3D spheroid culture synchronizes heterogeneous MSCs into an immunomodulatory phenotype with enhanced anti-inflammatory effects.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are heterogeneous in morphology and transcriptome, resulting in varying therapeutic outcomes. In this study, we found that 3D spheroid culture of heterogeneous MSCs, which have undergone conventional 2D monolayer culture for 5-6 passages, synchronized the cells into a uniform cell population with dramatically reduced cell size, and considerably increased levels of immunosuppressive genes and growth factors. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis of the cells revealed that 3D MSCs consisted of 2 major cell subpopulations and both expressed high levels of immunosuppressive factors, compared to 6 subpopulations in 2D MSCs.

An Engineered Dermal Substitute with Mesenchymal Stem Cells Enhances Cutaneous Wound Healing.

The treatment of refractory cutaneous wounds remains to be a clinical challenge. There is growing evidence to show that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have great potential in promoting wound healing. However, the therapeutic effects of MSCs are greatly dampened by their poor survival and engraftment in the wounds.

EGFR marks a subpopulation of dermal mesenchymal cells highly expressing IGF1 which enhances hair follicle regeneration.

The skin harbours transcriptionally and functionally heterogeneous mesenchymal cells that participate in various physiological activities by secreting biochemical cues. In this study, we aimed to identify a new subpopulation of dermal mesenchymal cells that enhance hair follicle regeneration through a paracrine mechanism. Integrated single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data analysis revealed epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as a marker of distinct fibroblast subpopulation in the neonatal murine dermis.

One-spot synthesis of FeOOH/rGO composites by ferrous-ion-induced self-assembly of graphene oxides with different degrees of oxidation.

In this study, graphene oxide sheets with different oxidation degrees were reduced by ferrous ion for coating FeOOH nano particles on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) matrix to synthesize FeOOH/rGO composites. The effect of the degree of oxidation on the morphology and chemical structure of FeOOH/rGO was studied using scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area analysis. The particle size of FeOOH crystallites was approximately 100 nm, and they were distributed uniformly on the surface and in the pores of FeOOH/rGO.

PINCH-1 regulates mitochondrial dynamics to promote proline synthesis and tumor growth.

Reprograming of proline metabolism is critical for tumor growth. Here we show that PINCH-1 is highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma and promotes proline synthesis through regulation of mitochondrial dynamics. Knockout (KO) of PINCH-1 increases dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) expression and mitochondrial fragmentation, which suppresses kindlin-2 mitochondrial translocation and interaction with pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 (PYCR1), resulting in inhibition of proline synthesis and cell proliferation.

Aggregation mechanism of colloidal kaolinite in aqueous solutions with electrolyte and surfactants.

In this study, the effect of surfactants and electrolytes on stability of kaolinite dispersions was analyzed by measuring suspension transmittance, zeta potential, and adsorption. It was experimentally found that the compression of kaolinite electric double layer caused by NaCl addition may reduce the electrostatic repulse force to facilitate the aggregation of kaolinite particles. Surfactant facilitate the aggregation of kaolinite particles mainly through the adsorption of it on the surface of kaolinite to generate hydrophobic force.