The molecular markers of cancer stem cells in head and neck tumors

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the six most common malignancy worldwide leading to more than 350,000 deaths annually. Despite recent advances in treatment modalities for these patients, there has been only a slight improvement of prognosis. As cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been implicated in tumor cell survival, progression, and response to therapy, the identification of this tumor subpopulation would have important therapeutic and prognostic implications. In this structured appraisal of the literature, Embase, PubMed, and Ovid were searched for publications that investigated CSC markers of HNC in humans. The search was conducted under the PRISMA guidelines with clear inclusion and exclusion criteria for articles published in the last two decades. The review process resulted in the identification of some key CSC-associated molecules such as CD44, ALDH1, CD133, Oct3/4, Nanog, and Sox2, although a single common CSC sorting marker could not be found. These biomarkers were identified in a range of HNCs but the most common one was squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), predominantly oral SCC. Patient cohorts were of variable size (3–195 individuals) and the most common technique used for detection was immunohistochemistry. Some of the molecules were associated with poor prognosis and may be able to inform the choice of appropriate treatment for these patients.     

基于CRISPR的快速灵敏便捷分子检测

快速灵敏检测技术对疾病防控必不可少。特别是新冠疫情暴发以来,人们深刻认识到快速灵敏检测技术的重要性。近年来,以CRISPR/Cas为代表的基因编辑技术带来了生物技术革命性的进步。CRISPR的核酸检测技术因其快速、准确、灵敏、经济等特点,正在引发分子诊断革新,并已被成功应用于传染病、遗传病、肿瘤基因突变诊断,以及食品安全等领域。本文归纳了基于CRISPR的多种核酸检测体系及应用,并对未来CRISPR核酸检测发展趋势及结合人工智能的智能化检测进行了展望。     

Genetics and mitochondrial abnormalities in autism spectrum disorders: a review

We review the current status of the role and function of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in the etiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and the interaction of nuclear and mitochondrial genes. High lactate levels reported in about one in five children with ASD may indicate involvement of the mitochondria in energy metabolism and brain development. Mitochondrial disturbances include depletion, decreased quantity or mutations of mtDNA producing defects in biochemical reactions within the mitochondria. A subset of individuals with ASD manifests copy number variation or small DNA deletions/duplications, but fewer than 20 percent are diagnosed with a single gene condition such as fragile X syndrome. The remaining individuals with ASD have chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., 15q11-q13 duplications), other genetic or multigenic causes or epigenetic defects. Next generation DNA sequencing techniques will enable better characterization of genetic and molecular anomalies in ASD, including defects in the mitochondrial genome particularly in younger children.