Derivation of pluripotent stem cells from nascent undifferentiated teratoma

Protective role of acetylcholine and the cholinergic system in the injured heart

This review explores the roles of the cholinergic system in the heart, comprising the neuronal and non-neuronal cholinergic systems. Both systems are essential for maintaining cardiac homeostasis by regulating the release of acetylcholine (ACh). A reduction in ACh release is associated with the early onset of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and increasing evidence supports the protective roles of ACh against CVD. We address the challenges and limitations of current strategies to elevate ACh levels, including vagus nerve stimulation and pharmacological interventions such as cholinesterase inhibitors. Additionally, we introduce alternative strategies to increase ACh in the heart, such as stem cell therapy, gene therapy, microRNAs, and nanoparticle drug delivery methods. These findings offer new insights into advanced treatments for regenerating the injured human heart.

The Role of DND1 in Cancers

The Ter mutation in Dead-End 1 (Dnd1), Dnd1^Ter, which leads to a premature stop codon, has been determined to be the cause for primordial germ cell deficiency, accompanied with a high incidence of congenital testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) or teratomas in the 129/Sv-Ter mice. As an RNA-binding protein, DND1 can bind the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of mRNAs and function in translational regulation. DND1 can block microRNA (miRNA) access to the 3'-UTR of target mRNAs, thus inhibiting miRNA-mediated mRNA degradation and up-regulating translation or can also function to degrade or repress mRNAs. Other mechanisms of DND1 activity include promoting translation initiation and modifying target protein activity. Although Dnd1^Ter mutation causes spontaneous TGCT only in male 129 mice, it can also cause ovarian teratomas in mice when combined with other genetic defects or cause germ cell teratomas in both genders in the WKY/Ztm rat strain. Furthermore, studies on human cell lines, patient cancer tissues, and the use of human cancer genome analysis indicate that DND1 may possess either tumor-suppressive or -promoting functions in a variety of somatic cancers. Here we review the involvement of DND1 in cancers, including what appears to be its emerging role in somatic cancers.

Current situation and future of stem cells in cardiovascular medicine

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Currently, many methods have been proposed by researchers for the prevention and treatment of CVD; among them, stem cell-based therapies are the most promising. As the cells of origin for various mature cells, stem cells have the ability to self-renew and differentiate. Stem cells have a powerful ability to regenerate biologically, self-repair, and enhance damaged functional tissues or organs. Allogeneic stem cells and somatic stem cells are two types of cells that can be used for cardiac repair. Theoretically, dilated cardiomyopathy and acute myocardial infarction can be treated with such cells. In addition, stem cell transplantation procedures, including intravenous, epicardial, cardiac, and endocardial injections, have been reported to provide significant benefits in clinical practice; however, there are still a number of issues that need further study and consideration, such as the form and quantity of transplanted cells and post-transplantation health. The goal of this analysis was to summarize the recent advances in stem cell-based therapies and their efficacy in cardiovascular regenerative medicine.

Evolving Role of RING1 and YY1 Binding Protein in the Regulation of Germ-Cell-Specific Transcription

Separation of germline cells from somatic lineages is one of the earliest decisions of embryogenesis. Genes expressed in germline cells include apoptotic and meiotic factors, which are not transcribed in the soma normally, but a number of testis-specific genes are active in numerous cancer types. During germ cell development, germ-cell-specific genes can be regulated by specific transcription factors, retinoic acid signaling and multimeric protein complexes. Non-canonical polycomb repressive complexes, like ncPRC1.6, play a critical role in the regulation of the activity of germ-cell-specific genes. RING1 and YY1 binding protein (RYBP) is one of the core members of the ncPRC1.6. Surprisingly, the role of Rybp in germ cell differentiation has not been defined yet. This review is focusing on the possible role of Rybp in this process. By analyzing whole-genome transcriptome alterations of the Rybp^-/- embryonic stem (ES) cells and correlating this data with experimentally identified binding sites of ncPRC1.6 subunits and retinoic acid receptors in ES cells, we propose a model how germ-cell-specific transcription can be governed by an RYBP centered regulatory network, underlining the possible role of RYBP in germ cell differentiation and tumorigenesis.