THAÍS CASAGRANDE PAIM, MÁRCIA ROSÂNGELA WINK^*

BIOCELL, Vol.46, No.4, pp. 913-922, 2022, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2022.018498

Abstract Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play key roles in regenerative medicine by promoting tissue healing. MSCs can be isolated from different adult tissues and they are able to differentiate into several lineages. Due to their anti-inflammatory, angiogenic and immune-modulatory properties, MSCs are suitable for tissue engineering applications and, when associated with biomaterials, their benefits can be improved. Moreover, recently, MSCs have been studied for new clinical applications, such as in the treatment of patients with COVID-19. MSCs regenerative potential has been attributed to their secretome, which comprises extracellular matrix, soluble proteins and several elements, including the release of extracellular vesicles. Even… More >

PETRA KRAUS^1,*, ANKITA SAMANTA¹, SINA LUFKIN², THOMAS LUFKIN¹

BIOCELL, Vol.46, No.4, pp. 893-898, 2022, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2022.018432

Abstract Pain and lifestyle changes are common consequences of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) and affect a large part of the aging population. The stemness of cells is exploited in the field of regenerative medicine as key to treat degenerative diseases. Transplanted cells however often face delivery and survival challenges, especially in tissues with a naturally harsh microniche environment such as the intervertebral disc. Recent interest in the secretome of stem cells, especially cargo protected from microniche-related decay as frequently present in degenerating tissues, provides new means of rejuvenating ailing cells and tissues. Exosomes, a type of extracellular vesicles with purposeful cargo… More >

CLAIRE ELIZABETH HILLS, ELEFTHERIOS SIAMANTOURAS, PAUL EDWARD SQUIRES^*

BIOCELL, Vol.46, No.4, pp. 937-940, 2022, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2022.018414

Abstract Changes in cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesion markers are increasingly used to characterize disease onset and progression. However, these relationships depend on both the biochemical and molecular association between cells and between cells and their extracellular matrix, as well as the biophysical and mechanical properties orchestrated by cytoskeletal, membrane and matrix components. To fully appreciate the role of cell adhesion when determining normal physiology and the impact of disease on cellular function, it is important to consider both biochemical and biophysical attributes of the system being investigated. In this short viewpoint we reflect on our experiences assessing cell-cell and/or cell-matrix interactions… More >

M. CAROLINA DI SANTO^1,2,#, AGUSTINA ALAIMO^1,2,#, ANA PAULA DOMÍNGUEZ RUBIO^1,2, OSCAR E. PÉREZ^1,2,*

BIOCELL, Vol.46, No.4, pp. 885-891, 2022, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2022.018391

Abstract Chitosan-based nanocarriers (CS-NCs) show a promising role in improving drugs and bioactive compounds delivery for therapy. However, the effects exerted by CS-NCs at the cellular level, including their recognition and uptake, have not been fully investigated yet. Many factors, including size, shape, concentration, and surface chemistry of CS-NCs, play an important role in determining the types of intracellular signals triggered. The mechanism of uptake and the involvement of the cytoskeleton during the CS-NCs endocytosis variates among the different cell types as well as further effects observed inside cells. In the present work, we discuss the effects induced by CS-NCs per… More >

EJLAL ABU-EL-RUB^1,2,*, RAMADA R. KHASAWNEH¹, FATIMAH A. ALMAHASNEH¹, HANA M. ZEGALLAI^3,4

BIOCELL, Vol.46, No.4, pp. 907-911, 2022, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2022.018306

Abstract The paracrine and immunomodulatory cytokines secreted by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), generally referred to as the MSCs derived secretome, has substantial potential for the treatment of many chronic and degenerative diseases. MSCs secretome contains both common and disease specific cytokines and modulators that can be beneficial against a wide range of chronic diseases. Herein, we discuss the MSCs secretome composition profile and its translational applicability and the challenges surrounding its use in clinical settings. More >

LING GONG¹, HUAJUN YANG¹, YING HUANG², ZHU LI¹, JIN NIE³, MENG YE⁴, PENG XIE⁵, DAISHUN LIU^2,*

BIOCELL, Vol.46, No.4, pp. 1025-1032, 2022, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2022.018248

Abstract Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is known as a risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). RSV infection induces the upregulation of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3). This study aimed to investigate the association of TLR3 with RSV induced acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Serum/sputum samples from AECOPD patients, stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (SCOPD) patients, and healthy controls were collected. Nested PCR was used to detect RSV. The lung function parameters were assessed by blood gas and lung function analysis. The expression levels of inflammatory factors in sputum and serum samples were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent… More >

MAKOTO NABETANI^1,*, TAKEO MUKAI²

BIOCELL, Vol.46, No.4, pp. 873-879, 2022, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2022.018218

Abstract Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impairments in social communication, abnormal to absent verbal communication, the presence of repetitive stereotypic verbal and non-verbal behaviors and restricted interests, with onset early in life. We showed cognitive and behavioral characteristics of ASD by impairment of communication, cognition, perception, motor skills, executive function, theory of mind and emotion control. Recently, pathogenesis of immune pathology in the brains of individuals with ASD has been focused. New therapeutic approaches in the viewpoints of immune modulation and microglial function are logical for novel treatments for individuals with ASD. Cell therapies such… More >

FERENC SIPOS^*, GYÖRGYI MŰZES

BIOCELL, Vol.46, No.4, pp. 903-906, 2022, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2022.018200

Abstract Though mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered as an important pillar of regenerative medicine, their regenerative potential has been shown to be limited in several pathological conditions. The adverse properties of MSC-based cell therapy have drawn attention to the therapeutic use of MSC-derived secretome. However, MSC-originated exosomes and microvesicles can also possess a significant impact on disease development, including cancer. By interchanging secretome, MSCs can interact with tumor cells and promote mutual exchange/induction of cellular markers. In addition, enzymes secreted into and activated within exosomes can result in the acquisition of new tumor cell properties. Therefore, therapeutic applications of MSC-derived… More >

ANDREA FRACCHIA^1,2, GABI GERLITZ^1,*

BIOCELL, Vol.46, No.4, pp. 931-935, 2022, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2022.018179

Abstract The link of the metazoan nucleus to the actin cytoskeleton is highly important for actin polymerization and migration of multiple cell types as well as for mechanotransduction and even affects the cellular transcriptome. Several mechanisms of organization of actin filaments next to the nuclear envelope have been identified. Among these mechanisms the most studied one is the Linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex-dependent perinuclear actin organization. However, recently additional mechanisms have been identified: an Actin-related protein-2/3 (Arp2/3)-dependent perinuclear actin polymerization during migration of dendritic cells and a perinuclear actin rim that is formed in response to external force application… More >

MOHAMED AGHYAD AL KABBANI^1,2, GILBERT WUNDERLICH^3,4, CHRISTOPH KöHLER⁵, HANS ZEMPEL^1,2,*

BIOCELL, Vol.46, No.4, pp. 847-853, 2022, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2022.018144

Abstract Tauopathies comprise a spectrum of genetic and sporadic neurodegenerative diseases mainly characterized by the presence of hyperphosphorylated TAU protein aggregations in neurons or glia. Gene therapy, in particular adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based, is an effective medical approach for difficult-to-treat genetic diseases for which there are no convincing traditional therapies, such as tauopathies. Employing AAV-based gene therapy to treat, in particular, genetic tauopathies has many potential therapeutic benefits, but also drawbacks which need to be addressed in order to successfully and efficiently adapt this still unconventional therapy for the various types of tauopathies. In this Viewpoint, we briefly introduce some potentially treatable… More >