Role of FGF-18 in Bone Regeneration

In tissue engineering, three key components are cells, biological/mechanical cues, and scaffolds. Biological cues are normally proteins such as growth factors and their derivatives, bioactive molecules, and the regulators of a gene. Numerous growth factors such as VEGF, FGF, and TGF-β are being studied and applied in different studies. The carriers used to release these growth factors also play an important role in their functioning. From the early part of the 1990s, more research has beenconductedon the role of fibroblast growth factors on the various physiological functions in our body. The fibroblast growth factor family contains 22 members. Fibroblast growth factors such as 2, 9, and 18 are mainly associated with the differentiation of osteoblasts and in bone regeneration. FGF-18 stimulates the PI3K/ERK pathway and smad1/5/8 pathway mediated via BMP-2 by blocking its antagonist, which is essential for bone formation. FGF-18 incorporated hydrogel and scaffolds had showed enhanced bone regeneration. This review highlights these functions and current trends using this growth factor and potential outcomes in the field of bone regeneration

7‑Amino-6H-anthra[9,1-cd] Isothiazol-6-one-Casein Nanosystem for Live Cell Staining and Augmenting Therapeutic Effectiveness in Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) causes a significant challenge in oncology due to its aggressive nature and limited treatment options. This study introduces a promising strategy to enhance therapeutic effectiveness against TNBC by developing a dual-functioning 7-amino-6H-anthra[9,1-cd] isothiazol-6-one (AAT) encapsulated Casein nanosystem (CAAT NPs). This innovative approach serves both as a live cell staining technique and as a means to augment therapeutic outcomes in highly metastatic TNBC. AAT, chosen for its dual role as a fluorescence marker for live cells and its inherent anticancer properties, undergoes fluorescence quenching upon inducing cancer cell death. The Casein nanosystem ensures efficient dye encapsulation, providing stability and controlled release. Physicochemical analysis validates successful encapsulation, yielding a desirable size distribution of CAAT NPs. Cellular uptake studies demonstrate effective internalization in 4T1 cells with minimal cytotoxicity in healthy cell lines and organisms. Subsequent investigations revealed subcellular localization, altered mitochondrial membrane potential, nucleus breakage, antimigration activity, and growth suppression in 4T1 cells. Increased expression of γH2AX, indicating DNA damage, further underscores the therapeutic potential. In a 3-D model of 4T1 cells, CAAT NPs exhibit significant therapeutic efficacy, suggesting a promising option for safe and efficient TNBC treatment