectively.
- - The authors suggest a new framework aimed at preserving and rehabilitating these living valves outside the body (ex vivo), to enhance their viability and functionality.