技术资料

Reticular dysgenesis (RD) is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the adenylate kinase 2 ( AK2 ) gene. It is characterized by a T − B − severe combined immunodeficiency,agranulocytosis,and sensorineural deafness. We established and characterized a haematopoiesis‐specific conditional Ak2 ‐knockout mouse model to provide a model system to study the molecular pathophysiology of RD. As expected from the human phenotype of RD,haematopoiesis‐specific AK2‐deficient embryos had a small,atrophic thymus consisting mainly of epithelial cells. No recognizable T‐cell component was observed,but B‐cell lineage precursor cells were present in the foetal liver. The effects of AK2 deficiency on myelopoiesis were less severe in mice than in humans. The absolute numbers of monocytes,macrophages,granulocytes and megakaryocytes in foetal liver as well as colony‐forming precursors were not reduced. In contrast to humans,haematopoiesis‐specific Ak2 ‐knockout mice exhibit embryonic lethality between E13 and E15 due to severe anaemia caused by an early block in definitive erythropoiesis. Murine erythroid progenitors mainly express AK2 and only low levels of functionally related kinases,which are unable to compensate for AK2 deficiency,in contrast to human erythroid progenitors. View Publication

This work focused on generating a three-dimensional (3D) in vitro dynamic model to study chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cell dissemination,homing,and mechanisms of therapy resistance. We used a gelatin-based,hard porous biomaterial as a support matrix to develop 3D tissue-like models of the human lymph node and bone marrow,which were matured inside bioreactors under dynamic perfusion of medium. Comparing static and dynamic cultures of these 3D constructs revealed that perfusion promoted a tissue-like internal organization of cells,characterized by the expression of specific functional markers and deposition of an intricate extracellular matrix protein network. Recirculation of CLL cells within the dynamic system led to changes in leukemic cell behavior and in the expression of key markers involved in tumor progression. These findings suggest that the model is well suited for investigating the pathophysiological mechanisms of CLL and potentially other hematological malignancies. View Publication

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a leading example of a malignancy where a molecular targeted therapy revolutionized treatment but has rarely led to cures. Overcoming tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) drug resistance remains a challenge in the treatment of CML. We have recently identified miR-185 as a predictive biomarker where reduced expression in CD34 + treatment-naïve CML cells was associated with TKI resistance. We have also identified PAK6 as a target gene of miR-185 that was upregulated in CD34 + TKI-nonresponder cells. However,its role in regulating TKI resistance remains largely unknown. In this study,we specifically targeted PAK6 in imatinib (IM)-resistant cells and CD34 + stem/progenitor cells from IM-nonresponders using a lentiviral-mediated PAK6 knockdown strategy. Interestingly,the genetic and pharmacological suppression of PAK6 significantly reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis in TKI-resistant cells. Cell survivability was further diminished when IM was combined with PAK6 knockdown. Importantly,PAK6 inhibition in TKI-resistant cells induced cell cycle arrest in the G2-M phase and cellular senescence,accompanied by increased levels of DNA damage-associated senescence markers. Mechanically,we identified a PAK6-mediated MDM2-p21 axis that regulates cell cycle arrest and senescence. Thus,PAK6 plays a critical role in determining alternative cell fates in leukemic cells,and targeting PAK6 may offer a therapeutic strategy to selectively eradicate TKI-resistant cells. View Publication

Astrocytes,a subtype of glial cells,have multiple roles in regulating neuronal development and homeostasis. In addition to the typical mammalian astrocytes,in the primate cortex,interlaminar astrocytes are located in the superficial layer and project long processes traversing multiple layers of the cerebral cortex. Previously,we described a human stem cell based chimeric mouse model where interlaminar astrocytes develop. Here,we utilized this model to study the calcium signaling properties of interlaminar astrocytes. To determine how interlaminar astrocytes could contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders,we generated a chimeric mouse model for Fragile X syndrome (FXS). We report that FXS interlaminar astrocytes exhibit hyperexcitable calcium signaling and are associated with dendritic spines with increased turnover rate. View Publication

Schwann cells (SCs) play a crucial role in peripheral nerve repair by supporting axonal regeneration and remyelination. While extensive research has been conducted using rodent SCs,increasing attention is being directed toward human SCs due to species-specific differences in phenotypical and functional properties,and accessibility of human SCs derived from diverse sources. A major challenge in translating SC-based therapies for nerve repair lies in the inability to replicate human SC myelination in vitro,posing a significant obstacle to drug discovery and preclinical research. In this study,we compared the myelination capacity of human,rodent,and porcine SCs in various co-culture conditions,including species-matched and cross-species neuronal environments in a serum-free medium. Our results confirmed that rodent and porcine SCs readily myelinate neurites under standard culture conditions after treatment with ascorbic acid for two weeks,whereas human SCs,at least within the four-week observation period,failed to show myelin staining in all co-cultures. Furthermore,we investigated whether cell culture manipulation impairs human SC myelination by transplanting freshly harvested and predegenerated human nerve segments into NOD-SCID mice for four weeks. Despite supporting host axonal regeneration into the grafts,human SCs exhibited very limited myelination,suggesting an intrinsic species-specific restriction rather than a cell culture-induced defect. These observations suggest fundamental differences between human and rodent SCs and highlight the need for human-specific models and protocols to advance our understanding of SC myelination. View Publication

