Valproic acid alters the content and function of the cell-free DNA released by hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells in vitro.

Background: It has long been believed that cell-free DNA (cfDNA) actively released into circulation can serve as intercellular messengers, and their involvement in processes such as the bystander effect strongly support this. However, this intercellular messaging function of cfDNA may have clinical implications that have not yet been considered.

Methods: CfDNA was isolated from the growth medium of HepG2 cells treated with valproic acid (VPA).

Kinetic analysis, size profiling, and bioenergetic association of DNA released by selected cell lines in vitro.

Although circulating DNA (cirDNA) analysis shows great promise as a screening tool for a wide range of pathologies, numerous stumbling blocks hinder the rapid translation of research to clinical practice. This is related directly to the inherent complexity of the in vivo setting, wherein the influence of complex systems of interconnected cellular responses and putative DNA sources creates a seemingly arbitrary representation of the quantitative and qualitative properties of the cirDNA in the blood of any individual. Therefore, to evaluate the potential of in vitro cell cultures to circumvent the difficulties encountered in in vivo investigations, the purpose of this work was to elucidate the characteristics of the DNA released [cell-free DNA (cfDNA)] by eight different cell lines.

Curcumin Rescues a PINK1 Knock Down SH-SY5Y Cellular Model of Parkinson's Disease from Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Cell Death.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Mutations in the PINK1 gene result in an autosomal recessive form of early-onset PD. PINK1 plays a vital role in mitochondrial quality control via the removal of dysfunctional mitochondria.