Diffuse pediatric-type high-grade gliomas (pedHGG), H3- and IDH-wildtype, encompass three main DNA-methylation-based subtypes: pedHGG-MYCN, pedHGG-RTK1A/B/C, and pedHGG-RTK2A/B. Since their first description in 2017 tumors of pedHGG-RTK2A/B have not been comprehensively characterized and clinical correlates remain elusive. In a recent series of pedHGG with a Gliomatosis cerebri (GC) growth pattern, an increased incidence of pedHGG-RTK2A/B (n = 18) was observed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe extracellular matrix plays a critical role in modulating cell behaviour in the developing and adult central nervous system influencing neural cell morphology, function and growth. Neurons and astrocytes, play vital roles in neural signalling and support respectively and respond to cues from the surrounding matrix environment. However, a better understanding of the impact of specific individual extracellular matrix proteins on both neurons and astrocytes is critical for advancing the development of matrix-based scaffolds for neural repair applications.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFChromosomal instability (CIN) generates micronuclei-aberrant extranuclear structures that catalyze the acquisition of complex chromosomal rearrangements present in cancer. Micronuclei are characterized by persistent DNA damage and catastrophic nuclear envelope collapse, which exposes DNA to the cytoplasm. We found that the autophagic receptor p62/SQSTM1 modulates micronuclear stability, influencing chromosome fragmentation and rearrangements.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe reactive partnership between azides and strained alkynes is at the forefront of bioorthogonal reactions, with their cellular studies often achieved through the use of off to on fluorophores with fluorescence microscopy. In this work, the first demonstration of a bioorthogonal, macrocycle-forming reaction occurring within the nuclear envelope of live cells has been accomplished, utilising on/on fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy for real-time continuous observation of the transformation. The fluorescent, macrocyclic BF azadipyrromethene was accessible through a double 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition within minutes, between a precursor bis-azido substituted fluorophore and Sondheimer diyne in water or organic solvents.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMolecular probes with the ability to differentiate between subcellular variations in acidity levels remain important for the investigation of dynamic cellular processes and functions. In this context, a series of cyclic peptide and PEG bio-conjugated dual near-infrared emissive BF-azadipyrromethene fluorophores with maxima emissions at 720 nm (at pH > 6) and 790 nm (at pH < 5) have been developed and their aqueous solution photophysical properties determined. Their inter-converting emissions and fluorescence lifetime characteristics were exploited to track their spatial and temporal progression from first contact with the plasma membrane to subcellular locales to their release within extracellular vesicles.
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