技术资料

TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) dysfunction is a hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases,including frontotemporal dementia,amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,and Alzheimer’s disease. Although cryptic exon inclusion is a well-characterized consequence of TDP-43 loss of function,emerging evidence reveals broader roles in RNA metabolism,notably in the regulation of alternative polyadenylation (APA) of disease-relevant transcripts. In the present study,we examined 3′ untranslated region lengthening events in the brains of individuals with frontotemporal lobar degeneration with TDP-43 pathology (FTLD-TDP),focusing on the functional impact of APA dysregulation. To investigate whether TDP-43-mediated APA events occur in the postmortem brain,we measured the 3′ untranslated region length of the retromer component vacuolar protein sorting 35 (VPS35) and the ETS transcription factor (ELK1) in the frontal cortex of a large cohort of FTLD-TDP patients and of healthy controls,and evaluated if these APA events are associated with FTLD-TDP clinical characteristic,markers of TDP-43 pathology [e.g.,hyperphosphorylated TDP-43 and cryptic stathmin-2 RNA],or the expression of VPS35 and VPS29 proteins,the latter being essential to the retromer complex. We identified robust 3′ untranslated region lengthening of VPS35 and ELK1 in FTLD-TDP,which strongly associated with markers of TDP-43 pathology,and ELK1 APA also associated with an earlier age of disease onset. Functionally,VPS35 APA was associated with reduced VPS35 and VPS29 protein expression,and lower VPS35 levels were associated with increased hyperphosphorylated TDP-43 and cryptic stathmin-2 RNA. Together,these data implicate APA dysregulation as a critical downstream consequence of TDP-43 dysfunction and suggest that TDP-43 loss may contribute to retromer impairment through APA-mediated repression of retromer subunits. Recent work has shown that TDP-43 loss in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) induces changes in alternative polyadenylation,but the functional consequences of this are unclear. This study reports that 3′UTR lengthening of VPS35 in FTD patient brain samples correlates with reduced VPS35 and VPS29 protein levels,suggesting that TDP-43 loss induces retromer dysfunction. View Publication

Super enhancers (SEs),characterized by clusters of enhancers,are instrumental in shaping cellular identity and function. Given this crucial involvement of SEs in cell lineage commitment,and considering the pivotal position of surface ectoderm in differentiating into a wide array of cell types,the study of these SEs holds immense promise for advancing cell-based therapeutic applications. In this study,we profiled the SE landscape in surface ectoderm cells derived from pluripotent stem cell differentiation. By leveraging 3D genomic data,we discerned active histone modifications and frequent chromatin interactions of SEs with target genes. Notably,perturbing specific SE using a CRISPR-dCas9-mediated approach resulted in decreased expression of the connected gene. Subsequently,we constructed a regulatory network of core transcription factors (TFs) operating on SEs and uncovered their control over the differentiation process by forming regulatory network with key TFs,such as TEAD1. Knocking down TEADs attenuated the differentiation process and target gene activation,whereas YAP-TEAD activation expedited the differentiation process by promoting the early establishment of SEs. Collectively,our findings shed light on the crucial role of SEs and identify YAP-TEAD as vital regulators controlling surface ectoderm commitment,thereby providing a novel insight into lineage commitment and stem cell-based epithelial regeneration. View Publication

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) offer significant potential for differentiation and research applications in cardiovascular diseases. When induced differentiated hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) are transplanted into the infarcted myocardial region,they exhibit extremely low survival rates and unsatisfactory therapeutic effects due to ischemia,hypoxia,and immune inflammation in the surrounding environment. To address this issue,we used Panax notoginseng saponin R1 (NGR1),which has demonstrated significant protective effects in prior research,to pretreat hiPSC-CMs before transplantation. Utilizing an in vitro H2O2 oxidative stress model and a nude mouse myocardial infarction (MI) model,we investigated the mechanism through which NGR1 pretreatment enhances the therapeutic efficacy of hiPSC-CM transplantation. The results revealed that the hiPSC-CMs expressed cTnT. NGR1 did not promote the proliferation of hiPSC-CMs but instead induced elevated levels of p-Akt protein in these cells. Compared to hiPSC-CM transplantation alone,transplantation of hiPSC-CMs pretreated with NGR1 exhibited higher ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) values,along with reduced infarct size and collagen deposition. Additionally,there were more HNA-positive cardiomyocytes in the cardiac tissue,fewer TUNEL-positive signals,and increased VWF-positive and Lyve1-positive signals. Furthermore,the gene expression levels of VEGFC,IGF-1,and SDF-1 were higher. Therefore,NGR1 pretreatment improves the survival of transplanted hiPSC-CMs in tissues,reduces myocardial apoptosis,enhances cardiac function,decreases infarct size and collagen deposition,promotes angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis,and stimulates paracrine secretion. View Publication

