Oncogenic collagen I homotrimers from cancer cells bind to α3β1 integrin and impact tumor microbiome and immunity to promote pancreatic cancer.

In contrast to normal type I collagen (Col1) heterotrimer (α1/α2/α1) produced by fibroblasts, pancreatic cancer cells specifically produce unique Col1 homotrimer (α1/α1/α1). Col1 homotrimer results from epigenetic suppression of the Col1a2 gene and promotes oncogenic signaling, cancer cell proliferation, tumor organoid formation, and growth via α3β1 integrin on cancer cells, associated with tumor microbiome enriched in anaerobic Bacteroidales in hypoxic and immunosuppressive tumors. Deletion of Col1 homotrimers increases overall survival of mice with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), associated with reprograming of the tumor microbiome with increased microaerophilic Campylobacterales, which can be reversed with broad-spectrum antibiotics.

The emerging roles of exosomes in the modulation of immune responses in cancer.

Exosomes are promising tools for improving cancer care, but conversely may also contribute to tumor progression. Here, we highlight recently discovered roles of exosomes in modulating immune responses in cancer, with emphasis on exosomal surface proteins and on RNA and DNA content. We also discuss how exosomes could be exploited as biomarkers and delivery vehicles in cancer therapy.

Detection of mutant KRAS and TP53 DNA in circulating exosomes from healthy individuals and patients with pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer presents with a dismal mortality rate and is in urgent need of methods for early detection with potential for timely intervention. All living cells, including cancer cells, generate exosomes. We previously discovered double stranded genomic DNA in exosomes derived from the circulation of pancreatic cancer patients, which enabled the detection of prevalent mutations associated with the disease.

Extrafoveal Cone Packing in Eyes With a History of Retinopathy of Prematurity.

Purpose: To study the density and packing geometry of the extrafoveal cone photoreceptors in eyes with a history of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). We used a multimodal combination of adaptive optics (AO) scanning light ophthalmoscopy (SLO) and optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods: Cones were identified in subjects (aged 14-26 years) with a history of ROP that was either severe and treated by laser ablation of avascular peripheral retina (TROP; n = 5) or mild and spontaneously resolved, untreated (UROP; n = 5), and in term-born controls (CT; n = 8).

Temporal summation in children with a history of retinopathy of prematurity.

Purpose: To assess temporal summation in children with a history of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) by determining the critical duration (tCRIT) for complete temporal summation under rod-mediated conditions. From prior ERG studies, it is known that the kinetics of activation of phototransduction are prolonged in the ROP rod photoreceptor.

Methods: Dark-adapted thresholds for detecting 10° diameter stimuli with durations from 10 to 640 ms were measured.