Enhanced glycolysis-mediated energy production in alveolar stem cells is required for alveolar regeneration.

Impaired differentiation of alveolar stem cells has been identified in a variety of acute and chronic lung diseases. In this study, we investigate the mechanisms that modulate alveolar regeneration and understand how aging impacts this process. We have discovered that the process of alveolar type II (AT2) cells differentiating into AT1 cells is an energetically costly process.

Acid- and Thiol-Cleavable Multifunctional Codelivery Hydrogel: Fabrication and Investigation of Antimicrobial and Anticancer Properties.

Hydrogels serving as a drug carrier was realized by entrapping small-sized drug molecules within their cross-linked interstitial networks. After covering the targeted location, hydrogels interact with the physiological fluids and swell, resulting in an increased interspace between networks for the outside diffusion of drugs. However, inevitable in vivo inflammatory responses or bacterial infection on the implant materials and persistent cargo release are still challenging.

Stopped-Flow Dynamics Study on the Escape Behavior of Polyelectrolyte Macromolecules from Microgels: The Influence of the Path Length and Size.

We reported the fabrication of several monodispersed poly(2-vinyl pyridine)-poly(-isopropylacrylamide) (P2VP-PNIPAM) microgels including the P2VP core (non-cross-linked) and PNIPAM (cross-linked) shell by mature emulsion polymerization. The fast escape behavior (diffusion process) of linear P2VP chains through a porous PNIPAM layer was investigated by a pH jump stopped-flow apparatus. The time-dependent dynamic traces (corresponding to the scattered light intensity) decreased at the initial timescale of several seconds and then reached an apparent equilibrium, confirming the efficient escape of P2VP chains from microgels.

A small molecule protects mitochondrial integrity by inhibiting mTOR activity.

Apoptosis activation by cytochrome release from mitochondria to cytosol is a normal cellular response to mitochondrial damage. Using cellular apoptosis assay, we have found small-molecule apoptosis inhibitors that protect cells from mitochondrial damage. Previously, we reported the discovery of a small molecule, Compound A, which blocks dopaminergic neuron death in a rat model of Parkinson's disease through targeting succinate dehydrogenase subunit B (SDHB) of complex II to protect the integrity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain.

Phenylboronic Acid-Dopamine Dynamic Covalent Bond Involved Dual-Responsive Polymeric Complex: Construction and Anticancer Investigation.

In cancer treatment, prolonging the retention time of therapeutic agents in tumor tissues is a key point in enhancing the therapeutic efficacy. However, drug delivery by intravenous injection is always subjected to a "CAPIR" cascade, including circulation, accumulation, penetration, internalization, and release. Intratumoral administration has gradually emerged as an ideal alternative approach for nanomedicine because of its independence of blood constituents and minimal systemic toxicities.