Ferroptosis,an iron-dependent,lipid peroxidation-driven programmed cell death,holds substantial promise for cancer therapy,yet its translational potential is hindered by widespread intrinsic resistance. While glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) is a well-established ferroptosis suppressor,the epigenetic circuitry coordinating GPX4-related mechanisms remains elusive. Here,via genome-wide screening,we identify ten-eleven translocation 1 (TET1)—a key mediator of DNA 5-hydroxymethylation—as a master controller of cancer cell ferroptosis susceptibility. In acute myeloid leukemia (AML),TET1 enhances 5hmC deposition at the glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) promoter to activate glutathione/γ-glutamyl-peptide metabolism,fortifying GPX4-dependent defense. Concurrently,TET1 activates NFκB signaling to upregulate GTP cyclohydrolase-1 (GCH1),conferring GPX4-independent ferroptosis resistance. Critically,co-targeting TET1/GCLC/GCH1 with low-dose ferroptosis inducers exhibits potent therapeutic effects against both ferroptosis-sensitive and -resistant AML. Our work positions TET1 as a pivotal epigenetic hub governing ferroptosis surveillance,and provides a translatable strategy to overcome ferroptosis resistance in cancer,with AML as a paradigm. DNA demethylation enzyme TET1 is a known oncogene in leukemia. Here,the authors discover that TET1 is involved in GPX4-dependent and -independent ferroptosis in acute myeloid leukemia via the regulation of GSH synthesis enzyme GCLC and BH4 synthesis enzyme GCH1. View Publication

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy targeting antigens shared with normal T cells requires genetic modifications to prevent fratricide. This phase 1 trial evaluates autologous CD5-targeting CAR-T cells with CD5 gene deletion (CT125A) in seven patients with relapsed/refractory CD5+ hematologic malignancies. The overall response rate is 85.7%,including four complete responses. All patients experience cytokine release syndrome (six grade 1–2,one grade 3),and two patients develop immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome. The most common grade ≥3 adverse events are cytopenia and infection,with unique observations of rash and autoimmune-related events. Post-infusion immunophenotyping shows persistent depletion of CD5+ T cells and CD19+ B cells,with reduced CD4/CD8 ratios. The human CD5 knockin murine model reveals skin lesions without significant vital organ involvement. These findings demonstrate CT125A’s therapeutic potential in CD5+ malignancies while highlighting the need for safety optimization. The trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04767308). Graphical abstract Highlights•CT125A achieves 85.7% response rate in relapsed/refractory CD5+ malignancies•CD5 gene deletion prevents fratricide and enhances CAR-T cell persistence•Prolonged CD5+ T cell aplasia associates with infections and autoimmune events•Mouse model reveals on-target,off-tumor effects primarily affecting skin tissue Cheng et al. report a phase 1 trial of autologous CD5-targeting CAR-T cells with CD5 gene deletion (CT125A) in seven patients with relapsed/refractory CD5+ malignancies. CT125A achieves an 85.7% response rate but causes prolonged immunosuppression,infections,and autoimmune events,highlighting the need for safety optimization strategies. View Publication

