[Nature Reviews Cardiology] The authors explore various aspects of extracellular matrix biology in vascular development, disorders and aging, emphasizing the effect of the ECM on disease initiation and progression.

[Molecular Cancer] Together with single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics analyses, scientists identified THBS2 specifically derived from subsets of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs), termed THBS2 + CAFs, which could promote oxaliplatin resistance by interacting with malignant cells via the collagen pathway in colorectal cancer.

[Cell Research] Utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing on both human and mouse prostate cancer samples, combined with whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and multiple genetically engineered mouse models, researchers investigated the molecular mechanism of androgen receptor-independent lineage plasticity and uncovered a potential therapeutic strategy.

[Nature] Scientists presented a comprehensive single-cell RNA sequencing dataset containing roughly 1.2 million high-quality single-cell transcriptomes of brain cells from young adult and aged mice of both sexes, from regions spanning the forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain.

[Scientific Reports] Scientists used CRISPR-Cas9 technology in order to knockout the Xeroderma pigmentosum group C (XPC) gene in various human skin cells. They built a 3D reconstructed skin using these XPC knockout skin cells.

[Scientific Reports] Scientists investigated the relationship between P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) and clinicopathological features of patients with gastric cancer, and further explored the effect of P2X7R on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells through functional experiments.

[Scientific Reports] The authors identified a novel lncRNA, AC112721.1, that was overexpressed in TNBC and was associated with poor overall survival in TNBC patients. Loss- and gain-of-function experiments revealed that AC112721.1 promoted cell proliferation and migration, suppressed cell apoptosis in vitro and inhibited tumorigenesis in vivo.

[Nature Communications] Investigators reported results of a Phase I open-label, dose-escalation trial of BPX-601, an investigational autologous prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA)-directed GoCAR-T® cell product containing an inducible MyD88/CD40 ON-switch responsive to the activating dimerizer rimiducid, in patients with metastatic CRPC.

[Experimental & Molecular Medicine] Scientists identified SPARC (osteonectin), Cwcv and Kazal-like domains proteoglycan 2 (SPOCK2), an extracellular matrix protein, as an inhibitor of immature β-cell proliferation. Human β-cells lacking SPOCK2 presented elevated matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) expression and activity, leading to β-integrin-FAK-c-JUN pathway activation.

[Cell Research] Through comprehensive molecular and functional analyses, scientists identified a subset of hematopoietic stem cells in aged mice that exhibited “younger” molecular profiles and functions, marked by low levels of CD150 expression.

[Scientific Reports] Scientists showed that the suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) conserved domain operated as a molecular tool, to disrupt collagen and fibronectin fibrils in the extracellular matrix associated with fibrotic lung myofibroblasts.

[Nature Communications] Scientists reported that nitric oxide synthase (NOS) blockade potentiated response of human metaplastic breast cancer cell lines and tumors to phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor alpelisib and taxane.