International Journal of Translational Science

Editorial

Pranela Rameshwar — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0100

This issue reports on four papers with novel information on health science. Marazzi et al., discuss an overlooked topic – specifically to examine how electroporation, combined with mathematical simulation to develop new treatments. The authors carefully explains how electrical field and cellular geometry could be applied in mathematical models.
Yang et al. address a cancer topic that continues to be a clinical dilemma. The authors carefully discuss the literature on breast cancer dormancy and bring the audience to gain insight on cancer resistance and recurrence. The topic incorporates the tumor microenvironment. Overall, this interesting review article could be applicable to other solid tumors and perhaps concepts of hematological cancers.
Rafieerad et al. contributed information to develop fluorescein reagent in research. This particular article is in line with the emphasis of the journal to apply basic science to enhance research towards translation to patients. Garcia and Druckman presented an article with forward thinking how research in aerospace could be protected. This article is highly relevant for the scientists who are involved with space research. Generally, most intellectual property submit inventors within the group. This article high- lights the complexity of protecting novel findings that might be collaboration between private and public partnership. The editors encourage the scientific community to use this article as a key reference when considering research in space.

Mechanisms, Models, and Clinical Applications of Cell Membrane Electroporation

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Electroporation is an essential biophysical process that involves the use of pulsed electric fields to temporarily increase the permeability of cell membranes. A comprehensive overview of the main clinical and biomedical applications of cellular electroporation is provided here with a particular focus on cancer therapy, genetics, and drug delivery. The review concentrates on the characterization of membrane stresses caused by electroporation and their impact on cell membrane structure and dynamics. It analyses the relationship between applied electric fields, cell geometry, and membrane composition with the aim of developing mathematical models to simulate cell geometries and the electroporation process. Furthermore, it identifies both the beneficial effects and potential complications of the electroporation treatment, as well as the various mathematical models that have been developed to simulate the effects of such treatments. The use of sophisticated simulation algorithms enables an in-depth investigation of the intricate relationship between electrical parameters and cellular responses, facilitating a comprehensive assessment of the efficacy and safety of the electroporation procedures.

Breast Cancer Dormancy – Lessons Learnt

Jiaxing Yang, Hana Choi, Erikka Chowdhury, Jean-Pierre Etchegaray — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Despite early diagnosis and improved treatments, breast cancer remains a challenging disease. A strategic advantage for breast cancer recurrence is the ability of breast cancer cells to become quiescent and survive for decades in a dormant state within the endosteal region of the bone marrow. Breast cancer dormancy is triggered by exosome vesicles secreted by mesenchymal stem cells residing in the bone marrow. By mechanisms yet to be determined, dormant breast cancer cells are awakened leading to resurgence and metastasis. Experimental evidence supports the notion that dormant breast cancer cells are cancer stem cells recognized as tumor initiating and propagating cells with chemoresistant and metastatic properties. These cells represent less than 2% of the total tumor mass, which impose a significant barrier for their therapeutic targeting. This review focuses on cellular and molecular properties of breast cancer dormancy including tumor microenvironment, epigenetic regulation, cell signaling and metabolic reprogramming.

Beyond Earth’s Gravity: Navigating Legal Hurdles in Space-Based Drug Research and Development

Daniel García, Mike Druckman — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0100

For over 20 years, scientists aboard the International Space Station (the “ISS”) have been expanding the boundaries of scientific knowledge. Leveraging microgravity and other extreme conditions unique to space, these scientists have made significant discoveries in cellular behavior, tissue engineering, gene expression, organism growth patterns, and regenerative medicine. This article aims to introduce the pharmaceutical and biotechnology communities to the exciting possibilities and challenges of conducting research and development (“R&D”) in space.

The scientific advantages of space-based drug R&D are compelling. Experiments conducted aboard the ISS National Lab, along with ground-based studies, reveal unique features that cannot be replicated under normal gravity conditions. For instance, space-based drug research has shown that microgravity conditions enable more efficient 3D cell cultures, improved protein crystal growth, and open up new possibilities for 3D printing of biomaterials, cells, tissues, and organs.

Synthesis and Characterization of Novel MXeneCeria Heterostructure by Integration of Ti3C2Tx Quantum Dots into Fluorescent Nano-octahedral CeO2

Alireza Rafieerad, Soofia Khanahmadi, Sanjiv Dhingra — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Herein, we report the synthesis of a new stable zero/one-dimensional composite heterostructure “MXeneCeria” by integrating titanium carbide MXene (Ti₃C₂T_x) nanosheets-derived quantum dots with nano-octahedral particles of ceria (C_eO₂). This unique assimilation resulted in the formation of an auto-fluorescent aqueous colloidal material, which is detectable in fluorescent colors across various wavelengths, ranging from blue to green and red. The unique physicochemical properties of MXeneCeria make it a very promising nanocomposite and it may open a gateway to its potential applications in the biomedical field including tracking, immunoengineering, cell therapy, and targeted drug delivery.