This study focuses on improving the identification of chicken primordial germ cells (PGCs),which are vital for genetic transmission and biotechnological applications. Traditional markers like SSEA1 and CVH have limitations—SSEA1 lacks specificity,and CVH is intracellular. A monoclonal antibody was generated by injecting chicken PGCs into mice,producing one that specifically binds to PGCs and decreases with cell differentiation. Mass spectrometry identified its target as the MYH9 protein. The resulting αMYH9 antibody effectively labels PGCs at various developmental stages,offering a valuable tool for isolating viable PGCs and advancing avian genetics,agriculture,and biotechnology. View Publication

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignant tumor globally,ranking third in incidence and second in mortality. Metastasis is the main cause of death in patients with CRC. Solanum nigrum L. (SNL),a traditional Chinese medicinal herb endowed with detoxification,blood circulation enhancement,and anti-swelling properties,has been widely used in folk prescriptions for cancer treatment in China. Solamargine (SM) is the major steroidal alkaloid glycoside purified from SNL. However,its role and mechanism against metastatic CRC are not yet clear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of SM on human hepatic metastatic CRC and investigate its underlying mechanism. CCK-8 assay,colony-formation assay,transwell assay,flow cytometry,tumoursphere formation assay,reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR),Western blotting,transcriptomic sequencing and ferroptosis analysis were performed to reveal the efficacy and the underlying mechanism of SM in CRC cell lines. In vivo,allograft model,patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model,and liver metastatic model were performed to verify the effect of SM on the growth and metastasis of CRC. SM was found to suppress hepatic metastasis in CRC by effectively targeting key cellular processes,including proliferation,survival,and stemness. RNA sequencing showed that SM could induce ferroptosis,which was confirmed by elevated lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) and downregulated glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and glutathione synthetase (GSS) in CRC cells and xenografts. Induction of ferroptosis by SM was regulated by nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Furthermore,downregulation of β-catenin was found to be fundamental for the SM-enabled cancer stem cells (CSCs) elimination and metastasis blockage in CRC. Our results indicated that SM is a promising therapeutic drug to inhibit hepatic metastasis in CRC by inducing ferroptosis and impeding CSCs. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13020-025-01171-5. View Publication

Cell therapy is promising for heart failure treatment,with growing interest in cardiovascular progenitor cells (CPCs) from pluripotent stem cells. A major challenge is managing the immune response,due to their allogeneic source. Regulatory T cells (Treg) offer an alternative to pharmacological immunosuppression by inducing immune tolerance. This study assesses whether Treg therapy can mitigate the xeno-immune response,improving cardiac outcomes in a mouse model of human CPC intramyocardial transplantation. CPCs stimulated immune responses in allogeneic and xenogeneic settings,causing proliferation in T cell subsets. Tregs showed immunosuppressive effects on T lymphocyte populations when co-cultured with CPCs. Post infarction,CPCs were transplanted intramyocardially into an immune-competent mouse model 3 weeks after myocardial infarction. Human or murine Tregs were intravenously administered on transplantation day and three days later. Control groups received CPCs without Tregs or saline (PBS). CPCs with Tregs improved LV systolic function in three weeks,linked to reduced myocardial fibrosis and enhanced angiogenesis. This was accompanied by decreased splenocyte NK cell populations and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in cardiac tissue. Treg therapy with CPC transplantation enhances cardiac functional and structural outcomes in mice. Though it does not directly avert graft rejection,it primarily affects NKG2D+ cytotoxic cells,indicating systemic immune modulation and remote heart repair benefits. View Publication

The growth factor and small molecule protocol are the two primary approaches for generating human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocyte-like cells (iPSC-HLCs). We compared the efficacy of the growth factor and small molecule protocols across fifteen different human iPSC lines. Morphological assessment,relative quantification of gene expression,protein expression and proteomic studies were carried out. HLCs derived from the growth factor protocol displayed mature hepatocyte morphological features including a raised,polygonal shape with well-defined refractile borders,granular cytoplasm with lipid droplets and/or vacuoles with multiple spherical nuclei or a large centrally located nucleus; significantly elevated hepatocyte gene and protein expression including AFP,HNF4A,ALBUMIN,and proteomic and metabolic features that are more aligned with a mature phenotype. HLCs derived from the small molecule protocol showed a dedifferentiated,proliferative phenotype that is more akin to liver tumor-derived cell lines. These experimental results suggest that HLCs derived from growth factors are better suited for studies of metabolism,biotransformation,and viral infection. View Publication

