Lineage reprogramming of human adipose mesenchymal stem cells to immune modulatory i-Heps.

Pluripotent stem cell derived-hepatocytes depict fetal -hepatocyte characteristics/maturity and are immunogenic limiting their applications. Attempts have been made to derive hepatocytes from mesenchymal stem cells using developmental cocktails, epigenetic modulators and small molecules. However, achieving a stable terminally differentiated functional state had been a challenge.

Strategies to target SARS-CoV-2 entry and infection using dual mechanisms of inhibition by acidification inhibitors.

Many viruses utilize the host endo-lysosomal network for infection. Tracing the endocytic itinerary of SARS-CoV-2 can provide insights into viral trafficking and aid in designing new therapeutic strategies. Here, we demonstrate that the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is internalized via the pH-dependent CLIC/GEEC (CG) endocytic pathway in human gastric-adenocarcinoma (AGS) cells expressing undetectable levels of ACE2.

Comprehensive genomic analysis identifies pathogenic variants in maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) patients in South India.

Background: Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is an early-onset, autosomal dominant form of non-insulin dependent diabetes. Genetic diagnosis of MODY can transform patient management. Earlier data on the genetic predisposition to MODY have come primarily from familial studies in populations of European origin.

Nanosecond laser ablation enhances cellular infiltration in a hybrid tissue scaffold.

Hybrid tissue engineered (HTE) scaffolds constituting polymeric nanofibers and biological tissues have attractive bio-mechanical properties. However, they suffer from small pore size due to dense overlapping nanofibers resulting in poor cellular infiltration. In this study, using nanosecond (ns) laser, we fabricated micro-scale features on Polycaprolactone (PCL)-Chitosan (CH) nanofiber layered bovine pericardium based Bio-Hybrid scaffold to achieve enhanced cellular adhesion and infiltration.

Biological and mechanical evaluation of a Bio-Hybrid scaffold for autologous valve tissue engineering.

Major challenge in heart valve tissue engineering for paediatric patients is the development of an autologous valve with regenerative capacity. Hybrid tissue engineering approach is recently gaining popularity to design scaffolds with desired biological and mechanical properties that can remodel post implantation. In this study, we fabricated aligned nanofibrous Bio-Hybrid scaffold made of decellularized bovine pericardium: polycaprolactone-chitosan with optimized polymer thickness to yield the desired biological and mechanical properties.