Human Vascularized Macrophage-Islet Organoids to Model Immune-Mediated Pancreatic B Cell Pyroptosis upon Viral Infection

Background Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 infection has not only affected the respiratory system but has also been closely related to metabolic diseases such as diabetes. Clinical observations have found occurrences of new-onset diabetes and worsening of existing diabetes among COVID-19 patients, particularly with an increa...

Modeling the Atrioventricular Conduction Axis using Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiac Assembloids

Modeling the Atrioventricular Conduction Axis Based on Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiac Assembloids Research Background The atrioventricular (AV) conduction axis is responsible for electrical conduction between the atrium and the ventricle and is a core component of the cardiac electrophysiological system. The delay function of AV conduc...

Alveolar Regeneration by Airway Secretory-Cell-Derived p63+ Progenitors

Alveolar Regeneration: Role of p63+ Progenitor Cells Derived from Airway Secretory Cells Background Introduction Effective gas exchange in the lungs relies on the precise structure and function of various epithelial cells, distributed across two distinct structural regions: ductal airways and alveoli. When alveoli are damaged (e.g., due to inhaled ...

The Landscape of Drug Sensitivity and Resistance in Sarcoma

Background Introduction This study explores the landscape of individual drug sensitivity and resistance in sarcoma patients. Sarcomas are a diverse group of tumors originating from mesenchymal tissue, including types such as osteosarcoma and soft tissue sarcoma, mostly affecting young people. Although the annual incidence of sarcomas is relatively ...

Marmoset and Human Trophoblast Stem Cells Differ in Signaling Requirements and Recapitulate Divergent Modes of Trophoblast Invasion

Differences in Signaling Requirements for Trophoblast Stem Cells between Humans and Marmosets Background and Research Motivation Embryo implantation and placenta formation are critical features of eutherian mammalian development. The trophoblast is a group of outer cells of the embryo that mediates the connection between the embryo and maternal tis...

Inflammation-Induced Epigenetic Imprinting Regulates Intestinal Stem Cells

Inflammation-Induced Epigenetic Imprinting and Intestinal Stem Cell Regulation In recent years, the scientific community has shown immense interest in the “memory” capabilities of non-immune cells, particularly the phenomenon where specific stem cells in adult tissues develop memory after undergoing inflammation, influencing their functionality. Ho...

Embryonic Macrophages Support Endocrine Commitment During Human Pancreatic Differentiation

The Role of Embryonic Macrophages in Human Pancreatic Development Background and Research Motivation Pancreatic development involves complex interactions between various cell types. In recent years, the influence of multiple cells within the pancreatic microenvironment has gained attention; however, the role of immune cells in pancreatic organogene...

Mitochondrial Serine Catabolism Maintains Hematopoietic Stem Cell Pool in Homeostasis and Injury

Research Background The maintenance and repair of the hematopoietic system are crucial for the continuation of life and health in an organism. As the foundation of the hematopoietic system, the stability of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is particularly important. The maintenance of the HSC pool relies on intrinsic and extrinsic factors, among whi...

Sustained Amphiregulin Expression in Intermediate Alveolar Stem Cells Drives Progressive Fibrosis

Persistent Expression of Amphiregulin (AREG) in Intermediate Alveolar Stem Cells Drives Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis Background Fibrotic diseases are a leading cause of up to 45% of deaths in developed countries. Pulmonary fibrosis is a disease characterized by alveolar structure damage and impaired gas exchange, with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosi...

A Primate-Specific Endogenous Retroviral Envelope Protein Sequesters SFRP2 to Regulate Human Cardiomyocyte Development

A Primate-Specific Endogenous Retroviral Envelope Protein Regulates Human Cardiomyocyte Development by Inhibiting SFRP2 Research Background and Significance Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) are remnants of ancient viral infections that integrated into the host genome and were inherited through the germline to modern human genomes during evolution. Th...