Metastatic melanoma is an aggressive malignancy with limited long-term treatment success due to therapeutic resistance and immune evasion. The transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) ion channel is overexpressed in melanoma but its role as therapeutic target remains unexplored. We investigated the anti-tumor effects of novel TRPM8 modulators in metastatic melanoma cells using viability assays,apoptosis markers,mitochondrial function analyses,reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurements and gene silencing. Their functional impact was further assessed in 3D melanoma organoids,clonogenic survival assays,and natural killer (NK) cell co-culture systems. TRPM8 is significantly overexpressed in metastatic melanoma,as compared with the normal counterparts. Its pharmacological inhibition with novel modulators selectively induces calcium-independent mitochondrial apoptosis characterized by ROS accumulation,mitochondrial membrane depolarization,cytochrome c release,and caspase-3 activation. This process involves activation of the ATM/p53 pathway and upregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins. Additionally,TRPM8 modulators increase expression of the NK cell-activating ligand ULBP1,enhancing melanoma susceptibility to NK-mediated cytotoxicity. Our study identifies TRPM8 as a promising biomarker in melanoma. Its targeting triggers mitochondrial cell death and simultaneously boosts NK cell recognition via ULBP1/NKG2D engagement. TRPM8 targeting in combination with immunotherapy might be,hence,further explored in clinical setting of advanced melanoma. View Publication

Gestational transfer of brain‐reactive antibodies is a risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders. Contactin‐associated protein‐like 2 (CASPR2) is a known target for pathogenic maternal autoantibodies which have been proposed to interfere with fetal neurodevelopment. However,the impact of CASPR2 antibodies on human brain development remains largely unknown. Here,to better understand the neurophysiological changes that occur in the presence of these pathogenic autoantibodies,we cultured unguided human neural organoids for a period of 6‐months in media containing anti‐CASPR2 antibodies. We then performed neurophysiological characterization via whole‐cell patch‐clamp and calcium imaging in acute organoid slices. Our results reveal that CASPR2 antibody exposure increased spontaneous synaptic activity,enhanced the maximal frequency of action potential firing and of spontaneous network activity. These findings are consistent with a state of neuronal hyperexcitability,a phenotype which is observed in several models of neurodevelopmental disorders. Mechanistically,the alterations observed in action potential waveform are in accordance with a role for CASPR2 in the regulation of voltage‐gated potassium channels and a pathological role for CASPR2 autoantibodies in driving neuronal hyperexcitability. Maternal antibodies targeting CASPR2 are a known risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders,yet their impact on early human brain development remains unclear. We modeled this exposure using human neural organoids treated with patient‐derived CASPR2 antibodies up to the age of 6 months. Our study reveals that these antibodies drive neurons into a state of pathological hyperexcitability by specifically impairing action potential repolarization and enhancing excitatory synaptic transmission. These findings provide novel mechanistic evidence linking maternal autoimmunity to the excitation/inhibition imbalance characteristic of autism,highlighting a potential biological origin for antibody‐mediated neurodevelopmental conditions. View Publication

Understanding of the factors governing immune responses in cancer remains incomplete,limiting patient benefit. In this study,we used mass cytometry to define the systemic immune landscape in response to tumor development across five tissues in eight mouse tumor models. Systemic immunity was dramatically altered across models and time,with consistent findings in the peripheral blood of patients with breast cancer. Changes in peripheral tissues differed from those in the tumor microenvironment. Mice with tumor-experienced immune systems mounted dampened responses to orthogonal challenges,including reduced T cell activation during viral or bacterial infection. Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) mounted weaker responses in this context,whereas promoting APC activation rescued T cell activity. Systemic immune changes were reversed with surgical tumor resection,and many were prevented by interleukin-1 or granulocyte colony-stimulating factor blockade,revealing remarkable plasticity in the systemic immune state. These results demonstrate that tumor development dynamically reshapes the composition and function of the immune macroenvironment. View Publication

Diverse hematopoietic progenitors,including myeloid populations arising in inflammatory and tumoral conditions and multipotent cells,mobilized by hematopoietic growth factors or emerging during parasitic infections,display tolerogenic properties. Innate immune stimuli confer regulatory functions to various mature B-cell subsets but immature B-cell progenitors endowed with suppressive properties per se or after differentiating into more mature regulatory B cells remain to be characterized. Herein we provide evidence for innate pro-B cells (CpG-proBs) that emerged within the bone marrow both in vitro and in vivo upon Toll-like receptor-9 activation and whose adoptive transfer protected nonobese diabetic mice against type 1 diabetes (T1D). These cells responded to IFN-$\gamma$ released by activated effector T cells (Teffs),by up-regulating their Fas ligand (FasL) expression,which enabled them to kill Teffs through apoptosis. In turn,IFN-$\gamma$ derived from CpG-proBs enhanced IFN-$\gamma$ while dramatically reducing IL-21 production by Teffs. In keeping with the crucial pathogenic role played by IL-21 in T1D,adoptively transferred IFN-$\gamma$-deficient CpG-proBs did not prevent T1D development. Additionally,CpG-proBs matured in vivo into diverse pancreatic and splenic suppressive FasL(high) B-cell subsets. CpG-proBs may become instrumental in cell therapy of autoimmune diseases either on their own or as graft complement in autologous stem cell transplantation. View Publication

