BACKGROUND: Classifying diverse skin types is crucial for promoting skin health. However, efficiently identifying and analyzing relevant biomarkers from a vast array of available genetic data is challenging. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a precise and efficient platform for analyzing specific skin biomarkers using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) with the minimal invasive skin sampling method (MISSM).
METHODS: MISSM was used for RNA extraction from skin samples, followed by qRT-PCR analysis to quantify the expression of 20 biomarkers associated with skin characteristics (four biomarkers each for five skin characteristics). Noninvasive measurements from 299 Korean participants were utilized to correlate biomarker expression with skin parameters. Statistical analyses were conducted between biomarker expression levels and noninvasive skin measurements to select the relatively best-performing biomarker for each skin characteristic.
RESULTS: Collagen type 1 alpha 1 (COL1A1) and moesin (MSN) were identified as skin aging biomarkers. Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) and serine peptidase inhibitor Kazal type 5 (SPINK5) were identified as skin dryness biomarkers, whereas melan-A (MLANA) was selected as a biomarker for understanding pigmentation dynamics. Myelin protein zero like 3 (MPZL3) and high mobility group box 2 (HMGB2) were identified as markers of oily skin and skin sensitivity, respectively. Statistically significant correlations were found between the biomarker expression levels and noninvasive skin characteristic measurements.
CONCLUSIONS: This study successfully developed a platform for the precise evaluation of individual skin characteristics using MISSM and qRT-PCR biomarker analysis. By selecting biomarkers that correlate with noninvasive measurements of skin characteristics, we demonstrated the platform\'s efficacy in assessing diverse skin conditions.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are prevalent metabolic disorders with overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms. A comprehensive understanding of the shared molecular pathways involved in these conditions can advance the development of effective therapeutic interventions.
We used two datasets sourced from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to identify common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between T2D and NAFLD. Subsequently, we conducted Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses to identify the enriched biological processes and signaling pathways. In addition, we performed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis to identify hub genes with pivotal roles. To validate our findings, we established a type 2 diabetic mouse model with NAFLD.
Our analysis identified 53 DEGs shared between T2D and NAFLD. Enrichment analysis revealed their involvement in signal transduction, transcriptional regulation, and cell proliferation as well as in the ferroptosis signaling pathways. PPI network analysis identified ten hub genes, namely CD44, CASP3, FYN, KLF4, HNRNPM, HNRNPU, FUBP1, RUNX1, NOTCH3, and ANXA2. We validated the differential expression of FYN, HNRNPU, and FUBP1 in liver tissues of a type 2 diabetic mouse model with NAFLD.
Our study offers valuable insights into the shared molecular mechanisms underlying T2D and NAFLD. The identified hub genes and pathways present promising prospects as therapeutic targets to address these prevalent metabolic disorders.

