International Journal of Translational Science

Editorial

Pranela Rameshwar — 2024-09-24

The field of stem cell research has seen significant advancements over the past few decades. This issue starts with a paper describing 30 years ago when a group of prominent cardiologists met and envisioned incorporating stem cells into innovative approaches for treating cardiac diseases. Although the initiative did not meet its initial goals, the journey over these 30 years has provided valuable lessons.

The theme of stem cell research continues with the next paper that attempts to build a hierarchy of glioblastoma stem cells. Given the poor prognosis of this cancer, the insights from this paper are crucial. The hope is that the incremental progress by various researchers could be combined to deliver efficacious drugs to the brain to target glioma stem cells without causing toxicity.

This issue also addresses healthy stem cells. Rojas et al. explore a knowledge gap concerning hematopoietic stem cells in the oral cavity. They question whether the oral cavity is similar to other extramedullary sites of hematopoiesis or if it uniquely supports hematopoiesis to sustain the necessary immune cells. The authors expand into stem cells within the dental pulp, proposing a potential link between dental pulp stem cells and leukemia in the oral cavity, as well as other solid tumors.

Additionally, this issue discusses circadian rhythm and its interplay with several diseases including cancer and nutrition. The authors discuss the significant discoveries from the past decade’s research in chrono-nutrition. In the final paper of the issue, the topic of space medicine is discussed. The article comprehensively addresses the effects of low gravity on human organs, with a focus on nephrology.

Celebrating 30 Years in Cardiac Stem Cell Research

Paolo Nardo — 2024-09-24

Thirty years ago, the most prominent cardiovascular scientists gathered in a medieval town near Rome to scrutinize the actual possibility of regenerating the myocardium. They agreed to the vision, but the knowledge and technology available were not mature to allow the development of clinically suitable protocols for regenerating the post-ischemic cardiac muscle. Subsequent intensive efforts of thousand scientists and exorbitant investments worldwide have generated many progresses without unraveling the complexity of using healthy cells or fabricating stripes of engineered tissue to be implanted in injured hearts. However, even if the final goal appears not yet at hand, the lesson learned brings us much closer to efficient protocols for clinical use.

Aerospace Medicine – An Evolving Field to Mitigate and Treat Organ Dysfunction Partly Caused by Premature Aging in Low Microgravity

Anish Rangdal — 2024-09-24

Space medicine is a branch of aerospace medicine, which is a crucial field, albeit with minimal research. Research at the International Space Station and other endeavors has provided insights into how loss of gravity could affect the physiological functions of humans. Organs such as the heart could begin to deteriorate with lack of resistance from the planet. The musculoskeletal system, which is the anatomical backbone, may struggle to support the individual’s structure. The cardiovascular system will be inefficient with respect to circulation, leading to other organ dysfunction. Radiation in space, also known as cosmic radiation, is caused by many different celestial bodies such as stars, sun, supernovae, and black holes. The Earth’s magnetic field is a crucial component to protect humans from harmful radiation. However, once humans venture beyond the protective confines, the body becomes exposed to dangerous elements that pose a significant threat to safety. Living in microgravity also has detrimental effects on organisms’ brains. These include but are not limited to sustained effects on circadian rhythm, emotional dysregulation, and cognitive dysfunction. This article discusses the threat of premature aging during long- and short-term times in space due to high risks associated with space travel. Improvement of clinical intervention is hindered by a lack of research and development, which is needed to fundamentally address these risks.

A Platform to Establish a Working Hierarchy of Glioblastoma Multiforme Cells:

Vibha Harindra Savanur — 2024-09-24

Glioblastoma multiform (GBM), a grade IV glioma, is the most common and aggressive cancer in the central nervous system. Current treatment for GBM includes surgical resection, radiation, and the frontline DNA alkylating drug, temozolomide (TMZ). The current median survival for GBM patients is about 14.5 months with 5% patients surviving up to 5 years. We propose that discerning distinct subsets within heterogeneous GBM will provide avenues for research to improve new therapies. We used different methods to isolate GBM cell subsets. These include stable transfectants of GBM cell lines with a lentiviral system in which green fluorescence protein (GFP) is regulated with tandem repeats of Oct4a and Sox2 response elements. Parallel studies with a plasmid using the full-length regulatory region of Oct4a indicated reduced efficiency in separating cell subsets, relative to SORE6-GFP lentivirus. Stem cell-linked gene expressions and function studies such as ALDH1, tumorsphere and in vivo passaging of GFP hi subsets confirmed the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). We also studied a more efficient method that could be relevant for primary GBM cells. We selected tumorspheres by plating heterogeneous GBM cells and then serially passaged the spheres. Studies for stem cell genes indicated that this method could be used for primary GBM cells. Overall, this study provided insights into methods to isolate GBM subsets, including primary GBM cells. The advantages of the methods are discussed.

Parallel Stem Cell Niche in Bone Marrow and Oral Cavity – Key to Extramedullary Hematopoiesis and Support of Hematological Malignancies on Oral Tissues

Darling Rojas — 2024-09-24

This review article addresses an area of the literature with unanswered questions; although relevant to future treatment of leukemias. The literature describes bone marrow stromal microenvironment as support of leukemias. A key stromal support is mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are similar to those identified in oral tissues, including the dental pulp (DPSC). Hematopoiesis has been reported in oral tissues, although the described activity seems to be distinct from extramedullary hematopoiesis at other sites when there is bone marrow dysfunction such as myelofibrosis. Another parallel between the bone marrow and oral tissues is the survival of leukemia cells. This review describes cases in which the dentist diagnoses leukemia, in particular acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The literature showed AML and other hematological malignancies in gingiva, leaving the question of the source of leukemia. We propose that this question is relevant considering the similar stromal support in bone marrow and oral tissues. It is difficult to determine if current treatments can target leukemia in oral tissues. This article consists of information to argue for continued research in this field.

Chrono-Nutrition: Understanding the Interplay Between Circadian Rhythms and Personalized Nutrition

Liliana C Saplontai — 2024-09-24

Chrono-nutrition, a concept emerging from the integration of chronobiology and nutrition sciences, investigates the timing of food intake in alignment with the body’s circadian rhythms. This interplay between dietary patterns and biological rhythms has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its potential implications for health and disease. In this comprehensive review, we explore the key findings from studies in the last decade on chrono-nutrition, focusing on its role in cardiovascular health, diabetes management, glucose metabolism, and the influence of sex, socioeconomic factors, and cultural diversity. The intricate dance between the molecular circadian clock and the gut microbiome is a fascinating area of study in modern biology. Both systems are integral to the regulation of metabolic processes, responding to dietary inputs and environmental cues to optimize the host’s adaptability and survival. This review delves into the dynamic interplay between circadian rhythms and the gut microbiome, exploring their mutual influence and the implications for human health.