The clinical application of T cells engineered with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) for solid tumors is challenging. A major reason for this involves tumor immune evasion mechanisms,including the high expression of immune checkpoint molecules,such as the programmed death 1 (PD-1) ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2. The inducible expression of PD-L1 in tumors has been observed after CAR-T-cell infusion,even in tumors natively not expressing PD-L1. Furthermore,numerous types of pediatric cancer do not have suitable targets for CAR-T-cell therapy. Therefore,the present study aimed to develop novel CAR-T cells that target PD-L1 and PD-L2,and to evaluate their efficacy against pediatric solid tumors. A novel CAR harboring the immunoglobulin V-set domain of the human PD-1 receptor as an antigen binding site (PD-1 CAR-T) was developed without using a single-chain variable fragment. PD-1 CAR-T cells were successfully manufactured by adding an anti-PD-1 antibody,nivolumab,to the ex vivo expansion culture to prevent fratricide during the manufacturing process due to the inducible expression of PD-L1 in activated human T cells. The expression of PD-L1 (and PD-L2 to a lesser extent) was revealed to be highly upregulated in various pediatric solid tumor cells,which displayed no or very low expression initially,on in vitro exposure to interferon-γ and/or tumor necrosis factor-α,which are cytokines secreted by tumor-infiltrating T cells. Furthermore,PD-1 CAR-T cells exhibited strong cytotoxic activity against pediatric solid tumor cells expressing PD-L1 and PD-L2. Conversely,the effect of PD-1 CAR-T cells was significantly attenuated against PD-L1-positive cells coexpressing CD80,suggesting that the toxicity of PD-1 CAR-T cells to normal immune cells,including antigen presenting cells,can be minimized. In conclusion,PD-1 ligands are promising therapeutic targets for pediatric solid tumors. PD-1 CAR-T cells,either alone or in combination with CAR-T cells with other targets,represent a potential treatment option for solid tumors. View Publication

In search for broad-spectrum antivirals,we discover a small molecule inhibitor,RMC-113,that potently suppresses the replication of multiple RNA viruses including SARS-CoV-2 in human lung organoids. We demonstrate selective inhibition of the lipid kinases PIP4K2C and PIKfyve by RMC-113 and target engagement by its clickable analog. Lipidomics analysis reveals alteration of SARS-CoV-2-induced phosphoinositide signature by RMC-113 and links its antiviral effect with functional PIP4K2C and PIKfyve inhibition. We identify PIP4K2C’s roles in SARS-CoV-2 entry,RNA replication,and assembly/egress,validating it as a druggable antiviral target. Integrating proteomics,single-cell transcriptomics,and functional assays,reveals that PIP4K2C binds SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 6 and regulates virus-induced autophagic flux impairment. Promoting viral protein degradation by reversing autophagic flux impairment is a mechanism of antiviral action of RMC-113. These findings reveal virus-induced autophagy regulation via PIP4K2C,an understudied kinase,and propose dual PIP4K2C and PIKfyve inhibition as a candidate strategy to combat emerging viruses. Subject terms: SARS-CoV-2,Target identification,Autophagy View Publication

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the expansion of CAG repeats in the HTT gene,which results in a long polyglutamine tract in the huntingtin protein (HTT). One of the earliest key molecular mechanisms underlying HD pathogenesis is transcriptional dysregulation,which is already present in the developing brain. In this study,we searched for networks of deregulated RNAs crucial for initial transcriptional changes in HD- and HTT-deficient neuronal cells. RNA-seq (including small RNAs) was used to analyze a set of isogenic human neural stem cells. The results were validated using additional methods,rescue experiments,and in the medium spiny neuron-like cells. We observed numerous changes in gene expression and substantial dysregulation of miRNA expression in HD and HTT -knockout ( HTT -KO) cell lines. The overlapping set of genes upregulated in both HD and HTT -KO cells was enriched in genes associated with DNA binding and the regulation of transcription. We observed substantial upregulation of the following transcription factors: TWIST1,SIX1,TBX1,TBX15,MSX2,MEOX2 and FOXD1 . Moreover,we identified miRNAs that were consistently deregulated in HD and HTT -KO cells,including miR-214,miR-199,and miR-9. These miRNAs may function in the network that regulates TWIST1 and HTT expression via a regulatory feed-forward loop in HD. On the basis of overlapping changes in the mRNA and miRNA profiles of HD and HTT -KO cell lines,we propose that transcriptional deregulation in HD at early neuronal stages is largely caused by a deficiency of properly functioning HTT rather than a typical gain-of-function mechanism. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13578-025-01443-5. View Publication