From barriers to novel strategies: smarter CAR T therapy hits hard to tumors

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy for solid tumors shows promise, but several hurdles remain. Strategies to overcome barriers such as CAR T therapy-related toxicities (CTT), immunosuppression, and immune checkpoints through research and technology are needed to put the last nail to the coffin and offer hope for previously incurable malignancies. Herein we review current literature and infer novel strategies for the mitigation of CTT while impeding immune suppression, stromal barriers, tumor heterogeneity, on-target/off-tumor toxicities, and better transfection strategies with an emphasis on clinical research and prospects

MicroRNAs: Recent insights towards their role in male infertility and reproductive cancers

Spermatogenesis is a tightly controlled, multi-step process in which mature spermatozoa are produced. Disruption of regulatory mechanisms in spermatogenesis can lead to male infertility, various diseases of male reproductive system, or even cancer. The spermatogenic impairment in infertile men can be associated with different etiologies, and the exact molecular mechanisms are yet to be determined. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a type of non-protein coding RNAs, about 22 nucleotides long, with an essential role in post-transcriptional regulation. miRNAs have been recognized as important regulators of various biological processes, including spermatogenesis. The aim of this review is to summarize the recent literature on the role of miRNAs in spermatogenesis, male infertility and reproductive cancers, and to evaluate their potential in diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of disease. Experimental evidence shows that aberrant expression of miRNAs affects spermatogenesis at multiple stages and in different cell types, most often resulting in infertility. In more severe cases, dysregulation of miRNAs leads to cancer. miRNAs have enormous potential to be used as diagnostic and prognostic markers as well as therapeutic targets in male infertility and reproductive system diseases. However, to exploit this potential fully, we need a better understanding of miRNA-mediated regulation of spermatogenesis, including the characterization of yet unidentified miRNAs and related regulatory mechanisms

3-Benzyl­isochroman-1-one

In the mol­ecule of the title compound, C16H14O2, the aromatic rings are oriented at a dihedral angle of 78.49 (3)°. The heterocyclic ring adopts a twist conformation. In the crystal structure, inter­molecular C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the mol­ecules into chains along the c axis

How Does Interleukin-22 Mediate Liver Regeneration and Prevent Injury and Fibrosis?

Interleukin-22 (IL-22) is a pluripotent T cell-derived cytokine which is a member of IL-10 cytokine family. It is the only interleukin produced by immune cells but does not target immune system components. IL-22 is mainly produced by dendritic cells (DCs) and TH17, TH22, NK, and NKT cells and targets a number of body tissues including liver, pancreas, and other epithelial tissues. It provokes a series of downstream signaling pathways upon binding with IL-22R complex which protects liver damage through STAT3 activation. IL-22BP is an inhibitor of IL-22 which has 20-1000x more affinity to bind with IL-22 compared to IL-22R1 that inhibits IL-22 activity. Its level was found to be positively correlated with the severity of liver damage and fibrosis. So, the present review is an effort to reveal the exact mechanism lying in the hepatoprotective activity of IL-22 and some of its future therapeutic implications

Head and Neck Cancer: Epidemiology and Role of MicroRNAs

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is referred to the cancers of aerodigestive tract covering number of structures viz, oral and nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, lips, salivary glands, oropharynx, hypopharynx, pharynx, larynx, and local lymph nodes. It is the sixth most common cancer in the world. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small single‐stranded noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) of about 19–25 nucleotides. These miRNAs have been reported to influence number of biological activities, i.e., gene regulation, differentiation, organ formation, cell death, cell proliferation, and stress responses. The first ever study involving miRNAs in HNC was published in 2005. Since then, association between dysregulation of miRNAs and head and neck tumorigenesis has been documented by a number of researchers. This chapter has covered a comprehensive state of the art literature review of the recent studies about the role of miRNAs in HNC including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and human nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Despite significant improvement in multimodal treatment, the prognosis of advanced HNC is quite poor. Recent studies are promising regarding the potential role of miRNAs as prognostic indicators. Recently, some miRNAs have been discovered as important diagnostic biomarkers. In fact, miRNAs are found circulated stably in different body fluids, i.e., urine, blood, saliva, as well as in breath. Hence, these miRNAs can be assessed easily with noninvasive methods. miRNAs are the key therapeutic targets in addition to their prognostic and diagnostic value. Use of synthetically designed “miRNAs sponges,” miR mimics (agomiRs), miR antagonists (“antagomiRs”), and miR inhibitors (antimiRNAs oligonucleotides) is an innovative strategy to modulate oncogenic and tumor‐suppressive pathways. Our understanding of miRNAs involvement in HNC is in its infancy. The discovery of miRNAs heralds a complete new paradigm in the understanding of exact molecular pathways involved in HNC development. More detailed studies are required for better understanding and therapeutic targets to treat HNC