BACKGROUND: The TGF-β gene is a gemcitabine (GEM) resistance gene; however, the mechanism by which it regulates GEM resistance in pancreatic cancer remains unclear.
METHODS: The PANC-1 cell line was treated with GEM and then stimulated with TGF-β. Subsequently, we constructed GEM-resistant pancreatic cancer cell lines, knocked down TGF-β in these cell lines, and detected changes in the proliferation and apoptosis of drug-resistant cancer cells. In addition, the protein expression levels of KLF-4, GFI-1, and ZEB-1 were determined. The xenograft tumor models of nude mice were constructed by subcutaneously injecting GEM-resistant PANC-1 cells into mouse axilla. The tumors were removed, dissected, and weighed after 6 weeks. The protein levels of KLF-4, GFI-1, and ZEB-1 in tumor tissues were quantified. In addition, the percentage of M2 macrophages in tumor tissues was determined using flow cytometry.
RESULTS: The protein levels of TGF-β in pancreatic cancer cells were significantly decreased after GEM treatment. The protein expression of KLF-4 was downregulated, whereas the expressions of GFI-1 and ZEB-1 were upregulated after TGF-β stimulation. Apoptosis increased and proliferation decreased after TGF-β knockdown in GEM-resistant pancreatic cancer cells, moreover, silencing TGF-β promoted the expression of Caspase 3 and Cleaved caspase 3. In addition, the protein expression of KLF-4 was upregulated, whereas the expressions of GFI-1 and ZEB-1 were downregulated. Further, the volume and weight of the transplanted tumor decreased after TGF-β knockdown. The protein expression of KLF-4 was upregulated, whereas the expressions of GFI-1 and ZEB-1 were downregulated in tumor tissues. In addition, the percentage of M2 macrophages decreased in tumor tissues after TGF-β knockdown.
CONCLUSIONS: The knockdown of TGF-β inhibits epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, suppresses the proliferation and promotes the apoptosis of drug-resistant cancer cells, and decreases the macrophage polarization to the M2 phenotype, consequently ameliorating GEM resistance in pancreatic cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Tumor initiating cells (TICs) or cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered to be the main culprit of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) initiation and progression, nevertheless the mechanism by which tumor microenvironment maintains the HCC \'stemness\' is not fully understood. This study aims to investigate the effect of regulatory T cells (Tregs) on the TICs characteristics of HCC.
METHODS: Immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, real-time PCR, western blot, in vitro sphere-formation, and in vivo tumorigenesis assay were used to detect HCC \'stemness\'. Additionally, after forced expression or inhibition of FoxP3, β-catenin expression and HCC \'stemness\' were investigated.
RESULTS: Tregs enhanced the \'stemness\' of HCC cells by upregulating TIC-related markers CD133, Oct3/4, Sox2, c-Myc, Klf4, Nanog, CD13, EpCAM, and inducting epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), increasing TICs ratio, as well as promoting tumorigenic ability. Moreover, β-catenin and c-Myc were upregulated in HCC cells after co-cultured with Tregs. HCC \'stemness\' was inhibited after treatment with Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitor. Furthermore, forced expression of FoxP3 resulted in increased GSK3β, decreased β-catenin and TIC ratio in HCC. In contrast, FoxP3 interference reduced GSK3β, enhanced β-catenin and TIC ratio of HCC.
CONCLUSIONS: This study, for the first time, demonstrated that Tregs increased the population of TICs in HCC by inhibiting FoxP3 as well as promoting β-catenin expression.

The objective of this study was to elucidate the protective role of quercetin in atherosclerosis by examining its effect on the phenotypic switch of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to macrophage-like cells and the underlying regulatory pathways. Aorta tissues from apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE KO) mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD), treated with or without 100 mg/kg/day quercetin, were analyzed for histopathological changes and molecular mechanisms. Quercetin was found to decrease the size of atherosclerotic lesions and mitigate lipid accumulation induced by HFD. Fluorescence co-localization analysis revealed a higher presence of macrophage-like vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) co-localizing with phospho-Janus kinase 2 (p-JAK2), phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3), and Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) in regions of foam cell aggregation within aortic plaques. However, this co-localization was reduced following treatment with quercetin. Quercetin treatment effectively inhibited the KLF4-mediated phenotypic switch in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-loaded mouse aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (MOVAS), as indicated by decreased expressions of KLF4, LGALS3, CD68, and F4/80, increased expression of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), reduced intracellular fluorescence Dil-ox-LDL uptake, and decreased lipid accumulation. In contrast, APTO-253, a KLF4 activator, was found to reverse the effects of quercetin. Furthermore, AG490, a JAK2 inhibitor, effectively counteracted the ox-LDL-induced JAK2/STAT3 pathway-dependent switch to a macrophage-like phenotype and lipid accumulation in MOVAS cells. These effects were significantly mitigated by quercetin but exacerbated by coumermycin A1, a JAK2 activator. Our research illustrates that quercetin inhibits the KLF4-mediated phenotypic switch of VSMCs to macrophage-like cells and reduces atherosclerosis by suppressing the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

