Liposomes have long been used as possible compartments for artificial cells, and it has been shown that liposomes can sustain various types of biochemical reactions. To elevate the degree of molecular complexity of the system in liposomes, we have constructed a two-stage genetic network encapsulated in liposomes. This two-stage genetic network was constructed with the plasmid pTH, in which the protein product of the first stage (T7 RNA polymerase) is required to drive the protein synthesis of the second stage (GFP). We show that the two-stage genetic network constructed in a cell-free expression system is functional within liposomes.

Rationale: Cardiotoxicity related to osimertinib, including cardiac failure, QT prolongation, and atrial fibrillation, has been reported as an extremely rare incidence in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, little is known about the occurrence of osimertinib-induced cardiomyopathy. Patient concerns: A 76-year old woman was treated with afatinib (40 mg/day) as the 1st line treatment due to recurrence after surgical resection for pulmonary adenocarcinoma. However, she experienced recurrence with positive T790 M, and osimertinib (80 mg/day) was administered as the 2nd line therapy. Diagnosis: Four months after osimertinib initiation, she complained of fever and progressive dyspnea, and a diagnostic endomyocardial biopsy confirmed non-specific cardiomyopathy, indicating osimertinib-induced cardiomyopathy. Interventions and outcomes: She was treated with furosemide, carvedilol, and enalapril, and her cardiac function, her symptoms, and condition improved 3 weeks after the withdrawal of osimertinib. Lessons: Physicians should be alert of the cardiomyopathy-causing potential of osimertinib in advanced NSCLC patients.