Functional Role of MicroRNAs in Embryogenesis

This book chapter will provide an overview of the functional role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in embryogenesis. A brief introduction to embryogenesis and emphasis on the importance of miRNAs in gene regulation will be provided. The biogenesis and mechanism of action of miRNAs will be discussed in detail with a focus on the importance of miRNA-mRNA interaction in gene regulation. The chapter will then delve into the role of miRNAs in early embryonic development, including their importance in the establishment of the three germ layers, cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis during embryogenesis. The role of miRNAs in organogenesis and tissue differentiation, specifically the formation of specific organs such as the heart, lung, liver, and brain, will also be discussed. The chapter will conclude by examining the dysregulation of miRNAs in embryonic development and disease, including teratogenicity, developmental disorders, and developmental cancer. The chapter will summarize the functional roles of miRNAs in embryogenesis and will offer future perspectives and potential therapeutic applications of miRNAs in embryonic development and disease

Hygroscopic properties following drying affects wood consumption by Odontotermes obesus

The relationship between drying and hygroscopic ability of Crateva adansonii and Populus deltoides woods to resist feeding by Odontotermes obesus was studied. Woods were dried under the sun and in the oven for a range of 5-25 days and then these were exposed to termites for 25 days in underground pits in Randomized Complete Block Design pattern with five replications. Results showed that lowest moisture gain was observed at a short time for drying with each method. Weight loss after termites’ exposure was more in less dried sap and heartwood of either plant species. The practical implication of these results is discussed

A Decade of Mighty Lipophagy: What We Know and What Facts We Need to Know?

From Hindawi via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: publication-year 2021, received 2021-02-22, rev-recd 2021-09-30, accepted 2021-10-15, pub-print 2021-11-05, archival-date 2021-11-05Publication status: PublishedLipids are integral cellular components that act as substrates for energy provision, signaling molecules, and essential constituents of biological membranes along with a variety of other biological functions. Despite their significance, lipid accumulation may result in lipotoxicity, impair autophagy, and lysosomal function that may lead to certain diseases and metabolic syndromes like obesity and even cell death. Therefore, these lipids are continuously recycled and redistributed by the process of selective autophagy specifically termed as lipophagy. This selective form of autophagy employs lysosomes for the maintenance of cellular lipid homeostasis. In this review, we have reviewed the current literature about how lipid droplets (LDs) are recruited towards lysosomes, cross-talk between a variety of autophagy receptors present on LD surface and lysosomes, and lipid hydrolysis by lysosomal enzymes. In addition to it, we have tried to answer most of the possible questions related to lipophagy regulation at different levels. Moreover, in the last part of this review, we have discussed some of the pathological states due to the accumulation of these LDs and their possible treatments under the light of currently available findings

Hygroscopic properties following drying affects wood consumption by Odontotermes obesus

The relationship between drying and hygroscopic ability of Crateva adansonii and Populus deltoides woods to resist feeding by Odontotermes obesus was studied. Woods were dried under the sun and in the oven for a range of 5-25 days and then these were exposed to termites for 25 days in underground pits in Randomized Complete Block Design pattern with five replications. Results showed that lowest moisture gain was observed at a short time for drying with each method. Weight loss after termites’ exposure was more in less dried sap and heartwood of either plant species. The practical implication of these results is discussed

SIRT1: A Key Player in Male Reproduction

Reproduction is the way to immortality for an individual, and it is essential to the continuation of the species. Sirtuins are involved in cellular homeostasis, energy metabolism, apoptosis, age-related problems, and sexual reproduction. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) belongs to the sirtuin family of deacetylases, and it is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent deacetylase. It removes the acetyl group from a variety of substrates. SIRT1 regulates endocrine/metabolic, reproductive, and placental development by deacetylating histone, different transcription factors, and signal transduction molecules in a variety of cellular processes. It also plays a very important role in the synthesis and secretion of sex hormones via regulating the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Moreover, SIRT1 participates in several key stages of spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. The current review will give a thorough overview of SIRT1’s functions in male reproductive processes, thus paving the way for more research on restorative techniques and their uses in reproductive medicine