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC),an aggressive neuroendocrine tumor with early dissemination and dismal prognosis,accounts for 15-20{\%} of lung cancer cases and ∼200,000 deaths each year. Most cases are inoperable,and biopsies to investigate SCLC biology are rarely obtainable. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs),which are prevalent in SCLC,present a readily accessible 'liquid biopsy'. Here we show that CTCs from patients with either chemosensitive or chemorefractory SCLC are tumorigenic in immune-compromised mice,and the resultant CTC-derived explants (CDXs) mirror the donor patient's response to platinum and etoposide chemotherapy. Genomic analysis of isolated CTCs revealed considerable similarity to the corresponding CDX. Most marked differences were observed between CDXs from patients with different clinical outcomes. These data demonstrate that CTC molecular analysis via serial blood sampling could facilitate delivery of personalized medicine for SCLC. CDXs are readily passaged,and these unique mouse models provide tractable systems for therapy testing and understanding drug resistance mechanisms. View Publication

The lack of in vitro prostate cancer models that recapitulate the diversity of human prostate cancer has hampered progress in understanding disease pathogenesis and therapy response. Using a 3D organoid system,we report success in long-term culture of prostate cancer from biopsy specimens and circulating tumor cells. The first seven fully characterized organoid lines recapitulate the molecular diversity of prostate cancer subtypes,including TMPRSS2-ERG fusion,SPOP mutation,SPINK1 overexpression,and CHD1 loss. Whole-exome sequencing shows a low mutational burden,consistent with genomics studies,but with mutations in FOXA1 and PIK3R1,as well as in DNA repair and chromatin modifier pathways that have been reported in advanced disease. Loss of p53 and RB tumor suppressor pathway function are the most common feature shared across the organoid lines. The methodology described here should enable the generation of a large repertoire of patient-derived prostate cancer lines amenable to genetic and pharmacologic studies. View Publication

Immunotherapy has increased overall survival of metastatic cancer patients,and cancer antigens are promising vaccine targets. To fulfill the promise,appropriate tailoring of the vaccine formulations to mount in vivo cytotoxic T cell (CTL) responses toward co-delivered cancer antigens is essential. Previous development of therapeutic cancer vaccines has largely been based on studies in mice,and the majority of these candidate vaccines failed to induce therapeutic responses in the subsequent human clinical trials. Given that antigen dose and vaccine volume in pigs are translatable to humans and the porcine immunome is closer related to the human counterpart,we here introduce pigs as a supplementary large animal model for human cancer vaccine development. IDO and RhoC,both important in human cancer development and progression,were used as vaccine targets and 12 pigs were immunized with overlapping 20mer peptides spanning the entire porcine IDO and RhoC sequences formulated in CTL-inducing adjuvants: CAF09,CASAC,Montanide ISA 51 VG,or PBS. Taking advantage of recombinant swine MHC class I molecules (SLAs),the peptide-SLA complex stability was measured for 198 IDO- or RhoC-derived 9-11mer peptides predicted to bind to SLA-1(*)04:01,-1(*)07:02,-2(*)04:01,-2(*)05:02,and/or -3(*)04:01. This identified 89 stable (t½ ≥ 0.5 h) peptide-SLA complexes. By IFN-$\gamma$ release in PBMC cultures we monitored the vaccine-induced peptide-specific CTL responses,and found responses to both IDO- and RhoC-derived peptides across all groups with no adjuvant being superior. These findings support the further use of pigs as a large animal model for vaccine development against human cancer. View Publication