An Improved Mathematical Model for Metastatic Cancer Migration through Remodeling of Extracellular Matrix.

We hypothesize that under low oxygen conditions, cancer cells adapt by altering the secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and lysyl oxidase (LOX), key enzymes responsible for ECM remodeling. Our improved mathematical model, which now includes the impact of oxygen availability on the tumor microenvironment, suggests that these adaptations facilitate ECM degradation and alignment, promoting metastasis. To accurately represent cancer cell behavior and metastasis, the model will be refined to dynamically incorporate the physiological responses of cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment to hypoxia, including resistance mechanisms.

RGDfK-Peptide Modified Alginate Microcapsule-Mediated Co-Delivery of MSCs and Selective NLRP3-inflammasome Inhibitor MCC950 for the Treatment of Myocardial Infarction. 

This study hypothesizes that an engineered encapsulation approach using natural and synthetic materials will enhance the delivery and retention of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) at the site of myocardial infarction (MI), thereby improving cardiac tissue repair. Specifically, it is theorized that encapsulating MSCs within spherical alginate beads covalently bound to synthetic cyclic RGDfK will increase target specificity and cell retention at the infarct site. Additionally, incorporating the NLRP3-inflammasome inhibitor MCC950 into these alginate microcapsules is expected to reduce the host's inflammatory response by decreasing the production of IL-18 and IL-1β. This approach addresses traditional MSC therapies' limitations by enhancing cell survival and function, ultimately improving myocardial regeneration and cardiac function after MI.

Literature Review on Unveiling Polymerization Dynamics in Real-Time: Insights from Single-Particle Manipulation 

The review paper addresses the complexities of synthetic polymers and their heterogeneity, focusing specifically on polymerization kinetics. It critically examines three key single-molecule manipulation techniques—flow stretching, magnetic tweezers, and optical tweezers—and their applications in real-time polymerization studies. The paper details how each technique reveals different aspects of single polymer dynamics, including RNA polymerase behavior and DNA replication processes. By assessing the benefits and limitations of these methods, the review provides a comprehensive understanding of polymerization kinetics and offers insights into future research directions in the field.

A Directed Evolution Approach to Enhance Binding  Affinity of anti-TNF-α Nanobodies in Breast Cancer

This study hypothesizes that the directed evolution of nanobodies against Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) can yield high-affinity molecules with effective neutralization activity, providing a novel strategy for breast cancer treatment. Given that breast cancer accounts for about 30% of all new cancer cases annually among women in the US and is influenced by factors such as heredity, hormones, chemical carcinogens, and reproductive factors, targeting TNF-α—a cytokine associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis—presents a promising therapeutic approach. Due to their small size, stability, and high antigen-binding affinity, nanobodies offer advantages over traditional monoclonal antibodies. The hypothesis is that by synthesizing a synthetic nanobody library and employing CDR swapping among low-affinity nanobodies, it is possible to generate high-affinity nanobodies with improved binding to TNF-α. This approach involves isolating nanobodies from the library, sequencing and testing their binding properties, and refining lead clones through error-prone PCR and overlap PCR to enhance their affinity. The anticipated outcome is that the CDR-swapped nanobodies will demonstrate superior binding affinity to TNF-α, offering a potential advancement in breast cancer treatment.