Unraveling immunotherapeutic targets for endometriosis: a transcriptomic and single-cell analysis

BackgroundEndometriosis (EMs), a common gynecological disorder, adversely affects the quality of life of females. The pathogenesis of EMs has not been elucidated and the diagnostic methods for EMs have limitations. This study aimed to identify potential molecular biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of EMs.MethodsDifferential gene expression (DEG) and functional enrichment analyses were performed using the R language. WGCNA, Random Forest, SVM-REF and LASSO methods were used to identify core immune genes. The CIBERSORT algorithm was then used to analyse the differences in immune cell infiltration and to explore the correlation between immune cells and core genes. In addition, the extent of immune cell infiltration and the expression of immune core genes were investigated using single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing data. Finally, we performed molecular docking of three core genes with dienogest and goserelin to screen for potential drug targets.ResultsDEGs enriched in immune response, angiogenesis and estrogen processes. CXCL12, ROBO3 and SCG2 were identified as core immune genes. RT-PCR confirmed that the expression of CXCL12 and SCG2 was significantly upregulated in 12Z cells compared to hESCs cells. ROC curves showed high diagnostic value for these genes. Abnormal immune cell distribution, particularly increased macrophages, was observed in endometriosis. CXCL12, ROBO3 and SCG2 correlated with immune cell levels. Molecular docking suggested their potential as drug targets.ConclusionThis study investigated the correlation between EMs and the immune system and identified potential immune-related biomarkers. These findings provided valuable insights for developing clinically relevant diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for EMs

Metal-organic frameworks and zeolite materials as active fillers for lithium-ion battery solid polymer electrolytes

The efforts to decarbonize the economies, with particular focus on renewable energies, must be accompanied by the development of more efficient and environmentally friendlier energy storage systems. In this context, all solid-state batteries emerge as one of the most promising candidates for this purpose due to their potentially higher energy density and improved safety with respect to conventional systems. With this objective, the development of solid electrolytes, with high ionic conductivity and low interfacial resistance, is a critical step to achieve the needed performances of all solid-state batteries. The three-component approach for composite solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs), which relies on the use of one polymer and two complementary fillers, attracted a great interest in recent years, due to the possibility of incorporating different fillers to impart simultaneously distinct properties to the SPEs, such as enhanced ionic conductivity and improved mechanical stability. Microporous materials are an effective option for application in this technology, due to their thermal and mechanical stability, as well as their tuneable structure, high porosity and surface area, which make them suitable materials to adsorb and encapsulate other components. In this work, the main advantages and disadvantages of SPEs are discussed, together with the critical issues to be addressed in the near future, namely the low room temperature ionic conductivity and the interfacial compatibility issues. Some solutions are proposed, with special focus on microporous materials, particularly metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and zeolites. Their main properties and advantages for application in this field are presented. A comprehensive state-of-the-art of this exciting topic of research is also provided, highlighting the most recent advances in the area.Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT): projects UID/FIS/04650/2020, UID/QUI/00686/2019, UID/CTM/50025/2020, UID/QUI/50006/2020, PTDC/FIS-MAC/28157/2017, Grant SFRH/BD/140842/2018 (J. C. B.) and Investigator FCT Contracts CEECIND/00833/2017 (R. G.) and 2020.04028.CEECIND (C. M. C.). Financial support from the Basque Government Industry and Education Departments under the ELKARTEK and HAZITEK programs is also acknowledged