Publications by authors named "S J Watowich"

Background: We generated a CD103DC vaccine using K7M3 OS cell lysates (cDCV) and investigated its ability to induce regression of primary tumors, established lung metastases, and a systemic immune response.

Methods: A bilateral tumor model was used to assess cDCV therapy efficacy and systemic immunity induction. K7M3 cells were injected into mice bilaterally.

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Aim: To assess the effects of a small-molecule nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) inhibitor, 5A1MQ, on body composition, metabolic variables, fatty liver pathologies, and circulating biomarkers in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice, and characterize its plasma pharmacokinetics (PK) and tissue distribution in vivo.

Materials And Methods: DIO mice were administered vehicle or 5A1MQ once daily for 28 days. Longitudinal measures of body composition, blood glucose and plasma insulin levels, and terminal measures of liver histopathology and serum markers, were evaluated.

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Exercise is a potent stimulus for combatting skeletal muscle ageing. To study the effects of exercise on muscle in a preclinical setting, we developed a combined endurance-resistance training stimulus for mice called progressive weighted wheel running (PoWeR). PoWeR improves molecular, biochemical, cellular and functional characteristics of skeletal muscle and promotes aspects of partial epigenetic reprogramming when performed late in life (22-24 months of age).

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Article Synopsis
  • - The study investigates the effects of Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase inhibitors (NNMTis) on improving muscle strength and regenerative capacity in aged mice, addressing sarcopenia's key symptoms like muscle weakness.
  • - Aged mice treated with NNMTi showed a significant increase in grip strength (40%) compared to controls, while those that exercised showed only a 20% increase; combining both treatments led to a 60% increase in grip strength.
  • - Detailed analyses uncovered unique molecular mechanisms from NNMTi treatment alone and a combination of NNMTi and exercise, indicating that NNMTi could effectively treat sarcopenia and other age-related muscle issues.
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Inflammation and tissue damage associated with pancreatitis can precede or occur concurrently with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We demonstrate that in PDAC coupled with pancreatitis (ptPDAC), antigen-presenting type I conventional dendritic cells (cDC1s) are specifically activated. Immune checkpoint blockade therapy (iCBT) leads to cytotoxic CD8 T cell activation and elimination of ptPDAC with restoration of life span even upon PDAC rechallenge.

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