Bethany Veo, Ph.D., Dong Wang, John DeSisto, Angela Pierce, Breauna Brunt, Pradeep Chandra Bompada, Andrew Donson, Andrew Goodspeed, PhD, Kiara Smart, Nicholas Foreman, Nathan Dahl & Rajeev Vibhakar. ​

Single-cell multi-omics identifies metabolism-linked epigenetic reprogramming as a driver of therapy-resistant medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most prevalent malignant brain tumor in children, exhibiting clinical and genomic heterogeneity. Of the four major subgroups, Group 3 tumors (MYC-MB), display high levels of MYC and metastasis rates. Despite treatment with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, patients with Group 3 MB are more likely to develop aggressive recurrent tumors with poor survival. To examine resistance mechanisms in this study, we perform single nuclei multiome analysis of matched primary and recurrent tumors.

Vladimir Wischnewski, Paola Guerrero Aruffo, Matteo Massara, Roeltje Maas, Klara Soukup, and Johanna Joyce

The local microenvironment suppresses the synergy between irradiation and anti-PD1 therapy in breast-to-brain metastasis

Wischnewski et al. demonstrate suppressed CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity in breast cancer brain metastases, contrasting with genetically identical extracranial tumors.

Hwanju Lim, Yujeong Moon, Sangheon Han, Hanhee Cho, Sunejeong Song, Jinseong Kim, Jagyeong Goo, Nayeon Shim, Lili Guo, Tae-il Kim, Won Seok Chang, Won-Gun Koh, Kwangmeyung Kim

Low-dose radiation generated ROS-activatable doxorubicin prodrug loaded liposome nanoparticles for triple-negative breast cancer treatment

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatment is frequently limited by both intrinsic resistance and normal tissue toxicity in radiation therapy (RT) and chemotherapy. Herein, we report reactive oxygen species (ROS)- activatable DOX prodrug loaded liposome nanoparticles (ROS-LNPs) for precision therapy against TNBC.

Irma Telarovic, Carmen S. M. Yong, Lisa Kurz, Irene Vetrugno, Sabrina Reichl, Alba Sanchez Fernandez, Hung-Wei Cheng, Rona Winkler, Matthias Guckenberger, Anja Kipar, Burkhard Ludewig & Martin Pruschy

Delayed tumor-draining lymph node irradiation preserves the efficacy of combined radiotherapy and immune checkpoint blockade in models of metastatic disease

Cancer resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors motivated investigations into leveraging the immunostimulatory properties of radiotherapy to overcome immune evasion and to improve treatment response. However, clinical benefits of radiotherapy-immunotherapy combinations have been modest. Routine concomitant tumor-draining lymph node irradiation (DLN IR) might be the culprit.

Hwanju Lim, Yujeong Moon, Sangheon Han, Hanhee Cho, Sunejeong Song, Jinseong Kim, Jagyeong Goo, Nayeon Shim, Lili Guo, Tae-il Kim, Won Seok Chang, Won-Gun Koh, and Kwangmeyung Kim

Low-dose radiation generated ROS-activatable doxorubicin prodrug loaded liposome nanoparticles for triple-negative breast cancer treatment

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatment is frequently limited by both intrinsic resistance and normal tissue toxicity in radiation therapy (RT) and chemotherapy. Herein, we report reactive oxygen species (ROS)- activatable DOX prodrug loaded liposome nanoparticles (ROS-LNPs) for precision therapy against TNBC.

Lei Li (李磊) et al.

Multi-omics landscape and molecular basis of radiation tolerance in a tardigrade

Tardigrades, commonly known as water bears, are small ecdysozoans renowned for their tolerance to extreme environments, including ultrahigh radiation. They exhibit exceptional resistance to ionizing radiation, withstanding doses as high as 3000 to 5000 grays (Gy) of gamma rays, which is ∼1000 times the lethal dose for humans. The mechanism of radiotolerance in tardigrades remains largely unclear.

Keiji Kawatani, Genesis Omana Suarez, Ralph B. Perkerson III, Ephraim E. Parent, Toshihiko Nambara, Joshua A. Knight, Tammee M. Parsons, Kshama Gupta, Francis Shue, Alla Alnobani, Prasanna Vibhute, Hancheng Cai, Hugo Guerrero-Cázares, John A. Copland III, Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa, and Takahisa Kanekiyo

Human iPSC-Derived MSCs Induce Neurotrophic Effects and Improve Metabolic Activity in Acute Neuronal Injury Models

While preclinical studies highlight the significant potential of MSC therapy in mitigating neurological damage from stroke and traumatic brain injury, the variability in clinical trial outcomes may stem from the inherent heterogeneity of somatic MSCs. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are an ideal alternative resource for the unlimited expansion and biomanufacturing of MSCs. Thus, we investigated how iPSC-derived MSCs (iMSCs) influence properties of iPSC-derived neurons. Our findings demonstrate that the secretome from iMSCs possesses neurotrophic effects, improving neuronal survival and promoting neuronal outgrowth and synaptic activity in vitro. Additionally, the iMSCs enhance metabolic activity via mitochondrial respiration in neurons, both in vitro and in mouse models.

Sky News

Deadly flesh-eating parasite found in person in US for first time

The importance of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) has never been clearer. The first case of screwworm infection has now been reported in Maryland, USA. Read more here.

Tobias Mayr, ORF Science

Tiger mosquitoes are becoming a plague

This piece reports that the invasive Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is increasingly thriving in Austrian cities. To combat rising numbers, authorities are implementing Sterile Insect Technique (SIT): sterilized male mosquitoes, treated with X-rays at IAEA facilities in Seibersdorf, are released in Graz.

Suitability of the Precision Xrad320 irradiator for sterilizing major target pests for the sterile insect technique and for phytosanitary applications

This poster showcases the Precision X-Rad 320 irradiator as a reliable tool for the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). Studies demonstrate that X-ray sterilization is more effective than gamma rays, achieving over 99% sterility at lower doses in mosquitoes, fruit flies, tsetse flies, and other key pests. By using controlled chilling and hypoxic environments, the system preserves insect quality during treatment, reducing damage and improving outcomes. With its versatility, the X-Rad 320 is well-suited for research, operational SIT programs, and phytosanitary applications.