It is estimated that only 0.02% of disseminated tumour cells are able to seed overt metastases1. While this suggests the presence of environmental constraints to metastatic seeding, the landscape of host factors controlling this process remains largely unclear. Here, combining transposon technology2 and fluorescence niche labelling3, we developed an in vivo CRISPR activation screen to systematically investigate the interactions between hepatocytes and metastatic cells. We identify plexin B2 as a critical host-derived regulator of liver colonization in colorectal and pancreatic cancer and melanoma syngeneic mouse models. We dissect a mechanism through which plexin B2 interacts with class IV semaphorins on tumour cells, leading to KLF4 upregulation and thereby promoting the acquisition of epithelial traits. Our results highlight the essential role of signals from the liver parenchyma for the seeding of disseminated tumour cells before the establishment of a growth-promoting niche. Our findings further suggest that epithelialization is required for the adaptation of CRC metastases to their new tissue environment. Blocking the plexin-B2-semaphorin axis abolishes metastatic colonization of the liver and therefore represents a therapeutic strategy for the prevention of hepatic metastases. Finally, our screening approach, which evaluates host-derived extrinsic signals rather than tumour-intrinsic factors for their ability to promote metastatic seeding, is broadly applicable and lays a framework for the screening of environmental constraints to metastasis in other organs and cancer types.

UNASSIGNED: Salivary gland dysfunction, often resulting from salivary gland obstruction-induced inflammation, is a prevalent condition. Corticosteroid, known for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, is commonly prescribed in clinics. This study investigates the therapeutic implications and potential side effects of dexamethasone on obstructive sialadenitis recovery using duct ligation mice and salivary gland organoid models.
UNASSIGNED: Functional and pathological changes were assessed after administering dexamethasone to the duct following deligation 2 weeks after maintaining ligation of the mouse submandibular duct. Additionally, lipopolysaccharide- and tumor necrosis factor-induced salivary gland organoid inflammation models were established to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of action of dexamethasone.
UNASSIGNED: Dexamethasone administration facilitated SG function restoration, by increasing salivary gland weight and saliva volume while reducing saliva lag time. Histological evaluation revealed, reduced acinar cell atrophy and fibrosis with dexamethasone treatment. Additionally, dexamethasone suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF expression. In a model of inflammation in salivary gland organoids induced by inflammatory substances, dexamethasone restored acinar markers such as AQP5 gene expression levels, while inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF and IL6, as well as chemokines CCL2, CXCL5, and CXCL12 induction. Macrophages cultured in inflammatory substance-treated media from salivary gland organoid cultures exhibited pro-inflammatory polarization. However, treatment with dexamethasone shifted them towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype by reducing M1 markers (Tnf, Il6, Il1b, and Cd86) and elevating M2 markers (Ym1, Il10, Cd163, and Klf4). However, high-dose or prolonged dexamethasone treatment induced acino-ductal metaplasia and had side effects in both in vivo and in vitro models.
UNASSIGNED: Our findings suggest the effectiveness of corticosteroids in treating obstructive sialadenitis-induced salivary gland dysfunction by regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Biological molecular studies of meningiomas have also developed with the development of molecular biological methods. In 2013, Clark et al. reported that driver genetic mutations other than NF2, including TRAF7, KLF4, AKT1, and SMO, were associated with meningioma development. In 2017, Sahm et al. proposed a classification of meningiomas based on global methylation status, which was more accurate in predicting prognosis than conventional WHO grading. In 2022, based on this classification, various groups reported an integrated classification that comprehensively included some biological molecular abnormalities, such as DNA mutations, copy number alterations, and RNA sequences. This field is expected to elucidate the mechanism of meningioma development and further research is expected to lead to the development of effective molecularly targeted therapeutics and biomarkers of radiosensitivity in the future. In this article, we summarize the current status and prospects of these biological molecular studies.

Usher syndrome (USH) is the most common cause of inherited deaf-blindness. Here, we produced the LEIi020-A and LEIi020-B induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines from dermal fibroblasts derived from a patient with USH1B caused by inheritance of homozygous c.496del variants in MYO7A using episomal plasmids encoding OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, L-MYC, LIN28, mir302/367 microRNA and shRNA for TP53. Both iPSC lines expressed pluripotency markers, demonstrated trilineage differentiation potential and displayed a 46,XY karyotype. These cell lines represent a valuable resource for the production of retinal and otic tissues to support research into the pathogenesis and treatment of USH1B.

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease. Here we describe the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from a patient diagnosed as epilepsy caused by ATP1A2 gene mutation. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were developed using non-integrating episomal vectors containing OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, BCL-XL and C-MYC. The established iPSC line (SDCHi007-A) displayed pluripotent cell morphology, high expression levels of pluripotency markers, differentiation potential in vitro, normal karyotype, and remaining the original ATP1A2 gene mutation.