摘要: The Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) exhibits sexual dimorphism. Compared with females, males are considered to have higher economic value due to their accelerated growth, greater body mass, and longer skirt width. Studies focused on these sex disparities have largely neglected potential sex differences in growth. Here, we performed RNA sequencing of muscle tissue components from 1-year-old specimens to reveal gene expression patterns in P. sinensis. In our male and female cohorts, our analysis revealed, respectively, 388 and 526 upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 1129 and 635 downregulated DEGs. Through weighted coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) and integration with phenotype data, we established two main gene modules: a light yellow module encompassing 191 genes (e.g., ACACB, CTH, HADHA, and CTNNB) that demonstrated a positive correlation with population traits, and a black module comprising 298 genes (e.g., CAV3, PIK3CD, SMAD3, and VEGFA) that demonstrated a negative correlation with population traits. We also performed a DEG evaluation and gene set enrichment analysis across individuals of different sizes and noted that pathways such as protein digestion and assimilation (ko04974), were substantially augmented in larger specimens. In these pathways, the collagen (COL) and solute carrier (SLC) gene families were noted to be crucial for sustaining body structure and facilitating nutrient and metabolite transportation. In conclusion, we elucidated the essential modules, pivotal genes, and pathways involved in gene expression differences among various P. sinensis size groupings. Our results provide novel insights for future studies on growth discrepancies in P. sinensis.

摘要: Bone repair is intricately correlated with vascular regeneration, especially of type H vessels. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression is closely associated with endothelial function and vascular regeneration; however, the role of SIRT1 in enhancing the coupling of type H vessel formation with osteogenesis to promote bone repair needs to be investigated. A co-culture system combining human umbilical vein endothelial cells and osteoblasts was constructed, and a SIRT1 agonist was used to evaluate the effects of SIRT1 activity. The angiogenic and osteogenic capacities of the co-culture system were examined using short interfering RNA. Mouse models with bone defects in the femur or mandible were established to explore changes in type H vessel formation and bone repair following modulated SIRT1 activity. SIRT1 activation augmented the angiogenic and osteogenic capacities of the co-culture system by activating the PI3K/AKT/FOXO1 signalling pathway and did not significantly regulate osteoblast differentiation. Inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/FOXO1 pathway attenuated SIRT1-mediated effects. The SIRT1 activity in bone defects was positively correlated with the formation of type H vessels and bone repair in vivo, whereas SIRT1 inhibition substantially weakened vascular and bone formation. Thus, SIRT1 is crucial to the coupling of type H vessels with osteogenesis during bone repair.

摘要: Cartilage absorption and calcification are prone to occur after the implantation of diced cartilage wrapped with autologous materials, as well as prolong the operation time, aggravate surgical trauma and postoperative pain during the acquisition process. Small intestinal submucosa (SIS) has suitable toughness and excellent degradability, which has been widely used in the clinic. Urine-derived stem cells (USCs), as a new type of stem cells, have multi-directional differentiation potential. In this study, we attempt to create the tissue engineering membrane material, termed USCs-SIS (U-SIS), and wrap the diced cartilage with it, assuming that they can promote the survival and regeneration of cartilage. In this study, after co-culture with the SIS and U-SIS, the proliferation, migration and chondrogenesis ability of the auricular-derived chondrocyte cells (ACs) were significantly improved. Further, the expression levels of chondrocyte phenotype-related genes were up-regulated, whilst that of dedifferentiated genes was down-regulated. The signal pathway proteins (Wnt3a and Wnt5a) were also participated in regulation of chondrogenesis. In vivo, compared with perichondrium, the diced cartilage wrapped with the SIS and U-SIS attained higher survival rate, less calcification and absorption in both short and long terms. Particularly, USCs promoted chondrogenesis and modulated local immune responses via paracrine pathways. In conclusion, SIS have the potential to be a new choice of membrane material for diced cartilage graft. U-SIS can enhance survival and regeneration of diced cartilage as a bioactive membrane material. Schematic illustration of the study design. In vitro, the effects of SIS and U-SIS on the behaviour of chondrocyte: cell proliferation, migration, chondrogenic ability, regulation of protein secretion and changes in genes and signal pathway protein related to cartilage phenotype. In vivo, perichondrium, SIS and U-SIS wrapped diced cartilage were used for grafting and their effect on cartilage repair was evaluated in a rabbit ear cartilage defect model.image

摘要: The promotion of vascularization and angiogenesis in the grafts is a crucial phenomenon in the healing process and tissue engineering. It has been shown that stem cells, especially endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), can stimulate blood vessel formation inside the engineered hydrogels after being transplanted into the target sites. The incorporation of EPCs into the hydrogel can last the retention time, long-term survival, on-target delivery effects, migration and differentiation into mature endothelial cells. Despite these advantages, further modifications are mandatory to increase the dynamic growth and angiogenesis potential of EPCs in in vitro and in vivo conditions. Chemical modifications of distinct composites with distinct physical properties can yield better regenerative potential and angiogenesis during several pathologies. Here, we aimed to collect recent findings related to the application of EPCs in engineered vascular grafts and/or hydrogels for improving vascularization in the grafts. Data from the present article can help us in the application of EPCs as valid cell sources in the tissue engineering of several ischemic tissues. The current review article highlights the angiogenesis properties of endothelial progenitor cells as valid cell sources for the induction of angiogenesis using various tissue engineering modalities. The application of different substrates with several synthesis protocols was also discussed in detail. image

摘要: Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Exo) offer promising therapeutic potential for various refractory diseases, presenting a novel therapeutic strategy. However, their clinical application encounters several obstacles, including low natural secretion, uncontrolled biological functions and inherent heterogeneity. On the one hand, physical stimuli can mimic the microenvironment dynamics where MSC-Exo reside. These factors influence not only their secretion but also, significantly, their biological efficacy. Moreover, physical factors can also serve as techniques for engineering exosomes. Therefore, the realm of physical factors assumes a crucial role in modifying MSC-Exo, ultimately facilitating their clinical translation. This review focuses on the research progress in applying physical factors to MSC-Exo, encompassing ultrasound, electrical stimulation, light irradiation, intrinsic physical properties, ionizing radiation, magnetic field, mechanical forces and temperature. We also discuss the current status and potential of physical stimuli-affected MSC-Exo in clinical applications. Furthermore, we address the limitations of recent studies in this field. Based on this, this review provides novel insights to advance the refinement of MSC-Exo as a therapeutic approach in regenerative medicine. Physical factors influenced both their secretion and, significantly, their biological efficacy. Then, physical factors could also serve as techniques for the engineering of exosomes. The realm of physical factors assumes an instrumental role in modifying and upgrading MSC-Exo, ultimately facilitating their clinical translation. image